Working Late

Fate leaned back in her office chair and yawned. She shuffled a few papers around on her desk then turned in her chair to face the window of her office. It was late in the evening and she had just called Nanoha to tell her that she wouldn't be home until much later in the night. Stretching her arms in the air she turned back to her computer screen to continue her work only to see a very recognizably, tall young woman standing in the doorway. She was staring down at the ground.

"Signum? You need something?" Fate asked.

She looked up almost like she surprised to find Fate still there.

"You ok?"

"Yes I'm fine. Forgive me for interrupting you Miss Harlaown."

"Call me Fate."

"I beg you're pardon?"

Fate laughed. "Call me Fate ok? Miss Harlaown is way too formal. Come on in."

Signum walked in and sat down in the small chair in front of Fate's desk.

"So I'll ask again, what can I do for you?"

Clearing her throat Signum started. "I…well…I have something to tell you. I'm not sure how to say it though."

"Just say it Sig. I promise I won't laugh if it's something embarrassing."

"It's not embarrassing it's just…well it is somewhat delicate."

Fate chuckled. "Is it something personal?"

Signum nodded seemingly trying to avoid making eye contact.

"Did something happen?"

"Yes."

"Well spit it out. No need to be shy after you came all the way up here to my office," Fate said.

"I can't just say it. It's too difficult to put into words," she answered tightening her grip on her skirt.

"Ok how's this then," Fate said. "Let's talk about something else and you can work up to it."

Signum smiled. "Thank you."

"So how have things been at home? Hayate isn't driving you crazy is she?"

"Not at all. She is the same as always."

"That's good. You've been spending a lot of time training lately though. You sure you aren't pushing yourself too hard?"

"I'm fine. No need to worry about me."

"That's good to hear."

A few seconds of silence passed before Signum spoke again catching Fate completely off guard.

"I…I think I've fallen for someone."

"Wait what?"

"I think I'm in love."

Fate smiled widely. "That's great Signum! Whose the lucky guy?"

"Girl," Signum said softly.

"You mean…Sig…are you telling me that-,"

She nodded.

"Well damn I had no idea. I never would have guessed that YOU of all people would be…wait does Hayate know?"

"I have not told anyone else yet. You are the first to know," she said shyly.

Fate stood up and walked around the desk quickly giving Signum a tight hug. "I'm glad you shared with me Sig. I'm happy for you, really."

Signum reluctantly wrapped her arms around Fate to return the hug. They stayed in the embrace for a few seconds then just as Fate pulled away Signum quickly pressed her lips to hers. Taken by surprise, Fate couldn't immediately react. Signum aggressively pushed forward forcing Fate back against her desk. Finally she managed to get a hold of her senses and gently force Signum off of her. She stared at Fate with a confused expression before the realization of what she had done finally hit her.

"Oh…oh no I'm…please forgive me Miss Harlaown I don't know what came over me," she said stepping back.

"Sig it's…um…it's ok really. I mean-,"

"No that was completely out of line and I apologize. I should go."

"Hang on," said Fate catching her by the arm. "You don't get off that easily. Sig what was that?"

She slowly turned around still avoiding eye contact with Fate. "I…I-,"

"It's me isn't it? I'm the girl you're into right?"

She nodded again.

"Well this presents a real problem doesn't it?" Fate walked over and after taking a quick peak out into the hall to make sure no one was wandering around, she closed and locked her office door. Then turning around and leaning against it folded her arms and faced Signum again.

"I understand if you're angry with me," she said.

"I'm not mad Signum I'm just curious. Where did this come from?"

"I don't know myself. But I...I do have feelings for you. Strong feelings."

"Wow," Fate said with a sigh. She walked over and knelt down in front of Signum. "Look Sig, I'm flattered really. I mean you're a gorgeous woman. Anyone would kill to be with someone like you."

"Miss-Fate allow me to stop you there." Signum smiled. "I did not come here to try and steal you from Takamachi. I've seen you two together and I would never want to break apart something so beautiful. I merely…wanted you to know of my feelings for you."

"Sig…are you seriously in love with me?"

"I am. Madly. But that is my problem and I will deal with it. I just wanted you to know. I figured it was cause no harm to simply inform you."

"You're getting formal again," said Fate with a laugh.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. I am glad you told me." Fate stood up along with Signum. She stepped forward to hug Fate again but she stopped her. "I think one of those is enough for tonight."

"You're right I'm sorry."

"Come on I'm about ready to leave anyway. We can walk down together."

"Alright." Signum walked to the door and waited while Fate gathered her stuff. The two then walked out of the building together enjoying causal conversation; something that they hadn't done in a long time. Signum walked with Fate all the way to her car and as she was putting her things inside spoke up one last time before leaving.

"Listen Fate…I know you don't think about me the way that I think about you. In reality I never really believed that would or that you could."

"Come on Sig it's not like that it's-,"

"No it's alright. To be honest I want what you have with Takamachi."

Fate put the last of her stuff in her car. "Listen Signum, someday someone is gonna fall hard for you. I mean really hard. Trust me I know I was half tempted to let you keep going with that kiss back there. But I could never do that to Nanoha. I won't. You understand right?"

"Absolutely. Drive safely on your way home."

"Thanks. You be careful too."

"Ah Fate…one more thing?"

Fate turned back around. "Yeah?"

"Nanoha is very lucky. I sincerely hope she knows that."

"I'll pass on the message. Oh and Signum?"

"Yes?"

"I've been feeling a little lax in my hand to hand combat lately. Would you mind giving me a few pointers? We could meet in the mornings we're not busy."

"I would like that."

Fate smiled. "Good. Well good night then."

"Good night Miss Harlaown."

Fate got in her car and watched through her rear view mirror as Signum walked away. It's probably best if I don't tell Nanoha about this.