Disclaimer: This is an adaptation of a book of the same title by Radclyffe. I do not own this work of fiction or any of the story or characters in this, nor the original Safe Harbor and Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha.

Chapter Thirteen

'So, tell me what's going on with you and our good doctor,' Alto said as she lined up her shot. She stroked lightly through the cue ball and slid the nine ball into the side pocket.

'Nice shot,' Fate commented as she balanced two fresh beers on the thin shelf that ran along the wall. 'What do you mean, what's going on?'

Alto glanced at her briefly as she slowly circled the table, planning her next salvo. The slightly perplexed look on her young friend's face told her the Deputy Sheriff really didn't know what the rumour mill had been churning out. 'Word has it that the two of you are an item.'

'Because we had dinner together?' Fate inquired as she carefully chalked the end of her custom cue.

'Romantic dinners. More than once, I'm told,' Alto added as she banked in her next shot. 'And because she seems to spend a lot of time at your place. And because the two of you have been seen together at the Lavender Lounge the last two Saturday nights.'

Fate was impressed with the accuracy of the local reporting.

'Sounds like you're information central,' she commented dryly.

'It's the tea dance. Everybody trades news there. I keep trying to tell you what you're missing. And don't avoid the issue!'

Fate approached the table as Alto narrowly missed a tricky combination. Stretching her long form low to get the proper sight along her stick, she neatly deposited the three ball in the corner pocket.

'We're not an item. We're friends.'

Alto waited. When nothing further seemed to be forthcoming, she sighed with exaggerated impatience.

'And? Do you have any intentions?' she asked as she watched Fate move gracefully around the table. It was looking like they'd need to go four out of seven for a fair match.

'She isn't interested,' Fate said flatly. She gently tapped the cue ball the length of the table, angling the seven into the corner.

Alto raised a questioning eyebrow at the vague answer. 'I was asking after your plans.'

Fate leaned her stick against the edge of the pool table, regarding her companion seriously as she reached for her beer.

'I can't answer that.'

Alto looked peeved. 'Well, if you don't want to tell me-'

'That's not what I meant. I don't know how to answer your question.'

'You like her, right?'

'Of course, she's terrific.'

'And she's great looking, right?'

'She's beautiful.'

'So, at the risk of sounding like a crude old dyke, have you given any thought to taking her to bed?'

Fate studied the foam on her beer. 'Aren't there a few steps you left out? Like - well, like courting?'

Alto coughed on the mouthful of beer she was swallowing. 'God, you are priceless! Courting! If the girls in this town only knew what you were really like, you'd have to beat them off with a stick!'

Fate asked cautiously, 'What do they think I'm like?'

'I think Carol from the Cheesecake Shop put it best. She said you were an impossibly good-looking, unapproachable ice-queen who probably does the asking. And there's a fair number of women waiting for you to ask. Only I know that you're an old-fashioned romantic.'

Fate smiled ruefully. 'No, Alto -I'm not that either. What I am is someone who's always been happy with my life just the way it is. I never thought to look for anything more. It never occurred to me there was anything more.'

Alto started to protest, then grew quiet. At length she voiced what she initially had found inconceivable. 'You've never been with a woman, have you?'

'No.'

'Oh, boy,' Alto whistled. She looked at her suspiciously. 'You're not straight are you? There'll be hearts breaking all over town.'

Fate looked away with a shrug.

'Tell me you don't know,' Alto said in disbelief.

'It's not that simple,' Fate stated. 'I've spent my life with men, many of whom I commanded. The rules are very clear, and very strict. I never had that kind of relationship with anyone. It never seemed to matter to me.'

'What about- you know, sex -' Alto persisted.

'I've had feelings -' Fate said, remembering with absolute clarity the way Nanoha had felt in her arms when she had innocently carried Nanoha into her house. She remembered the warmth of Nanoha's fingers in hers at dinner, and the rightness of it. 'The opportunity just never arose.'

