A/N: Apologies to all my readers for slacking off on my writing. My only excuse is having two jobs has worn me down a bit more than I thought it would. My prior spurt of writing was done while I was on sick leave and had nothing but my wonky imagination to keep me occupied. I promise I have not abandoned this story and will complete it. There is more in the pipeline, hopefully it won't be three months before I have time to edit and upload it for your enjoyment.

Disclaimer: Once again I am forced to admit I don't own anything…in the MGLN universe. I do have three cats if anyone wants one.

Chapter Four

Arf called in Lindy and Precia from the party into the study to confirm she wasn't the only one who had known and assumed that Fate and Nanoha had known what was going on between their daughters.

Precia was shocked that neither woman had realized what was right in front of them for years. Pointing out all the little and not so little indicators that should have made the parents realize what was growing between the girls.

"Fate, why in the world would the girls prefer each other as escorts to industry events, than say…one of those fancy young men or women always sniffing around them? I admit Einhart has been trying to distance herself from Vivio as of late but whenever they are in the same room they naturally gravitate towards each other. They're like a mini version of you and Nanoha."

Lindy pointed out, "Fate, Nanoha, really how could you not see the signs? Especially with Einhart, the girl has been territorial over Vivio since they were kids. She absolutely wouldn't let anyone get closer to Vivio than her. How many times have you heard her call Vivio Hers?"

Fate rubbed her head, "But they're sisters. I mean yes they've always been close but, In Love?"

Nanoha was silent as she thought about the girls and finally declared to Fate, "No, they're not. Yes, we raised them together but they have always recognized that they are not actually related by blood. They were friends first then sisters by marriage but from the first time they met they had a close bond. They clicked together like we did. It happened at a much younger age than us but I know I would have fallen in love with you no matter what age we met, six, nine, thirteen, or as it happened sixteen. It was you from day one."

Fate twitched a smile at that thought then it faded as she sighed, "Who else has known and failed to point out this obvious fact to us?"

Arf blushed, "Pretty much everyone in the family. Caro figured it out on her own two years ago and spoke to me about it and I laughed at how dense she was. The boys have known for at least five years, you know Alex liked Einhart but she didn't even realize he was hitting on her. Then he realized that was because she was too intent on concentrating on Vivio and protecting her from Ruff's dastardly attentions."

Lindy shook her head, "I know Hayate has made comments about their closeness to you. Surely that should have tipped you off. She made the same teasing comments about you two before you got together so…why didn't you connect the dots?"

Nanoha pressed her eyes with her hand trying to ward off the headache she could feel building. "So I take it, no one in the family thinks this is unnatural or that they should be separated."

Precia's eyes flashed in anger, "My grandbaby's happiness is my only concern. If Vivio is what she wants then whoever tries to separate them will have to get through me first. Damn it Nanoha, if someone tried to separate you from Fate or tried to make you feel guilty about being with her how would you feel?"

The auburn haired woman's head shot up and she seemed to emanate a raging aura, "No one gets between me and Fate."

Lindy patted her shoulder in an attempt to calm her, "That's Precia's point Nanoha. They love each other as strongly as you and Fate do. To separate them would be a crime. This past year with Einhart moving out and distancing herself from Vivio you both could see something was wrong surely, both of them being more moody."

Fate and Nanoha looked at each other and leaned into each other. Their eyes communicating, 'Okay, so they're in love, now what do we do?'

~"~"~"~"~"~

It was at the engagement party that Erio introduced his childhood friend and voice actress Lutecia Alpine to the Testarossa family. The purple haired girl immediately felt an attraction to Einhart who seemed to the most perfect woman she'd ever met. She spent most of the night trying to hit on the young woman but either she was oblivious or she was honestly uninterested and was trying to brush her off without being rude. The burgundy eyed girl wasn't ready to admit defeat and immediately went to Erio and demanded a part in his new project. She would do anything to make more time with the beautiful green haired girl.

Einhart wasn't oblivious and she had felt a small pull towards the young woman's beautiful burgundy eyes reminiscent of Fate's soulful eyes and to an extent Vivio's one sparkling red iris. They attracted Einhart but she couldn't find it in herself to seriously contemplate dating the young woman, let alone falling in love, no matter how hard she tried. Other than her bewitching eyes everything else about the older girl made her feel uncomfortable. The feel of her skin while soft and smooth didn't entice her. Her scent while sweet was not alluring. Her face and body aesthetically pleasing did not make her yearn to touch or taste. No, Lutecia would not be the one to displace Vivio in her heart.

