I don't own anything. The story belongs to u/321285/Alba1

The room lit up completely for a second before returning to darkness accompanied by the shrill sound of thunder.

"Ah!"- the frightened shriek of a girl who was heard from the other side of the apartment.

Nanoha who until then had been in front of the window, spellbound by the storm, turned curiously and saw Vivio jump out of the bed and ran towards her with a frightened face and tears in her eyes.

When she was at her height the little girl jumped hooking onto the lap of her guardian.

"Nanoha-mama…"

The copper Instructor felt how the girl trembled as she hugged her. Another flash and thunderclap made Vivio press closer to Nanoha.

"What's wrong, Vivio? Are you afraid of thunder?"- she asked in her calm voice as she placed a comforting hand on the little girl's head. Vivio turned her face away from her long enough to look at her and nod slightly.

Nanoha tenderly smiled and pushed her away enough to be able to take her in her arms. "But there's nothing to be scared of Vivio"- she told her.

Vivio hugged Nanoha's neck and hid her face in the Star's chest, closing her eyes tightly. The constant pattering of the rain enveloped the place. Nanoha was carrying Vivio back to bed when another bolt of lightning erupted along with the rumble. Vivio jumped and tears began to soar in her disparate eyes. Her mouth twisted into a quivering pout.

"...They're scary"

Nanoha let out a sigh when the little girl didn't let go of her when she tried to lay her down again.

"Vivio…"- she started but she didn't quite know how to continue.

The little girl's hands seemed to be gripped by her pajamas.

"I'm scared"- Vivio commented a bit embarrassed.

Nanoha leaned against the wall, sitting on the bed, and let Vivio's cringe curl around her skirt. She began to caress her head but her gaze went to the window after a while.

"Nanoha-mama, aren't you afraid of thunder?"- Vivio's small voice made her blink and turn her attention back to the little girl on her lap.

"Eh?"- she pulled herself together. "No, Nanoha-mama isn't scared of them"

Vivio's expression turned into one of surprise and admiration.

"Hehehe"- Nanoha giggled with that smile of hers, the same as ten years ago.

There was another clap of thunder and Vivio let out a small cry.

"Come on, come on"- Nanoha whispered, trying to get the girl to unhook her face from her stomach.

Nanoha then remembered a similar scene, but this time she was the girl scared of the storm. She remembered as a child, thunder terrified her. When was she that she went from fearing them to adoring them? Because now she was mesmerized and soothed. Unconsciously reaching a hand to Raising Heart, Nanoha smiled, finding the answer.

"You know something, Vivio?"- she told the little girl, she turned her attention to Nanoha's eyes, of that emblematic color between lilac and sapphire. "When I was little I was also afraid"- she confessed to her.

Vivio frowned "Really? Really?"- she accused her as not believing her.

Nanoha chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, but now I'm not afraid of them anymore. Now I even find them cute. You shouldn't be afraid of them, Vivio"

"But…"- Nanoha silenced her by covering her mouth with her index finger.

"I'll tell you my secret but you have to be a good girl and sleep, it's late"- Vivio nodded and settled down ready to listen to the story.

"Do you remember the name of the Section I work on, Vivio?"- Vivio smiled and nodded, answering immediately.

"It's called Section 6"- said the girl happy to know the answer. Nanoha nodded pleased with the answer. "And do you know what my squad is? What is my emblem, Vivio? Do you know?"- Nanoha seemed to be entertaining herself by instructing the girl. Vivio paused for a moment to think.

"A star"- she finally said and Nanoha congratulated her again.

"And what is Fate-mama's?"- she asked, not sure Vivio knew the answer.

Indeed, the little girl blinked confused, not knowing what to answer.

*Broom*

Another electrical discharge in the heavens broke Vivio's concentration. Nanoha smiled from ear to ear when Vivio opened her eyes wide, remembering it (and just as importantly, without being scared of the thunder).

"It's lightning!"- Vivio yelled, her tone as astonished as it was joyful at the answer.

"Exactly"- Nanoha winked at her. "Fate-mama is lightning…"

"Because she is very fast right?"- interrupted the girl innocently. Nanoha laughed again.

"... Yes, as fast as lightning"- she smiled, then she put on a fake sad face. "That's why Fate-mama will be sad when she finds out that you're afraid of thunder, Vivio. You have to be brave, for Fate-mama…and for me, okay?"

Vivio put on a circumstantial face but Nanoha could see how she made an effort to overcome her fear.

"Now to sleep"- she whispered, kissing her on the forehead.

Vivio leaned back hugging her stuffed bunny and closing her eyes.

"Good girl"- Nanoha smiled.

Another bolt of lightning illuminated the room but the sound was heard more distant this time it seemed that the storm was moving away.

"Fate-mama doesn't make that much noise"- Vivio complained.

