Extension Booster C: Together. Forever.
Fate launched herself up and, closing her eyes, allowed herself to enjoy the feeling of the wind on her face. Ever since she learned to use her magic and her powers at the very young age she had, she had always considered flying something natural that briefly provided a precious space to breath freely, to momentarily forget the pain and the crude reality of her life. The one moment to forget.
But flying with Nanoha had completely changed that feeling for her. Nanoha actually enjoyed flying like no one else. Together they soared the skies, sometimes for hours, just enjoying each other's company and for Fate it was one of the greatest things they started sharing together since childhood. Flying with her became a moment of absolute happiness.
"Are you ready then, Ace of the Navy?" Nanoha teased.
Mid-air Fate activated her barrier jacket instantly and her striking pose was a clear indication to Nanoha it was showtime.
Nanoha's eyes glinted at the sight of the Enforcer with her navy coat flowing and her golden hair shining with the first rays of the sun.
"Are you ready, Ace of the Sky?" Fate countered with a smile.
It was Nanoha's turn to activate her barrier jacket and before Fate could say anything else, she propelled herself towards her beloved clear sky.
Fate chased after her and together they zigzagged across the seemingly endless sky. From the distance they looked like a magnificent choreography of glowing cherry-blossom pink and vibrant golden lights capriciously painting the firmament with vanishing streaks.
So more often than not, those lights would collide into each other, scattering electrifying sparks, just to take different routes again. Sometimes those lights would be drawing parallel lines just to suddenly start twisting around each other ending again in an outburst of lights.
Pink racing against golden.
Golden speeding from pink.
Rays of gold and pink explosions, ranging from the tiniest sparks to gigantic detonations, striking tirelessly, one after the other.
Nanoha and Fate could spend hours going at each other.
Whether it was Fate holding Bardiche in Hakken form clashing against Nanoha's Raising Heart in Axel mode, or if one was casting hundreds magical shooters while the other deflected them, their private dance countering strikes across the sky was something so explosive and yet so intimate for them, it was naturally one of the things they enjoyed the most doing together.
It was something they started doing as far as they could remember. It didn't matter at all if it was under the sun, during storms or covered by the silent rays of the moon. They would chase each other, try their strength against the other and inspire themselves so they could come up with more creative ways to find their weak spots. They anticipated their advances and countered back sometimes in such a coordinated way it seemed they could actually read each other's thoughts.
Eventually, around their late teens, it became usual that each of their combative dances would unequivocally end with Nanoha wrapped in Fate's arms in tandem style as they idly swerved the skies, before getting ready to land.
The first time it happened it was the result of an innocent bet from Nanoha, which turned into a dare and Fate had naturally obliged, without objections or questions. For Fate, it was pure bliss. She had lost the bet but she had won. The sky and Nanoha in her arms. If she thought nothing could top sparring flying with her, little did she know that embracing her after finishing was just indescribable. It was the moment and place where the world was hers.
Today was no different.
It was the first aerial date they have had in months, though, and Fate had counted the minutes for it ever since Nanoha suggested they should have one.
"That was very good, Fate-chan," Nanoha exclaimed as she turned back into their regular clothes as soon as she landed.
Nanoha extended her fist playfully at Fate, who bumped it immediately.
"I cannot say I hadn't missed it a lot. For a while I felt... rusty," Fate tittered.
"Could've fooled me," Nanoha replied. "Fate-chan is always so fast. I really had to try to keep up with you. It doesn't help that you look so sexy with your barrier jacket."
Nanoha couldn't avoid almost ravishing her with only her eyes. It seemed impossible to believe Fate had given birth to their daughter less than four months ago.
Nanoha winked at a blushing Fate, as the Enforcer turned back to her regular clothes.
"Is that so?" Fate asked, emboldened by Nanoha's look and grabbing her by the waist to slowly slide her hands up by the sides, bringing her close to her body full of desire.
"Settle down, our daughters are waiting for us. It's a big day," chuckling, Nanoha had grasped Fate's hands firmly, pulling them down.
Fate laughed heartily, despite the sudden stop to her intentions.
"You are not getting away with that tonight anyways," the blonde Enforcer warned her.
"Are you ready?"
"Always."
"It is now your turn to say your pledge to each other," Carim Gracia addressed the couple in front of them and her voice resonated within the mighty walls of the Grand Cathedral. "The vows that will lay the very foundations of your commitment to each other and your desire to join your lives, willfully and unconditionally."
Both dressed in dazzling white, the tall blonde and the almost equally tall auburn haired, turned to each other.
