*** First of all I want to say that I do not own Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha. Would be cool if I did, but I don't… No copyright was intended.

Writer's notes: Hi there~ So here's a New Year present - the second part of the story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it =]. More than focusing on the family's reactions, I've including more NanohaxFate moments. Hope you like~

Also, I would like to extend the New Year greetings to everyone =] ~Happy New Year~. Hope this story helps you start the New Year with a smile =] ~

Writing Style Tips:

Bold – bold phrases are things said loud.
Bold/Italic – bold and italic phrases are whispers.
Italic – italic phrases are thoughts.

~ Visit to Earth - Meeting the Takamachi ~

[Part 2]

As Nanoha, Fate and Vivio keep laughing together in that warm tight family embrace, Nanoha finally grasps the silence that has suddenly surrounded them. Lifting her head up to look at the others, she finds her parents and sister staring at them in disbelief.

Noticing that something has caught Nanoha's attention, Fate also lifts her view, finding the other three Takamachi looking at them, especially Shiro who is glaring at her, almost wanting the pierce her with his eyes. Seeing so, Fate releases the embrace, placing Vivio down as they stand up. "Nanoha, I think we should explain."

Nanoha cheerfully giggles, turning towards Fate. "Yeah. I think so too." She then turns facing her family again. "Mum… Dad… Miyuki… Me and Fate are together."

Fate immediately turns towards Nanoha, eyes wide open, amazed by how Nanoha said it. "Nanoha? Just like that?"

Nanoha slightly giggles, knowing that Fate was expecting her to explain in a more considerate way. "Yes. I said what after all is the most important to be understood by my family. There's no need to add anything else. I know a speech would have been more reasonable but they've already seen that I'm happy with you and Miyuki also said that we look like a couple. Since we really are and they were the ones to point it out, I thought I'll go straight to the point and say it directly."

Fate slowly nods her head.

At first, Fate wanted to answer Nanoha back but she soon realizes that it is best if she remains quiet for now, as Nanoha is attentively looking at her family, waiting for them to answer back.

Seeing so, Fate realizes that even though they are in this together, this is something that Nanoha has to mainly face, being her family the ones they're telling it to. Knowing that, she decides to not interfere, ready to give Nanoha support when she needs.

The first one to speak up is Miyuki, who approaches Nanoha and hugs her. "Congratulations Nanoha." She then turns her head, facing Fate while still hugging Nanoha, happily smiling towards her. "You too Fate. I always thought there was something different between you two and Nanoha really seems to be happy with you."

Fate gently smiles, nodding her head.

Nanoha smiles too, hugging Miyuki back. "Thanks Miyuki. I really am happy with Fate." As she releases the hug, Nanoha whispers in a faint voice. "Miyuki, could you take Vivio a little bit outside with you? I want to know if everything is ok with mum and dad."

Miyuki smiles, whispering back. "Sure. Don't worry." She then drops down in front of Vivio, smiling as she lengthens her hand to the child. "Vivio, do you want to come explore outside the house with me?"

Vivio looks up at her mamas, receiving a gentle smile from Nanoha and a nod from Fate. With mamas' permission, Vivio slowly holds Miyuki's hand as they make way into the garden.

As Miyuki and Vivio go outside, Nanoha decides to speak again. "Mum? Dad?"

Shiro remains quiet, staring at Fate while Momoko slowly approaches Nanoha. "Nanoha, do you know what you're saying?"

Nanoha immediately smiles, giving a single nod with her head.

Momoko gives a single look at Fate and turns back to Nanoha. "You sure you're not mistaken? You're sure that you're in love?"

Nanoha nods her head again. "I'm sure mum. I love Fate and I always want to be with her."

With those words, Fate happily smiles, instantly getting the attention of Momoko.

Momoko approaches Fate, gently smiling. "I think the smile you made after Nanoha's words speaks alone. It's the same for you, right?"

Fate smiles again, nodding her head. "I feel the same way about Nanoha. I'm sure of it."

Nanoha turns facing her father, finding him still staring at Fate. "Dad?…"

Shiro remains quiet, not answering Nanoha.