Nanoha couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You're right"

"Fate-mama's emblem isn't lightning just because speed is her specialty, long before forming Section 6, Fate-mama was already lightning…"- Nanoha commented more to herself than to inform Vivio.

Nanoha remembered when she met Fate. She attacked her.

"Thunder…The crackling sound of electricity and the overwhelming image of pitch black and dangerous lightning bolts echoing dozens at a time would have frightened many. Nanoha was the first but clenching her fist around Raising Heart, Nanoha bit back. She could hear Yuuno somewhere below her, admiring the brave girl displayed, shouting warnings and advice at her but the truth is Nanoha barely listened to the animal. Her eyes fixed on the figure of her before her. The frightening image of the girl her own age, silent but determined. However, looking into her eyes…those crimson eyes were so sad, so kind…Nanoha couldn't take her gaze away from those enigmatic eyes of hers. The terrifying storm of the attack she was preparing suddenly didn't seem so dangerous"

"...The gentle Mistress of the Storm"- she mused.

She sat up a little to discover that Vivio had already fallen asleep. With a smile she got rid of the soft grip that the girl still had on her and placed her gently in the center of the bed, she carefully got out of bed so as not to wake her. She covered her with the sheets and went down to the kitchen to prepare a snack. The snack ended up being a glass of milk with honey.

She took her place in front of the window and continued to watch the sky over the city. The rain was lighter and the thunder was barely audible now. Only distant flashes, long and short rays greeted each other with less assiduity.

As soon as she heard the door behind her, she turned to greet Fate.

"Welcome home, Fate-chan"- Nanoha smiled.

Fate blinked in the semi-darkness of the apartment.

"Nanoha?"- Fate looked at her with raised eyebrows from the entrance, surprised to find her partner still up. She had lost track of time finishing her office work, luckily Signum kept an eye on her health and forced her to go home; still, it was very late. She glanced at Nanoha standing by the window, her pink camisole serving as her pajamas, slippers forming a V, and a steaming mug in her hand. Her hair was down and her eyes sparkled despite the dim light, a wide smile on her lips welcoming her. Nanoha was charming. Fate felt how the tension from work left her and her muscles relaxed, a tender smile spread across her face.

"I'm home"

"Fate-chan! You're soaking wet"- Nanoha was startled as she took a closer look at her friend.

Indeed, her uniform clung to her body and her hair was messily flattened on her face.

"I'm sorry, I forgot my umbrella and the rain caught me…well, I thought it was going to stop but it started to rain harder…"- Fate began to excuse herself like a girl who had done something wrong.

Nanoha turned around and ran to the bathroom. Instantly, she came back with a towel in her hand. Fate reached out her hand to take it and her lips were already forming words of thanks when Nanoha threw it at her head.

"Huh?"- Fate let out, blinded by the towel.

But before she could move and brush the cloth away from her face, two hands settled on her head and began to massage her drying her hair. The towel was removed and Fate, speechless, let Nanoha dry her. The blonde was enjoying the moment (secretly) with her eyes closed, savoring those little moments she had with her first and best friend… and lover of hers, she wishes she could scream.

"Fate-chan…"- Fate opened her eyes and fixed them on Nanoha's blue ones. She pointed to a chair. "It's kind of hard for me to dry you off if you're standing"- she said.

Fate looked at her and went to sit on the chair.

"I'm sorry"- the blonde apologized. Nanoha laughed.

The truth is that over the years the difference in height between them had become more evident. Fate was a few feet taller than the copper. Both young women resumed their previous activity. There was a peaceful silence between the two in which Fate realized that Vivio was sleeping.

"Vivio sleeping?"- she asked.

Nanoha answered with an "Aha".

"I thought we were going to have trouble getting her to sleep today, with the storm and all but she's a brave girl"- she smiled, turning a little to look at Nanoha who was behind her. "Like the mother of hers"- she added, looking Nanoha in the eye and smiling.

Nanoha stopped her hands for a moment before the compliment.

"The truth is, I was terrified"- she commented.

"And what have you done to calm down? You have a good hand with Vivio"

Nanoha humbly shook her head and continued drying Fate's long hair. At the last moment, Nanoha spoke again.

"It was thanks to you. Vivio likes you a lot, Fate-mama"

"Huh?"

Fate didn't know what that was about or what it had to do with the fact that Vivio was sleeping, ignoring the increasingly weak storm.

"Nothing, nothing"- the copper woman put aside the subject.

Fate looked at Nanoha and then at the bundle on the bed that was Vivio.

"Well, what is certain is that Vivio adores Nanoha-mama so much that the strange thing is that she is not stuck to you like a limpet"- Fate joked.