Einhart turned from the woman and took in the huddled form of her sister. She was asleep with her head on her arms at one of the tables, the crumpled form made her heart ache. 'Damn,' she thought angrily to herself, 'Why is that fool sleeping out in the open like that?' Then she realized she wasn't asleep so much as she was passed out, 'What was she thinking drinking so heavily? Vi, my love you know you're a lightweight and can't handle your drink.'

Einhart excused herself from the group and collected her sister. The intoxicated Vivio blurrily took in her sister and latched onto her mumbling apologies. Einhart wasn't quite sure why Vivio was apologizing. Once she had her settled in the spare bedroom of the beach house to sleep off the drink it was a thick tongued Vivio who held her arm briefly and said, "I love you Einhart."

Einhart felt her heart lurch in hope then plummet when rational thought came back to her, she meant sisterly love. Ducking her head she placed a small kiss on the blonde's forehead, "I love you too Vivio. More than anything, now go to sleep."

From the deck across from the rather touching scene of sisterly affection a yellow eyed stare followed the pair into the house. 'Interesting, Lutecia my sweet flower, have you stumbled onto little Stratos' weakness? Truly, Einhart has never shown interest in any male. Then there's the fact Lutecia is a master in recognizing those who lean toward an alternative lifestyle. It appears My first assumption of Erio being her romantic interest was flawed but now that I know where the wind blows I can bring out the proper bait to entrap little Miss Perfect.' His smile at these thoughts was feral.

Einhart shivered as she shut the door to the spare bedroom, but a small warmth lingered. Heaven was still smiling on her; the demon who hunted her still hadn't realized her greatest weakness.

~"~"~"~"~"~

Sitting at a work table in the Mondial Arts Office the next day Einhart was finishing clay sculptures that would be used by the CGI artists as a reference in making the 3-D models. She never liked people watching her work especially when it was with clay as she had a tendency to get clay all over herself in her absorption in the work. So when Lutecia came in she tensed. Pushing a lock of hair out of her face leaving a streak of clay on her forehead and hair as she tried to collect herself, "Hello Lutecia, Erio isn't here today."

The purple haired woman smirked, "I know, I came looking for you. And I asked you to call me Lulu, a friend would respect that. So my sweet little buddy would you like to go out for lunch?"

Lutecia couldn't help the smirk flicking onto her face; Einhart was so very cute, especially covered in clay like a small child. She picked up a towel and ran it under a sink to moisten it before coming over to Einhart. Taking her face in her hand so she would look at her before wiping the clay streaks on her face, Einhart trembled at the look of lust in the older girl's eyes. Lutecia felt her tremble, in a teasing tone she said saucily, "I don't bite Ein, well I might if you want me too."

Einhart blushed and pulled away. Grabbing the towel from the older girl's hands and wiped her face then began to pick at the cloth with her hands in a nervous gesture. "I am not that hungry, thanks for the offer but I have a lot of work to do."

"God, you are so cute Ein. I could just eat you up," Lutecia said with a purr in her voice.

Standing and moving away with eyes wide, "Lutecia, I'm sorry but I just don't see you in a romantic way, I'm already in love with someone. So please stop this, I'd like it if we could be friends but if you keep this up I'll refuse to be alone with you," the desperation in Einhart's voice evident.

Lutecia was taken aback by the reaction to her advances, then realizing she wasn't going to get anywhere with Einhart she resigned herself to disappointment. Releasing a groan of defeat, "Why is it all the good girls are already taken? Einhart if it doesn't work out please consider me, I really like you, not because of your name but you. I have never met anyone like you and I think we could be very good together. I'd do anything to make you happy."

Einhart saw the honestly in the other girl's eyes and smiling weakly, "Lutecia, if I could make a rational choice in who I fall in love with believe me you would be my first choice but my heart belongs to someone already and no matter how things turn out I will always love her."

Lutecia's eyes softened, "Sweetie, whoever she is she is a very lucky woman. I just hope she appreciates how wonderful you are. Sigh, now let me prove to you I am a good sport and let me take you out for a friendly lunch. I can't promise to stop flirting with you but I won't push you for anything more than friendship. I really like you, you have my respect Ein, never let it be said Lulu is a stalker."

