Chapter Text
The winter break had officially begun, bringing with it an air of excitement and cheer. To mark the occasion before everyone drifted off to their holiday plans, Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru hosted a cozy evening at their home. The living room buzzed with familiar laughter and conversation as Usagi, Ami, Rei, Makoto, Minako, Mamoru, Chibiusa, Nanoha, and Ave gathered—each reflecting on the journey they’d shared. The scent of freshly baked cookies mingled with rich hot cocoa, and the soft glow of fairy lights bathed the space in a warm, magical haze.
Haruto stood near the window, his hands wrapped around a mug of cocoa, the steam curling gently into the cold night air. Snowflakes drifted lazily outside, but his gaze lingered on the joy and connection unfolding behind him. Memories of his sudden arrival and the battles they’d fought together played across his mind, bringing a quiet smile to his lips. He had found something he never expected—genuine bonds.
“Remember when Haruto first showed up?” Makoto said with a sly grin. “We thought he was some mysterious warrior from another dimension.”
“Well... technically, he is,” Minako added with a wink, sparking a wave of laughter.
Nanoha, nestled comfortably beside Ave, joined in with a smile. “A lot has happened since then. Ave-kun and I had our own share of adventures even before we met all of you.”
Usagi’s eyes sparkled. “Ooh, really? How did you two meet?”
Ave leaned back slightly, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. “When I first arrived in Nanoha-san’s world, something strange happened—my body reverted to that of a seven-year-old. Nanoha-san was nine at the time. It was... surreal.”
“Wait, what?” Minako nearly jumped off the couch, eyes gleaming. “You mean you’ve known each other since you were kids? That’s so romantic! Childhood sweethearts, huh?”
Nanoha’s face turned bright red. “I-It’s not like that! Ave-kun and I are like family!”
Family, huh? Ave’s teasing voice echoed through their telepathic link. You’re blushing pretty hard for someone talking about family, Nanoha-san.
Don’t you start, Ave-kun! She shot back mentally, cheeks still burning. You’re not helping!
Minako wasn’t about to let up. “Uh-huh. That’s what they all say. Sounds like a hidden love story to me!”
Ave chuckled, clearly enjoying the teasing. “Well, communication is key in any relationship—even if it’s just a strong sibling bond,” he added with exaggerated innocence.
You’re loving this, aren’t you? Nanoha grumbled mentally.
Maybe just a little, Ave replied playfully. But come on, it’s fun seeing you flustered.
Makoto raised an eyebrow. “'Good siblings,’ huh? That’s one way to spin it.”
Nanoha flailed slightly, her voice rising. “You’re all impossible! It’s not like that at all!”
Ave leaned in, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. “They’re catching on, Nanoha-san.”
She glared at him, still flustered. “You’re really not helping!”
With a deliberately ambiguous grin, Ave murmured just loud enough for her to hear, “Maybe it’s just a younger brother’s job... or a future boyfriend’s prerogative?”
Nanoha’s heart skipped. Her glare faltered for half a second before she snapped back, “Don’t push it, Ave-kun!”
Future boyfriend?! Her mental voice wavered between indignation and disbelief. Where did that even come from!?
Just testing the waters, Ave replied smoothly, his tone teasing but with a note of sincerity. You never know, right?
Laughter erupted around them as Usagi giggled, “Nanoha-san, you’re totally giving yourself away. You’re adorable when you’re flustered.”
“Exactly!” Minako pointed triumphantly. “The lady doth protest too much!”
Nanoha sighed dramatically, but deep down, the warmth blooming in her chest wasn’t from the cocoa—it was from the people around her, and the quiet comfort of their presence.
Sensing her softened mood, Ave eased his teasing, his voice quieter, gentler. “All jokes aside... I’m really glad I ended up here. Especially with you, Nanoha-san.”
Her heart softened at the sincerity in his tone. Though she kept her expression neutral, her voice was warmer. “I’m glad you’re here too, Ave-kun... even if you’re a handful.”
I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world, Ave told her through their link, his mental voice steady and heartfelt. You’ve always been my anchor, Nanoha-san.
Her eyes widened slightly at the depth in his words. Ave-kun... she began, but before she could continue, another wave of laughter from the group pulled them back into the festive moment.
