Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN but my girlfriend reckons she should!

Author's Notes: Thank you Derka, SapphoSensei, ZonaRose, ComandanteKami-sama and LC Rina for your wonderful reviews :-) and to everyone following this story :-)

Chapter 17 has been slightly edited. I have added a few extra things. It doesn't change the story though.

Derka don't worry. Regius and the Project won't interfere… yet… :-P

Thank you SapphoSensei for your words :-) I re-read my chapter and agree with you. Linith should have been a bit more serious about the mission. I have gone back and made slight changes to chapter 17 to accommodate for this. Thank you for the critique. I appreciate it very much :-) Although twisted I enjoyed writing the Fate and Regius interaction. I am happy you liked it :-)

ZonaRose the moment you have been waiting for: Nanoha's POV :-) Thank you very much for you review. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Pegasus' Knight (ComandanteKami-sama) thank you for your review. I do enjoy reading your thoughts :-) Brace yourself for more Regius and Fate interaction in future chapters with no skull crushing… just yet ;-) Also Precia will eventually smile but for what reason?... suspense… more cliff hangers and revelations to look forward to in future chapters :-P NanoFate chemistry will only get more intense from here on in… A big hug via fanfiction back to you and hope you enjoy this chapter :-)

LC Rina you are spot on with your thoughts about this chapter :-) All paired chapters bar the mini ones are opposites in some theme contained within it. All your answers are contained below. I hope you enjoy it :-) Thank you so very much for your review.


Chapter 18

Affinity

Nanoha's POV.

Hayate and I walked into Thunder Rage a few moments ago and bumped into a whole group of men in suits. Not quite the look I had imagined with this place. We ran into a black masked Linith pretty quickly. She had said that she had seen us from the balcony area. My eyes instantly gazed next to her and was disappointed not seeing Fate. Linith sensing what I was after pointed me in the right direction whilst she and Hayate went to get drinks for everyone.

I had found Fate quite quickly even thought the club is quite packed. Her hair and height really stand out in Japan.

I am standing in front of her but she hasn't seen me yet as her eyes are tightly shut and her arms are around her waist.

She is beautiful!

Her hair is out and cascading over her shoulders. She is wearing a tight short sleeve black shirt that shows off her long thin waist and her legs seem to go on forever in her black trademark jeans. Although not showing much skin her clothes leave nothing to the imagination. The look is simple yet so very sexy and made even sexier with her maroon mask. Come to think of it she compliments my look of a just above the knee black skirt, v-necked shirt and white mask.

However, the one thing that has me worried is the look on her face. Even though her eyes are still closed I clearly see the inner turmoil.

I wish I could hold her in my arms like I did that first time in the park and keep all of her demons at bay. What is stopping me? It's these new feelings that have slowly been building up since I met Fate. I completely willingly submitted to those feelings this afternoon. Well almost since we were interrupted. I am a little frightened by them and I also do not want to scare her with them. When did my feelings become so strong? Is this normal? Can a girl feel this for another girl she really only just met? What would Fate think of me?

I notice red eyes reappearing behind closed eyelids. They betray her by showing me her anxiousness but then regain their composure of indifference.

"Hi." Is all I can muster.

"Hi." Fate answers back.

We keep eye contact with each other. The stare becomes increasingly more intense with every passing second. No words need to be spoken. This must be what Hayate refers to as chemistry between two people. It's like we hadn't parted and are right back in her living room.

"Heya you two love birds stop having eye sex, we are in public." Oh my God Hayate did not just say that.

"Hayate." I scold and take a quick glance at Fate. Is she blushing?

"Hahaha come lets sit here, everywhere else is taken." Hayate inelegantly plops herself down on the nearby couch. Linith with much more grace follows suit. Fate looks a little reserved as she stares at the couch. I come up next to her and grab her arm. I am glad she doesn't flinch quite as much anymore.

"Shall we?" I smile at her to which she nods back. We both sit next to Hayate.

"You know I was a bit worried when we encountered those men in suits at the entrance." Hayate admits.

"Me too! I was wondering what place you got us into to this time." I agree with her.

"Hahaha I admit I was thinking of some pretty wild excuses at the time to say to you guys but breathed easy when I saw that they were the odd ones out. How awkward would that have been if we had found ourselves in like a mafia type club?" Hayate leans back into the couch giggling to her mental image. "So," she continues, "we got everyone cocktails. One of the cute bartenders said he would find us and bring them over."

"Nyahaha another victim to Hayate's charms I see."

