From a few feet away, Lucchini could hear voices bickering. They danced between loud bursts and silent whispers, rarely daring to walk the middle path.

'Are they already at it?'

Lucchini didn't even need to think of who it could be. She followed the sounds and stopped at another door. It was slightly ajar, so she calmly pushed it in. There stood Perrine, arms crossed and shaking her head in disapproval. Lynette appeared more aggressive, her legs spread apart as if leaning forward, and balled hands at her sides, her hair bouncing as she spilled every word. Yoshika seemed more willing to plead for them to stop, her voice a low drawl.

"Apologize!"

"Why should I? That was hardly a wrong choice of words."

"Well, I-"

"You seem to be getting awfully worked up over everything. I think you need to take a break, Lynette."

"Would the two of you stop it?!"

Yoshika had darted in between them, her arms spread out to create more distance and push against them.

"It was just an accident! There's no need for the two of you to fight. We're all friends here too, aren't we?"

Lynette sharply turned her head in Yoshika's direction.

"A friend and a lover, Yoshika." She whispered.

Yoshika blushed but stood firm.

"I know, in any case, please stop this. Let's all go back to being nice, ok? Ah, Lucchini-san! Er, come in!"

Startled by the sudden appearance of an outsider to their conflict, Perrine and Lynette threw each other pouting looks before greeting their friend.

"Hello again, Lucchini."

"Lucchini! How good to see you!"

Bringing her in for a hug, Lynette smiled as Lucchini grinned with the familiar feeling of large cleavage. She noticed Yoshika's frown and shifty eyes behind her blush. Lucchini laughed, breaking away.

"Two years and nothing's changed. I can't believe this, poor Lynette."

Yoshika covered her chest with her arms.

"T-They aren't that small!"

It was true, but this sort of teasing felt fun.

"Hehe, of course you'd make that excuse. My trained eyes know all! Take the word of a professional!"

She jutted a proud thumb at herself, grinning widely.

"Well...they could be bigger."

"Lyn!"

"I'm sorry. I love you just the way you are!"

Even Perrine finally cracked a small smile. Lucchini's brow narrowed inquisitively.

"What was all that about before?"

The other three looked away from her, eyes dashing back and forth from each other. Finally, Lynette spoke up, her voice quivering at first.

"We, uh, were helping Perrine decide where to hang her family's rapier. It was ok at first, but then..."

She trailed off, staring icily at the blonde Witch. It was returned with a hot glare.

"She said as we were about to put it up, that no one but a Clostermann should touch it. That we were only cleared to give advice, but she knows best in classy affairs."

Sighing, Lucchini ran a hand through her loose hair.

"You guys need to stop picking such petty fights."

She placed her hand on Yoshika's shoulder.

"I agree with her here. Perrine,don't be so snotty. Lynette, she can't help it sometimes, be patient with her."

The two bent their heads like scolded children, before shooting each other looks of teasing and sticking out their tongues. Letting go of her friend, Lucchini returned her hand to her side.
She smiled, dismissing the squabble as the past.

"So what have you guys been doing? Tell your best pal Lucchini!"

Perrine grinned and spoke proudly.

"As I mentioned before, I founded an orphanage a few years ago. Thankfully it hasn't been that full lately. It was a bit sad to see them go, but I'm very glad those who left are in great families now. Lynette can tell you about it too. She helped me get started after all."

Lynette blushed in embarrassment of being on the spot.

"That's right! The children were so sweet and brave despite what happened. I loved looking after them. And Perrine surprised me with her attitude then too."

She managed a smile towards Perrine. It was returned. There was a brief pause as their eyes seemed to exchange memories.

"Sorry for earlier, really."

"It's alright, I acted pretty stupid too."

They laughed together while Lucchini and Yoshika glanced at each other and sighed before grinning.

"Ok you two, let Yoshika get in a word!"

"Ah right, sorry!"

Perrine quickly apologized while Lynette cheerfully looped an arm around Yoshika's.

"She has quite a lot to tell you guys. Go on!"

"Eheheh, right. Well it's probably obvious, but Lynne and I are dating. We kept in touch after everything that happened, and I went to visit her at the orphanage many times too."

Lynette kissed her cheek gently. Her bright voice rang clearly.

"I was really happy and she was just as great with the kids as she was when we took care of everyone before. Then she started acting funny around me, but it just turned out to be love."

"Heheh, honestly I'm not that shocked. You two always were mushy, something had to be up."

Lucchini's eyes turned to Perrine.

"How about you four eyes? Got anyone lately?"

She snickered at that, as if the answer couldn't be positive. Perrine's brow was raised, she saw right through the game.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I have."

"Wait, what? You did? How?"

Lynette and Yoshika giggled together as Perrine lifted her nose high and spoke with more pride and subtle affection.

"My dearest Amelie thinks of me on her own deployment base. That girl was such a child before, but she's certainly gotten better at handling things. I'm proud, she can certainly put up with me of all people."

She raised the back of her hand to rest underneath her chin.

"Try not to get jealous. Unless you have someone you're courting, then I'd love to hear it."

"Eh...well I uh..."

She hadn't been ready for that, Perrine's boast triggering old memories. She thought of those deep blue eyes, wide smile, and shining red hair. Blushing, she looked away.

"I don't have anyone like that now."

"Houu? That so?"

"It's ok Lucchini-san, there's no rush you know!"

"She's right! It'll be ok Lucchini!"

Her head felt fuzzy and she stammered.

"I-I uh, think I'll be going. N-Nice to see you guys! I'll catch ya later!"

With that she turned tail and ran out, closing the door behind her.

"Phew, that would have been embarrassing."

She sighed as her cheeks blazed crimson and her body felt flushed.

"I wonder though...what Maria is doing now..."

That one day from years before came flooding back to her in full. It was familiar and filled her with warmth. She had reflected on it many times before, and like a worn out video tape, it was much loved. She glanced over at the last remaining door, but didn't feel like checking just yet. Walking calmly down the hall, she couldn't stop smiling as she returned to her room, cracking the door open and finding a snoring Hartmann. It was expected. Lucchini climbed deftly up to the ceiling beams and lay back on the one she had covered with her old blanket. She stared up at the ceiling.

'It's been so long. And everyone has really changed. Yet...I feel like...'

Her brow knitted together and her eyes scrunched up.

'I haven't changed much at all. Even if I look different, act a little different...I still want my Mama again. I still wish all of this was over, and I could be friends with everyone and not worry if I'll have to see them die.'

Wetness pooled around both her eyes, but she wiped it away rather than let it show.

A/N: Sorry for taking so long, school has been crazy, but thankfully I'm getting my Christmas vacation next week. This way I can work on more chapters and just piece myself together for the new year ahead. Happy holidays everyone!