As the night went on, they shared stories of battles and growth, of bonds forged through hardship and hope. The room overflowed with warmth, laughter, and love—a moment suspended in peace.
Mamoru raised his cup in a toast. “To new memories—and to the bonds that keep us strong.”
Everyone echoed the sentiment in unison, their voices harmonizing like a familiar melody.
It was a night to remember, a celebration of how far they had come and the promise of what lay ahead. And as Ave and Nanoha exchanged a quiet glance amidst the joyful chatter, a silent understanding passed between them—of adventures yet to unfold, of emotions still unspoken, and of something deeper that gently stirred, waiting patiently just beyond the horizon.
The morning after their gathering, the world outside was still blanketed in snow as everyone set off on their individual winter break adventures. For Ami and Urawa, it meant boarding a late-night bus bound for Atami, where a traditional inn and its famed hot spring awaited. The soft hum of the bus and the dim overhead lights created a peaceful cocoon, perfect for hushed conversation and lingering glances.
Ami sat by the window, her hands neatly folded in her lap, the chill of the glass offset by the warmth spreading across her cheeks whenever she met Urawa’s eyes. His presence beside her was soothing, but each shared glance sent her heart fluttering with a quiet anticipation she couldn’t quite put into words. Does he feel it too? she wondered, stealing another glance at him.
When they arrived, the cold air nipped at their skin, urging them quickly toward the mixed-bath hot spring. Steam curled into the sky like a dream, cloaking the outdoor pool in a veil of warmth and secrecy. Ami paused at the edge, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she hesitated. Urawa, standing beside her, looked equally flustered—trying, and failing, to mask it with composure.
They slipped into the water, the heat enveloping them like a welcome embrace. Ami sighed softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. “This feels amazing…” Her gaze remained fixed on the gentle ripples of the surface, too shy to look directly at him.
Urawa nodded, his own face flushed—whether from the water or the moment, he couldn’t tell. “I’m really glad we did this,” he said, his voice low and steady. “It’s nice… to spend time together like this.”
A tranquil silence settled around them, broken only by the soft lapping of water. Ami glanced at him, her heartbeat quietly racing. He’s so close. The thought stirred something tender and uncertain inside her. There’s something here... isn’t there?
Urawa’s thoughts mirrored hers. He watched the way the steam framed Ami’s delicate features, the soft curve of her smile, the glint of curiosity in her eyes. She’s beautiful, he thought, the admiration in his chest deepening. Not just in how she looks—but in the way she listens, the way she speaks, the way she carries herself with such quiet grace.
“So,” he said, gently breaking the silence, “how’s your research going? You mentioned something about neurobiology the last time we talked.”
Ami’s face lit up, her shyness momentarily forgotten in the glow of her passion. “It’s going wonderfully. I’ve been studying the way the brain encodes and retrieves memories—did you know a single neuron could potentially store vast amounts of information? It’s incredible.”
Urawa smiled, captivated more by the excitement in her voice than the details themselves. “You always make things sound so fascinating. I love the way you explain things—it’s like seeing the world through your eyes.”
Ami ducked her head, the heat rising in her cheeks. “Thank you,” she murmured, tracing lazy circles in the water. “What about you, Ryo-kun? Working on anything new?”
He brightened. “Actually, I’ve been developing a weather prediction program. It’s early in development, but I think it might help refine accuracy using real-time data streams.”
Their conversation drifted easily from science to books, then to dreams and quiet hopes for the future. Ami found herself laughing—genuinely, effortlessly—at one of Urawa’s rare but perfectly timed jokes. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen often, and it warmed her heart to see it.
Eventually, a comfortable stillness settled between them, filled with the occasional rustle of the wind and the distant murmurs of other guests. Ami leaned back, her heart full, quietly observing Urawa as he gazed out at the gently rising steam.
He’s thoughtful… kind… and always steady, she thought, her gaze lingering on his profile. I’m glad it’s him here with me.
“Ami,” Urawa said softly, turning to her. “Thank you—for inviting me. This trip means a lot.”
Her eyes met his, her voice sincere. “I’m happy you came, Ryo-kun. It wouldn’t have felt right without you.”
Beneath the water, their hands brushed—just a fleeting touch, but neither of them pulled away. Ami felt her heart skip, warmth blooming in her chest that had nothing to do with the spring. Is this what it means to be close to someone? To share something so quiet, yet so deeply felt?