Alto simply shook her head. 'Unbelievable. But you still haven't answered my question about the doc. Do you have feelings, as you so delicately put it, for her?'

Fate picked up her cue and focused her attention back on her game. 'It doesn't matter. She's been hurt, she shouldn't be hurt again. I'm the last thing she needs.'

'Why?'

'Because she doesn't trust me not to hurt her.'

Alto was well aware that Fate had avoided discussing her own feelings, and respected the unspoken barrier. But she still wasn't ready to let her completely off the hook. Left to her own devices, Fate would never figure out what she was about - or that sometimes women just needed you to keep trying. She didn't doubt that Nanoha Takamachi was cautious. Alto hadn't known her to date anyone the entire three years she'd lived there. She also knew that sometimes rumours started because those on the outside looking in saw more than the people who were in the thick of it.

'So how about coming to the tea dance tomorrow? It's the fourth of July weekend. You've never seen anything like it,' she pressed.

Fate sighed. 'You know I'm working -'

'Right - and I know damn well you're still working splits with Griffith. You can come to the tea and have plenty of time to sleep before the late shift.

Fate had refused thus far to accompany Alto to the popular afternoon event, somehow worried that it would conflict with her official position. To go dancing amidst the people she was supposed to be protecting seemed like the taboo of an officer fraternizing with the enlisted troops. She had to admit that excuse was getting a little thin. She lived in Provincetown - attending the dance wasn't likely to cause any greater stir than simply going out to dinner seemed to. And she did want to be personally familiar with as much of the unique community's life as possible.

'Okay,' she finally relented, 'for a little while.'

'Excellent,' Alto enthused. 'And Fate? Lose the uniform or you'll have every woman in the place hanging on you.'

Alto looked her over with satisfaction when Fate met her at the gym at four-thirty the next afternoon. The white tank top displayed her impressive shaped shoulders nicely; the tight faded jeans hung low on her curved hips. Not for the first time she felt the stirring of desire. Her new friend was all the more attractive because she obviously didn't know it. Alto was certain that Fate never noticed the open stares she received - in uniform or out. For her part, Alto simply enjoyed looking at her, knowing she would never act on it.

Fate regarded her quizzically. 'What? Am I late?'

'You're never late,' Alto asserted dryly. 'Come on, Sheriff. Let's go to the dance.'

They could hear the music from two blocks away, and already the small dance floor was crowded. For two hours at the end of the day, after the beach and before the night's activities began, most of the towns inhabitants would make the pilgrimage to the Boatslip for the tea dance. There was a huge outdoor deck with tables overlooking the harbor, several bars, and a dance floor that never seemed big enough but somehow always managed to accommodate the crowds. The ratio was probably four to one men to women, and unlike in many other bars, everyone got along. The atmosphere was usually one of unrestrained enthusiasm.

'What're you drinking?' Alto asked as they threaded their way through the throngs to the outside bar.

'Just a diet coke,' Fate said, heading toward the end of the deck that overlooked the beach while Alto joined the long line at the bar. She leaned against the rail, one booted foot up on the lower rung. She watched the couples strolling along the water's edge, some of them running playfully in and out of the froth. Two women stopped to share a kiss. The sight stirred her unexpectedly, and she had to look away. She was unsettled enough that she wasn't aware of the woman beside her until she spoke.

'I thought I saw you come in,' Nanoha said, one hand shielding her eyes in the sun. Fate had a strangely distant look in her eyes. 'You all right?'

Fate shook her head, smiling. 'Just daydreaming.'

Nanoha smiled back. 'Glad to hear it. Listen – there's someone close to me I want you to meet. Have you got a second?'

Fate looked around and saw Alto deep in conversation with someone in the bar line. 'Sure.'

'Great – She's been so busy at the hospital that we haven't met up since I've been here and she finally flew in from Boston yesterday-'

Fate hesitated, stepping back a pace. 'Ah, I - I don't want to intrude,' she managed to say as an unfamiliar tightening in her throat threatened her voice. Whatever was causing the icy ache in her chest was enough to force her to turn away, searching frantically for Alto's familiar back and the offer of escape.

