My apologies for the late posting, work and life made it impossible to get to my computer. I appreciate all the reviews/comments from the community, we diehards have to stick together! Please enjoy this next chapter, stay safe, and much love to y'all. ~ Phoenixnext

~Chapter 2~

True to her word Fate was on the beach the next day, and her mood was worse than it had been the day before. She arrived earlier than normal, usually Nanoha was already in the water and nearly finished with her swim when she showed up. Instead Fate was down on the beach sitting in the sand as she watched the sun rise. Coming up behind the blonde she looked to be haloed like an angel in the dawn light. Nanoha would have sworn she'd never seen anyone as beautiful in that moment.

Seeing her friend Fate put in the effort to say, "Good morning Nanoha, I can watch your stuff while you swim if you like."

"Good morning Fate-san, you're early."

Returning her gaze to the water she said softly, "I didn't get much sleep last night."

Instead of entering the water Nanoha sat down beside her and asked, "Nightmares?"

Shrugging Fate didn't say anything.

Wanting to ease this pain Nanoha said, "I find swimming helps clear my head, would you like to join me?"

Frowning Fate answered, "I can't."

Nudging the woman Nanoha asked, "If you can't swim I'll teach you."

Snorting at this Fate rolled her eyes, "I meant I don't have swimwear. Jeans and a tee shirt aren't exactly comfortable when wet."

If it hadn't been a weekend Nanoha might have suggested Fate just strip down to her underwear and join her but she knew it wouldn't be long before the tourists showed up. So instead she said, "Maybe next time then? For now let me see if I can get the pod to do something special for you."

Getting back up she ran towards the waves and with her arms outstretched she jumped into the water. Within minutes the girl was surrounded by her aquatic friends and then something amazing happened. The animals were doing flips and jumps out of the water like acrobats. The sights of one of the sleek creatures towing Nanoha actually had her laughing and clapping her hands.

When the auburn haired siren got out of the water a few minutes later she was relieved to see the smile now on the blonde's face. Taking the towel from Fate she patted her face dry before saying, "Are you ready for some breakfast now?"

Climbing back up to the pier Fate looked forward to the cinnamon roll she knew was packed away in the tote bag. She'd been able to smell it from the moment the girl walked up to her and it had been torture to wait. Unlike yesterday, she'd learned her lesson, never neglect the good things in life even when you feel like shit. Since the first time she tasted one she had fallen in love, if she could have the decadent treat every day for the rest of her life she'd consider it a life well lived.

Pouring out the dark brew the pair leaned back in their seats and enjoyed their breakfast picnic. Nanoha smiled at the obvious enjoyment Fate took in the baked goods she brought, having prepared the items the night before just for the blonde. While there was a lot of good in both their lives sharing this quiet moment in comfortable comradery was something she was coming to cherish. She had no clue how she was going to be able to return to her solitary existence after a summer of Fate.

Blushing as she turned away from the woman beside her, she was being too presumptive, there was no guarantee that Fate would continue meeting her for her entire stay. When her alarm went off she sighed and wished, not for the first time, that she didn't have to work. The idea of spending a day with the blonde, even if it meant being exposed to more ugly looks from her former classmates, was something she longed to experience.

Fate's brightening mood hadn't been missed by her family and their nosiness was the main reason she hadn't been able to sleep last night. Her mom had finally gotten the truth out of her and had been insistent that Fate invite her new friend over for dinner. While she'd been able to give out only the bare minimum of details about Nanoha she knew the inquisition would begin once she was trapped in a house with them.

Setting down her cup she sighed, "Hey Nanoha, um… could I ask a favor of you?"

Curious by the hesitant quality to Fate's voice Nanoha raised an eyebrow as she tilted her head in question.

There was something absolutely adorable about the gesture which made the blonde smile. Relaxing a little she was able to ask in a more confident tone, "Would you like to have dinner with me and my family?"