"Dad, stop glaring at Fate. Are you really that upset that I'm with Fate?"…

Shiro turns his head, still eyeing Fate from the side.

Seeing this, Nanoha resorts to raise her voice. "Answer me, dad..."

Shiro still remains quiet, causing Momoko to start giggle. "Nanoha, Fate, don't mind Shiro."

Nanoha sighs, turning to her mother. "Is he that upset mum?"

Momoko gently smiles, still slightly giggling. "Yes he is dear, but don't mind him. It's not precisely because it's Fate. He would have reacted this way even if Fate was a boy. He's just upset to find out that his precious little daughter has been stolen from him."

With those words, Shiro reacts. "Exactly, so how can you accept it like that Momoko?"

Momoko smiles as she makes way to Shiro. "The heart wants what the heart wants. We can't control these things, and Nanoha is an adult now. You just have to accept it."

Shiro immediately shakes his head. "But…"

Before he could finish his words, Shiro gets interrupted by Momoko who raises her voice. "No buts. Go sit down and stop looking at Fate like that. You should be happy she's with someone she loves and loves her back. Also Fate is a good person. We both know that."

Shiro turns his head, making way to sit down back on the sofa.

Seeing her father sulking while sitting on the sofa and her mother smiling at Nanoha and Fate, Miyuki realizes that they can now go back inside, and so together with Vivio, she makes way to go back to their family.

As they enter inside, Vivio makes way to her mamas, hugging their legs.

Fate warmly smiles, lifting up Vivio in her hands.

Nanoha smiles too, patting Vivio's head. "Did you have fun?"

Vivio broadly smiles, nodding her head.

Fate turns to Miyuki, giving a single nod with her head as a sign of thanks.

Miyuki gently smiles, soon turning that smile into a mischievous one while shaking her head. "Fate, Fate, Fate… this is only the beginning."

Not knowing what Miyuki meant, Fate turns to Nanoha, finding her giggling. "Nanoha?"

Momoko faintly giggles, getting Fates attention. Seeing so, Momoko makes way to sit down near Shiro, who is once again looking at Fate. She turns speaks in a playful voice. "Fate-chan~ Sit down."

As Fate turns to Nanoha, hoping to get an answer for their behavior, she finds Nanoha sitting down.

Fate forcefully smiles, not knowing what's happening. She places Vivio down and decides to sit by Nanoha's side, searching for some kind of support.

Wanting to be with her mamas too, Vivio lengthens her hands to Nanoha, getting the one's attention.

Nanoha happily smiles, picking up Vivio to sit on her lap, gently patting her head. "Vivio, you need to remain quiet now. Mum and Miyuki will ask mamas some questions. Maybe they'll ask something to Vivio too. We need to be ready to answer them."

Vivio nods her head, making a determined yet happy face, ready to answer any questions given.

On the other hand, Fate immediately shifts her view to Nanoha. "Questions? What questions?"

Nanoha cheerfully smiles at Fate while giggling. "Fate~ you may not know this, but let's say it's sometimes Earth's custom to interrogate the one that's dating your family member. And since its Fate, I'm sure mum and Miyuki have more questions to ask."

With those words, Fate instantly straightens up, feeling nervous by not knowing what questions they will be asking.

With that gesture, Miyuki and Momoko start laughing, soon joined by Nanoha who has prized Fate's innocent reaction.

Miyuki mischievously smiles again, turning to Fate. "Let's see… Hmm… Ah yes, one I'm sure we both want to know. What do you like about Nanoha?"

Without taking a second to think, Fate answers the question given to her with a smile on her face. "Everything."

Miyuki and Momoko start laughing again while Nanoha faintly blushes by Fate's direct answer.

Miyuki tries to smile, still slightly chuckling. "Maybe more specific."

Fate rubs the back of her head while a shade of red makes way on her cheeks. "I love Nanoha's gentle character." Fate warmly smiles, turning towards Nanoha while patting Vivio's head. "Like her natural way of helping and protecting who needs."

Nanoha softly smiles, knowing that Fate was not only referring to Vivio.

Fate smiles back, happy that Nanoha understood her. "Most of all, I love her smile. It makes me happy and filled with energy whenever I see it."

