This is the translated version of "Es Ella y Yo" by Tachiandneko, the whole story belongs to him/her.

T/N: Hi everyone I'm back with this new story that i hope you like. I only wanna let you know some things about this story. First, I really didn't get permission to translate it, is not that I didn't ask for it, I did but never got an answer. Second, it is rated M, just in case you didn't notice. And third, this story is completely different from the other one I did before, I think this one is more of a "real life situation" so there's no fantasy in it, but there's a lot of drama and many other thing you'll find out about when you read it. Also sorry if the chapter is a little long :)

Hey people, it me again but two years later. I re-edited this story, it's much better now, or at least I think it's much better now, it's not perfect cause there's always the occasional careless mistake you know, but it's definitely better. Sorry it took me so long to check it, especially when it needed it so much. I've gotten better at this whole translating thing over this two years so I decided to checked it since it's one of my favorites stories, and I found the horrible truth that I wasn't such a good translator at fist, I kinda sucked at it actually, but I'm better now yay, so to those who are reading this fic for the first time, you're lucky you did have to suffer through my several mistakes and confusing wording. Also, and to finish this way too long side-note, I finally got permission from the author so that's good too. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing from MGLN.

"It's Her and I"

It had been a month since Nanoha Takamachi and Fate Testarossa had been working together, however, their relationship has remained strictly professional.

For Nanoha, Fate's seriousness was a complete mystery, she couldn't say that she'd been mean or indifferent, it simply was that she avoided engaging in any kind of conversation that had nothing to do with work and no matter how much she tried to break the ice, Fate would always find a way to freeze everything again.

Nanoha had always been known for being very outgoing and playful. It wasn't that she liked to be the center of attention or anything, but she just enjoyed sharing things with people around her and be happy and dynamic, that's why she liked making sure that her co-workers were a bit more than just part time company. This characteristic was what made it harder for her to overlook her failure at breaking the ice with Fate, being the person with whom she shared an office every day until 5:00 pm, it seemed absurd that they still couldn't speak of anything else that wasn't work.

From the first day she'd entered the office she'd noticed how good of a professional Fate was, she had proved to be very creative and detail in her work, just like Nanoha, so in that sense they complemented each other very well. But in the personal aspect of things, everything could be summed up as THERE'S NO RELATIONSHIP WHATSOEVER.

At first she thought that if Fate didn't want to have any sort of personal relationship with anyone in the office, including her, she must have her reasons and that perhaps it was best to leave things as they were, but each passing day the doubts of whether Fate's behavior was due to something she had said or done invaded her, so that day, she decided that it was time to ask Fate.

"Fate"

"Umm?" she replied without looking up from her computer.

Their desks were next to each other, so Nanoha could see that Fate was very focused on her work.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure" she quietly replied.

For a moment Nanoha doubted if the time was right or not, but she thought it was best to just do it once and for all.

"Have I done something to upset you?"

"What?" at that moment Fate turned to her with a frown as sign of not understanding the question.

"Have I done or said something to upset you?"

"No…" she shook her head. "Why do you ask?"

"Well it's because… we've already been working together for a month and no matter how much I've tried to get close to you, well… you always avoid it, so I thought that… I don't know… maybe it's because of me?" she said doubtfully.

Fate looked at her for a moment before answering. She hadn't realized that in her eagerness to go unnoticed she was giving a wrong idea to her partner.

"No Nanoha, it's not that." she told her a little embarrassed. "It's just that I'm not very good at that whole being friendly thing. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable."

Fate had enough reasons for not wanting to get involved with anyone at work, a bad experience in her previous work had shown her that co-workers were just that, co-workers, trying something else, was like giving them permission to engage in her private life, to talk about it or even judge it, so she would rather pretend that she wasn't good at interacting with others. She had always been shy, but that hadn't prevented her from interacting with other people. That frivolous attitude towards others was simply her choice. But she had to admit that Nanoha seemed to be different from the others, and in more than one occasion she was tempted to give her and give herself a chance to get to know each other; however, recalling her recent bad experience, made her forget about that idea. But now, hearing about Nanoha's concerns, she felt like she should put her guard down even just a little, after all, talking or being nice to Nanoha didn't mean she would have to widely open the pages of her life.

