Disclaimer: The author of the fanfiction (babbler) does not, in any way, profit from the story and that all creative rights to the characters belong to their original creator.

Takamachi residence, what seemed like an eternity ago...

Nanoha, her mother, father, and Fate were seated around the dinner table. Nanoha could barely contain herself from bouncing happily in her chair and she was humming softly as she waited for her mother to finish setting the table. Fate across from her was blushing lightly and making every effort to avoid Nanoha's eyes less she die from blushing too hard.

"Itakimasu," they said in unison, Nanoha a little louder than the others.

Nanoha's could feel her mother's eyes rest on her for a second and she jumped. She had already gotten herself kicked out of the kitchen and she hoped her mother wasn't mad about it. Nanoha nervously looked up and mercifully found her mother had switched targets to Fate.

"Fate-chan, I hope it wasn't too much of a bother to eat here on such short notice. Lindy-san must be cross with me."

"I wonder how cross she'd be with me for the meal I had last night?"

The tips of Fate's ears turned red and she stiffly looked up. "Oh no! There's no trouble. Lindy-san is away tonight."

Momoko's eyes stayed on the girl and she grew progressively redder; her eating more slow and stiff.

Nanoha smirked. Fate had caught her mother's attention somehow. She was wearing make-up and it was a school night not to mention her school had strict rules against it. Nanoha's eyes caught on Fate's lips which were sparkling with lip gloss. She figured they would be quite red and swollen after the night before...maybe the lip gloss was an effort to hide that fact. Her own lips were still a little sore though not swollen.

Momoko's eyes swept over to Nanoha and she cringed inwardly. "If I didn't know better I'd think you had a boyfriend."

Fate made a noise like a mouse.

"Nyahaha...I'm just happy." The first time your girlfriend, Nanoha's heart fluttered, eats with your parents is a big deal...though mom doesn't know that yet. I'll tell her soon though...when I'm sure Fate won't faint on me. Last week this dinner would just be eating with a friend and now it's so much more!

...wait a second. "If I didn't know better..." what does that mean?

Fate's eyes met her own and she quickly looked away.

I wonder if I said that telepathically by accident hehe. She's so cute! I really feel like a couple.

Nanoha watched her mother's eyes go back to Fate. Momoko was smiling, or maybe smirking, she couldn't quite decide, and it made Nanoha's heart jump. She knew something or maybe was trying to figure something out...there'd definitely be more questions later.

I hope she doesn't blurt out something! Fate really well faint!

Fate was redder now than the last time she looked.

Maybe mom saw that hickey on her collarbone. Nanoha eyed the spot barely covered by Fate's shirt. The concealer covered it a little but if you knew what to look for...Fate unconsciously fiddled with her collar. She's drawing attention to it hehe. Her eyes drifted down to her left breast where she knew was another hickey and further down next to her hip lay another. The last was on her thigh.

Nanoha's face met Fate's shade of red. It was a good thing that they didn't have gym today or everyone would have known exactly what happened to Fate the night before. A trail of hickey down her body didn't exactly leave much to anyone's imagination, especially the girls in her class, and not to mention Hayate. Nanoha rubbed her neck. She was lucky a love bite, miraculously, hadn't left a mark.

"Nanoha, how do you think you did on your exam yesterday?" Shiro lay a hand on his daughter's arm.

"Oh. It was easy I...Eeep!" A bare foot touched her calf and slowly, sensually, made it's way up to her thigh. Nanoha's face, neck, and ears erupted in blush.

"Haha...what's wrong? Did you realize you forgot a question on it or something?" Shiro chuckled.

"Yeah...I...I...um remembered I used the wrong numbers for one of the...um questions." Nanoha rubbed the back of her head.

"I'm sure you'll still get most of the marks dear if you did it right."

"Yeah...I hope so." Nanoha smiled, her face still burning.

"I'm sorry Fate for teasing you! I'll be good."

There eyes met across the table and Fate smirked, both their faces now deep red.