Momoko warmly smiles with Fate's reply. "And what are your intentions?"

Fate turns towards Momoko, slightly tilting her head. "My intentions?" … "Umm... All I know is that I want to always be by Nanoha's side. I want to protect her… Be there for her whenever she needs…"

Miyuki mischievously smiles again. "So Fate-chan is willing to do anything for Nanoha?"

Fate immediately nods her head. "Yes, I would do anything, whatever Nanoha wants."

Momoko faintly chuckles, turning towards her daughter. "Nanoha, you should keep Fate's words in mind."

Nanoha slightly giggles, turning to Fate. "I will."

This causes Fate to immediately blush again.

Momoko warmly smiles, turning to look at Shiro who had somehow calmed down from this warm happy environment. Seeing so, she turns back, this time facing Nanoha. "Are you living together?"

Nanoha gives a single nod with her head. "Yes. Up till last year, we used to live in the same room, in one of the dorms where we worked." Nanoha pats Vivio's head. "Now we're living together with Vivio in a house at Mid-childa. Vivio will start school soon and I'll be working as a civil servant there. Fate will also continue her job as Enforcer."

Miyuki laughs, looking to Fate. "No wonders Fate knew how to calm you down earlier. You've been together for quite some time now."

Fate warmly smiles, nodding her head.

Momoko slightly chuckles. "So Nanoha, are you the one taking care of the family, the one who cooks for the family?"

Nanoha nods her head.

Instead, Fate and Vivio happily smile, turning towards each other as they suddenly speak in sync. "We love Nanoha-mama's cooking."

With those words, a slight shade of red makes way on Nanoha's face.

Momoko and Miyuki chuckle at the scene. Shiro, who was trying to remain serious and composed, couldn't help but turn his face at a side and faintly chuckle too.

As the laughter fades, Miyuki turns to Fate, wanting to ask one last question. "Nanoha~ Fate~ How did you two find out you loved each other?"

"That…" Fate warmly smiles, turning towards Nanoha.

Nanoha slightly giggles. "It happened a long time ago."

Miyuki smiles, nodding her head. "Come on~ Tell us~ We want to know."

Nanoha immediately giggles again, knowing how much curious her sister can be about these things.

Fate gently smiles as she scoots towards Nanoha. "We didn't realize each other's feelings back then... Well, we didn't even understand our own feelings."

Nanoha slowly nods her head to confirm what Fate said, soon continuing after her words. "Back then, when I left Earth to go with the Bureau, we were constantly being called to work on difficult cases."

Fate nods her head, continuing after Nanoha. "It was tough but we always did our best, sometimes pushing ourselves over our limit. Unfortunately, we weren't always together. Sometimes we were called on different cases and had to go separate ways."

Nanoha slightly smiles, closing her eyes. "Yes, it was something we couldn't control… There was one time I got severely injured. I can still recall some parts…" Nanoha opens back her eyes and continues. "I was called on a mission but I wasn't feeling that well. I thought I'd push myself, thinking that way I could end the mission more quickly... but a distracted second was all it took to put me down..."

Fate deeply sighs, tightly clenching her fists. "I wasn't there… When I finished my mission, I came back to Nanoha and they told me she was severely injured... Lucky to have survived... Afterwards they told me that they weren't sure Nanoha would be able to fly again, or even walk…"

Shiro, Momoko and Miyuki remain speechless. They didn't know any of this had happened.

Fate takes a deep breath and continues as her voice starts breaking. "I wanted to see Nanoha smile again… I wanted to hear her voice…"

Nanoha warmly smiles, caressing one of Fate's clenched hands.

Feeling Nanoha's gentle touch, Fate makes a half smile and continues from where she left. "I visited Nanoha every day, waiting for her to wake up... But soon days became months…"

Nanoha slowly nods her head while smiling, remembering that everyone in the hospital told her that Fate visited her every day, whenever she found the time, even if just for a minute. Every break Fate had, she would come to visit her. "And then I did. I woke up, finding myself in a hospital room. Fate was there at that time. She cried so much."

Fate immediately reacts, slightly blushing. "I was crying because I was happy you woke up."

