And again Fate paused. She should make an excuse, quick. Anything to get her away before one of the girls that had been tormenting Fate for what felt like ages saw.

... But Fate really, really didn't want to. Her mother's actions were beginning to get worse, especially after the latest round of tests ("Why can't you be as good as your sister!" she would say). So, despite the looming threat of bullying falling down on her friend... Fate just wanted to spend some time with the one person that made her feel like she still mattered.

So she turned, and smiled a smile that was only half-forced. "H-Hey, Nanoha..."