Partly inspired by Hitokun's 'Lies' and Kode Dekka's 'Things I Do For You'

NanoFate eventually. Fate confesses to Nanoha in high school but Nanoha rejects her (though they remain friends.) Nanoha begins to see Yuuno and Fate is devastated. She turns to Signum and they start a relationship. Nanoha starts to realize the depth of her feelings for the blonde when she realizes that Signum is not treating Fate as she deserves…

I own nothing... But Fate can own me!

XXX

School was out for the day and two best friends walked home together. Nanoha and Fate were on their way to the Harlaown residence for an impromptu study session and Fate could barely contain her happiness at the turn of events. Her adoptive mother and brother were off on a mission for the TSAB and she had not been looking forward to going home to an empty house. Even more than that, she would get to spend time with Nanoha! The girl she had secretly adored since they were both 9 years old.

Upon arriving at her house, Fate left Nanoha to set up the study area while she prepared a snack for them to share. She set the kettle to boil some water for tea and made up a plate of grapes, apple slices, and miniature cookies. Once the water was done, she prepared their mugs as well and brought everything out to where Nanoha was waiting for her.

"Oh, wow, Fate-chan!" Nanoha exclaimed, excitedly eyeing the tray of goodies. "Those look awesome! You didn't have to go to so much trouble. It's just me, after all. Nyahahaha"

Fate blushed at the praise. "It's no big deal, Nanoha," she muttered, eyes averted.

Nanoha dove onto Fate, pulling her to floor and clinging onto her, laughing. "Of course, it is, Fate-chan! You always take such good care of me. You're the best wife ever!" she joked.

Fate froze and blushed even deeper. Then she briefly returned Nanoha's hug and released her without moving.

"Nanoha… I have to tell you something." There was fear in her voice.

Nanoha, sensing the sudden change in mood, sat up slightly but didn't get off of Fate. She tried to catch Fate's eye but her friend seemed inexplicably interested in the carpet. "What is it?" she asked quietly.

She was suddenly afraid; of what, she didn't know. She didn't want to hear what Fate had to say but could think of no reason for herself to feel this way. This was her best friend. They told each other everything. Still, her trepidation mounted as Fate continued to hesitate.

"I… I have these…. feelings." The last word was barely audible.

Nanoha's fear spiked. Irrationally, she wanted to run out of the house. She didn't want to hear what she was afraid was coming. Maybe she is going to tell me about the boy she has a crush on, she tried to convince herself. Outwardly, she sat stiffly and silently.

"Nanoha…:" Fate whispered. "I love you."

Nanoha felt like a deer caught in the headlights. She felt like she had been hit by a train. She felt like her heart had stopped. She felt her stomach do a flip. Though something in her had told her this was coming, it still caught her completely off guard and now she was unprepared to give a response.

"I-I'm honored that- that you care about me so much," she stuttered back. "You…" she couldn't think of anything to say. "You are my best friend," she finished lamely.

Without looking up at her, Fate nodded. When she finally did look up, she was smiling but Nanoha was startled when she looked in her friend's eyes. They were the same empty, hopeless eyes she had first seen 8 years ago…

XXX

I know this is short but let me know if it is any good and worth continuing. If so, I promise to try to make the next one longer. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Cheers!