A weak laugh was given at this, "I think I can live with that, and as for lunch, I'd be happy to join you… Lulu," then reached out her right hand for a handshake which was promptly taken. Both girls smiled, "Friends."

~"~"~"~"~"~"~

Jail was standing in the hall where the newly resurrected annual Testarossa Halloween Masquerade Ball was going to be held that evening. He was in charge of setting up the venue and he looked over the checklist to make sure everything would be perfect. Despite his calm façade he was seething inside, the family wasn't disintegrating like he had planned. The fucking Jap was worse that Fate, completely wrapped up in her family and Fate. They were disgustingly loyal to each other. He choked back his gag reflex, how could they be so…so ugh mushily in love after fifteen years of marriage. Not a hint of a dalliance or betrayal.

No, he had to put that pair on his back burner and move on to a target he could take out. The biggest fish to fry would be Stratos. The best way to destroy Einhart Stratos would be to have her breakdown in public. He had hoped she'd prove to be a bitch and disavow the blonde but that hadn't happened. Still the public humiliation of her so-called sister hadn't appeared to have affected her all that much, what a cow.

Still his plan for the blonde to be discredited as a viable heiress had succeeded. Hell, no one in America would even want to see her in a film. She was now a joke and would be lucky to walk down a street without being pointed at like a sideshow freak. But the family had stood by her and appeared to be as close as before. The children hung on her like there was nothing wrong with being sisters with a whore's drug baby, but they were freaks so what did he expect.

'Einhart Stratos had to have a weakness,' he thought as he ran his hand over the grand stair case newel before beginning his ascent. 'But being the daughter of Alicia Testarossa and CJ Harlaown made her nearly royalty to the American Public. Her parents dying in their prime of life have been enshrined in the public conscious as near mythic figures, their love story, and their tragic death, all of it made great play. Then there was the fact Fate Testarossa had raised her and it was obvious that she is just as beautiful and talented as her aunt. Fuck, fuck, fuck, what to do?' Then he thought about how she seemed to be so close to Lutecia Alpine at the party. He rolled the idea around in his head again, could Einhart be more like her aunt then say her mother after all? Yes, all the evidence pointed to the girl being a secret dyke. She was nearly as masculine as Fate now that he thought on it, pantsuits…what truly feminine woman wore pantsuits? At least the Testarossa girl had good taste in women. And his dear Quattro was even lovelier than the rather emo-ish Lutecia. He smiled briefly, his lovely Quattro would enjoy this assignment, and she always did love to poach in Lulu's territory. Straightening himself again and deciding it was time to put his secret weapon into play. Snapping open his phone he sent a message. Then closing the screen he once more took in his domain, everything about the venue needed to be perfect. It would be the final stage for Einhart Stratos, after tonight she'd be nothing but a bad joke. Yes, once this pivotal domino fell all the others would come crashing down.

~"~"~"~"~"~

Vivio really did not like Lulu, she flirted with Einhart, practically hung off the girl and Einhart didn't even try to push her off but laughed. Now the little gate crasher was trying to run off with Einhart before the Testarossa masquerade was even set to start. The little strumpet was looking incredibly beautiful and sexy in her Parisian garb as she leant in to speak quietly so as to not to disturb the napping Sora. She had come early to see Einhart and Fate of all people in regards to something to do with that stupid project. The disgruntled blonde was sitting on the couch trying not to let her annoyance show, and failing.

Einhart grabbed her garment bag and makeup kit and was heading for the door. 'Damnation, if I ever get my hands on that sorry piece of…no concentrate, I just need to fix what's broken then I can spend the evening with Vivio, um my family.'

She wanted to be at the hotel and be the first to see Vivio in her kimono but needs must. A set of the sculptures she had completed had been damaged and they had to be fixed ASAP which was why both she and Fate were now heading to the studio. There was no way she'd be able to repair the damage alone in the time left. Giving a quick goodbye to her sisters and kissing Nanoha's cheek at the door the pair left the hotel.

Fate was driving and took quick peeks at her daughter, clearing her throat nervously, "So Ein, about that Lulu girl…"

Einhart looked at her mother and could see the stress lines around her eyes and mouth were more prominent than normal. 'Okay,' she thought, 'time for a very uncomfortable conversation.' Lulu thankfully was not with them and would not be meeting up with them again until the ball began. She had a suddenly hoisted upon her job at the event and had to go on immediately.

