The Right Kind of Wrong
Chapter 21: Guardian Angel
Perspectives in Bold.
Lyrics and time changes in Italics.
A/N: I know some of you expressed your interest in Nanoha's past. It should be clear when asking about someone's past in this story one should always be prepared to be opening Pandora's box. Anyways, thank you so much for all the alerts, favorites and reviews. Hope you enjoy.
Music:
Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader (mentioned)
We Will Rock You by Queen (mentioned)
Disclaimer: I do not own MSLN or any of its characters.
Nanoha
I woke up to an empty bed and I suppose I shouldn't have been disappointed... but I was. Instead of pouting and being depressed I chose to find out exactly why I woke up alone. After taking a shower and changing, I tip-toed towards Fate's room and attempted to listen through the door.
Maybe I should have learned my lesson from the last time I tried to spy on Fate.
"Whatcha doing?" A mischievous voice asked from behind me.
I jumped up into to standing position at the sound of Fate's voice, "Nothing... I was just... um... you know... inspecting the craftsmanship... beautiful woodwork. Yep." Not even I could believe that lie.
Fate nodded in approval accepting the terrible fib. "Okay, inspector. I just came upstairs to see if you were ready to go."
"Ready to go?"
"Yeah. Remember hiking? Going to see the start of the creek?"
"Oh right!" My memory finally kicked in. "That."
"Yeah that." Fate had an amused grin on her face. "Well, are you... ready?"
"Um," I looked down at my own clothes which consisted of booty shorts and tank top, "I think I need a little while to... yeah..." I stared down at the floor, fidgeting with the hem of my shorts.
"Okay then, I'll see you downstairs. Oh and here," Fate handed me a strawberry smoothie. "Breakfast."
"Thanks." I finally looked into those burgundy orbs and noticed the heavy bags underneath Fate's eyes. I reached up to touch the slightly bruised skin. "Did you sleep last night?" Fate turned away from my touch and shoved her hands into her pocket. "Fate." I cupped her cheek and made her face me again. Guilty eyes looked sadly into my own.
"I shouldn't have left." She admitted quietly. It did feel like I was a one night stand, but I didn't say that aloud.
"Why did you?" My hand slipped away from her face to hold her hand.
Giving her hand a small squeeze she started, "I had to keep working on an antidote for Yunno's toxin. I should have just told you, but..."
"I would have told you to sleep." I smiled because that's probably exactly what I would have said along with wrapping my arms around her so she couldn't leave.
"That... And I don't want to work on it during the day." A light pink blush rose to her cheeks, "I wanted to spend the day with you." I couldn't stop my wide smile at the confession. It was just too easy to fall for her. But then I remembered to be angry about being abandoned.
"You don't have to hide anything from me. Okay?" The sentence was so hypocritical and the guilt settled a bit more heavily than before. If anything it was time for me to stop hiding things...
"Yes, ma'am." She smiled and kissed me lightly on the lips. The light touch sent a jolt of electricity through my body, leaving me yearning for more. Before she could get away I wrapped my free hand around her neck to pull her into a deeper kiss. Thoughts of secrets and hypocritical words slipped my mind.
Our lips met tentatively at first, just enjoying the feel of moving against each other. Then, deepened when I ran my tongue along her lips eager to taste more. She accepted and suddenly our tongues were warring for control. In the back of my mind I could feel Fate's hands slip around my waist pulling me closer. When the need for air became too much we pulled away, eyes glazed as we recovered from the intense "good morning" kiss.
"That was... interesting." Fate breathed out, resting her forehead against mine.
"Good morning."
"It is now." Fate inhaled deeply and placed some distance between us. "I better let you get ready. Oh and pack a bag of spare clothes and a swimsuit."
"Okay." My eyes were still glazed over with desire as she reluctantly walked away from me. I hurried to my room taking a sip of my smoothie as I went. Hastily, I chose a white V-neck shirt and jeans to wear over my two-piece. As instructed I grabbed a shorts, a dark blue long-sleeve, and matching black, lacy bra and low-cut bikini. So maybe I was being a tease, sue me.
Fate walked out the kitchen with a backpack on her shoulder and basket in hand. Arf was right behind her.
"When..." I was about to ask about how the red fluff got home, but Fate beat me to it.