"Yup, hopelessly so too." Linith says as she joins in with the giggling.

"What can I say I am in my element." Hayate proclaims without a hint of shame.

"Speaking of victim's here comes your charm struck bartender with the drinks." Linith quickly adds before he makes it to us.

"Ladies." He bows deeply. "Your dark masquerade cocktails." He then turns to Fate and says: "Compliments of a secret admirer." He hands her the drink. Fate seems to be very confused at this. My blood seems to boil a little. What is this feeling? Jealousy?

"Again." Linith blurts out.

"What? How many drinks have you been bought already? Actually how long have you been here for?" Hayate asks.

"We haven't been here too long. A guy bought Fate a drink just as we arrived." Linith quickly answers.

Yup it is definitely jealousy that I am feeling. It isn't a feeling I enjoy either.

The bartender hands everyone else their drinks, gives Hayate a wink and takes his leave.

"Hahaha, I see Nanoha has competition." I poke Hayate in the ribs to which she thankfully changes the subject. "Ladies I propose a toast." Hayate raises her glass followed by the rest of us, "To new friendships and good times." We all clink glasses and take a sip. This concoction isn't too bad.

"Not bad!" Hayate exclaims. "This club is fast becoming my favourite. Drink up Fate, you and I are going to check out the band." In a surprising move Fate downs the entire drink. Hayate follows suit and gets up dragging Fate with her to the other side of the club.

I follow Fate with my eyes as she disappears into the crowd.

"You are very fond of her." Linith snaps me out of my reverie. "I approve."

"Huh?" What did she just say?

"I approve." Linith repeats.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"Well, Nanoha, I have seen the difference in Fate since she has met you. I know she doesn't show it very much but you couldn't even begin to understand how significant it is." Linith looks down at her lap as if recalling certain memories. "No one has ever affected her… so positively as you have."

So positively? I wonder what she means by that. What was Fate's life like before I met her?

"I know you have." I reply back. Linith looks at me. She takes a sip of her drink and gently smiles.

"Not in the same way. Even though I have been with her for most of her life, I have been powerless. You are slowly changing her perceptions. You are an amazing person and she is lucky to have you in her life."

"I feel like the lucky one but… what if… I hurt her?"

"What do you mean?" Linith asks me.

"I don't know. I mean lately my feelings haven't exactly been… platonic." I look down ashamed.

"Nanoha, look at me. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Hayate would smack you for talking like this." We both giggle at that.

"Yeah she would, wouldn't she? It's just that I am a bit scared of my feelings. They extend further than just mere friendship. I have never felt like this for anyone let alone a girl." I admit it all to Linith.

"Nanoha, it's natural to be afraid. Love is a scary thing." Wait, did she just say love? "It is not something to be taken lightly. But one important thing you must know is that it isn't wrong. It's beautiful, exciting, painful, passionate and yes scary among many other things but definitely not wrong."

"What about Fate? I am not sure she feels the same. What if I scare her? What if she doesn't like women like that?" My insecurities are getting the better of me.

"You know there is one thing that I can tell you about Fate it's that she grew up in a very unorthodox way. She hasn't been exposed to the same things we have been. I know for a fact that she doesn't see loving women as wrong and I should know as she was home schooled by me. I won't lie Fate may get scared. I regret to say that her home life wasn't very loving and so she may get frightened by it but Nanoha," Linith looks me straight in the eyes with a desperate look, "please don't give up on her. She may be stubborn and undoubtedly try and reject it but that is because she doesn't know any better. She deserves to be happy not matter what she thinks of herself. Oh dear I fear this drink has gone straight to my head hahaha I am talking way too much. On that note I will leave this topic with don't be afraid of following your heart, you may just find that what it seeks is reciprocated."

"Thank you Linith."Somehow she has eased the uncertainty in my heart.

"I hope it helped somewhat."

It most definitely has. This is the first time I have heard so much about Fate. My resolve has been strengthened. I take another sip of my drink. I have so many more questions. What was her childhood like? Why didn't she go to school? Why does she think she isn't entitled to happiness? There are so many questions.

"Would you do me the honour by having this dance with me?" huh? The question appears almost out of nowhere. I hadn't even heard Hayate and Fate get back.

"Hahaha, I think you have stunned her Fate, come on Nanoha, don't leave the poor girl hanging." Hayate sits next to me and pokes my side.