"It's okay." Nanoha smiled slightly. "It's just that I wanted to be sure I wasn't the cause of your distance with me."

"You're not. In fact… I like working with you." Fate confessed, taking a more relaxed position in her chair.

Nanoha couldn't help being surprise. While it was true that so far, they had agreed on opinions, points of views and decisions, she had always thought that for Fate, working with her was more of an obligation than something pleasurable.

"Really? You're not saying it out of obligation?" she inquired with a look that made Fate smile.

"Really. I find it easy to work with you. Also…" she diverted her eyes a little as if thinking about what she was about say.

"Yes?" Nanoha said when she noticed that Fate wasn't continuing.

"You're very clever and witty." She said emphasizing the last word when remembering Nanoha's last prank. She had put salt in the sugar jar that is used by everyone in the office.

"Yeah, well…" Nanoha said blushing and laughing at the same time. "…I've always been like that, though I've improved over time, believe me."

Fate opened her eyes a little wider when trying to imagine how she could have been before, but by doing so she couldn't help joining Nanoha in her laughter.

"But relax I won't do anything to you, I swear." she said raising her hand as a form of oath.

"I hope so" she said raising an eyebrow, amused.

"I don't want to push my luck but…" Nanoha said after a little pause. "…want to have lunch together?"

"Here?" she asked referring to the company cafeteria.

"Yes. Well, if you don't mind of course." Nanoha was quick to add, when seeing Fate's unconvinced expression. "We can also go somewhere else if you'd prefer."

Fate wasn't sure whether to accept the invitation or not, she knew that if she crossed that line, it was very possible that later on she would not be able to back away, but deep down, she needed to feel more comfortable in the office and if she continued on with her plan of not getting involved with anyone, she wouldn't make it, so she agreed.

They went to an Italian restaurant that was two blocks away from the office. They had to wait for a bit before they were given a table, since the place was packed, but once they sat down and ordered, Nanoha took the initiative and started the conversation.

"So tell me, do you know the city?"

"Yes. I lived here in Europe most of my life, I only left for a couple of years."

"Ah ok, I thought you were new around here." Fate came from working at a well-known advertising agency in the industry. "The agency where you come from is a very good one."

"Yes it is." She confirmed.

"When I heard you were coming from there, I couldn't believe it." she said after the waiter left their two drinks on the table. "And much less, when I heard that you had been the one to quit."

Fate's eyes darkened and her face instantly became strained to the point that she was forced to try hiding it by drinking some of her juice. Nanoha felt the change.

"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing." she tried to smile, but it was more a grimace than a smile. "The agency is excellent, I have no complaints."

"So then… why?" she left the question open to see if Fate answered.

"Let's say that I had to choose between my job stability and my mental health." She knew she was giving more information than she should, but it was better to answer some questions before they increased.

"Well." Nanoha said a bit surprised. "Seeing it like that, you didn't have many options, did you?"

"No… it was really hard for me to leave, but ultimately, I can find work elsewhere. So I decided to return to my city."

"Of course, I understand"

Nanoha knew she had touched a sensitive spot in Fate's life, so she decided not to touch the subject anymore. She didn't want Fate to think of her as nosy.

"And are you from here?" Fate asked.

"Me?... well, honestly speaking, I can no longer say I'm from somewhere in particular. I've traveled so much since I was little that I lost the sense of belonging somewhere."

"How is that?" she asked a bit surprised by her response.

