Harder than sitting day after day in that hospital room as her beloved fought to live, admitting to her childhood friend that she loved her terrified Fate. Nanoha had saved her from the lost, sorrowful girl she'd been when they were little and she'd latched onto the mage back then, a strong bond forming between them.

But what if Nanoha asked her if it really was love she felt, or just a projection of her childhood adoration?

No, she didn't want to see the look in those eyes. She wasn't ready yet, too scared to let Nanoha know her feelings.