Nanoha didn't answer, her hands were still on the towel drying Fate's hair gently but her eyes deviated from the work to better observe the blonde. Fate had always seemed beautiful to her but tonight she thought she was dazzling, her damp hair parted from her revealing a thing, pale neck her wet clothes clinging to Fate's figure like a glove.

"Fate-chan"- the copper whispered.

Fate raised her eyebrows at the strange tone with which Nanoha called her. Nanoha was not aware that her name had escaped from her lips in a hoarse sigh full of affection…and desire. Fate's eyes on her part were wide open, her body tense from her. Had it been her imagination? She was afraid to turn to look at Nanoha and see her friend smiling affectionately and naively, obviously to the strong heating of her heart.

Nanoha put the towel aside and combed Fate's hair with her hands, she loved feeling her fingers slide through the blonde locks. Fate felt a chill. She couldn't tell if it was because of the cold or something else. She began to tremble,

"Fate-chan?- Nanoha noticed the change. "You should change your clothes or you'll catch a cold"- she said as she took off her jacket.

Her white blouse was transparent and Nanoha could see Fate's black bra through it. She swallowed hard, feeling her mouth go dry. Resting her hands on Fate's shoulders, Nanoha rested her cheek on top of her blonde's head, and leaning over the chair, she hugged her.

Fate could feel Nanoha's warmth, her closeness. Her characteristic blush broke out lightning her cheeks to that nice pink. Nanoha smiled seeing it. Definitively, she decided that she couldn't live without her, without Fate, her best friend, her confidante… and maybe something else. Her bond with Fate was greater than the one she could have with any other person. She loved Fate from the bottom of her heart, naturally.

Timidly, Fate placed a hand on Nanoha's arms that were around her neck. She unconsciously caressed them with her thumb. Maybe she could never have anything else but with what she had, those moments when Nanoha in her innocence treated her with such affection, it was enough. Receiving Nanoha's affection was a blessing…and a curse; living between heaven and hell but it was worth it if she could see one of the copper's sincere smiles. Even though she wanted more…she loved Nanoha.

One day she would be brave enough to be able to show Nanoha her feelings, to show her her deepest love. But for now, things were fine like this.

Intoxicated by the emotion that prompted the moment, Nanoha slightly turned her face and kissed the top of Fate's head, later laying her cheek again and using her partner's head as a pillow. The blonde blinked. Nanoha tenderly squeezed her a little harder. She felt a pain in her chest.

"Nanoha?"- she heard the gentle voice beneath her.

That gentle and sweet voice that pronounced her name differently from others made her eyes start to burn.

Fate felt Nanoha's small and discreet hiccups and turned to face her. She felt a pang when she saw Nanoha look away from her trying to hide the tears that bathed her soft cheeks. Fate's brows furrowed instantly, eyes full of concern.

"Nanoha, what's wrong?"- she asked in alarm.

Nanoha seemed embarrassed, sad, confused…Fate was surprised at not being able to decipher the feeling that shone in her friend's eyes but seeing her cry broke her heart, she couldn't stand it; Nanoha should always smile, she deserved to be happy more than anyone else, she had to be happy. Fate had decided to dedicate her life to the end. She stood up and took Nanoha's hands in hers. The Instructor's silence only made her more nervous, what had happened to effect Nanoha in this way? When she arrived at the apartment everything seemed fine.

Nanoha, for her part, remained speechless, her gaze taking the figure of Fate who remained standing in front of her, observing her with those deep and expressive eyes full of sincere concern. This made her emotion choke even more.

"F-Fate-chan!"- she let out a hoarse shriek and dove headfirst into her mate.

She did it without fear because she trusted her blindly. Fate answered instantly, at the precise moment that she pronounced her name, crimson eyes shone and the blonde took a step towards her, hugging her tightly. Nanoha snuggled up in Fate's arms, the cold touch of her wet uniform forgotten. The copper got lost cradled by Fate's strong heartbeat. Her hand wrinkled Fate's shirt in a desperate gesture that screamed 'dont leave me'.

Fate was scared, she whispered words of comfort and asked what happened. But she only got a slight moan in response although it was obvious that Nanoha was struggling to overcome it. It didn't take her long to get it. Nanoha separated herself from Fate's chest which she had hidden and Fate separated her arms from around the Instructor's body, not without remorse. She dreamed of having her in her arms forever. Nanoha brushed away her tears and smiled shyly. Fate was one of the few, if not the only person with whom Nanoha felt comfortable enough to show weakness but still, she was a little embarrassed by her behavior. Fate looked at her silently.

"Are you okay?"- asked the blonde.

"Mmm"- Nanoha nodded.

Fate wasn't convinced but didn't push. If Nanoha wanted to talk to her about anything she would do it when she was ready. She looked at Nanoha's face once more and approached her, raising a hand towards that face that she adored. She ran a finger gently caressing her cheek and with her touch, she brushed away an errant tear. A strong melancholic feeling of deja vu invaded them,

"When you see someone you love cry, Nanoha, you get sad too"- Fate repeated her words from her past.

