Bad Romance
Chapter 13: Just A Kiss
Perspectives in Bold.
Lyrics and time changes in Italics.
Music:
Songs mentioned or referred to in order:
Sway by The Perishers
Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN or any of its characters.
Seven Years Ago... Senior Year of High School... April
Normal
"Remy, I said I'm sorry." Fate sighed, visibly exhausted from saying the words yet again.
"I don't want an apology, Fate. I want my girlfriend to at LEAST act like she cares." The slightly shorter girl, folded her arms over her well-endowed chest.
"I do care!" The blonde threw her hands in the air, exasperated.
"Then why? Why haven't you made it to just one meet?" The girl with long, silky, black hair complained. "I didn't expect or force you to come to all of them. I just hoped you'd come to one. Just one!"
"And I did go to one."
"Yeah, and you left half-way through." The girl replied angrily.
Fate rolled her eyes, "It was an emergency."
"Really?" The girl narrowed her brown eyes on the swimmer, "Signum picking out a puppy was an emergency?"
Burgundy eyes fell to the asphalt finding a bottle cap on the ground suddenly interesting. "It was an anniversary present and she wanted it to be perfect." The blonde mumbled her explanation quietly.
The shorter girl's glare only intensified, "You know what forget it. Whatever."
Fate sighed again, quietly she said, "This isn't about the meet." Remy remained silent. "This is about prom."
Chocolate brown eyes connected with tired burgundy eyes, "No. This is about you knocking out guy for some... girl." Remy was tempted to say slut, but resisted.
"He was being an asshole. Someone had to do something." Fate shot back, trying to defend her actions.
"And she couldn't stand up for herself? Why did it have to be you? What makes her so special that YOU risked suspension?"
Truth was Fate hadn't thought of the consequences when she swung. "She's...," Fate closed her eyes, shook her head and avoided eye contact, "... just a friend."
Remy looked off to the side, noticing her girlfriend's inability to look her in the eye. "Then why haven't I met her before? I met Signum, Shamal, even Hayate." She hadn't exactly been happy to meet her girlfriend's ex and to find out that they still hung out.
"Well," Fate looked off to the side, shoving her left hand into her jacket pocket, "She's more like an acquaintance."
Remy shook her head, then brushed loose strands of midnight black hair behind her ear, "Now she's an 'acquaintance'."
Briefly looking up, Fate noticed the frustrated and borderline disappointed eyes of her girlfriend. "She's just a girl I know. And a guy was harassing her so..."
"So you knocked him out."
"I didn't knock him out. I just," the blonde sighed, the conversation was wearing on her. "I broke his nose," she said softly, almost ashamed.
"Well whatever she is," the girl sighed, defeat in her voice, "sounds like you care more about your 'acquaintance' than you do your girlfriend."
"Remy..." Fate whispered and tried to reach out for the other girl, only to come up empty-handed.
"It's not just this, Fate." Remy said in a tired voice, "It's everything. Lately, its like you've been in another world. With graduation and you going away. I just... I just can't do this anymore." The girl sighed, "I'm tired."
Fate bowed her head unable to think of anything that would prevent the other girl from saying the words she knew were coming. Anything to stop her from walking away. But in her heart she also couldn't find the desire to think of the words that would make Remy stay.
Remy had hoped that in the brief pause she had given Fate, the blonde would have found something, anything to make her stay. Instead, she was met with silence. Her hope was gone and tears threatened to spill. Remy held herself together as she said the next words with a sense of dejection, "It's over. Goodbye, Fate."
Fate raised her head to meet sad chocolate eyes one last time. She noticed tears building in the other girl's eyes and hated herself for being the cause.
"Bye, Remy." She whispered mournfully in return. Fate ran a hand through her long golden locks, fingertips massaging her scalp as she did so. With a heavy sigh she slowly lifted her head, suddenly aware that their fight had indeed occurred in public. Half-heartedly her burgundy orbs scanned the parking lot. Scanning right to left, she was oddly relieved to find no one around.
Fate shook her head and slid one strap of her backpack off her shoulder as she turned around. She stopped in her tracks, eyes widening in surprise. In the next row of parking spaces, well within hearing range, stood TSAB's head cheerleader. Nanoha halted her movements, like child caught sneaking candy from a cabinet.
The HBIC overheard the lovers quarrel. And once she heard the start of the argument she had to listen to the entire conversation. She knew it was wrong and her conscious told her to leave, but her curiosity was overwhelming. And, she reasoned, did curiosity really kill the cat? No, it didn't. Bad drivers did. Of course she took precautions like hiding behind her coach's SUV, which on the plus side was even closer to the bickering couple.
Once she heard Fate's girlfriend whisper goodbye, she decided to run to her car and make her getaway. Unfortunately, her keys fell to the ground as she tried to unlock her car door. Cursing her bad luck, she picked up the "damn" keys and unlocked the door. Unfortunately, the grains of sand in her hourglass fell through. Sensing eyes upon her, Nanoha turned to face the direction she knew she'd find burgundy eyes.
She was unable to think of anything to say that would ease the awkwardness of the situation. As such Nanoha did the only reasonable thing someone caught eavesdropping could do. Run away. Abruptly, she opened her door, got in, and started the engine. During the even she hadn't lifted her eyes, knowing Fate was watching her.
The swimmer watched the cheerleader's hasty movements with a raised brow. Despite her depression, a small smile snuck its way onto her face. She supposed she should have been frustrated with the cheerleader's snooping, but she just couldn't find it in her heart to be upset. Watching the HBIC run away with an embarrassed blush was enough to make up for the snooping. Fate threw her bag onto the passenger seat and started her 4Runner with an amused smile.
A Short Time Later...
Fate opened the front door with the utmost care. She tip-toed into the house and closed the door just as quietly as she had opened it. Happy that her presence hadn't been noticed, she tip-toed towards the stairs. She smiled to herself as she placed one foot on the stairs. Victory, she thought to herself.
"FATE!" Victory... is short lived, she frowned. Reluctantly she trudged into the living room.
