A/N: Soo um hi, long time no post. Sorry about that. I am alive and still writing but with the world upside down it has been harder for me to get into the flow. This story has been in the works since 2016 but was kicked to the back burner many many times. The length of time it can take me to finish something is the main reason why I don't post until I'm finished. There are so many more stories I want to finish, and believe me I will! For now please accept my newest offering, it will be nine chapters, with one chapter to be uploaded every three days. Please leave me a review, I love hearing from the community, tell me what you think about the story and any constructive feedback is welcome.

~Chapter 1~

Fate T Harlaown hadn't had an easy life. Child abuse, abandonment, heartbreaking betrayal then a serious car accident which had all but ended her dreams, she was now wondering what was left for her to live for. Her adopted family was rallying around her trying to help her through her depression but they all had their own lives and careers. Which was why she was questioning this seaside vacation they had dragged her on. She never had the body for a bathing suit, no one wants to see scars, and now she could barely even walk let alone swim.

Six months of physical therapy had her back on her feet for the most part but she was still walking wounded. Everything hurt, she had no home to return to after this farce of a holiday was over. No lover to build a future family or even be emotional support during this hellish time. No job, she'd gotten a medical discharge from the military and couldn't see any prospects worth pursuing now that she was a cripple.

Listening to her family try to encourage her and tell her there was still so much she had to offer was beginning to make her sick. Not wanting to deal with their hopeful smiles she'd escaped the house. Limping up the boardwalk of the seaside resort town, she slowed her pace to watch the rising sun. She tried to let the beauty of nature soothe her battered soul, which was bleeding more than usual after the terrible storm that had left her unable to sleep and struggling with memories.

This morning everything was clear and the air fresh, if only her own life could be cleansed so easily. As she walked along the uneven planks the thump of her cane sounded loudly in her ears. She hated her cane but she would likely always need it now. She was tempted to just drop the stick and hobble so she wouldn't have to hear it but that would only invite further injury. She might be one of the most prideful women on the planet, but she wasn't a glutton for pain.

Watching the shoreline she saw a small speck grow into the figure of a woman and some large water mammal that had been beached. The woman was frantically trying to push the great beast back into the water but it was too much for her. Sensing her desperation Fate made her way clumsily to the woman dropping her cane a few steps before she came to the pair. The anxiously hopeful look in sapphire eyes as she gave her a nod of greeting was all the urging she needed to press her shoulder to the slick skinned animal's side. Adding her weight and not insignificant muscle strength to the other woman's efforts slowly they managed to do what one could not.

Once the animal was back in the ocean the woman helped it by leading it into deeper water, her strokes were strong and steady as they swam together. Leaning back on her arms Fate panted as she caught her breath, she felt a strange giddiness fill her, she almost wanted to smile. Maybe it was the fact that she'd actually been useful or maybe it was the way the whole world for once seemed to be in harmony around her.

The stranger's gentleness with the porpoise was a greater balm to the pain Fate carried inside than anything else she'd seen in the past year. When she returned to the beach Fate couldn't help admiring her strong young body. She wore a body surfer's outfit that clung to every curve and was a wonderful blue and white which brought out her sapphire eyes. Her thick chestnut hair was pulled back in a braid but a few strands had come loose and framed her face and neck fetchingly.

Fate was too exhausted by her efforts to get up and far too entranced by the beauty before her to speak. The woman was smiling angelically at first in what must have been pure gratitude but once she realized the state her helper was in it fell and she rushed to her side.

Kneeling beside Fate the woman asked in a sweet voice, "Are you alright? You didn't strain anything helping did you?"

Swallowing the lump in her dry throat Fate croaked out, "Nah, just tired. Didn't get much sleep last night and that took the last bit of my energy. Just need to rest a little then I'll be fine. Uh, could you get my cane for me though, don't know if I'll be able to make it off the beach without it."

The concerned look on the girl's face turned to regret, "You did push yourself to help me." She bit her lip as she thought about what to do next before declaring, "Let me help you up to the boardwalk." Then as she dashed away she shouted over her shoulder, "It'll be more comfortable for you up there than the damp beach."

Fate watched as she yanked on a wind jacket and kicked her feet into a pair of sandals before tossing a small bag across her back. The plain black bag had a towel half hanging out of it and what appeared to be swim fins. Based on the context clues she had to assume the girl had found the beached animal before she could enjoy her swim and had just dropped her gear on the sand in a rush to help. It seemed to be her MO, run in without thinking, full power, full throttle.