Sighing, "There's nothing going on romantically if that's what you're asking. She would like more but she's not really my type. She understands and has agreed to back off and we're friends now. Simple."

Fate knew this whole thing, talking about relationships was not her strong suit, this was Nanoha's department but Einhart was her daughter and she wanted to be proactive. She also wanted to know if she'd have to be dealing with a heartbroken Vivio soon. "Well, as long as you're sure. She's a nice girl after all and very pretty."

Einhart decided to unbalance her mother in hopes of making her drop the subject, "Oh? Should Nanoha-mama be concerned?"

Fate frowned at the barb, "Funny, you know when you really are in love it doesn't make you blind so much as it gives you blinders. You know there's more out there but all you can do is focus on what's in front of you. You're still young Einhart but I had already fallen in love with Nanoha by the time I was your age and was an idiot about the whole thing. If you are in love with someone you shouldn't hide the fact but embrace it."

The young woman shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "I can assure you mom I'm not in love with Lulu. If I was I'd have no hesitation in letting you know."

"Einhart, there is no shame in falling in love, no matter who it is, we will accept it. Man or Woman. Sometimes love can be staring you in the face for years…

The studio came up at that point and Einhart sighed a breath of relief. "We're here, can we drop my non-existent love life and concentrate on work. I'd hate for you to get in trouble with Nanoha-mama for being late to the party."

~"~"~"~"~"~

Vivio was grinding her teeth, she would kill Lulu and anyone else who dared touch her Einhart! How dare she run off with her with some half cock bullshit story. 'Oh I know exactly what's she up to, using this as an opportunity to get in Fate's good books. Slimy little no good…' Vivio jumped at the touch on her shoulder.

Looking up she saw her mother partially dressed in her Han Juban and susoyoke, she would be wearing a traditional kimono tonight as Fate loved to see her in such outfits. The worried look on her mother's face instantly made a flashflood of dread fill her, "Mama, is everything okay? Fate-mama and Ein?"

Her mother smiled at this and sat down, "They're fine love, and it's you I'm worried about. You've been sitting her for the past hour moping, you need to start getting ready."

Vivio looked at her watch and yelped, "Oh cripes! I'm sorry, I'll start now, don't worry I'll hurry."

The blonde dervish rushed into her room and began striping for her shower. Her mother followed her in and caught her shirt pulling it back down and pulled her daughter to the bed to sit down. Pulling the desk chair closer to the bed so she could sit eye level with her daughter she started what she knew was likely going to be an uncomfortable conversation.

Vivio squirmed in her seat as she felt the tension building. 'Shit what did I do this time? Was it me getting drunk and passing out last night? Oh I'm an embarrassment alright!'

With a gentle smile Nanoha spoke, "Vi-chan, you know I love you very much, right?"

'Well that's not what I expected.' Blinking dumbly for a moment then she found her tongue, "Of course mama, you have always made that clear. If you didn't love me you never would have adopted me in the first place."

"Right and you know no matter what, all I want for you is to be happy? I want you to find love and make a family for yourself."

Vivio blushed at this, picturing Einhart as her bride and making a home with her was her greatest desire at the moment but… "Mama, you know I'm looking, really but with everything that's come out recently I doubt I'll be high on anyone's date list."

Nanoha's eyes narrowed, "Baby girl you know that's not true. You are a very attractive person; your parentage won't be a factor if the other person isn't a shallow as… ahem jerk."

Vivio felt a bit indignant at this, it felt like Nanoha-mama was insulting Einhart. "Mama it's not that simple and you know it. The person I love will have to be a really strong person (which she is), I mean look at our family. Everyone seems to be alpha females and if we didn't all love and respect each other it could become World War III of egos. Now where am I going to find a woman strong enough to pass your inspection and overlook my parentage and not be intimidated by Fate-mama's legend?"

Nanoha looked at her daughter drily thinking, 'How about in the bedroom next to yours. Why are you being so difficult, who knew Fate's stubbornness could be transmitted without blood?' "Vivio, I suspect you are already in love with someone and are failing to mention who it is. I hope you will trust me enough to confide in me. If you need help I want to be there for you."

The blonde girl blushed scarlet, "Ma-mama, I…I…um well."

Suddenly another blonde entered the room fighting with her own kimono, "Mama, I can't get my obi to lay flat and Fia isn't being helpful."

The auburn haired girl followed on her heels, "I did too! It's not my fault you squirm too much. You have to stand still and hold your kimono closed properly."