"Hi Ma. You called?" She asked Lindy with innocent smile on her face. The Police chief raised an eyebrow at her daughter, arms folded across her ample chest. Precia snickered beside her wife, keeping her eyes on her book.
"You can save the act." Fate's smile fell with her mother's firm tone. "How old are you?"
Fate frowned before hesitantly answering, "Seventeen."
"Then, you should be well aware that your Uncle is principal and you can't do anything without us finding out." Fate sighed, pursed her lips, and let her eyes fall to the carpet. "Care to explain in full detail how you almost risked suspension and your scholarship?'
Not really, the blonde thought. "Didn't Uncle Jail already tell you?"
"He said you started a fight." Precia looked up, scanning her daughter up and down for any damage. "Which you apparently won."
Lindy whacked the back of her grinning wife's head. The teal-haired officer rolled her eyes, knowing her wife was filled with pride in their daughter. That was precisely why she told the doctor not to talk when Fate arrived home. "Sit down," Lindy turned her attention back to the young Testarossa, "you're not going anywhere until you explain yourself."
Fate rolled her eyes. She sighed loudly, hoping her irritation showed. "It's already done. AND I didn't get suspended soo... we don't have to talk about it."
"Sit." The finality in her mother's voice made Fate's shoulders sag. Fate threw herself into the recliner and turned her weary eyes on her mother. "Explain."
Precia peeked over the top of her book, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Do you want the short and sweet version or the long and boring version?" Lindy raised an eyebrow at her daughter as if to say 'what do you think'. "Got it. Long and boring..."
Flashback- Earlier the same day...
Burgundy eyes scanned the hallway, watching various girls and guys wearily approach each other. Leaning against her locker, the blonde swimmer looked on in mild interest as equal numbers of happy and disappointed teenagers went about their day. It was the first day of ticket sales for Senior Prom. Everyone who procrastinated in asking their 'prospects' were racing against the clock... and each other to get a date.
Fate was glad she didn't have to take part in the craziness. She already asked her girlfriend, who of course said yes. All that remained to 'seal the deal' was to purchase the tickets. Wine-red eyes shifted from one of the many rejected guys to the ticket line. She had been leaning against her locker for ten minutes debating whether or not she wanted to wait. The ticket line was only getting longer as she wasted time lounging in the hallway.
With a sigh, the lazy blonde pushed off of the lockers and walked towards the office. Fate walked past the office, eyes widening as she realized the line actually wrapped around the corner of the hallway. Finally, she arrived at the end of the line behind a small group of jocks.
She smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgement to the tall one with spiky black hair she knew from her calculus class. Kenta Hino returned the gesture sending her a small smile. He was the best wide-receiver on the football team and to Fate's surprise was a math genius. Next to Kenta she recognized Shin Kanegawa and Kaison Parker, two talented benchwarmers. She didn't know much about them other than being Kenta's friends. They seemed like good guys when Kenta introduced them to her.
Normally that would be the extent of the group, however on that particular day they appeared to have a tail. An irritating, obnoxious tail that an outsider could easily tell was being tolerated. Takeo Mashita was the slightly shorter than Fate and was a moderately built guy. There was speculation that his suddenly developing body was the result of 'performance enhancers'. He was least talented benchwarmer and tried to make up for what he lacked by talking about himself. The notorious braggart was doing his best to impress the three taller football players. Everyone, except for the loud mouth, could tell the smiles and laughs the guys graciously gave Takeo were fake.
Unable to block out the irritating voice, Fate listened in on the conversation hoping to at least be entertained by his lies while they waited in line. There was a pause in conversation then the brown-haired Kaison asked, "You asked Takamachi to prom, right?" Takeo nodded and remained unusually quiet. "She turned you down?" Kaison prompted and Fate could almost feel the smirk in his question. Everyone knew the head cheerleader had turned down every suitor who dared ask her to prom. Fate had heard the HBIC and Hayate were going stag to prom.
Takeo straightened up, as if it would make him taller. The reaction a clear indication that he felt his masculinity being threatened. "Pfft! As if I care. Takamachi's a frigid bitch. I only asked her out of pity. Seemed like she needed a good lay and I was totally willing to help. Her loss." Fate narrowed her eyes and her fists clenched at her sides. Kaison, Kenta, and Shin shared a look that said 'this fucker is talking too fucking loud'. They may have been top of the food chain football players, but that didn't mean there wasn't a few animals higher up that could easily end them.
Instead of granting their silent prayers and shutting his oversized mouth, Takeo continued. "She's not even worth the effort. Bitch probably wouldn't even put out." Seniors and other students, who were standing within hearing range of Takeo, tensed. They were all aware that the Queen Bee's spies were everywhere and it was only a matter of time before the hand of God came down upon the small man. "Who wants to pay for a girl who isn't even a good fuck." Rage caused the blonde's blood to boil and her vision was beginning to blur. Turning her glare away from the jackass, Fate looked behind in an attempt to distract her from beating the shit out of Takeo.
However, the attempt at distraction failed when she encountered hurt and furious sapphire eyes looking back into her fiery burgundy ones. Beside the head cheerleader stood Alisa Bannings and Hayate Yagami, who looked seconds away from becoming the punishing fist of God. Unfortunately or fortunately Fate was closer to the fountain of stupidity. The swimmer ground her teeth, turned around, and moved with killing intent towards the back of an unsuspecting Mashita. If there was any hesitation within the blonde it evaporated when Takeo said loudly, "Whatever she can just go with her dyke friends." And with that sentence, Takeo Mashita signed his own death warrant.
The swimmer forcefully grabbed the left shoulder of the braggart, spinning him around against his will. "What the..." The football player didn't get a chance to question or even see his attacker as an iron-fist collided with the left side of his face. Takeo's body whipped to the right with the force of the punch. The braggart with the mohawk stumbled backwards into the off-white wall of the hallway. Fate may have congratulated him for taking the punch and being able to stand had she not wanted to murder him. Takeo shook his head in an attempt to clear the fog. Instead of backing down from a fight he lunged towards one of the blurry attackers he could make out.
