[ Iwaki City, Japan / September 21, 0078 12:20 ]

The tea house they chose was only half-full. A few patrons were having lunch but a small round table far enough away from anyone was an easy find.

"…and then Nanoha says, 'But to see if you are right, we will just have to wait until the next training session.' You should have seen Subaru's face!"

Fate burst into laughter, and Signum couldn't help but join her. They were still giggling when the waitress brought the tea.

"She was staring at you," Signum couldn't help but observe.

"No more so than at you," Fate protested. "You look really handsome."

"Handsome?" Signum raised her eyebrow, sipping tea.

Fate looked away.

"My hair grows way too fast," she complained, tousling her sidelocks. "Shari has to trim it almost every week. It's a chore."

Signum's gaze let her know that the sudden switch of topic didn't escape her.

"I envy you. My hair hasn't grown an inch in thirteen years. Our bodies don't age."

"I must look like an old hag next to you," Fate averted her gaze again, her cheeks suddenly reddening.

"No, you are most pleasing to the eye as you are," Signum's smile made Fate shine crimson from tip to toe.

An awkward silence set upon the table. Finally, Fate raised her eyes shyly:

"Say, Signum… Have you ever wondered whether we… If not for Nanoha, could we ever be…" She couldn't finish the sentence.

Signum didn't answer. Instead, she bent over the small table and kissed her on the lips. After a moment of surprise, Fate closed her eyes and gave in. Signum's tongue entered her mouth, exploring it with the certainty of a new owner, forceful and tender at the same time. It became hard to breathe but Signum's hand on her chin prevented her from moving away.

When they finally broke off, both gasping for breath, other patrons were staring at them.

"Do you want to go somewhere private?"