"Signum and Vita dropped her off early this morning." Geez these people moved around like ninjas I didn't even hear anyone come up the driveway.
"How early?" I asked.
"Early." I raised my eyebrow at the vague answer, "Like 4:00 am."
"Why?"
Fate's eyes drifted to the floor, "Signum hasn't really been sleeping. Vita watches over her... you know... in case."
"Oh."
"Yeah." That brought up another question.
"Did you sleep at all?"
Fate blushed again and turned towards the door, "For a few hours."
"Liar!" I yelled at her retreating form.
"Three hours." She shouted at the doorway.
"Fate!"
"Hurry up!" I tossed my cup into the sink and followed her out the door.
We walked into the garage, which looked more like a warehouse. She disabled the security system and proceeded to turn on the lights.
"Oh. My. God." I said under my breath as I took in the view.
"I'll take that as 'I'm impressed'." Besides the BMW we rode in yesterday there was a black Ferrari Italia, an Audi R8, a black Toyota Sequoia, and an assortment of bikes.
"You have too much money." Fate just laughed and walked towards the bikes.
"They're my babies." She walked past the Ducati 1098S, and Kawasaki 450, to a red Foreman 4x4 and dark green 4x4 Rancher.
My face lit up at the sight of the ATV's and Fate noticed, "Have you rode one before?"
"Yeah. We had to drop off some merchandise to a customer who lived... off the beaten path."
"Good. Makes this a lot easier. Choose one."
"You mean I can..." The smile on my face grew wider. "Okay!" I jumped onto the red Foreman. Fate laughed at my antics, but didn't say anything. Both ATV's had a cargo box bolted to the rear of the bikes. Fate placed her bags and basket into her box and I did the same.
"Heads up." Fate threw me the keys and a helmet, then mounted her own bike. "Just follow me. Its about a half and hour ride."
"Okay." I slipped on the helmet and slid onto the seat of the bike. My companion opened the garage door and while we waited for the ATVs to warm up. Fate reversed into the driveway and I followed. Arf was running beside Fate's bike. I didn't think she was going to last very long at the pace Fate was setting but I wasn't about to complain about going fast.
Normal
They rode along the tree line, passing the pastures filled with long blades of grass bending to the gentle breezes. Remaining water droplets from the night before sparkled like diamonds in the morning sunlight. Birds sat on the fence lines watching the loud disturbance pass by. The ground was moist from the rain and small puddles lined the path they were following.
Soon they came upon an opening through trees and followed the rough road. The forest blocked out majority of the sunlight, but a few strong rays filtered through the treetops. The sparse light didn't affect the riders as they raced through the woods.
They sped through puddles and weaved through fallen branches. Nanoha stood as she charged through a lake-like puddle sending dirt brown water flying and mud rocketing into the air around her. She could feel some of the wet sludge hit her back, but didn't spare a second thought about speeding through the next pool of water.
They kept some distance between them to avoid hitting each other with mud. Nanoha paid slight attention to their surroundings, noticing the huge trees that had probably been there since the Spring was created. Through the mud and the water she could see a wet Arf still in stride with Fate. She would definitely question what Fate was feeding the little monster that made her run so fast.
The woods gave way to another open field, but they sped past the pasture relatively fast and returned to the darkness of the woods. The next opening was a meadow filled with pastel blue, yellow and violet wildflowers. The wildlife of the woods disappeared quickly at the sound of the ATVs and the sight of the red wolf.
Finally, Fate appeared to slow down as they came to a narrowed rocky passage through the staggered trees. Fate parked close to the rocky path and turned off the bike. Nanoha did the same and got off of the ATV, stretching as she did so.
"It's beautiful." Nanoha said as she gazed at the sunlit field of flowers surrounded by trees.
"It's just the beginning. Listen closely." Fate advised as she retrieved her backpack and basket.
Nanoha did as she was told and heard the faint sound of rushing water. "Is that..."
"Come on." Fate said as she turned towards the trail. They treaded carefully over the damp rocks that seemed to be on an incline. Both hiked in silence, absorbing the feeling of peace the forest radiated.
The trees released a faint fragrance of spice and menthol into the moist air. As they continued the sound of rushing water grew louder and the trees began to thin.
Nanoha's breath caught at the sight she was presented with. No words could be said about the majestic scene. Fate smiled at her companion's reaction. She never brought anyone else to this place, so it was interesting to see someone else react to beauty of the little oasis.