His shoulder slammed into Fate's midsection, causing the swimmer to momentarily lose her breath. Takeo slammed Fate against the lockers. However, the blonde was ahead of the football player as she fisted his light blue button up shirt and pushed down on his back. Fate forced the jock to remain bent over. Swiftly, she planted her left leg and thrust her right knee directly into Takeo's chest. The football player loosened his grip and began to move away from the swimmer. However, the blonde was again too quick for the boy.
As soon as Fate's right foot was firmly planted on the linoleum floor, her right fist was ready to deliver the kill. With a very unfeminine grunt, Fate delivered a frighteningly powerful right upper cut directly to Takeo's nose. The stunned crowd that surrounded the fighters cringed as an audible crunching sound echoed through the hall. Everyone including Takeo's teammates watched in shock and awe as the boy backpedaled into the opposite wall. The football player hit the wall and for about two seconds looked as if he was going to remain standing. Takeo's unsteady legs gave out and he slid halfway down the wall. His head swayed from side to side as blood streamed down his face from his broken nose.
As soon as he could focus on his one opponent again, he clumsily got to his feet and attempted to lunge at Fate. He wasn't about to back down from a girl. He got halfway to Fate, who despite her labored breathing was ready to fight. However, a hand grabbed his collar and wrenched him backwards. Takeo slammed into the wall, then stood up ready to fight against the new attacker. He wilted, recognizing who sent him into the wall.
A tall boy with a shoulder-length, blonde hair glared at Takeo. "ENOUGH!" The blonde boy shouted at his teammate and Takeo looked down avoiding the emerald eyes of his captain and quarterback. "What were you thinking trying to hit a girl?"
"She punched me first!" The shorter football player yelled in defiance.
"I don't care!" Yunno Scrya grabbed the bleeding boy by the collar of his shirt, yanking him forward, "You never hit a girl!"
"I agree." Everyone paused at the soft, but authoritative voice of the Principal. "Mr. Mashita, go to the nurse's office. After you've been treated report to my office." The yellow eyes of the Principal shifted from the bleeding boy to his niece. He noticed her cradling her right hand. "Same goes for you Ms. Testarossa. Don't bother trying to run away."
The purple-haired man glanced at both Kenta and Yunno, then instructed, "Mr. Hino, Mr. Scrya, please report to my office after you escort Ms. Testarossa to the nurse." Fate frowned and looked to both boys in question, who were also wearing confused expressions. "Everyone back to class, ticket sales is closed and will resume after school."
Kaison and Shin wrenched Takeo from his spot on the floor and led him to the nurse's office. They would have gladly left him there in the hallway, but he was their teammate.
The Seniors and students who had been waiting in line, sighed and groaned their complaints. Fate shook her head, sighing as she thought about the heap of trouble she was in. Alisa and Hayate were still in shock about the event that had transpired, but turned away from the scene in hopes of avoiding any trouble.
The head cheerleader, however, remained watching the blonde swimmer. Burgundy eyes inspected her smarting hand with mild interest. Then, wine-red eyes shifted upward to find confused sapphire eyes. Fate looked down unable to explain her actions to Nanoha and to herself. With that thought in mind, she met the eyes of her escorts and began to walk towards the nurse's office.
A good distance behind the injured football player was Fate and her two escorts. "You guys don't have to lead me there, you know? I'm not gonna attack him... again"
Kenta chuckled, "I don't know if we can trust you, you beast. " Fate pouted and blushed at Kenta's light teasing.
"Yeah. It'd be awfully embarrassing if you beat up the same football player twice in one day." Yunno grinned, "If another team found out we'd definitely catch hell for it."
Fate rolled her eyes, "You guys make it sound like I destroyed him. I just broke his nose."
"You make it sound like breaking his nose isn't a big deal." The wide receiver grinned as he continued, "You're one scary chick, Fate Testarossa."
"Yeah. Who knew Chrono's quiet little sister was such monster?" The quarterback laughed and Kenta joined in. "Had I not stepped in you would have destroyed him. Although, I think his pride has a huge dent in it."
"Good. That guy's ego is way too big. I'm sick of hearing him brag about shit you know he hasn't even done." Kenta shook his head as he remembered the stupid stuff Takeo had spouted in the hallway before Fate decked him. The only reason he hadn't told the shorter football player to 'shut the fuck up' was because Yunno didn't like in-fighting even if they were all graduating. It was one thing to say the shit Takeo was saying in the locker room, but a whole other issue to practically announce it in the school hallway. There was an unspoken rule about that kind of stuff and somehow Takeo never got the message. "I'm glad you knocked him, I've been dying to. I was just waiting until graduation."
"Really? Me too." Yunno said with grin. "We'll beat the shit out of him together."
"Give 'em a 'what for'." Kenta said with smirk.
Fate laughed at the gleam in both boys' eyes. The dangerous sparkle in their eyes led the blonde to believe that they would in fact carry out their plan.
Fate shook her head, "Seriously, you guys don't have to lead me there."
"Seriously," Yunno smiled, "we know you wouldn't start anything. I don't trust that idiot." The wide receiver nodded in agreement as they entered the nurse's office.
The nurse attending Takeo warned him that resetting his broken nose would hurt. Takeo tried wearing a brave face, yet flinched and screamed as the nurse swiftly shifted his nose back into position. Kaison and Shin failed at hiding their laughter, resulting in a glare from Takeo.
The nurse led Fate behind another curtain, separating her from Takeo. Her 'bodyguards' followed and watched as the nurse went about taking care of the blonde's hand. "Okay, now you guys don't have to stay." Fate leveled both boys with a look.
Kenta met Yunno's eyes then relented. "Fine, I'm gonna go see the Principal." The wide-receiver smiled at Fate and ruffled her hair, "Later, Animal."
The dark-haired boy walked out the office and Fate turned questioning eyes on Yunno.
"I'm staying until you're done." The blonde boy said simply.
"Why?" Fate raised a eyebrow.
"Let's see," the quarterback rubbed his clean-shaven chin, "you're Chrono's little sister. The Principal didn't want you guys to fight again. You did what I wanted to do." He said the last sentence a little softer, so that Takeo wouldn't hear. "And..." The blonde boy looked to the side, avoiding Fate curious gaze.