Sighing, she looked back at Vivio, "We'll talk more later love."

Taking her youngest daughter in hand she led her out to fix what appeared to be a crumpled mess of fabric. Vivio scampered into the shower and trying to decide what she would say to her mother the next time they were alone. 'Oh dear, I am in so much trouble, they're all going to figure it out and then I'll be lucky to get a Christmas card from anyone.'

~"~"~"~"~"~

Einhart and Fate finished repairing the sculptures faster than she had expected and went into the communal shower to clean up. Seeing her mom naked wasn't that big of a deal after being raised in Japan with the public baths and hot springs they often frequented. The large communal shower that Erio had installed for his construction crews wasn't luxurious but it served their purpose. She couldn't help comparing her own body to her…aunt's body. How long had it been since she had thought of Alicia Testarossa as her mother? Really in her nearly twenty-three years of life she couldn't really ever remember thinking of Alicia as her mama, not like how Vivio saw Nanoha, not like she saw Fate on most days. On the days when she couldn't see her mom she saw the symbol, the icon that the world had made her. It was on those days she needed to prove herself more than anything, prove she was worthy of being this fantastic woman's daughter.

Einhart ducked her head under the shower spray once more and tried to wash away the feelings of inadequacy she had developed over the years. Her loving family had done all it could to prevent them from growing but there they were thanks largely to the myth of Fate and Alicia Testarossa which hung over her head. Who would she have been if Alicia hadn't died? Would there have been real siblings? Would her parents now be divorced and not the romantic icon most people believed them to be?

But the real question that haunted her was why the hell had she joined the entertainment industry? She knew deep down she was just setting herself up for failure. She'd never be as good as Fate, Fate who Vivio idolized and loved.

Drying off and dressing in their formal wear, unlike the rest of the family Fate and Einhart would be wearing traditional Venetian Carnevale costumes. Both she and Fate we of similar heights and builds so had decided to mess with friends and family by wearing identical outfits and contacts to hid their eye color. Fate had a bet that their family would be able to identify them within seconds but that the other guests would likely spend most of the night trying to figure out who was who. Einhart had no doubt Nanoha would be able to tell them apart if she didn't make an effort to imitate Fate's mannerisms and voice but she was going to do her best to confuse her second mother. It was going to be an interesting night to see if she could pull off the imitation of the century.

Walking in together just at the strike of eight the identically dressed harlequins caught everyone's attention, Nanoha walked up to the pair and looked them both over and immediately took both their arms to lead them over to the rest of the family. Her smirk when she leaned over to whisper in Einhart's ear was the first indication that the girl hadn't pulled off her imitation as well as she thought, "Nice try Ein-chan, but you are just a tad too stiff still. Fate moves more fluidly and there is no way I would ever be tricked into mistaking the love of my life with my daughter."

Einhart stiffened briefly, 'Daughter. That's right, Takamachi-Testarossa Nanoha was as much her mother as the blonde woman standing by her side and that made Takamachi-Testarossa Vivio her sister, even if her more wild daydreams had her carrying the Testarossa name for very different reasons. She'd destroy her family with her perversions, her mothers blaming themselves for not preventing this debacle.'

The roiling angst continued to boil in her stomach until her mind froze at the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen. Vivio in her Kimono, her sleek thick blonde hair pulled up in the traditional knot at the back of her head with loose tendrils coming down the side of her face slightly curled. In her hands was a stylized mask of a Fox Maiden which matched the golden fabric of her kimono and lustrous hair.

'Oh god please save me, I want her.'

Vivio took in the matching Harlequins and despite Nanoha-mama's obvious attempt to throw off observers was able to also tell them apart. Perhaps it was because she watched both of them like a hawk since she was a child, but there was no way she'd ever confuse Fate and Einhart. She made her way over to the pair and hugged them both whispering her greetings in each one's ear.

Fate chuckled to herself, 'Well Vivio and Nanoha pegged us in seconds but what about the rest of the crowd?'

After the others in their group all proved they could differentiate between the two but playing down the internal revelation as to keep up the pretense with the rest of the guests. Fate and Einhart stayed on Nanoha's arms for most of the night but had to separate from time to time to go with various other guests. It was a laugh to see them both cock their heads in time and respond to questions with the same gestures in time with one another. Many noted it was like Alicia Testarossa was back from the dead with how in sync the two women were. Fate would have laughed at such a thought, Alicia had never been in sync with her, she had just been that good at impersonating her sister.

