Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Series or its Characters.

A/N: Re-edited 10/22, please check out the sequel to this story if you haven't yet. Reviews are always appreciated.

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Chapter One: Families Unite and Tumble

LAX Airport, March1, 20xx

Hayate Yagami and her cousins were arriving for the marriage of her cousin and their brother Zafira's wedding to the Testarossa Corp President Arf Testarossa. Zafira had moved to the U.S. the previous year to live with his fiancée and the family was excited to celebrate the upcoming union. At first everyone had questioned what Arf and Zafira could possibly have in common but it was increasing clear to anyone who saw them together the normally shrewish Arf and taciturn Zafira brought out the best in each other.

"Are we really going to get to meet the American Angels?" Hayate asked for seemingly the 100th time as they walked down the disembark aisle from the aircraft.

The busty blonde walking behind her replied, "Yes Hayate-chan, I believe Alicia and Arf will be meeting us and we will be staying at the main family residence so we should have quite a number of opportunities to speak with both of them."

The small red-headed child walking next to Hayate grabbed a hold of the bouncing girl and grumbled something about not embarrassing them. The exuberant brunette laughed and poked the smaller girl on the cheek, "Come on Vita-chan I know you're excited too, we all know you love watching all those action films Fate-san makes."

"Hmm, I think I see them over there," a deep alto voice broke through the babble.

The group made their way over to two tall women standing off side from the exiting crowd. One was a young blonde with hair streaming down to her waist the other was a fiery redhead. The redhead walked forward and hugged the two older women of the arriving group first then greeted the children.

"How was your trip? Are you all hungry? Let's get your luggage and get home so we can get you all settled," she rambled in excitement, joyful in seeing her fiancé's family and their evident acceptance.

Arf turned to her cousin and began introductions, "Alicia let me introduce you to Zafira's family, this is Dr. Shamal Wolkenritter and Signum Wolkenritter," pointing to the older two women then gestured to the younger of the two girls first, "and this is Vita Wolkenritter, they are Zafira's sisters and this is Hayate Yagami his cousin."

Alicia stepped forward and shook hands with each and made warm greetings and gestures about welcoming them to the family. She then led them off to the luggage retrieval and helped them collect their baggage. She was happily outlining the necessary tasks that still needed to be completed before the wedding and was talking about how lovely she was sure the event would be. The group then set off for their parked vehicle, it was a Cadillac Escalade with all black leather interior. Vita whistled when she saw the gleaming vehicle. It was painted a glossy black with neon yellow lightning bolt trim and had darkly tinted windows.

Arf laughed at the reaction and stated, "It's one of Fate's babies. She's lending it to me so we can get everyone transported around town."

They loaded everything into the vehicle and set off with Arf driving. She pointed out sights along the way until they came up to an imposing costal property. She pulled the SUV up to the gates and then punched in a security code and they swung open. "Welcome to Testarossa House," she said with a happy chirrup to her voice. "This property has been in the family for over 120 years, we own most of the surrounding area so we have been able to keep it fairly undeveloped and private."

As the vehicle made its way up the winding driveway the younger girls stared out at the lush landscaping and off in the distance the deep blue of the ocean. Hayate suddenly got nervous, could her cousin really have captured the heart of a woman who grew up in such splendor? She hadn't always liked Arf, when they first met she had been tempted to sabotage the relationship since the woman tended to talk down to her and her cousins. It hadn't taken long though for everyone to realize the tone she used was not because she thought any less of them but how she protected herself from people trying to take advantage of her and her position.

Arf had lived the first 32 years of her life trying to avoid being used by men whose main objective had been secure her wealth. Once Arf became more accustomed to her lover's family's openness she began to see she could trust them and had shown a remarkable aptitude for protectiveness over all of them and had made it as her goal to forward each of them in their own objectives. Hayate had a passion for clothes design and Arf had introduced her to a number of mentors in Japan. Vita though still only twelve years old had a obsession with automobiles and Arf and found her books and other materials which would allow the girl to get a better idea of how vehicles were designed, manufactured, customized and maintained. With Signum and Shamal she found ways to secure grants from various other companies to help in their research in artificial joint replacement and rehabilitation therapies. Everything seemed to be coming up roses since they had somehow earned the woman's trust but how long would this last?