Fetching the discarded cane, the girl could see the obvious signs of wear and tear on it showing this wasn't a temporary prop for a slight injury. Coming back to the blonde she knelt again and took her arm over her shoulder to help her to her feet. The wincing and groan of pain made it clear the woman had seriously overstepped her limits, why?

Limping more pronouncedly Fate leaned heavily on the woman and was thankful they were taking the ramp back up to the boardwalk instead of the steep stairs. Once they got to a bench Fate gratefully collapsed onto it and sighed with a wry smile, "Well at least I've done my good deed for the day. I can head back to the house and sleep for the rest of the day without feeling like a shut-in."

It'd been a long time since anyone had offered her help and to receive it from an obviously wounded stranger made Nanoha curious. Shy thanks to the number of years it'd been since anyone beyond patrons at her parent's cafe spoke to her she played with her fingers nervously before asking, "What's your name?"

Looking up at the chestnut haired girl the blonde gave her a weary smile and said, "Harlaown, Fate T. Harlaown. And you are?"

"Uh, I'm Takamachi… um Nanoha…" she paused to bite her lower lip then asked, "Fate-san, why did you help me?"

The nervous look on Nanoha's face made Fate wonder why she was so surprised anyone would help her.

Shrugging Fate said, "It was the right thing to do. You were giving it your all, what should I have done…ignore you and let the poor creature die?"

She shook her head at the strange logic, no one around here cared enough, all of them seemingly out for the almighty dollar.

Pointing at Fate's leg she said, "You hurt yourself for an animal. No one would have thought less of you if you had just called for help."

Now it was Fate's turn to shake her head, her dark eyes growing serious, "There wasn't time for that and who would I call anyway? You needed help right then and if I hadn't I would have thought less of myself. I am not really hurt, just tired. Give me a decent night sleep and I'll be right as rain again."

Darkly Fate thought, 'Not that I'm likely to get a decent night's sleep. Stupid nightmares, stupid storm.'

Unconvinced Nanoha was about to argue some more when Fate threw up her hand and said impatiently, "Look what's done is done. The porpoise is back in the water where it belongs and I'll be just as banged up as ever no matter what I do. I really don't appreciate you talking down to me. I know my limits; believe me when I say I know them."

Grabbing her cane Fate hoisted herself back to her feet and said rather coldly, "Have a nice day Miss Takamachi."

The thump of the cane was loud on the wooden planks and Nanoha felt like each thundering sound was a blow. This stranger had helped her and all she could do was talk down to her, she hadn't even thanked her.

Running after the limping figure Nanoha came around her and blocked her retreat, arms outstretched and eyes full of regret she said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be disrespectful. It's just, I've been there too. I was in a pretty bad accident when I was a kid. When I see others hurting it affects me deeply." Arms dropping as she felt raw emotion overtake her Nanoha looked away as she finally choked out, "Thank you for helping me."

The blonde's jaw worked for a moment and the anger and frustration boiled forward, her voice edging on a growl, "You don't know anything. You are fully functional again, I never will be!" Slamming down her cane on the ground she shook with self-loathing, "I will always have to remember what I lost. I nearly had everything I dreamed of then it was all snatched away from me all in one night."

The anger bled out of her as apathy took its place, shoulders sagging she whispered, "I hate my life and the sooner I'm dead the better. If I wasn't such a goddamn coward I would have killed myself already."

The girl was shocked in place as she listened to words and felt an urge to do something, anything to help this hurting stranger. A person who carried the same pain inside as her own.

Rubbing at the hot tears boiling up Fate gathered herself back up, sighing, "But no, I care too damn much for my mom and brother to do that. I won't be… Ah fuck it."

Unable to standby and do nothing, Nanoha threw her arms around the stranger, hugging her tightly as she tried to soothe the hurt. Fate hadn't been expecting it and was surprised by the strength of the embrace.

Whispering in the blonde's ear, "Please don't. You have a good heart."

First instinct was to shake the girl off and tell her to fuck off, but it'd been such a long time since anyone but her family had even dared touch her. Her brooding aura mixed with her damaged body didn't exactly invite people to come into her bubble. The girl was warm and soft in all the right ways, her scent a mix of sea and something sweet which was incredibly addicting. Before she knew what was happening Fate was sobbing into her shoulder. She was held gently and the soft stroking of her hair and back allowed all the black gunk in her soul to finally flow free with her tears. Not knowing how it was done Fate found herself once again sitting on a bench while still in a tight hug.