"I may have ulterior motives." Fate frowned. Yunno smiled sheepishly before continuing, "So I figure I prevented you from getting into more trouble," Fate's frown deepened, "Well, sort of." The boy shrugged, "Point is... I need help. You see I asked my girlfriend to prom and I bought the tickets, but..." Yunno scratched the back of his head, "I don't know what else I'm supposed to do. I mean I know, but I'm lost. And I really want to make it... special." The quarterback blushed lightly then started again, "So I was hoping you'd help me."
The nurse had re-entered Fate's section and began cleaning off her hand, inspecting it for any severe damage. Aside from some slight swelling the blonde's hand was fine. The nurse left again to retrieve ice and plastic wrap. Fate turned her attention back to the waiting quarterback. "Why me? I haven't exactly been nice to you. I called you..."
Yunno interrupted, "Pussy. Douchebag."
"Yeah that's about right."
"Chrono said similar things. And at the time I probably was. Hopefully, I'm not anymore. At least I don't think I am. Although, your brother still calls me names." Fate nodded along, believing that Chrono still called Yunno names of the previously mentioned variety.
"Again, why me?"
"Well, I just don't have anyone else to ask. I can't ask my teammates cause..."
"They'd call you a pussy."
"Exactly." Yunno sighed, "I'd ask your brother, but he's not any better than them." The quarterback ran a hand through his gold locks. "I can't ask Nanoha cause that'd just be awkward. Asking anyone around her is weird too. So I'm kinda out of options. And asking my mom is out of the question." The blonde boy looked down at his intertwined hands before continuing, "Anyways its not like I can blackmail you into helping me. I was hoping to guilt you into it, but I don't think that would work so... Will you help me? I really just want it to be an awesome night for the both of us and not because I want to get into her pants because we already had sex and..."
"That's enough." Fate placed her hands over her ears as the quarterback rambled on.
"Sorry." Yunno looked down in embarrassment.
"Fine. I'll help you."
Emerald eyes widened with shock. "Really?"
"Really." Fate grinned at the wide smile on the quarterback's face. The nurse returned and placed an ice pack on top of the red knuckles, then proceed to wrap the hand in plastic wrap.
"Why?" Yunno ask, honestly surprised that the blonde agreed.
"Because Chrono said you've become less of a douche these past two years and I don't know." Fate pursed her lips, "I guess I'm starting to see that he might be right." The two blonde's shared a smile until Fate thought of a question. "What sparked this change anyways?"
"I think it was being told repeatedly by different people that I was a pussy or a douche. Then, I met my girlfriend and she really tore down my ego." Yunno paused as if remembering, then started again, "Chrono helps to keep me in check too." He shrugged, "Just a combination of stuff I guess. According to my girlfriend AND Chrono, I have a long way to go." Fate chuckled, imagining her brother telling Yunno that.
"Alright Ms. Testarossa, keep that pack on your hand and you should be fine. And please avoid any brawls if at all possible."
Fate blushed at the warning look on the nurse's face, "Yes ma'am. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I suggest reporting to the Principal's office immediately."
"Okay." The blonde slid off the bed and Yunno stood from his chair beside the bed following Fate out.
Upon arriving at the Principal's office, Yunno was called in first. Fate waited a few short minutes until Yunno reemerged with a smile on his face. He winked at Fate and mouthed, "You're safe." The quarterback retrieved a pass from the office ladies and returned to class.
"Ms. Testarossa!" Principal Scaglietti called from behind the mahogany door.
Trudging reluctantly into the office, Fate didn't bother smiling at her uncle. She knew he wasn't happy. "Let me make this very clear... I do NOT condone violence in my school, Ms. Testarossa." Jail hadn't lifted his yellow eyes from his paperwork since Fate entered.
"I know, sir. I'm sorry. I take complete responsibility for my actions." Fate spoke softly, knowing full well there was no sense in denying she had taken the first swing. She also knew justifying her actions wouldn't do any good, but that didn't stop her from trying. "I know it doesn't justify my actions, but I couldn't stand by while Takeo insulted Na... Ms. Takamachi. I wouldn't allow anyone to say such derogatory things about women in my presence." Fate felt like patting herself on the back for that explanation.
Jail removed his glasses and set them on the table before knitting together his fingers. Yellow eyes connected with the burgundy eyes of his niece, "Off the record, I'm glad Mr. Mashita received such punishment for his actions." Fate felt like smiling, but resisted. "However, on the record, fighting isn't allowed on school grounds. Seeing as this is your first TRUE offense," Jail had placed his glasses back on and began looking over his paperwork once more, "and because of very compelling arguments for your innocence by Mr. Hino, Mr. Scrya, and Ms. Takamachi." Jail paused and Fate's jerked backwards in shock. Nanoha actually talked to Jail and supported her. Fate was extremely surprised and thoroughly confused. "I'm not going to suspend you. However, in lieu of such a punishment, you will not be allowed to attend Senior prom and the Senior banquet."
Fate flinched. She was thrilled that she wouldn't be suspended and her scholarship wouldn't be jeopardized. Conversely, she dreaded the conversation she was going to have with the girlfriend she promised to take to prom. To make matters worse she promised Remy she would buy the tickets that day.
"Well?" Jail prompted as he watched various emotions play out across his niece's face.
The blonde shook away her worry and smiled gratefully at her uncle, "Thank you so much, Principal Scaglietti."
"You're welcome. You're free to go." Jail nodded towards the door. Fate stood and was about to leave, but paused half-way to the door. Noticing the blonde's hesitance to leave, Jail prompted, "Something you'd like to ask me Ms. Testarossa."
Fate turned to face her Uncle Jail once again, "Is Takeo... also being punished?"
Jail resisted the urge to grin, such things would have to wait until later when he could openly praise his niece. Besides being the Principal, he'd also have to wait until Lindy handed out her own punishment to the blonde. After Lindy's disciplinary actions, he and his sister would be able to openly praise and take pride in the teenager. And the pride was great indeed, seeing as both he and Precia had been a part of Fate's martial arts training. With a serious expression Jail answered, "Mr. Mashita will receive the same punishment as I do not allow such fowl language in my school. This is also not Mr. Mashita's first offense, so I'm certain he does not wish for yet another transgression to be placed on his permanent record."