Clear mountain water was falling over a thirty foot ledge into a pool of water. The pool gave berth to a stream of cool liquid flowing over a bed of smooth rocks.
"Whoa..."
Fate chuckled at the awestruck Japanese girl. "Let's jump in."
Nanoha bit her bottom lip to stop from grinning like a fool. Both women stripped down into their swim suits and walked carefully to the edge of the pool before slipping into the cool water.
Nanoha shivered as she entered the rippling liquid. Fate drove under the surface having quickly adapted to the temperature. She smoothed back her long golden locks when she caught sight of the panting red wolf at the water's edge. Arf eagerly awaited her master's permission to jump into the pool.
"Come, Arf." As soon as the words left Fate's mouth the pup leapt into the water and paddled towards Fate.
Nanoha watched the adorable scene play out. "Aww..." She teased a blushing Fate.
Nanoha was amazed by the natural beauty. Every time she thought she'd seen the most captivating and awe-inspiring place another replaced it. But there was no doubt in her mind that all of these places were more spectacular because of a particular blonde. The same blonde who had consumed her thoughts, awake and asleep. "Beautiful." She whispered as she stared longingly at her object of affections.
Snapping out of her daze she swam to the other side of the pool. She watched at the mist of the waterfall, glittered in the rays of light before quickly evaporating into the air. SPLASH! Her daydreaming abruptly interrupted by a cold wall of water hitting her face.
"Big. Mistake." She muttered through her blurred vision. Brushing back strands of wet brunette hair she set her eyes on a grinning blonde. Without warning the relatively calm pool turned into a war zone. Water flew through the air in every direction as hands viciously swatted at the surface sending waves towards each other.
Amazed at her opponents ability to generate angry waves so fast, Fate dove below the surface to go in for the ambush. Eyes closed, Nanoha was unaware to her adversary's disappearance. Instead of questioning why she didn't feel waves of water slamming into her she continued her attack.
"Aaahhh!" Nanoha screamed as an arm wrapped around her body, trapping her arms to her sides. She thrashed from side to side as she tried in vain to get away. "Let me go!"
Fate held onto the resistant girl and maneuvered them to the edge of the pool. She supported their weight by hanging onto the rocks. "Geez, calm down will you?"
"No!" Came the stubborn reply. I'm not gonna give up this fight, Nanoha thought to herself.
Rolling her eyes at the response and simply let the girl go. "Fine."
Without the support Nanoha sank, but before she could swallow the pool Fate pulled her up again. Nanoha hastily brushed away the wet strands blocking her vision. Once clear she glared at Fate, whose back was against the rocks. She closed her eyes again and inhaled a relaxing breath.
"Are you calm now?" Instead of answering, Nanoha opened her eyes and wrapped her arms around Fate's neck. "OW!" Fate cried out when Nanoha unexpectedly pulled her hair.
"Good to know that still works." Nanoha said triumphantly.
"You do enjoy your dirty tactics. Don't you?" Fate narrowed her eyes at the smug brunette.
"So what if I do?" Nanoha's voice dropped lower and turned seductive as she whispered into Fate's ear, "I don't remember you complaining when I kissed you." The first time she tasted Fate's lips, she knew she was addicted.
"Well, I couldn't complain about that. Just the being kicked." Fate's eyes turned darker and her grip on Nanoha's waist tighten as she brought the brunette flush against her body. "The kiss... well... That kind of punishment I can deal with anytime."
"Oh yeah?" Their lips moved impossibly closer until their breath mingled. Fate moved in eagerly to capture those soft pink lips, but Nanoha moved just out of reach to tease her. The blonde moved slower this time, burgundy watching lust-filled sapphire darken noticeably. Their lips met, sending a pleasant shiver through Nanoha's body. The kissed turned deeper within seconds. Nanoha slipped her tongue into Fate's awaiting mouth. Heat surged through their bodies as tongues dancing and Nanoha's hands ran through wet blonde locks.
One hand held onto the rocky ledge while the other travelled up and down the brunette's side. Nanoha needed more contact, she wrapped her legs around the blonde's waist. Fate's body tingled at the feeling of Nanoha's smooth skin caressing her own.