Nanoha reached for the pale forearm, shocked at Fate's reaction. She had never before seen Fate lose her composure. Her entire body was stiff with tension.

'Fate!' Nanoha cried in alarm. 'What's the matter?'

Fate couldn't explain to Nanoha what she didn't have words for herself. She only knew that if Nanoha was here with her former lover, she didn't want to see them together. She struggled for an excuse. 'It's late - I should go-'

Nanoha continued to study her intently. There was no mistaking the turmoil in those deep burgundy eyes. What she didn't understand was the fleeting look of something close to pain that had marred Fate's usually implacable features. And she wasn't about to let her away before she did understand it.

'Fate! Damn it! Tell me what's wrong!'

'Nothing - really,' Fate responded evenly, her feelings now firmly in hand. 'I'm sorry - it isn't you. I really can't stay.'

Nanoha didn't believe her, but she knew by now how stubborn Fate was. She wouldn't talk until she was ready. 'Not even just a few minutes to stop and meet my sister?' Nanoha asked.

'Your sister?!' Fate couldn't keep the confusion from her voice. 'But I thought-'

'Yes,' Nanoha replied, just as surprised. 'Who did you -' She stopped in mid-sentence, staring, trying not to blush. 'You thought I meant Arisa - my ex, Arisa.'

It was Fate's turn to blush. 'Yes,' was finally all that she said.

They stared at each other as the air around them grew dense with feelings neither of them dared put words to. Nanoha finally broke the silence, her hand still grasping Fate's arm.

'It wouldn't be her,' she said softly, 'for a number of reasons. We haven't kept in touch, and I don't want to see her. There is nothing between us now.' As she spoke, her fingers slid slowly down to lightly clasp Fate's. It was important that Fate understand that Arisa held no claim on her.

'You don't need to explain,' Fate responded quietly.

'No?' Nanoha queried just as gently, feeling Fate's fingers intertwine with hers, trying to ignore the quick thrill of excitement that small closeness produced. 'Perhaps not, but I wanted to.'

Fate smiled slowly, giving Nanoha's hand a tug, breaking the tension. 'Come on then. Introduce me to your sister!'

Alto joined them eventually at the small table they had commandeered. Nanoha's older sister was as extroverted and gregarious as Nanoha was solitary, and in no time, she had talked Alto into taking her off to the dance floor.

'That's the last we'll see of them for a while,' Nanoha remarked as she glanced after her sister fondly. 'Miyuki loves to party.'

Fate stretched her long legs out to the side of the table and settled back with a sigh. 'At least she's in good company. Alto has enough energy for two or three people!'

'Besides that, Alto is a great dancer, and Miyuki could dance all night,' Nanoha added. 'It's so great to have her here. She's got two kids, a demanding job - even with a husband who helps out, it's hard for her to take time away for herself. She's between jobs now, so I've finally got her to myself. I was worried about showing her a good time.'

Fate saw Nanoha glance down at the brace protruding below the cuff of her white cotton slacks. In some part of her mind, Fate was always aware of it, too. When she and Nanoha worked out without it, Fate was careful to temper the force of her throws and takedowns. She would never risk further injury to someone who had already suffered so much. Even when they walked through town in the evenings after a dinner out, Fate was aware of their pace, the surface of the pavement, the surge of the crowds around them. Although she never thought of Nanoha as disabled, or less than totally capable in any way, she felt an instinctive protectiveness she would never admit to her. Knowing that Nanoha felt inhibited by her injury made her long to change it.

'You know something?' Fate said. 'I've never learned to dance. I always managed to avoid those insufferable military affairs by volunteering to take the duty.'

Nanoha stared at her. How could it be that someone so accomplished could have missed so many of the simple pleasures of life? And why did it not seem to bother her? Could she really be so self-sufficient that she didn't need what most people spent their lives seeking - some connection with another human being? That thought saddened Nanoha unaccountably.