"My father was a soldier in Japan, so it depended on where he was moved every two years or so. That lasted until I reached the university, I then went to study in Madrid, since we were living close by. I think that was the most stable period I ever had." she said with blank eyes. "There I met my husband, but for that I have an excuse since you probably think that I got married at a very young age… I married him so that my father could get a higher position and so there were fewer changes of countries, cities and houses, which was a nuisance to my mother and to me as well really. He is a professional pilot, initially he worked for a commercial airline, but then he was hired in a private company. A year ago, one of the owners of the company offered him a private job with him, but on the condition of changing cities every time he needed to do so, so my stay in Madrid didn't last long, of course he would provide him a home wherever he arrived at, so that's why we ended here."

"Wow… that's a lot of moving, isn't it?"

"Yes, at first I found it fun to travel regularly, but over the years it became more difficult and annoying" she made a pause. "I guess I'm starting to miss having a single household." she said wistfully. "I'm a little tired of constantly having to adapt to a new town, new colleagues, not having someone to talk to…" she shook her head slightly, realizing that she was burdening Fate with her problems. "I'm sorry, I think I'm talking too much."

Fate remained silent for a few seconds. In that moment she realized that Nanoha's way of being, so outgoing and joking was nothing but a mask that hid her need to belong somewhere, which made her think even more that it wasn't fair to make her pay for the things in her own past.

"Don't worry, we all need someone to talk to from time to time." she smiled reassuringly.

"Yes, well, the problem is that when I start, I usually find it hard to stop."

They both laughed. Since then the relationship between them became more pleasant. Gradually they realized how much they had in common, their love for movies, their passion for bowling, their need to go shopping when they felt depressed or when hormones were present, having older siblings… details that made it possible for Fate to feel more comfortable with her decision.

Arf, her years-long friend and roommate, had noticed the change in mood and looks that Fate had experienced. It wasn't much what she could see, since due to her irregular working hours, whenever she arrived, Fate was usually asleep or was about to go to bed, so it was very little what they could share. However, for her the change was noticeable, but what intrigued her the most was what had caused it.

On a Friday like any other, when Fate arrived at her apartment, she was surprised to find Arf sitting on the couch watching TV and eating pizza. It was a great surprise, giving that Arf was one of those people who wouldn't get home until early Saturday morning or even on Sunday.

"Hey!" she greeted upon entering.

"Hey!" she said through clenched teeth holding a bite of pizza in her mouth.

Fate put her jacket on the mini closet that was behind the front door and walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"Here's some pizza, if you haven't eaten yet."

"Yeah, thanks. I'm starving, actually."

Fate took a plate from the cabinet and sat down next to Arf. She took two slices of pizza and started eating.

"And how come you're home today?" asked Fate.

"Well, it's nothing in particular. I just didn't feel like going out today."

"Are you feeling ok?" she said incredulously.

Arf looked at her and laughed before answering.

"Yes, I feel fine… really, I just didn't feel like going out, that's all."

"Ok" she shrugged.

They stayed silent for a while as they ate until then the series they were watching went to commercials.

"And you?" Arf asked her.

"What about me?"

"What happened to you? Lately you don't arrive earlier than 8 pm."

Fate was surprised at that. It was true that since she started spending time with Nanoha, it was rare for her to arrive at 5:30 like she used to, but the strange thing was that Arf knew about it, since she always arrived after 9, so she didn't know how she was aware of the change in her time of arrival.

"And how do you know that?"

"I know some people." she said suppressing a smile.

"Could it be that 'some people' is actually Mrs. Lindy?"

"Whaaaaat? That's impossible." she said in an exaggerated manner.

Fate couldn't help laughing. Mrs. Lindy was a middle-aged woman who had been working as the caretaker of the building since she was young. She knew everyone who lived there, temporarily or permanently, at what time they arrived or left and who were their frequent visitors.

"I didn't know that Mrs. Lindy was so aware of me"

"To be fair with her, I actually told her to watch over you. She didn't give the information as a gossip but because I asked for it." she confessed.

"Yeah. And wasn't it better to just ask me directly?"

"Well yes, but I didn't want to be tiresome" she made a pause. "Then… are you going to tell what caused the change? Or who?"

"Hahaha, can't it simply be that I wanted to change?"