"I see. Good day, Principal Scaglietti." Fate turned away with a smile on her face. In the end, your uncle as the Principal of the school really did pay off.
Takeo glared at her from his seat as she passed by. Despite his strong dislike for her, he couldn't do anything besides cast cold glances in her direction after a warning he received from Yunno. Not to mention if he did try something, he was a little weary of what she'd do in return. Moreover, he'd be heavily ridiculed for the rest of his life if he tried to get back at her.
Fate had paid barely any attention to the glaring boy. She was too busy mulling over what to tell her girlfriend.
End Flashback...
"So that's it." Fate sighed as she finished her story, including Remy breaking up with her.
Lindy and Precia shared a long look, as if holding a telepathic conversation. Both had managed to conceal their surprise when their daughter explained how she, directly or indirectly, defended Nanoha Takamachi's honor. Although to say it was a complete shock may have been a stretch. Much like Jail both women were conflicted between pride and parental duty. Picking fights definitely wasn't something Lindy wanted to support, however Fate fought for a good reason. Neither woman could say that they wouldn't have crushed the boy's face as well, but their daughter didn't need to know that... At least at the moment.
Lindy broke their connection and leveled their daughter with a severe look. She was aware of Fate's unstable emotional state, but discipline was needed. "First, I understand your reason for fighting. However, just because you have power..."
"Doesn't mean your entitled to using it." Fate finished with a bored tone. She had heard the phrase many times from her mothers. "Especially against those who are weaker than you."
"Exactly. So you're grounded for two weeks." Maybe it wasn't severe punishment, but Lindy couldn't bring herself to hand out much more. Fate glanced at the carpet. Yet another depressing fact placed on her shoulders. "Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am." The blonde mumbled.
"I'm going to get more tea. Do either of you want anything?" Lindy asked, standing from the couch.
"Iced tea, please." Precia asked with a smile, silently appreciating her wife's rear. Fate remained silent, too emotionally and physically drained to walk up the stairs to her room.
The doctor observed the melancholy expression of her daughter. "Fate?" Glazed over burgundy met sympathetic violet and Precia smiled sadly. The older woman gestured to the spot left vacant by her wife. Fate left her backpack on the recliner and sank down in the seat next to her mom.
Precia flipped through the channels and Fate looked on with a vacant expression. "So you fought in a skirt and you broke his nose?"
"Yep."
The other woman chuckled, "Like one those girls from Ikki Tousen."
"Yeah, except less fanservice."
"Did he cry when the nurse reset it?" Precia asked with a smirk.
"Like baby." Fate said, a small smile forming on her face.
"Awesome." The doctor held up her hand for Fate to high five. The Testarossa women grinned.
"Precia." A warning came from the entranceway to the kitchen.
The purple-haired woman cleared her throat and frowned, "I mean shame on you." Fate's smile only broadened.
"Hopeless." Lindy grumbled as she reentered the living room with Precia's iced tea, a glass of water for Fate, and green tea for herself.
She handed Fate the glass, kissing her on the forehead as she did so. Though not apparent, Lindy could sense the underlying hurt her daughter was experiencing from the break-up. Lindy sat down and squeezed Fate's forearm, "She wasn't good enough for you anyways."
Precia chuckled and leaned towards the blonde, wrapping her arm around the girl's shoulders. "No one will be good enough for Lindy's baby girl."
Lindy playfully glared at her wife, "Shut up, you." Fate smiled as she absorbed the warmth her mothers exuded. The blonde leaned fully against Precia, resting her head in the crook of her Mom's neck.
One month later... Senior Prom... May 12...
Nanoha wore a enchanting smile as the camera snapped for the third time. Alisa, Hayate, Mariel, Nanoha, Shamal, Shari, Signum, and Suzuka had chosen three different poses for the group to do. In the first Hayate had allowed the couples to stand together, in the second Hayate had all the cheerleaders in one row, and in the last Nanoha told Hayate to be quiet because she was not about to make a pyramid in her prom dress.
They chose to take their pictures before going to eat. Hayate flirted her way to the front of the line and the group was thankful for the cheerleader's preferred method of persuasion. The brunette with shoulder length hair was particular persuasive in her elegant dark grey, feet-length, backless dress. The silky fabric clung to the cheerleader's curves and the halter-top style allowed for a dangerous amount of cleavage to be appreciated. No dress of Hayate's would be complete without thin crystal strands wrapping around the girl's midsection and linking together over the exposed creamy skin of her back. To finish of a Hayate-style dress was a side-front slit that ended dangerously high on the cheerleader's toned thigh.
Shamal and Signum had chose to attend in black and white. Shamal's dress was a white, silky, floor-length dress that clung to the young woman's body and hung loosely around her legs. The dress hide the strappy white heels she was wearing. The sparkling straps of the dress formed a V over the top half of her back, leading the eyes to diamond framed marble skin of her lower back.
Signum wore a knee-length black strapless dress accented with a sparkling crystal band that highlighted a delicious amount of cleavage available for Shamal's shameless ogling. The satin fabric hugged Signum's toned and voluptuous body in such a way that made the pink-haired swimmer uncomfortable and her partner aroused. The ensemble ended with strappy black peep toed platform heels, which the swimmer was certain would break her ankles before the night was over. Other students may have also tried to get a good look at Signum's goodies, but a bone-chilling glare from her blonde girlfriend sent them staring at their very intriguing footwear.
Nanoha chucked as she listened to Signum complain to Shamal about her heels and how beauty shouldn't be so painful. The devious glint in Shamal's eyes as she took in her lover's appearance told Nanoha Signum wouldn't be complaining about her attire for very long.
The head cheerleader smiled as she watched her friends going about their various activities. She grinned as she caught sight of Hayate on the prowl. The brunette cheerleader had attended prom stag, explaining to Nanoha that there would be many insecure and broken-hearted women whose inhibitions would be lowered on a romantic night such as Prom. Naturally, Nanoha had admonished her friend for saying such a thing. Although according to the scene before her, Hayate had only been stating the facts.