'Well that has to change.' Nanoha stated emphatically. 'As soon as Miyuki gets back, I'm assigning her the task of teaching you.'

'If I have to learn, I'd rather it be with you.'

Fates tone was so gentle, Nanoha found herself struggling with tears. 'I'd love to,' she managed finally. 'But I don't think I can.'

Fate pushed back her chair and held out her hand. 'Let's find out.'

There was something about the compassionate insistence in her voice, and the comfort of that outstretched hand, that Nanoha couldn't resist. Without wanting to think what it might mean, she stood, grasping the strong fingers.

'All right - but we have to at least wait for a slow song.'

Fate nodded and led the way through the crowd to the edge of the dance floor. When the pulsing music slowed, they stepped to a corner of the small space and faced one another.

Nanoha looked up into Fate's smile and stepped into her arms. 'You lead,' she said quietly.

'As long as you keep me on track,' Fate replied as she slipped one arm around Nanoha's waist. Nanoha fit effortlessly against her, and despite the frequent physical contact they had on nearly a daily basis in the dojo, this felt vastly different.

Fate was aware of the press of Nanoha's breasts against her chest, and the length of firm thigh just touching her own. Nanoha's head rested lightly on her shoulder, her hair rich with the scent of sunshine and sea. For a second Fate was breathless from the assault of sensation.

'You're shaking,' Nanoha whispered, hoping that Fate couldn't feel the trembling in her own body.

'Nervous,' Fate murmured, closing her eyes, unconsciously tightening her hold as they moved together, tentatively at first, then with a growing confidence as each sensed the other's rhythm.

Nanoha couldn't remember the last time anyone had held her, and she could no more control her response than she could stop her heartbeat. It was as if her skin was opening, allowing the heat from Fate's body to penetrate to her core, and the fire that flared within had a life all its own. Unconsciously she pressed closer, cleaving to the strong frame, her fingers on Fate's back tightening as waves of heat threatened to eclipse her senses. When Fate's hips shifted naturally forward into her, she couldn't prevent a soft moan.

'Okay?' Fate questioned softly, her breath warm against Nanoha's cheek.

Nanoha tried to steady her voice as she replied, 'Just out of practice. Don't let go, I may topple over.' She fervently hoped Fate couldn't feel just how true her words were.

'Don't worry about that,' Fate answered. She scarcely recognized her own body. It seemed to have developed new senses in just a few scant moments. Her skin was tingling, her pulse pounded in her ears, and she swore she could feel Nanoha's heart beat in time with her own. Whatever was happening, she had no desire for it to stop. In fact, when the music changed to a faster beat she didn't even notice. The heady mixture of physical stimulation and emotional confusion muted her awareness of anything beyond Nanoha and herself.

'I have to sit this one out, Fate – it's going to get very fast in a minute,' Nanoha said as she leaned back to look up into her taller partner's face. Fate was staring at her in the strangest way, her grip around Nanoha's waist tightening instinctively as the contact between them lessened. Nanoha tilted her head questioningly as she relaxed against Fate's body. 'What is it?' she asked. She had to raise her voice as the music pounded and more people crowded onto the floor.

Fate looked around, fully cognizant of her surroundings for the first time in what seemed like hours. Her loss of connection with external events was enough to frighten her; that coupled with the apparent mutiny of her senses left her totally baffled. She leaned close, her lips against Nanoha's ear.

'I'm ready to sit down, too, but my legs seem to have acquired a mind of their own. And they're saying stay.'

Nanoha laughed, slipping her hand down Fate's arm and grasping her hand.

'Come on! I'll lead the way.'

As she turned to guide them through the crowd, she was acutely aware of Fate pressed against her. She told herself it was because of the throng of people close around them, and not due to any intent on Fate's part. Regardless of the reason, she couldn't deny the surge of pleasure the contact provoked.

