[ Teana's Apartment, Southern Mid / September 19, 0078 07:15 ]

Waking up was difficult lately. Her eyes hurt as she opened them, gazing at the white ceiling. It felt warmer on one side than the other. She turned her head to see Subaru's face.

She remembered. It was exactly three years, and they took a day off to visit Portfall. Subaru went to sleep on a couch, but it wasn't like they'd never shared a bunk.

Teana watched her sleep. When Subaru dreamed, her face became like three years ago: headstrong and foolishly cheerful. Gone were the gloom, the pain, the self-loathing, and the guilt. She took her hand into hers; their fingers intertwined. Teana knew the strength of those fingers very well. But the metallic ribcage concealed a very human heart, and as long as it wasn't healed, the strength would never return to these hands.

"Nanoha… san…" Subaru muttered in her sleep.

Teana stood up abruptly. Momentary anger gave way to guilt and embarrassment. Jealousy of her dead mentor was pathetic.

"Tea?" Subaru opened her eyes and looked up at her. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing, stupid," Teana became suddenly aware of not having anything on and blushed. "Go back to sleep."

"I am OK," Subaru rose up, shamelessly ogling her breasts. "You look very pretty today."

"Shut up, baka!" Teana's face became even redder. She yanked the sheet off the bed to wrap around herself. It didn't help much—Subaru slept naked, too. "And put some clothes on!"

Subaru giggled but it only took a single glance at the clock for her good mood to evaporate.

"Yeah, I'll get dressed…"