The band was suppose to go on about a twenty minutes ago, but stated they were experiencing some technical difficulties. Soft music from the ballroom's speakers filled the air and students entertained themselves with the games outside on the veranda surrounding the hotel's grand ballroom. She watched as Alisa and Suzuka challenged each other to Dance Dance Revolution that was set up outside. She noticed Yunno Scrya and his girlfriend locked in an intense duel of foosball against Kenta Hino and his girlfriend.
Sapphire eyes moved from the outside activities, then to her untouched chocolate cake, and up to the stage set for the band. Nanoha watched as a tall girl in a short white pleated skirt, a simple yellow halter, and authentic black Vans handed a duffle bag to the lead singer. Much to Nanoha's surprise the band playing was led by Chrono Harlaown. However, instead of watching the navy haired boy set up with the band her eyes followed the mysterious girl. She couldn't see the girl's face as it hidden by the hood of her black leather jacket.
Without explanation to her friends, who were locked in a tongue duel, she stood and followed the mystery girl. She knew she had seen those legs before and something about that walk also tipped her off to the girl's identity. In a short amount of time she'd crossed the ballroom, arriving at the exit.
Nanoha hesitated in the doorway. Uncertainty and apprehension filled the head cheerleader when it came to the girl in question. However, excitement also filled the cheerleader as she thought about the the mystery girl being a blonde swim captain. She had somewhat avoided Fate after the fight and her subsequent eavesdropping.
The normally decisive cheerleader had no idea what to say or expect from the swimmer. She also knew she might not get another chance to talk to blonde as graduation was fast approaching. Shrugging off her nerves, Nanoha lifted her chin and put on a brave face as she continued tracking the girl in the black jacket.
It might not even be her, Nanoha told herself. Though her mind warned her of the possibility that the girl wasn't the swim captain, her heart really hoped the mystery girl was the blonde.
Nanoha bit her lip in apprehension as she rode down the escalator, sapphire eyes scanned the crowd. Finally, her eyes locked on her target entering one of the many little shops, boutiques, and eateries that lie between the two towers of the hotel. Nanoha lost sight of the girl when she stepped off of the escalator, but she made a beeline through the tourists to where she last saw the black jacket.
The head cheerleader broke through the crowd and stopped outside of what she recognized as an ice cream shop. Her sapphire eyes stared at long blonde hair tied with a black ribbon. She stood stock still as the blonde paid for her two scoop waffle cone, thanked the worker, and walked out of the little shop. The swimmer savored the creamy chocolate goodness as she walked towards a bench near a concrete raised bed garden she saw before entering the ice cream shop. The dimly lit bench wasn't occupied and was the perfect spot for a peaceful people watching.
She stopped in her tracks when her eyes locked onto shimmering deep pink. She followed the free flowing sculptured ruffles of the pleated silk dress to the midsection of the wearer. Burgundy eyes lingered on the band of diamantes sparkling in the yellow light of the outdoor marketplace. Her eyes traced the deep V-neck that outlined the ample chest of the young woman before her. The blonde's facial expression faded from awed to a easy smile as she took in the creamy bare arms and luscious velvet skin of the girl's neck.
Warm burgundy locked with amused and playful sapphire. Nanoha smiled shyly at the blonde, cheeks rosy from blonde's close and thorough inspection of her appearance. Fate grinned, exposing her pearly whites. "Shouldn't a princess like you be at ball, dancing with her prince?"
Nanoha shrugged, "I have no prince. Their not really my type."
"Well, you never struck me as needing a prince." Nanoha looked away for a moment, then met those burgundy eyes again.
"Who needs a prince when they have knight in shining armor?" Both girls blushed, but Fate's cheeks glowed brighter at the memory Nanoha was alluding to.
The blonde laughed a little and smiled at the auburn beauty, "I guess so, huh."
Fate stared just a little longer at the gentle auburn waves draped on Nanoha's shoulders, the half-up, swept look making the cheerleader look soft, sweet, and absolutely gorgeous. The blonde walked over the bench and sat down. The 'princess' followed and gracefully sat beside her. The silence was comfortable, yet different for the two girls.
"Thank you." Nanoha spoke softly, but loud enough for Fate to hear over the sounds of the city. She thought to explain herself, "I know you probably didn't do it to 'defend my honor'," she giggled at the phrase then continued, "but you did anyways. Thank you, Fate." The girl paused, but not long enough for Fate to reply, "Although, I was about to kill him myself."
The blonde chuckled, not doubting the HBIC's words. "And I'm sure if you hadn't, Alisa or Hayate would have." Fate smiled, then spoke again. "You pleaded my innocence to Jail. You don't have to thank me, Nanoha," the swimmer's voice was soft and warm, bring a light blush to Nanoha's cheeks.
Nanoha bit her lip, worrying over her next words to the blonde, "Well then... I should at least apologize for the whole you know..." The cheerleader smiled sheepishly.
"Ah... the eavesdropping and watching me get dumped." Fate spoke light-heartedly, only playfulness in her eyes.
"Yeah. That." Nanoha looked away in embarrassment. "Sorry."
The swimmer rolled her eyes, "It's okay. And I don't know if you're actually sorry or if you just want to laugh."
"I am!" The girl in pink exclaimed.
Fate laughed at the enthusiasm Nanoha demonstrated, "Okay. I believe you."
Both girls sat in silence, smiles on their faces as they watched people pass by. Sapphire eyes drifted to the ice cream cone sitting idle in Fate's hand after the blonde had taken a decent bite out of it. Fate noticed the longing look in Nanoha's eyes and grinned, "Here." Fate held out the ice cream cone for Nanoha to take and the cheerleader was about to decline until the blonde added, "Take it. It's melting faster with those heated looks you keep giving it."
Nanoha laughed and took the cone from the blonde's hand. Taking a good lick of the creamy confection, her eyelids drifted closed as the smooth, chocolate caressed her taste buds. "Oh my god, I'm in heaven." Fate laughed at her companion's dreamy expression. "I can't be believe never went here before." Nanoha said looking at the gold label on the paper wrapper of the waffle cone.