Alto and Miyuki, sandwiched against the narrow rail enclosing the dance floor watched them go. Alto had just replenished their drinks and they were catching their breath before the next round on the dance floor.

'I can't believe my eyes,' Miyuki muttered. 'I haven't seen her on a dance floor in ten years. That friend of yours must be a magician.'

Alto grunted. 'The likes of her I've not seen before.'

Miyuki looked alarmed. 'Don't tell me she's some kind of playboy - playgirl rather, - or something worse! My sister had her heart broken once already by someone like that!'

'That's not what I meant,' Alto soothed. 'She's about as honourable as they come - maybe too honourable. She'll protect your sister to the point of holding back what the doc might like offered.'

'She's not straight is she?'

'Haven't seen any signs of it,' Alto said with a grin. 'But then you don't exactly shriek married mother of two.'

'Yes, well, I don't look like a combination of Wonder Woman and Brad Pitt either!'

'True enough -' Alto conceded. 'I've known Doc Takamachi for three years, and I know damn well she can take of herself. Fate Testarossa is a tough one to figure, but I get nothing but good feelings from her. And I can tell she thinks a lot of your sister. And I'd bet my last dime that she's gay. I know you're going to worry, but it won't change anything.'

'I know. It's just that Nanoha's had so many lousy breaks. She deserves so much more.'

Alto nodded. 'Whatever happens between them, you don't have to worry about Fate Testarossa. She believes that Marine Corp stuff - including the semper fi.'

God, I hope so, Miyuki thought. She had seen the way her sister looked at the woman.

'I can't believe how crowded this place has gotten!' Fate exclaimed as she maneuvered the Cape Codder in its tall frosted glass onto the small table in front of Nanoha. She slid into the seat beside her, nearly draining her own seltzer and lime in one deep draft. 'Dancing is quite the experience,' she commented. 'Thank you for the lesson.'

Nanoha searched for a hint of sarcasm, but found none. 'My pleasure,' she said, knowing only too well how dangerously true those words were. 'You're a natural. I didn't do anything except follow your lead. You'll have to ask my sister to fast dance with you – she's great.'

'No thanks,' Fate said emphatically. 'You're more than enough for me. Let her wear Alto out if she can.'

Nanoha couldn't help but blush, even though she knew perfectly well that Fate wasn't flirting. She wouldn't know how to flirt if she wanted to, Nanoha thought to herself with disgust. You have got to get over yourself with this woman!

'How would you like to have an early dinner?' Fate asked.

Nanoha hesitated, still searching for calm after the way she had felt dancing. Fate looked so damn fetching with the sun highlighting her golden-blonde hair and her clear, smooth skin. The fact that she was watching Nanoha intently didn't help. If she didn't know better, she'd swear the woman was asking her out. Her body refused to behave. Her pulse skipped, her stomach fluttered, and there was no denying the wet warmth that pounded insistently between her thighs. Fate excited her, and that was impossible. That way lay disaster. She saw Alto and her sister approaching with relief.

'I can't,' she said, beckoning her head toward the women. 'I need to spend some time with my sister.'

Fate felt a quick stab of rejection, which made no sense at all! Of course Nanoha needed to see her sister. Her acute disappointment was embarrassing. She stood abruptly, needing suddenly the comfortable familiarity of her work.

'Of course - I should be going anyway.' She looked about to say more, but she simply turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Alto looked after her retreating back in surprise. 'Where's she off to?'

Nanoha sighed. 'To work, would be my guess. Where else?'

Now Alto stared at her in astonishment. What was it with these two? They both looked as if they had lost their last friend.

'Your sister and I were just discussing dinner. You ready for that?'

Nanoha pushed herself up, reaching for her cane from the back of the chair. 'I'm not really hungry. Why don't you two go? I'll be at the clinic. You can pick me up later.'

She didn't wait for their reply. She was too preoccupied with the memory of Fate Testarossa's face when she walked away. Despite an attempt to hide it, Fate had looked hurt, and that upset Nanoha more than she wanted to admit.