Moans of pleasure were released into the otherwise silent forest. In a split second to breath, Fate took that opportunity to shift their positions, pinning Nanoha against side of the pool.
Nanoha could feel the smooth rock against her back, but was quickly distracted by soft lips kissing a trail down the column of her neck. She released an animalistic groan as Fate nipped and licked at her skin. The blonde couldn't get enough of the brunette's sounds, wanting only to hear more. She sucked on Nanoha's pulse point, then bit down. The girl gasped at the pain that quickly vanished as Fate soothed the reddening skin with her tongue.
Each woman could feel their arousal increasing by the second. Every touch, every sound, raised the temperature of the surrounding water. Fate returned to the brunette's kiss swollen lips and Nanoha tighten her grip on Fate's shoulders as she rolled her hips into the blonde. The mere pressure against her center sending her deeper into the haze of desire.
They managed to press closer still. Nanoha's harden nipples rubbed against Fate's sending a new wave of arousal through their bodies.
Fate kissed a path along Nanoha's jawline. Then, the blonde's wandering hand grasped the inside of Nanoha's thigh, close to her throbbing core. Her eyes shot open and Fate stopped moving when she heard Nanoha gasp. Coming back to reality for a brief moment Fate realized that maybe a waterfall, though romantic, may not be the best place to have sex for the first time. Especially, when she claimed wanting to go slow.
Nanoha seemed to realize the same thing as she went rigid in Fate's arms. Both women caught their breath but didn't dare to look into each other's eyes or to say anything.
Three minutes passed in silence when Nanoha finally gave up. "We don't do well with slow."
Fate laughed and Nanoha pulled away to look into burgundy eyes. "And we have an audience." The blonde nodded in the direction of a drip-drying pup.
Nanoha smiled as her eyes connected with the curious blue eyes of the wolf pup. Arf cocked her head to the side as if trying to understand what they were doing. "Avert your eyes, Arf."
"We almost tainted her virgin eyes." Both girls chuckled at the thought and disentangled themselves to get out of the water. Fate took out a towel from her bag for Nanoha and one for herself.
After drying off, Fate took out a blanket from the basket and spread it out over the flat grassy area. Nanoha wrapped her towel around her waist and sat down beside Fate.
The brunette braced herself on her elbows and threw her head back to soak up the Sun's warm rays.
"Hungry?"
"Starving." Nanoha opened her eyes as she sat straight up again. Fate handed her a sandwich. "Thank you." Her mouth watered at the sight of the soft kaiser roll filled with a pesto aioli, grilled chicken breast, lettuce and tomatoes. "Mmhh." She hummed as she ate.
Fate smiled and set out a a bag of SunChips and a bottle of water for the hungry brunette. The soothing sound of the rushing water, the chirping of birds, and the occasional rustle of leaves filled the air as they ate. The sun made quick work of drying them off while they finished their lunch.
Fate broke quiet atmosphere, "Every time we'd come here his face just lit up," she paused, "Then it would fade into this sad smile."
Nanoha listened as Fate reflected on her father, "I realized later on when I'd come here by myself. It was placed filled with bittersweet memories."
"He used to bring your mom here." Nanoha added quietly.
"Yeah." Fate furrowed here brow before adding, "This is where he proposed to her." The blonde didn't say anything more and Nanoha knew she wouldn't continue.
"It's so peaceful. Almost like you can feel the calm in the air."
Fate nodded in agreement. Whenever she came here she couldn't feel anything else besides relaxed.
They watched as Arf gnawed on her bone. Nanoha's question popped back up while watching the pup, "How does she run so fast?"
"She's a wolf. A special one." Arf seemed to realize they were watching her and decided to plop down between them. Fate ruffled her fur, "They're amazing animals."
Nanoha shook her head at the simple explanation, but didn't question any further. If the blood of these animals was what altered Fate so fundamentally, then it was a secret she'd rather not dive too far into.
And she had her fair share of her own secrets to share. Sooner the better...
Both women laid back on the blanket, soaking up the afternoon sun.
Nanoha's conscious slowly ate away at her as they lay together soaking up the sun. She had been debating whether or not to tell Fate her darkest secret. Saying something would be a risk she needed to take, "Fate?"
Fate hummed her response. "Hm?"
"I need to tell you something." Fate could hear the shift in Nanoha's tone. The atmosphere suddenly tense. "You've been truthful with me and... And I haven't..." Nanoha was choking on her words. She rolled over to turn away from Fate.