Flushing at the question Nanoha waved her hands in flusterment, "Ah! You wouldn't want that. I… I um… what would your family think of me?"

Reaching out to tuck a loose lock of hair behind a perfect ear Fate smirked a teasing smile, "I think they'll love you."

Very rarely Nanoha could see a softness in Fate's eyes when looking at her. It was clearly shining out now and she knew the blonde was being serious in spite of her joking manner. How the woman could think she was likeable even after her flashes of temper and pouting was amazing. She even suspected Fate teased her in order to see her act so foolishly.

Heart pounding she considered the implications of the invitation. Introducing her to her family was something only real friends did, could Fate actually care about her? She hadn't had a person she could trust for many years. When her one close friend moved to England after middle school she'd been left completely isolated from her peers.

Looking down at her feet she swallowed her fears and said, "I would love to have dinner with your family. I just hope I don't embarrass you."

Still nervous over the situation since she knew her family would likely interrogate the girl Fate tried to give her a fair warning, "More likely they will be embarrassing me. Please don't take offense if they ask you all sorts of strange questions," then thinking of her mom she shuddered, "And please decline any offers to look at photo albums."

Giggling at this Nanoha pretended to consider this request then teased, "So I should ask to see all the home videos of you growing up instead?" Nodding to herself Nanoha grinned evilly at Fate's horrified face, "Much better that way, I can see and hear how adorable you were as a child."

Fate's mind was frantically trying to remember where all of those video cassettes were, not in Uminari! As far as she was aware her mom only had a handful of photo albums which were the ones she carried everywhere with her when she traveled.

Watching the incipient panic attack was fun but that was ruined by the beeping on Nanoha's watch which meant it was time to go. Before she could leave Fate took out her phone and said in an almost shy tone, "Uh...um maybe we should exchange numbers. So I can text you the address and time for dinner."

Reaching into her bag Nanoha pulled out her own device, the pink protective cover perfectly suited to the girl in Fate's opinion. It just took a moment but Nanoha felt as if this little step had made them actual friends. Now all she needed was the courage to actually text the blonde.

Clutching the phone tightly she smiled before saying, "Just let me know. I'll be waiting."

Watching Nanoha walk away was harder this morning since she now knew she'd be risking their fledgling friendship by bringing her home tonight. The only reason she wasn't being completely pessimistic was the knowledge that the girl seemed to have a high tolerance for insanity. If she didn't, they wouldn't have been able to become friendly. If everything went well tonight then maybe they could become closer. It'd been a long time since she last wanted to make a friend.

Right as she was exiting the shower Nanoha heard a soft beep from her phone. Still dripping wet she snatched up the device and quickly checked to see who it was from.

Fate: Dinner will be at 7. Dress casual. 5 Arthra Esplanade

Nanoha had known somewhere in the back of her mind that she and Fate weren't on the same level. The address confirmed that. She was one of those Harlaowns. Biting her lip she wondered if it would be wiser to beg off.

Then another ping made her jump as another message flashed onto the screen.

Fate: I'm really nervous. Please say you'll come.

The blunt honesty of the message made it impossible for her to refuse. Typing back she reassured her friend.

Nanoha: Ofc, I'll be there. See you tonight :)

The knocking on the bathroom door and the sound of her sister demanding her own turn had Nanoha throwing on her clothes quickly. Gripping her phone she rushed out to face the day.

When the response to her messages was received Fate released a long sigh of relief. Nanoha not coming over after she made the invitation would have caused a strain between them. Her wounded heart would begin to rebuild the walls Nanoha's forthrightness and gentle smile had been knocking down. Maybe her family will be embarrassing and she will be spending most of the night wishing for a deep hole to hide in but at least there was a chance she will see the girl smile.

Knowing if she didn't find something to keep her occupied her family would grill her until the appointed dinner time Fate decided to change clothes and go for a walk. She had no destination in mind or any sort of plan, all she knew was staying indoors until seven o'clock chimed would be pure torture.