Fate sharply dressed with her ceremonial uniform: a white long skirt, a long sleeve button up white shirt with the top matching jacket that fit her slender figure like a second skin. Her hair in two loose braids flowing in a half up-half down style over her -also white- cape completed a look that reminisced of the mighty heroines from old tales.
In front of her, Nanoha in her sleeveless, low décolletage white ball gown wedding dress, highlighted with silky white opera gloves, stood serene holding her own hands together. A classical elegance came just natural to her as her long hair also flowed down but in long braided zig zags covered by her dress' chapel train.
Fate's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Nanoha. Looking at her just took her breath away. It was unavoidable. A sight she wanted to keep intact in her memory for a lifetime.
Reaching up to her hands Fate held them together in between both them, serene and composed.
"Every day I thank destiny for having crossed our paths. After the miracle of meeting you I have forgotten what loneliness means. You became my family and my reason to believe in happiness. And you did not stop there. Never would I have ever imagined I would be the luckiest person ever. It is my purpose of life to love you. I vow to be the shield that protects our family, our home and the sky you fly in. You don't have to call my name anymore when you miss me. Call my name every day. I am here by your side where I belong. Together, forever. "
Not without a light tremble, Nanoha removed her left glove and handed it to Hayate, who discreetly received it and stood back swiftly as a shadow.
Fate looked directly into her shining blue-violet eyes as she slipped the wedding ring into her delicate finger. "With this ring I, Fate Testarossa-Harlaown, give myself to you, Nanoha."
Nanoha took a deep breath and held Fate's hands in her own now.
"You are my best friend and my soulmate. The bravest person I have ever known. My lover and my harbor in the storm. From the very first moment I looked at your eyes, I knew my life would be devoted to making sure those beautiful eyes would smile at me. I want to be the one to make you happy. By your side I have roamed the sky and we have faced so many adventures and challenges together. Today, we are embarking in a new kind of adventure. Together. Forever. You, Fate...chan, my wish, my love who has given me more than I could ever dream of."
Hayate handed Nanoha the ring for Fate. Meeting her burgundy eyes, that were as captivating to her as it had been the first time she had laid eyes on her, with a shared smile, both of them knowing Nanoha just couldn't help herself not using her endearment term when referring to Fate as they had been explicitly told not to, Nanoha slid the ring to Fate's finger and held their hands together.
"I, Takamachi Nanoha give this ring to you, as the symbol of my everlasting love to you, for I am yours Fate-chan, I have been since the very first day we met."
"May your love be protected from all harm and may you find the strength in each other to fulfill your new life together. By the powers invested in me I pronounce you spouses for life and eternity."
Fate slowly closed in to kiss Nanoha sweetly on the lips as boisterous claps erupted behind them, before hugging her close.
"I love you so much."
"I love you more. Are you ready?"
"Not in the slightest, we need to walk out through that," Fate chuckled, slightly turning towards the church's nave filled with all their friend's and family. "Also, parties terrify me." Nanoha joined Fate's laugh and tightened her embrace.
"Oh, the things Enforcer Harlaown is afraid of."
"Takamachi-Harlaown."
"Did I tell you how striking you look in your uniform?"
"Maybe, but not nearly enough times. Well, you look absolutely ravishing, I can't believe I didn't get tongue-tied. I could just look all day at you."
"Hey you guys, I don't mean to interrupt your lovey-dovey moment but y'know there's a party waiting, and we can't go if you don't go out first."
Breaking from their mutual absorption, they looked at Hayate in sync, who just nodded at them, and then signaled to the entrance with her head. They turned back to each other and Fate finally released Nanoha from her embrace.
Nanoha turned to pick up their baby from her own mother's arms while Fate picked up Vivio, who had done a beautiful and impeccable job as their flower girl. Nanoha extended her hand for Fate and naturally as ever, they linked fingers as they walked out the cathedral.
Outside they were met by a hurricane of hugs and kisses from their family and friends. Fate suddenly realized it was possible for her cheeks to actually start hurting from smiling so much.
Little by little everyone started heading the way towards the reception. That allowed both Nanoha's and Fate's mothers to talk to them and congratulate them again. Fate was sure she was about to be squeezed to death by all her family, old and new.
"You two go on and change for the party, we will look after Vivio and the baby," Momoko was just ecstatic to look after her granddaughters and could not spend a moment away from them.
"I have everything ready for you to rest a bit and change, do you guys need any help?" Hayate asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Don't worry, we got it," Fate eyed her suspiciously.