Nanoha slightly giggles as she continues. "Fate kept visiting me every day, whenever she found the time. I was happy that Fate dedicated so much time to me. Then one day~"

~ Flashback ~

Fate has just arrived to visit Nanoha and is now standing in front of Nanoha's room. As she slowly opens the door, she smiles seeing that Nanoha is awake. "Hello Nanoha. How are you today?"

Nanoha immediately smiles, happy to see Fate. "Fate-chan~ I'm fine. Thanks for visiting me."

Fate smiles back at Nanoha, happy to hear that she's ok. "Of course I'd come visit. How's rehabilitation going?"

"Not bad."

Fate tilts her head, noticing that Nanoha is somewhat quieter than usual. Wanting to know what's wrong, she decides to ask her as she makes way to sit by Nanoha's side. "Nanoha, what's wrong?"

Nanoha faintly smiles. "Nothing~ I'm just tired..."

With that answer, Fate worries more, knowing that something is troubling her. "Nanoha, you can tell me anything. You know I'm always there for you."

"It's just… I heard from Hayate-chan that you didn't pass your exam for three times because you were too worried about me… and you've been dedicating so much time to come visit me… For a moment, I was scared that maybe Fate-chan would start hating me for that." Nanoha faintly smiles again, not wanting to worry Fate. "I know it's silly so don't worry about it. I was just thinking too much. That's all."

Fate reacts straightaway, feeling shocked by Nanoha's words. "No, I would never hate you... I… I love Nanoha..."

Nanoha warmly smiles. "I love you too."

"No… I mean... I lo... I'm sorry. Nevermind." Fate slightly smiles as she stands back. She then turns to Nanoha, tucking her tightly in bed. "You don't have to worry about that. I promise you, that's something that will never happen. I'll let you rest for a bit now. I'll visit you again soon."

Nanoha smiles again, nodding her head. "Ok. Thanks Fate-chan."

Fate gently smiles as she turns to walk towards the door. As she opens the door, she turns around to wave at Nanoha, soon receiving a wave back. With that gesture, Fate closes the door and as she starts resting against it, she releases a weighty sigh.

~ End of Flashback ~

Nanoha warmly smiles. "I had noticed that Fate reacted a bit strange but at that time, I thought it was because she was worried about me."

Fate intertwines her hand with Nanoha's, not realizing she has caught Shiro's attention with that gesture. Fate gently starts caressing Nanoha's hand as she continues narrating the story. "After that event, I unconsciously started distancing myself from Nanoha. I still kept visiting her all days. That was something I could never stop doing… But I would remain quiet most of the time, asking the same things with each visit."

Nanoha nods her head, cheerfully giggling as Vivio has just placed her hands on her mama's hands, wanting to join the intertwining.

Miyuki and Momoko smile at the scene, while Shiro remains concentrated on Fate, somehow wanting to hear the rest of the story.

Fate happily smiles, placing her hand on Vivio's head, gently patting her. She then lifts her face, noticing Shiro and Momoko are somehow waiting for them to continue while Miyuki is still smiling at Vivio.

Fate gives a single nod with her head and continues. "Then one day, when I was visiting Nanoha, she seemed to be slightly mad with me." Fate turns her view to Nanoha, knowing that Nanoha will surely react to her words.

Nanoha immediately pouts, debating Fate's words. "Mou~ I wasn't mad. I was only worried about you."

Fate slightly chuckles with Nanoha's reactions, speaking in a cheery voice. "So that time, Nanoha was worried about me and decided to confront me."

~ Flashback ~

Sitting in her bed, Nanoha is looking down, clenching the bed sheets. "Fate-chan, what's wrong?"

Fate forcefully smiles. "Nothing is wrong."

Receiving that answer, Nanoha lifts her face to confront Fate, raising her voice as it cracks down. "Don't lie to me... You seem distant lately... I feel as if I did something wrong… Tell me…"

Fate slightly backs, shifting her eyes down, looking towards the floor. "Nanoha… You did nothing wrong… I'm the one at fault here. Something is wrong with me…"

Nanoha tilts her head, not understanding what Fate means. "Fate, what do you mean?"

