Disclaimer: The author of the fanfiction (babbler) does not, in any way, profit from the story and that all creative rights to the characters belong to their original creator.
Notice 1: This story is Nanoha x Fate but there is minor Yuuno x Nanoha that soon passes.
Notice 2: For anyone wondering, my other stories have not been abandoned. It is just taking me quite a while to write them.
He's such a dork! Nanoha rested her head on the back of the bench and stared up at the ceiling of the theatre. It was covered in water stains and gunk. One of which looked kind of looks like a rabbit with a crooked ear and...I wonder what that gunk is?
She sat back up and looked at her phone. There were no more messages than before. The movie was starting in five minutes. She looked down at the two tickets in her hand and read their contents for the millionth time. Nothing had changed from the last time she looked them over.
8:45 start time. What a waste of ten dollars...or twenty since I bought Yuuno's too. Couldn't he have sent me one more message and tell me for certain he couldn't make it? Stupid Yuuno.
Nanoha startled as a woman sat down besides her on the bench. I should go watch the movie so it isn't a total waste. She looked around the entrance area and down at her spare ticket. I guess I'll just throw it away...or try giving it to someone maybe.
She looked over at the woman occupying her bench. She was a lanky woman with large breasts and long blonde hair. She was wearing a short black skirt with black stockings underneath and charcoal v-neck t-shirt. Now that I think about it...this is the same woman that was here earlier. She's been here for a while. I wonder if she wants this.
"Umm, excuse me. I have an extra ticket...so would you like to have it?"
The blonde woman's shoulder's jerked and she turned to Nanoha with a forced smile. "What?"
"Oh...ah...my date didn't show up and I already bought two tickets...so...one would just go to waste if...I...you know..." Nanoha rubbed the back of her head and blushed. Am I sounding creepy? If some stranger offered me a ticket out of the blue would I be creeped out?
"Are you sure you...don't need it?" Her voice was soft and sweet and blush already coloured her cheeks.
"No. The movie is starting now and if he wants a ticket he's going to have to buy one himself!" Nanoha gritted her teeth and crossed her arms. Her expression lightened, "he pissed me off a little bit."
"I see." The woman tentatively reached out her hand for the ticket Nanoha was offering.
"Take it." Nanoha placed the ticket into the other woman's small white hands and clasped them together. "Lets go before we miss it." Nanoha jumped to her feet, smoothed her clothes, and walked at a brisk pace toward the attendant.
She handed the ticket to the man and smiled happily at the other woman close behind her. Yay. She doesn't think I'm a creep...maybe. Nanoha increased pace again up the ramps to the seating.
The place was nearly full and humming with the intermingled voices of hundreds of people. The movie hadn't started yet and Nanoha compulsively checked her watch, neither seeing the time or realizing she did so. She scanned the rows for an empty seat through the darkness. She walked up several stairs to an aisle with a handful of empty seats and squeezed her way past those already sitting. She plopped down in her chair and leaned back.
So comfy. I can't believe these used to be stadium seating once. She felt a tap on her arm and pulled back her legs so someone could squeeze by.
"It is so full," said the woman has she sat down beside her.
Wah? Oh! It was the women from before. "I usually come here and I can't remember the last time it was this crowded."
"Thank you for the ticket." She was looking at her shoes and, even in the darkness, she could see blood filling her face again.
"You're very welcome." That stupid ferret owes me big time. "I'm Nanoha, Nanoha Tackmachi."
She smiled happily.
"I'm Fate...Testarossa." Fate's eyes met her own then drifted back toward the screen.
What a interesting name. Isn't Testarossa a car or something? She scrunched her eyes closed. I can't ask her that! "Do you come here often for movies?" Nice one Nanoha! Now she probably thinks I'm trying to pick her up...if she didn't already.
"No. I just moved here. I came here to cool down because my apartment air conditioner is not working and I got overheated trying to unpack."