"I don't think so. And with that laugh, much less. Come on, tell me what happened."

Fate thought for a few seconds before speaking. She told her about the conversation she had with Nanoha and how bad she felt when she realized that somehow she was punishing her away for something that she had nothing to do with, and that's why she had decided to leave behind her antisocial attitude. She also told her that due to the absence of her husband, Nanoha always tried to make up something to do with her to avoid having to go to her empty house, but that night, her husband had arrived early, so it was "home night", as they had named it.

"Wow! You seem like the most intimate of friends, don't you?" Arf said, a hint of reproach in her voice. "One of these days you're going to tell me that you're moving with her to keep her company."

"Hahaha, don't be so dramatic, that would never happen."

"Dramatic! Since you arrived here, three months ago, I've tried to get you to go out, to get distracted and all I got were negatives. But then a red hair stranger comes, as you told me, cries a little and says she is lonely and without a stable home and immediately puff! Like daisies you come out of your confinement." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm happy for you, really. I'm just sad that it was a stranger who achieved that change on you."

Fate stared at her for a moment. Arf was not the "jealous" type of friend, but she knew that somehow the fact of not having accepted her help during those days, had hurt her. Since they met, they have been very close and there was no doubt that she would always be there for her whenever needed, but at that particular time, Fate needed something else, another atmosphere, and going out with Arf didn't help her. She hadn't told her that, but it was time to do so.

"Arf… I know you've tried to help me and I really appreciate it. You don't know how much. But right now, Nanoha represents a parenthesis in my life, a pause to the disappointment, the anger and the… humiliation I lived. That's why I go out with her, that's why listening to her problems, her worries, her anxieties and her jokes, they're all like a balm of forgetfulness. It prevents me from thinking and remembering, even if it's only for a few hours, everything that happened… it makes me forget it."

"We can also do that, Fate." Arf and her friends Hayate, Vita, Reinforce, Shamal and Signum, had talked several times about the one thousand and one strategies to help Fate overcome what had happened in the previous months.

"I know. The problem is that right now, I even want to forget about who I am and with you guys, I can't do that."

"Forget about who you are?" she asked frowning. She didn't know exactly what she meant.

"Yes, Arf, forget who I am."

"You don't have to do that Fate. You have nothing to be ashamed of, you know that right?" she told her after a few moments.

Fate's silence answered her.

"Fate, listen carefully to what I'm going to tell you. What happened was horrible, yes, but by no means do you have to feel ashamed of it. It's not your fault that your mother wanted to cover up your homosexuality by accusing you of being a sexually perverted person. It's not your fault that she was such a coward and so selfish as to prefer destroying your reputation and your image just so that no one discovered the truth. It's not your fault that everyone in the company allowed themselves to get entangled in her lies. So no Fate, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF, NOTHING!"

The last words were said with such intensity and inflection that Fate couldn't help her eyes from filling with tears. How many times had she repeated herself the same thing without success of believe it?

Fate hugged Arf. She had never liked to show that weakness to anyone, but at that moment the emotions surpassed her and she couldn't help seeking comfort from her. For countless nights since returning there, she had quietly cried in her room trying to get rid of the frustration she felt for what had happened to her, but apparently that wasn't enough. Just the mere fact of talking about it made her body and mind intimately revive every infernal moment of what had happened. After crying uncontrollably for several long minutes, the sobs were subsiding until they stopped.

Arf offered her a napkin to wipe her face. They stayed silent for some time before Fate broke the silence.

"I was so stupid Arf… that's what infuriates me the most. I made myself believe that I could 'make her change', that 'the love between mother and daughter would be enough to make her accept me'… it's… it's something I don't forgive myself for." she said this last words looking into her eyes.

"You had no way of knowing that everything would end up so bad."

"You guys warned me."

"Yes, but we never imagined she would be capable of doing something like that. So you, who had so much hope that your mother Precia would change, could much less have imagined it."

"Do you know what the worst thing is?" she asked not looking at her face in shame of what she was about to confess.

"What?"

