I was never really one to shop for girls but Nanoha's comment this morning was still bothering me. I knew she was just teasing but there was still something in the way she said it, some faint hint of sadness, that I couldn't help but pick up on. This thought ran over in my mind again and again as I looked at what was before me. Nothing caught my eye right away and I almost gave up on the store before finding something that looked promising. The glass jewelry cases in the middle of the store grabbed my attention, or rather a bracelet inside of it did. A medium sized linked silver bracelet was sparkling in the light almost as if calling out to me. On it was one matching silver charm in the shape of a heart.
'A charm bracelet,' I realized, looking at the several types of charms that could be added to it. 'Simple, pretty, shiny, and it just screams Nanoha.' I stood up straight and met the clerk's eye to call them over to me and ten minutes later I was back out in the cold, now fifty dollars lighter. Although the blow to my wallet stung, I was rather pleased with my purchase. Nanoha was always there for me, it was about time I showed my appreciation.
“I'm home!” I called out as always when I opened the door to the house I now shared with two girls.
Nanoha, as always, came to me with a smile. “Welcome home. You hungry?”
“Starving.” My reply seemed to make her happy. “Something smells good.”
“Pizza,” The girl informed me while rocking on her heels while waiting on me to finish taking off my shoes. “How was Hayate-chan?”
“A lot better.” Walking in, I held up the bag so she could see it. “I have something for you.”
“Oh?” Her face lit with curiosity. “What is it?”
“It's a box.” I took out the long slender jewelry case and held back a chuckle at Nanoha's reaction to cover her mouth in surprise. “Sure are happy about a box.”
“What's in it?” She reached for it and pouted when I moved it away. Trying again, she stood on her tip toes and reached for the case when I held it up. “Stop teasing me!”
“But it's fun.” I let her try once again before bringing it down and handing it to her. “Here, I hope you like.”
“I will,” She assured me before happily clicking open the case and fawning over the simple gift. “Awwwww, it's so kyute!”
“...Did you just say 'kyute'?”
“What on Earth made you buy me a gift?” She sounded happier than I've heard her in the past month or so. “Aw, I love it. A little heart and everything.” The bracelet was put on and looked at again now that it was on her wrist. “Thank you!” I got a tight hug, which I returned.
“I just thought I'd get it for you. No reason really.”
“You're the best.” To my surprise Nanoha got on her tiptoes and pecked my cheek. “Thanks a lot.”
“Welcome.” I touched the spot I was kissed and felt my lips turn up lightly to a smile. “You haven't kissed me in ages.”
“Well, if you would do things to warrant it, I'd kiss you more often.” She had a faint tint of blush on her cheeks, keeping her eyes on the sparking bracelet still. She stared at it for a moment longer before suddenly gasping out. “The pizza!” Quickly she ran to the kitchen and pulled the oven door open, quickly taking out the food. “Oh thank goodness, it's just a little brown on top.” Sliding it onto a cutting board, she went to dust her peel with corn starch before slipping the next one onto it. “Yuuno-kun, this one is yours. It'll take about six minutes so get comfortable and I'll bring it to you when it's done okay?”
“Hmmm....” I hopped on the kitchen counter instead and watched her. “It's quiet tonight, where's Fate at?”
“She ate dinner and conked out. Said she had a hard day.” The girl closed the oven door and walked over to me. Turning around, she faced the same way I was and leaned back against me, pulling my arms to wrap around her front. “It's a little chilly in here.”
“Put on clothes.” I teased. The girl was in her pajamas, which consisted of nothing more than a large shirt that went to her knees.
“But this is comfortable.” She protested while playing with my hands, eyes still darting to the gift she was wearing. “And you're warm.”
“Keep moving my hands like that and I'll end up feeling you up.”
“I don't mind,” She replied airily. “Go for it.”
“...I really will if you say that.”
“Then do it.”
“...I'm not in the mood.”
“Sure,” She giggled to herself and I couldn't help but chuckle. “Ne, question?”
“Yes?”
Nanoha looked over her shoulder at me. “Am I feminine?”
“What do you mean?” I blinked. “Such a sudden question.”
“Hm. Well,” She thought about it. “I kind of get love letters every now and then, but they are normally from people I don't even know. I have a fanclub you know?”
“I know.” I hated those guys. A group of about fifteen that basically worshiped the ground Nanoha walked on.
“But besides those, I don't really get any attention. Am I not feminine enough? Am I attractive?” I pondered it, allowing her to turn around in my arms and look at me. “Even you don't ever look at me when you have the chance.”
“I look at you all the time.”
“Not when I'm naked.”
I blinked. “You want me to look at you naked?”
“No!” She shook her head. “I mean when the situation comes up, when I walk across the hall in only a towel or something. Your eyes never once dropped to look. Am I not feminine?”
Acting on impulse, I reached forward and popped the top snap-buttons on Nanoha's shirt open, revealing her breast fully. “Hmmm.... I give you about an eight.”
Her face slowly turned scarlet but stood there a full five seconds before letting out a 'kya!' and turning around to button them. “Pervert!”
“Yup. I get that way around very feminine women.”
Nanoha slowed down her buttoning and looked back over at me, smiling. “I'll forgive you this time.”
“Thank you,” I teased back.
“But next time,” She winked. “I might just slap you.”
“You want a next time?”
“Maybe, nyaha!” With that she went over to the oven and checked my food. I didn't understand girls sometimes, but right now I could tell Nanoha was happy. She really wanted attention and a little encouragement that she was pretty. I had given her both tonight and her smile was really cute right now. It was this simple moment that made me glad we shared a house together.
~**~
Sunday again; a day off with nothing to do. From the burning smell of death coming from my door I could tell Fate was trying to make breakfast. After a glance out my window I saw Nanoha outside playing in the snow. I knew already that Hayate was going to be shopping today so she could get out of the house. As for me...
A.) Nanoha was so happy last night, I really should treat her to something today to make sure she knows that I appreciate her.
B.) I did say I would take Fate out sometime... but since I bought a gift, it will be a cheap date, would she even like that?
C.) I can probably meet up with Hayate for lunch, if I don't die from Fate's breakfast. A good meal sounds good.