"Yeah, it's so hot...oh poop! I forgot to get popcorn." She turned towards Fate, whose eyes were still trained on the previews. "Would you like some? I can get it for you?"
"No thank you. I do not have my purse with me..."
"That's okay! I can get it for you." Nanoha eased herself out of her seat.
"No that's okay. Too much salt for me. Thank you for asking." Fate smiled pleasantly.
"Mind holding my seat for me?" Nanoha received a nod in reply and squeezed past the person next to her.
She stands out. Her hair glows in this light. Hehe. I'll know exactly where I was sitting. Nanoha grinned crookedly and pulled her phone from her pocket.
To Yuuno: I met someone and we even shared popcorn! Movies are so much better with company.
Teach you for picking overtime over me. Why couldn't he just say no? He's a librarian so it's not like it's mandatory. Nanoha sighed and trotted down the ramp to the concession stands and into the short line-up.
Bzzt. Her phone buzzed in her hand.
From Yuuno: You're joking right...I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you mad but I had to work tonight.
Sure you did. Yuuno has no spine for this kind of thing. Feels like he just treats me like a friend. I bet if he were dating someone else he'd go out of his way to accommodate their dates. I...I don't know if that's a good thing though. I don't want him to just drop everything for me but it feels like I play backseat to things I shouldn't be. Like when we planned on going to the hot springs and he couldn't go because of Chrono's last minute bachelor party
Bzzt.
From Yuuno: I'll make it up to you somehow.
Nanoha sighed and shook her head. She put her phone back into her purse and stepped up to the counter to pay for her popcorn.
Maybe we should stop planning things since it never goes right. Nanoha found herself back in the theatre and quickly ascending the stairs and scanning the rows for her friend. Friend? I've only spoken maybe ten words to her though it didn't stop me when I was little from calling everyone I met their friend. She hopped up the stairs and squeezed past the people in her row and plopped down in her seat. Fate stood out somehow and it was easy to find amongst all the people. The movie had just started.
I usually eat all my popcorn during the previews so it's nice to actually have some when the movie is underway. Nanoha smiled happily.
She leaned over towards Fate and whispered, "Would you like some?"
Fate shuddered, chills going down her spine at Nanoha's warm breath against her ear and face. "Sure." She manged to spit out and took a handful.
Nanoha sat back to munch her popcorn. Things could have gone worse tonight.
The movie went by quickly. Before she knew it, Nanoha found herself in a mass of people leaving the theatre with Fate by her side.
"I think I'd like to see that movie again. I couldn't keep track of all the plot twists."
"Yeah, me as well. Was the woman a sociopath? Is that what the message was." Fate was staring straight ahead, deep in thought.
"I don't think I could tell you, " Nanoha giggled.
The pair stepped outside into the cool night air and Nanoha stretched her arms above her head. "That was fun. Maybe we should do it again some time."
"I would like that." Fate fiddled with the front of her shirt. "Thank you for the ticket."
"You're very welcome." Nanoha smiled and twirled around.
They turned towards each other and remained that way for several moments, Nanoha opening her mouth searching for something to say and Fate still fiddling with her shirt, people spilling out around them from the theatre.
"Bye," they both said in unison taking a step in the same direction.
"Oh, do you live this way?"
"Yes, I live around the corner."
"Looks like we're neighbours! I live around the corner too."
Nanoha stretched her back again. Sitting in the theatre for nearly two hours had made her sore. It was a beautiful night and warm but not so warm that she would have trouble sleeping. Someone must be barbequing. Nanoha looked around for the source of the faint smell of smoke in the air. I haven't had barbeque in forever.
"How long have you lived here?"
"I just moved here today. I have not even unpacked yet. I will probably leave that until tomorrow after work."
There looked like there was some fuss up ahead at the intersection. Nanoha could see a barricade and some red and blue lights flashing on the buildings. I wonder if they'll let us through. We might have to walk around.
"I'm a teacher. What do you do?"