"Sorry, um… I would love to." I glance up at Fate. Something seems a little off. Her cheeks are very rosy. I ignore it for now and stand. I take the newly offered hand of the blonde getting a tiny electric zap in the process. Wow her hand is so very warm so unlike usually. I feel my cheeks colour slightly.

I hear Linith and Hayate gossiping like little girls as I retreat with Fate leading the way to the dance floor.

I am still in shock. This is the first time Fate has ever taken the initiative to start something. What has brought this on? I have a feeling Hayate has had something to do with this.

The music is very loud as we make our way onto the dance floor. I stop us and lean into Fate's ear. I am curious. "Um Fate? What made you decide to dance with me?" I ask.

Fate thinks about it for a bit and in turn leans into my ear.

"Hayate said that it was common etiquette at events such as these." Figures Hayate conned her into doing it. I feel a little deflated at this. Fate however leans in closer and whispers more. "However, I would be mad not to considering how beautiful you look tonight." The hairs on the back of my neck stand erect at her words and warm breath tickling my earlobe. I can't believe she just said that. This is so unlike Fate or maybe it is the hidden Fate she herself locks away. I can't say I don't like it.

Fate looks me in the eyes and smiles the most dashing smile I have ever seen. I definitely have no objections with this. She takes my hand and twirls me around like a princess. I can't stop giggling. The music is definitely not twirling material but we don't care.

The dance floor is full of people. I notice some are impressively head banging, others jumping up and down and some are lip locked. I blush for what must be the millionth time since I have met Fate and look away. Not paying attention to my surroundings I accidently bump into a person and trip over another's foot. I am about to fall over when I feel my hand still holding on to Fate's one being pulled up. My entire body responds to the force pulling me up and in a swift movement I find my back pressed into a warm body. I must be in heaven!

Two strong yet delicate arms are holding me against their owner. Fate's arms are crossed around my torso holding me firmly. The blush of all blushes is on my face. I am sure that after tonight my face will be stained red forever more.

"Are you alright?" Fate asks in my ear, concern evident in her voice.

"Um…" I most definitely am now. "Yes. Thanks to you and your amazing reflexes."

"Anything for you. I don't want to see you hurt." Holy cow is this the same Fate? Were did this smooth talker come from. I am definitely not minding this but still can't shake the feeling that something is off. "Shall we continue dancing?" She asks in a husky voice I would never in my wildest dreams deny.

Fate starts moving with me in her arms. I move with her. We are in perfect sync with each other. Her arms tighten around me. I respond by bringing my hands up to hers and placing them over hers. She doesn't flinch. Fate is radiating an astronomical amount of heat. I savour the feeling of being this close to her. I could definitely get used to this.

I softly trace my fingers over her hands. I feel her tightening her hold around me gently yet possessively. It almost feels like she where afraid I'd would float away where she to let go.

In the time I have gotten to know Fate I have never known her to be like this.

The song that the band is playing ends yet we do not stop. A new one begins. Fate begins to move to the new rhythm of this song bringing me along with her. It is now or never. The moment seems perfect. I get a little bolder and move more seductively against her. I want her to never let me go. I want her hands all over me. I want her to want me.

The lighting, music and company have a compound effect on my senses. I let my body take control. I grab Fate's hands and place them on my hips. I sway my hips to the sound of the music and the fast beating of my heart.

Fate's hands move slightly and I gasp as they make their way under my shirt and onto the skin of my waist. That simple touch seems to make my skin burn. The sensation makes me briefly close my eyes. Their owner sure is being bold. I smile. I want to feel more. Her left hand slowly moves around from my waist to my stomach keeping me pressed to her. I feel an intense desire for this blonde woman. My stomach lets me know that this sensation is very welcome and I feel an intense heat flow throughout my body.

I feel slightly light headed. Oh my God what is she doing to me? This feels so right.

If someone had said a couple of weeks ago that I would be doing something like this I would have laughed in their face at the absurdity of it, however, now, laughing is the furthest thought from my mind.

I trace her right hand with my left hand slowly making my way along her arm. Slowly caressing. I close my eyes etching it all to memory. My hand makes it up to her shoulder and I gently place my hand on her cheek. Her face presses into my touch. I feel her blonde hair cascading over my shoulder shielding us from the outside world.

Words can simply not do the feelings within me justice.

I press my hips deeper into her. I think I hear a groan but cannot be sure as the music is so loud. There is no denying that we are moving as one. I feel so very alive! Excitement is coursing through my body. All my senses are working on overdrive. I feel an ache start to build in my chest at the need for more…

Fate places her hand over mine that is cupping her cheek. She moves her head into my neck. I can hear her somewhat laboured breath over the music. Her lips must be so very close to my ear.