Fate's voice slowly starts breaking. "After your accident, I started feeling scared… I didn't know when you'll wake up… I felt that I had lost you… That I wouldn't have been able to see you smile again… I felt angry with myself for failing to protect you… I was scared of losing you… You're really important to me… I know that I love you… but the affection I feel for you is different than how I feel for everyone else… for Arf, Lindy or anyone else… I…" Fate clenches her fists as she continues. "... I don't know how to explain it… but I've been feeling something different… When you woke up, I felt a bursting joy inside… Then, last time you told me you were scared I would start hating you… I felt something deep inside hurting… I knew I could never hate Nanoha and these feeling wanted to burst out more… And for a moment I couldn't control them… But now, I'm trying to suppress them… I don't know what's wrong with me… I'm sorry I've been acting strange… It's just I don't know what I should do…"

As Fate's words end, seconds start to pass and silence falls in the room.

Receiving no response, Fate decides to lift her view, finding Nanoha with her arms open wide.

"Fate-chan~ come here."

Fate slowly approaches her, somewhat scared but at the same time wanting to hear what Nanoha has to say.

As soon as Fate is in hand's length, Nanoha pulls her closer, hugging Fate tightly as tears start threatening Nanoha's eyes.

"Nanoha?"

"Fate-chan, I love you too… I've been having the same feelings for quite some time now… I feel a stronger affection for you… Different from the one for my family… More than the ones for Hayate-chan, Arisa-chan, Suzuka-chan… I didn't know what to do about it… I thought to keep it a secret… Thinking to suppress them… Thinking something was wrong with me… I thought they were wrong, but now…"

Fate embraces Nanoha back, leaning her head on Nanoha's shoulder. "Nanoha… You mean you think they aren't wrong?"

Nanoha nods her head as she gentles the embrace she's giving to Fate. "Yes Fate-chan. There's nothing wrong with our feelings and they are mutual. I feel the same about you as you feel about me."

Fate lifts her head, gently resting her forehead against Nanoha's forehead, as tears form at the corner of her eyes. "I didn't want to lose you."

Nanoha warmly smiles, happy by what Fate had just said. "You won't lose me. We'll always be together." As tears of joy start falling again, she slightly giggles as a wide smile makes way on her face. "At least if that's what Fate-chan wants too."

Fate cheerfully smiles, happy with what Nanoha has said. "I definitely want that."

The two start giggling lightly, happy to be in each other's embrace.

~ End of Flashback ~

Fate and Nanoha happily smile looking towards each other, recalling the scene clearly as if it had just happened the day before.

Nanoha then turns, facing her family. "We've been together ever since. Always giving support to each other when one of us needed." Nanoha gently leans her head on Fate's shoulder. "Working together… Living together… Always by each other's side, together."

Fate smiles while she leans her head on Nanoha's head, slightly eyeing Vivio from the side. "And now we are living together again in a home, but this time with a little bundle of joy with us."

Vivio broadly smiles, knowing that Fate-mama was referring to her. She drops down from Nanoha-mama's lap, wanting to now sit on Fate-mama's lap.

Nanoha gently lifts her head from Fate's shoulder to let her pick Vivio.

As Fate lifts up Vivio, placing Vivio on her lap, Fate hugs her from behind, resting her head on Vivio's head. She cheerfully smiles, speaking in a playful voice. "And since we all love Nanoha-mama, we're the new Takamachi family at Mid-childa, right Vivio?"

Vivio happily nods her head, agreeing with Fate-mama.

A soft shade of red makes way on Nanoha's cheeks as she cheerfully smiles, releasing a heartfelt sigh while tightly hugging them. "Mou~ you two."

Fate and Vivio start laughing, happy to be in Nanoha-mama's tight embrace.

Miyuki and Momoko soon join the laughter while Shiro, though still feeling slightly annoyed, smiles warmly, glad to see his daughter happy.

As all the family continues to enjoy the time together, time flies by and soon it's time to go back home at Mid-childa.

Picking up a tired Vivio in her hand, Fate smiles as the child slowly intertwines her hands around Fate-mama's neck while Nanoha happily smiles, enjoying the view.