She remained silent trying to get the courage to speak.

"What is it Fate?" she took her hand as sign of support.

"That even after all that, when receiving a call or a message, I can't help but think that perhaps it's my mother regretting everything."

Arf had to make a great effort to not take Fate by shoulders and shake her so she could just see the truth; nevertheless, she understood that it was already hard enough having to live with that feeling, as well as having to listen to criticism from others. So she just placed her arm around Fate's shoulders and hugged her.

"Don't worry Fate, everything will be okay… everything will be okay."

It took a few days before Arf decided to make a little move in the task of getting Fate to recover her life. Fate's motivation to go out with Nanoha was pretty clear, but as things were currently going, the bond between them would most likely grow, and when it became inevitable for Nanoha to find out about her preferences, everything would get complicated and turn into a complete disaster, so she thought it was time to act.

Fate and Nanoha were in their office working super concentrated when Arf suddenly came. They were so into their work, that neither of them realized she was standing at the door until she knocked lightly to get their attention.

"Morning, can I come in?"

"Arf!" Fate said surprised.

"Hi Fate." Arf smiled as she walked in and went around Fate's desk to give her a kiss on the cheek. "I hope you don't mind me coming here."

"No, of course not. You just surprised me." she said, still surprised.

"Yeah, well… I was around the neighborhood and decided to come and say hi." still smiling, she looked at Nanoha. "You must be the famous Nanoha?"

"Famous?" Nanoha said, eyes widening in surprise.

"Yep… Fate has talked so much about you. Well, you're the only one she has talked about actually…" she quickly said when feeling Fate moving in her chair. "Of course, knowing her as well as I do, it's most likely that you're the only one she talks to… she's a little antisocial." she said covering the side of her mouth as if it was a secret and then they both started laughing. "Nice to meet you, I'm Arf. Fate's roommate" she said shaking Nanoha's hand.

"Nice to meet you too." Nanoha smiled broadly.

"Well you already met Nanoha and you said hi to me, so now…" Fate left the sentence unfinished hoping for Arf to finish it, but she only looked at her with a half smirk on her lips.

"You're not even going to offer me a sit?" she dramatized being offended.

"We're working Arf, so there isn't much that we can do."

"I know, but a simple coffee can't be denied to anyone… at least a glass of water." she said as she sat across from Nanoha's desk.

Fate immediately knew it would be impossible to quickly get rid of Arf, so she took a deep breath and got up smiling.

"Of course, I'll get you. A cup. Of coffee." she said emphasizing each word.

Nanoha did nothing but smile at the interaction between Fate and Arf. It was obvious that Arf enjoyed annoying Fate, in a funny kind of way.

"So tell me… how has it been working with Fate?"

"Great, she's… excellent with her work"

Nanoha smiled when seeing that Arf narrowed her eyes as a sign of suspicion.

"Are you sure you're not telling me this just because I'm friends with her?"

"Nooo! Of course not. I'm serious."

"Don't get me wrong, I know she's a great at her work and all, but at home she can sometimes be unbearable, so…"

"Who is unbearable?" asked Fate when entering with the cup of coffee that she had been quick to prepare.

"You of course, who else." Arf casually answered. "I don't know Nanoha enough to say that about her and we know it's not easy living with you."

"HA! That's what you say" she said handing her the cup of coffee. "Wouldn't it be the other way around?"

"Of course not, what happens is that you don't understand me, that's the difference, hahahaha. But well, let's leave that subject aside and instead talk about what brought me here."

"I knew there was something behind this visit."

"Don't stress about it, it's nothing bad. I just wanted to invite you to play bowling tonight. Or rather, invite both of you to play bowling tonight."

Nanoha's eyes opened wide and she raised her eyebrows as a sign of being excited about the idea. Fate was silent, watching Arf for a few seconds before looking at Nanoha. She knew that by mentioning the word Bowling it was difficult for Nanoha to not get all carried away, since it was her favorite sport, so she knew Arf had planned everything from the moment she had entered the office.