"Nanoha." I faintly hear and shiver. No one has ever said my name like that before. So seductively, so passionately, so endearingly all at once. This is the first time she has said it in my presence too. I am not sure if she meant for me to hear it.

"Fate." I breathe out. I can hear her breathing pick up. Seems we are both in the same predicament. Her heart is beating as fast as mine. I lean back as much as I can. I feel her breasts press into my back and her finger tips press a little more firmly against my skin. I am aware of a different sensation building up in my core spreading like fire over me.

I push my head back. Her hand on my stomach moves down a little then stops sending goose bumps along my body. The other hand moves gently from my hand on her face to my neck. My mind almost explodes. Her hand ever so slowly and lightly moves along my body. From my neck it moves to my collar bone and traces it with delicate butterfly touches. Her touch coaxing all desires and feelings I had within my heart to the surface, bringing me to new heights. Her hand moves along my arm then to my waist. It briefly stops on my hip before it slowly traces its way back up.

Her hand lingers on my neck and I feel her shift slightly. Before I know what is going on I can feel her hot breath on my exposed neck then suddenly an overwhelming amount of heat. Her lips lightly brush my neck. I sharply inhale at the sensation. If she hadn't been holding me I think my knees would have given way. I shut my eyes tightly from the overwhelming feeling.

"Faaate." I can't help myself this time and release a moan along with her name. I tilt my head to give her better access to assist in my willing undoing.

Fate responds by placing another feather light kiss on my neck. Her breath is intoxicating and her touch hypnotic. Her kisses are breathtaking. She is everything I have ever wanted and more.

My hand on her cheek moves up the back of her neck. Her hair is so very soft. I feel her gasp and smile. I want to be the only one to do that to her. My hand on her neck pulls her even more towards me. I feel like we are one we are so close. I want to be closer still. I feel her breath on my jaw.

I turn my head ever so slightly and prepare myself to taste her, to taste utter bliss when suddenly Fate jerks violently to the side and we both end up tumbling down unto the floor.

I am almost knocked out of Fate's embrace but thanks to her I don't even touch the floor. Fate has taken most of the impact. I look up and see her eyes are focussed on a retreating figure. Whoever it was is a serious killjoy.

Fate stands uneasily and helps me up. She isn't so steady on her feet. It is almost as if she is drunk which seems unlikely after only one drink.

Her eyes come back to settle back on mine. It seems like she is having trouble focussing.

"Are you alright?" She asks. I nod back. Fate then looks back towards the figure that disappeared into the women's bathroom. "Excuse me, I will be right back." She says. I watch as Fate follows the unknown figure to the bathroom still seeming uneasy on her feet.

I take this moment to mentally compose myself. Wow what just almost happened? I was about to kiss Fate? She was about to kiss me? My body is still tingling with the after effects. When did we become so bold? What would have happened had we not been interrupted? I didn't know Fate could be so daring and did I mention dashing. Oh so dashing!

I wait a few minutes and notice a few people running out of the bathroom. Hey isn't that where Fate followed that mood killer person. My feet move on their own accord and almost run to the ladies bathroom.

A few more people exit it but not Fate. I carefully walk in. The music seems to be drowned out here. I stand in the bathroom. There is a line of cubicle toilets on one side and sinks on the other with a full length mirror

"Fate?" I call out but get no answer. I do not see anyone. My eyes glance at the row of sinks and see that the wall length mirror is broken right at the end. I start to run to the end and can faintly hear heavy breathing. I come across what seems to be vomit and a maroon mask in the corner where the mirror is shattered. I open the last cubicle, afraid of what I will find.

Fate is sitting next to the toilet her back against the wall. Her eyes are closed and she is breathing heavily. I notice a trail of blood on her chin coming from her lip.

"Fate? What happened?" I rush towards her, kneel in front of her and grab some toilet paper. I place the paper on her lip; some of the blood has dried. I take my mask off, grab some more paper and wet it in the sink and wipe the blood that has made it to her chin. Fate opens her eyes at the contact with the wet paper.

"My drink was spiked." And with that she slowly closes her eyes again. It all makes sense now. I had thought she was acting strange. I mean she was definitely acting differently and it looks like a fight has taken place in the ladies toilets. What exactly happened here?

I place my hand on her temple and run it down her cheek. "Don't worry Fate, I will look after you."

To be continued…