The morning flew by for both women and Fate found herself in a part of town she'd never ventured into. It was solidly middle class, close enough to the beach to get a boost from the tourists but enough off the beaten path to still feel like it was an area locals frequented. She had enough of the cheap trinkets and postcards sort of places. And she was especially done with the International Food Chain restaurants which had spread like a bad rash across the world.

Dipping into a bookstore she poked around shelves and found a new novel, as she went up to the cashier she decided to ask the older woman if she'd recommend a place she could eat lunch and read her book. The immediate answer of Midoriya Cafe just up the block had Fate interested when the woman said they had great desserts.

Thumping up the street Fate was contemplating spending a few hours holed up in a corner with her book and hopefully an endless stream of coffee to go with whatever sweets she could find. Her more relaxed look and almost smile had many people on the street giving her second glances. She'd always been an attractive woman, but her normal aura of high tension and scowl had people running away. It was this relaxed version of herself that entered the cafe dressed in a very nice outfit, she was a stunning surprise to the hostess.

The tinkle of the bell as the door swung open had a very familiar voice call out, "Welcome, Please have a seat."

What had been a smile in its infancy bloomed into a full on grin when Fate caught sight of Nanoha. The black skirt and dress shirt covered by a pale pink apron made her look absolutely adorable. Add in the wide smile the girl was wearing as she rushed over, only to halt suddenly and blush, increased Fate's enjoyment of the moment. She knew instinctively the girl had wanted to hug her and while she wasn't normally one for public displays of affection for Nanoha she was willing to be more flexible.

Closing the distance between them she spoke low, "Would you get in trouble if I hugged you?"

The heat in Nanoha's cheeks rose exponentially, looking away she was barely able to whisper back, "You don't have to."

Sliding and arm around the beet red girl Fate hugged her briefly, it was still enough to catch the attention of a few people. The fact that Nanoha now had a hand lightly cupping Fate's elbow to lead her to a more secluded spot had more than one pair of eyes watching the interplay.

Whispering again Nanoha asked, "What are you doing here?"

Smirking now that she had her friend flustered, a very good look on her, she teased, "I heard this place had a cute waitress."

Giving the blonde a push that nearly had her stumbling Nanoha instantly regretted her actions. Only for Fate's laugh to stop her from apologizing.

The fact that Nanoha didn't treat her like a spun glass doll was something she truly appreciated. Tugging at the girl's side ponytail she smirked, "Be careful what you start with me princess, I'm very good at wrestling."

Not for the first time Nanoha's mind went to the gutter thanks to something Fate had said to her. Refusing to give the bully any more ammo to use against her she huffed, "Don't call me princess."

Taking her seat and sprawling out comfortably Fate continued her teasing onslaught, eyes twinkling with amusement she tilted her head as if considering this then said, "You're right, I shouldn't call you princess," then she learned forward and whispered, "You're more of a Mermaid or maybe a Siren tempting me to my lovely doom."

Dropping the menu on the table Nanoha fled the scene and rushed to the kitchen to hide. Damn the blonde to hell for being such a tease. As she tried to catch her breath and cool her cheeks her sister came over.

Seeing the state she was in, Miyuki asked, "Are you alright? Who is that woman?"

Not wanting to worry her family, and most definitely not cause a misunderstanding Nanoha straightened, "That is a friend of mine, Fate. She can be a tease so please don't mind her."

Perking up her older sister smiled, "Oh so this is the stray cat you found on the beach. No wonder you've been taking food to her, I'd try to catch her too."

Glaring at Miyuki who was now peeking out the kitchen door to spy on the blonde she was less than amused by the appreciative way she was sizing up Fate. Then Miyuki dug the hole deeper, "If you aren't interested in her let me know, even with that cane she is a hottie," then smirking at her sister's glowering face, "After all it means she can't run away very fast, all the easier to catch her."

Nanoha was now contemplating sororicide when their mother entered, "Girls, we do have customers."

