Author's Note: Just something I've been planing to do for a while. I plan to include epilogues with my other stories so I figured I should start now. Plus it lets me finalize some of my thoughts.

Epilogue

Letting out a deep sigh, I fall back onto my couch. This has been one heck of a day.

Loosening my collar with one hand, I reach for the remote and turn on the TV. I really should watch the news more often, but I just haven't had the time.

"Here."

I look to my right to see a cup of tea being held out for me. "Ah. Thank you Signum."

Taking a sip, I can feel Signum sit down next to me and I hear her start drinking her own tea. Sitting there, it finally starts to sink in.

Signum returned from her mission today. From what she told me so far, the mission had been rather interesting. After all, it's not everyday that you meet someone who says they trained under you in an alternate universe.

Then again… that information can wait. The most pressing issue, for me, right now is… "You're sure you didn't tell her?"

Signum sighs. "Yes Mistress. For the twelfth time today, I didn't tell her." I breathe a sigh of relief. "I thought it would be better if Testarossa heard the news directly from one of you."

I nod. That's certainly the best course of action she could take given the circumstances. Right, with that out of the way I reach for the remote.

"Are you going to tell her?"

And I hit the mute button.

I should have seen this coming. Fate-chan will find out sooner or later about my date with Nanoha-chan. The problem is…

I grimace as an image of Fate-chan wielding Zamber pops into my head.

"She's not going to try and hurt you." I swear it seems like Signum is able to read my mind sometimes.

"I know that, but I'm still not sure if I should tell her." Signum raises an eyebrow at me. "At least, I don't think I should be the one to tell her."

I sink back into the couch and stare into my rapidly cooling tea. "I mean, she's loved Nanoha-chan since they first met. It would be rather cruel for me to tell her that Nanoha-chan doesn't love her anymore."

Signum nods in agreement. "And what about you?"

I jump slightly. She's right. I love both Nanoha-chan and Fate-chan. I've loved them both for nearly ten years now, but…

I lean my head back and close my eyes. I can imagine both of them perfectly in my mind, standing across from me. And yet, when I imagine both of them extending a hand towards me…

"I love Nanoha-chan." Nanoha-chan's is the only hand I take.

"I guess I still love Fate-chan, but not in the same way."

"She'll be sad to hear that." I turn towards the pink-haired knight. "In a way, Testarossa has just lost the two of you." I flinch. That's certainly true, although I wouldn't have put it quite that way.

"What do you think?" I take a sip of my tea. It's cold, but it still helps ease my nerves.

Signum looks down at the cup in her hands. "I am your knight. I will follow you wherever you go. If you truly love Takamachi, then I will support you and whatever life you two lead."

I can't help but smile. She has always been like that, and I feel blessed to have her as not only my knight, but as family. Although that reminds me.

"Say Signum. On the off-chance Fate-chan does get angry at me… what would you do?"

I hear her let out an exasperated sigh. "If that was to happen. I assure you that I would protect you Hayate." She laughs to herself and brings the cup to her lips. "After all, I would just have to beat her down until she starts thinking straight. That would be rather simple."

I start laughing in spite of myself. Signum may not make jokes to often, but she can say some funny things from time to time.

"Ah, it's getting late. I'll start making dinner." Signum gets up and heads for the kitchen. She waves me down when I start to get up. "Let me do this one. Once you and Takamachi start dating we'll have to start feeding ourselves. Let me get some more practice in."

I feel my cheeks start to light up and pout at her retreating form. The next moment, Rein pokes her head around the corner.

"Oh Hayate. That reminds me." She flies out into the doorway. "Nanoha-san called a little while ago and said she should be back sometime tomorrow."

Signum chuckles. "I guess those time are coming earlier than I thought." Without another word, she waves Rein back into the kitchen and starts getting to work cooking.

I'm pretty sure my entire face is red at this point. Yet, I'm also smiling ear-to-ear as I reach for the remote.