Nanoha FanFiction Discussion

[Knight of L-sama]

Originally Posted by Allquall

You have your own little piece of art going here. This is absolutely amazing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read!

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

Lindy walked calmly through the darkened house. The clock ticked loudly through the quiet hall as the green haired woman in a bathrobe wandered down it in her slipper-clad feet. She opened the doors to her children’s rooms and found them sleeping peacefully, but why couldn’t she sleep?

She sat down at the kitchen table while the teakettle on the stove started to heat up. She looked out her large kitchen windows to the house across street but got up shortly to pour the boiling water into her mug. Spoonful by spoonful, the water retained the generous portion of sugar dumped into it, which caused Lindy to smile at the memories. Her late husband, Clyde, always teased her for drinking sugar-flavored water. The woman chuckled softly as the images of her husband flashed before her mind’s eye. She remembered that old comfortable feeling of waking up with his chin stubble rubbing the back of her neck as he snored while holding her. It had been the source of endless fights when they were first married, but by the end, she couldn’t fall asleep without it.

Lindy sighed at the table while she tried to work out in her mind why she craved that feeling again after suppressing the urge for so long. Unwittingly, her head turned in the direction of the darkened house across the street. Momoko’s face floated in her mind along with her gentle laugh.

‘I wonder if she’s up?’ thought Lindy while checking the time, ‘Probably not at four in the morning.’

She debated with herself over whether or not she should go over tomorrow to the Takamachi house. On one hand, she didn’t want to intrude on Momoko’s kindness; they had only just met, she reasoned. On the other hand, there was something about Momoko that made Lindy feel at ease and useful. She remembered that immediately after her husband’s death her house was flooded with mourners and relatives with cooked meals and sympathy cards at a time when she didn’t really understand her own grief. She remembered that she just wanted them all out of her house so that she could cry alone with her two small children. The good-meaning people petered out after a mouth, and soon she got her wish for solitude, and she regretted ever wanting it. At the year anniversary of Clyde’s funeral is when her grief almost got the best of her. She had stared at the bottle of pills for hours while holding the liter of vodka. If it weren’t for Fate’s cries that night, she would have certainly gone through with it.

Lindy’s thoughts drifted back to Momoko. She had said that her husband died a year ago, and Lindy wondered if she had ever considered suicide like she did that night. Her heart sank at the thought, and she looked out the window to the quiet house across the street in worry.

“You’re not alone,” she whispered as she looked at her own reflection in the window superimposed onto the house.

She made a small gasp when the front door of the Takamachi house opened. She didn’t know why she did it, but Lindy quickly moved to the side of the window.

‘Why am I hiding?’ she asked herself, ‘More importantly, why am I blushing.’

From her vantage point, she saw Momoko in a light jacket using both hands to pull up her thick hair into a ponytail while a piece of toast hung from her mouth. Lindy felt a smile creep on her face as watched Momoko start the long walk toward her café.

-- -- --

“Fate, I know you’re excited about your new school, but you need to eat your breakfast,” yawned Lindy.

She picked up the wiggly girl and sat her at the table next to Chrono who had his arm shoved into the cereal box in search of the toy at the bottom. She then brushed their hair one more time and tied a cloth napkin around their bento lunches. Their small backpacks sat at the door with their supplies ready for their first day of school. She watched her children eat and glanced at the leftovers that could not fit into the bento lunches. On a whim, she pulled out the spare bento from the cabinet and filled it to the brim.

‘I wonder if…’ her mind trailed.

After breakfast, Fate and Chrono sat on the step and pulled on their shoes. Lindy locked the front door behind them and held their hands as they walked sleepily to the elementary school two blocks away.

“Fate-chan!” cried a voice behind them.

“Nanoha!” Fate replied with a smile as her brunette friend came running up to them.

“Good morning, Nanoha-chan!” greeted Lindy who then waved to the two teenagers with book bags walking in the other direction to the high school.

“Good morning, Harlaown-san!” she bowed.

Lindy chuckled and escorted the three small students to the front steps of the large building.

-- -- --

Momoko wiped the counter down during a moment of down time after the morning rush. Her shop still had a few people in it, but she knew that it would be relatively quiet till noon. The ringing bell made her sigh as she looked for the next customer.

“Good morning!” greeted the smiling Lindy.

“Good morning!” replied Momoko as she studied Lindy’s form-fitting uniform and black briefcase, “I didn’t know you were in the service.”

“Navy,” answered Lindy, “but I’m not on a ship anymore. They have me doing consultant field analysis and spec checks.”

Momoko nodded though the words flew over her head.

“I usually work at home,” said Lindy hesitantly, “but I was wondering if I can set-up shop in here for today.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Momoko, “but do me a favor and leave the booths open.”

“Certainly,” said Lindy as she took her laptop out of her briefcase and sat at a small table, “Oh, before I forget, I’m going to need a lot of caffeine today.”

Lindy hastily walked to the counter and placed a large bill on next to the register. Momoko placed a Grande-sized Americano in front of Lindy and opened the drawer to give her the change.

“No need,” said Lindy sipping the hot drink, “Just keep them coming.”

Momoko smiled and went back to cleaning the espresso machines behind the counter. During the lull, she watched Lindy work as the other woman tapped gracefully on her laptop. Pictures of battleships and fighter jets popped up on her screen next to columns of equations. Momoko stared at the nosecone of a transport plane while she exchanged Lindy’s empty cup for a full one. Lindy stretched and cracked her neck as she wrapped her right hand around the warm cup.

“So, how about pizza?” yawned Lindy.

Momoko gave her a confused look.

“For lunch,” clarified Lindy.

“I can’t leave till Kyoya gets here,” replied Momoko apologetically.

“I’m bringing you back a slice,” Lindy was already on her feet and walking to the door, “If you don’t tell me what you want, then I’m coming back with cheese.”

“Ahh…er…but…”

“Leaving…” smirked Lindy as she opened the door causing the bell to chime.

“Mushrooms!”

Lindy grinned and let the door close behind her.

-- -- --

She came back after a short time later to see a line forming behind the register and Momoko struggling to keep up. Lindy walked behind the counter and placed the hot pizza box in the kitchen. She looked at Momoko’s back as the brunette woman concentrated on imputing an order into her machine. With a deep breath of resolve, she pulled off her uniform jacket and rolled up her long oxford sleeves.

“What can I do?” she asked while pulling a clean apron off of the rack.

Momoko turned in surprise, “Lindy! You don’t-”

“But I am,” Lindy said kindly but firmly, “Have me do the simple stuff for you.”

Momoko stared at her in shock till her need overcame her politeness, “Grab another stake of medium-sized cups from the back, please.”

“Aye, ma’am!” Lindy saluted teasingly, and Momoko laughed in spite of herself.

The lunchtime rush died down, and Lindy reheated their pizza slices in the microwave next to the espresso machine.

“Thanks for your help,” Momoko said sincerely, "I can’t pay much-"

“It would be an insult to pay me,” interrupted Lindy, “I did this as a favor for a friend.”

Momoko looked away in embarrassment.

“And as an added bonus, I learned how to make a good cappuccino!” said Lindy trying to lighten the mood.

Momoko smiled, “At least it won’t be too much longer. Kyoya and Miyuki will be here shortly.”

“Do you want me to pick up Nanoha?” asked Lindy while dipping her crust in Garlic sauce, “I have to get my kids anyway.”

“Actually, I like going to get her,” replied Momoko, “It gives me a break from the café. Would you like me to pick up Fate and Chrono?”

“We could go together,” offered Lindy.

“We-“

“Excuse me?” said a voice from the other side of the counter, “But can I get a fork for my muffin?”

The little old lady’s eyes barely made it over the counter, and her bran muffin sat undisturbed on its plate. The sunken eyes behind the think glasses stared at the tub of plastic forks behind the two friends.

“Yes, ma’am!” both of the women said as the turned inward to grab a fork for her.

Momoko suddenly became aware of her mistake instantly as the front of her twisting body mirrored the movements of the woman on the other side as they both reached for the plastic forks. Her hip ground against another hip, and her breasts rubbed against the other pair.

“Sorry!” yelped Momoko while the fragrance of Lindy’s perfume filled her nostrils.

She could feel her cheeks blaze, and she turned away from Lindy to hand the elderly woman a fork. She looked back at Lindy to see the green haired woman equally red with her arms folded across her chest.

“Mama?” a young man’s voice said suspiciously, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Kyoya,” she murmured still fighting her embarrassment.

The teenager flashed Lindy a suspicious look, but the green haired woman stepped into the kitchen to put the apron away and retrieve her jacket. She then went to the small table to pack her briefcase as well.

“Where are you going?” asked Momoko putting her own apron on the rack.

“I told you,” answered Lindy, “I’m going with you to pick up the kids.”

Momoko knew better than to fight it, and the two women began the five-block walk to the elementary school. Momoko’s embarrassment eased as the same comfortable feeling from before returned to her.

“So, how early do you get up in the morning?” asked Lindy when their conversation had faded into silence.

“I’m usually up by 3:30 and out the door by 4am. Why?”

“Ok, let me first say that I’m not a stalker-“

“Why do I get the feeling that I don’t want to hear the rest of this?” interrupted Momoko jokingly.

“No, I couldn’t sleep last night, and I was having a cup of tea in my kitchen when I saw you leave. So, I wondered if that was normal.”

“I was running a bit late this morning,” chuckled Momoko, “because I had a hard time sleeping last night as well.”

“You should have come over,” said Lindy, “Promise me you will next time.”

“I will make no promises, but if I’m up and your kitchen light is on then I might come over.”

Lindy smiled broadly, “What was on your mind that kept you from sleeping?”

“You,” came the reply, and Momoko gasped at what had escaped her lips.

“Me?” asked Lindy trying to make eye contact with the woman who was studying her shoes.

“Mama!”

They tiny voice cut through the tension as Nanoha leaped into her mother’s arms.

“Mom!”

Blond pigtails fluttered in the wind as Fate hugged her mother tightly, and Lindy gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Chrono was still up at the entrance talking to some of the other first grade boys until he heard his mother’s shrill whistle.

“Mom,” Fate said while they waited for Chrono, “you made a mistake today!”

“What did I do?” asked Lindy curiously.

“You put two lunches in my backpack!” Fate giggled.

“Oh!” Lindy said trying to remember the foggy morning, “Did I not put one in Chrono’s backpack?”

“No, Chrono, had his, but it was OK,” explained Fate, “because Nanoha didn’t have a lunch today, so I gave her the extra one!”

“Nanoha?” asked Momoko to the little one in her arms, “What happened to your lunch money?”

“I lost it,” the tiny girl mumbled.

“A big kid took if from her!” said Fate to Lindy and Momoko’s horror, “and me and Chrono tried to beat him up, but he was really big.”

“Chrono…” Lindy groaned rubbing her forehead. She saw her son walking slowly to her with a familiar pink sheet of carbon paper in his hand and a swollen lip on his face.

Momoko turned her attention on her daughter, “Has this happened before, Nanoha?”

Nanoha murmured something into her shoulder.

“Nanoha?”

“Sometimes,” the five year old whispered.

Guilt came with the realization of what her daughter was truly saying. Nanoha hadn’t had lunch at school for who-knows how long, because someone was taking her lunch money. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered Nanoha telling her that she was hungry after school and her giving her daughter a few carrot sticks to hold her till dinner.

She put Nanoha down to wipe her eyes and saw her daughter walk over and hug Fate. The blond wrapped her tiny arms around her.

“Don’t worry, Nanoha,” the blond said bravely, “I’ll protect you from the big kids next time.”

Momoko couldn’t stop the stream of tears at this point, and she tried not to look at Lindy, but her eyes moved there against her will.

“I’m sorry,” Lindy said with tears in her own eyes.

“No,” Momoko took two steps toward Lindy and embraced her tightly while she wept into her chest, “Thank you. Thank you so much!”

Lindy returned the embrace and held the crying Momoko for a long time while their children walked together to play in the nearby park.

“I’m a horrible mother!” Momoko barked, “Nanoha…”

“Shhhh,” whispered Lindy into Momoko’s ear, “You’re a wonderful mother with three wonderful kids, and…”

Momoko gazed into Lindy’s eyes as the green hair woman gulped before continuing.

“…you’ve got someone who loses sleep over you across the street.”

*sighs* Happy day more Momoko/Lindy ness. ^o^ You know, come to think of it... It's not /impossible/ for Momoko/Lindy to /not/ be canon... After all, you don't here what happens over yonder on Earth after Lindy moves there and StrikerS start... ho hum... bondage- er, bonding-ness over their kiddies all leaving the nest? XP Tho there's still the Shiro factor I suppose... ah well.

^^ random thoughts, whee~

[Seraph42]

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

Randomness presented in a non-random fashion... or something like that.

Spoiler for Fate the Artist:

snip

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

Had time today so... Nanoha-vision!

Spoiler for Rawr, fine Artist!Fate pt. 2:

snip

Ah, I was planning on making this a 3-part piece, so the next installment should have the song that inspired this. *nods* Let's see if my slow way of writing can get where it needs to be in one chapter tho.. ah...

*wants to start on a certain different MSLN storyline*

Can't wait for part 3

Originally Posted by Allquall

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

snip

Alright more LINDOKO
Poor Momoko, but don't worry Im sure that Nanoha will most likely 'Befriend' that bully soon

Originally Posted by Satashi

Spoiler for Vampire!Fate pt. 1A:

snip

Im going with C.
Although Im still hoping for Nanoha to get the experimental Paladin weapon "RAISING HEART" and start 'Befriending' Paladins and Vampires left and right

[markesellus]

Originally Posted by Allquall

You have your own little piece of art going here. This is absolutely amazing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read!

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

Lindy walked calmly through the darkened house. The clock ticked loudly through the quiet hall as the green haired woman in a bathrobe wandered down it in her slipper-clad feet. She opened the doors to her children’s rooms and found them sleeping peacefully, but why couldn’t she sleep?

She sat down at the kitchen table while the teakettle on the stove started to heat up. She looked out her large kitchen windows to the house across street but got up shortly to pour the boiling water into her mug. Spoonful by spoonful, the water retained the generous portion of sugar dumped into it, which caused Lindy to smile at the memories. Her late husband, Clyde, always teased her for drinking sugar-flavored water. The woman chuckled softly as the images of her husband flashed before her mind’s eye. She remembered that old comfortable feeling of waking up with his chin stubble rubbing the back of her neck as he snored while holding her. It had been the source of endless fights when they were first married, but by the end, she couldn’t fall asleep without it.

Lindy sighed at the table while she tried to work out in her mind why she craved that feeling again after suppressing the urge for so long. Unwittingly, her head turned in the direction of the darkened house across the street. Momoko’s face floated in her mind along with her gentle laugh.

‘I wonder if she’s up?’ thought Lindy while checking the time, ‘Probably not at four in the morning.’

She debated with herself over whether or not she should go over tomorrow to the Takamachi house. On one hand, she didn’t want to intrude on Momoko’s kindness; they had only just met, she reasoned. On the other hand, there was something about Momoko that made Lindy feel at ease and useful. She remembered that immediately after her husband’s death her house was flooded with mourners and relatives with cooked meals and sympathy cards at a time when she didn’t really understand her own grief. She remembered that she just wanted them all out of her house so that she could cry alone with her two small children. The good-meaning people petered out after a mouth, and soon she got her wish for solitude, and she regretted ever wanting it. At the year anniversary of Clyde’s funeral is when her grief almost got the best of her. She had stared at the bottle of pills for hours while holding the liter of vodka. If it weren’t for Fate’s cries that night, she would have certainly gone through with it.

Lindy’s thoughts drifted back to Momoko. She had said that her husband died a year ago, and Lindy wondered if she had ever considered suicide like she did that night. Her heart sank at the thought, and she looked out the window to the quiet house across the street in worry.

“You’re not alone,” she whispered as she looked at her own reflection in the window superimposed onto the house.

She made a small gasp when the front door of the Takamachi house opened. She didn’t know why she did it, but Lindy quickly moved to the side of the window.

‘Why am I hiding?’ she asked herself, ‘More importantly, why am I blushing.’

From her vantage point, she saw Momoko in a light jacket using both hands to pull up her thick hair into a ponytail while a piece of toast hung from her mouth. Lindy felt a smile creep on her face as watched Momoko start the long walk toward her café.

-- -- --

“Fate, I know you’re excited about your new school, but you need to eat your breakfast,” yawned Lindy.

She picked up the wiggly girl and sat her at the table next to Chrono who had his arm shoved into the cereal box in search of the toy at the bottom. She then brushed their hair one more time and tied a cloth napkin around their bento lunches. Their small backpacks sat at the door with their supplies ready for their first day of school. She watched her children eat and glanced at the leftovers that could not fit into the bento lunches. On a whim, she pulled out the spare bento from the cabinet and filled it to the brim.

‘I wonder if…’ her mind trailed.

After breakfast, Fate and Chrono sat on the step and pulled on their shoes. Lindy locked the front door behind them and held their hands as they walked sleepily to the elementary school two blocks away.

“Fate-chan!” cried a voice behind them.

“Nanoha!” Fate replied with a smile as her brunette friend came running up to them.

“Good morning, Nanoha-chan!” greeted Lindy who then waved to the two teenagers with book bags walking in the other direction to the high school.

“Good morning, Harlaown-san!” she bowed.

Lindy chuckled and escorted the three small students to the front steps of the large building.

-- -- --

Momoko wiped the counter down during a moment of down time after the morning rush. Her shop still had a few people in it, but she knew that it would be relatively quiet till noon. The ringing bell made her sigh as she looked for the next customer.

“Good morning!” greeted the smiling Lindy.

“Good morning!” replied Momoko as she studied Lindy’s form-fitting uniform and black briefcase, “I didn’t know you were in the service.”

“Navy,” answered Lindy, “but I’m not on a ship anymore. They have me doing consultant field analysis and spec checks.”

Momoko nodded though the words flew over her head.

“I usually work at home,” said Lindy hesitantly, “but I was wondering if I can set-up shop in here for today.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Momoko, “but do me a favor and leave the booths open.”

“Certainly,” said Lindy as she took her laptop out of her briefcase and sat at a small table, “Oh, before I forget, I’m going to need a lot of caffeine today.”

Lindy hastily walked to the counter and placed a large bill on next to the register. Momoko placed a Grande-sized Americano in front of Lindy and opened the drawer to give her the change.

“No need,” said Lindy sipping the hot drink, “Just keep them coming.”

Momoko smiled and went back to cleaning the espresso machines behind the counter. During the lull, she watched Lindy work as the other woman tapped gracefully on her laptop. Pictures of battleships and fighter jets popped up on her screen next to columns of equations. Momoko stared at the nosecone of a transport plane while she exchanged Lindy’s empty cup for a full one. Lindy stretched and cracked her neck as she wrapped her right hand around the warm cup.

“So, how about pizza?” yawned Lindy.

Momoko gave her a confused look.

“For lunch,” clarified Lindy.

“I can’t leave till Kyoya gets here,” replied Momoko apologetically.

“I’m bringing you back a slice,” Lindy was already on her feet and walking to the door, “If you don’t tell me what you want, then I’m coming back with cheese.”

“Ahh…er…but…”

“Leaving…” smirked Lindy as she opened the door causing the bell to chime.

“Mushrooms!”

Lindy grinned and let the door close behind her.

-- -- --

She came back after a short time later to see a line forming behind the register and Momoko struggling to keep up. Lindy walked behind the counter and placed the hot pizza box in the kitchen. She looked at Momoko’s back as the brunette woman concentrated on imputing an order into her machine. With a deep breath of resolve, she pulled off her uniform jacket and rolled up her long oxford sleeves.