Abashed at being caught gossiping Miyuki grabbed a pitcher of water and glass, winking at her sister she said, "Don't worry I'll take care of Fate-chan's table."

Seconds away from tackling her sister Nanoha felt her mom's hand on her shoulder, trembling with emotion as she tried to reign in the White Devil. Not really knowing what was going on Momoko Takamachi just added fuel to the fire by saying, "Take over in the kitchen. We can handle the floor. I want you to calm down before you go back out there."

The very IDEA of Miyuki flirting with her friend was enough to make her whine desperately, "Please mama, I can control myself. I… uh… my new friend is in the cafe."

Pushing open the door the older version of Nanoha stared out at the blonde. She snorted a laugh when she saw her elder daughter crash and burn in her attempts to flirt with the woman. She wasn't sure what Nanoha's preferences were but if this was an indication then she'd say at least she had good taste. Miyuki had always been flamboyant and uncompromising in stating her sexual preferences. Nanoha had seemed to be completely asexual, at least that is until today. The blushes, the hug and her more chipper mood all pointed to the girl now having at least a crush on her new friend.

When Miyuki returned she had a pout on her face, pushing a serving tray into her sister's hands she said, "She's your stray, you deal with her."

Wondering what in the world Fate could have done Nanoha went back out to the floor, stopping now and then to check on other guests she finally made her way to the blonde. Clearing her throat, she noticed a now annoyed look on her friend's face until she realized it was Nanoha in front of her.

Smiling she said, "Thank goodness, I was worried I'd be stuck with that crazy waitress."

Giggling at this Nanoha admitted, "That's my older sister."

Shaking her head in disbelief Fate said, "At least you're sane."

Playing with her notepad Nanoha responded, "You can't be serious. Everyone around here thinks I'm the crazy one in the family. The black sheep."

Not knowing fully why the young people in this town had so little regard for Nanoha and honestly not really caring, Fate teased in order to lighten her friend's mood, "Baa Baa black sheep, have you any wool? My name isn't Mary but I'd be happy to keep you as my lamb."

Nanoha choked on her laughter at the incredibly cheesy line, holding the notepad to help cover her mouth she said, "Just give me your order."

Happy to have gotten such a response Fate decided to play with her a bit more, "Not sure, what would you recommend?"

In a serious tone she suggested a few things then was slightly annoyed when Fate said flippantly, "You decide."

Glaring at the spoiled brat Nanoha said, "I'm not your mother."

Sitting up Fate apologized, "Sorry, I… I'll behave. Um… How about the BLT special."

Rolling her eyes at the blonde she wrote down the order and said, "Just give us a few minutes."

Watching the girl walk away Fate felt terrible, she hadn't meant to piss her off. It'd been way too long since she'd interacted with another woman not related to her. It didn't help that she'd fallen into the dangerous habit of flirting with Nanoha. Not that the girl had shown any signs of taking it seriously, it didn't seem like she even understood half of what she said sometimes. She was so innocent, suddenly Fate felt a surge of guilt. Maybe she ought to just leave Nanoha alone…

Before her bad mood could deepen Nanoha returned with her meal; black coffee, her sandwich with fries and surprisingly a cinnamon roll. Hand on hip she said in a menacing tone, "You will eat your food first," pointing at the dessert she continued, "If I see you filling up on this I will be very upset."

Hunching a little like a cowed puppy Fate replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Reaching over Nanoha ruffled blonde hair before saying, "You are so silly Fate-chan."

Looking up at the change in honorifics she could see a light blush on her friend's cheeks again. The cuteness was making her heart ache, to distract herself from her sudden desire to hug the stuffing out of Nanoha she picked up her sandwich and took a bite. Chewing and swallowing she then said, "This is great. Thank you."

Nodding Nanoha turned away, "Just wave if you need anything."

Biting her lip to stop a cheesy line from escaping and probably upsetting Nanoha again Fate concentrated on her food. It was an excellent meal and though tempted to sneak a few nibbles of the pastry she controlled herself until the end. Nanoha's approving nod as she cleared the table and poured more coffee helped ease a bit more of her tension.