Eyes closed Fate let herself have this moment. It was stupid and selfish but to have a beautiful woman hold her wasn't something she thought she'd ever experience again. She highly doubted the girl could ever like her that way or that she'd even see her again so being a little spoiled right now was fine. Besides, Nanoha didn't seem to be loosening her grip on her anytime soon. With the sound of the ocean and the warm body beside her Fate actually felt herself being lulled into an exhausted sleep.

Before she could give in and actually begin snoring Fate's cell phone went off, breaking up the embrace. Wiping her face with one hand and feeling slightly embarrassed by the open display of her emotions she turned away to answer the phone.

"Yes ma'am," she answered with a voice still thick from her sobs.

The concerned voice of her mom made her wince and it took a long time to calm her down. As she dealt with her overprotective mother Nanoha looked at her watch and seeing the time realized it was way past time she left. Standing up from the bench she decided it would be better for them both if she made her exit as quickly as possible.

Moving into Fate's line of sight she pointed at her wrist and gave an apologetic smile before waving goodbye. The blonde was conflicted, she didn't want the girl to leave but she had no clue what to say or do. And the voice in her ear wasn't making matters any easier.

Before she could make any decision she heard her mom threaten her with her cousin and she had to merely wave back at the girl and begin her hobble back to the house, declaring, "Mom, I'm fine, I'm on my way back now."

By the time she got back to the house she had forgotten about her crying jag and how much of a mess she must appear. Clothes wet and covered in sand, and face streaked with tears had the whole house alarmed. Shaking off her brother and mother's questions she went to take a shower and hoped they wouldn't try to interrogate her at breakfast.

Doing her best to concentrate on her own meal and helping her twin niece and nephew eat their food Fate was able to avoid being dragged into a conversation. When it was over she wasn't allowed to run off to the library and hide in a book but was instead lifted onto her brother's shoulder and hauled into the living room for a game of Spanish Inquisition. She could have knocked the shit out of him and escaped but after her sleepless night, her beach workout and crying jag she was too tired to even try.

Giving only the barest of details in her answers she prayed her family would drop the subject. The worried looks she kept getting frustrated her, did they seriously think she'd drown herself? If she was going to kill herself it'd be with pills, of which she had many, that way all she'd have to do is fall asleep and never wake up again. She had the stockpiled pills hidden in her closet, the knowledge they were there giving her a cold comfort, she could end this any time she chose.

It wasn't until evening when she was sitting on the veranda with her cousin did she finally really talk about her experience. The sight of a pod of porpoises in the distance made her smile, it made her think of the girl and how kind she'd been.

The fact that she didn't have her normally gloomy look made Reinforce ask, "What has you in such a good mood suddenly?"

Mellowed from the whiskey she'd been drinking and the calm environment she admitted, "I helped a girl push a porpoise back into the water this morning. I watched her swim with it, I've never seen anything so… pure. The animal trusted her instinctively."

Worried about this likely overreach of her physical limits Reinforce asked, "You didn't strain anything did you?"

Rolling her eyes at this and feeling her depression seep back in Fate finished her drink before standing up, "I'm going to bed."

The next day Fate was sore and felt very creaky, not up to another walk to the boardwalk she instead tried to read but her mind continued to wander. Unable to concentrate she went looking for her niece and nephew. Playing with them on the floor probably wasn't wise but once she was down on the ground she hardly had to move again. The children gravitated to her and by the time her sister-in-law left them to make lunch she was passed out on the play mat with her two charges.

After a day of rest Fate was ready to take another walk, and if destiny willed it she hoped to meet with Nanoha again. She counted the thumps of her cane as she escaped the house until she came to the spot she'd seen Nanoha. At first she thought dawn might be too early and she'd have to wait until later in the morning for a chance to see the girl again. Then she saw it, the shape of a body skimming on the water with a pod of porpoises. She felt her throat constrict as she watched the way Nanoha seemed to be flying over the waves. After twenty minutes the girl stepped out of the water and again Fate was stuck by how athletic and downright gorgeous the young woman appeared in her bodysuit.

Leaning against the railing she was entranced with the smooth motion of her stride as she made her way over to her. There was a tentative smile on Fate's face and she exchanged a hand wave which at least gave some indication she did want to interact with the girl. Nanoha for her part did seem to be happy to see her again, as she wasn't trying to escape in the opposite direction as many people did at the sight of her.

Reaching Fate the auburn haired woman now had her towel around her shoulders and a bag in her hands. Nervously she was squeezing the handle as she tried to think of something to say.

Finding the shyness cute the blonde said, "Good morning Nanoha."