"Think of me if you need anything," Hayate chirped and let the two newlyweds alone.
"Sometimes she is just so weird," Fate said as soon as they got inside the room with a light chuckle.
"You think so, Fate-chan? For me it's Hayate just being Hayate. I hope she never changes."
"You are absolutely right on that, Nanoha."
Nanoha and Fate looked around the suite, where Hayate really hadn't lied, everything was ready for them. Their two dresses were hanging by the closet.
Nanoha took her dress and closed herself in the walk-in closet.
"I wish we could just stay here," Fate joked as she took off her cape and carefully folded it on top of the bed. "Do you need any help, Nanoha?"
"No, I know if Fate-chan helps me undress we really won't make it to the reception." Nanoha peeked her head out of the walk in closet just in time to see Fate unbuttoning her shirt.
Fate lifted an eyebrow as Nanoha shut the door closed again and heard a rawr. She definitely heard a rawr. It seemed she wasn't the only one using all her strength to keep their hands off the other.
One of the inside gardens annexed to the Cathedral had been gracefully decorated for the celebration. Everyone was chatting cheerfully when the couple finally entered. Fate had changed to wear her mother's dress and Nanoha was also wearing a white more vaporous dress. They joined Nanoha's parents, Admiral Lindy, Vivio and Arf at the head table.
Already enjoying themselves at one of the honor tables Hayate elbowed at Shamal. "Seems we weren't wrong after all, remember? It is amazing that talent Fate has though, to go from dashing knight in shining armor to incredibly feminine yet I-can-kick-you-ass lady in a snap."
"In any case, or in both cases, she does get the princess, though Nanoha is certainly no damsel in distress needing to be rescued," Shamal concluded, remembering that conversation they had years ago. It almost felt like a lifetime. The young Nanoha and Fate and the current Nanoha and Fate. She casually linked her fingers with Signum's which sent her a discreet smile briefly breaking her usual hardened expression.
"You really pulled off a royalty worthy wedding Hayate-chan," Vita mumbled with her mouth full from the appetizers.
"For these two? They are royalty as far as we are concerned," Hayate stated matter of factly.
"No world has seen such a powerful union in centuries. This is how legends start, Vita. And with those two daughters of them…" Signum ended her thought with a flip of her hand. "Who knows what they could do…"
"...and they don't even realize it." Hayate finished for Signum looking at the happy couple enjoying and talking with their families.
"Yeah, well, when you want to retire from the army Hayate, you should definitely become an events planner," Vita mumbled trying the rest of the appetizers on their table.
Hayate stood up and clinking her glass quickly gathered everyone's attention.
"I want to thank you all for coming to this very special occasion. For those of you I haven't had the pleasure to meet, I am Yagami Hayate and I would like to give some words before we get the party started. What could I say about these two? I wouldn't be here without them, that's for sure. I have learned so many things thanks to them and I am proud to call them my best friends. I can only describe them as two unstoppable forces of nature that bring out the best of each other. Personally and professionally they have made a difference in so many people and I am sure they will continue to do so. I raise my glass to my dear friends on this day as they start a new chapter of their lives. To Nanoha and Fate."
"Hear, hear" was repeated across the entire room with an almost synchronized arch of glasses and hands drinking to the newlyweds.
As the dinner was served, some of their friends shared their toasts to the couple. Everyone shared little bits and pieces of what they had seen about Nanoha and Fate being Nanoha and Fate. It was a sweet and unexpected moment for them, listening to those brief snippets of their lives from the eyes of their friends.
When the dinner was over, Fate stood up and extended her hand towards Nanoha to invite her for their first dance. When they had started practicing, Nanoha had assured her it would not be difficult, knowing how perfectly their bodies fit against each other. Dancing would be like flying, she had told her. And she was right. Keeping her close and tight, Fate led her under the compasses of the instrumental song Nanoha had chosen for them, looking intensely at those violet-blue eyes she could just lose herself into.
"I still can't believe it," Fate whispered to Nanoha's ear as they danced together.
"I can," Nanoha murmured to Fate's ear and cupping her cheek with one hand drew her in for a brief slow kiss.
As soon as their dance was over, they found Nanoha's father and Chrono promptly asking each to dance as well.
"You did very well little sister," Chrono said with deep admiration as he led her sister on the dance floor. "You both deserve all the happiness. You two are a constant headache in my life and a blessing. I am very proud to be your brother."
Fate smiled a huge thank you to him and hugged him close while continuing the dance.