The SUV pulled up in front of the wide double doors of the palatial home and they all began to exit the vehicle, the girls suddenly anxious about entering a house that obviously would contain things worth more than their own home. Arf went to help the children with their bags and Alicia went to the door to unlock the door and announce their arrival. The visiting family trooped over to the door and entered the residence to be greeted by a middle aged blonde man with burgundy eyes and a teal haired woman.

Alicia stepped forward and introduced the couple. "Everyone this is my father Malcolm Testarossa and this is Lindy Harlaown a close family friend and employee."

Each of the visitors stepped forward and introduced themselves then Lindy stated she would be leaving as she had work back at the office but would be back later that evening with her sons for the dinner party. Hayate was trying to place the woman then gasped when she realized they had just met the mother of the other most famous celebrity twins, Clyde Jr. a.k.a CJ and Chrono Harlaown. Hayate was beginning to think she was going to pass out at the thought of meeting the two handsome actors.

Arf seeing Hayate's face walked over to the girl and kindly said, "They're just people Hayate, old family friends so don't freak out. Hmm…well maybe I should warn you CJ is a bit strange, he likes to play practical jokes on people but Chrono is a good boy and normally keeps him inline."

Alicia harrumphed at this and coolly replied, "CJ isn't strange. He is unique and very lovable."

Arf smiled at this defense and muttered under her breathe something about love being blind.

She then turned to the group and in an attempt to change the subject said, "Let's get you all settled, I'm sure you will want to wash up and rest before everyone gets here tonight for the dinner."

After each of the guests were settled into their respective rooms Arf came back down stairs to talk with her uncle about the coming event. The staff was handling the cooking of the large sit down dinner for twelve persons. The guests for the evening would be the visiting three Wolkenritters and Yagami, Lindy and her two sons, Amy Limietta the boys' manager, Arf, Zafira, Malcolm and Alicia. Fate was still on location in Arizona for a film and would not be home for another week.

After a shower and a quick nap each the visitors felt refreshed and made their way down to the main living room where they first met their host. Delectable smells of cooking food was wafting in the air. Malcolm took this time while waiting for their other guests to serve mixed drinks to the elders and fruit drinks to the girls then had the staff arrange small snacks to tide them over until dinner. The elder gentleman looked over his attractive female visitors and started in on questions on their lives and little anecdotes to lighten the mood.

Arf had explained to the elder Wolkenritters that while she had no issues with their marriage or homosexuality her cousin Alicia did and she asked them with more than a hint of embarrassment to hide their relationship in order to preserve the peace for the wedding. So when Malcolm started in with questions of if the women had husbands and received a negative he began talking of introducing them to potential husbands they both found the conversation uncomfortable. Vita was squirming during this conversation and on the edge of blurting out that they were married and didn't need husbands. So when Alicia reentered the room and announced the arrival of the Harlaown family and their manager it came as a welcome distraction. The next few minutes were filled with introductions and good natured jokes from CJ who seemed to know Hayate was in awe of him. Then when Zafira finally arrived the group went into the cavernous dining room and was presented with a mountain of good food and drink.

The evening looked to be going off without a hitch when CJ ever observant asked with all innocence how long Signum and Shamal had been together. The atmosphere changed from warm and engaging to one of high tension. Alicia looked over at the women in question and in a voice cold as ice asked if what CJ had said was true. Signum who was not happy with the ruse met her eyes and stated they were married and had been for nearly 10 years. Alicia then proceeded to castigate them for their unnatural relationship and Arf for inviting them into the family home. CJ at this got up and tried to calm the situation he had unwittingly unleashed. Alicia screamed at him for his betrayal in supporting them and raged on at everyone for disregarding her feelings in her own home. At this Arf and Zafira collected his family and decided it would be best to have them stay at a hotel until things were calmed down.

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Three days later and Alicia was calling for Arf's resignation from Testarossa Corp if she did not break off her engagement. Luckily she did not have the pull to force this as she only owned 11% of the company and even with her father's 31% strong armed to her opinion she could not force her out without Fate's agreement. Fate had been called by Arf the night of the debacle and explained the situation worried what the results this would have on the ceremony planned at the family residence. Fate in turn told her to stay strong and she would come home as soon as she could to fix things. Alicia in the meantime was trying to cancel everything ordered for the wedding and was in the process of packing up all of Arf's belongings so she could ship them to wherever the traitor would soon reside.