"I am a social worker." Fate turned and her eyes met Nanoha's but then shot away again. "Umm...what subject do you teach."
" for high school students. They say I'm really strict. Hehehe."
"That is hard to imagine with your demeanour."
They approached the barricade. There was a policeman standing there looking bored and leaning against his police car. The first thing Nanoha noticed was the heat, even from that distance she could feel it against her face like standing next to a campfire. An apartment building was burning, the flames high in the air. Four fire trucks filled the street, their lights flashing, and dozens of firefighters walking to and fro. There was a throng of people standing at the other end of the street adjacent to the other barricade. I thought I smelt smoke.
"Fate..." Nanoha bit her tongue. Fate's eyes were wide and her mouth was slightly ajar. Her already white skin had turned a shade paler. Oh.
"Ma'am?" The police officer approached her. "Do you live here?"
Fate managed to nod her head.
"If you'll follow me there is a woman who will take care of you and get you situated." He gently grasped Fate's hand and led her to a little old lady with white hair sitting in a fold-up chair next to a van.
"Do you live here?" The policeman had returned.
"I'm her friend." I can't believe this is happening.
"Why don't you go comfort her. Go ahead you can pass the barricade."
Nanoha found herself walking towards Fate, the left side of her face burning with the heat. Fate was sitting at the back of the van and staring into the blaze, her eyes still wide. Nanoha sat quietly besides her and followed the other woman's gaze to the far window on the second floor. There was smoke spilling from the broken window. I bet that's her apartment.
"Are you okay?" Nanoha intertwined her fingers with Fate's and squeezed gently. Fate didn't budge. "So...umm...what happens now? Do they have somewhere for you to stay?"
"A church basement across town." Fate sighed. "I think I am just going to rent a room at the...I don't have any money on me. I did not take my purse when I left tonight because I was only going for a walk." She sighed again.
The two sat in silence watching the fire and the firemen mill about. I hope no one was hurt.
"Do you have anyone to stay with."
"No."
"Fate...why don't you stay with me tonight...I know we just met...but it'll be more comfortable than a cot and it'll be easier to get ready for work tomorrow...I mean you probably don't have to go to work the day after something like this happens...but it would have to be more comfortable than some damp church basement with dozens of people."
Fate stared at her for a second blankly. "I would be imposing."
"No you won't. Come on. I like company." Nanoha jumped to her feet and tugged on Fate's hand. "You can have a shower. It'll make you feel better. I'm sure I have some cuddly pj's that would look great on you." Fate grudgingly let herself be pulled to her feet.
Nanoha pulled the limp Fate down the street and past the group of people standing huddled together. It didn't take long before they were in front of Nanoha's own apartment building. She walked up to the entrance and slid her card through the slot. The door popped open with a beep and she dragged Fate up three flights of stairs to her apartment. Her building was only a block away and she she could still see the glow from the blaze from the window across the hall. She opened the door and flicked on the lights.
Immediately her eyes fell on her sweater hanging over the back of her couch that she'd been wearing before she left for her date, or rather, to get stood up by her date. Two dirty glasses and a plate adorned her coffee table and Nanoha scrunched her eyes closes and cursed silently. She hated having a bachelor pad since it meant you could see her entire apartment right from the door. She was silently grateful she had made her bed and didn't have any other clothes strewn about.
Why do I always leave a mess when I go out. She bolted for the sweater and threw it over her shoulder then picked up the glasses and plate and sped into the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink Fate? Coffee, tea, juice, water?"
"Water is fine."
Nanoha opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water for Fate and herself. I wonder how I would react with something like that happened. She walked into the living room and sat beside Fate.
The pair sat there sipping water silently listening to the clock tick. It probably wouldn't hit me for a while...maybe the next morning when I wanted to use my computer and realized it was charcoal.
"Go have a shower. It'll be refreshing." Nanoha patted her on the leg.
Fate rose slowly and walked toward the bathroom.
