Disclaimer: I do not own MSLN
I'm sorry for the late update. I was so busy at my job. Thanks for the views guys! Feedback will be appreciated! Thanks!
Rein POV
*Flashback
It was during a summer vacation when Fate-san and Alicia-chan went back to their grandparent's home. Fate-san and Takamachi-san was on their sophomore year and Alicia-chan and I together with Hayate-chan and Vita-chan are first years.
For some reasons, the Testarossa sisters were called out by their grandmother whose name that they never mentioned. The two were not around during our summer practice for almost three weeks. It was Takamachi-san and Lowran Amy-san who took over the training for the team during the absence of Fate-san. Alicia-chan went back three days and Fate-san went back the day before the training camp that was requested by the tennis players from Tokyo. The Ru Lushe High. The home of the tennis powerhouse players high school division.
It was that time on the second night of the joint camp when I made a terrible conflict with Takamachi-san. A conflict that I will never forget…
3rd year Middle School
Since I became friends with Alicia-chan during middle school, I never heard or knew about her family background. All I knew that she was a transfer student from England. But, her Japanese skills both in speaking and writing was surprisingly superb. Until such time that Fate-san went to our school for a surprised visit to Alicia-chan.
That moment, it was the first time that I have met someone from Alicia-chan's family. A sister that she never had mentioned before. Every time I asked her about her family, she will change the topic.
At first, I didn't realize that Alicia-chan's sister was Takamachi-san's doubles partner, Fate Testarossa. They were the reigning champion for the women's tennis doubles high school division that year, I only recognize Fate-san when Alicia-chan introduced her to me. I should have seen their resemblance with each other. Alicia-chan looks like a younger version of Fate-san. Although, Fate-san is much taller than her. In fairness to Fate-san, her beauty was more alluring and she's definitely drop dead gorgeous that could make everyone's heart beats fast that could make them feel short of breath. While Alicia-chan possess an exquisite beauty like a princess. The first thing that I noticed to Fate-san was her beautiful crimson eyes, but behind those eyes was an unfathomable emptiness. Her crimson eyes were more deep and expressive than Alicia-chan.
Before, I only knew Fate-san's name that I have seen and read on the sports magazine together with Takamachi-san, but I didn't know that she was Alicia-chan's older sister. She never told me about Fate-san even though I'm her best friend. At that time, for me I was the number one fan of Takamachi-san to the point that I dislike Fate-san without knowing her first. For me, Takamachi-san was the key to their victory. A lot of tennis players from our team was were arguing who's more beautiful and skilled between the two. They were so popular because of their looks.
Takamachi-san beauty was no joke. She's a head turner, someone that catches the eye, the looks whom causes people to look much. Any person will drool over her. She has those pair of enchanting lavender eyes that will make any person's heart melt.
Back then, Fate-san stayed with us for three days and helped us with our tennis training for the upcoming winter tournament that year. Our teammates were so happy to have her with us. The time that Fate-san has spent with us was really pleasant. She was so gentle and nice. She was also generous enough to treat all of us from the team after our training. She wasn't so stiff and rigid when it comes to training, but the way she encourages us to do our best to defeat our opponents while enjoying the game was really encouraging. I was the team captain of the team, and I was really thankful to her assistance.
Fate-san really loves Alicia-chan and acts as a loving big sister even in front of every one. She was treating me so well too like her little sister and pats my head when I am making a face. I clearly saw the sisterly love between the Testarossa sisters but at the same time, they treated each other with a great unusual respect. At that juncture, I started to change my impression towards Fate-san. All those times, I was wrong with all my negative thoughts about her. I was too focus on admiring Takamachi-san.
On the third day, Takamachi-san went to our school so early in the morning to fetch Fate-san for some reason. I was on my way to the tennis court when I saw Takamachi-san. I was so excited to see her that my blood was gushing all over my body. But to my horrible surprised, I saw how Takamachi-san greeted Fate-san with a powerful slap on her face. My eyes had opened wide together with my mouth without making a sound. I was so shocked!
Whaaaaack! A loud noise was heard that came from the sound of slap. But, Fate-san didn't even flinch or said anything. Takamachi-san has a sullen look on her face. I felt so pity for Fate-san. Takamachi-san was harsh to her. At the same time, I was also wondering why they were in bad terms. We have read from the magazine that both of them were best of friends!
I didn't know what to do, I felt so nervous and without thinking instead of going back to where I came from, I hid on the bushes. I held my breath, afraid of being heard by the two-people clashing together.
"How can you just run away like that, Fate-chan? You're putting me in a terrible situation!" Takamachi-san said with an angry voice.
"We have to go now! We don't much time to stand here idly!" She grabbed Fate-san's wrist forcefully. But, Fate-san shrugged her off.
"What do you want Takamachi?" Her voice was hoarse.
I saw Takamachi-san's reaction when she heard how Fate-san addressed her name. There was a surprised and disappointed look on her face. She raised her eyebrows.
"And now you're just addressing me as Takamachi now?" – her voice was resentful.
"Have you forgotten about what you did on the music club room? I know that you were avoiding me, I was avoiding you too but can't you try to be more discreet in front of everyone? What have I done to you to deserve it? I used to think that we're good friends. I wouldn't be on the music club that day if your club adviser didn't beg me to compete with you for the Two Piano Competition. I never liked competitions as much as you do. I just do what makes me feel at ease." Fate-san voice was broken, shaky and quiet. Full of sadness. I couldn't see her reaction, I can only see the view of her back.