That made Nanoha smile and Fate felt so proud of herself for making her smile that she even felt guilty.

Already more recovered from her little attack, Nanoha tried to completely dry the rest of her tears.

"I'm sorry I wet your shirt, Fate-chan"- she said without thinking.

Fate looked at her somewhat stunned, drenched as she was by the rain. Noticing it, Nanoha laughed and Fate joined her, filling the room with the happy sounds of their laughter. Little by little, they calmed down and Nanoha looked up to find Fate still laughing just a few centimeters from her. Her smile faded from her lips and she again found herself in that strange trance looking at her friend.

Beautiful- she thought.

Fate looked at her still smiling and stopped dead. The storm was already far away and the clouds had parted from it to let a full moon appear that illuminated Nanoha's face, giving her a more angelic aura. Fate descended and Nanoha didn't move. When her lips were already touching, Fate's eyes widened and the blonde jumped back. Terrified by her own actions. Nanoha woke up from her trance and watched her for a moment, studying her. There was no innocent naivete as there used to be in her gaze, but rather a mischievous curiosity and burning suspicion.

"Fate-chan"- Nanoha whispered, approaching the hesitant Fate.

The blonde was nervous, looking everywhere except Nanoha. The Instructor took the blonde's face in her hands forcing her to look at her.

There was silence. Without warning, Nanoha smeared her lips on Fate's. Fate jumped at her surprise but she reacted and returned the kiss, her hands surrounding the copper's waist. It wasn't a platonic kiss, far from it. It was a passionate kiss, an adult kiss. A kiss with which both seemed to want to devour the other. Nanoha moved away from her to take a breath, she ran her tongue over her lips, tasting Fate in them. Panting, she lost herself in Fate's eyes which seemed darker than usual and shone with lust; not knowing that her own look was like her friend's. Fate took her by surprise by resuming the kiss, eager for Nanoha. Due to the suddenness of the act, Nanoha tripped over her slipper and fell backward but Fate took her in her arms in time…to slip and fall on top of her. Most of the blow was stopped by Fate's arms but Nanoha still hit her neck.

"Ow"- she groaned.

She looked at Fate above her, getting on all four so as not to crush her. Nanoha laughed at the inexperience of both.

Fate was about to apologize and let go, Nanoha saw it in her eyes and shut her up before she could say a word, with another kiss. Fate began to kiss her with more confidence, her lips, her cheek. She slowly traced her neck down to her neckline. Fate's hands took advantage of the large size of Nanoha's camisole, going up her thighs and getting lost beyond her. Nanoha let out a moan of pleasure.

"Mmmm"- a second by another moan, but his one came from the bed.

The two of them had completely forgotten about Vivio. Nanoha blinked and jumped up and made herself presentable. For her part, Fate had jumped two meters away from Nanoha and was hiding it painfully, with an impressive blush on her cheeks. Nanoha turned to the bed to discover that Vivio was dreaming, she was still asleep.

"I'd better change and go to sleep"- Fate commented.

Nanoha saw how her friend avoided the subject.

"Fate-chan"- she called her.

The blonde looked at her inquisitively. Nanoha smiled with a rascal face.

"We leave it pending. Tomorrow Vivio will be out…"

Fate understood what was implicit in the suggestive comment. She couldn't help but smile at Nanoha and nod.

It wasn't a dream, she reminded herself, pinching herself. She reciprocated. She reciprocated!

Fate changed and they both got into bed. One on each side of Vivio. It didn't take long for the girl to cuddle up against Nanoha and Fate smiled at the sight. Nanoha stuck her tongue out at her, then she extended an arm over Vivio and Fate wasted no time in taking the hand that was offered to her.

"Tell me, Nanoha"- Fate said softly. "What were you doing when I arrived? It was already late, were you expecting me?"- she asked the latter, feeling guilty.

Nanoha looked at her, distinguishing her features in the darkness.

"I admired the storm"- she said with a yawn.

Fate blinked in confusion and yawned as well.

"I like thunder. I like it a lot. I love lightning"- murmured the copper sleepily.

"Huh?"- Fate ignored her when she realized that Nanoha was already sleeping almost as deeply as Vivio.

Taking a risk, Fate raised herself on one elbow, approaching her friend without letting go of her hand. With incredible tenderness, she kissed her. She then placed a fleeting kiss on Vivio's cheek and lay down next to her on the huge bed. With a placid smile, she wished.

"Good night"

And lightly squeezed Nanoha's hand in her, making sure that she was there, she closed her eyes. She was tired and her sleep pressed her so she fell asleep almost instantly. She would have sworn that before that, a light squeeze was returned.

The future smiled mercifully at them.

Fist bumps everyone👊