Over a decade later at the TSAB base, Nanoha was about ten paces from Fate and Lisbin. They were seated at a table, both eating salad, in the cafeteria. She froze to the spot. She watched Fate's foot travel up Lisbin's leg and the girl erupt in blush. Nanoha's heart pounded and she gulped. That crooked smile on Fate's face like all those years ago made her insides feel funny.

Nanoha closed her eyes and took a deep breath. A few seconds passed and she opened her eyes again and took several wobbly steps towards her old friend. A few short months ago, their eyes would have been on each other from across the room but now, only a few paces from her, Fate didn't even turn to look.

Nanoha smiled as best she could. "Fate can we talk?"

Please turn and at least look at me. Please don't say 'we're talking now."

Fate turned her head but her eyes did not meet Nanoha's. "I don't feel like talking to you."

Nanoha's shoulders slumped and pain peaked through her eyes. She blinked away the tears. "I wanted to...I mean...my parents invited you to their anniversary dinner this weekend. You should go."

"I'll think about." She poked away at her salad with her fork.

"They haven't seen you in a long time and it'd mean a lot to them." Even more to me.

"Okay. I'll think about it." She turned back to Lisbin, said something to her, and took a bite of her salad.

Nanoha turned to one side and started walking directly toward the exit. She'd do just about anything to keep from having those eyes turned on her now. She sniffed back some nears and made a silent resolution she would not let the whole cafeteria see her cry...she walked faster.

4:00 could not come soon enough for Fate. Even if it took twenty-five minutes extra to get home in the rush hour traffic, she was immensely grateful for the last second to tick away on the clock. She stood and bent forward and then backwards to stretch her tender back muscles.

I wonder if Nanoha...I won't let her ruin my afternoon. A trickle of unsavoury thoughts crossed her mind and she pinched herself for it.

"Are you ready to go Lisbin?"

Lisbin looked up from her book with blank eyes. "Wha...Oh yeah!" Her eyes flashed. "Woo home cooked food!"

Fate watched Lisbin bounce from her seat and throw on her coat and giggled. Reminds me of Vivio.

"Feels weird havin no overtime." Lisbin followed Fate out the door and waited for her to lock it. "Like I'm supposed to be doing something and I have to keep thinking about what I'm forgetting."

"I used to have a great deal of over time. I feel a little lost without it." Fate slipped her keys into her pocket.

"Did they have year end exams in school where you're from? I hated those...but that what it feels like now. When they're over and you still feel like you should be studying because you're used to it but you don't have to because you're already finished.."

The pair turned a corner turned a corner and walked down the short flight of stairs to the atrium.

"We had..."

"Fate." Hayate's voice chirped in her ear. "Come see me in my office please."

She turned back to Lisbin. "I have to talk with someone before I leave. You can...wait for me here. I won't be long."

"Sure." Lisbin smiled and walked towards a nearby bench.

Fate turned and jogged up the stairs. I wonder how Hayate and Maydne are doing now? I have to remember to ask Rein or Signum tonight if she comes to my apartment like Hayate said she was.

She nodded to a saluting private, she eyed her with a questioning look.

Fate slowed to a walk. I'm not in that much of an hurry. She turned to smile at the young woman, now behind her. "I..."

A flutter of hair caught her attention in the far hallway. She turned to face the direction and, for the second time that day, found nothing there. She began walking again before the private thought her even stranger still.

Am I seeing things or is Nanoha trying to avoid crossing paths? Even a large base like TSAB's became tiny when you were trying to avoid someone; smaller still when they had every friend in common. Fate shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts. It wasn't too long ago every pony tail, every laugh, every set of bright blue eyes had drawn her eye in hopes of one more painful glimpse of Nanoha.

Fate knocked on Hayate's half open door and allowed herself in. "Ma'am?"

Hayate sat at her desk, her trench coat draped over the back of her chair, and her head propped up on her hands. She wasn't moving...she wasn't blinking.

"Are you okay?" Fate walked slowly over to her desk and tapped it with the tips of her fingers.

She turned and looked up at Fate with blank eyes and blinked a couple of times. "Ah Fate." She leaned back in her chair and swivelled so they were turned toward one another. "I'm fine. I was just trying to make a small decision about something."

Small decision?

"Want to hear a joke." She smiled up at Fate and took her arched eyebrow for permission to continue. "What does a lesbian bring to her second date?"