"You've been missing out."
"I know." The cheerleader took a few more licks and bites of the creamy deliciousness, then handed it over to Fate.
"Thanks. I thought you were gonna eat it all." Fate grinned mischievously and Nanoha bumped her shoulder. "Still coming back for my delicious ice cream, I see."
Fate blushed, but the dim lights hid it well enough. Nanoha laughed and shook her head at the teasing comment.
"Yeah, yeah. You're milkshake brings all the girls to yard." Nanoha quoted the notorious song and Fate threw her head back laughing along with Nanoha.
The laughter died down and Fate wore a serious expression. She took a bite of her ice cream then said, "Damn right, its better than yours, I could teach you, but I'd have to charge." Both girls broke out into a fit of giggles, ignoring the strange looks they received from passing tourists.
When silence reigned over them once more, Nanoha smiled and asked, "So I thought you were banned from Prom, trying to sneak in?"
"Didn't really look like it's worth the effort. And I have no desire to dance to my brother's singing."
"Yeah, I'd imagine that'd be kind of awkward. Especially with a lot of girls, and guys, checking him out."
"Gross." Fate said with a disgusted face. "I had to drop off the drummer's spare drum sticks because apparently they didn't think to bring extra. One of the microphones were broken and Chrono refuses to use anything except his own microphones. And Chrono forgot his lucky socks. So I had to pick up all that stuff from their apartment, which is disgusting, and bring it here." Fate shook her head, "Pretty messed up, right? My brother is attending my Prom and I'm not."
The comment made Nanoha feel a little guilty, "Sorry."
"Don't be. It's not your fault. I chose to hit Takeo." Fate declared and Nanoha didn't challenge her.
During the pause in conversation, Fate heard the strumming of an acoustic guitar. With a smile the blonde stood up and offered her hand to the auburn beauty. Nanoha gave her a confused look, but took the offered hand. "Thank you." The cheerleader stared at their intertwined fingers, uncertain as to why Fate hadn't let go. However, she wasn't about to complain.
"So you can return to your boring Prom," the blonde grinned, "Or you can hang out with the delinquent?"
"I don't know. According to Mrs. Kimura, we both belong to the bad girls club." Nanoha smirked.
"Yeah. But I got into a brawl."
"It wasn't really a brawl. It was more like stun gun versus a Nerf dart gun." Fate nodded at the odd, but somewhat true comparison.
"True. Still I got into a fight. I totally win the badass contest."
"I didn't know it was contest." Nanoha complained as Fate led her past the lobby and to the sea-side walkway.
"It's always a contest with us."
Nanoha smiled, mischief in her eyes, "Well, I'll let you have that one 'cause I'm pretty sure I've won all the other ones."
Fate would have challenged her, but instead chose to watch the girl grin victoriously in the moonlight. They strolled hand-in-hand along the concrete pathway, gazing at the moon and watching small waves crashing and recede from the beach. Nanoha's ears perked up when the sound of singing hit her ears. The blonde swimmer smiled when they arrived at their destination.
She had assumed the music was coming from one of the hotel's free, outdoor entertainment. Her family had came once before to listen to a band at the small outdoor stage. White hotel towers on both sides of the open area in addition to the front lobby enclosed the outdoor pool and lounge area on three sides, leaving the beach front open. Three huge banyan trees towered above the round tables with umbrellas beneath them. The small stage was set-up out in the open with speakers and lights on both sides of the platform. Nanoha smiled and pulled Fate along, claiming one of the open tables in front of the outdoor dance floor.
The leader singer smiled at the two teenagers girls racing to claim the table, despite their being quite a few empty tables on the clear May night. Groups of various sizes sat around the stage enjoying the soothing sounds of the band as the full moon hovered over the calm ocean in the background. Fate smiled as she watched the usually composed head cheerleader let down her guard and simply bask in the ambiance of the night.
A waitress came by and took their order. Despite the ice cream she had earlier, Fate was still hungry because Nanoha had eaten half of the chocolate treat. As a result, she felt entitled to the burger and fries she ordered. Nanoha occasionally stole a fry or two from the blonde and sipped on the plantation iced tea she had ordered. The cheerleader was quick in her thievery as to avoid being caught by blonde who growled every time Nanoha snatched away another fry.
Besides the game of food snatching, the duo told stories about their sports experiences and various other topics. Nanoha prompted Fate to talk about her failed relationship of which the blonde reluctantly confessed a few things. Naturally she left out Nanoha's indirect involvement in her break-up. In return, Fate asked the head cheerleader about her long-time single status. They talked and laughed, but the words and the feelings that should have been shared were held prisoner. Certain things were just too confusing and too grand for either girl to broach. Instead they simply chose to enjoy the night.
Time passed faster than both girls imagined and Fate knew the band was approaching its finish. Nanoha sensing something similar stood up and held out her hand to the blonde. The swimmer resisted until Nanoha explain, "I think that this princess deserves a dance seeing as I'm missing my ball. And since you stole me away, I do believe its you're responsibility to make it up to me."
In the background Fate vaguely notes that the male singer has taken over. Only the acoustic guitar accompanied his voice as he sang Sway by The Perishers.
Fate smiled and took Nanoha's hand, "Stole you away?" They walked out onto the dance floor, finding a spot among the small crowd to dance. Despite suggesting the dance, Nanoha was at a lost when they arrived at the dance floor. Fate sensed the uncertainty and placed her hand, albeit cautiously, on the cheerleader's exposed mid-back. She clasped Nanoha's left hand and pulled the other girl close. Nanoha laid her right hand on Fate's left shoulder and stared into intriguing burgundy eyes. "You came looking me remember?" Fate smiled as she watched Nanoha blush and look away. "I'm glad you found me," the blonde whispered softly as burgundy eyes locked with sapphire.
Nanoha could feel her heart pounding faster in her chest as she stared into those intense wine-red orbs, feeling herself falling into the void. Fear rushed through her veins as she fell into the unknown. The blonde fought similar feelings and didn't know how to react. The cheerleader's first instinct was to retreat from the unfamiliar territory and did so by breaking their staring contest. Nanoha rested her head against Fate's shoulder, trying fight off those strange feelings.