Hayate and Vita were sitting on the veranda of their hotel suite when they heard a knock on the door. Arf and Zafira had been talking with the maligned married couple in the main room, so Arf got up to answer the door. When the door swung open a strawberry blond was standing in the doorway, burgundy eyes taking in the haggard appearance of her cousin. Arf rushed forward and threw her arms around the young woman crying out her name.

Fate caught her and held her close whispering into her hair it was all going to be alright. Fate pulled her into the room and led her to the couch next to Zafira and sat them down. Fate looked over to Zafira and gave him a crooked smile that seemed to reassure the uneasy man.

She gently pushed Arf up and looked her in eye, "Ne Arf, what's all this blubbering about. I know you are much stronger than this, it's not like you to let anyone push you around, not even Alicia."

The blue eyed woman huffed and drew herself up, "You're right, I've just never seen Alicia like that. It hurts so much to have your own blood lash out at you like this."

Fate stood up and cocking her head saw the two girls staring in, she lifted her hand and motioned for them to enter. They walked over and stood close to their elders unsure of what was going to happen next.

The burgundy eyed girl looked each of the family members in the eye then bowed low to them and in a voice of humility, "I am so sorry for my sister's behavior. She had no right to say the things she did to you. I hope you will not think all of the Testarossa family is so ignorant and bigoted. I hope I will be able to convince my sister to apologize to all of you soon. In the mean time please believe me that I will do all I can to make sure the wedding goes forward as planned. I love both Arf and Zafira so there is nothing I will not do to make sure they are happy."

Signum stood up and faced the younger woman seeming to x-raying her very soul with her blue eyed glare. Normally no one could withstand such an onslaught and would look away or begin to fidget and sweat. Fate though stared back with open honesty as she was not one normally to be intimidated or bullied by anyone publicly. Signum read her as a person of great personal strength and integrity and nodded her agreement. The blonde smiled warmly and turned to the others who seemed surprised at the turn of events.

The six women and Zafira then decided to go out to eat and discuss how things would be handled. When Fate heard of Alicia's demand for Arf's resignation her brow furrowed and growled 'stupid girl' under her breath. Shamal worried asked if Alicia could force Arf from her position.

Fate sat back and with a disgusted look replied, "She'd have to kill me first, I own 48% of Testarossa Corp, she can't force her out even with father's support, they only own 42% between them and I know Arf isn't about to vote herself out of office. If Alicia thinks she can strong arm me into kicking out the most competent President Testarossa Corp has ever had she has another thing coming."

"You're the majority stock holder in the company?!" Hayate squeaked in disbelief. "I thought your father would be. We have been freaking out that this whole thing had ruined Arf's life."

The blonde blinked, "Ha! Between Arf and me we have turned the company from a 2nd tier production company to number one in the industry. I have pumped every dollar I've earned into growing the company under Arf's direction. Arf learned everything she knows from our grandfather and has degrees in contract and business law along with business management so we have more leverage in negotiation. There is no way father could have ever handled the running of the business, he is too weak willed and is so easily swayed by pretty-faced hot-bodied females to be taken seriously."

"Fate, don't say such things about your father, even if they are true." Arf sighed.

After dinner Fate left the family to begin her battle of wills against her sister and father. When she arrived at the family home she girded herself and walked into the house. The sound of rustling and heavy breathing could be heard as she walked down the hall. Fate looked into the living room and found Alicia pushing boxes across the carpet, their father sitting on the couch watching with a glass of liquor resting in his hand. For a moment she couldn't understand what she was seeing then realization hit her like a sledgehammer. Alicia was packing Arf's personal effects in the insane belief that would force the older woman to concede to her irrational demands.

"It would better for you to pack your own stuff," righteous anger dripping with every word.

Alicia looked up and flinched at the anger and tense muscles of her twin, it was clear Fate wasn't going to go along with her willingly. With a coolness she didn't feel she said, "So I suppose you think I'm wrong and are here to convince me to let her get away with disgracing our family. Considering you're just as unnatural as those women she brought home."

"Well I have tried to convince you for years that there is nothing wrong with that kind of relationship and haven't made a dent so I won't waste my time or breath. I will tell you that if you don't get your head out of your ass about this I will leave Testarossa Corp and become a free agent. I wonder what that will do to your career and the company. I can't help but also wonder what the press would think if you let this become a very public family feud."