Urawa felt it too. Her fingers near his, the stillness of the moment—it was enough to make his breath catch. I could reach out… say more… but… not yet. He held back, content for now with this closeness.
“Should we stay a little longer?” he asked, voice hushed.
“Yes,” Ami replied, just as softly. “I’d like that.”
And so they remained, surrounded by warmth and silence, the world beyond forgotten for a little while. In the quiet steam-filled air, unspoken feelings hung between them like the mist—tangible, gentle, and waiting patiently for their time.
At Hikawa Shrine, the chill of winter clung to the air like a second skin, sharp and bracing. Yet Rei embraced it, letting the cold fuel her determination as she immersed herself in her shrine maiden training. Each ritual, each silent prayer was a test of endurance—of spirit and body. But today, she was pushing herself even further.
At the far edge of the shrine grounds, beneath a narrow, icy waterfall, Rei sat perfectly still. The water crashed down over her shoulders, biting into her skin like needles, but she didn’t flinch. Her breathing was measured, steady. She shut out the pain, focusing instead on the roar of the water, letting it drown out every stray thought. Here, in the freezing solitude, she sought clarity.
“Rei-san, you’re incredible. I don’t know how you manage it,” came a voice, hesitant but sincere.
She opened her eyes, slowly turning her head to see Yuichiro—precariously perched atop a pile of firewood, looking simultaneously awestruck and concerned. Of course. Always there, whether she asked him to be or not. A small smile touched her lips despite the cold. That’s just like him.
“Thanks, Yuichiro,” she replied, voice low but warm. “Having you around… makes it easier.”
His eyes widened at her words, as if he hadn’t expected her to say anything remotely kind. “R-Really? I always thought I was just in the way,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his head, flustered.
Rei exhaled and shifted back into a seated position beneath the waterfall. “Well, you do have a knack for being noisy when I’m trying to focus,” she said dryly, though the playful glint in her eyes softened the jab. “But I’ve gotten used to it.”
Yuichiro brightened immediately. “That’s practically a compliment!”
She bit back a laugh. Somehow, despite her best efforts, he always managed to sneak past her defenses. He was clumsy, loud, and sometimes infuriating—but he was genuine. Unfailingly so.
As she settled deeper into meditation again, Rei’s mind wandered, thoughts swirling like the steam rising from the warm breaths that left her lips. She had always prided herself on independence, on being able to carry burdens alone. But Yuichiro’s quiet (and not-so-quiet) presence had become a constant in her life—steady, loyal warmth she hadn’t realized she’d come to depend on.
“You should take a break once in a while,” he called, more gently this time. “Even shrine maidens need to breathe.”
Rei’s eyes opened again, and she turned her head toward him. Her lips curved into something between amusement and gratitude. “I’ll think about it,” she said, voice light.
And then he was gone, back to wrestling with his stubborn stack of firewood. She watched him fumble, muttering under his breath about balance and stacking techniques, and something in her chest softened. Training was hard—but with him here, it didn’t feel quite so heavy.
Yuichiro, for his part, could feel her eyes on him, and it made his heart beat just a little faster. Don’t mess this up, he told himself. He admired everything about her—the strength in her silence, the fire in her spirit, even the way she teased him without ever really pushing him away. She’s amazing… and way out of my league. But still, I want to be someone she can count on.
Rei observed him quietly. He’d once been an annoyance, always underfoot, always interrupting. But now… he was something else. A comforting presence. A warmth she hadn’t asked for, but was glad to have. He made the long, quiet days less lonely. He reminded her—subtly, clumsily—that she didn’t always have to shoulder everything alone.
As the sun began its descent, casting golden light across the shrine’s snow-dusted grounds, Rei finally stepped away from the waterfall. Her body trembled from the cold, but her spirit felt strangely invigorated.
Walking over to where Yuichiro was still tangled in firewood, she crossed her arms and smirked. “Need a hand with that?” Her tone was casual, but there was unmistakable warmth in it.
He looked up, surprised and instantly beaming. “I thought you’d never ask!”
Side by side, they stacked the firewood, their laughter breaking the stillness of the evening like wind chimes in a quiet breeze. It was a simple task, but it felt… different. Lighter. Easier.