Fate closed her eyes as they swayed to the music, savoring the warmth of Nanoha's body pressed against her own. As they drifted she allowed her mind to relax. Nanoha's body eased into the gentle and warm embrace of the swim captain, allowing her worries to melt away. Bowing her head, Fate inhaled deeply, committing the cheerleader's perfume to memory. "I forgot to tell you," the blonde spoke in the soft and warm voice of hers. Nanoha unconsciously held her breath, waiting on the blonde to continue. "You look beautiful," Fate said and thought about adding, always. However, she was too afraid to say the word aloud.
Even without the additional word a genuine smile and rosy blush took over Nanoha's features. The cheerleader was glad Fate couldn't see her. Both teens moved to the music, listening but more focused on the person warming their hearts. Nanoha slid her left hand out of Fate's right and wrapped her arms loosely around Fate's neck as the next song started. The swimmer allowed her hands to rest on Nanoha's lower back, her thumb rubbing tender, slow circles on the cheerleader's velvet skin.
The singer announced the last song of the night and neither girl broke their easy sway. Fate lifted her eyelids revealing sad burgundy eyes. She couldn't understand the confusing and mixed feelings of adoration and wanting that arose when her arms were wrapped around the cheerleader. Furthermore, she didn't have time to consider such emotions.
Nanoha bit her lip as she tried to drown out the loud beating of her heart and desire for the blonde that coursed through her veins. They were headed in different directions and meant to follow different paths. Nothing good could come of such strong and strange emotions. Neither knew whether the passion for each other flowing through their veins was fresh and brand new or remnants of their shared lust. Unable to trust either origin brought them to their only option... Walking away from each other... walking away from whatever it was that existed between them.
They both had bright and open futures at two different universities. Both accepted the fact that their destinies lay in opposites directions. For Fate it was Mid U and for Nanoha it was Uminari U. But that only made saying goodnight and goodbye harder. Sure they might see each other again and they might even carry an enjoyable conversation. But everything would be different. They would be living lives foreign to each other and who they were now might change entirely in time. And that was life. Just because they acknowledged the truth behind the situation, didn't mean they wanted to accept it. However, time passed and their moment expired.
Nanoha exhaled a heavy breath and Fate inhaled Nanoha's perfume one last time. The song came to a close and those around them clapped. The head cheerleader pulled away with a fake smile on her face. Fate could feel the sadness behind Nanoha's smile because she felt and smiled the same way. "Walk me back to my room?" Fate nodded yes to Nanoha's fragile and hesitant question.
Their steps slowed as they closed in on Nanoha and Hayate's hotel room. Both girls knew Hayate wouldn't be sleeping in the room. They stopped in front of Nanoha's room, hands still linked together. Neither could look into the other's eyes, too afraid that their desires and mixed feelings would show. Fate stared at their linked hands, simply staring. Nanoha thought about asking Fate to stay the night, but that'd only be asking for trouble. The moment they were sharing would be last time they would have alone with one another. Both knew this and thought of different ways to make it last longer. The blonde was leaving on graduation day to go on a trip with her mothers, then she would be heading straight to Mid U. If Fate stayed the night, it would only serve to make letting go more painful.
Nanoha finally mustered the courage to meet Fate's burgundy eyes. She wanted to give girl, who would always be her first, one last real smile. Fate returned the gesture with just as much affection and emotion. Nanoha swung her heels and pink clutch back and forth in her left hand before she broke the silence. "Thank you. I had wonderful time," she whispered.
"Me too." The honesty of the statement coming through. Fate placed a soft kiss on the cheerleader's hand. "Goodnight," Fate said softly, letting Nanoha's hand slide from her own.
Fate turned away, but the goodbye just didn't sit right with Nanoha. She couldn't say goodbye like that. The swimmer heard the light footsteps behind her, but didn't think much of it. A hand landed on her shoulder and spun her around.
The blonde had no time to question the other girl as Nanoha crushed their lips together. The cheerleader's right hand slid into silky golden tresses, massaging Fate's scalp as she did so. The blonde caught on fast, wrapping her arms around Nanoha's waist and holding the cheerleader tightly to her body. The kiss was sensual and primal, everything both girls needed it to be. Just before Nanoha ran out of breath, she pulled out of the lip-lock, and slapped Fate hard across the face. The head cheerleader ran backwards quickly, careful not to step on the train of her dress. Sapphire eyes were bright with mischief and the HBIC's smile was just as playful.
The stunned blonde cradled her smarting cheek with a open mouth. She watched the cheerleader run out of her range with a Cheshire grin on her face. Fate lowered her hand. Despite the stinging sensation she couldn't shake the smile off her face nor could she find it in herself to be angry with the girl. "You're something else," the blonde shook her head, burgundy eyes still watching the other girl.
"I'm your favorite brand of ice cream." Nanoha giggled then tapped her cheek, "Something to remember me by."
You're impossible to forget, Fate thought to herself. "Thank you," the blonde glared at the auburn beauty's antics. "Goodbye, Princess."
"Goodnight, Fate Testarossa." Nanoha said as she slid the key card through the lock and entered her room, but not before one last mischievous smile directed toward the onlooking blonde.
The swimmer sighed heavily as she turned away from the locked hotel door, wearing a permanent smile.
A/N:
Stop! Stop right there. Stop smiling the goofy smile that you make when you encounter cute NanoFate moments... Well hopefully that caught at least one of you. So where to begin... I know enough parents to know when your kid does something bad, yet at the same time you think its totally cool its difficult to punish them. I'd totally tell you the name of the ice cream place but I'm saving it for the another story I'm working on. And yes I used the setting of where my own prom took place for this chapter. I don't really watch Ikki Tousen (b/c of fanservice), but I do have a favorite character. Kaison, Shin, Kenta, Remy, and Takeo are my characters.
One last thing, if anyone knows of any arrogant/conceited songs please recommend them. I have a few (quiet a few) but I need more. Thanks! Thank you for reading and please review.