Jail watched the pair from the shadows and felt like they had purposefully put on this charade to undermine his plans. How was his agent supposed to get anywhere when she couldn't even identify her target? He could not tip his hand, he waved his agent back, possibly later in the night they'd get a chance but for now they'd bide their time.

Vivio was trying her best to stay out of the way, she knew her presence could be considered controversial at the least after the news article. Her mothers were working on finding a way to redefine how the American public saw her but it would be an uphill battle all the way. She was just picking up a glass of wine when a woman with a short bob of pink hair came up to her with a wide smile.

The girl's gleaming emerald eyes sparkled with excitement, as she burst out in a single breath, "Hi, I'm Miura Rinaldi. I'm a big fan of your work in Japan, I just had to come by and say this, I know your time in the U.S. has been less than stellar but believe when I say your real fans won't give a damn. You're a talented woman, no way have you been cashing in on either of your mothers' fame."

Vivio blinked at the enthusiasm and passion in the other woman's words and when the stranger blushed and started to apologize for her behavior it finally snapped Vivio out of her daze. Smiling warmly she laughed, "Please don't apologize, I was just a little shocked. I didn't think there would be anyone here who'd even seen any of my work let alone appreciated it. Thank you for your words, it means a lot."

Miura smiled again and then asked if they could talk about some of her work and what she had planned in the future. It wasn't long before the two were chatting like to old friends, Miura was a complete Takamachi fan, both of Vivio and Nanoha. Vivio made an offer to introduce her to her mother and the girl blushed scarlet, "Oh no. No, I don't want it said I was trying to use you to get to your mothers. Just meeting you is enough."

Einhart was watching this from across the room and wasn't liking the byplay one bit. She wanted more than anything to go over and separate the pink haired woman from her Vivio and put a large and perhaps neon bright sign on the girl that said 'Hands Off, Property of Einhart S. Testarossa-Harlaown.' Her preoccupation was about to give her away when Fate nudged her and whispered, "It's fine, she needs to make friends and know it's not just the family that supports her. This is a good thing."

Einhart scowled behind her mask, was this a good thing? Swallowing her aggravation she then nodded and turned her back to the scene. She was a Testarossa, she had to keep up appearances, lusting and longing were what lesser mortals did over her.

Vivio liked Miura, she was funny and very kind hearted. She was almost as sweet as Einhart but with a warm quirky sense of humor versus Ein's rather dry wit. As they spoke in the corner the youngest Takamachi made her way over to the pair. Tugging on her kimono Sora yawning looked blurrily at her elder sister, "Vi-chan, mama said it's time to go."

Miura looked at the little girl and almost squealed at how cute the child was all drowsy and sweet. Vi felt a surge of sisterly pride at this; yup my baby sister is adorable!

"Sora-chan, let me introduce you to my new friend, this is Miura Rinaldi, she works for Testarossa Corp. and is a big fan of mama."

The little blonde blinked at this, "You mean Nanoha-mama? Not Fate-mama?"

Miura smiled, "I like them both but I really like your Nanoha-mama, she is an amazing actress and singer. My whole family has worked for Testarossa Corp for three generations so we all have a serious respect for your Fate-mama and Great-uncle Theodore. He was an amazing actor, such a pity he died so young."

"Uncle who?" the little girl asked confusedly.

Miura was shocked; didn't this child know who Theodore Testarossa was?

"Your Great-Uncle Theodore was you Fate-mama's uncle, your grandfather's elder brother who died while filming a movie. Shades of Yesterday is a cult classic of the action fantasy genre. His talent can only be compared with your Fate-mama's, he was the brightest star the family had produced prior to Fate Testarossa but died at nineteen."

Sora looked at her elder sister, "Have you ever seen any of these movies Vi-chan?"

Blushing, "No, Fate-mama doesn't like them. She says they make her feel uncomfortable. She would never allow them in the house. I was going to watch one with a friend but the films are really rare in Japan and we were never able to get a hold of one."

Miura was confused, why would Fate Testarossa want to avoid watching her uncle's films? Then her heart chilled, it was true. The rumors her mother and aunt would whisper about how the American Angels had been raised, been treated at the hands of their grandparents.