Before the girl could leave again Fate asked, "Would it be okay if I stayed here for a while and read?"

Looking around to see the lunch rush had tapered off Nanoha said, "Of course, it has slowed down so you can stay as long as you like," then she decided to tease her friend back. Leaning over she joked, "Though I do expect a nice tip for putting up with you."

At that moment Fate realized she'd be willing to clear out her not insignificant savings to ensure Nanoha tolerated her presence. She sat there gaping for a moment trying to decide how to respond.

Laughing at the stunned look Nanoha poked her cheek before saying, "You really are silly. I don't expect any tip, and mama said lunch is free so don't worry about the check."

Straightening up she took the dishes away and prayed she'd been able to relieve Fate's mind a little. She knew her mercurial temperament could alienate people, she was constantly working on controlling her outbursts. Fate least of all the people she knew deserved to be on the receiving end of her White Devil Mode.

Chewing her lip for a moment Fate tried to decide if it'd be proper to stay now. This was Nanoha's workplace and she was causing a distraction at the very least and taking up space needed for other patrons. If she wasn't going to be allowed to pay for her meal the least she could do is leave. Before she could make a decision another person approached her table.

A woman who looked remarkably like an older Nanoha stood before her with a very curious smile, "So you are the pretty stray cat my daughter picked up on the beach? It seems her story of you being very busy during the day wasn't quite as truthful as she made out. Makes me wonder why she's been so secretive."

Blushing at the words and the attention of such a beautiful woman Fate looked down at her nearly empty plate and mumbled, "Um I'm not sure, maybe…"

"Maybe it was because I didn't want my family harassing the first person to be kind to me in years. Sorry about this Fate-chan," Glaring sapphire eyes turned on her mother, "Mama you said you'd leave my friend alone."

Making a little humming noise Momoko said, "No, I said I wouldn't embarrass you in front of your new friend," then she swatted at her daughter, "Go help our guests, I just want to have a small chat with Fate-chan."

Not willing to make a scene Nanoha took a deep breath to calm herself before giving her blonde friend an apologetic smile and pleading to her mother, "Please don't scare her mama."

Waving her child away Momoko said, "If she hasn't been frightened off by you there is nothing I can do to scare her."

Fate frowned at the perceived rudeness of the statement but Nanoha left before she could try to reassure the girl.

Sliding into a chair the older woman grinned like a cheshire cat, "So are you Lindy Haralown's daughter?"

Shocked Fate answered truthfully, "She's my adoptive mother."

Smiling more naturally Momoko asked, "How is she doing?"

Not one hundred percent this wasn't just casual curiosity Fate tried to be vague, "Quite well thank you for asking."

Appreciating the wariness, Momoko said, "I went to school with her, it's been years... decades since I last saw her. The last big news I heard about her life was the passing of her husband, your father. I know she loved him greatly, I worried for her. Having shared a similar grief, it can be hard to move on."

Accepting the woman wasn't just being nosy Fate decided to give a bit more detail, "It was rough for the whole family, mom has her good and bad days. Luckily she has her grandchildren to focus on now. Of course she regrets dad never got to meet them but she does her best to stay positive for all of us."

The next hour was spent being grilled in a very gentle manner, the most surprising thing was learning how well Momoko Takamachi knew her mom. She even shared a funny story about their school days together which had Fate choking on her coffee. As they spoke, she couldn't help noticing Nanoha skirting around their table from time to time as if she wanted to make sure Fate was okay. By the end of it all, she felt wrung out but greatly relieved, Nanoha's family had accepted her. She even had the matriarch's blessing to continue her friendship with her daughter.

Leaning back in her seat she tried to gather her strength to leave when another person came up to her. Tired she looked over and felt herself melt with relief, Nanoha. The angel was holding a fresh cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee. Taking the spot where her mother had been sitting she passed over her peace offering.