"You don't have the right to sound resentful the way you speak to me, Nanoha."
"Look, Fate-chan, Yamamoto-sensei has been making my life a living hell since you left that damn club room! We only have few weeks for the competition and we never have had been started practicing!" - Takamachi-san replied.
You are such a brat, Nanoha. Always dragging me around to the competitions. Just leave me alone for now, please. Fate-san said in a calm cold voice.
Takamachi-san didn't respond to what Fate-san has said. There was a minute of silence.
The Two Piano Competition gave a rang to my head.
What's wrong with this two? Why are they fighting? And on top of that who the hell are these people? How can they be so excellent and competitive in tennis and yet they could still manage to compete with other kinds of competition. Two Piano Competition is no joke! It requires a high skilled level piano player. At least those who passed the grade 7 exams are eligible to join for the said competition.
Crrrrunchhh! I was lost on that thought when I accidentally stepped on a small dried branch that made a crispy crunch sound.
It was just a faint sound but at that time, I saw Fate-san turned around and looked at on the direction where I was hiding. She sure to have a very sharp ear. I stopped breathing, I was hoping that she didn't noticed me or heard the cracking sound of that damned branch. Few seconds later, she turned her gazed towards Takamachi-san, as she came closer to her and wrapped her hand around her waist. Fate-san was whispering something on Takamachi-san's ear. I couldn't hear anything about what she was saying to Takamachi-san and miraculously the raging storm between them have calmed down. They walked towards the court hand in hand without saying a word.
What heck was that?! How the hell I ended up seeing that unpleasant situation! I thought to myself.
Confused on what just happened, I brushed my hair with my fingers in a frustrated manner.
That day, Takamachi-san lend us a hand during our training sessions that day. Both of them acted in front of us as if nothing bad had happened that morning. Also, Alicia-chan insisted that Takamachi-san should stay overnight with us. She knew that Takamachi-san will not go back to without Fate-san. That night, the four of us slept together. Alicia was so delighted with Takamachi-san that she was already calling her Nanoha-neesama. I was also happy that my idol, Takamachi-san was spending time with us.
We only have a double-deck bed in our room, what was the most awkward moment that happened in my life when Fate-san suddenly climbed on to my bed to sleep!
"What are you doing Fate-san?" I asked her.
"Why?" She responded me with a question too.
"Why? Aren't you supposed to sleep on Alicia-chan's bed with Nanoha-san?" I pouted.
Fate-san gave me a Mona Lisa smiled which confused me then she spoke,
"No, Nanoha will be sleeping in Alicia-chan's bed with her. They couldn't stop chatting. It's fine, if I'm not welcome here. I'll just sleep on the couch. Please, let me borrow this small pillow and this blanket." She turned her back and was about to leave the bed, I reached out to her wrist.
"W-wait! I didn't say that you weren't welcome here. I-I -w-was just surprised you know.." I scratched the back of my head. You can sleep here. I added.
What the hell! Why am I panicking?! I thought to myself.
"Thank you, Rein-chan." She replied with a smile.
Then, Fate-san approached me and lean over to reach my ear.
"Also, thank you for not telling Alicia-chan about what you had saw this morning. I don't want her to be anxious about it. She will surely make a fuss." She whispered in my ear. I could feel her soft breath in my ear.
"W-what?! W-what are you talking about F-fate-san?!" I panicked.
Oh my god! I was found out! She knew I was there eavesdropping to their conversation! I'm dead! I thought to myself.
Fate-san covered my mouth gently with her fingers. Her crimson eyes were looking straight to my eyes. For me it was intense that I didn't know what to do. My heart was pounding so hard. I couldn't breathe. My face heats up with her actions. Then she spoke again in a whispering manner. Her gaze was locked in my eyes.
"Shhh! Calm down, Rein-chan. Listen. You're not in trouble. I am not angry because you were eavesdropping. It wasn't your fault to see that nasty situation. It just happened that you were in a wrong place at the wrong time. I didn't notice you at first not until I heard the faint sound of that branch." Her voice was so gentle.
"How did you know it was me? It could be a cat or a mouse. It was just a faint sound; how can you hear it so clearly?" I asked her curiously.
"Because, Alicia-chan asked me to come and get you. Asked for me hearing the faint sound of that branch, that would be a secret." She winked at me. Fate-san looks so adorable. Then, her face become serious again.
"Please, don't tell Alicia-chan. Nanoha doesn't know you were there either. It's really important to me." She said.
"I'm sorry for eavesdropping, Fate-san. I didn't mean to listen to your conversation with Takamachi-san. And yes, I will not tell Alicia-chan about it." I replied.
"Thank you." She smiled and patted my head.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to sleep now. Good night, Rein-chan. I would really appreciate it if you would do it."Then she started lying on the bed and closed her eyes.
I sighed. "Good night, Fate-san."
I was not able to sleep that night. I was freaking out because of the presence of the person who was sleeping next to me. There were times that I wanted to caress her sleeping face. But I cease the urge to do it. There was an unfamiliar feeling inside that was awakened by Fate-san. I fell in love with her at that moment.
I made a resolve to confess my feelings to Fate-san in the future without knowing what was the real score between her and Takamachi-senpai.
End of Flashback..
"Neh, Rein-chan! It's Fate-neesama! Look!" Alicia-chan exclaimed.
I look towards the place where Alicia-chan was waving her hands. I saw Fate-san waved her hand in response to Alicia-chan then she jogs towards us.
"Finally, she's here." I smiled happily.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this chapter guys! See you!