“What can I do?” she asked while pulling a clean apron off of the rack.

Momoko turned in surprise, “Lindy! You don’t-”

“But I am,” Lindy said kindly but firmly, “Have me do the simple stuff for you.”

Momoko stared at her in shock till her need overcame her politeness, “Grab another stake of medium-sized cups from the back, please.”

“Aye, ma’am!” Lindy saluted teasingly, and Momoko laughed in spite of herself.

The lunchtime rush died down, and Lindy reheated their pizza slices in the microwave next to the espresso machine.

“Thanks for your help,” Momoko said sincerely, "I can’t pay much-"

“It would be an insult to pay me,” interrupted Lindy, “I did this as a favor for a friend.”

Momoko looked away in embarrassment.

“And as an added bonus, I learned how to make a good cappuccino!” said Lindy trying to lighten the mood.

Momoko smiled, “At least it won’t be too much longer. Kyoya and Miyuki will be here shortly.”

“Do you want me to pick up Nanoha?” asked Lindy while dipping her crust in Garlic sauce, “I have to get my kids anyway.”

“Actually, I like going to get her,” replied Momoko, “It gives me a break from the café. Would you like me to pick up Fate and Chrono?”

“We could go together,” offered Lindy.

“We-“

“Excuse me?” said a voice from the other side of the counter, “But can I get a fork for my muffin?”

The little old lady’s eyes barely made it over the counter, and her bran muffin sat undisturbed on its plate. The sunken eyes behind the think glasses stared at the tub of plastic forks behind the two friends.

“Yes, ma’am!” both of the women said as the turned inward to grab a fork for her.

Momoko suddenly became aware of her mistake instantly as the front of her twisting body mirrored the movements of the woman on the other side as they both reached for the plastic forks. Her hip ground against another hip, and her breasts rubbed against the other pair.

“Sorry!” yelped Momoko while the fragrance of Lindy’s perfume filled her nostrils.

She could feel her cheeks blaze, and she turned away from Lindy to hand the elderly woman a fork. She looked back at Lindy to see the green haired woman equally red with her arms folded across her chest.

“Mama?” a young man’s voice said suspiciously, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Kyoya,” she murmured still fighting her embarrassment.

The teenager flashed Lindy a suspicious look, but the green haired woman stepped into the kitchen to put the apron away and retrieve her jacket. She then went to the small table to pack her briefcase as well.

“Where are you going?” asked Momoko putting her own apron on the rack.

“I told you,” answered Lindy, “I’m going with you to pick up the kids.”

Momoko knew better than to fight it, and the two women began the five-block walk to the elementary school. Momoko’s embarrassment eased as the same comfortable feeling from before returned to her.

“So, how early do you get up in the morning?” asked Lindy when their conversation had faded into silence.

“I’m usually up by 3:30 and out the door by 4am. Why?”

“Ok, let me first say that I’m not a stalker-“

“Why do I get the feeling that I don’t want to hear the rest of this?” interrupted Momoko jokingly.

“No, I couldn’t sleep last night, and I was having a cup of tea in my kitchen when I saw you leave. So, I wondered if that was normal.”

“I was running a bit late this morning,” chuckled Momoko, “because I had a hard time sleeping last night as well.”

“You should have come over,” said Lindy, “Promise me you will next time.”

“I will make no promises, but if I’m up and your kitchen light is on then I might come over.”

Lindy smiled broadly, “What was on your mind that kept you from sleeping?”

“You,” came the reply, and Momoko gasped at what had escaped her lips.

“Me?” asked Lindy trying to make eye contact with the woman who was studying her shoes.

“Mama!”

They tiny voice cut through the tension as Nanoha leaped into her mother’s arms.

“Mom!”

Blond pigtails fluttered in the wind as Fate hugged her mother tightly, and Lindy gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Chrono was still up at the entrance talking to some of the other first grade boys until he heard his mother’s shrill whistle.

“Mom,” Fate said while they waited for Chrono, “you made a mistake today!”

“What did I do?” asked Lindy curiously.

“You put two lunches in my backpack!” Fate giggled.

“Oh!” Lindy said trying to remember the foggy morning, “Did I not put one in Chrono’s backpack?”

“No, Chrono, had his, but it was OK,” explained Fate, “because Nanoha didn’t have a lunch today, so I gave her the extra one!”

“Nanoha?” asked Momoko to the little one in her arms, “What happened to your lunch money?”

“I lost it,” the tiny girl mumbled.

“A big kid took if from her!” said Fate to Lindy and Momoko’s horror, “and me and Chrono tried to beat him up, but he was really big.”

“Chrono…” Lindy groaned rubbing her forehead. She saw her son walking slowly to her with a familiar pink sheet of carbon paper in his hand and a swollen lip on his face.

Momoko turned her attention on her daughter, “Has this happened before, Nanoha?”

Nanoha murmured something into her shoulder.

“Nanoha?”

“Sometimes,” the five year old whispered.

Guilt came with the realization of what her daughter was truly saying. Nanoha hadn’t had lunch at school for who-knows how long, because someone was taking her lunch money. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered Nanoha telling her that she was hungry after school and her giving her daughter a few carrot sticks to hold her till dinner.

She put Nanoha down to wipe her eyes and saw her daughter walk over and hug Fate. The blond wrapped her tiny arms around her.

“Don’t worry, Nanoha,” the blond said bravely, “I’ll protect you from the big kids next time.”

Momoko couldn’t stop the stream of tears at this point, and she tried not to look at Lindy, but her eyes moved there against her will.

“I’m sorry,” Lindy said with tears in her own eyes.

“No,” Momoko took two steps toward Lindy and embraced her tightly while she wept into her chest, “Thank you. Thank you so much!”

Lindy returned the embrace and held the crying Momoko for a long time while their children walked together to play in the nearby park.

“I’m a horrible mother!” Momoko barked, “Nanoha…”

“Shhhh,” whispered Lindy into Momoko’s ear, “You’re a wonderful mother with three wonderful kids, and…”

Momoko gazed into Lindy’s eyes as the green hair woman gulped before continuing.

“…you’ve got someone who loses sleep over you across the street.”

Aww, the ending was sad, and great at the same time. Poor Nanoha, let's go beat up that bully! *rolls up sleeves* Oh well, some how Nanoha will end up being friends with the bully. I love the awkwardness with the fork at the cafe.

Originally Posted by TheShinySword

For once you feel safe, although you were only just attacked by insane paper throwing wolves a few days ago you're certain the wolf won't strike again so soon... silly false sense of security.
"You know you missed me!" Like an annoying head crab the wolf attaches to your head, grinning all the while. "And I brought paper!"
The wolf hops off and hands you a role of newspaper before running off. You begin to re-
A news paper then flies at your head.
"For old times sake!"
You begin to read...

The Lyrical Times

A new team up?
An anonymous source has informed this paper that local Go- I mean writer Satashi and local artist TeleIce are teaming up. Yes you heard it right. Apparently Satashi is going to write Satashi's next fic around a picture Tele draws, maybe if we're lucky Satashi'll convince Tele to make more then one :3. This reporter's hoping for as many as possible (and maybe a Zafira... come on a reporter can hope can't it?).

The new duo will forever be known as Teletashi... yes you read that right.

In other other news it turns out Brittish!Hayate was the idea of none other then TeleIce, be sure to give her your thanks for us having a girl with a cute little brittish accent in Vampire!Fate now.

Over and out!

Brit!Hayate: I'm not gonna embarrass myself like that again. Next time I see Fate she won't get me.
Vita: Oi Hayate your skirts about to fall off
Hayate: Blimey bloody buggery...
Vita:

Page claim in the name of team ups and Hayate

Well this is exciting. Teletashi...lol. I look forward to the stories. Oh thanks Tele for Brit!Hayate.

[BPHaru]

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

Had time today so... Nanoha-vision!

Spoiler for Rawr, fine Artist!Fate pt. 2:

Part 2- Nanoha

"Nanoha? What are you doing up so early?"

"Nyahaha..." Nanoha looked up from mixing her batter. "Good morning, Mom. Did I wake you up?"

"'Good morning' my heinie. It's 4AM!" Momoko sighed and shook her head. She walked over and looked at the ingredients that had gone into the mix. "Hm... cookies?"

"Mmhmm. I was in the mood to bake but I didn't want to get in the way during store hours. Ah, I'll clean all this up before we have to start preparing for the day."

"It's okay. Most of this will be taken out anyway. Are you finished putting in ingredients?"

"Mmhmm. Ah!" Momoko looked up from reaching for the chocolate chips. "I still need to add those. Everything else I'm done with though."

Momoko nodded and started shifting things around so it looked a bit neater, cleaning up here and there where Nanoha had gotten a little messy. "It's odd though."

"What is?"

"You don't normally feel up to baking." Momoko smiled as she teased, "Is this a one time thing or will you be helping out more during store hours?"

"Don't I always help?"

"Hmm..." Momoko stopped as she noticed something. "Nanoha? Did you put this in there?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah. I just thought I try it and see how it came out."

"Ah... experimenting are you? That's why you aren't doing it during store hours."

Nanoha nodded simply.

Momoko leaned over on the counter, watching as her daughter added the chocolate chips and began to stir anew. "We do have a mixer, you know."

"I know." A small smile came to Nanoha's lips as she whispered, "A machine can mix objectively, but doing it by hand... adds subjectivity... you can put your feelings into it."

A knowing smile came to Momoko's lips. "You're making this for someone special, aren't you." It wasn't a question.

"I don't think I could say 'special' just yet, but they... inspired me."

"Inspired you?"

Nanoha nodded. "Inspired me to find a recipe I can call my own."

Momoko said nothing, musing on the power of whoever it was to 'inspire' her uninspired Nanoha. She hoped she would get a chance to try it before it went out to whoever was the recipient. Standing, Momoko said her last words. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. I'm going back upstairs to get changed for the day. Save me one or two to try later, won't you?"

"All right. But only if it turns out well."

Nanoha started humming as she was left alone, and a small smile came to her lips. It had been nearly two weeks since she had first met Fate, and she had gone to see her at every chance she got. She had come the day after, simply on the excuse that Fate had promised to make a makeshift leash for Yuuno and had forgotten, but after they talked more, Nanoha found herself walking to the studio more frequently than she realized. Perhaps she had hoped to get a peek at Fate's finished piece of her, but Fate refused to even so much as work on it when she was there. But she always smiled, so it must have been coming along nicely.

Nanoha smiled as she thought of Fate. It had taken a while, but she had finally cracked through Fate's defenses and had found at least one button she could push if she wanted to tease rather than get teased. 'Fate has such a cute blush...' It was a dangerous game she played though, and if Fate ever saw through her, it would bring them back to where they started. Nanoha remembered the day before, when she had taken a walk around town with Fate just to hang out.

--

"What's your favorite activity?" Nanoha had been thinking of something to ask for the past thirty seconds, which seemed shorter to Fate than to Nanoha. "Between taking photos, painting, and sculpting?"

Fate hummed as she thought about it. "Each has their different appeal. With photos, while getting just the right angle and lighting is important and ultimately satisfying if you do it right, it's kind of quick and painless. Painting takes a long time when you really put care into it, but the variances of color help produce something... very fullfilling to me. And you can paint things into 'reality' that you wouldn't otherwise find. The same goes for sculpting, but there's just something special about being able to put your hands on something and mold art as you see fit." Fate stopped and then laughed to herself. "I suppose you could say I love them all."

Nanoha tried to hint, "So have you decided what medium you're going to use for my thing?"

Fate smirked and waggled her finger. "It's an artist's perogative to keep things like that secret till the final day."

"Isn't there something in the guidebook that says models have their perogatives too?"

Fate chuckled. She said nothing until her eyes fell on the ice cream cart a little ways away. Pointing to it, she said, "Models get free ice cream when I can afford it. Like today."

Nanoha pouted, even as she walked with Fate to the cart. "That's a pretty cheap commission. Bought for 200 yen."

After they sat down with their ice cream, Fate murmured with a soft sigh, "I love ice cream... You know I count my paycheck by how many ice cream bars I can buy with it?"

Nanoha giggled. "That's silly." She did not mention that she counted her own allowance based on how many more installments she would need to buy the advertised BBGun Bazooka called 'Starlight Breaker'.

"You wanna know why I love eating ice cream with someone else even more?"

Nanoha blinked, falling for it. "Why?"

Fate leaned in close, her lips mere centimeters from Nanoha's. And then she extended her tongue...

...and licked off a little ice cream that had gotten away. Nanoha was about to wipe off the spot with her handkerchief and make a comment about how gross that was, when she caught the way Fate was watching her. In a snap, Nanoha thought of retaliation.

She licked her lips, inadvertently swiping the place Fate's tongue had just been.

Fate stared with a slack jaw for a good two seconds before the blush went from a rating of 2 to 10 in .75 seconds.

'Bingo.' Nanoha laughed, her eyes becoming lidded as she openly teased, "I see how it is now. When was the last time you've been on the receiving end?"

Fate quickly looked away, licking her ice cream quietly.

Nanoha scooted closer to her on the bench.

Fate scooted a little farther away.

"Fate."

Fate looked up and saw Nanoha smile at her. "What?"

"You're really cute, you know that?"

Fate stared at her for another second before starting to chomp onto the ice cream cone. "Oh hush you."

Nanoha giggled and finished her own ice cream, feeling satisfied in the most complete yet simplest of ways.

For the rest of the day, she had started 'payback' for the two weeks of teasing and blushing that she had endured. Oddly enough, when she thought about the blush she would see on Fate's face if she said or did one thing or another, it never occurred to her that being the one causing it might be reason to be embarrassed as well.

When they returned to the studio that day, Fate was greeted by two little kids whom she seemed to recognize very easily. Smiling as they hugged her, she greeted, "Erio, Caro, how are you doing?"

"Good!" They chimed as one, before Erio, a red-headed little boy who was a bit taller than the girl, "We were waiting for you."

"Not for long I hope?"

Caro shook her head. "No, it was only a little bit. Precia-san said you would be coming back soon so we waited."

Fate chuckled, ultimately ignoring Nanoha as she walked around the counter to take something out of the cupboard. Placing two boxes on the counter, she asked, "Could this be what you were waiting for?"

Their eyes lit up with glee as they reached out their hands and Fate placed the marked boxes in their hands.

Nanoha walked around the counter and nudged Fate as they both watched the kids take out what looked like pendants. "You made those?"

Fate nodded. "They don't take much time to make. Erio, Caro, do you like them?"

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Erio grinned as he turned to Caro. "Caro, watch me! Strada, Set UP!" He then proceeded to twirl around, deftly pulling out something akin to a toy light saber / extended pole, moving into a defensive stance. "Rawr!"

Nanoha put a hand to her mouth to quickly muffle her giggling. Fate didn't even bother to try covering it up.

Especially when Caro held up her white dragon mini-figurine and said, "Ooh, me too! Friedriche! I choose you!"

They ran circles around each other, making sound effects and whatnot as they played. Eventually however, they calmed down, put their new pendants around their necks, and bowed to Fate.

Erio stepped forward and dug into his pocket before setting down some coins on the counter. "Mama said taking stuff without paying is stealing, so we went looked underneath the cushions and everything and this was what we could gather. Is it enough?"

Fate smiled as she made a show of counting the money. "Oh, you gave me too much. Here, take back the 500 yen piece." She smiled as she handed back the coin, the one with the biggest value out of the coins there.

Erio, unaware of this, accepted the 'change'. He bowed again as Fate scooped up the coins and put them in the cash register, ringing up the amount so that it could spit out a receipt. Erio stuffed the receipt in his pocket as he grinned. "Thanks a lot, Fate-neechan."

Caro added, "We always love the things you make for us."

Fate chuckled and waved her hand. "You're very welcome, you two. Now, it's getting late, so go on home before your Mama starts."

"Yes, Neechan!" The two little kids waved frantically before hurrying off, the bell ringing as the door flew open.

Nanoha smiled as Fate caught her looking.

"What?"

Nanoha shook her head. "Nothing."

"You were going to say something. What?"

"It's really nothing."

Fate looked at her, obviously not buying it for a second. She held her hands up in a poised position for attack. "I'll tickle you if you don't tell me."

Nanoha giggled and stepped away so that the stair banister separated her from Fate. "Well... It just occurred to me that... if Fate were the mother of my children, I would feel very comfortable with leaving them in her care."

Cue Blush of a Thousand Shades.

Nanoha giggled and laughed as Fate chased her up the stairs. The walls shook as Fate toppled over Nanoha, landing them both in Arf's bed. One tickle fest later, during which their positions reversed several times, they ended up lying side by side.

Breathing a little harder than she might otherwise have been, Fate muttered, "There are some things that shouldn't be mentioned in jest."

Nanoha breathed, "Sorry then. You made me say it."

"I know." Fate didn't offer an apology.

Nanoha placed a caressing hand against Fate's cheek, and was surprised when Fate leaned into her touch, seemingly unconsciously, before jerking back. Nanoha purred, "Does Fate-chan like being touched?"

Fate looked away. "As long as it's not by ferrets."

"You don't mind if I touch you?" Nanoha felt oddly honored by this allowance, and settled for placing her hand over Fate's.

"Do... do you mind?" Fate's blush was back. "If I... If I touch you?"

"I like Fate-chan." Nanoha giggled, wondering why she felt so happy about saying that even when she only meant it as friends. "Why would I mind?"

Fate said nothing, scooting over to wrap her arms around her. Nanoha reciprocated in kind.

They lay like that for several minutes before Fate's hands started to roam.

Nanoha would have stopped her at several points if she hadn't been captivated by the soft murmur of Fate's voice close to her ear. It was largely indistinguishable, so Nanoha had to keep quiet in order to decipher it properly.

When she realized what it was, Nanoha asked, baffled, "Are you measuring me?"

Fate's muttering stopped. Leaning back so that they were looking at each other again, Fate asked, "I just wanted to check if my guess at your proportions were accurate."

Nanoha's cheeks stopped one shade shy of pink. "... Were they?"

Fate looked down. Nanoha looked down as well, and saw her own chest. "Mostly. Just one area..."

Nanoha sighed, sitting up. "I'll leave that one to your imagination."

Fate pouted, but shrugged it off. "You'd make a good pillow in any case. Regardless of that."

Nanoha shook her head as she stood up. "I should be getting home about now. I usually help with the evening shifts."

"Oh? I'll walk you back?"

"That's okay; the sun hasn't even set yet. I'll be fine."

Nanoha was about to go downstairs when she felt Fate's hand close over her wrist. "Nanoha..."

"Hm?" Nanoha smiled at her.

"Did I... did I offend you somehow? Are you mad at me?"

Nanoha stopped, and Fate loosened her hold on her. Deciding she would have one last parting shot before she left for the day, she started, "Not really... but next time your hands feel like 'exploring' my body..." Leaning in close to Fate's ear, she whispered, "Make it a subjective experience; not an objective one, hm? Though I won't deny that it felt nice either way."

Giggling, Nanoha waved, said she'd see herself out, and skipped down the stairs, leaving a surprised Fate in her wake.

--

Nanoha looked down at the freshly baked cookies before nodding and tying the ribbon around the top of the bag. "I hope she likes it."

Nanoha checked the clock and verified that while still early, it was a somewhat more agreeable hour of the day. Somewhat. Wondering if Fate woke early, Nanoha decided that delivering the cookies simply could not wait. She neatened up the kitchen a bit more and put away her apron before hurrying off. She passed her mother on her way out, told her where she was going, and promised to be back in an hour or two.