She decided to backpedal in hopes of not opening up a sore subject within the Testarossa household, "Well, his work is now rather dated. Not many people of our generation even know who he is, so it's not really that big a surprise. Um, it was nice meeting both of you, if you'll excuse me I need to make my own goodbyes to some friends."

Vivio watched the pink haired girl make her way over to a woman in what looked like school girl outfit, her half mask merely painted with a stylized pair of 'nerdy' glasses.

Sora yawned once again bring Vivio's attention back onto her. Scooping up the little girl and pulling her blue bird mask that hung limply from her grasp she held her close and picked her way through the thinning crowd back towards her family. It had been an enjoyable evening but for the lingering thought of an uncle she never knew. He would have been older than either of her surviving grandmothers but of age with her Takamachi grandfather. That man had never seemed young to her but had a powerful presence in her life. What would her Fate-mama's life been like if he had survived?

The words spoken so casually echoed in her mind, 'He was the brightest star the family had produced prior to Fate Testarossa but died at nineteen.' Fate herself nearly died at a similar age, would the world have forgotten her by now as it had her uncle? Seeing her family clustered together she snuggled the warm bundle in her arms tighter and felt Sora's small hands clutch at her kimono as she dozed safely in her sister's arms.

'Family…' Vivio thought, 'The Testarossa Family was such an enigma, the branches producing such varied fruit. Aunt Arf was never going to be a singer or actor but her abilities as a producer were first rate not to mention her stunning ability to run the vast conglomerate that Testarossa Corp had grown into. Caro who couldn't, as her fiancé said, carry a tune in a bucket singing was a wonder on the piano and as a composer. Einhart was fast becoming a master with clay, pen, and paintbrush, along with her obvious talents in singing, dancing and acting. She was what one wag called Fate 2.0, the next generation of greatness. Looking down at the girl in her arms, would Sora one day displace Einhart or would it be Einhart's own future son or daughter who would do that? Einhart…'

Smiling at her mothers and sisters Vivio joined the group as they made their way back to their SUV. Fate ever sober would drive her precious cargo back to the hotel, refusing as ever to ride in a Limo or to place her family's safety in anyone else's hands. The dark streets passed by hypnotizing Vivio into her own doze. Next to her Einhart sat worriedly, Vivio was so quiet, what had that girl done to her? They arrived and each mother took a sleeping child in their arms leaving the elder siblings a brief moment of solitude.

"Did you have a good time?" Einhart asked quietly.

Vivio looked over to her sister and smiled, "Mhm, I mean yes. I…enjoyed myself for the most part. I spoke with this girl and she told me some things about Fate-mama's uncle and it got me thinking."

Einhart blinked, "Her uncle? You mean Theodore?"

"Yeah, do you think her grandparents used him as a sort of prop, this is what we expect of you? She really hates talking about her immediate family. Think about it, Arf isn't really her cousin or our aunt for that matter. Other than her and Caro, who is her actual daughter, we don't have anything to do with the other Testarossa family lines. There are at least two or three more lines in Italy, that's where Arf came from. She doesn't even talk about her childhood or the family history; it's all the whitewashed stuff that's fed to the general public. The only time she opens up is when Nanoha-mama makes her."

Einhart knew more than Vivio, she had forced the conversation more than once with Fate because of the whispers she had come across. It was how she knew she had gotten lucky when Alicia Testarossa died and Fate was the one to survive. It was how she knew why Fate had nearly abandoned them all so many years ago. She could still remember Fate's cold eyes and tone when she reprimanded her for crying. It chilled her to this day that her beloved mother could turn into such a complete stranger.

Einhart warily replied, "The rest of the Testarossa family lines are actually um bastard lines, they really don't have the right to the name. Arf is the granddaughter of one of those lines and was semi adopted into the main line so she could hold the company in trust for Fate. My mother was actually cut out of the main inheritance by her grandfather since she wasn't talented enough. She wasn't actually suited to an acting career but was forced into it. Uncle Theodore or as he was known to the public TJ for Testarossa Junior, was an icon. And yes he was a stick held over Fate-mama's head. He is the reason why she never tries to rub in her own accomplishments in our faces."

Einhart shifted on her feet, "Look Vi, Fate has a very good reason for ignoring the past. Do us all a favor and forget about Theodore Testarossa, all four generations of that name. It's a dead name, and I for one will not be resurrecting it when I have my own children."

Vivio gaped a bit at this then nodded. Einhart's frown lightened, "Come on, it's late. We need to wash up and get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day."