With a slight blush the girl smiled before saying, "Good morning Fate-san. I didn't expect to see you out here again."

Shrugging the ruby eyed woman said, "I'm here for the whole summer, we were bound to run into each other again. This town isn't all that big."

Misinterpreting Fate's words Nanoha said, "Oh, right… well, it was nice seeing you again," then began to turn away.

Realizing how blunt she'd sounded Fate called out, "I hoped to see you again. That's why I came out here so early."

Looking back warily Nanoha asked, "Why?"

Confused by this Fate wrinkled her brow, "Why not?"

Laughing a little at this she relaxed, then being brave she asked, "Would you like to take a walk with me?"

Considering this for a moment the blonde smirked a little, "You're not gonna lead me into any dark alleys are you?"

Indignant at this Nanoha huffed, "Of course not!"

There was a flash of warmth in Fate's chest at the sight of the adorable pout. The girl was a wonderful mix of innocence, beauty and righteous indignation.

She wanted to see more of Nanoha's reactions, so she poked a puffed out cheek as she teased, "You are pretty cute when you get upset. Now then I believe you still owe me a proper thank you. So why don't we find somewhere we can get some coffee."

For some reason there was something about the girl that brought out her sense of humor which she was sure had died the night of her accident. Not that she'd ever been the life of the party before that, considered stoic and reserved thanks to her workaholic mindset. Yet here she was, practically flirting with this stranger and feeling alive again. As they walked together Nanoha pointed out shops and landmarks until they came to the one brand named coffeehouse in the town. Stepping in there was already a crowd of corporate zombies looking for their caffeine hit.

When they made it to the counter the girl made a face at Nanoha but did make the effort to be professional when she saw Fate was with her. The two drinks were served quickly but there was no "come again."

Annoyed by the girl's behavior Fate was tempted not to tip but Nanoha dropped a few bills and took the blonde's arm to pull her out of the crowded establishment. Silent as they walked there was now an undercurrent of strain between them. The thump and small sipping noises all that let Nanoha know the blonde was still following her since she'd dropped her grip on the woman. It wasn't until they got to the railing of the pier again that she finally spoke.

Head down she sighed, "I'm not really popular in town."

Leaning back against the rail Fate studied the girl as she finished her coffee before saying, "I'm not exactly a candidate for Most Popular person in any group."

Looking over at the blonde Nanoha had to smile, then it faded before she looked down at her watch which was now beeping. Turning off the alarm she said, "I have to go."

Before she could walk away Fate asked, "Will you be on the beach again tomorrow?"

Swallowing a sudden lump in her throat at the hope she might have a chance at making a friend, Nanoha nodded then said quietly, "I swim every morning weather permitting."

Playing with her empty cup the blonde then asked, "Would it be alright if I came out to watch? I don't want to be a creeper, so just tell me to leave you alone if you don't want…"

Hugging Fate again suddenly before releasing her just as quick Nanoha then turned away so her burning red face couldn't be seen, "See you tomorrow Fate-san."

Blushing just as brightly and suddenly filled with a soothing peace Fate was only able to say, "Tomorrow."

Fate and Nanoha continued to meet every morning for the rest of the week and slowly opened up to each other. Especially since Fate made sure to bring a thermos of coffee and two cups with her which were then supplemented with baked goods by Nanoha. Sitting on a bench they transitioned from talking about books and music to more personal details. Fate now knew Nanoha was a college student and worked in her family's cafe. And Nanoha knew Fate was a former military officer who was currently unemployed as she tried to heal from her injuries.

Friday turned out to be overcast and there were reports of a storm coming by that evening. Nanoha normally didn't try to swim on days like this since the water tended to be too rough but today she decided to go down to the beach just in case. As she packed up the cinnamon rolls her mother entered the kitchen yawning, "Morning, where are you headed?"

Blushing Nanoha admitted, "Down to the beach."

Worried Momoko said, "Promise me you won't go swimming, it doesn't matter how strong a swimmer you are, it is too rough out."

Raising her right hand she gave her pledge, "I promise mama, I'm just going to take a quick walk then be back in time to help with the cafe."

Noticing the bag the mother sensed there was more going on here than she was being told. Opening the cabinet she pulled down a travel carafe and poured out two servings of coffee into it from the pot Nanoha had started as a courtesy to her family. Handing it over Momoko said, "You'll need something to wash down those pastries."

Not daring to mention it was her friend's responsibility to provide the drinks Nanoha took the container and stuffed it in her bag. Giving her mom a peck on the cheek she said, "Thanks, I'll see you at the cafe for opening."