With that, Nanoha set off on her trek across town to the studio.

When she arrived, the street was surprisingly quiet, unless one remembered that this was a sleepy town that didn't wake up until about two hours later. She sighed when she found that the store front still said, "CLOSED".

She decided to walk over to the park where she had met Fate and walk around a bit more. She had woken up with more energy than she needed today.

The park was completely deserted. Nanoha didn't even see the casual morning jogger. She looked around as she slowed her pace to enjoy the solitude.

That's when she saw it.

Nanoha was more than a little amazed to see Fate with an easel in front of her and a palette balance on her left hand. Smiling, she creeped up behind her, a convenient route as Fate already had her back turned towards her.

When she came close enough to look over Fate's shoulder, Nanoha stopped, breathless.

"That can't be me."

What Fate was painting... was already more beautiful than anything Nanoha could have ever imagined seeing.

Even the cookies in her bag felt insignificant in comparison.

"Nano...ha."

Nanoha caught a glimmer of something in Fate's eyes behind the shock. The expression that Fate had been painting with.

Was that...

Could it be that...

Nanoha met Fate's gaze head on.

Was this the work of someone who had nothing but the best of feelings to add to the sublime 'subjectivity' of the artpiece?

Was it this beautiful... because of love?

~End Chapter

Spoiler for Extra Note:

In the subtle(?) randomness of this piece, yes, Friedriche has been reduced to Pokemon-Intelligent-Device status and Strada is a light-saber/rod-thingy.

Also, struggling between NanoFate going too fast or too slow, I don't know. Blushing wars are fun stuff~ Not as easy to accomplish in real life tho.

And... no one pointed it out, but there may be a secondary connection between Precia and Mr. J. Scaly-spaghetti. *whistles innocently*

Ah, I was planning on making this a 3-part piece, so the next installment should have the song that inspired this. *nods* Let's see if my slow way of writing can get where it needs to be in one chapter tho.. ah...

*wants to start on a certain different MSLN storyline*

That was definitely the best reading to finish my day, it’s too late here now so I’m going to summarize my thoughts about this chapter in just one word: AWESOME
I can’t wait for the next chapter, please update soon, this fic is very good ^^

…And now going to sleep.

Buenas noches, cuídense y sigan sonriendo

[Raging Heart]

Originally Posted by Allquall

You have your own little piece of art going here. This is absolutely amazing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read!

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

Lindy walked calmly through the darkened house. The clock ticked loudly through the quiet hall as the green haired woman in a bathrobe wandered down it in her slipper-clad feet. She opened the doors to her children’s rooms and found them sleeping peacefully, but why couldn’t she sleep?

She sat down at the kitchen table while the teakettle on the stove started to heat up. She looked out her large kitchen windows to the house across street but got up shortly to pour the boiling water into her mug. Spoonful by spoonful, the water retained the generous portion of sugar dumped into it, which caused Lindy to smile at the memories. Her late husband, Clyde, always teased her for drinking sugar-flavored water. The woman chuckled softly as the images of her husband flashed before her mind’s eye. She remembered that old comfortable feeling of waking up with his chin stubble rubbing the back of her neck as he snored while holding her. It had been the source of endless fights when they were first married, but by the end, she couldn’t fall asleep without it.

Lindy sighed at the table while she tried to work out in her mind why she craved that feeling again after suppressing the urge for so long. Unwittingly, her head turned in the direction of the darkened house across the street. Momoko’s face floated in her mind along with her gentle laugh.

‘I wonder if she’s up?’ thought Lindy while checking the time, ‘Probably not at four in the morning.’

She debated with herself over whether or not she should go over tomorrow to the Takamachi house. On one hand, she didn’t want to intrude on Momoko’s kindness; they had only just met, she reasoned. On the other hand, there was something about Momoko that made Lindy feel at ease and useful. She remembered that immediately after her husband’s death her house was flooded with mourners and relatives with cooked meals and sympathy cards at a time when she didn’t really understand her own grief. She remembered that she just wanted them all out of her house so that she could cry alone with her two small children. The good-meaning people petered out after a mouth, and soon she got her wish for solitude, and she regretted ever wanting it. At the year anniversary of Clyde’s funeral is when her grief almost got the best of her. She had stared at the bottle of pills for hours while holding the liter of vodka. If it weren’t for Fate’s cries that night, she would have certainly gone through with it.

Lindy’s thoughts drifted back to Momoko. She had said that her husband died a year ago, and Lindy wondered if she had ever considered suicide like she did that night. Her heart sank at the thought, and she looked out the window to the quiet house across the street in worry.

“You’re not alone,” she whispered as she looked at her own reflection in the window superimposed onto the house.

She made a small gasp when the front door of the Takamachi house opened. She didn’t know why she did it, but Lindy quickly moved to the side of the window.

‘Why am I hiding?’ she asked herself, ‘More importantly, why am I blushing.’

From her vantage point, she saw Momoko in a light jacket using both hands to pull up her thick hair into a ponytail while a piece of toast hung from her mouth. Lindy felt a smile creep on her face as watched Momoko start the long walk toward her café.

-- -- --

“Fate, I know you’re excited about your new school, but you need to eat your breakfast,” yawned Lindy.

She picked up the wiggly girl and sat her at the table next to Chrono who had his arm shoved into the cereal box in search of the toy at the bottom. She then brushed their hair one more time and tied a cloth napkin around their bento lunches. Their small backpacks sat at the door with their supplies ready for their first day of school. She watched her children eat and glanced at the leftovers that could not fit into the bento lunches. On a whim, she pulled out the spare bento from the cabinet and filled it to the brim.

‘I wonder if…’ her mind trailed.

After breakfast, Fate and Chrono sat on the step and pulled on their shoes. Lindy locked the front door behind them and held their hands as they walked sleepily to the elementary school two blocks away.

“Fate-chan!” cried a voice behind them.

“Nanoha!” Fate replied with a smile as her brunette friend came running up to them.

“Good morning, Nanoha-chan!” greeted Lindy who then waved to the two teenagers with book bags walking in the other direction to the high school.

“Good morning, Harlaown-san!” she bowed.

Lindy chuckled and escorted the three small students to the front steps of the large building.

-- -- --

Momoko wiped the counter down during a moment of down time after the morning rush. Her shop still had a few people in it, but she knew that it would be relatively quiet till noon. The ringing bell made her sigh as she looked for the next customer.

“Good morning!” greeted the smiling Lindy.

“Good morning!” replied Momoko as she studied Lindy’s form-fitting uniform and black briefcase, “I didn’t know you were in the service.”

“Navy,” answered Lindy, “but I’m not on a ship anymore. They have me doing consultant field analysis and spec checks.”

Momoko nodded though the words flew over her head.

“I usually work at home,” said Lindy hesitantly, “but I was wondering if I can set-up shop in here for today.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Momoko, “but do me a favor and leave the booths open.”

“Certainly,” said Lindy as she took her laptop out of her briefcase and sat at a small table, “Oh, before I forget, I’m going to need a lot of caffeine today.”

Lindy hastily walked to the counter and placed a large bill on next to the register. Momoko placed a Grande-sized Americano in front of Lindy and opened the drawer to give her the change.

“No need,” said Lindy sipping the hot drink, “Just keep them coming.”

Momoko smiled and went back to cleaning the espresso machines behind the counter. During the lull, she watched Lindy work as the other woman tapped gracefully on her laptop. Pictures of battleships and fighter jets popped up on her screen next to columns of equations. Momoko stared at the nosecone of a transport plane while she exchanged Lindy’s empty cup for a full one. Lindy stretched and cracked her neck as she wrapped her right hand around the warm cup.

“So, how about pizza?” yawned Lindy.

Momoko gave her a confused look.

“For lunch,” clarified Lindy.

“I can’t leave till Kyoya gets here,” replied Momoko apologetically.

“I’m bringing you back a slice,” Lindy was already on her feet and walking to the door, “If you don’t tell me what you want, then I’m coming back with cheese.”

“Ahh…er…but…”

“Leaving…” smirked Lindy as she opened the door causing the bell to chime.

“Mushrooms!”

Lindy grinned and let the door close behind her.

-- -- --

She came back after a short time later to see a line forming behind the register and Momoko struggling to keep up. Lindy walked behind the counter and placed the hot pizza box in the kitchen. She looked at Momoko’s back as the brunette woman concentrated on imputing an order into her machine. With a deep breath of resolve, she pulled off her uniform jacket and rolled up her long oxford sleeves.

“What can I do?” she asked while pulling a clean apron off of the rack.

Momoko turned in surprise, “Lindy! You don’t-”

“But I am,” Lindy said kindly but firmly, “Have me do the simple stuff for you.”

Momoko stared at her in shock till her need overcame her politeness, “Grab another stake of medium-sized cups from the back, please.”

“Aye, ma’am!” Lindy saluted teasingly, and Momoko laughed in spite of herself.

The lunchtime rush died down, and Lindy reheated their pizza slices in the microwave next to the espresso machine.

“Thanks for your help,” Momoko said sincerely, "I can’t pay much-"

“It would be an insult to pay me,” interrupted Lindy, “I did this as a favor for a friend.”

Momoko looked away in embarrassment.

“And as an added bonus, I learned how to make a good cappuccino!” said Lindy trying to lighten the mood.

Momoko smiled, “At least it won’t be too much longer. Kyoya and Miyuki will be here shortly.”

“Do you want me to pick up Nanoha?” asked Lindy while dipping her crust in Garlic sauce, “I have to get my kids anyway.”

“Actually, I like going to get her,” replied Momoko, “It gives me a break from the café. Would you like me to pick up Fate and Chrono?”

“We could go together,” offered Lindy.

“We-“

“Excuse me?” said a voice from the other side of the counter, “But can I get a fork for my muffin?”

The little old lady’s eyes barely made it over the counter, and her bran muffin sat undisturbed on its plate. The sunken eyes behind the think glasses stared at the tub of plastic forks behind the two friends.

“Yes, ma’am!” both of the women said as the turned inward to grab a fork for her.

Momoko suddenly became aware of her mistake instantly as the front of her twisting body mirrored the movements of the woman on the other side as they both reached for the plastic forks. Her hip ground against another hip, and her breasts rubbed against the other pair.

“Sorry!” yelped Momoko while the fragrance of Lindy’s perfume filled her nostrils.

She could feel her cheeks blaze, and she turned away from Lindy to hand the elderly woman a fork. She looked back at Lindy to see the green haired woman equally red with her arms folded across her chest.

“Mama?” a young man’s voice said suspiciously, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Kyoya,” she murmured still fighting her embarrassment.

The teenager flashed Lindy a suspicious look, but the green haired woman stepped into the kitchen to put the apron away and retrieve her jacket. She then went to the small table to pack her briefcase as well.

“Where are you going?” asked Momoko putting her own apron on the rack.

“I told you,” answered Lindy, “I’m going with you to pick up the kids.”

Momoko knew better than to fight it, and the two women began the five-block walk to the elementary school. Momoko’s embarrassment eased as the same comfortable feeling from before returned to her.

“So, how early do you get up in the morning?” asked Lindy when their conversation had faded into silence.

“I’m usually up by 3:30 and out the door by 4am. Why?”

“Ok, let me first say that I’m not a stalker-“

“Why do I get the feeling that I don’t want to hear the rest of this?” interrupted Momoko jokingly.

“No, I couldn’t sleep last night, and I was having a cup of tea in my kitchen when I saw you leave. So, I wondered if that was normal.”

“I was running a bit late this morning,” chuckled Momoko, “because I had a hard time sleeping last night as well.”

“You should have come over,” said Lindy, “Promise me you will next time.”

“I will make no promises, but if I’m up and your kitchen light is on then I might come over.”

Lindy smiled broadly, “What was on your mind that kept you from sleeping?”

“You,” came the reply, and Momoko gasped at what had escaped her lips.

“Me?” asked Lindy trying to make eye contact with the woman who was studying her shoes.

“Mama!”

They tiny voice cut through the tension as Nanoha leaped into her mother’s arms.

“Mom!”

Blond pigtails fluttered in the wind as Fate hugged her mother tightly, and Lindy gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Chrono was still up at the entrance talking to some of the other first grade boys until he heard his mother’s shrill whistle.

“Mom,” Fate said while they waited for Chrono, “you made a mistake today!”

“What did I do?” asked Lindy curiously.

“You put two lunches in my backpack!” Fate giggled.

“Oh!” Lindy said trying to remember the foggy morning, “Did I not put one in Chrono’s backpack?”

“No, Chrono, had his, but it was OK,” explained Fate, “because Nanoha didn’t have a lunch today, so I gave her the extra one!”

“Nanoha?” asked Momoko to the little one in her arms, “What happened to your lunch money?”

“I lost it,” the tiny girl mumbled.

“A big kid took if from her!” said Fate to Lindy and Momoko’s horror, “and me and Chrono tried to beat him up, but he was really big.”

“Chrono…” Lindy groaned rubbing her forehead. She saw her son walking slowly to her with a familiar pink sheet of carbon paper in his hand and a swollen lip on his face.

Momoko turned her attention on her daughter, “Has this happened before, Nanoha?”

Nanoha murmured something into her shoulder.

“Nanoha?”

“Sometimes,” the five year old whispered.

Guilt came with the realization of what her daughter was truly saying. Nanoha hadn’t had lunch at school for who-knows how long, because someone was taking her lunch money. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered Nanoha telling her that she was hungry after school and her giving her daughter a few carrot sticks to hold her till dinner.

She put Nanoha down to wipe her eyes and saw her daughter walk over and hug Fate. The blond wrapped her tiny arms around her.

“Don’t worry, Nanoha,” the blond said bravely, “I’ll protect you from the big kids next time.”

Momoko couldn’t stop the stream of tears at this point, and she tried not to look at Lindy, but her eyes moved there against her will.

“I’m sorry,” Lindy said with tears in her own eyes.

“No,” Momoko took two steps toward Lindy and embraced her tightly while she wept into her chest, “Thank you. Thank you so much!”

Lindy returned the embrace and held the crying Momoko for a long time while their children walked together to play in the nearby park.

“I’m a horrible mother!” Momoko barked, “Nanoha…”

“Shhhh,” whispered Lindy into Momoko’s ear, “You’re a wonderful mother with three wonderful kids, and…”

Momoko gazed into Lindy’s eyes as the green hair woman gulped before continuing.

“…you’ve got someone who loses sleep over you across the street.”

love it, keep going i wanna know what will happen, please update soon.

[Kaix]

Originally Posted by Keroko

Spoiler for Revenge:

-cut-

And that's one awesome photoshop! xD Cute story, without doubt, Vivio is going to have a hard time forgetting the incident.

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

Had time today so... Nanoha-vision!

Spoiler for Rawr, fine Artist!Fate pt. 2:

-cut-

Spoiler for Extra Note:

In the subtle(?) randomness of this piece, yes, Friedriche has been reduced to Pokemon-Intelligent-Device status and Strada is a light-saber/rod-thingy.

Also, struggling between NanoFate going too fast or too slow, I don't know. Blushing wars are fun stuff~ Not as easy to accomplish in real life tho.

And... no one pointed it out, but there may be a secondary connection between Precia and Mr. J. Scaly-spaghetti. *whistles innocently*

Ah, I was planning on making this a 3-part piece, so the next installment should have the song that inspired this. *nods* Let's see if my slow way of writing can get where it needs to be in one chapter tho.. ah...

*wants to start on a certain different MSLN storyline*

The part with Erio and Caro was really funny! Lightsaber vs. Dragon? My bets go on the Lightsaber! Cliffhanger was as any cliffhanger - evil! Looking forward to part 3!

Originally Posted by Allquall

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

-cut-

Poor Nanoha... and poor Momoko. At least she has a neightbor who can't sleep. xD

Originally Posted by TheShinySword

For once you feel safe, although you were only just attacked by insane paper throwing wolves a few days ago you're certain the wolf won't strike again so soon... silly false sense of security.
"You know you missed me!" Like an annoying head crab the wolf attaches to your head, grinning all the while. "And I brought paper!"
The wolf hops off and hands you a role of newspaper before running off. You begin to re-
A news paper then flies at your head.
"For old times sake!"
You begin to read...

The Lyrical Times

A new team up?
An anonymous source has informed this paper that local Go- I mean writer Satashi and local artist TeleIce are teaming up. Yes you heard it right. Apparently Satashi is going to write Satashi's next fic around a picture Tele draws, maybe if we're lucky Satashi'll convince Tele to make more then one :3. This reporter's hoping for as many as possible (and maybe a Zafira... come on a reporter can hope can't it?).

The new duo will forever be known as Teletashi... yes you read that right.

In other other news it turns out Brittish!Hayate was the idea of none other then TeleIce, be sure to give her your thanks for us having a girl with a cute little brittish accent in Vampire!Fate now.

Over and out!

Brit!Hayate: I'm not gonna embarrass myself like that again. Next time I see Fate she won't get me.
Vita: Oi Hayate your skirts about to fall off
Hayate: Blimey bloody buggery...
Vita:

Page claim in the name of team ups and Hayate

Tele...tashi? Lol, I read it as Telesashi at first! xD Teletashi is quite a mouthfull to say. Aaannyyywaaay, looking forward to anything Teletashi will bring in the future!

And thankyou TeleIce for bringing us British Hayate!

[Keroko]

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

I tried! I really did! T_T But Fate just took control... She gets too many confidence points... I think it's because in canon MSLN, when they first met, Fate was much more sure of herself than Nanoha (until her world came crashing down) and only after that did she become the moe-Fate that's well, always there somewhat throughout the rest of the series.

True, but how that translates to dominating Fate and moe Nanoha has always been a mystery to me. Not that I mind, the AU's are fun to read, but I just can't help but notice.

Originally Posted by Satashi

Spoiler for History Repeats itself (Vivio/Syn):

A soft knocking on the door made the group of girls look towards it expectingly. "Come in?" Vivio asked curiously, getting her blond mother's voice in return.

"Could you open the door for me?" Her soft tone was barely heard but Syn still managed to lean backwards and twist the knob to let her in. "Hey girls," Fate greeted her daughter and friends taking part in her 'first weekend of back to school sleep over'. "I thought you'd get hungry while gossiping so I got you some pizza." Several small cheers and thank yous came from the group of five as the mother turned over the hot food. "What are you all up to?"

Vivio blushed but Keroko answered promptly. "Truth or dare! It's Vivio's turn!"

Fate looked at her daughter expectingly. "Um... I chose dare."

Wanwan looked at Fate with a grin. "We're debating on what she should do, since she's the first to pick dare.

TeleIce (omg 4th wall nooooooooo!) crossed her arms and nodded. "What to do..."

The oldest girl in the room smiled softly. "I have a suggestion?" All eyes turned on her as she picked up a jelly bean from their snack bowl with a nostalgic look on her face. "One thing that I did as a little girl, about your age.

Vivio tilted her head to the side. "Oh? Fate-mama played truth or dare?"

"I did." Fate smiled at her and knelt next to Syn. "Your dare, Vivio, is to eat this jellybean...." She got blank looks. "But neither you nor Syn can more your hands from behind your back."

"Me?" Syn looked over her shoulder and blushed scarlet when she felt the bean dropped down her front and go in her bra. "Kya!"

Fate smiled at them and walked to the door, glancing back at her daughter and how her hair was frizzing out. "Have fun~"

The door closed softly and all eyes turned on the two girls, lecherous grins on their faces. "Yes, Vivio," TeleIce stated eagerly. "Get the jellybean."

Wanwan grabbed her nose. "I'm gonna pass out."

"Don't worry," Keroko took out a camera. "I'll take pictures for you."