Miyuki slowly approaches Vivio, gently patting her head, soon joined by Momoko who plants a gentle kiss on Vivio's cheeks, causing the child to smile.

Momoko warmly smiles back. "Come visit us again Vivio-chan." She then lifts her view, facing Nanoha and Fate. "Take care you two. Come visit us whenever you want too."

Fate nods her head while Nanoha hugs her mother. "We will~"

Releasing the hug from her mother, Nanoha makes wait to hug her father too.

Shiro smiles, hugging Nanoha back. "Take care and come visit us again. We'll be waiting for you."

Nanoha smiles back, nodding her head.

He then approaches Fate and Vivio, gently patting Vivio's head. "Take care you two and come visit us again."

Vivio softly smiles, nodding her head.

Fate gives a single nod. "We will. Thanks."

Shiro gently smiles at the two, soon narrowing his eyes at Fate, speaking in a low voice. "Take care of Nanoha."

Fate forcefully smiles, later nodding her head. "I will."

Miyuki and Nanoha giggle at the scene, while Momoko shakes her head first, late giggling by her husband's reaction.

As Nanoha, Fate and Vivio leave to go back at Mid-childa, the three other Takamachi wave goodbye, happy to have passed the day with them while still feeling a bit sad that they had to leave.

As they teleport back to Mid-childa, the three find themselves tired from the eventful day. Entering back home, they decide it was time to go rest.

Nanoha gently takes Vivio in her hands, taking her in her room to sleep.

After putting Vivio in bed, Nanoha enters her bedroom, finding Fate quietly sitting on their bed.

"Vivio is really tired today. She fell asleep immediately."

Fate nods her head.

Nanoha approaches Fate, sitting by her side. "Fate, you're quiet. What's wrong?"

Fate makes a half smile. "I'm thinking of what your parents asked today..."

Nanoha tilts her head, not sure what's troubling Fate.

"Nanoha saved me... Even now you keep on saving me..."

Nanoha warmly smiles, gently taking Fate's hands in her hands.

"When I'm alone... I ... I always fear the worst... I fear that the past will get to me... I fear that I will lose everything..." Fate suddenly presses Nanoha's hands tightly. "I fear that I would lose you... lose Vivio... Erio, Caro… Arf, Lindy... I fear that something will happen and that I will not be able to come back you."

Nanoha smiles, softly leaning her head on Fate's shoulder while holding gently, yet tightly, Fate's hands, softly caressing them. "That will never happen. Even if something bad happened and you couldn't come back, I will always come find you. I promise."

With those words, Fate instantly turns and embraces Nanoha really tightly.

Nanoha starts giggling. "Fate~ there's no need to hug me so tightly. I really really like when you hold me but it's not like I will try to escape unless you hold me this tight~"

Fate slightly blushes, partially releasing her embrace, now holding Nanoha gently. "I'm sorry. It's just... I want Nanoha to always be by my side."

"I promise I will~ I also want Fate to always be by my side."

Fate smiles, leaning her head on Nanoha's shoulder. "I promise I will too."

Nanoha happily smiles, later speaking in a playful tone. "Ne Fate, will you come search for me if I ever get lost?"

Fate lifts back her head and cheerfully smiles. "Definitely. I promise. I will always come save Nanoha."

Nanoha smiles as she starts nuzzling into Fate's neck.

Fate slightly giggles, whispering her loved one's name. "Na~no~ha~"

Nanoha stops and starts laughing. "I told you yesterday that it tickles when someone does that."

A shade of red makes way on Fate's cheeks, knowing what Nanoha meant. "I can never win, right?"

Nanoha cheerfully smiles, giving a single nod with her head.

With that gesture, Fate leans towards Nanoha, giving her a passionate kiss on the lips, soon feeling her loved one returning the kiss as they fall backwards on the bed.

As the kiss breaks due to the need to breathe, Fate smiles and starts nuzzling with Nanoha, resulting with Nanoha nuzzling back.

~ End of Story/Chapter ~

Writer's notes: I hope you enjoyed reading this small story. I'd appreciate if you leave a comment or review =]. All input will be appreciated. Let me know what you think.

Thanks again for taking your time to read it.

Regards =]
nioki-nainai