Escaping without being questioned was a near miracle, though she suspected she would receive a grilling later. Her mom might let her off but Miyuki would squeeze her for details. Deciding not to dwell on that disheartening thought she focused on searching the pier for her friend. She found Fate sitting on a bench staring at the choppy water, her blonde hair making her stand out against the greyness of the morning. Taking a seat next to her she handed the quiet woman a wrapped package.

Looking down on the warm sweet smelling gift Fate felt her muscles tense slightly crushing the pastry, she didn't deserve this. Her self-loathing kicking in as she realized she hadn't brought anything for Nanoha, god she was fucking useless. Placing it on the wood beside her she stared back out at the water, gloom seemed to surround her. She hated stormy weather, it brought back all her bad memories and made her foot ache. It was as if everything in the world hated her, and even the good things in her life just mocked her for existing.

Nanoha noticed Fate wasn't eating and immediately worried about her new friend. Fate was addicted to the pastry and had never yet failed to say thanks before diving in like a five year old. Reaching out to touch the blonde's hand she asked gently, "Are you feeling okay?"

Tensing again Fate nearly yanked her hand away before taking a deep breath to calm herself. Nanoha didn't deserve her lashing out on her, and the soothing scent of vanilla and cinnamon also helped ease her nerves. Instead she closed her hand around the slender fingers holding her as she spoke with a ragged voice, "I… I hate days like this."

Shifting closer to Fate, Nanoha said, "Me too."

There was a faint rush of breath as Fate almost laughed, she'd assume that not being able to swim would make the girl hate days like this. Sitting back she sighed, "Normally foul weather wasn't a reason to cancel a training camp. Our CO loved making us suffer in the shit, marching in mud up to your knees and rain running down your neck and into your asscrack. It was just sheer bad luck that they were doing work on the drainage system and the whole fucking training ground was flooded. Not that he didn't try to have us find a spot not covered in two feet of water to camp in."

Nanoha understood immediately what Fate was telling her, the day her life was ruined. Sitting still and listening carefully she tried to be the friend the woman so desperately needed.

Laughing a little hollowly Fate said, "I should have known bad shit was going to happen, it always does when it storms. That's the way it always goes. It was raining the night she almost killed me and the cops came to take her away. It was raining when my first girlfriend dumped me. It was storming the night my life went to shit."

Sighing Fate said, "They always leave me, none of them wanted a family with me," there was a bitter laugh as she continued, "Not that I could give them one, not a real family."

Nanoha's grip on Fate tightened, her friend was gay, she was not only gay but had wanted a family with her female lover. She tried to picture it and could see Fate being a gentle mother with a cute little girl that looked just like her. It would be adorable to see the child wrap her mama around her little pinky. No matter how gloomy or morose she could be there was a deep well of compassion and a loving heart that would spoil any child lucky enough to have her as their parent.

Rolling her neck to loosen the tension Fate then leaned her head back with her eyes closed. She took a great deal of comfort from the fact that Nanoha hadn't pulled away from her. There was a misty humidity to the air that told of heavy rains coming soon tickling her cheeks. It would be best to go back home and just hide in the family library. Lose herself in a book and pretend the wider world didn't exist.

Not knowing what to do or say Nanoha decided the only thing she could do was show Fate she had a friend. Pulling on the hand holding her she was able to tip Fate closer to her and the blonde's head ended up on her shoulder. This movement made her open her eyes and she could see Nanoha's determined face. Her hand was now being trapped by both of the girl's and the warmth inside her grew. Better than any words Nanoha's actions had eased the freezing chill around her heart. Leaning in she rested against her for a few minutes before she realized her appetite was back.

Reaching over for the cinnamon roll she pouted a little when she realized it was now cold. It served her right for neglecting it, peeling open the package she could see her rough handling of it earlier had caused the icing to stick to the paper. She deserved this, this was her punishment for being a moody brat.

Nanoha could see the heartbroken face of her idiot friend and couldn't help herself. Taking the squished cold cinnamon roll she then replaced it with another from her bag. This one had been insulated so still warm and soft. Then pulled out the carafe with its lid cup, pouring out coffee she realized they were going to need to share. Sitting the cup down between them she wondered if Fate would be okay with this.

Realizing Nanoha had brought a drink for them to share touched Fate, she'd never had anyone be this attentive to her. Nanoha could have no idea how these little acts of kindness would affect the emotionally raw woman. Nor that the idea of sharing a cup would be an intimacy Fate wouldn't have passed up on for all the jewels in the Tower of London.