Syn looked at Vivio with wide eyes. "You're... not really going to..."

"A dare's a dare..." Vivio whispered so just they could hear. "Remember what the consequences are for not doing a dare?"

Syn flushed. "Um... yeah..." Her multi-colored eyes looked skywards and she squirmed lightly as she felt Vivio's teeth grip her shirt and pull, trying to untuck it. 'Oh god why did I have to wear THAT bra today...?'

mmm... should I continue? *halo* 0: 3

Is that honestly a question? :3

Originally Posted by krisslanza

I see, I see...
They just have to share the pants then

This reminds me... Wasn't I going to do a Rune, Vivio, and Keroko strip poker crack? Hm.

Yes, yes you were.

Originally Posted by Satashi

Spoiler for @_@!!!!!!!!! NOT SAFE FOR WANWAN (or work):

Biting, grinning, sucking, nibbling.

Blond hair fluttered as it mixed with blue.

Blue eye, red eye.

She pushed shoulders down, bit the soft flesh once more on the neck of her lover. Moans came, gasps escaped, pleades for more were whispered. Legs shifted, bodys moved, and hair mixed again.

Green eye, red eye.

Kissing lips, fondling hands, and steady insistence. Pressure kept the other down, body weight rubbing on wet skin. A grin was on her face, and the other wanted her place back.

Groans and struggling, whispers and ignored commands. The bodies shifted again, and blue once again covered blond.

Louder panting, burning skin, scratch marks multiplying. The blond gave, eyes glazing and whimpering submissively. Taking the opportunity, the new leader shifted them so thy were facing each other and hugging. Hips moved, arms embraced, and bodies shivered.

Closed eyes.

Breathing hard, wanting less, getting more. Electric fingertips, searing palms, and raggid puffs of air. Release came for both at the same time, stopping everything for a few blissful moments of pleasure.

They collasped, holding the other weakly and smiling through the damp hair that
somehow managed not to stick to their skin.

A green eye sparkled, and soon the red one followed. "My turn," Were the only words spoken.

Blue hair sprawled behind her, arms accepting the new position, and they began once again.

That sounds about right. Steamy... but right.

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

Had time today so... Nanoha-vision!

Spoiler for Rawr, fine Artist!Fate pt. 2:

-snip-

Spoiler for Extra Note:

In the subtle(?) randomness of this piece, yes, Friedriche has been reduced to Pokemon-Intelligent-Device status and Strada is a light-saber/rod-thingy.

Also, struggling between NanoFate going too fast or too slow, I don't know. Blushing wars are fun stuff~ Not as easy to accomplish in real life tho.

And... no one pointed it out, but there may be a secondary connection between Precia and Mr. J. Scaly-spaghetti. *whistles innocently*

Ah, I was planning on making this a 3-part piece, so the next installment should have the song that inspired this. *nods* Let's see if my slow way of writing can get where it needs to be in one chapter tho.. ah...

*wants to start on a certain different MSLN storyline*

It might be going a bit fast... but that's mostly because we're used to Satashi's long fics with slow but steady development. For a 3-part fic this feels like the right speed. Maybe to slow it down just a little bit the last line about love could be saved for the beginning of the third chapter.

Originally Posted by Black_Wolf

Very nice! loved the photoshopped picture! Vivio had the upperhand, but Syn got her own back in the end! wonder what Nanoha would say if she found her daughter in her old school uniform being carried bridal style by her best friend also in said uniform, bring back memories maybe?

I'd think so... perhaps a few memories of herself and Arisa even?

Originally Posted by Allquall

You have your own little piece of art going here. This is absolutely amazing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read!

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

-snip-

Incredible how fast Momoko/Lindy got popular with only one fic. And Lindy seemed to have taken Clyde's death hard, almost commiting suicide. I wonder how the two will go along now that they both admited they keep thinking about eachother...

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

*sighs* Happy day more Momoko/Lindy ness. ^o^ You know, come to think of it... It's not /impossible/ for Momoko/Lindy to /not/ be canon... After all, you don't here what happens over yonder on Earth after Lindy moves there and StrikerS start... ho hum... bondage- er, bonding-ness over their kiddies all leaving the nest? XP Tho there's still the Shiro factor I suppose... ah well.

^^ random thoughts, whee~

Harems are the answer to your thoughts.

[Hiria]

Originally Posted by Satashi

Spoiler for History Repeats itself (Vivio/Syn):

A soft knocking on the door made the group of girls look towards it expectingly. "Come in?" Vivio asked curiously, getting her blond mother's voice in return.

"Could you open the door for me?" Her soft tone was barely heard but Syn still managed to lean backwards and twist the knob to let her in. "Hey girls," Fate greeted her daughter and friends taking part in her 'first weekend of back to school sleep over'. "I thought you'd get hungry while gossiping so I got you some pizza." Several small cheers and thank yous came from the group of five as the mother turned over the hot food. "What are you all up to?"

Vivio blushed but Keroko answered promptly. "Truth or dare! It's Vivio's turn!"

Fate looked at her daughter expectingly. "Um... I chose dare."

Wanwan looked at Fate with a grin. "We're debating on what she should do, since she's the first to pick dare.

TeleIce (omg 4th wall nooooooooo!) crossed her arms and nodded. "What to do..."

The oldest girl in the room smiled softly. "I have a suggestion?" All eyes turned on her as she picked up a jelly bean from their snack bowl with a nostalgic look on her face. "One thing that I did as a little girl, about your age.

Vivio tilted her head to the side. "Oh? Fate-mama played truth or dare?"

"I did." Fate smiled at her and knelt next to Syn. "Your dare, Vivio, is to eat this jellybean...." She got blank looks. "But neither you nor Syn can more your hands from behind your back."

"Me?" Syn looked over her shoulder and blushed scarlet when she felt the bean dropped down her front and go in her bra. "Kya!"

Fate smiled at them and walked to the door, glancing back at her daughter and how her hair was frizzing out. "Have fun~"

The door closed softly and all eyes turned on the two girls, lecherous grins on their faces. "Yes, Vivio," TeleIce stated eagerly. "Get the jellybean."

Wanwan grabbed her nose. "I'm gonna pass out."

"Don't worry," Keroko took out a camera. "I'll take pictures for you."

Syn looked at Vivio with wide eyes. "You're... not really going to..."

"A dare's a dare..." Vivio whispered so just they could hear. "Remember what the consequences are for not doing a dare?"

Syn flushed. "Um... yeah..." Her multi-colored eyes looked skywards and she squirmed lightly as she felt Vivio's teeth grip her shirt and pull, trying to untuck it. 'Oh god why did I have to wear THAT bra today...?'

mmm... should I continue? *halo* 0: 3

LOL. history DID repeat itself. nice satashi... MOORE!!!

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

Had time today so... Nanoha-vision!

Spoiler for Rawr, fine Artist!Fate pt. 2:

Part 2- Nanoha

"Nanoha? What are you doing up so early?"

"Nyahaha..." Nanoha looked up from mixing her batter. "Good morning, Mom. Did I wake you up?"

"'Good morning' my heinie. It's 4AM!" Momoko sighed and shook her head. She walked over and looked at the ingredients that had gone into the mix. "Hm... cookies?"

"Mmhmm. I was in the mood to bake but I didn't want to get in the way during store hours. Ah, I'll clean all this up before we have to start preparing for the day."

"It's okay. Most of this will be taken out anyway. Are you finished putting in ingredients?"

"Mmhmm. Ah!" Momoko looked up from reaching for the chocolate chips. "I still need to add those. Everything else I'm done with though."

Momoko nodded and started shifting things around so it looked a bit neater, cleaning up here and there where Nanoha had gotten a little messy. "It's odd though."

"What is?"

"You don't normally feel up to baking." Momoko smiled as she teased, "Is this a one time thing or will you be helping out more during store hours?"

"Don't I always help?"

"Hmm..." Momoko stopped as she noticed something. "Nanoha? Did you put this in there?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah. I just thought I try it and see how it came out."

"Ah... experimenting are you? That's why you aren't doing it during store hours."

Nanoha nodded simply.

Momoko leaned over on the counter, watching as her daughter added the chocolate chips and began to stir anew. "We do have a mixer, you know."

"I know." A small smile came to Nanoha's lips as she whispered, "A machine can mix objectively, but doing it by hand... adds subjectivity... you can put your feelings into it."

A knowing smile came to Momoko's lips. "You're making this for someone special, aren't you." It wasn't a question.

"I don't think I could say 'special' just yet, but they... inspired me."

"Inspired you?"

Nanoha nodded. "Inspired me to find a recipe I can call my own."

Momoko said nothing, musing on the power of whoever it was to 'inspire' her uninspired Nanoha. She hoped she would get a chance to try it before it went out to whoever was the recipient. Standing, Momoko said her last words. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. I'm going back upstairs to get changed for the day. Save me one or two to try later, won't you?"

"All right. But only if it turns out well."

Nanoha started humming as she was left alone, and a small smile came to her lips. It had been nearly two weeks since she had first met Fate, and she had gone to see her at every chance she got. She had come the day after, simply on the excuse that Fate had promised to make a makeshift leash for Yuuno and had forgotten, but after they talked more, Nanoha found herself walking to the studio more frequently than she realized. Perhaps she had hoped to get a peek at Fate's finished piece of her, but Fate refused to even so much as work on it when she was there. But she always smiled, so it must have been coming along nicely.

Nanoha smiled as she thought of Fate. It had taken a while, but she had finally cracked through Fate's defenses and had found at least one button she could push if she wanted to tease rather than get teased. 'Fate has such a cute blush...' It was a dangerous game she played though, and if Fate ever saw through her, it would bring them back to where they started. Nanoha remembered the day before, when she had taken a walk around town with Fate just to hang out.

--

"What's your favorite activity?" Nanoha had been thinking of something to ask for the past thirty seconds, which seemed shorter to Fate than to Nanoha. "Between taking photos, painting, and sculpting?"

Fate hummed as she thought about it. "Each has their different appeal. With photos, while getting just the right angle and lighting is important and ultimately satisfying if you do it right, it's kind of quick and painless. Painting takes a long time when you really put care into it, but the variances of color help produce something... very fullfilling to me. And you can paint things into 'reality' that you wouldn't otherwise find. The same goes for sculpting, but there's just something special about being able to put your hands on something and mold art as you see fit." Fate stopped and then laughed to herself. "I suppose you could say I love them all."

Nanoha tried to hint, "So have you decided what medium you're going to use for my thing?"

Fate smirked and waggled her finger. "It's an artist's perogative to keep things like that secret till the final day."

"Isn't there something in the guidebook that says models have their perogatives too?"

Fate chuckled. She said nothing until her eyes fell on the ice cream cart a little ways away. Pointing to it, she said, "Models get free ice cream when I can afford it. Like today."

Nanoha pouted, even as she walked with Fate to the cart. "That's a pretty cheap commission. Bought for 200 yen."

After they sat down with their ice cream, Fate murmured with a soft sigh, "I love ice cream... You know I count my paycheck by how many ice cream bars I can buy with it?"

Nanoha giggled. "That's silly." She did not mention that she counted her own allowance based on how many more installments she would need to buy the advertised BBGun Bazooka called 'Starlight Breaker'.

"You wanna know why I love eating ice cream with someone else even more?"

Nanoha blinked, falling for it. "Why?"

Fate leaned in close, her lips mere centimeters from Nanoha's. And then she extended her tongue...

...and licked off a little ice cream that had gotten away. Nanoha was about to wipe off the spot with her handkerchief and make a comment about how gross that was, when she caught the way Fate was watching her. In a snap, Nanoha thought of retaliation.

She licked her lips, inadvertently swiping the place Fate's tongue had just been.

Fate stared with a slack jaw for a good two seconds before the blush went from a rating of 2 to 10 in .75 seconds.

'Bingo.' Nanoha laughed, her eyes becoming lidded as she openly teased, "I see how it is now. When was the last time you've been on the receiving end?"

Fate quickly looked away, licking her ice cream quietly.

Nanoha scooted closer to her on the bench.

Fate scooted a little farther away.

"Fate."

Fate looked up and saw Nanoha smile at her. "What?"

"You're really cute, you know that?"

Fate stared at her for another second before starting to chomp onto the ice cream cone. "Oh hush you."

Nanoha giggled and finished her own ice cream, feeling satisfied in the most complete yet simplest of ways.

For the rest of the day, she had started 'payback' for the two weeks of teasing and blushing that she had endured. Oddly enough, when she thought about the blush she would see on Fate's face if she said or did one thing or another, it never occurred to her that being the one causing it might be reason to be embarrassed as well.

When they returned to the studio that day, Fate was greeted by two little kids whom she seemed to recognize very easily. Smiling as they hugged her, she greeted, "Erio, Caro, how are you doing?"

"Good!" They chimed as one, before Erio, a red-headed little boy who was a bit taller than the girl, "We were waiting for you."

"Not for long I hope?"

Caro shook her head. "No, it was only a little bit. Precia-san said you would be coming back soon so we waited."

Fate chuckled, ultimately ignoring Nanoha as she walked around the counter to take something out of the cupboard. Placing two boxes on the counter, she asked, "Could this be what you were waiting for?"

Their eyes lit up with glee as they reached out their hands and Fate placed the marked boxes in their hands.

Nanoha walked around the counter and nudged Fate as they both watched the kids take out what looked like pendants. "You made those?"

Fate nodded. "They don't take much time to make. Erio, Caro, do you like them?"

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Erio grinned as he turned to Caro. "Caro, watch me! Strada, Set UP!" He then proceeded to twirl around, deftly pulling out something akin to a toy light saber / extended pole, moving into a defensive stance. "Rawr!"

Nanoha put a hand to her mouth to quickly muffle her giggling. Fate didn't even bother to try covering it up.

Especially when Caro held up her white dragon mini-figurine and said, "Ooh, me too! Friedriche! I choose you!"

They ran circles around each other, making sound effects and whatnot as they played. Eventually however, they calmed down, put their new pendants around their necks, and bowed to Fate.

Erio stepped forward and dug into his pocket before setting down some coins on the counter. "Mama said taking stuff without paying is stealing, so we went looked underneath the cushions and everything and this was what we could gather. Is it enough?"

Fate smiled as she made a show of counting the money. "Oh, you gave me too much. Here, take back the 500 yen piece." She smiled as she handed back the coin, the one with the biggest value out of the coins there.

Erio, unaware of this, accepted the 'change'. He bowed again as Fate scooped up the coins and put them in the cash register, ringing up the amount so that it could spit out a receipt. Erio stuffed the receipt in his pocket as he grinned. "Thanks a lot, Fate-neechan."

Caro added, "We always love the things you make for us."

Fate chuckled and waved her hand. "You're very welcome, you two. Now, it's getting late, so go on home before your Mama starts."

"Yes, Neechan!" The two little kids waved frantically before hurrying off, the bell ringing as the door flew open.

Nanoha smiled as Fate caught her looking.

"What?"

Nanoha shook her head. "Nothing."

"You were going to say something. What?"

"It's really nothing."

Fate looked at her, obviously not buying it for a second. She held her hands up in a poised position for attack. "I'll tickle you if you don't tell me."

Nanoha giggled and stepped away so that the stair banister separated her from Fate. "Well... It just occurred to me that... if Fate were the mother of my children, I would feel very comfortable with leaving them in her care."

Cue Blush of a Thousand Shades.

Nanoha giggled and laughed as Fate chased her up the stairs. The walls shook as Fate toppled over Nanoha, landing them both in Arf's bed. One tickle fest later, during which their positions reversed several times, they ended up lying side by side.

Breathing a little harder than she might otherwise have been, Fate muttered, "There are some things that shouldn't be mentioned in jest."

Nanoha breathed, "Sorry then. You made me say it."

"I know." Fate didn't offer an apology.

Nanoha placed a caressing hand against Fate's cheek, and was surprised when Fate leaned into her touch, seemingly unconsciously, before jerking back. Nanoha purred, "Does Fate-chan like being touched?"

Fate looked away. "As long as it's not by ferrets."

"You don't mind if I touch you?" Nanoha felt oddly honored by this allowance, and settled for placing her hand over Fate's.

"Do... do you mind?" Fate's blush was back. "If I... If I touch you?"

"I like Fate-chan." Nanoha giggled, wondering why she felt so happy about saying that even when she only meant it as friends. "Why would I mind?"

Fate said nothing, scooting over to wrap her arms around her. Nanoha reciprocated in kind.

They lay like that for several minutes before Fate's hands started to roam.

Nanoha would have stopped her at several points if she hadn't been captivated by the soft murmur of Fate's voice close to her ear. It was largely indistinguishable, so Nanoha had to keep quiet in order to decipher it properly.

When she realized what it was, Nanoha asked, baffled, "Are you measuring me?"

Fate's muttering stopped. Leaning back so that they were looking at each other again, Fate asked, "I just wanted to check if my guess at your proportions were accurate."

Nanoha's cheeks stopped one shade shy of pink. "... Were they?"

Fate looked down. Nanoha looked down as well, and saw her own chest. "Mostly. Just one area..."

Nanoha sighed, sitting up. "I'll leave that one to your imagination."

Fate pouted, but shrugged it off. "You'd make a good pillow in any case. Regardless of that."

Nanoha shook her head as she stood up. "I should be getting home about now. I usually help with the evening shifts."

"Oh? I'll walk you back?"

"That's okay; the sun hasn't even set yet. I'll be fine."

Nanoha was about to go downstairs when she felt Fate's hand close over her wrist. "Nanoha..."

"Hm?" Nanoha smiled at her.

"Did I... did I offend you somehow? Are you mad at me?"

Nanoha stopped, and Fate loosened her hold on her. Deciding she would have one last parting shot before she left for the day, she started, "Not really... but next time your hands feel like 'exploring' my body..." Leaning in close to Fate's ear, she whispered, "Make it a subjective experience; not an objective one, hm? Though I won't deny that it felt nice either way."

Giggling, Nanoha waved, said she'd see herself out, and skipped down the stairs, leaving a surprised Fate in her wake.

--

Nanoha looked down at the freshly baked cookies before nodding and tying the ribbon around the top of the bag. "I hope she likes it."

Nanoha checked the clock and verified that while still early, it was a somewhat more agreeable hour of the day. Somewhat. Wondering if Fate woke early, Nanoha decided that delivering the cookies simply could not wait. She neatened up the kitchen a bit more and put away her apron before hurrying off. She passed her mother on her way out, told her where she was going, and promised to be back in an hour or two.

With that, Nanoha set off on her trek across town to the studio.

When she arrived, the street was surprisingly quiet, unless one remembered that this was a sleepy town that didn't wake up until about two hours later. She sighed when she found that the store front still said, "CLOSED".

She decided to walk over to the park where she had met Fate and walk around a bit more. She had woken up with more energy than she needed today.

The park was completely deserted. Nanoha didn't even see the casual morning jogger. She looked around as she slowed her pace to enjoy the solitude.

That's when she saw it.

Nanoha was more than a little amazed to see Fate with an easel in front of her and a palette balance on her left hand. Smiling, she creeped up behind her, a convenient route as Fate already had her back turned towards her.

When she came close enough to look over Fate's shoulder, Nanoha stopped, breathless.

"That can't be me."

What Fate was painting... was already more beautiful than anything Nanoha could have ever imagined seeing.

Even the cookies in her bag felt insignificant in comparison.

"Nano...ha."

Nanoha caught a glimmer of something in Fate's eyes behind the shock. The expression that Fate had been painting with.

Was that...

Could it be that...

Nanoha met Fate's gaze head on.

Was this the work of someone who had nothing but the best of feelings to add to the sublime 'subjectivity' of the artpiece?