As they placed the final log on the pile, Rei turned to him. Her voice was soft, sincere. “Thank you.”
Yuichiro’s expression brightened. “Anytime, Rei-san. Really.”
The cold deepened as night crept in, stars beginning to shimmer in the indigo sky above. But Rei hardly noticed. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace—quiet and complete. Training would always be demanding, and solitude would always be familiar. But now she knew she wasn’t truly alone.
And maybe, just maybe, she didn’t have to be.
Makoto and Motoki’s Christmas Eve date was simple, yet quietly profound—a gentle reprieve from the rush of Tokyo’s holiday crowds. The forty-minute train ride to Yokohama passed in a blur of soft conversation and quiet smiles, the rhythmic hum of the rails underscoring the ease between them. As they arrived in the city, golden lights shimmered against the deepening twilight, casting a dreamlike glow over the streets. The air carried the crisp scent of roasted chestnuts and the distant echo of laughter. For the first time in a long while, Makoto allowed herself to believe in the beauty of possibility.
They wandered to Yamashita Park, where a quiet bench overlooking the bay seemed to wait just for them. The sea stretched out before them, its surface gleaming like scattered stardust under the night sky. Makoto sat with her hands folded delicately in her lap, though her fingers toyed nervously with the hem of her coat. She glanced sideways at Motoki, who gazed out at the horizon, his face softened by the amber glow of the city. He looked so calm. So steady. Everything she often feared she wasn’t.
Makoto had always borne her strength in silence—shaped by loss, tempered by solitude. Losing both of her parents when still very young had left a hollow space she learned to fill with discipline and resilience: school, martial arts, and the peaceful ritual of gardening. But no matter how full her days became, that ache for something more remained—a quiet yearning for connection, for someone who might see her not just for her strength, but for her softness, too. Past relationships had left behind invisible fractures, making her question if love was something she was meant for. Yet here, beneath a sky jewelled with stars, something felt... different. Lighter. As though the winter wind had swept away a layer of fear, leaving her bare but open.
“Thanks for coming with me,” Makoto murmured, her voice soft, vulnerable. “I’ve always wanted to share this place with someone special. It holds a lot of memories.”
Motoki turned to her, eyes warm and sincere. “I’m honoured, Kino-san,” he said, the gentleness in his voice wrapping around her like a scarf against the cold. “You’re an incredible person.” He paused, studying her as if trying to memorize her in this moment. “I’ve always admired your strength—and your kindness. Being here with you... it just feels right.”
Makoto’s breath caught, her gaze drifting to the bay. His words echoed through her, stirring emotions she’d long kept hidden. The shadows of heartbreak still lingered in her chest, but tonight they felt softer, like old ghosts fading at dawn.
“It hasn’t been easy,” she admitted, her voice trembling with honesty. “I’ve been through things that made me question if I could trust again... or love again.” Her fingers curled tighter around her coat. “But tonight, with you, I feel like maybe I’m ready. Like maybe it’s okay to try.”
Motoki didn’t flinch or shy away. He simply looked at her with the quiet steadiness she had always longed for. “Thank you for telling me that,” he said. “And for what it’s worth, I love you exactly as you are, Kino-san. Your strength, your warmth, even your stubbornness.” A smile touched his lips, soft and genuine. “I hope you feel the same.”
Tears welled in Makoto’s eyes, the city lights blurring into a sea of gold. Her heart swelled with gratitude, fear, and something unnamed—something tender and bright, like the first light after a long winter night.
“I do, Motoki-san,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Thank you—for being here. For listening. For... being you.”
Motoki reached out, his gloved hand covering hers with warmth that reached beyond skin and bone, down to the fragile, healing parts of her. “Always,” he said gently, a promise wrapped in simplicity.
They sat in silence, the world around them fading into a soft blur of light and sound. And within that stillness, Makoto felt something shift. Not just the warmth of his hand or the intimacy of shared breath—but the slow, steady unfurling of hope. A heart beginning to trust its own beat again.
As she looked out across the bay, its surface glittering like stars scattered across the sea, Makoto understood something she hadn’t before. Healing didn’t mean forgetting the pain—it meant finding someone who made the future feel worth the risk. And with Motoki beside her, that future no longer seemed so distant.