A soft tap on Chrono's shoulder, asking for permission to take the next turn stopped them and Fate almost jumped into the young man's arms that had just arrived.
"Elio! You made it!"
The once young boy was already taller than her and hugging him, Fate turned to look for Caro. Elio pointed in the direction from where she saw the petit pink haired mage waving at them from a nearby table.
"We wouldn't have missed it," he smiled at her.
Nanoha, who by that time was already dancing with Yuuno made her way to Fate and Elio among the other couples that had already joined to dance.
"It's been a long while Elio, I am very happy to see you. It wouldn't have been the same if you two had not been here."
Even as they danced with their friends, neither could avoid meeting each other's eyes for a brief moment as well as enjoying the sight of Nanoha's mom dancing with Chrono, Suzuka dancing with Hayate, Signum dancing with Shamal, Kyoya dancing with Shari, even Vivio dancing with Elio, of course she was floating more than dancing, considering the significant height difference, but she was clearly enjoying it. Minutes later, as the beat changed, everyone would be paired with someone else.
They switched partners to dance so many times, they lost count of how many people they had been dancing with until Fate finally was able to steal back Nanoha to dance with her.
Or so Nanoha thought.
"We can't sneak out, Fate-chan!" Nanoha tried to complain when she realized Fate had discreetly made their way out of the dancing floor to one of the corridors of the garden, covered by the darkness of the night.
"We totally can. Your parents are staying at my mother's and they will be taking care of the girls. We are allowed, no, actually mandated, to enjoy our wedding night as much as possible," Fate took Nanoha by the waist and brought her body close to hers as she nuzzled her neck trying to bring her resistance down.
Nanoha let herself enjoy the shivers coming from every spot of her skin at Fate's touch.
"I told you, you wouldn't get away tonight." Fate insisted. "Besides, I heard you when you saw me taking off my shirt earlier, I also deserve to be rewarded for not jumping over you right there."
The intensity of her lips against Nanoha's neck skyrocketed.
That touch of hers was dangerous. As if her body was pure fuel waiting to be ignited. Breaking free from the stupor Fate caused in her, Nanoha finally agreed.
Very discreetly they left the reception, giggling like schoolgirls doing mischief.
They had barely made it to Fate's car when the voice of Raging Heart took them both by surprise.
"Congratulations, my master"
"Thank you, Raging Heart!" Nanoha answered brightly.
"Congratulations, Sir!" Bardiche greeted them as well.
"Aw, thank you Bardiche!" Fate also thanked her device.
"If you are ready, we have received a series of indications and security clearances for this moment," Raising Heart indicated.
Nanoha looked puzzled at Fate, who was as clueless as her.
"Ready for what?"
"Ok, Raging Heart," Nanoha finally decided and Fate followed her lead.
"Ok, Bardiche."
"Activating Flier Fin Mode."
"Activating Sonic Sail," their devices sounded in unison.
"Please follow the coordinates already set, Sir," Bardiche indicated.
Instantly Nanoha and Fate found themselves in their barrier jackets and flying according to the navigation Bardiche was indicating.
"Raging Heart, what is going on?"
"Playing message. Colonel Yagami Hayate and Admiral Chrono Harlaown send their regards. They hope you enjoy your honeymoon. They please ask you both to not return home in at least one week. Colonel Yagami insists and wants to remind you are enjoying a privacy level 10 environment. "
"Altitude reached, initiating Silver Curtain."
"What? When did you get that ability Bardiche?"
"Playing message: Colonel Yagami Hayate and Admiral Chrono Harlaown send their regards. They hope you enjoy your honeymoon. They please ask you both to not return in at least one week. Colonel Yagami insists and wants to remind you are enjoying a privacy level 10 environment."
The same message repeated but now with Bardiche's voice.
"Ok, it seems they are not going to say anything else. We will just have to wait and see where they are taking us," Nanoha laughed.
Fate nodded amused and continued to follow Bardiche's coordinates.
"Uhm, Fate-chan is it too early to get to the part where you hold me while flying?"
Fate beamed at the request, but as soon as she reached for her, Nanoha spinned and locked her hands behind her neck and pulled her in for a long-kiss.
Fate tried not to think of the multiple rules they were breaking. Not that she was going to stop. Unlike Nanoha she hadn't paid enough attention to Hayate's message. She would not make any objection anyways as Nanoha's hands roamed very freely over her body. Flying and making out. There surely should be rules against this. It felt so good it definitely had to be illegal.
Finally they took a moment to catch their breath. Nanoha rested her head on Fate's chest.