Was it this beautiful... because of love?

~End Chapter

Spoiler for Extra Note:

In the subtle(?) randomness of this piece, yes, Friedriche has been reduced to Pokemon-Intelligent-Device status and Strada is a light-saber/rod-thingy.

Also, struggling between NanoFate going too fast or too slow, I don't know. Blushing wars are fun stuff~ Not as easy to accomplish in real life tho.

And... no one pointed it out, but there may be a secondary connection between Precia and Mr. J. Scaly-spaghetti. *whistles innocently*

Ah, I was planning on making this a 3-part piece, so the next installment should have the song that inspired this. *nods* Let's see if my slow way of writing can get where it needs to be in one chapter tho.. ah...

*wants to start on a certain different MSLN storyline*

cooooll. ^^ cant wait for the next.

Originally Posted by Allquall

You have your own little piece of art going here. This is absolutely amazing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read!

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

Lindy walked calmly through the darkened house. The clock ticked loudly through the quiet hall as the green haired woman in a bathrobe wandered down it in her slipper-clad feet. She opened the doors to her children’s rooms and found them sleeping peacefully, but why couldn’t she sleep?

She sat down at the kitchen table while the teakettle on the stove started to heat up. She looked out her large kitchen windows to the house across street but got up shortly to pour the boiling water into her mug. Spoonful by spoonful, the water retained the generous portion of sugar dumped into it, which caused Lindy to smile at the memories. Her late husband, Clyde, always teased her for drinking sugar-flavored water. The woman chuckled softly as the images of her husband flashed before her mind’s eye. She remembered that old comfortable feeling of waking up with his chin stubble rubbing the back of her neck as he snored while holding her. It had been the source of endless fights when they were first married, but by the end, she couldn’t fall asleep without it.

Lindy sighed at the table while she tried to work out in her mind why she craved that feeling again after suppressing the urge for so long. Unwittingly, her head turned in the direction of the darkened house across the street. Momoko’s face floated in her mind along with her gentle laugh.

‘I wonder if she’s up?’ thought Lindy while checking the time, ‘Probably not at four in the morning.’

She debated with herself over whether or not she should go over tomorrow to the Takamachi house. On one hand, she didn’t want to intrude on Momoko’s kindness; they had only just met, she reasoned. On the other hand, there was something about Momoko that made Lindy feel at ease and useful. She remembered that immediately after her husband’s death her house was flooded with mourners and relatives with cooked meals and sympathy cards at a time when she didn’t really understand her own grief. She remembered that she just wanted them all out of her house so that she could cry alone with her two small children. The good-meaning people petered out after a mouth, and soon she got her wish for solitude, and she regretted ever wanting it. At the year anniversary of Clyde’s funeral is when her grief almost got the best of her. She had stared at the bottle of pills for hours while holding the liter of vodka. If it weren’t for Fate’s cries that night, she would have certainly gone through with it.

Lindy’s thoughts drifted back to Momoko. She had said that her husband died a year ago, and Lindy wondered if she had ever considered suicide like she did that night. Her heart sank at the thought, and she looked out the window to the quiet house across the street in worry.

“You’re not alone,” she whispered as she looked at her own reflection in the window superimposed onto the house.

She made a small gasp when the front door of the Takamachi house opened. She didn’t know why she did it, but Lindy quickly moved to the side of the window.

‘Why am I hiding?’ she asked herself, ‘More importantly, why am I blushing.’

From her vantage point, she saw Momoko in a light jacket using both hands to pull up her thick hair into a ponytail while a piece of toast hung from her mouth. Lindy felt a smile creep on her face as watched Momoko start the long walk toward her café.

-- -- --

“Fate, I know you’re excited about your new school, but you need to eat your breakfast,” yawned Lindy.

She picked up the wiggly girl and sat her at the table next to Chrono who had his arm shoved into the cereal box in search of the toy at the bottom. She then brushed their hair one more time and tied a cloth napkin around their bento lunches. Their small backpacks sat at the door with their supplies ready for their first day of school. She watched her children eat and glanced at the leftovers that could not fit into the bento lunches. On a whim, she pulled out the spare bento from the cabinet and filled it to the brim.

‘I wonder if…’ her mind trailed.

After breakfast, Fate and Chrono sat on the step and pulled on their shoes. Lindy locked the front door behind them and held their hands as they walked sleepily to the elementary school two blocks away.

“Fate-chan!” cried a voice behind them.

“Nanoha!” Fate replied with a smile as her brunette friend came running up to them.

“Good morning, Nanoha-chan!” greeted Lindy who then waved to the two teenagers with book bags walking in the other direction to the high school.

“Good morning, Harlaown-san!” she bowed.

Lindy chuckled and escorted the three small students to the front steps of the large building.

-- -- --

Momoko wiped the counter down during a moment of down time after the morning rush. Her shop still had a few people in it, but she knew that it would be relatively quiet till noon. The ringing bell made her sigh as she looked for the next customer.

“Good morning!” greeted the smiling Lindy.

“Good morning!” replied Momoko as she studied Lindy’s form-fitting uniform and black briefcase, “I didn’t know you were in the service.”

“Navy,” answered Lindy, “but I’m not on a ship anymore. They have me doing consultant field analysis and spec checks.”

Momoko nodded though the words flew over her head.

“I usually work at home,” said Lindy hesitantly, “but I was wondering if I can set-up shop in here for today.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Momoko, “but do me a favor and leave the booths open.”

“Certainly,” said Lindy as she took her laptop out of her briefcase and sat at a small table, “Oh, before I forget, I’m going to need a lot of caffeine today.”

Lindy hastily walked to the counter and placed a large bill on next to the register. Momoko placed a Grande-sized Americano in front of Lindy and opened the drawer to give her the change.

“No need,” said Lindy sipping the hot drink, “Just keep them coming.”

Momoko smiled and went back to cleaning the espresso machines behind the counter. During the lull, she watched Lindy work as the other woman tapped gracefully on her laptop. Pictures of battleships and fighter jets popped up on her screen next to columns of equations. Momoko stared at the nosecone of a transport plane while she exchanged Lindy’s empty cup for a full one. Lindy stretched and cracked her neck as she wrapped her right hand around the warm cup.

“So, how about pizza?” yawned Lindy.

Momoko gave her a confused look.

“For lunch,” clarified Lindy.

“I can’t leave till Kyoya gets here,” replied Momoko apologetically.

“I’m bringing you back a slice,” Lindy was already on her feet and walking to the door, “If you don’t tell me what you want, then I’m coming back with cheese.”

“Ahh…er…but…”

“Leaving…” smirked Lindy as she opened the door causing the bell to chime.

“Mushrooms!”

Lindy grinned and let the door close behind her.

-- -- --

She came back after a short time later to see a line forming behind the register and Momoko struggling to keep up. Lindy walked behind the counter and placed the hot pizza box in the kitchen. She looked at Momoko’s back as the brunette woman concentrated on imputing an order into her machine. With a deep breath of resolve, she pulled off her uniform jacket and rolled up her long oxford sleeves.

“What can I do?” she asked while pulling a clean apron off of the rack.

Momoko turned in surprise, “Lindy! You don’t-”

“But I am,” Lindy said kindly but firmly, “Have me do the simple stuff for you.”

Momoko stared at her in shock till her need overcame her politeness, “Grab another stake of medium-sized cups from the back, please.”

“Aye, ma’am!” Lindy saluted teasingly, and Momoko laughed in spite of herself.

The lunchtime rush died down, and Lindy reheated their pizza slices in the microwave next to the espresso machine.

“Thanks for your help,” Momoko said sincerely, "I can’t pay much-"

“It would be an insult to pay me,” interrupted Lindy, “I did this as a favor for a friend.”

Momoko looked away in embarrassment.

“And as an added bonus, I learned how to make a good cappuccino!” said Lindy trying to lighten the mood.

Momoko smiled, “At least it won’t be too much longer. Kyoya and Miyuki will be here shortly.”

“Do you want me to pick up Nanoha?” asked Lindy while dipping her crust in Garlic sauce, “I have to get my kids anyway.”

“Actually, I like going to get her,” replied Momoko, “It gives me a break from the café. Would you like me to pick up Fate and Chrono?”

“We could go together,” offered Lindy.

“We-“

“Excuse me?” said a voice from the other side of the counter, “But can I get a fork for my muffin?”

The little old lady’s eyes barely made it over the counter, and her bran muffin sat undisturbed on its plate. The sunken eyes behind the think glasses stared at the tub of plastic forks behind the two friends.

“Yes, ma’am!” both of the women said as the turned inward to grab a fork for her.

Momoko suddenly became aware of her mistake instantly as the front of her twisting body mirrored the movements of the woman on the other side as they both reached for the plastic forks. Her hip ground against another hip, and her breasts rubbed against the other pair.

“Sorry!” yelped Momoko while the fragrance of Lindy’s perfume filled her nostrils.

She could feel her cheeks blaze, and she turned away from Lindy to hand the elderly woman a fork. She looked back at Lindy to see the green haired woman equally red with her arms folded across her chest.

“Mama?” a young man’s voice said suspiciously, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Kyoya,” she murmured still fighting her embarrassment.

The teenager flashed Lindy a suspicious look, but the green haired woman stepped into the kitchen to put the apron away and retrieve her jacket. She then went to the small table to pack her briefcase as well.

“Where are you going?” asked Momoko putting her own apron on the rack.

“I told you,” answered Lindy, “I’m going with you to pick up the kids.”

Momoko knew better than to fight it, and the two women began the five-block walk to the elementary school. Momoko’s embarrassment eased as the same comfortable feeling from before returned to her.

“So, how early do you get up in the morning?” asked Lindy when their conversation had faded into silence.

“I’m usually up by 3:30 and out the door by 4am. Why?”

“Ok, let me first say that I’m not a stalker-“

“Why do I get the feeling that I don’t want to hear the rest of this?” interrupted Momoko jokingly.

“No, I couldn’t sleep last night, and I was having a cup of tea in my kitchen when I saw you leave. So, I wondered if that was normal.”

“I was running a bit late this morning,” chuckled Momoko, “because I had a hard time sleeping last night as well.”

“You should have come over,” said Lindy, “Promise me you will next time.”

“I will make no promises, but if I’m up and your kitchen light is on then I might come over.”

Lindy smiled broadly, “What was on your mind that kept you from sleeping?”

“You,” came the reply, and Momoko gasped at what had escaped her lips.

“Me?” asked Lindy trying to make eye contact with the woman who was studying her shoes.

“Mama!”

They tiny voice cut through the tension as Nanoha leaped into her mother’s arms.

“Mom!”

Blond pigtails fluttered in the wind as Fate hugged her mother tightly, and Lindy gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Chrono was still up at the entrance talking to some of the other first grade boys until he heard his mother’s shrill whistle.

“Mom,” Fate said while they waited for Chrono, “you made a mistake today!”

“What did I do?” asked Lindy curiously.

“You put two lunches in my backpack!” Fate giggled.

“Oh!” Lindy said trying to remember the foggy morning, “Did I not put one in Chrono’s backpack?”

“No, Chrono, had his, but it was OK,” explained Fate, “because Nanoha didn’t have a lunch today, so I gave her the extra one!”

“Nanoha?” asked Momoko to the little one in her arms, “What happened to your lunch money?”

“I lost it,” the tiny girl mumbled.

“A big kid took if from her!” said Fate to Lindy and Momoko’s horror, “and me and Chrono tried to beat him up, but he was really big.”

“Chrono…” Lindy groaned rubbing her forehead. She saw her son walking slowly to her with a familiar pink sheet of carbon paper in his hand and a swollen lip on his face.

Momoko turned her attention on her daughter, “Has this happened before, Nanoha?”

Nanoha murmured something into her shoulder.

“Nanoha?”

“Sometimes,” the five year old whispered.

Guilt came with the realization of what her daughter was truly saying. Nanoha hadn’t had lunch at school for who-knows how long, because someone was taking her lunch money. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered Nanoha telling her that she was hungry after school and her giving her daughter a few carrot sticks to hold her till dinner.

She put Nanoha down to wipe her eyes and saw her daughter walk over and hug Fate. The blond wrapped her tiny arms around her.

“Don’t worry, Nanoha,” the blond said bravely, “I’ll protect you from the big kids next time.”

Momoko couldn’t stop the stream of tears at this point, and she tried not to look at Lindy, but her eyes moved there against her will.

“I’m sorry,” Lindy said with tears in her own eyes.

“No,” Momoko took two steps toward Lindy and embraced her tightly while she wept into her chest, “Thank you. Thank you so much!”

Lindy returned the embrace and held the crying Momoko for a long time while their children walked together to play in the nearby park.

“I’m a horrible mother!” Momoko barked, “Nanoha…”

“Shhhh,” whispered Lindy into Momoko’s ear, “You’re a wonderful mother with three wonderful kids, and…”

Momoko gazed into Lindy’s eyes as the green hair woman gulped before continuing.

“…you’ve got someone who loses sleep over you across the street.”

awww... nanoha is being bullied... and Fate protected her!!! or at least tried to... and Chrono too!!! Nice!

[Satashi]

Spoiler for PopStar!Fate:

Spoiler for ficcy:

"Ready?" a stagehand asked the popstar standing just out of view of the roaring audience outside.

"Yeah," Fate swallowed nervously.

"Remember, you're opening for a huge concert, so pump them up and make sure they remember your name. Chrono won't be able to book you a chance like this again so make it count... No pressure."

"Gee, thanks." Fate swallowed thickly and gripped her microphone. A fluttering yellow dress hung loosely on her body but sparkled in the light, paired with high heeled boots that zipped up and shimmered. Ribbons were around her wrist and biceps and matching ones kept her hair in twintails.

He cue came and Fate took a deep breath before putting on a large smile and running onto the stage energetically.

~**~

Nanoha blinked, looking up at the girl on stage as she fumbled over her greeting. "Hey, who's that?"

Hayate thought about it. "I don't know, but she must be good to be opening tonight."

Arisa stopped cheering long enough to scold them. "If you have breath to talk, you can cheer for the main singer to come out!"

Nanoha looked up at the girl on stage, who was singing her first song. Despite sounding great and looking very pretty, most of the audence was chanting the name of the band she was opening for. 'I feel kind of sorry for her...' Nanoha thought to herself while trying to listen to the words of the song. 'And I can't shake this feeling that I've seen her somewhere before... College? No... that would be way too weird...' She watched the girl more, ignoreing the screaming around her. 'But... I feel like I know her' An image of a girl with glasses holding her books in her arms with a blush on her face came to mind. 'She's in my history class!'

@_@ wtf lol.

[Knight of L-sama]

Originally Posted by Satashi

Spoiler for PopStar!Fate:

Spoiler for ficcy:

"Ready?" a stagehand asked the popstar standing just out of view of the roaring audience outside.

"Yeah," Fate swallowed nervously.

"Remember, you're opening for a huge concert, so pump them up and make sure they remember your name. Chrono won't be able to book you a chance like this again so make it count... No pressure."

"Gee, thanks." Fate swallowed thickly and gripped her microphone. A fluttering yellow dress hung loosely on her body but sparkled in the light, paired with high heeled boots that zipped up and shimmered. Ribbons were around her wrist and biceps and matching ones kept her hair in twintails.

He cue came and Fate took a deep breath before putting on a large smile and running onto the stage energetically.

~**~

Nanoha blinked, looking up at the girl on stage as she fumbled over her greeting. "Hey, who's that?"

Hayate thought about it. "I don't know, but she must be good to be opening tonight."

Arisa stopped cheering long enough to scold them. "If you have breath to talk, you can cheer for the main singer to come out!"

Nanoha looked up at the girl on stage, who was singing her first song. Despite sounding great and looking very pretty, most of the audence was chanting the name of the band she was opening for. 'I feel kind of sorry for her...' Nanoha thought to herself while trying to listen to the words of the song. 'And I can't shake this feeling that I've seen her somewhere before... College? No... that would be way too weird...' She watched the girl more, ignoreing the screaming around her. 'But... I feel like I know her' An image of a girl with glasses holding her books in her arms with a blush on her face came to mind. 'She's in my history class!'

@_@ wtf lol.

I think I've seen that pic with a fic before... and here too... XP doesn't make it any less good tho

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by Knight of L-sama

I think I've seen that pic with a fic before... and here too... XP doesn't make it any less good tho

Really? I missed it T_T I don't read many fics >///<

So I dedicate the above to whoever did it first !

[Advent000]

Originally Posted by Allquall

You have your own little piece of art going here. This is absolutely amazing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read!

Spoiler for I'll Take The Kids, And You Take My Heart part three:

Lindy walked calmly through the darkened house. The clock ticked loudly through the quiet hall as the green haired woman in a bathrobe wandered down it in her slipper-clad feet. She opened the doors to her children’s rooms and found them sleeping peacefully, but why couldn’t she sleep?

She sat down at the kitchen table while the teakettle on the stove started to heat up. She looked out her large kitchen windows to the house across street but got up shortly to pour the boiling water into her mug. Spoonful by spoonful, the water retained the generous portion of sugar dumped into it, which caused Lindy to smile at the memories. Her late husband, Clyde, always teased her for drinking sugar-flavored water. The woman chuckled softly as the images of her husband flashed before her mind’s eye. She remembered that old comfortable feeling of waking up with his chin stubble rubbing the back of her neck as he snored while holding her. It had been the source of endless fights when they were first married, but by the end, she couldn’t fall asleep without it.

Lindy sighed at the table while she tried to work out in her mind why she craved that feeling again after suppressing the urge for so long. Unwittingly, her head turned in the direction of the darkened house across the street. Momoko’s face floated in her mind along with her gentle laugh.

‘I wonder if she’s up?’ thought Lindy while checking the time, ‘Probably not at four in the morning.’

She debated with herself over whether or not she should go over tomorrow to the Takamachi house. On one hand, she didn’t want to intrude on Momoko’s kindness; they had only just met, she reasoned. On the other hand, there was something about Momoko that made Lindy feel at ease and useful. She remembered that immediately after her husband’s death her house was flooded with mourners and relatives with cooked meals and sympathy cards at a time when she didn’t really understand her own grief. She remembered that she just wanted them all out of her house so that she could cry alone with her two small children. The good-meaning people petered out after a mouth, and soon she got her wish for solitude, and she regretted ever wanting it. At the year anniversary of Clyde’s funeral is when her grief almost got the best of her. She had stared at the bottle of pills for hours while holding the liter of vodka. If it weren’t for Fate’s cries that night, she would have certainly gone through with it.

Lindy’s thoughts drifted back to Momoko. She had said that her husband died a year ago, and Lindy wondered if she had ever considered suicide like she did that night. Her heart sank at the thought, and she looked out the window to the quiet house across the street in worry.

“You’re not alone,” she whispered as she looked at her own reflection in the window superimposed onto the house.

She made a small gasp when the front door of the Takamachi house opened. She didn’t know why she did it, but Lindy quickly moved to the side of the window.

‘Why am I hiding?’ she asked herself, ‘More importantly, why am I blushing.’

From her vantage point, she saw Momoko in a light jacket using both hands to pull up her thick hair into a ponytail while a piece of toast hung from her mouth. Lindy felt a smile creep on her face as watched Momoko start the long walk toward her café.

-- -- --

“Fate, I know you’re excited about your new school, but you need to eat your breakfast,” yawned Lindy.

She picked up the wiggly girl and sat her at the table next to Chrono who had his arm shoved into the cereal box in search of the toy at the bottom. She then brushed their hair one more time and tied a cloth napkin around their bento lunches. Their small backpacks sat at the door with their supplies ready for their first day of school. She watched her children eat and glanced at the leftovers that could not fit into the bento lunches. On a whim, she pulled out the spare bento from the cabinet and filled it to the brim.