"Nanoha?" Fate rolled over so she could wrap her arms around Nanoha's waist. "You can tell me anything," she whispered into Nanoha's ear.
"I'm... I'm afraid you won't like what you find out." Nanoha pleaded.
"Nanoha..."
"It's true. I act like I... I'm better, but I..."
Fate waited for the girl in her arms to continue, giving Nanoha a squeeze of encouragement. Tears of guilt and regret, silently rolled down the the brunette's cheek as she gave into the memories. Terrible and dark memories she had worked so hard to bury. No one else had been privy to witness the watery reminders of her sins.
It was the first time she had told anyone about what she had done. The first time the words that constantly assaulted her conscious would be spoken aloud. "I've killed people..." The silence that filled the air after those three words made the tears flow faster. Fate's arms stiffened against her waist causing a soft sob to escape her lips before rushing out an explanation.
"I know it would be a part of the job. But I..." Her eyes filled with tears, blurring her vision. As she broke into uncontrollable sobs, Fate rolled Nanoha over, holding the sobbing girl in her arms.
The blonde knew she was in no position to judge the brunette. She knew how the guilt over taking another life could weigh upon the soul. Fate had taken lives and in the heat of the moment killing someone was justified as self-defense... kill or be killed. But when given the time to remember, to reflect upon one's actions the reasons just didn't seem to be enough.
Because the life taken with a simple pull of a trigger could have been someone's son, daughter, brother, sister or worse... a father or a mother. No one can explain to a child that his or her parent was a bad person and deserved to be killed. All that child would know is that his or her daddy or mommy won't be coming back home.
Many restless nights were spent on those thoughts. It was where the lines of right and wrong blurred too much and too often.
Fate was broken from her reverie as Nanoha's sobs subsided. The blonde could only assume this to be the first time Nanoha had ever confessed to killing anyone. The knight waited for her to say something.
"The first time it happened... We were delivering a weapon." Her throat constricting as she tried to get out the words, "There was an ambush... I couldn't see anything and then my friend got shot. Bullets were going everywhere... It was the first time I used my weapon." Her mind replayed the blinding pink light that was emitted from her staff. "I hadn't receive proper training yet. I didn't know how to control the power." She paused as her mind flashed to smoke and falling rubble. "It was a like a bomb went off. I'd been slammed against the wall from the recoil. There was so much smoke and dust. And... and this ringing in my ears."
Any other words were caught in her throat as she curled into herself willing the guilt to go away, for the bloody memories to fade away.
When she felt strong enough she started, "Bodies just..." Nanoha paused to squeeze her eyes closed. "Strewn everywhere. Broken... bloody... Most were because... because..." She didn't have the strength to admit it was because of her, but Fate seemed to know because she tightened her hold on Nanoha's waist. "My friend died so I tried to jus..." The words were cut off by a small sob.
"You tried to justify it." Fate finished in a voice void of emotion. "Because it makes it easier to sleep at night when you have a reason." Nanoha could only nod into the blonde's chest, gratefully to find someone who knew. "It doesn't though... make it better, I mean?"
Nanoha nodded again. It didn't make it easier. Self-defense, survival instinct... Nothing made the guilt disappear. Not then and not anytime after that. But none of that guilt ever made her hesitate to pull the trigger the next time. And that thought made it even worse.
"But you can't change the past." Sometimes even the future, Fate thought to herself. "And," She paused to carefully consider her next words, "I can't make myself regret those actions. And you shouldn't regret your own. It's hard for me to regret anything that brought you to me."
For the first time since she began her confession, Nanoha dared to look into those burgundy eyes she had come to adore. She had expected to a look of disappointment or disgust as anyone else would react, but instead she found acceptance and compassion. Despite all of her flaws and misdeeds she had managed to find someone who understood exactly how she felt. Someone who had endured the same hell and made her stained soul seem lighter. Someone who was lifting the burden she thought would never be lifted.
How she could be so lucky would always be a mystery. Or perhaps it was just fate.
"I'm not a good person." Nanoha mumbled as sapphire stared deeply into burgundy.
"Neither am I." Fate whispered while she rested her forehead against Nanoha's.
"You deserve better." The brunette tried to reason.