"What do you say?" Arf urged looking from Nanoha to Fate. "Are you with me?"

"There's no problem with me." Nanoha quickly answered.

Fate thought about it for some time before answering, she had no way of refusing, Nanoha knew she had no other plans for that evening so it would be very strange if she refused.

"Ok, we'll go then"

"YEEEEESSSSS!" Arf said with a gesture of satisfaction. "Then I'll see you at the usual place at 6. Is that Ok?"

"Perfect!" answered Nanoha.

"Don't you want to go to your house and change into something more comfortable?" Fate said trying to dissuade her.

"I don't mind going like this, really."

"And in any case, you guys can go the apartment and she can borrow something from me. You don't mind, do you? I think we're about the same size." Arf offered.

"Yes, but don't worry, there's no need. I'm comfortable like this."

"Well then, there's nothing left to say." she got up and placed her cup on the desk. "I'll be waiting, don't be late ok."

Arf said goodbye giving a kiss on the cheek to both of them and then left as quickly as she had come.

Fate was worried the rest of the day. It wasn't that Arf was evident in her appearance, but she had never had reservations about hiding her sexual preferences. She was discreet according to the place she was in, but she would always say that the more barriers and masks you put over a situation, the more obvious it became.

Upon arriving at the meeting place, Fate found that it was not only Arf there, but also Hayate and Signum. She tried to hide her agitation, but Nanoha noticed the change. For a moment she thought that maybe Fate didn't like her presence there, but when she was about to attempt making something up and leave, Arf joined them very enthusiastically and without giving her time to talk or think, she grabbed them both by the hands and took them inside.

As soon as she could, Fate managed to take Arf away from the group to talk.

"Can you tell me what the hell you're trying to do?" she muttered to not get noticed.

"What do you mean?" Arf said, slightly raising her eyebrows.

"You know what I mean. First you show up at the office unannounced, you make this invitation that you knew Nanoha wouldn't refuse and now, you include Hayate and Signum into this."

"What's wrong with that? I don't see the problem with it. I just wanted us to have a good time, that's it."

"And you couldn't just tell me that?"

"Would you have come? Cause so far you've rejected any invitation we made to you."

Fate couldn't fight against that argument, so she decided to take a drink of her water instead.

"Fate, I didn't do this with the intention of harming you, but you didn't leave me any other choice. You have to eventually get your life back."

"Yes, but there's no need to get Nanoha involved in it"

"If you really want to keep her as a friend, you have to do it…" she made a pause before continuing. "I'm not saying you have to tell her everything, but at least, try to let her know you for who you really are, and not only for what you want her to see." Fate stayed silent, she didn't know what to say. Arf simply patted her shoulder to calm her. "Don't worry, we won't do anything to harm you."

Even though Nanoha was really into the game, she noticed the brief conversation between them. She didn't know what they were talking about, but she suspected that her presence there had something to do with it.

She waited a while to see what happened; however, Fate's tension was slowly disappearing, in the end she was relaxed and completely involved in the game just like the others, so she decided to let it go and wait for a more adequate time to investigate what had happened. After all, all the others treated her in the best way, since the moment they had introduced themselves it had been as if they'd known each other for a lifetime, so deep down, she didn't want to leave and much less to make Fate uncomfortable again.

Meanwhile, Fate decided relax and leaver her fears aside. She knew none of them would do anything that might expose them unnecessarily, so she began to enjoy the moment, the place and the company. Until then she hadn't realized the need she had to spend some time with Arf, Hayate and Signum; the fact that Nanoha was there made it even better, since they had identified with each other so much in the last month, she really enjoyed spending time with her. Could she trust her? Could she tell her who she really was without receiving a rejection from her? These were questions that haunted her mind. It wasn't like it was necessary for her to do it, nothing demanded her to do it, but she knew that to cultivate a true friendship with Nanoha, it would be much better that she found out from her own mouth than by any external situations. She didn't know when or how to tell her, she only knew she had to.