‘I wonder if…’ her mind trailed.

After breakfast, Fate and Chrono sat on the step and pulled on their shoes. Lindy locked the front door behind them and held their hands as they walked sleepily to the elementary school two blocks away.

“Fate-chan!” cried a voice behind them.

“Nanoha!” Fate replied with a smile as her brunette friend came running up to them.

“Good morning, Nanoha-chan!” greeted Lindy who then waved to the two teenagers with book bags walking in the other direction to the high school.

“Good morning, Harlaown-san!” she bowed.

Lindy chuckled and escorted the three small students to the front steps of the large building.

-- -- --

Momoko wiped the counter down during a moment of down time after the morning rush. Her shop still had a few people in it, but she knew that it would be relatively quiet till noon. The ringing bell made her sigh as she looked for the next customer.

“Good morning!” greeted the smiling Lindy.

“Good morning!” replied Momoko as she studied Lindy’s form-fitting uniform and black briefcase, “I didn’t know you were in the service.”

“Navy,” answered Lindy, “but I’m not on a ship anymore. They have me doing consultant field analysis and spec checks.”

Momoko nodded though the words flew over her head.

“I usually work at home,” said Lindy hesitantly, “but I was wondering if I can set-up shop in here for today.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Momoko, “but do me a favor and leave the booths open.”

“Certainly,” said Lindy as she took her laptop out of her briefcase and sat at a small table, “Oh, before I forget, I’m going to need a lot of caffeine today.”

Lindy hastily walked to the counter and placed a large bill on next to the register. Momoko placed a Grande-sized Americano in front of Lindy and opened the drawer to give her the change.

“No need,” said Lindy sipping the hot drink, “Just keep them coming.”

Momoko smiled and went back to cleaning the espresso machines behind the counter. During the lull, she watched Lindy work as the other woman tapped gracefully on her laptop. Pictures of battleships and fighter jets popped up on her screen next to columns of equations. Momoko stared at the nosecone of a transport plane while she exchanged Lindy’s empty cup for a full one. Lindy stretched and cracked her neck as she wrapped her right hand around the warm cup.

“So, how about pizza?” yawned Lindy.

Momoko gave her a confused look.

“For lunch,” clarified Lindy.

“I can’t leave till Kyoya gets here,” replied Momoko apologetically.

“I’m bringing you back a slice,” Lindy was already on her feet and walking to the door, “If you don’t tell me what you want, then I’m coming back with cheese.”

“Ahh…er…but…”

“Leaving…” smirked Lindy as she opened the door causing the bell to chime.

“Mushrooms!”

Lindy grinned and let the door close behind her.

-- -- --

She came back after a short time later to see a line forming behind the register and Momoko struggling to keep up. Lindy walked behind the counter and placed the hot pizza box in the kitchen. She looked at Momoko’s back as the brunette woman concentrated on imputing an order into her machine. With a deep breath of resolve, she pulled off her uniform jacket and rolled up her long oxford sleeves.

“What can I do?” she asked while pulling a clean apron off of the rack.

Momoko turned in surprise, “Lindy! You don’t-”

“But I am,” Lindy said kindly but firmly, “Have me do the simple stuff for you.”

Momoko stared at her in shock till her need overcame her politeness, “Grab another stake of medium-sized cups from the back, please.”

“Aye, ma’am!” Lindy saluted teasingly, and Momoko laughed in spite of herself.

The lunchtime rush died down, and Lindy reheated their pizza slices in the microwave next to the espresso machine.

“Thanks for your help,” Momoko said sincerely, "I can’t pay much-"

“It would be an insult to pay me,” interrupted Lindy, “I did this as a favor for a friend.”

Momoko looked away in embarrassment.

“And as an added bonus, I learned how to make a good cappuccino!” said Lindy trying to lighten the mood.

Momoko smiled, “At least it won’t be too much longer. Kyoya and Miyuki will be here shortly.”

“Do you want me to pick up Nanoha?” asked Lindy while dipping her crust in Garlic sauce, “I have to get my kids anyway.”

“Actually, I like going to get her,” replied Momoko, “It gives me a break from the café. Would you like me to pick up Fate and Chrono?”

“We could go together,” offered Lindy.

“We-“

“Excuse me?” said a voice from the other side of the counter, “But can I get a fork for my muffin?”

The little old lady’s eyes barely made it over the counter, and her bran muffin sat undisturbed on its plate. The sunken eyes behind the think glasses stared at the tub of plastic forks behind the two friends.

“Yes, ma’am!” both of the women said as the turned inward to grab a fork for her.

Momoko suddenly became aware of her mistake instantly as the front of her twisting body mirrored the movements of the woman on the other side as they both reached for the plastic forks. Her hip ground against another hip, and her breasts rubbed against the other pair.

“Sorry!” yelped Momoko while the fragrance of Lindy’s perfume filled her nostrils.

She could feel her cheeks blaze, and she turned away from Lindy to hand the elderly woman a fork. She looked back at Lindy to see the green haired woman equally red with her arms folded across her chest.

“Mama?” a young man’s voice said suspiciously, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Kyoya,” she murmured still fighting her embarrassment.

The teenager flashed Lindy a suspicious look, but the green haired woman stepped into the kitchen to put the apron away and retrieve her jacket. She then went to the small table to pack her briefcase as well.

“Where are you going?” asked Momoko putting her own apron on the rack.

“I told you,” answered Lindy, “I’m going with you to pick up the kids.”

Momoko knew better than to fight it, and the two women began the five-block walk to the elementary school. Momoko’s embarrassment eased as the same comfortable feeling from before returned to her.

“So, how early do you get up in the morning?” asked Lindy when their conversation had faded into silence.

“I’m usually up by 3:30 and out the door by 4am. Why?”

“Ok, let me first say that I’m not a stalker-“

“Why do I get the feeling that I don’t want to hear the rest of this?” interrupted Momoko jokingly.

“No, I couldn’t sleep last night, and I was having a cup of tea in my kitchen when I saw you leave. So, I wondered if that was normal.”

“I was running a bit late this morning,” chuckled Momoko, “because I had a hard time sleeping last night as well.”

“You should have come over,” said Lindy, “Promise me you will next time.”

“I will make no promises, but if I’m up and your kitchen light is on then I might come over.”

Lindy smiled broadly, “What was on your mind that kept you from sleeping?”

“You,” came the reply, and Momoko gasped at what had escaped her lips.

“Me?” asked Lindy trying to make eye contact with the woman who was studying her shoes.

“Mama!”

They tiny voice cut through the tension as Nanoha leaped into her mother’s arms.

“Mom!”

Blond pigtails fluttered in the wind as Fate hugged her mother tightly, and Lindy gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Chrono was still up at the entrance talking to some of the other first grade boys until he heard his mother’s shrill whistle.

“Mom,” Fate said while they waited for Chrono, “you made a mistake today!”

“What did I do?” asked Lindy curiously.

“You put two lunches in my backpack!” Fate giggled.

“Oh!” Lindy said trying to remember the foggy morning, “Did I not put one in Chrono’s backpack?”

“No, Chrono, had his, but it was OK,” explained Fate, “because Nanoha didn’t have a lunch today, so I gave her the extra one!”

“Nanoha?” asked Momoko to the little one in her arms, “What happened to your lunch money?”

“I lost it,” the tiny girl mumbled.

“A big kid took if from her!” said Fate to Lindy and Momoko’s horror, “and me and Chrono tried to beat him up, but he was really big.”

“Chrono…” Lindy groaned rubbing her forehead. She saw her son walking slowly to her with a familiar pink sheet of carbon paper in his hand and a swollen lip on his face.

Momoko turned her attention on her daughter, “Has this happened before, Nanoha?”

Nanoha murmured something into her shoulder.

“Nanoha?”

“Sometimes,” the five year old whispered.

Guilt came with the realization of what her daughter was truly saying. Nanoha hadn’t had lunch at school for who-knows how long, because someone was taking her lunch money. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered Nanoha telling her that she was hungry after school and her giving her daughter a few carrot sticks to hold her till dinner.

She put Nanoha down to wipe her eyes and saw her daughter walk over and hug Fate. The blond wrapped her tiny arms around her.

“Don’t worry, Nanoha,” the blond said bravely, “I’ll protect you from the big kids next time.”

Momoko couldn’t stop the stream of tears at this point, and she tried not to look at Lindy, but her eyes moved there against her will.

“I’m sorry,” Lindy said with tears in her own eyes.

“No,” Momoko took two steps toward Lindy and embraced her tightly while she wept into her chest, “Thank you. Thank you so much!”

Lindy returned the embrace and held the crying Momoko for a long time while their children walked together to play in the nearby park.

“I’m a horrible mother!” Momoko barked, “Nanoha…”

“Shhhh,” whispered Lindy into Momoko’s ear, “You’re a wonderful mother with three wonderful kids, and…”

Momoko gazed into Lindy’s eyes as the green hair woman gulped before continuing.

“…you’ve got someone who loses sleep over you across the street.”

Lindy took clyde'd death hard, and poor Nanoha getting bullied.

[Satashi]

Vampire!Fate Collection. I need to add the following to a wordpad at home. Tried to PM it to myself but it'd take 3 PMS >.< so posting here for now ^////^

Spoiler for saving space:

I was fairly annoyed with the circumstances. I had taken Nanoha to the hospital while Caro contacted her family but the damn doctors wouldn't let me in the room because Nanoha "needed her rest and only family could go in". I was tempted to buy the whole damn building so I would have authority over them, but the paperwork would take too long...

As I sat outside of the room waiting, I heard Caro's voice come from the hallway. "She's this way, right?"

I looked up from my seat and froze in my tracks. Along with Caro were two people I didn't know, but assumed were Nanoha's parents. Besides that, I saw a short girl with brown hair walking with them. A familiar 'X' shaped hair clip was in her hair and her voice matched that exactly of the paladin that I had ran into not long before.

"Thanks again for coming, Hayate-san. I'm sorry we had to run off during your meeting with the youth group at the church."

Hayate smiled at the father and shook her head. "No problem, besides, I'd like to meet the daughter of the youth minister. She must be very nice." Her eyes turned to me and she stopped walking instantly.

"Hayate?" The man stopped as well and looked back at her, then at me.

Caro ran over to me and smiled. "Fate-san, how is Nanoha?"

"She's... she's okay I think. They won't tell me anything or let me in the room." I slowly turned my eyes from Hayate and knelt down to teh short pink haired girl. "Will you tell her I'm here for me?"

"Yup!" Caro nodded at me and I pointed at the door. When she ran off into it I stood and looked at the group. "Hello."

The woman looked curiously at me. "Hello. Are you Nanoha's friend?"

"Yes ma'am." I nodded and bowed to her politely. "My name is Fate Testarossa. I..."

Hayate stepped forward. "Hello, Fate. Did you come to visit Nanoha-chan?"

"I brought her here." I looked at them and trusted in the vibes coming from the short one that she wouldn't attack me. "Are you her parents?" They nodded and I smiled at them fondly. "I see where she got her good looks from," I flirted with the mother, getting an embarrassed blush and an approving grin from the father. "Go ahead and visit with her, I'll be out here."

They nodded and apologized briefly before they retreated into the room. Hayate excused herself a moment to talk to me and we stood outside the door facing each other....

---

I blinked and looked up from my hospital bed when the door opened. My parents shuffled in and closed the door behind them after having a small conversation with someone I couldn't see. My mother gave my a stuffed teddy bear that I promptly hugged to get some comfort for what was going to come. "Thank you," I told her while holding the plushie. "I'll name it Etaf."

My mom smiled at me lovingly before sitting by my bed. As there was only one chair, my father stood at my side and both looked down at me. "Hello," My dad started, eyes downcast.

"I'm fine," I stated at once. "I just had an attack. I can leave tomorrow."

"Maybe you should come back home," My mother, Momoko, began her normal routine and I sighed.

"Mom, really, I'm okay. It was just a moment. I've had them since I was little."

"If you wern't brought here you could have-"

I cut my father off. "Could have laid in bed groaning for a day and then gone to school like I will as soon as I leave. My exams are coming up. I'm not-"

"Made of glass, we know." Momoko took my hand. "Honey, the doctor said that you need to increase your doseage...."

"Oh great," I rolled my eyes. "Six pills for breakfast, yummy." Looking away, I frowned and would have crossed my arms if not for the fact my left one was being held.

"Sweetheart, I know it's hard but you can't afford to keep taking the risk by living on your own...."

"Mom, really."

"She's right, you have been in bed far too much recently."

"Dad, I have not!" I shook my head. "I have gone on dates and even bungee jumped!"

"What!?" Their word was said at the same time, making me flintch and fall back in bed, tired from my small outbreak.

"I'm living a normal college life," I informed them, getting tired. Even talking made me sleepy now it seemed. " Please. Really. I'll be okay."

A long silence came over the room before my dad changed the topic for me. "Who was the blondie outside?"

"Her? Oh that's Fate-chan. She's...." I thought about what to say. "A really close friend. She brought me here. She also looks after me at home and helps me run the bakery so I can study."

Momoko smiled at me. "Such a nice girl. Are you paying her properly?"

"Um... no, she won't accept money. She's... kind of a millionaire. Maybe more, I dunno. She does it for fun, but I pay her nephew, he helps too." I laughed nervously at their looks. "She's.... really really nice. She dresses a little weird, but don't let it fool you."

"Does she go to church?"

I grinned. "She wears a cross everywhere she goes."

My dad nodded. "I did see that... maybe she is a nice girl aftera--"

A crash and explosion rang from outside my room and I sat up quickly in shock, then felt lightheaded and almost passed out. My mom jumped to my side as my dad ran out the door.

"Hayate, what happened!?"

I could barely make out a semi-familiar girl in the hallway through my hazed vision. "Ummm... " She scratched the back of her head and laughed nervously. "A trolly-bed-thing-a-ma-jigger just slid out of control and crashed through that window down there..."

"And the fire!?" My dad almost shouted as people ran to douse it.

"Um.... I don't know?" The girl started to sweatdrop.

I groaned in pain and felt my mom lean me back in bed. "I want to see Fate-chan..."

My dad came back in the room with the other girl, who I could swear I've seen before. "The blond? She wasn't out there anymore."

The short brown haired girl looked at me and our eyes locked.

For some reason I felt weird....

---

My parents and the new girl came into my room and closed the door for some privacy. My dad motioned towards the short female beside him and made the introductions for me. "Nanoha," He started. "This is Yagami Hayate, she just joined our youth group at church. Hayate, this is my daughter, Nanoha."

"Pleased to meet you." Hayate spoke to me a little nervously, bowing down.

"Have we... met before?" I looked at her harder, wracking my brain to place it. I know I've seen her... but it's so foggy!

"Ahaha... I've come in your bakery before."

Oh, was that it? I nodded at her and was about to say something along the lines of welcome to our church group but my doctor chose that time to come back in the room. "Hello, Nanoha. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," I replied just like always.

The man gave me a look and I knew right then that I wasn't about to enjoy the next part. He glanced at Hayate and then my father, who nodded. I didn't mind, all of the church knew about me, and she was here to wish me well anyway... "WEll," The man continued. "I'm sorry to say that Nanoha's condition has worsened..."

"I'm fine," I interrupted meekly, but was ignored.

"Her lungs are starting to get weak... have you had trouble breathing lately?"

I thought back to my few coughing spells and spitting up blood a few days ago. "No," I lied.

"Nanoha." My mom's voice made me look down sadly.

"... A little." I spoke again, voice soft.

The doctor continued. "Have you had any blood in your mouth?" The corners of my lips twitched lightly at one reply I could have given to that, but instead I simply nodded. "I see... As I told your parents, I want to increase your medication... Also, you will need to increase the frequency of your liquid medicin."

"not more shots," I groaned.

"I'm sorry. Just twice a week now." He sighed. "Nanoha... This is your health, you must take it seriously."

I nodded sadly. "I know, I don't need to be reminded I'm dieing."

"You won't die unless you don't follow our orders. Take your pills twice a day and the shots twice a week. Doing so will ensure your body doesn't shut down."

I suddenly got a little annoyed. "My body is getting used to your pills! I'm making myself sick by taking so many!"

The man kept his cool and gave me a moment to calm down before speaking again. "I know... I'm sorry, but this is all we can do... If it gets any worse, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to stay in the hospital indefinetly."

I felt my throat get tight. I knew Lupis was serious but... Being bedridden indefinetly!? No...

My mom gave me a hug. "Don't worry, Sweetie..."

I shook my head. "I'm fine. Really. I'll be okay." The doctor nodded at my father and got one in return. Taking my mother's hand, he went outside with them, probably to talk about finances. As if we wern't broke enough as it is...

"So," Hayate sat down next to me and I blushed, having forgotten that she was even there. "Do you go through this often?"

I smiled lightly. "They think I'm made of glass, I'll be just fine."

"That's good," She laughed lightly and looked down at her hands. "Um... The youth group were going to get you a fruit basket but they were out...so..." She blushed and took out a shiny apply from her purse. "I picked this up on the way, shall I peel it for you?"

"I like the peel, but I wouldn't mine if you cut it?" I smiled at the thoughtful move.

Hayate nodded and took out a pocket knife. "Don't worry, it's clean." It flipped out smoothly and she slowly started quartering it. "So, Lupis was it?"

I nodded. "Mmn. It basically slowly destroys your body. I mainly have lung problems and weak muscles. In a nutshell it means my body breaks apart from the inside out."

"That's so sad..." She fumbled in her coring and looked down, almost as if she were upset.

"Don't worry, I'll be okay." I shook my head. "Lupis is serious but I'm taking medicine for it...though I think my parents are having a really hard time paying..." Sighing, I looked at my sheet covered lap. I used to think about just giving up but... I met Fate-chan. She's a really sweet girl, I saw her out in hte hallway, did you talk to her?"

"Ah, um," Hayate looked at her project and started turning the quarters into eighths. "I talked briefly to her..."

I nodded. "Yeah... She's special I guess you could say. She made me want to keep trying."

"...She must really mean something to you, huh?" Hayate sounded rather sad.

"Yeah... Oh, I'm sorry, we just met and I'm rambling on and on!" I smiled at her. "Tell me something about yourself? We could be good friends, I think."

Hayate opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, looking at the food she was holding. "Right now... I'm not really sure."

"Hm?" I pried gently, giving her a choice to continue or change the subject.

Hayate looked over at me once more. "Have you ever questioned what you were doing? Like something you've done all your life only to doubt it later?"

"I have." I don't know what was bothering this cute shortie of a girl but I felt like she needed some cheering up, more so than me. "My religion. I was taught the same thing all my life, but once I was out in hte world and could think for myself... I realized that what I was told wasn't always the truth. I guess you could say that asking questions and doubting things can give you an opertunity to find out what you really want for yourself."

The girl looked at me for a long time before standing. "I'm sorry, Nanoha, I need to go. I just remembered that the doctor said not to feed you anything." She dumped the sliced apple into her purse unceremoniously and quickly walked to the door. Her hand paused at the knob and she turned to look back at me. "Oh, I forgot. Fate-chan said something about going to a bar tongiht... could you tell her I'd like to meet her there?"

I nodded at her curiously. "Sure. It was nice meeting you."

"You too." She smiled at me and left the room.

Leaning back in my bed, I chewed on her words. The doctor never said anything about giving me food, I wonder what was-

Fate burst into the door and stormed over to me, black smears littering her torn and burnt clothing, smelling strangely of gasoline. "Fate-chan!?"