Holding her breakfast in her hands Fate was slightly hunched as she tried to control herself, she wanted to cry, laugh and hug the girl beside her. She couldn't remember the last time a pretty woman had been this kind to her. Most of the girls she'd dated previously had been of the cool aloof type. The more girly types tended to avoid her, seeing her as too coarse and rough in her behavior and language. Not that she'd peg Nanoha as a girly-girl, she didn't fit any of the labels she and her male friends had rudely used during their guy talks. Suddenly she felt regret for engaging in such behavior, the women they'd talked about didn't deserve their leering or dismissive attitudes.

Nanoha could sense Fate's mood dropping again and gave her a nudge, "Eat, it will get cold and I don't have any more in my bag."

Flushing with guilt Fate took a nibble, slowly with each bite she could feel her negative thoughts melted away with the sugary goodness. Concentrating fully on her snack she loved how springy yet yielding the bread was as the perfect level of cinnamon filled her senses. She was in heaven, and could not know how adorable she looked to her friend. It was like she was a child, her joy and pleasure completely naked and exposed.

Looking at the woman Nanoha wondered why anyone would let Fate go, let alone hurt her. If she was her girlfriend… Blushing at the idea Nanoha looked at the squished cinnamon roll in her lap. No, no, no that wasn't something to think about. Fate was her friend, her first one in years and there was no way she was going to do something dumb to ruin that. Taking a bite she couldn't help peeking over at Fate, she was such a dork but maybe that was the thing she liked the most about her.

Finishing her meal Fate let out a happy sigh, "Thanks, I feel better now."

Her eyes searched out the dark clouds and her frown returned, "Though I doubt my good mood will last long."

Poking Fate's face Nanoha said, "Good mood or not, promise me you'll be here tomorrow morning."

Turning to look at the girl Fate couldn't help a small smile, "Of course. We promised to meet everyday."

"Good, don't forget that promise."

Wearing a smirk now Fate teased, "I'm addicted now, so there is no getting rid of me."

Blushing at the words, Nanoha tried not to think Fate meant she was addicted to her, and not the cinnamon rolls she provided. Checking her watch she decided to escape before the woman could tease her more.

Packing up the cup and carafe she slung her bag back over her shoulder before saying lightly, "I'll see you tomorrow, try not to get into any trouble in the meantime."

Giving a patently false look of innocence Fate said, "I don't know what you mean, I'm a perfect angel."

Sticking her tongue at her friend before laughing Nanoha turned away. Behind her she left Fate in a much more positive mood.

Arriving at work she was met by her mother, and sister who commented on her disappearance on a stormy day. Shrugging she tried to play it off as she just wanted a walk, her sister noted the bag and she had to admit to meeting a friend. Momoko had her suspicions confirmed while Miyuki frowned with concern, who was this person? Neither wanted to see the youngest family member hurt or used by some unscrupulous stranger.

Defensive on behalf of Fate, Nanoha explained, "I met her on the beach a few days ago. She helped me and after that we just started talking."

Momoko asked curiously, "What is her name?"

Chewing her lip Nanoha said, "Fate."

Raising an eyebrow, "Her full name."

Panicking Nanoha glanced at her sister who was staring just as hard, finally she admitted, "Harlaown. But I'm not sure she is related to those Harlaowns, it could be a coincidence."

Her mom's face took on a shocked look before she said, "I didn't know Lindy and her family were back in town."

Curious by this response Nanoha had to ask, "Do you know the Harlaowns?"

There was a slight flush to her mom's cheeks as she admitted, "I went to school with Lindy. She was a very kind and gentle girl," then snapping out of her memories she said more briskly, "I do hope her daughter takes after her."

Not sure what to make of this Nanoha replied, "She does."

Nodding at this Momoko said, "Invite her to have lunch here. I'd like to meet her."

Back to panic mode Nanoha evaded, "I'll try, but she is very busy during the day."

Miyuki snorted at this, "You are just trying to hide her from us. Just like that stray cat you wanted to keep as a kid. What's wrong? Do you think mama won't let you keep her?"

Glaring at her sister Nanoha said, "Fate-chan isn't a stray cat. She is a wonderful person who likes to talk to me."

"Enough, we have work to do, Miyuki stop antagonizing your sister," clapping her hands she sent her daughters off to their respective work. Not that it didn't stop her elder daughter from making purring noises at her sister whenever they crossed paths. Shaking her head she decided to let them bicker, she had plenty of other work to focus on.