"All I want is you." The blonde spoke quietly, afraid of breaking the fragile atmosphere. "There is no one better than you."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just..."
"Don't." Fate paused to wipe away a lone tear falling down the brunette tear-stained cheek. "You don't ever have to explain yourself to me. Nanoha..." She tried to coax the shorter girl's eyes open again. Nanoha melted into Fate's palm opening her eyes slowly once again.
"We've both done less than," Fate tried to look for the right word once again, "admirable things. But that doesn't mean we don't deserve a chance to be happy." The blonde gave a half-smile as she thought about a wise, pink-haired horse trainer, "A wise old lady told me that."
Finally, Fate recognized a spark in those sad blue eyes when Nanoha gave her a small, hopeful smile. "You've helped me with all of my... baggage. Give me the chance to help you?"
The nagging fear of trusting someone else with all of her secrets, her quirks, and her heart was laid to rest in that moment. Her constant fear of commitment drifted away with the wind as she nodded slowly.
The kiss was soft and chaste, but full of promises each woman needed in that moment. Fate lightly pressed her lips to Nanoha's forehead before laying on her back with Nanoha snug against her side.
"Fate?" Nanoha whispered against the blonde's creamy skin.
"Hm?" Fate hummed with her eyes closed about to drift off.
Nanoha had an internal debate and decided to keep those words to herself, "Thank you." She decided to just bask in the moment, content with listening to Fate's steady heartbeat. The peaceful, rhythmic beat lulled her to sleep. There would be time for in-depth conversations about sins of the past, but the most important thing at that moment was to enjoy their time together.
Nanoha had felt brand new after their nap as if a great weight had just been lifted. She was finally free and finally had someone to share everything with. A 1000 watt smile never left her face even when Arf shook out her fur right next to her after playing in the pool.
The girls packed their things into the cargo boxes and started up the ATVs, leaving the little paradise behind.
"Race you back." Fate challenged.
"You're on. Prepare eat mud, babe."
Fate laughed at the challenge. "It's so on."
They sped through the forest, splashing each other with mud and dirty water. When the path narrowed one would fall behind, but as soon as it opened again they were tied once more.
Gravel crunched and flew into the air as they slid into the driveway.
Nanoha threw her bike into neutral and jumped off, "I KICKED YOUR ASS! Hell yeah!" Nanoha fist pumped to rub salt into the wound. She continued her victory dance by singing Queen's We Will Rock You. "You got mud on yo' face, you big disgrace, kickin' your can all over the place. We will..."
As she continued her victory chant Fate walked over to the grab the water hose. Of course she had to rinse off the bikes, but she also thought Nanoha needed to be 'cleansed'. Nanoha stopped in the middle of 'rock' as the ice cold water hit her back. She turned to face her attacker only to be shot in the face. Wiping the water away with the back of her hand, she glared at Fate. The glare soon faded into a smile and the chuckling Fate began to worry.
Nanoha charged and tackled Fate, drenching the blonde with a wet hug. Having distracted Fate Nanoha grabbed hose and shot Fate in the face.
Once they soaked each other and Arf, they decided to clean the ATVs. After wiping down the bikes and parking them in the garage they headed inside to shower.
"I feel so much better." Nanoha announced she walked down the stairs drying her hair with her towel. The words doubled for both how refreshed she felt after her shower and after her confession.
"Me too." Fate responded from the living room. "Want to watch a movie?"
"Sure." Nanoha fell into Fate's lap on the couch.
"How about... Definitely, Maybe?"
"Perfect."
Fate slipped in the DVD and returned to the couch hugging Nanoha close. "Comfortable."
"Yep." Nanoha snuggled further into Fate's warmth.
"I don't understand how he didn't realize April was in love with him. Those failed proposals should have been a sign. Then, to hold onto the book for so long... ugh." Nanoha had been ranting nonstop since the movie finished. "He wasted all that time with those other girls when the perfect one was right... mmphf..." Fate kissed her across the counter in hopes of stopping the movie analysis.
She pulled away, leaving a dumbstruck Nanoha in her wake, "Sorry I could help it. The perfect girl was right in front of me."
Nanoha tried to hide her blush, "Are you mocking me?"
"Of course not." Fate smiled, "Okay I'm almost done." Nanoha looked at the kitchen counter lined with various ingredients. She hadn't been allowed to help, but didn't complain about it. "Now I just need you to go upstairs and change into something warm. I'll get you about ten minutes."