"Nanoha!" Fate looked at me seriously. "Did you eat anything!?"

"N-no?" I sank back, a little scared at her snarling and panicked voice.

"Nothing? Anything at all!? A piece of gum, a drink, anything!?"

I shook my head, "No, Hayate-chan was doing an apple for me but she decided not to give it and-"

"Oh thank god," Fate fell on me and hugged me close. "I was so worried!"

"Worried?" I awkwardly pet the girl. "FAte-chan, what happened to you?"

She held me closer and sniffed, almost crying onto my chest. "It's a long story... I'm just glad you're alright...."

--- Fate ---

I hopped off my bike and looked around the area sharply before making my way past the long line of people waiting to get into the club known as the Roxburry. The bouncer stepped infront of me to block my path but after I gave him a smile he stepped back and made a small minute long conversation with me before I was allowed in.

The music was loud, as always, and the place seemed to be rather packed tonight. I guess they let in more than they should have. Hope a fire marshal isn't around anywhere...

I made my way to the bar and noticed a short girl sitting on a stool with a vacant on next to her. Short brown hair was slightly visible coming from her floppy white hat and between the collar of her white leather trench coat.

Nanoha had told me everything about what happened with the girl and I was slightly confused by it. Signum had told me that Nanoha was going to be poisoned but it seems that the girl couldn't go through with it. Adding in the details from our last encounter, I was interested in what the woman had to say.

I sat down next to her and felt her look at me. At first I had thought that she made people leave me a seat open by sending death glares to them but it turns out, judging by her embarrassed look, that she had probably been asking them politely to save the seat for her friend.

Alton came up to me and gave me a glass of whiskey with a few ice cubes and nodded at me. I nodded back and brought the glass to my lips and sipped it. "You wanted to see me?" I asked casually, making her nervous. This was probably her first meeting with someone she was supposed to fight against.

"Yes." She nodded and took a drink of her daiquiri, smacking her lips. I couldn't help a small giggle come from my throat and she blushed darkly. "Shut up."

"I didn't say anything." I turned and leaned against the bar and looked out on the danceclub. "You have guts coming to my hunting ground."

"This place is the source for many vampires."

"Only me and the idiots," I countered her. "The smart ones leave this place alone."

"...I see..." Hayate looked down and I got the vibe that I had just told her something that countered what she was told previously.

"Why didn't you do your job?"

Hayate kept facing the bar and stared into her drink. "She's a human..."

"They told you to kill her while Signum killed me, didn't they?"

"How did you know?"

"You just told me." I couldn't frown, despite the grim words. "This is two times you have spared her." She stayed silent and took another drink. She tried not to make any indication that she wasn't used to alcohol but her plan failed when she coughed slightly. "How long," I wondered. "Have you been a paladin?"

"All my life."

"Then why do you suck at it so much?"

She turned and glared at me and I once again noticed that she didn't have any fear in her eyes. "I'm not going to kill humans, just vampire scum!"

"Am I scum?" My voice softened and I turned to look at her. "I just want to live and take care of Nanoha."

"You just want her blood."

"I don't drink from her." Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. "She's really sick, I hate the taste."

"Then why-"

"Because she's special." I cut her off and took another drink. "I'm pretty sure I know what you've been told. Not all Vampires are like that, but most are. Blindly hunting and killing makes you no better than a murderer."

"I don't-"

"I know." I grinned at her startled face. "You're different."

She looked at me a moment and then sighed. "I want to ask you something."

"Yes?"

Hayate stayed silent a moment more. "If I told you I was assigned to kill you, what would you say?"

"That you were sent to die, just like Tia."

She nodded softly. "I get the same feeling somehow." Hayate's shoulders sagged. "But why...?"

"I don't know," I finished the glass and sat it on the counter, along with a few hundred dollar bills to take care of my tab. "Your drinks tonight are on me."

"But-"

"Hayate," I faced her and reached over to fix her crooked collar under her trench coat. "Find what you want in life and do it. Just because you are a paladin doesn't mean you need to throw your life away needlessly." I smiled at her.

Hayate's face reddened and she swallowed thickly, trying to still her beating heart.

~**~

NAnoha opened her eyes slowly and looked at me after a few moments. "Hey there," I greeted her softly. "Good morning."

She smiled and yawned. "I had the strangest dream last night."

"Oh?"

"Yeah..." Nanoha sat up in her hospital bed and rubbed her eyes. "There were lots of little girls with huge guns and buffaloes everywhere."

"Buffaloes?" I blinked.

"Mmn. Buffaloes."

I felt her forehead. "Maybe you're taking too many meds..."

Nanoha giggled. "They've been in my dreams since I was little."

I gave her a light chuckle. "Weirdo."

---

With Nanoha resting in the hospital and Erio helping out at the bakery, I found myself with another day to kill by myself. I took the opportunity to grocery shop for Nanoha again but that only took up a little bit of the morning. Now it was lunch time and I was rather bored.

I decided to go to a little street corner place that I knew of in favor of a hot dog to take away my hunger. I left my bike parked at Nanoha's bakery and strolled on the sidewalk to burn some more time. It didn't take too terribly long to reach my goal, but then again I could probably walk to the other side of town and consider it a short walk...

The man knew me and made small conversation while preparing my usual combination: polish sausage with relish, mayonnaise, mustard, onions, and crushed potato chips. After a hefty tip and being talked into buying a Dr.Pepper to 'ward off the summer's heat', I walked outside the building to the very small sitting area outside. My favorite place to sit was taken so I looked around briefly before settling my eyes on a short haired girl sipping on a milkshake. She was wearing a white leather trench coat with a small black dress under it that rode very high on her thighs. A really cute newsboy cap was lopsided on her head and she was chewing on the straw in her mouth while blankly looking across the street. A smirk came to my lips and I crashed down next to her and crossed my legs.

Hayate yelped lightly and looked at me in shock. One hand was already on her necklace while the other was gripping the top of the chair she was sitting in. From the position I could tell that she was ready to leap back at a moment's notice, hit me with the chair in the process, and form her staff. Although I was impressed, fighting wasn't what was on my mind. "Your bodyguards not around?" I asked lightly before taking a bite of my meal.

The girl stared at me for a almost a full minute and I was on my second bite before she finally replied. "What are you doing here?"

"Eating lunch." She almost fell over at my response. Poor thing probably never had anyone be a smart-ass to her. After I did some research on the girl, I found out she was actually a highly skilled Paladin who, with her guards, have taken out a slightly less than impressive amount of vampires. "What are you doing here?" I pondered back at her. "Drinking a milkshake?"

"How did you know?" I looked at her blankly and she glanced at the drink in her hand. "Sh-shut up!"

"You know," I took a drink from my bottle and sighed thankfully at the taste. "For being a paladin held in high regards for her skill, you sure are a ditz sometimes."

"I'll hit you!"

"Go ahead." I went to take another bite of my hot dog but found myself clocked upside the skull. "What did you do that for!?" I shouted at her loudly.

"You said I could," she challenged with a smirk.

I liked that smirk. It looked good on her.

"So I did." I took the bite I was going for and spoke around a full mouth. "Do it again and I'll rip your hand off." Even though it was a threat, she caught my playful meaning, and after a moment, Hayate reluctantly sat down normally. "You didn't answer me."

"Huh?"

"My question: what are you doing?"

"...I'm hungry." Hayate sipped.

"Then why not get food? You on a diet?"

She sighed. "I left my purse at home and only had enough on me for-" She blushed and glared at me. "That's none of your business."

I grinned. Wow, this girl was fun! "Here," I offered her a bite of my hot dog "Have a bite."

"I don't eat after Vampires." Her stomach growled at her words.

"Afraid you'll get cooties?" I teased her.

"Shut up." She glared across the street.

I got up from the chair and went back to my friend, purchasing a plain hot dog and walking back to Hayate, placing it in front of her. "Eat."

"I don't need a Vampire's help."

"I gave you my name, Hayate." I took another bite of my meal and her stomach growled again.

It took her a moment but she did finally start eating my offered meal after putting a few things on it offered on the table. Her first few bites were quick, showing that she really was hungry, but she slowed down soon enough to offer me a small thanks. "Why are you so nice, Fate?"

For some reason it felt good to hear her say my name. "I'm not really; sometimes I can be pretty mean. Just ask Signum."

Hayate glared at me a moment before softening. "She did attack you when I told her not to...I guess I owe you an apology."

"Nah, it was a good work out." My words made her fluster, but we both knew that I had won that fight. I healed overnight but Signum would probably be cursing for a day or three. "So, Little Pally, have you thought about your future?"

Hayate looked down at her food and slowly chewed. This was obviously a big time in her life and she had a lot to think about. Me... Well, I've been alive for so long I counted my age by every hundred years. I had learned the value of patience the hard way. Now I was content to eat with my enemy until she made up her mind on what to do. I was confident she couldn't kill me, though I would probably be more dead than alive if I fought all her guardians and her at the same time. Alive, yes, but in a world of hurt. If I could avoid that, I'd like it very much.

Silence passed over us for a while longer and finally the girl spoke again after slurping the last of her drink. "I don't want to fight you."

"Thanks." I downed the rest of my drink as well.

Hayate looked down and sighed. "What am I going to tell my leader?"

"That you don't want to die?" She glared at me and I shrugged. "I'm sorry, but if you try and kill me, I'm not just going to take it, you know?" My aloofness must have settled her and she looked away again.

"If I go against their orders I'll be expelled from the paladins."

"So? Better than dieing."

"They'll send someone to kill me.... Like they sent Tia to die when she...did whatever she did to displease them."

"They would even kill their fighters..." I crunched the empty bottle in my hand and growled. "Pathetic. Why would you work for people like that!?"

Hayate averted her eyes. "They told me-"

"To hell with what they told you!" I slammed my fist on the table and she jumped, looking at me in shock. "People weren't meant to live thinking only what they have been told!" I fought back the imagine of a man with long blond hair smiling at me in his white sparkling armor and gold crosses. "You have the right to choose!"

"Fate..." She looked speechless.

"Hayate. If they try to hurt you from this decision, then I will protect you." I put my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "I promise."

Her cheeks turned a dark red and she stumbled over her words. "Ah. um, No, I mean..."

"Relax," I tried to sooth her. She must be getting all worked up about making such an important decision.

She stayed silent a moment more and then looked up at me, eyes finally showing a little fear. "If I trust you... will you not back stab me?"

I took a knife from my boot and placed it into her hand and then the tip against my breast. "I'll trust you right now, so you trust me later." I let go of her hand.

Hayate looked at me for a few moments and then slowly took the knife away and placed it into her lap. "I trust you."

"Good." I took a napkin and a pen that just happen to be laying on the table, probably from someone before us. "Here is my number. Call me later okay?"

"O-okay..." Hayate was red again and fumbled when I gave it to her. "Um... want my number?"

"Sure." She listed it off and I put it into my cell phone. "Got it... Say you have a really cute accent.”

Hayate blinked. “Oh? I do seem to get that a lot. Some people make fun of it.”

I couldn't help but chuckle. Her shortness along with that accent did make her look rather... cute and innocent. Hard to believe she was a paladin. “Where are you originally from?”

“Wales, it's a little east of England.”

“I know where it is, I've been there.”

“Oh.” She blushed. “Sorry, normally people give me blank looks when I say where.”

I grinned. So this little girl was British... Acting on impulse, I pointed at her trench coat when we stood up. “Your skirt coat is crooked.”

“Oh bugger,” Hayate went to fix it but stopped when I broke into laughter. Her cheeks colored darkly and she looked at me in an expression that crossed horror and embarrassment. “D-don't make me say things!”

I took a breath to calm myself and shook my head. There was no way this cute little thing could possibly harm a fly. It was no wonder her Paladin record was so horrible. “Okay,” I grinned at her. “I'll be on my way then.” I turned to leave but found her grabbing my arm, pinching my clothing between her thumb and forefinger.

"Um..." She averted her eyes when I looked down at her blushing face. "Are you ...busy right now?"

"...No?"

"Want to... do something?"

I looked down at her red cheeks and fidgeting fingers. '....Uh oh.' I resisted the urge to face-palm.

[labpartner]

Originally Posted by Satashi

Spoiler for PopStar!Fate:

Spoiler for ficcy:

"Ready?" a stagehand asked the popstar standing just out of view of the roaring audience outside.

"Yeah," Fate swallowed nervously.

"Remember, you're opening for a huge concert, so pump them up and make sure they remember your name. Chrono won't be able to book you a chance like this again so make it count... No pressure."

"Gee, thanks." Fate swallowed thickly and gripped her microphone. A fluttering yellow dress hung loosely on her body but sparkled in the light, paired with high heeled boots that zipped up and shimmered. Ribbons were around her wrist and biceps and matching ones kept her hair in twintails.

He cue came and Fate took a deep breath before putting on a large smile and running onto the stage energetically.

~**~

Nanoha blinked, looking up at the girl on stage as she fumbled over her greeting. "Hey, who's that?"

Hayate thought about it. "I don't know, but she must be good to be opening tonight."

Arisa stopped cheering long enough to scold them. "If you have breath to talk, you can cheer for the main singer to come out!"

Nanoha looked up at the girl on stage, who was singing her first song. Despite sounding great and looking very pretty, most of the audence was chanting the name of the band she was opening for. 'I feel kind of sorry for her...' Nanoha thought to herself while trying to listen to the words of the song. 'And I can't shake this feeling that I've seen her somewhere before... College? No... that would be way too weird...' She watched the girl more, ignoreing the screaming around her. 'But... I feel like I know her' An image of a girl with glasses holding her books in her arms with a blush on her face came to mind. 'She's in my history class!'

@_@ wtf lol.

Request to continue! That's the super uber moe pose Fate steals from Ranka

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by labpartner

Request to continue! That's the super uber moe pose Fate steals from Ranka

XD sorry, was just a little teaser I wanted to get out of my head. If anyone wants it, feel free to take. Fate having a double life as a college student and a in-the-making singer.

P.S: Thank you for all the PMs regarding this. I'm going to answer them all at once here if you don't mind...

No, Angel and I didn't 'break up' XD XD XD. Angel is doing her summer thing at her parent's house and had her internship and she can't draw there because her tablet hates lappy-chan. Sataurial is still there MAybe we'll do something together when she gets home again.

[Raging Heart]

Originally Posted by Satashi

Vampire!Fate Collection. I need to add the following to a wordpad at home. Tried to PM it to myself but it'd take 3 PMS >.< so posting here for now ^////^

Spoiler for saving space:

I was fairly annoyed with the circumstances. I had taken Nanoha to the hospital while Caro contacted her family but the damn doctors wouldn't let me in the room because Nanoha "needed her rest and only family could go in". I was tempted to buy the whole damn building so I would have authority over them, but the paperwork would take too long...

As I sat outside of the room waiting, I heard Caro's voice come from the hallway. "She's this way, right?"

I looked up from my seat and froze in my tracks. Along with Caro were two people I didn't know, but assumed were Nanoha's parents. Besides that, I saw a short girl with brown hair walking with them. A familiar 'X' shaped hair clip was in her hair and her voice matched that exactly of the paladin that I had ran into not long before.

"Thanks again for coming, Hayate-san. I'm sorry we had to run off during your meeting with the youth group at the church."

Hayate smiled at the father and shook her head. "No problem, besides, I'd like to meet the daughter of the youth minister. She must be very nice." Her eyes turned to me and she stopped walking instantly.

"Hayate?" The man stopped as well and looked back at her, then at me.

Caro ran over to me and smiled. "Fate-san, how is Nanoha?"

"She's... she's okay I think. They won't tell me anything or let me in the room." I slowly turned my eyes from Hayate and knelt down to teh short pink haired girl. "Will you tell her I'm here for me?"

"Yup!" Caro nodded at me and I pointed at the door. When she ran off into it I stood and looked at the group. "Hello."

The woman looked curiously at me. "Hello. Are you Nanoha's friend?"

"Yes ma'am." I nodded and bowed to her politely. "My name is Fate Testarossa. I..."

Hayate stepped forward. "Hello, Fate. Did you come to visit Nanoha-chan?"

"I brought her here." I looked at them and trusted in the vibes coming from the short one that she wouldn't attack me. "Are you her parents?" They nodded and I smiled at them fondly. "I see where she got her good looks from," I flirted with the mother, getting an embarrassed blush and an approving grin from the father. "Go ahead and visit with her, I'll be out here."

They nodded and apologized briefly before they retreated into the room. Hayate excused herself a moment to talk to me and we stood outside the door facing each other....

---

I blinked and looked up from my hospital bed when the door opened. My parents shuffled in and closed the door behind them after having a small conversation with someone I couldn't see. My mother gave my a stuffed teddy bear that I promptly hugged to get some comfort for what was going to come. "Thank you," I told her while holding the plushie. "I'll name it Etaf."

My mom smiled at me lovingly before sitting by my bed. As there was only one chair, my father stood at my side and both looked down at me. "Hello," My dad started, eyes downcast.

"I'm fine," I stated at once. "I just had an attack. I can leave tomorrow."

"Maybe you should come back home," My mother, Momoko, began her normal routine and I sighed.

"Mom, really, I'm okay. It was just a moment. I've had them since I was little."

"If you wern't brought here you could have-"

I cut my father off. "Could have laid in bed groaning for a day and then gone to school like I will as soon as I leave. My exams are coming up. I'm not-"

"Made of glass, we know." Momoko took my hand. "Honey, the doctor said that you need to increase your doseage...."

"Oh great," I rolled my eyes. "Six pills for breakfast, yummy." Looking away, I frowned and would have crossed my arms if not for the fact my left one was being held.

"Sweetheart, I know it's hard but you can't afford to keep taking the risk by living on your own...."

"Mom, really."

"She's right, you have been in bed far too much recently."

"Dad, I have not!" I shook my head. "I have gone on dates and even bungee jumped!"

"What!?" Their word was said at the same time, making me flintch and fall back in bed, tired from my small outbreak.

"I'm living a normal college life," I informed them, getting tired. Even talking made me sleepy now it seemed. " Please. Really. I'll be okay."

A long silence came over the room before my dad changed the topic for me. "Who was the blondie outside?"

"Her? Oh that's Fate-chan. She's...." I thought about what to say. "A really close friend. She brought me here. She also looks after me at home and helps me run the bakery so I can study."

Momoko smiled at me. "Such a nice girl. Are you paying her properly?"

"Um... no, she won't accept money. She's... kind of a millionaire. Maybe more, I dunno. She does it for fun, but I pay her nephew, he helps too." I laughed nervously at their looks. "She's.... really really nice. She dresses a little weird, but don't let it fool you."

"Does she go to church?"

I grinned. "She wears a cross everywhere she goes."

My dad nodded. "I did see that... maybe she is a nice girl aftera--"

A crash and explosion rang from outside my room and I sat up quickly in shock, then felt lightheaded and almost passed out. My mom jumped to my side as my dad ran out the door.

"Hayate, what happened!?"

I could barely make out a semi-familiar girl in the hallway through my hazed vision. "Ummm... " She scratched the back of her head and laughed nervously. "A trolly-bed-thing-a-ma-jigger just slid out of control and crashed through that window down there..."

"And the fire!?" My dad almost shouted as people ran to douse it.

"Um.... I don't know?" The girl started to sweatdrop.

I groaned in pain and felt my mom lean me back in bed. "I want to see Fate-chan..."

My dad came back in the room with the other girl, who I could swear I've seen before. "The blond? She wasn't out there anymore."

The short brown haired girl looked at me and our eyes locked.

For some reason I felt weird....