Motoki broke the silence with a quiet chuckle. “You know, Kino-san, I never imagined I’d be lucky enough to share a moment like this—with someone like you. Working at the arcade, you see a lot of faces. Most come and go. But you... you’ve always stood out. You’re strong. Kind. Honestly... you inspire me.”
Makoto blinked, caught off guard. “Me? Inspiring?” she echoed, a hint of a blush colouring her cheeks. “I’m just... me.”
“And that’s exactly why,” Motoki said, his smile growing. “You don’t need to be anything else.”
His words sank deep, filling spaces she hadn’t realized were still empty. She squeezed his hand, tears slipping free—but now they were tears of joy, of release, of healing. “Thank you, Motoki,” she said, voice firm with newfound certainty. “For seeing me. For staying. For everything.”
He leaned in, their foreheads brushing gently in a moment so soft it felt sacred. “Always,” he whispered again, like a vow carried on starlight.
They sat together as the night deepened, wrapped in golden light and winter air, the past settling peacefully behind them. With Motoki beside her, Makoto felt something she hadn’t in years: truly, deeply happy. And this time, she wasn’t afraid to hold on to it.
Minako had originally planned to spend Christmas curled up at home with Artemis, but an unexpected invitation from Setsuna changed everything. Instead of a quiet holiday, she found herself on a three-day, two-night getaway to Kyoto.
The soft hum of the bullet train served as a calming backdrop as Minako leaned back in her seat, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “This is going to be great! Thanks for inviting me, Setsuna-san.”
Setsuna’s smile was serene, carrying warmth that often lay hidden beneath her composed exterior. “I thought it would be nice to spend some time together. It’s not often we get the chance to simply relax.”
Minako’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “You’re always so mysterious, Setsuna-san. I feel like I barely know anything about you, outside of being the guardian of time.”
Setsuna’s expression softened, the weight of centuries flickering behind her calm gaze. “And you, Minako-chan, are the radiant and fearless Sailor V. We both wear masks, in a way. I thought perhaps this trip could be a chance to share who we are beneath them.”
Minako grinned, her signature mischief bubbling to the surface. “Challenge accepted. Okay, since we’re swapping stories—did I ever tell you about the time I caught a famous actor shoplifting? Ended up convincing him to donate to a local charity instead.” She laughed. “That was a wild day.”
Setsuna chuckled, the sound light and melodic. “It seems you’ve always had a way of stumbling into the extraordinary.”
Leaning forward, Minako’s expression grew more serious. “But honestly, Setsuna-san… you’ve spent so long watching over time. Doesn’t it ever get lonely?”
Setsuna turned her gaze to the passing scenery, her eyes distant, as though looking beyond the present moment. “There were times when it did. Observing history unfold, unable to fully live within it… it could be isolating. But I found comfort in my purpose—and in the quiet hope that one day, I’d have moments like this. Moments where I could simply exist.”
Minako’s chest tightened at the quiet vulnerability in Setsuna’s voice. “Well, you’re not alone anymore,” she said with conviction. “And I promise, I’ll give you plenty of ridiculous stories to make up for lost time.”
Setsuna’s smile deepened, touched by the sincerity. “I believe you will. And who knows… I may have a few stories of my own to share.”
Minako raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh? Now that I want to hear. Come on—what’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen in all your centuries as a time guardian?”
A spark of amusement lit Setsuna’s eyes. “Once, I witnessed two rival kingdoms come to peace because of a single blossom that bloomed in the dead of winter. It reminded me that even in the coldest moments, something beautiful can grow.”
Minako’s breath caught at the quiet poetry of the memory. “That’s… incredible,” she whispered. “I think I’ve got a lot to learn from you.”
“And I from you,” Setsuna replied, her voice gentle. “Your passion and fearlessness are qualities I’ve long admired.”
As the train sped on toward Kyoto, their conversation flowed effortlessly—stories weaving between past and present, age and youth. With each shared laugh and quiet reflection, a new closeness began to bloom. And in the gentle hush of that winter journey, two kindred spirits found warmth in each other’s company.
After a four-and-a-half-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo, Nanoha and Ave finally arrived at Kokura Station in Kitakyushu. The wintry air wrapped around them the moment they stepped onto the platform, their breaths forming delicate clouds in the chilly dusk. Nanoha tugged her scarf tighter around her neck, cheeks already flushed pink—though whether it was from the cold or Ave’s frequent glances during the ride, even she wasn’t sure.