"Why?"
"It's surprise. Now go, go, go."
"Fine. As you wish." Nanoha wandered upstairs, thinking she could always sneak back down.
"No peaking!" Fate yelled behind her.
"Dammit." She cursed under her breath.
"Heard that."
"Stop using your super hearing."
"Can't stop!"
"Ugh. Stupid mutt..." She could have sworn she heard a growl from downstairs. Nanoha changed then paced back and forth waiting for the blonde. As promised Fate knocked on her door ten minutes later. "Finally!"
Fate chuckled and kissed her cheek to calm the impatient soul. Fate led her downstairs, then covered Nanoha's eyes with her hands. She guided them through the french doors of the deck.
When Fate removed her hands Nanoha fell even more for the blonde. In the middle of the deck there was a table with candles, a bottle of wine, and a vase with two white lilies in the middle. Fate moved to pull out her chair. Nanoha took the offered seat with soft, "Thank you."
The blonde then disappeared into the house and returned with two spinach salads in hand. It was then Nanoha noticed the sizzle coming from the stainless steel grill. Fate popped the bottle of wine and poured their glasses.
"How do you want your steak?" Fate asked.
"Medium."
"Good." They talked and ate their salads while the steaks continued to cook. Fate turned them over and lightly seasoned them. Once the steaks were cooked just right she plated the medium ribeyes and placed some oven roasted vegetables beside each.
Nanoha took a bite of the steak and flavorful vegetables. Her eyes closed as she savored the flavors, "You are an amazing cook."
"I know." Fate accepted the compliment.
"And humble." Nanoha quipped.
"Always." The blonde chuckled. "I love the Food Channel. It's addictive."
"I completely agree. It's like you can taste the food without actually eating it."
"Yep. Guilt-free gorging." They shared their favorite foods they'd seen on the Food Channel and the things they'd like to eat. That conversation led them to the places they'd seen on the Travel Channel and would like to see. Suddenly, it was many tangents, a bottle of wine and two hours later.
"I can't believe you actually tipped a cow."
"It wasn't that bad." Fate tried to explain. They had moved over to a blanket laid out over the deck and were leaning back against some throw pillows. Fate had grabbed a new bottle of wine and blanket to keep them warm as they watched the stars and listening to the soft music playing in the background. "It was high school. Well, Alicia and Johnny were in high school. Johnny convinced us that it would be the coolest thing ever so we went."
Nanoha gave up her discipline and caved into wanting to know the details, "What was it like?"
"I don't know you just push and they fall." Fate shrugged.
"Was it funny?"
The blonde thought for a moment and small smile crept onto her lips, "It was funny."
"When you take me to see the cows," Fate chuckled and Nanoha poked her in the ribs. "Don't laugh. I'm serious here. When we go to see the cows you have take me cow tipping."
"What happened to 'You shouldn't do that to a poor, defenseless animal'?"
"I'm curious. I can't help it."
"Excuses." Both women laughed. It was a perfect moment during times that were certainly far from perfection. It made them feel guilty, but they couldn't get lost in those thoughts. "I promise to take you cow tipping."
"Yay!" Nanoha threw her hands into the air. It was then Fate noticed the familiar intro of one of her favorite songs.
She stood up and offered her hand to Nanoha, "Dance with me?"
"Okay." Nanoha accepted the hand and Fate turned up the music with a remote.
Nanoha smiled when she recognized the lyrics. "Don't step on my feet." Nanoha teasingly warned.
"I'm a spectacular dancer. You seemed to forget that you," She poked Nanoha's nose, "were the one who has a problem with violent dancing." Toploader's Dancing in the Moonlight filled quiet night, causing smiles to blossom.
"Pfft." Nanoha grasped Fate's leading hand into her own. They swayed to the music. Nanoha laughed as Fate spun her out and pulled her back in. They shifted through the steps of the waltz and into a sensual tango. Fate even managed to work in and impromptu Macarena. Nanoha wouldn't be out done so she threw in a few moves from Michael Jackson. She did a little bit Thriller and a well-executed moon walk. Fate did the shovel, a relative of the fax machine, salt shaker, and the boneless chicken.