---

My parents and the new girl came into my room and closed the door for some privacy. My dad motioned towards the short female beside him and made the introductions for me. "Nanoha," He started. "This is Yagami Hayate, she just joined our youth group at church. Hayate, this is my daughter, Nanoha."

"Pleased to meet you." Hayate spoke to me a little nervously, bowing down.

"Have we... met before?" I looked at her harder, wracking my brain to place it. I know I've seen her... but it's so foggy!

"Ahaha... I've come in your bakery before."

Oh, was that it? I nodded at her and was about to say something along the lines of welcome to our church group but my doctor chose that time to come back in the room. "Hello, Nanoha. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," I replied just like always.

The man gave me a look and I knew right then that I wasn't about to enjoy the next part. He glanced at Hayate and then my father, who nodded. I didn't mind, all of the church knew about me, and she was here to wish me well anyway... "WEll," The man continued. "I'm sorry to say that Nanoha's condition has worsened..."

"I'm fine," I interrupted meekly, but was ignored.

"Her lungs are starting to get weak... have you had trouble breathing lately?"

I thought back to my few coughing spells and spitting up blood a few days ago. "No," I lied.

"Nanoha." My mom's voice made me look down sadly.

"... A little." I spoke again, voice soft.

The doctor continued. "Have you had any blood in your mouth?" The corners of my lips twitched lightly at one reply I could have given to that, but instead I simply nodded. "I see... As I told your parents, I want to increase your medication... Also, you will need to increase the frequency of your liquid medicin."

"not more shots," I groaned.

"I'm sorry. Just twice a week now." He sighed. "Nanoha... This is your health, you must take it seriously."

I nodded sadly. "I know, I don't need to be reminded I'm dieing."

"You won't die unless you don't follow our orders. Take your pills twice a day and the shots twice a week. Doing so will ensure your body doesn't shut down."

I suddenly got a little annoyed. "My body is getting used to your pills! I'm making myself sick by taking so many!"

The man kept his cool and gave me a moment to calm down before speaking again. "I know... I'm sorry, but this is all we can do... If it gets any worse, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to stay in the hospital indefinetly."

I felt my throat get tight. I knew Lupis was serious but... Being bedridden indefinetly!? No...

My mom gave me a hug. "Don't worry, Sweetie..."

I shook my head. "I'm fine. Really. I'll be okay." The doctor nodded at my father and got one in return. Taking my mother's hand, he went outside with them, probably to talk about finances. As if we wern't broke enough as it is...

"So," Hayate sat down next to me and I blushed, having forgotten that she was even there. "Do you go through this often?"

I smiled lightly. "They think I'm made of glass, I'll be just fine."

"That's good," She laughed lightly and looked down at her hands. "Um... The youth group were going to get you a fruit basket but they were out...so..." She blushed and took out a shiny apply from her purse. "I picked this up on the way, shall I peel it for you?"

"I like the peel, but I wouldn't mine if you cut it?" I smiled at the thoughtful move.

Hayate nodded and took out a pocket knife. "Don't worry, it's clean." It flipped out smoothly and she slowly started quartering it. "So, Lupis was it?"

I nodded. "Mmn. It basically slowly destroys your body. I mainly have lung problems and weak muscles. In a nutshell it means my body breaks apart from the inside out."

"That's so sad..." She fumbled in her coring and looked down, almost as if she were upset.

"Don't worry, I'll be okay." I shook my head. "Lupis is serious but I'm taking medicine for it...though I think my parents are having a really hard time paying..." Sighing, I looked at my sheet covered lap. I used to think about just giving up but... I met Fate-chan. She's a really sweet girl, I saw her out in hte hallway, did you talk to her?"

"Ah, um," Hayate looked at her project and started turning the quarters into eighths. "I talked briefly to her..."

I nodded. "Yeah... She's special I guess you could say. She made me want to keep trying."

"...She must really mean something to you, huh?" Hayate sounded rather sad.

"Yeah... Oh, I'm sorry, we just met and I'm rambling on and on!" I smiled at her. "Tell me something about yourself? We could be good friends, I think."

Hayate opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, looking at the food she was holding. "Right now... I'm not really sure."

"Hm?" I pried gently, giving her a choice to continue or change the subject.

Hayate looked over at me once more. "Have you ever questioned what you were doing? Like something you've done all your life only to doubt it later?"

"I have." I don't know what was bothering this cute shortie of a girl but I felt like she needed some cheering up, more so than me. "My religion. I was taught the same thing all my life, but once I was out in hte world and could think for myself... I realized that what I was told wasn't always the truth. I guess you could say that asking questions and doubting things can give you an opertunity to find out what you really want for yourself."

The girl looked at me for a long time before standing. "I'm sorry, Nanoha, I need to go. I just remembered that the doctor said not to feed you anything." She dumped the sliced apple into her purse unceremoniously and quickly walked to the door. Her hand paused at the knob and she turned to look back at me. "Oh, I forgot. Fate-chan said something about going to a bar tongiht... could you tell her I'd like to meet her there?"

I nodded at her curiously. "Sure. It was nice meeting you."

"You too." She smiled at me and left the room.

Leaning back in my bed, I chewed on her words. The doctor never said anything about giving me food, I wonder what was-

Fate burst into the door and stormed over to me, black smears littering her torn and burnt clothing, smelling strangely of gasoline. "Fate-chan!?"

"Nanoha!" Fate looked at me seriously. "Did you eat anything!?"

"N-no?" I sank back, a little scared at her snarling and panicked voice.

"Nothing? Anything at all!? A piece of gum, a drink, anything!?"

I shook my head, "No, Hayate-chan was doing an apple for me but she decided not to give it and-"

"Oh thank god," Fate fell on me and hugged me close. "I was so worried!"

"Worried?" I awkwardly pet the girl. "FAte-chan, what happened to you?"

She held me closer and sniffed, almost crying onto my chest. "It's a long story... I'm just glad you're alright...."

--- Fate ---

I hopped off my bike and looked around the area sharply before making my way past the long line of people waiting to get into the club known as the Roxburry. The bouncer stepped infront of me to block my path but after I gave him a smile he stepped back and made a small minute long conversation with me before I was allowed in.

The music was loud, as always, and the place seemed to be rather packed tonight. I guess they let in more than they should have. Hope a fire marshal isn't around anywhere...

I made my way to the bar and noticed a short girl sitting on a stool with a vacant on next to her. Short brown hair was slightly visible coming from her floppy white hat and between the collar of her white leather trench coat.

Nanoha had told me everything about what happened with the girl and I was slightly confused by it. Signum had told me that Nanoha was going to be poisoned but it seems that the girl couldn't go through with it. Adding in the details from our last encounter, I was interested in what the woman had to say.

I sat down next to her and felt her look at me. At first I had thought that she made people leave me a seat open by sending death glares to them but it turns out, judging by her embarrassed look, that she had probably been asking them politely to save the seat for her friend.

Alton came up to me and gave me a glass of whiskey with a few ice cubes and nodded at me. I nodded back and brought the glass to my lips and sipped it. "You wanted to see me?" I asked casually, making her nervous. This was probably her first meeting with someone she was supposed to fight against.

"Yes." She nodded and took a drink of her daiquiri, smacking her lips. I couldn't help a small giggle come from my throat and she blushed darkly. "Shut up."

"I didn't say anything." I turned and leaned against the bar and looked out on the danceclub. "You have guts coming to my hunting ground."

"This place is the source for many vampires."

"Only me and the idiots," I countered her. "The smart ones leave this place alone."

"...I see..." Hayate looked down and I got the vibe that I had just told her something that countered what she was told previously.

"Why didn't you do your job?"

Hayate kept facing the bar and stared into her drink. "She's a human..."

"They told you to kill her while Signum killed me, didn't they?"

"How did you know?"

"You just told me." I couldn't frown, despite the grim words. "This is two times you have spared her." She stayed silent and took another drink. She tried not to make any indication that she wasn't used to alcohol but her plan failed when she coughed slightly. "How long," I wondered. "Have you been a paladin?"

"All my life."

"Then why do you suck at it so much?"

She turned and glared at me and I once again noticed that she didn't have any fear in her eyes. "I'm not going to kill humans, just vampire scum!"

"Am I scum?" My voice softened and I turned to look at her. "I just want to live and take care of Nanoha."

"You just want her blood."

"I don't drink from her." Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. "She's really sick, I hate the taste."

"Then why-"

"Because she's special." I cut her off and took another drink. "I'm pretty sure I know what you've been told. Not all Vampires are like that, but most are. Blindly hunting and killing makes you no better than a murderer."

"I don't-"

"I know." I grinned at her startled face. "You're different."

She looked at me a moment and then sighed. "I want to ask you something."

"Yes?"

Hayate stayed silent a moment more. "If I told you I was assigned to kill you, what would you say?"

"That you were sent to die, just like Tia."

She nodded softly. "I get the same feeling somehow." Hayate's shoulders sagged. "But why...?"

"I don't know," I finished the glass and sat it on the counter, along with a few hundred dollar bills to take care of my tab. "Your drinks tonight are on me."

"But-"

"Hayate," I faced her and reached over to fix her crooked collar under her trench coat. "Find what you want in life and do it. Just because you are a paladin doesn't mean you need to throw your life away needlessly." I smiled at her.

Hayate's face reddened and she swallowed thickly, trying to still her beating heart.

~**~

NAnoha opened her eyes slowly and looked at me after a few moments. "Hey there," I greeted her softly. "Good morning."

She smiled and yawned. "I had the strangest dream last night."

"Oh?"

"Yeah..." Nanoha sat up in her hospital bed and rubbed her eyes. "There were lots of little girls with huge guns and buffaloes everywhere."

"Buffaloes?" I blinked.

"Mmn. Buffaloes."

I felt her forehead. "Maybe you're taking too many meds..."

Nanoha giggled. "They've been in my dreams since I was little."

I gave her a light chuckle. "Weirdo."

---

With Nanoha resting in the hospital and Erio helping out at the bakery, I found myself with another day to kill by myself. I took the opportunity to grocery shop for Nanoha again but that only took up a little bit of the morning. Now it was lunch time and I was rather bored.

I decided to go to a little street corner place that I knew of in favor of a hot dog to take away my hunger. I left my bike parked at Nanoha's bakery and strolled on the sidewalk to burn some more time. It didn't take too terribly long to reach my goal, but then again I could probably walk to the other side of town and consider it a short walk...

The man knew me and made small conversation while preparing my usual combination: polish sausage with relish, mayonnaise, mustard, onions, and crushed potato chips. After a hefty tip and being talked into buying a Dr.Pepper to 'ward off the summer's heat', I walked outside the building to the very small sitting area outside. My favorite place to sit was taken so I looked around briefly before settling my eyes on a short haired girl sipping on a milkshake. She was wearing a white leather trench coat with a small black dress under it that rode very high on her thighs. A really cute newsboy cap was lopsided on her head and she was chewing on the straw in her mouth while blankly looking across the street. A smirk came to my lips and I crashed down next to her and crossed my legs.

Hayate yelped lightly and looked at me in shock. One hand was already on her necklace while the other was gripping the top of the chair she was sitting in. From the position I could tell that she was ready to leap back at a moment's notice, hit me with the chair in the process, and form her staff. Although I was impressed, fighting wasn't what was on my mind. "Your bodyguards not around?" I asked lightly before taking a bite of my meal.

The girl stared at me for a almost a full minute and I was on my second bite before she finally replied. "What are you doing here?"

"Eating lunch." She almost fell over at my response. Poor thing probably never had anyone be a smart-ass to her. After I did some research on the girl, I found out she was actually a highly skilled Paladin who, with her guards, have taken out a slightly less than impressive amount of vampires. "What are you doing here?" I pondered back at her. "Drinking a milkshake?"

"How did you know?" I looked at her blankly and she glanced at the drink in her hand. "Sh-shut up!"

"You know," I took a drink from my bottle and sighed thankfully at the taste. "For being a paladin held in high regards for her skill, you sure are a ditz sometimes."

"I'll hit you!"

"Go ahead." I went to take another bite of my hot dog but found myself clocked upside the skull. "What did you do that for!?" I shouted at her loudly.

"You said I could," she challenged with a smirk.

I liked that smirk. It looked good on her.

"So I did." I took the bite I was going for and spoke around a full mouth. "Do it again and I'll rip your hand off." Even though it was a threat, she caught my playful meaning, and after a moment, Hayate reluctantly sat down normally. "You didn't answer me."

"Huh?"

"My question: what are you doing?"

"...I'm hungry." Hayate sipped.

"Then why not get food? You on a diet?"

She sighed. "I left my purse at home and only had enough on me for-" She blushed and glared at me. "That's none of your business."

I grinned. Wow, this girl was fun! "Here," I offered her a bite of my hot dog "Have a bite."

"I don't eat after Vampires." Her stomach growled at her words.

"Afraid you'll get cooties?" I teased her.

"Shut up." She glared across the street.

I got up from the chair and went back to my friend, purchasing a plain hot dog and walking back to Hayate, placing it in front of her. "Eat."

"I don't need a Vampire's help."

"I gave you my name, Hayate." I took another bite of my meal and her stomach growled again.

It took her a moment but she did finally start eating my offered meal after putting a few things on it offered on the table. Her first few bites were quick, showing that she really was hungry, but she slowed down soon enough to offer me a small thanks. "Why are you so nice, Fate?"

For some reason it felt good to hear her say my name. "I'm not really; sometimes I can be pretty mean. Just ask Signum."

Hayate glared at me a moment before softening. "She did attack you when I told her not to...I guess I owe you an apology."

"Nah, it was a good work out." My words made her fluster, but we both knew that I had won that fight. I healed overnight but Signum would probably be cursing for a day or three. "So, Little Pally, have you thought about your future?"

Hayate looked down at her food and slowly chewed. This was obviously a big time in her life and she had a lot to think about. Me... Well, I've been alive for so long I counted my age by every hundred years. I had learned the value of patience the hard way. Now I was content to eat with my enemy until she made up her mind on what to do. I was confident she couldn't kill me, though I would probably be more dead than alive if I fought all her guardians and her at the same time. Alive, yes, but in a world of hurt. If I could avoid that, I'd like it very much.

Silence passed over us for a while longer and finally the girl spoke again after slurping the last of her drink. "I don't want to fight you."

"Thanks." I downed the rest of my drink as well.

Hayate looked down and sighed. "What am I going to tell my leader?"

"That you don't want to die?" She glared at me and I shrugged. "I'm sorry, but if you try and kill me, I'm not just going to take it, you know?" My aloofness must have settled her and she looked away again.

"If I go against their orders I'll be expelled from the paladins."

"So? Better than dieing."

"They'll send someone to kill me.... Like they sent Tia to die when she...did whatever she did to displease them."

"They would even kill their fighters..." I crunched the empty bottle in my hand and growled. "Pathetic. Why would you work for people like that!?"

Hayate averted her eyes. "They told me-"

"To hell with what they told you!" I slammed my fist on the table and she jumped, looking at me in shock. "People weren't meant to live thinking only what they have been told!" I fought back the imagine of a man with long blond hair smiling at me in his white sparkling armor and gold crosses. "You have the right to choose!"

"Fate..." She looked speechless.

"Hayate. If they try to hurt you from this decision, then I will protect you." I put my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "I promise."

Her cheeks turned a dark red and she stumbled over her words. "Ah. um, No, I mean..."

"Relax," I tried to sooth her. She must be getting all worked up about making such an important decision.

She stayed silent a moment more and then looked up at me, eyes finally showing a little fear. "If I trust you... will you not back stab me?"

I took a knife from my boot and placed it into her hand and then the tip against my breast. "I'll trust you right now, so you trust me later." I let go of her hand.

Hayate looked at me for a few moments and then slowly took the knife away and placed it into her lap. "I trust you."

"Good." I took a napkin and a pen that just happen to be laying on the table, probably from someone before us. "Here is my number. Call me later okay?"

"O-okay..." Hayate was red again and fumbled when I gave it to her. "Um... want my number?"

"Sure." She listed it off and I put it into my cell phone. "Got it... Say you have a really cute accent.”

Hayate blinked. “Oh? I do seem to get that a lot. Some people make fun of it.”

I couldn't help but chuckle. Her shortness along with that accent did make her look rather... cute and innocent. Hard to believe she was a paladin. “Where are you originally from?”

“Wales, it's a little east of England.”

“I know where it is, I've been there.”

“Oh.” She blushed. “Sorry, normally people give me blank looks when I say where.”

I grinned. So this little girl was British... Acting on impulse, I pointed at her trench coat when we stood up. “Your skirt coat is crooked.”

“Oh bugger,” Hayate went to fix it but stopped when I broke into laughter. Her cheeks colored darkly and she looked at me in an expression that crossed horror and embarrassment. “D-don't make me say things!”

I took a breath to calm myself and shook my head. There was no way this cute little thing could possibly harm a fly. It was no wonder her Paladin record was so horrible. “Okay,” I grinned at her. “I'll be on my way then.” I turned to leave but found her grabbing my arm, pinching my clothing between her thumb and forefinger.

"Um..." She averted her eyes when I looked down at her blushing face. "Are you ...busy right now?"

"...No?"

"Want to... do something?"

I looked down at her red cheeks and fidgeting fingers. '....Uh oh.' I resisted the urge to face-palm.

cool Fate POV and Nanoha's well i love it.

but i am not sure if you can do the three of them; Nanoha, Fate and Hayate.

will it be hard for you if you do the three of them in one chapter.

damn if i am doing three, i will get a mass of thoughts and ideas who i stick for one or two, three is max for me i can't go there.

you know what do as you see is ok with you.

if you want to write POV for: Nanoha, Fate and Hayate together it's always up to you Satashi, no one but you.

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by Raging Heart

cool Fate POV and Nanoha's well i love it.

but i am not sure if you can do the three of them; Nanoha, Fate and Hayate.

will it be hard for you if you do the three of them in one chapter.

damn if i am doing three, i will get a mass of thoughts and ideas who i stick for one or two, three is max for me i can't go there.

you know what do as you see is ok with you.

if you want to write POV for: Nanoha, Fate and Hayate together it's always up to you Satashi, no one but you.

Vampire!Fate is a "short" and I don't plan it out at all. I sit adn write and post, the end :P

Only people who may get confused are the readers lol

For real, though, I do V!F for fun only, so it won't hinder me at all :3

[Raging Heart]

Originally Posted by Satashi

Vampire!Fate is a "short" and I don't plan it out at all. I sit adn write and post, the end :P

Only people who may get confused are the readers lol

For real, though, I do V!F for fun only, so it won't hinder me at all :3

ok then as long it will not be hard on you.

get to tell say this, you are awesome writing; even you write NanoFate or Vivio/Syn i like your work and still read them, keep going.

[Seraph42]

Originally Posted by Raging Heart

get to tell say this, you are awesome writing; even you write NanoFate or Vivio/Syn i like your work and still read them, keep going.

I Completely agree, but I do have one Question for you Satashi: Are you ever going to finish 6th Division book III - REDEMPTION?

Hopefully you haven't abandoned it, since its one of my favorites , but if you have ( ) Oh well, at least i have Vampire!Fate to look forward to

[TheShinySword]

Originally Posted by Seraph42

I Completely agree, but I do have one Question for you Satashi: Are you ever going to finish 6th Division book III - REDEMPTION?

Hopefully you haven't abandoned it, since its one of my favorites , but if you have ( ) Oh well, at least i have Vampire!Fate to look forward to

I second this. *Dramatic pose* You left Nanoha blind and helpless how can you leave your readers in the dark for so-
Someone off screen: Magical Babysitter Lyrical Zafira
...
nevermind.


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