She shot him a teasing smile, her hands tucked in the pockets of her coat as she turned slightly toward him.
“So, Ave-kun,” she said lightly, her tone playful but tinged with something more, “you sure you didn’t want to bring Fate-chan or Hayate-chan instead? I bet either of them would’ve made a wonderful travel buddy.”
Ave adjusted the strap of his bag with a calm expression, but the glimmer of amusement in his eyes didn’t escape her.
“Right now,” he said, voice steady but warm, “I’d rather spend time with the person who first welcomed me into this world. The one who became my family.”
Nanoha blinked, caught off guard. Her composure slipped for just a moment as a deep flush rose in her cheeks.
“D-Don’t say things like that so casually,” she muttered, half-turning to look away, her eyes darting to the busy crowd. “Teasing your older sister like that isn’t fair…”
Geez, what’s with him today… saying things like that with a straight face… she thought, as her heart doing a little somersault.
Ave’s smile deepened. “It’s the privilege of being the younger sibling,” he said with a slight shrug. “Or… maybe the cute younger boyfriend?”
Her head snapped back around. “Wha—!” Nanoha’s voice cracked mid-protest, and she quickly looked away again, her face nearly as red as the festive decorations strung across the station.
“Y-You really know how to push my buttons, Ave-kun!” she huffed, though her lips twitched upward in spite of herself.
Younger boyfriend…?! The words echoed in her mind, her heart thudding a little louder. Where does he even get this stuff?
Ave laughed softly, falling into step beside her as they made their way toward the exit. The station buzzed with holiday travellers, but somehow, the space between them felt quiet—like they were moving through a world of their own.
After a beat of silence, Ave spoke again, his voice softer now.
“Nanoha-san… thanks for bringing me here. I know this trip means a lot to you.”
Nanoha glanced at him, the sincerity in his voice grounding her. The flustered warmth in her chest gave way to something gentler.
“I just wanted to show you a place that’s important to me,” she said, her voice quiet but warm. “And… I’m really glad you’re here, Ave-kun.”
Their eyes met, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them—something tender and quietly understood. Nanoha let out a light laugh to break the moment, nudging his shoulder with her own.
“But don’t go letting it get to your head, okay?”
“No promises,” he replied easily, flashing a grin.
Nanoha rolled her eyes, but the smile stayed. Honestly, she thought with an inward sigh, he’s impossible… But maybe that’s what makes being with him so fun.
They stepped out into the vibrant streets of Kokura. Holiday lights bathed the city in a soft glow, casting a magical shimmer over the sidewalks. The scent of roasted chestnuts drifted through the air, mingling with the faint sound of carols playing in the background.
“So,” Ave said, looking around at the festive streets, “where to first, tour guide?”
Nanoha tapped her chin, her turquoise eyes brightening as she considered.
“Well, Kokura Castle is close by. This time of year, they decorate the gardens with lights—it’s really pretty, and there’s a great view of the city from the top. After that, we could head over to Mojiko Retro. It’s this historic port district—lots of charm, and good food too!”
“Sounds perfect,” Ave said, his tone warm. “Lead the way, Nanoha-san.”
As they walked side by side, their shoulders occasionally brushing, Nanoha found herself sneaking glances at him.
He’s changed so much since we first met, she thought, heart swelling with quiet pride. But… he’s still Ave-kun. Always teasing. Always sincere when it matters. Always there.
Ave, too, felt her presence keenly. She’s been my anchor ever since I arrived, he thought, eyes lingering on her silhouette. Even when I wasn’t sure who I was or where I belonged… she was there. I’ll never be able to put into words how much that means.
Their thoughts remained unspoken, but the understanding between them was clear—woven through shared memories, unspoken trust, and the gentle rhythm of years spent side by side.
As they reached the base of Kokura Castle, bathed in soft light and surrounded by gently glowing trees, Ave looked at Nanoha again. Her face was alight with quiet wonder as she took in the view—and in that moment, he knew.
This is where I belong, he thought. Right here, with her.
And when Nanoha turned and met his gaze, her heart stirred with the same certainty.
This is where I’m meant to be, she thought. With him.
For a single, perfect moment, the world around them faded—leaving only the quiet, enduring bond that had always connected them.