When it came time to go, Hayate suggested going to the movies two days later, to which all agreed. Yuuno, Nanoha's husband, was still on his trip, so for her it was a great idea. She had become accustomed to sharing her evenings with Fate, instead of arriving at her home to be all alone, and now that the group had gotten bigger, it excited her even more.

On the day of the movies, Nanoha thought it best to make sure everything was okay with Fate and prevent her from feeling uncomfortable again because of her presence. So far, there hadn't been any signs of her disagreeing or being bothered by her inclusion in Hayate's plans, but still, she thought it best to be sure. Plus Fate's reaction at the bowling still intrigued her. Just an hour before getting out of work and meeting the others, Nanoha brought out the subject.

"We had a really great time playing bowling right?" Nanoha said tying to sound casual.

"Yeah, I know" Fate answered smiling. "Although you beat us all."

"Well, playing since a young age paid off." She answered with a shrug and a guilty look.

"Well yes, but don't get used to it, it was just lack of practice from our part. Just let us get intone and you'll see."

They both laughed. After a short pause Nanoha spoke again.

"It didn't bother you that I went?"

"Umm?"

"I mean like, did my presence bothered you?"

"Why do you say that?"

"It's just that I had the impression that at first you didn't want me to be there."

Fate's expression changed to one of surprise, because she thought she had managed to hide her reluctance to being there. Shaking her head she said.

"That's not true."

"Are you sure?... Fate, I don't want to be a bother to you, really. If it bothers you that I spend time with your friends, it's ok, some people don't like to share their friends and I understand…"

"It's not that, Nanoha" she cut her. "Believe me, that's not the problem."

"But there's a problem then."

"No… ah…" Fate didn't know how to explain it without telling her the real reason. "It's a little bit more complicated than that, but you don't have worry. Since that has been solved. In fact, I'm glad you get along with them. They're like sisters to me and you… well, you've earned a place among the people I care for, so… just don't think about that, okay."

Nanoha looked at her for a moment. As much as Fate assure her that everything was okay, she knew that whatever it was, it was important. When she intended to continue their conversation, the president's secretary came.

"Fate, Nanoha, meeting, now." she told them pointing to the door of the boss's office.

"We'll be there in a few minutes." Nanoha smiled.

"I don't think so, IT'S NOW." she repeated emphasizing the last word and then left immediately.

Nanoha took a deep breath before getting up and heading for the door. Fate realized that Nanoha wouldn't leave the matter just like that. In the short time she had known her, she knew she didn't like leaving problems unsolved, or to let a lot of time pass without solving them.

Upon arriving at Mr. Nakajima's office, they both sat in front of his desk.

"Well ladies, I called you because I wanted to inform you of how pleased I am with the work you've done so far. Nanoha, you've been excellent this past, costumers are very happy with the work you've done, however, I can't fail to recognize that the work you've done together has been exceptional. So I congratulate you and encourage you to keep up with the excellent work you're doing."

"Thank you!" the two said in unison.

"Wow, that's what I call a team." Mr. Nakajima joked, and the three of them laughed.

"I won't take any more of your time, I'm heading out for a trip right now and I didn't want to leave without talking with you two."

"We greatly appreciate the gesture Mr. Nakajima. And we assure you that we'll continue that way." Fate told him stretching out her hand.

"I'm sure of it." he shook hands with Fate and then Nanoha. "Well then, see you again on Tuesday."

They both nodded and left. Nanoha, instead of heading to their office, went on the direction of the bathroom. Fate had the intention to follow her, but thought it better to wait for her to return.

In the bathroom, Nanoha tried to keep her composure, she didn't know why, but the fact of knowing that Fate had not wanted her to go out with her friends, had hurt her. It was obvious that they hardly knew each other, two months is too short of a time to consider themselves the closest of friends, but in all that time she had felt that the trust between them had grown and this situation felt like they were taking a step backwards. She thought of going out to confront her and ask for an explanation, but after a few minutes, she decided she had no right to demand or ask anything, so she would just leave everything as it was.