Even though she'd already had two of the devilish treats that day Fate fell on the baked good like she'd never see another. Chewing with a look of pure bliss she washed down her first bite with a sip of coffee and sighed happily, "These things have to be addictive, tell me the truth are you smuggling drugs in them? I swear to god I'd sell my brother for a dozen of these things."

Giggling at the blonde Nanoha shook her head and sighed in amused exasperation, "Oh Fate-chan."

Not knowing why she admitted this she said, "I never got these kinds of things as a kid. By the time Lindy adopted me I felt they were too kiddy for me to enjoy. Sweets are for children. It wasn't until I was in High School that a girl gave me some snickerdoodle cookies that I realized I'm a cinnamon junkie."

Feeling very unsure of herself but wanting to know Nanoha asked, "Was she your first girlfriend?"

Blinking at the question Fate shook her head, "No, she was just a junior of mine. Maybe she liked me but I was still too messed up in the head to really understand other people's feelings. I didn't start dating until I was in college. Even then it wasn't anything to write home about, most women don't like how brooding I can be."

Nanoha actually thought Fate looked very attractive when she was brooding but also had an urge to relieve her of her worries and make her smile. A smiling Fate was probably the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

Taking another bite she chewed slowly letting the comfort of the warm pastry melt away the chill her memories brought her. Staring at the plate she spoke again, "Thank you for putting up with me. I know I'm not always the best company."

Covering Fate's empty hand Nanoha answered, "You put up with my moods too. And I know I'm rarely very good company."

Squeezing the hand in hers Fate said, "Don't let the assholes in this town get you down. You are a thousand times better than them, you care. Not enough people really risk their hearts to care about this world."

Blinking back tears Nanoha said, "I'm not as kind as you think I am, if you knew how much of a bitch I can be you'd run away like every other rational person in this town."

Setting down her fork Fate looked up at her friend, "Tell me, I can't think of anything you could have done that could make me hate you."

Looking around and seeing the cafe was nearly empty Nanoha sighed, "It started off small and almost justifiably, I was angry after my accident. I spent a year in physical therapy and when I returned to school people treated me differently. I had one close friend who stuck by me but after middle school she moved away. So to compensate for the loneliness I spent more time on the beach."

Fate could feel the girl trembling and used her thumb to rub the back of the hand she held to calm her friend as she made a soft cooing sound to soothe her.

Smiling weakly at the gestures Nanoha continued, "High school was the worst, I'd spend my free time cleaning the beach and swimming. Whenever the idiots from my school came down to throw parties I'd call the cops on them. Got more than one of them kicked off sports teams when it was discovered they were drinking or had pot at those events. Everyone knew it was me who'd ratted them out and I was bullied."

The smile at the thought of Nanoha being such a straightlaced girl died when the word bullying entered the conversation. If she ever came across one of those little shitheads she'd beat them to a bloody pulp.

"At first it was just being shoved in the halls and graffiti on my desk. Then came the taunts about my family and my… um," she shifted uncomfortably and tried to pull her hand away but Fate wasn't allowing that.

Burgundy eyes bore into her, "What did they do to you?"

Laughing bitterly she said, "We were all just stupid kids. I was so hung up on the ocean and saving the planet. I never tried to understand where they were coming from, never tried to be a normal kid again. In the end I got tired of it all and I snapped. He was the mayor's son, throwing his weight around and being the classic douchebag jock. He didn't deserve what I did to him."

Whispering softly, "What happened?"

Eyes closed she admitted, "I beat him into unconsciousness. I broke his nose, shattered his orbital socket and dislocated his jaw. I was so angry, not at him, but at the world and how unfair it is. It took two teachers to pull me off of him. I really am a monster, nobody wants to associate with me. Most of them still talk about me behind my back and sneer at me but for the most part I'm shunned. It's safer that way, since god only knows when I'll snap again."