Fate crossed her arms. What? "I have no idea."

"A U-haul." Hayate deadpanned her lips slowly turning into a smile. "I don't think it's that funny either but it's kinda poking fun at how fast lesbians move in relationships."

"Okay."

"I want to tell you something and I'm not trying to be patronizing and I'm not trying to call you stupid...but I want you to hear me out."

"Uh...okay."

"If you find a nice sweet young woman and take her for rides in your awesome car and then take her home and feed her you're home cooked food...then she's going to fall for you and, don't forget, women love uniforms."

Fate closed her eyes and rubbed her face.

Hayate sighed. "I'm seriously not patronizing you...The only person you've ever dated was Nanoha and that was ages ago. I've been...uh...around the block a few more times." Hayate sighed again, longer and deeper this time. "Do you know what you're doing?"

Fate looked back at the door behind her longingly but remained in her spot.

"While you're doing your little dance trying to sort out your feelings, and all the other stuff going on in your life, she's going to fall in love with you AND on top of that you'll be working in the same office."

Fate stood stuck to the spot, her eyes glazing over.

"I'd be a hypocrite if I said you were too old for her but I don't work within ten feet of Maydne."

"I wasn't going to say anything about Maydne."

"Yeah." Hayate beamed. "You're sweet like that." She titled her head still beaming. "Go scamper off now...OH! Rides in cool cars works on older women too." She winked.

Fate couldn't keep the blush from her face and turned abruptly toward the door. "Bye Hayate." She got only a very girlish giggle in reply.

Fate marched quickly out of her Commander's office and closed the door behind her. She took a deep breath of the cooler air in the hall and fanned her face.

Do I like Lisbin?I really do have to figure out what I'm doing. Remembering Lisbin waiting for her in the atrium, she started walking. Is this a date? Do I like Lisbin in that way? She's pretty...smart...pleasant personality. Do I like her like I do...did Nanoha? Fate reached the stairs and slowly descended step by step. There's no way to compare them. I've known Nanoha for two-thirds of my life and I haven't even known Lisbin for a week.

"You didn't take long." Lisbin ran up to Fate and matched her pace. "Did you get in trouble with the principal?"

"I don't think she'd like being a principal very much." Fate held the outside door open so Lisbin could walk through...deja-vu.

"Have you known her for a long time?"

"She's one of my oldest..." Fate stopped.

"Did you forget where you parked?" Lisbin chuckled. "If it's that white van over there I'm not going with you."

"I have candy." Fate turned a shy smile, her face already blazing red.

Back inside the base Nanoha had also been called to Hayate's office.

Nanoha gripped Hayate's door handle and sighed. I wonder what the heck she wants to see me about? Every time I've talked to her the last few months we've fought. She sighed again and opened the door.

"You wanted to see me ma'am?" Nanoha walked to the centre of the office saluted and stood stiffly.

Hayate turned her gaze away from her screen and set them on Nanoha. She wasn't smiling. "Have you been doing something around the base that you should not have been doing?

"I don't think so." What is she asking me?

"So, you have been acting in a manner expected of the Ace of Aces and a high ranking military officer...haven't been spying on anyone?"

Nanoha glowered and crossed her arms. "Of course not!"

"So, if you were doing such a thing, you would stop now that you've had a warning?"

"Hayate...you are always so infuriating to talk to."

Hayate relaxed back into her seat and reached up her arms and stretched. "How was your day?"

Nanoha stood motionless, still glowering. Every time I talk to her she makes my blood pressure go up!

"Haha...you won't talk to me?" Hayate eased herself from her chair and stretched her back. "I'm sorry I was a bitch to you the other night."

"Just the other night?" Nanoha glared.

"Oh my...I'm sorry I've been a bitch to you for the past few months Nanoha-chan...while you cheated on my best friend and then there is..." Hayate eyed the other women, shoulders fallen and looking gaunt and tired. "How about we try this again?...Hmm?...How was your day Nanoha-chan?"

"Hell." Nanoha walked to Hayate desk and collapsed into a chair. "I'm miserable."