Upon entering the office, she acted as if what had happened earlier had been nothing. She sat down and kept working. She felt how Fate repeatedly looked at her as if trying to talk, but she ultimately didn't say a word.

Fate debated herself between keeping things as they were or finish telling her the real reason for her reaction the other day. She feared that the story would repeat itself and Nanoha would consider her a sick person or a weirdo for being gay, but something inside her screamed that she wasn't that kind of person, that perhaps everything would be different. Or at least that's what she needed.

The rejection suffered in her previous work when discovering her condition, was something that had left her insecure and her self-esteem destroyed. The looks of disgust, derogatory comments and constant harassment had deeply marked her, hence the need of Nanoha to be different, she needed to be able to tell her the truth and for her to accept her as she was, without prejudice. But the fear paralyzed her.

After a long time in silence, Nanoha looked at her and when doing so she noticed the tense expression and… fear? on Fate's face, so she couldn't keep on ignoring her.

"Fate, are you okay?" Fate didn't answer, she only looked at her in silence. For the first time since they'd met, Nanoha saw her vulnerable, fragile. This frightened her. "Fate what's wrong?" she approached her and sat beside her.

When she thought that Fate wouldn't talk, she did.

"I'm gay." she said almost as a whisper.

"What?" although she had heard, she couldn't help asking.

"I said I'm gay" she looked into her eyes. "That's the reason I was afraid that you went out with us. I was afraid you would realize it."

They both looked at each other in silence, holding their breaths. Fate, waiting for a reaction and Nanoha, trying to assimilate the news.

"Well… ah… I understand." Nanoha finally said. "Is there something else?"

Fate looked at her confused. She had expected anything but that.

"No, that's it."

"Ok." Nanoha got up and went to her desk to get some water.

"Say it." Fate encouraged.

"Say what?"

"What you really think. Just say it without hesitation." Fate was preparing for the blow. She knew Nanoha was holding it and she just wanted to know once and for all what she would have to face.

"I didn't expect that, I'm not going to lie. But for me… that doesn't change who you are." she said looking straight into Fate's eyes, showing no hesitation.

"Are you sure?" Fate asked after a moment of silence.

"I'm sure."

"Aren't you afraid it might be contagious? Or that I'll harass you?" she insisted.

"As far as I know, being gay is not a disease, so I couldn't catch it. And about the other thing… will you?"

"No" Faet slightly shook her head.

"Then there nothing to worry about."

Fate tried to find any sign of doubt in her voice or her eyes, but they were both as firm as when taking a decision at work. At that moment, relief washed over her, so much she couldn't keep her eyes from filling with tears. She tried repeatedly to blink away the tears, but the emotions were too many. It was like being reborn in that exact instant. Nanoha rushed to her and hugged her tightly. Then she realized that Fate was expecting the worst, and that probably something really bad must have happened in the past.

"I don't know what you expected Fate, but I assure you this doesn't change what I think of you."

Fate breathed out before hugging Nanoha's waist. She didn't like being so fragile, but for the first time in months she didn't feel like a sick woman. Nanoha consoled her stroking her hair. They stayed like that for a few minutes while Fate recovered her composure.

"Better?" Nanoha asked after pulling away.

"Yes, thank you." Fate wiped her face with the back of her hand.

"Then… does that mean I can continue going out with you guys?"

Fate nodded smiling, still wiping her face.

"Good, because it's been a long time since I had so much fun." she winked at her and also smiled.

"Nanoha…" Fate started to say but didn't continue.

"I won't tell anyone, don't worry." she understood Fate's concerns.

With an intense look, Fate told her how much she appreciated that she accepted her. And for her part, Nanoha was happy that Fate had trusted her with something so important.

To Be Continued…

T/N: Hope you guy liked this first chapter, there's gonna much more things happening on the next one I promise. One more thing, this story is kinda short, there's only 7 chapter but most of them are as long as this one so I'm gonna update a chapter per week. Thanks for reading and please review :-)