The crouching woman winched at her sister's words, "You wouldn't. You have too much invested in the family company to throw that away."

"Do you really think I care about my wealth or the company, if I have to choose between my conscience and money, I choose standing by Arf and her new family. I swear you are letting your own bigoted ideals ruin your relationship with our one relation who has always taken care of us. When did you become so blind to what's important, Arf deserves to be happy. Hell, it's not like she is marrying another woman. Zafira's sister is a good woman and so is her wife, there is no shame in having them as family. They work hard and have strong family bonds. Goddamn it Alicia, they earned Arf's trust and loyalty and you know how hard that is."

The other girl turned away from the obvious truth in her sister's words and decided to gamble one more throw, "What if this marriage affects our reputation, you know how rigid our fans in the Bible-belt are, it could be guilt by association. Even you recognized how important appearances are and have held off exposing yourself."

"Alicia if you don't shut up about the fans and so-called morality I swear I will expose myself, there are plenty of women out there who would be happy to make-out with me publicly."

The other blonde girl's jaw dropped at this threat and turned to their father for the first time for support. Fate turned to the man also and with venom spat, "Grow a pair Father! Tell the princess she isn't going to get her way this time. I'm sick and tired of listening to her bullshit and you enabling her behavior, it's no wonder our mother left."

At this her father paled and Alicia jumped up to slap Fate. Fate caught her wrist and pulled her forward so they were nose to nose.

"I am giving you twenty-four hours to apologize to Arf, Zafira and his family after that you better be ready for a real media circus," she growled then she released her arm pushing her away and turned on her heel to walk back out the door.

Fate made it to her car, her body violently shaking as soon as the car door closed. She rested her head against the steering wheel. Pleading silently with any god listening, 'Please, please, let this go right. I don't know if I have the strength to truly defy them, who would I be if I did?'

The next morning Alicia was at the hotel suite and was making her apologies to the family and making promises that the wedding would still be held at the family home with all the fanfare they could muster. Fate was sitting on the couch the entire time, eyes sharp and jaw clenched at first then relaxing when the apology was accepted. It was suggested the Wolkenritters return to Testarossa House but this was declined. After Alicia made her escape Fate turned to Arf and Zafira and reached into her pocket for a set of keys. She deftly threw the keys to Zafira who caught them with equal dexterity. "What's this?" he asked in his low rumbling voice.

"Think of it as an early wedding present, I don't think either of you are eager to live with the in-laws after this after all." She gave her signature crooked smile and winked at the couple.

Arf looked at the keys and blanched, "You have got to be kidding me, the beach house? Fate you love that house!"

"Don't give me any false protests now. I already had the title transferred to your name so just be a good girl and accept it."

Standing up Fate pulled the older woman into a hug. The red-head shook her head as she gripped her young cousin in a bear hug.

"Fate, are you sure about this? I mean that house belonged to your mother, it's not part of the Testarossa estate that Arf would even have a right to," a gruff voice questioned, and Fate could see Zafira's eyes full of concern.

"Zafira, Arf has been a mother and sister to me all my life, if anyone in the world should own that house besides me it has to be her. I want you two to have a nice little love nest to come home to and give me a parcel of kids to spoil."

The gruff man turned an amazing shade of red at this and his fiancée laughed as she strode over to him and planted a warm kiss on his lips. A gagging noise erupted from Vita at the public display of affection. The young blonde walked over to the child and leaned over to ruffle her hair and tease her over her reaction. Vita struggled to escape her grasp but was quickly scooped up and twirled around then sat back on her feet to stand woozily.

"Don't knock love Hot Stuff, before you know it you'll be making goo-goo eyes at someone too."

Hayate laughed at her younger cousin and looked at Fate with appreciation. She had felt like her world had been flipped topsy-turvy when Alicia had thrown her tantrum and so rudely evicted her own cousin, how could one of your idols fall so hard? But Fate was exactly what she had appeared to be; warm, loving, loyal and generous.

It was then with Fate's bright burgundy eyes on her that she in a fluster blurted out, "What happened to your hair?"