"Why don't you ask for leave? You could definitely get it if you wanted it." Hayate walked behind Nanoha and put her hands on the other woman's shoulders and squeezed them gently.

Nanoha's back tensed. She didn't like the idea of Hayate being behind her, but, it did feel nice having her shoulders massaged. Maybe Hayate was trying to mend some of the bridges they burned the last few months. She definitely hasn't been this cordial in a while. Nanoha leaned back into the massage. It was kind of strange sitting in Hayate's big office with her superior rubbing her shoulders. The last time anyone gave her a massage was...Fate...

"Hayate...could you answer a question...and not be mean?"

"Hahaha...I'll try my best."

"Is Fate happy?" Nanoha stared straight ahead, her eyes catching on Hayate's reflection in the window in front of them, she turned her eyes to the floor.

"Hmm...she's getting there."

"That's good." Nanoha sighed in relief. "...and...umm...is she seeing anyone now?"

"Oh my...there are some people in her orbit. There's Signum, and me and Lisbin." Hayate smiled.

"...but Signum and Fate never...and I'm not worried about you."

GUH! Hayate grit her teeth. "What about Lisbin? The two have been spending a lot of time together?"

"She's too old for hER." Nanoha yelped, Hayate's hands closing on her shoulders like a vice. "I didn't mean you were too old for Maydne...just that I...Fate is too mature...I mean not right for Lisbin."

"You are terrible at backpedalling."

"ha...ha...you're hurting me." Nanoha patted Hayate's still tightly clenched hands.

"Sorry. Things haven't been going well with Maydne so it's a sore spot...I have some more work to do so I'll talk to you later." Hayate patted Nanoha on the shoulders and rounded her desk.

"Okay." Nanoha looked glumly at her old friend. I wish she'd tell me. Probably for the best she doesn't. We'd probably just fight some more.

"This is your car?" Lisbin looked wide eyed at Fate. She wasn't expecting a sports car and especially not a sports car in the higher price brackets...well, she assume higher price bracket since she'd hadn't seen a car like it before.

Fate nodded and got into the drivers side.

Lisbin eyed the car again and finally managed to bring herself to open the door. She half expected the alarm to go off and it to be a prank on her but then Fate had already gotten in... "I wasn't expecting you to drive something like this?" Even the door mechanism felt expensive in its silky smoothness when it opened.

"Oh?" Fate eyed her for half a second then started the car and put it into gear.

Everything about it felt different...or was it Fate causing this affect? Lisbin eyed her colleague. No, that couldn't be it. This was simply a class of car she was unaccustomed to. The textures were richer, the ride was smoother, and it even sounded better. Lisbin ran her hand along the dash but stopped herself abruptly. I feel like a country bumkin.

She couldn't stop her eyes from taking in every inch of the car from the back seat to the mats at her feet to those pale legs and sinfully short skirt of the woman driving. She didn't think she had a thing for nice cars and, in fact, quite the opposite. Lisbin felt a fast car spoke very poorly of its owners personality or intelligence or he was compensating for something; maybe all three like her old boss. Lisbin grimaced. Usually, it was because they used any occasion whatsoever to trumpet what they drove but Fate hadn't spoken even a word about hers.

"Do you like it?" Fate smiled shyly.

"Yeah. Its nice. I love how comfy the seats are."

"They are a little annoying in the summer since they get are black and get very hot."

Lisbin pushed a button on the stereo. "What music do you have..." her finger stopped a few centimetres from the button. "Can I touch it?"

"Go ahead," she giggled. "I won't get mad if you touch it. I'm not sure what music is on there since my daughter and my...ex have been using it."

She has a daughter? I don't remember Fate mentioning her. Lisbin tapped absentmindedly at the screen. I can't believe I'm getting worked up about a car. What am I a sixteen year old boy? Lisbin's eyes went back to Fate's legs, her firm steady grip on the wheel and shifter. I guess that's not the only reason.

"What would you like to eat?"

"I...um...haha...I'm not picky but I don't like spicy things." I wouldn't complain about spicy if you're cooking it. Lisbin's face reddened.

Fate turned the car into a parking lot. "I wonder why their isn't much traffic today?"

