The Beginning of Us

"Oh man I need a break," said Nanoha taking a seat on a bench. "Whose idea was it to go hiking anyway?"

"Yours," answered Fate trotting along ahead to see the rest of the path.

"Well you could've talked me out of it! My feet are killing me."

"Lightweight." Fate walked over and sat down next to her. She reached into her backpack and took out a water bottle and an energy bar. Handing the energy bar to Nanoha, Fate opened the bottle and chugged half of it before pouring the rest over her head.

"That is such a waste of water."

"You want to try it?"

"No I'm ready to go home," said Nanoha leaning back.

"Hey Nanoha can I ask you something?"

She looked at Fate curiously.

"Do you remember how we met?"

The redhead laughed. "How could I forget? You were my biggest rival! In fact you still are."

"What about…romantically?" Fate asked bashfully.

"Fate are you blushing?!"

"Just answer the question Nanoha."

"Don't be embarrassed I think it's cute. Anyways I'd say that I was immediately attracted you. I mean I thought you were beautiful Fate and honestly…even though we became very close friends and talked pretty comfortably with each other, I was scared to death of letting you know that I was interested in you beyond that."

Fate looked at her surprised.

"What is that such a shock to you?"

"Kind of."

"Look Fate, I don't think you are aware of how attractive you are. I mean to me at least, I think you're a really awesome person. You're smart, talented, funny, very sweet, and interesting to boot. Honestly it didn't take me long before I was completely smitten."

Fate laughed. "Did you just say smitten?"

"Oh yeah. I was crushing on you hard. In fact, before we were separated for that time and could only communicate through video email, I secretly snapped a picture of you."

"Really?!"

"Haha yeah. I know it sounds sort of creepy and stalkerish but I just wanted someway to you know…see you more often."

Fate put her arm around Nanoha and smiled. "Wow you had it bad for me huh?"

"I did," Nanoha said. "I thought you were wonderful."

"Tell me more about this secret photo. You used it for naughty stuff didn't you?!"

"It was not that kind of picture! It was just...it was a snapshot of you while you were working ok! You were sitting at a desk and reading and I...well took it while no one was looking."

"Ah babe that is so...stalkerish."

"Shut up," Nanoha said playfully shoving her.

"Well truth be told I liked you a lot too. I just thought you would think I was boring or too serious which I was back then."

"Boring? Oh Fate please. I thought you were way too cool for me. Now you were kind of serious business is serious back then but I didn't mind too much."

Before Fate could answer Vivio came hurtling back down the path on her bike. She skidded to a stop in front of Nanoha and Fate frowning at them. "You guys are resting again? Come we're almost to the picnic area! It's just another mile up the path!"

"We're coming sweetie. We just had to stop and rest because your mom is getting old."

Nanoha responded by pushing Fate off of the bench. "I am not old. I just wanted a break is all."

"Come on mom move along! Everyone else is already up there!"

"You go on Vivio. Tell them we're on our way."

"Alright. See ya there!" Vivio took off on her bike again disappearing from sight rather quickly.

"I hope she's being careful on that thing."

"She's fine. I taught her well." Fate stood up and brushed herself off. "Ready to hit it again?"

"Almost. I just have one more question. What made you finally get up the nerve to ask me out Fate?"

"Hmm...there were several reasons really. But the one that stands out the most is seeing you get hit on by OTHER people."

"So it was jealously?"

"No. I'm not really the jealous type. That's you."

Nanoha shook her head. "I do not get jealous."

"Oh yeah? What about date night last friday?"

"That is totally different! That waitress was all over you!" said the redhead now visibly flustered.

"She only said she liked my dress," countered Fate. "Then you go all lioness on her."

"Whatever. That was the only time we ever got free dessert. But I know what she was really after and it wasn't a big tip!"

"We really have to work on your insecurities sweetie. But t answer your question...it wasn't jealousy it was the fact that I might miss my chance with you. I was afraid that someone else might scoop you up and then I'd left there sad and full of regret."

"Oh...Fate that is so...that's like one of the sweetest things you've ever said."

"Glad to hear it babe. Now let's get over to the picnic because I am starving."

Nanoha stood up and groaned. "Way to ruin the moment Fate!" Just as the words left her mouth a loud rumbling left her stomach.

"Looks like someone is just as hungry as I am," said Fate jokingly poking Nanoha's stomach.

"Stop that."

"Aw is my Nanoha getting chubby wubby?"

"I am NOT getting chubby!"

"No you have definitely put on a few pounds. In the right places too." Fate gently squeezed Nanoha's butt.

"FATE!" Nanoha yelled taking a swing at her lover's head. Fate ducked quickly and ran down the path while Nanoha chased her.

I know it has been a while since my last update and I'm sorry you guys had to wait so long. But I'm really busy lately so I don't have as much time to work on these as I used to. But that being said, I do still intend to do new ones as often as I can. And once again I also invite anyone interested to shoot me ideas on more that I can do with Nanoha and Fate. Anyways enjoy and please review!