Nanoha pulled out her phone.
From Hayate: That fire isn't at your place is it? I wish you'd answer the fucking phone!
There were six more like it from her. I'm sorry! She quickly texted back a reply. There were none from Yuuno though.
Bzzt. Her phone buzzed again.
From Hayate: I'm glad you're okay but I'm still going to kick your ass tomorrow.
Maybe I should call in sick too. I don't like having Hayate mad at me.
Thud! Nanoha jumped at noises from the bathroom. She was used to being alone. Listening intently she could hear soft singing over the sound of the shower. I think I found your replacement Yuuno. Nanoha giggled. She grinned, her mouth splitting ear to ear.
To Yuuno: Sleepover time!
The response was immediate.
From Yuuno: I'm game. Should I come over now?
To Yuuno: You're not invited.
From Yuuno: I'm hungry. You want take-out?
To Yuuno: Srsly, two is company, three is a crowd. You ain't invited.
From Yuuno: Sigh...I'm sorry I stood you up. Don't rub it in.
The door to the bathroom opened and there was sound of naked feet plodding down the hall.
To Yuuno: Gotta go wink.
"Sorry Fate. I should have had the pyjamas ready for you."
"It's okay."
Nanoha smiled. Fate was standing awkwardly readjusting her towel with another wrapped wrapped around her hair. Long pale naked legs and a small towel that barely covered anything at all.
Fate tiled her head questioningly. Innocently staring at her.
"Nightgown or pjs?" Nanoha hurried to her dresser.
"Nighgown please. I am not sure your pyjamas would fit me."
Hmm. The short nightgown or the long one? Nanoha smirked. She held up the short one in front of her. What am I thinking! She folded it back up and pulled the longer black soft cotton nightgown from her drawer and handed it to Fate.
No sooner had she entered the bathroom and shut the door than she emerged again and followed Nanoha to the couch.
"Are you okay now." It looks like she has a little colour in her cheeks at least now.
"Yes. I believe I was overreacting. I am safe and I should be happy I was not in my apartment went it caught fire." She took a long sip of her water. "I probably would have been asleep when it happened since I might have taken a nap if I returned without watching the movie."
"I'm glad I gave you that ticket because it means you're safe!"
Fate's lip quivered and from the corner of her eye she saw a flash of blonde. Before she could react, Fate's arms were wrapped around her in a tight embrace.
"Thank you for being here for me. I don't have anyone else."
Nanoha shivered, feeling Fate's lips brush against her neck with each word.
Aww. "You're very welcome." Nanoha wrapped her arms around Fate's slight frame. I'm glad she wasn't there when it caught on fire. I wonder if a story about it yet on the news website.
"I...I just cannot believe that everything I own is gone."
"Maybe you'll get lucky and some of it will be saved."
"Maybe."
Nanoha froze at wet sensation at her ear than nip of teeth at her neck. Fate pulled back a little and she found herself staring at too very pretty red eyes, their noses nearly touching. Fate's hands were moving down her back, then suddenly, Fate jumped and sat back on the couch as if nothing had happened; her face a dark shade of red.
"It's...It's late I'll make a bed for you on the couch." She rushed over to her walk-in closet and cupped her face in her hands leaning against a shelf. What was that? She rubbed the spot on her neck that, not seconds ago, had felt teeth against. With a deep breath, she pulled some spare blankets from her shelf.
Fate was still heavily blushing, and Nanoha imagined her own face to be a similar shade of red.
"I can make a bed. You do not have to do it." Fate took the offered blankets. "Sorry...about...umm..."
"Don't worry about it." Nanoha turned on her heel and picked a couple of pillows from her own bed and tossed them over to Fate. "If you get hungry tonight feel free to raid the fridge. I have some goodies in there."
"Okay. Thank you."
Nanoha picked up her pyjamas from her bed and walked over to the bathroom and closed the door. Darn it! Now it's awkward. She rubbed her face.