"There is some kind of holiday today for Cranagan. Most people aren't workin today." Lisbin leaned forward in her seat to look up at the building looming high above her. Did I expect a condo?

"I believe this is the quickest time I've gotten home since I've started working in my current capacity...first time I've gotten a parking space this close to the entrance as well." Fate parked the car and slipped the keys from the ignition. "I'm not sure if Vivio is even home from school yet."

The pair exited the car and walked the short distance toward the building's automatic doors that swung open with a happy chime as Fate grew closer.

I bet this place will be nice. The apartment they set up for me is so much nicer than my last one. I wish I could move into it already! Lisbin followed Fate wordlessly into the elevator, its only occupant smiling and nodding at Fate has she entered.

Lisbin's hummed quietly to herself and fidgeted her trembling hands. It was the first time she been on a date in a while. The elevator ride was quite short. Nowhere near enough for Lisbin to drive the jitters out.

Maybe I shouldn't...

Fate stopped and opened a door. She motioned for Lisbin to go inside.

No choice now.

Lisbin walked into the small porch space with Fate close behind and closed the door behind her. Lisbin watched Fate's face become serious has her gaze swept over the room and down the hallway, but then smiled again and slipped off her shoes and trod onto the hardwood floor.

Lisbin grudgingly stooped and untied her laces. I'm not used to this. She followed Fate into the apartment.

"I'd show you around but it is quite small." Fate smiled at her.

Lisbin glanced around has she walked into the hallway. "I like it. I'd love to have a place like

this."

"Who are you talking to?" Came a voice from the living room. Lisbin turned to find a young woman with golden blonde hair lock her mismatched eyes on her. She had her legs on the couch and her back rested against the arm rest. A smile crept across her face and she glanced at Fate for a second and then back at Lisbin, grin growing larger.

Who is this? I don't remember Fate saying she lived with someone. Lisbin gulped.

"Lisbin, I would like you to meet my daughter Vivio. Vivio, this is my new partner." Fate beamed.

Daughter? Lisbin gulped. I didn't think she'd be this old. She looks my age! Doesn't that make Fate like forty if she has a daughter my age?

"I'm going to start getting dinner ready. Vivio would you take care of our quest for a little while." Fate smiled at Vivio and Lisbin in turn and then walked into the kitchen.

Lisbin looked around the living room. She picked up a picture of Fate with a tiny Vivio in her arms. She looks about my age in this picture. She gently put it down and picked up the picture besides it. This one had Fate and Vivio as well but also Major Takamaki.

Vivio had disappeared, she reappeared again with a jug of something brown and three glasses. Lisbin sat on the couch and Vivio followed suit and immediately filled two of the glasses.

"It's iced tea." She turned a broad smile to their quest and handed her a glass. "How old are you?"

"I'm...twenty." Lisbin took a taste of her drink. "How old are you?"

"I'll be twenty on my..."

Twack. A wooden spoon bounced off Vivio's skull. Fate bent down to whisper something into her ear and walked back into the kitchen.

Vivio rubbed her head. "I'm actually sixteen. I was just kidding when I said I was twenty."

"I see. So you are in high school or are you working at the base?" Lisbin eyed the other girl, their eyes locking and forcing her to look away.

Vivio scooted closer to Lisbin. "We should go clubbing sometime. It'd be fun!"

"...you're not old enough to..."

Vivio grinned and leaned in closer, their shoulders bumping. "What my mama doesn't know won't hurt her."

"What makes you think I won't tell Fate?" Lisbin moved closer to the arm rest.

Vivio suddenly shot upright and her back stiffened. She winched and closed her eyes and then winced again. Lisbin watched the girl shake and a bead of sweat form on her forehead. She turned her head to find Fate leaning against the door frame and smiling sweetly, her eyes locked on her daughter.

"Fate?"

"Yes..." Fate turned her attention to Lisbin. "I was going to cook something Japanese but I think it would be better if I made something you were more familiar with."

"Okay. I'd really be happy with anything after all those microwave dinners."

"...Vivio please behave yourself."

"Yes mama." Vivio eyes already were on Lisbin again, a smirk on her lips.