She expected disgust and an immediate cancellation of her invitation that evening but instead she got a sigh, "You and I aren't very different."

Frowning at this Nanoha stared at the blonde which earned her a wry smile, "I actually beat up more than one person as a teen. Sent two to the hospital. Compound fracture to the radius, that was a very disturbing sight, seeing bone sticking out from skin. The other I cracked five ribs and caused a partially collapsed lung. The little shit still likes to say I tried to kill him, not true, if I wanted him dead he would be buried six feet under not squawking like a chicken."

Choking on this information Nanoha asked, "You still have contact with these people?"

Wrinkling her nose a little, "Not so much recently. They joined up a few years after me and eventually we ended up in the same squad. Jake, lungboy, pissed himself when he saw who his new commanding officer was gonna be. Got a transfer as soon as he could, the other actually matured by the time we came across each other. We were pretty good friends, we used to grab a drink together now and then, it's been over a year since we saw each other though, accident in all."

The idea of being friendly with any of her former bullies or the man she'd so brutally beaten was inconceivable. Maybe it would take more time, or maybe she'd never mature to that point.

Seeing how confused and guilty the girl was looking Fate squeezed her hand again to get her attention, "It doesn't happen overnight. And it was a two way street for me and Vice, we also had professional careers neither of us wanted to tarnish by acting like stupid kids. Not that he still doesn't act like a complete ass from time to time. I like to freak him out by rubbing my arm right where I snapped his, it gets him to shut up real quick."

Knowing she was trying to be comforting but still unsure Nanoha asked, "How can you get past hurting someone else?"

Taking both Nanoha's hands in her own Fate said, "You don't, not really. You can come to terms with it but it will always be a part of you. Vice and I both did stupid things that day, and he got his fair share of licks in too. But we both swore an oath to serve, and that more than anything allowed us to find a common ground. Finding something you can agree on, work together on, helps. Especially if it is something you are both serious about."

"I can't think of a single thing those people and I both care about enough to be a basis for any kind of relationship." Nanoha felt as if she was becoming an even bigger disappointment.

Leaning over the table Fate knocked their heads together before saying, "I never made up with Jake. Nor do I think it will ever happen. I won't lose any sleep over that fact either."

Twitching a small smile at that Nanoha pulled away, "Thanks, but I still feel like I deserve to be hated by this town."

Knowing no words could wash away this feeling Fate instead said, "Well then, I'm glad I'm not part of this town. It means I'm free to like you as much as I want."

It was too much for Nanoha to take after exposing her crimes, standing up she turned away before Fate could see she was crying. Swallowing back a lump in her throat, she said, "I… I need to help with the clean up. I'll see you later Fate-chan."

Finishing her second dessert Fate picked up her things. It was time to do a little more digging into this town. She could save her book for another day.

Finding the local library wasn't hard, nor was using the microfiche archives of the town paper. She found what she was looking for two rolls in and the gritty details of the assault explained why Nanoha hadn't been sent to a juvenile detention center. The asshole had it coming as far as Fate could see it. Flipping back a few more years she searched for an accident involving children and the beach. What she came across was not just one but five different events, due to their ages, the children's name had been withheld. She knew two of the victims were female so that helped narrow the field. Neither accident was something she'd want a child involved in. Sitting back in her chair she considered Nanoha being involved in either and understood her anger.

By the time she got home she was pushing her luck with her family. Everyone wanted to know; A. if they would be having a guest that evening, B. where she'd spent her day, and C. why she looked like she was ready to commit murder?

Brushing them all off she went to take a shower, she felt dirty from her time reading about the town's history. When she came down she felt better and decided to try and at least appease her family before the big dinner. Learning she'd spent the day mostly at the local library relieved their minds and as for her foul mood when she came in she blamed it on the book she'd been reading. Considering she was the type to cry or laugh out loud when reading this wasn't very far fetched. The biggest piece of news, of their upcoming guest confirming her acceptance of the invitation was what had the group going about making the house as presentable as possible.