The faster paced songs faded and they had found their way back into each other's arms. "Nice moves." Nanoha complimented her dance partner.
"Not too bad yourself. I especially enjoyed the Egyptian."
"A crowd pleaser." Both women laughed as they swayed to the slower rhythm of an acoustic guitar. "I like this song."
When I see your smile
Tears run down my face I can't replace
And now that I'm stronger I've figured out
How this world turns cold and breaks through my soul
And I know I'll find deep inside me I can be the one
Fate listened to the first verse verse and couldn't help but agree. "Me too," she whispered softly.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
Nanoha rested her head against Fate's shoulder, loving the warmth that could only be found in the blonde's arms.
It's ok. It's ok. It's ok.
Seasons are changing
And waves are crashing
And stars are falling all for us
Days grow longer and nights grow shorter
I can show you I'll be the one
Fate began singing along with hoping convey her feelings through the lyrics.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
Nanoha closed her eyes, storing the memory for a rainy day. Fate whispered every word like a promise.
Cuz you're my, you're my, my true love, my whole heart
Please don't throw that away
Cuz I'm here for you
Please don't walk away,
Please tell me you'll stay, woah stay woah
Nanoha couldn't imagine losing Fate now that she finally had her. The blonde may think she needed saving, but Nanoha couldn't stop herself from making the same promise. To protect Fate even if it meant seeing heaven's gates.
Use me as you will
Pull my strings just for a thrill
And I know I'll be ok
Though my skies are turning gray
Whatever Fate needed she'd be there to help.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
For both women it was a dance that made a pledge. A silent promise that tomorrow would be a good day.
It was a desperate plea that the person in their arms would still be there the next night...
A/N: I did warn you to be fair. Anywho, the stage is set. And now all those tedious little details I mentioned will come into play. Thank you so much for reading! And here's a little short...
Meanwhile Teana's Basement...
"I demand a rematch!" Tea shouted angrily.
"Nope. I get the powdered sugar donuts."
"That's not fair. You had those super-charged serves."
"I guess I was just born with Wii tennis skills." Subaru shrugged as she grabbed the bag of mini donuts.
"Subaru," Tea warned in low, threatening voice, "If you don't play me again... I will withhold."
Subaru appeared to seriously consider the threat, then shrugged again. "No, you won't."
"Yes, I will!" Tea exclaimed angrily.
"No, you won't." The purple-haired girl opened the bag, inhaling the smell of deliciousness.
"Yes, I will!" The orange-haired girl declared stubbornly.
"No, you won't." Subaru turned her attention to her headstrong girlfriend. "Because after we play any game we always have sex afterwards."
Tea narrowed her eyes at the accusation. "No we don't."
"Yes, we do. Yesterday we played Dance Central and after I lost attacked." Tea thought about disagreeing but it was like partially... sorta... kinda... true.
"You weren't complaining." Tea huffed. Subaru ignored the comment and continued.
"Last week when we played tennis at the courts we didn't even make it home. We had sex in the back of the Xterra. Or when we went swimming and you said let's race. After you lost we had sex in the pool. We barely made it out before the kids came in for swim class. And then..." Subaru was interrupted by a blushing Tea.
"I get it. I get it... Just stop." Tea flopped down on the couch. "What's wrong with me?"
"I think you get this competitive adrenaline rush. And you get horny because of it." Tea's blush deepened at her girlfriend's nonchalant tone. "I happen to like what's wrong with you." Subaru declared proudly. "I like aggressive Tea." Said girl threw her head back, thoroughly embarrassed. When she looked at her rather quiet girlfriend her eyes widen.
"What are you doing?" Tea exclaimed as she watched Subaru unbutton her shirt, having already discarded her shorts.
"Getting naked."
"WHY?"
"Because I don't want you to rip this shirt like you did the other one."
"Oh my god." Tea faced-palmed.
"You don't want to have sex?" Subaru pouted with her sad puppy eyes.
"That's not... I didn't..." Tea panicked at her girlfriend's hurt expression. She sighed in defeat because as much as she didn't want to admit it... she was feeling a bit... a lot... horny despite the awkwardness. "I want to have sex." She admitted softly.
"Awesome." Subaru smiled brightly while Tea shook her head at her beloved idiot.
"Why do I love you?" Tea mumbled to herself before pinning the other girl to the couch and giving her a bruising kiss.