The older girl grinned running her hand through her locks, "Ah, a left over from my last film, I'll need to get the dye remover to wash out the color. I decided to leave it so everyone could clearly differentiate me from Alicia, being identical sometimes can be difficult when your mirror image is causing trouble."

Hayate thought about it and despite having seen both sisters nearly side by side she hadn't really thought about them looking identical. Fate had a more muscular build and her face seemed to more sensual and expressive. How she could have ever thought they were prefect copies of each other when watching films or looking at photos she would never understand.

"I don't think you look exactly alike, I think it would be pretty easy to tell you apart."

The blonde smiled at that and seemed for a moment to glow with satisfaction.

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The next few weeks passed in a dizzy of errands and appointments with various service providers. The younger blonde twin having returned to her normal appearance was often their chauffer and would make sure they took side jaunts to explore the many sites of interest locally. Hayate and Vita soon found themselves completely under her spell and would beg and plead to stay with her as much as possible. When the big day finally arrived it went off without a hitch and the new couple left for a two week honeymoon. Fate seemed both relieved and regretful it was all over, now it was time for her to get back to work and her new relations to return to Japan.

As she pulled up to the hotel to pick up the departing family Fate fidgeted, she wanted to ask them to come back and visit again but wasn't sure how that would go over. As she walked up the hallway lost in thought she didn't notice Signum walking towards her.

"Testarossa, what's the matter with you?"

Fate's head popped up and she stopped herself before colliding with the older woman.

"Ah, I was just thinking about something…silly thing really," she murmured as she rubbed the back of her neck.

The pink haired woman looked at her questioningly and prodded her to go on with a nod of her head. Burgundy eyes flitted to the carpet and she hesitated for the first time since they had met.

"Testarossa if there is anything I can do to help you please let me know."

The words were spoken in a voice more gentle then Fate had ever heard from the older woman.

Swallowing her trepidation she spoke, "I was wondering if all of you would come back again to visit. I would really like more time to get to know all of you and I know Arf and Zafira would like it too."

Blue eyes widen at the offer, she had thought the younger woman would have had enough of dealing with them by this time. Hadn't they caused her enough trouble? She knew the blonde had put her neck on the line in some way in order to get her sister to back down. It was one thing to be polite and welcoming during a wedding it was quite another to invite them to visit again when there was no planned event.

"Testarossa, do you really want that? You don't have to force yourself to take in people you barely know."

At this the blonde's burgundy eyes filled with tears, "I don't have much family, and I was really hoping that…sigh. Never mind, I'm sure you wouldn't have time anyway."

She turned her face away and tried with difficulty to control emotions too raw after her last argument with her father and sister. To regain their good graces she had had to make new and rather humiliating concessions to her sister. Filming a disgusting cheesy romantic comedy with her, it would be very much a la the Olsen Twins whom she had always hated being compared too. The script had Direct to Video crap written all over it but Alicia loved it and was looking forward to the end scene where the sisters married in an over the top double wedding, ugh!

Signum was shocked by the emotional display; the girl had seemed so strong and resilient. What could have left her so vulnerable?

"Testarossa I think we have caused you a great deal of trouble already. It was my understanding you are very close to your sister and father, if us coming here has disrupted that then I am sorry."

"It's not like that, I am close to them. But you need to understand I am…a…lesbian. Alicia knows this and it has always put a wall between us with her attitude towards homosexuality. I don't actively seek out relationships with women because I know it would hurt our relationship. It's the only thing I can give her, I can't change the way I feel about women. And I refuse to live a lie by dating men or even god forbid marrying one to cover up my preferences. My father likes to say it's a phase and I'll grow out of it when I meet the right guy but we both know that's a lie."

Shamal walked out of the doorway at that moment and went over to the girl pulling her into a hug.

"I know it can be hard having your family disapprove of your preferences. I was disowned by my family when I let them know about my relationship with Signum. Sig lost her parents when Vita was still a baby and never had to face that. If having us in your life will make you happy then we will be proud to call you family and visit whenever you want us."

Sighing with relief and thankfulness she replied, "Thank you, I would love it if you all could come again, maybe when the girls are out of school for a long visit."

Then pulling away Fate wiped her eyes and smiled at them both.

"Right, that sounds like a plan. Now let's get the bags or we'll miss our flight," the shorter busty blonde agreed before turning, patting her wife on the stomach in passing before re-entering their room.