"Your heart is pounding so fast," Nanoha said delighted.
Fate hugged her tightly as they continued their flight.
"Location reached, initiating descent." Bardiche's voice took them by surprise, again.
As they descended, in what seemed the middle of the ocean they realized a series of small islands. They recognized the small archipelago of scattered islands -private owned for the most part-.
"They did not…" Fate started to say.
"Oh, I think they did," Nanoha countered, wide-eyed.
It was a small villa, the one they finally landed in. Nothing extremely flashy but without a doubt it was absolutely private. The sound of the ocean coming and going and the leaves rustling with the air were the only things disturbing the otherwise imminent silence. They haven't even tried to say a word to each other. Not even mind to mind. They didn't need to. With their eyes they said everything they needed to each other. The way their hands found their natural way to link their fingers together leading one where the other wanted also made words unnecessary. It was as if they were afraid that by speaking even mind to mind, the magic of the moment would break.
A path lit with candles indicated the way to the suite.
The excitement they were both feeling made them feel as if this were the first night they would be spending together.
There was no pressure, nothing that distracted them from letting their bodies speak what they had felt for years without letting the emotions break loose. Each time they made love together was an opportunity to show the strength of their feelings. Sometimes more passionate, some times more tenderly. Eyes full of desire that was quenched only momentarily. Their bodies aching for each other's touch. They would share their bodies, their minds and their magic in repeated acts of love until they thought they couldn't go on anymore.
One kiss, one look, would change that.
They belonged together. And together, they broke the silence reigning, not with words, but with every sound product of their love, the union of her souls. Of their bodies finding each other again and again. The insatiable desire enveloped with a newfound lust. Giving and taking from each other.
Memorizing every inch of skin not only by sight but, by touch, by taste.
Neither of them had perfect skin, even with advanced healing magic their bodies showed the effect of battles endured and won over the years. From the most insignificant to the most life-threatening. Each scar deserved a kiss, and more, thanking the other for keeping the tacit promise of staying alive and returning to each other.
In a lot of ways they had already been married to each other for longer than they had realized.
Each became reason to hear each other's name in ways only meant for each other. Loudly, repeatedly. Under interrupted breaths. In long moans and under erratic palpitations.
They discovered new ways to make the other shiver, to enjoy the pleasure sometimes in synchrony and sometimes in relay mode. There was no limit to what their bodies could feel.
They were so immersed in each other they didn't even realize when the sun started to rise. Dawn came upon them until they finally rested in each other's arms.
When Fate finally woke up it took her a few moments to recognize where she was. Within arms reach she couldn't feel Nanoha around. Throwing on a large white shirt she found in the neatly prepared suitcase she actually recognized as hers, she stepped out to find Nanoha. Clearly she had woken up before her. She carefully slid the glass door open and a cool breeze bringing the smell of the ocean welcomed her.
It was impossible not to notice the wild auburn hair flowing loosely at the wind's mercy. Nanoha was standing on the deck just watching the ocean, wearing a light white robe that under the sun let Fate appreciate her figure even at the distance.
She debated between going towards her or just continuing watching her. There were so many times she just wished to stay and watch her without being disturbed. The only moments she could do that were only at night, where sometimes she would just watch her sleep. Never could she do it, undisturbed in broad daylight. But she didn't get to make a choice. Nanoha turned around, trying to keep her rebellious hair behind her ear and beamed that smile that was worth everything.
They have known each other for more than ten years.
They have been living together, in one way or another, for more than five.
They had finally given a name to their relationship a little over a year now.
They have been married for less than twenty-four hours.
And yet, Fate's heart skipped a beat again at the sight of her smile as if she was falling in love for the very first time.
With her eyes set in hers, she walked towards Nanoha. Her Nanoha.
She had never really needed to give her a pet name or an endearing term. She had done it one or twice, but it did not stick. There was always so much love in her voice when she said her name.
Nanoha knew it. There were some very simple things that made Nanoha happy. Hearing Fate's voice just saying her name was one of them.
For Fate, saying Nanoha's name had been the beginning of discovering what love meant.
Because they had chosen the day before to unify their names for a lifetime and more.
The day before the day that marked another year since Fate had given her answer to Nanoha.
Because they wanted to wake up married to that milestone in their lives.
To the day she had said her name.
Today, standing again face to face by the ocean, in another planet, with years of memories together, with two daughters and having given themselves to each other, they smiled at the image of their nine-year-old selves, sure this moment now, was the new prologue for the rest of their lives.
"Fate-chan."
"Nanoha."