*Hi folks! I'm back... So I know I've been promising a nice long story for a while, and after many struggles and beatings from my sainted beta reader ELFBS it is finally here. 21 chapters of NanoFate goodness all lined up and ready for consumption. While I'm posting this I will be working on another story, not nearly as long but still pretty meaty. So please leave me comments/reviews, favorite and follow so you don't mess out on my further madness.*

A/N: In my world Mid Childa is a major island nation like New Zealand, Australia or Great Britain. It is situated in the pacific ocean and was colonized by the the major protestant superpowers during the age of colonization. Its closest neighbors are Japan and Taiwan with a chunnel like bullet train that connects it to Japan which it considers its greatest ally in the region.

Chapter One: Who's at my door?

Nanoha looked at herself in the mirror and frowned, the reflection staring back at her was of a girl trying to get laid. Her current image was unacceptable but her best friend was insistent. After all she hadn't been on a proper date in over a year and it was beginning to look like she wouldn't be doing so for a long time to come. Was it her fault that her career was fulfilling and romance wasn't? She'd tried but none of the guys she'd gone out with had ever held her attention or survived first contact with her family, bunch of cowards.

Her hair and makeup looked ridiculous; her outfit was on the wrong side of slutty. Not wanting whoever had been suckered into this date to get the wrong idea she pulled it off and jumped in the shower. She didn't have much time until her date arrived but she rather meet them fresh faced and wearing casual clothing than looking like a streetwalker. She would kill her best friend later; the little nutcase was more interested in her losing her virginity than finding love. Her constant badgering on how she had to pop her cherry before she turned twenty-five or Nanoha would be the biggest loser she knew wasn't earning her the top spot on her Christmas Card List.

The sound of the doorbell had Nanoha pulling her hair into a side ponytail and grabbing her lip balm to quickly soothe her normally chewed up lips. It wasn't her fault, she bit them when she was concentrating on something interesting and she had been dealing with a meaty matter recently. Honestly she had rather stay at home tonight working on her project than spend the evening with yet another one of her best friend's yuppie former frat boy business associates even if he was supposedly wealthy and handsome.

Nanoha had allowed herself to be dragged along to parties and no one she'd met at these events gave her any hope she wasn't in for another night of listening to a pencil neck dweeb rave on about his startup company, with its completely forgettable business name. The little twerp would then go on about how he was going to revolutionize the world and how she should come work on his staff. Gross little perverts trying to be clever, she'd like to break her staff across their heads. This man in particular had a mixed reputation; he apparently went through women quickly always finding something wrong with them, but he didn't try to sleep with them, in fact he was considered something of a gentleman.

Taking a deep breath for fortitude Nanoha wished herself luck and opened the door only to be confused, there was a woman on her doorstep. The woman in question was gorgeous and professionally dressed. In fact she looked like she had just stepped out of a Fortune Five Hundred boardroom and was making Nanoha feel uncomfortable. Suddenly she wished she was still in her own office wear instead of her casual after-hours clothing, at least then she wouldn't feel so immature.

The woman cleared her throat nervously and asked, "May I speak with Miss Nanoha Takamachi?"

Blushing at the fluttering feeling in her stomach from the way the woman pronounced her name Nanoha greeted her back, "That's me. How can I help you?"

The blonde seemed shocked at the admission but shook it off quickly and said, "I am Fate T. Harlaown, I believe you had a date planned for this evening with my brother. He unfortunately will not be able to make it and asked me to come by to make his apologies in person."

The woman then reached into her designer bag and pulled out a box of chocolates adding it to the small flower arrangement she already had in her hands. With a bowed head she handed over the items and said, "Please accept these in apology for the imposition my brother has caused you. I do hope you will be willing to give him another opportunity in the future."

The flowers and chocolates were both exotic and expensive making Nanoha goggle at the blonde. Was she seriously handing her a box of Godiva "G" Collection chocolates? And where in the world had she found purple and white orchids at this time of year? But it was the earnest look on the woman's face that struck her; this woman seriously wanted her to give her brother a second chance.

Taking the offered gifts Nanoha said uncomfortably, "Um, I would be happy to reschedule our date. To be honest I hadn't much time to get ready for tonight. I ended up getting home late and I just got out of the shower. I pulled on the first thing I could find so please tell your brother there are no hard feelings on my side."

The blonde looked at her appraisingly then smiled, "You look lovely Miss Takamachi. My brother would have had no complaints with your manner of dress. Truthfully I was half expecting a woman dressed more provocatively to have answered the door. I am normally traumatized by half naked Jezebels throwing themselves at Chrono. That is the kind of woman my brother's work friends normally set him up with. It truly makes me happy to know he might finally get a chance to go out with someone with a little self respect."

Nanoha laughed nervously thinking about how she had been dressed merely minutes ago, "Nyahaha, it can't be all that bad."

The disbelieving look the blonde sent her made Nanoha curious, "Um Fate?" to which the woman nodded so she continued, "Would you like to come in for a while? I obviously don't have anything else planned tonight. It'd be fun to talk to you some more."

The blonde gave her another appraising look and suddenly Nanoha wondered if she had been too forward. The woman, and her brother, were clearly way out of her league; she should have just cut her losses for the night. Instead she was now giving her another chance to judge her and perhaps realize how poorly matched she'd be for her brother.

When Fate finally gave her a small smile and said, "I would like that," it was surprising.

Nanoha opened the door wider and welcomed her inside. The apartment was neat and had a number of knickknacks she had collected or been gifted decorating the table tops and shelves. There were a few prints on the walls but the majority of the wall space was taken up with photos of her friends and family. Her entertainment center wasn't the most advanced or all that impressive, in fact her bookshelves had more pride of place than the TV.

"Please make yourself comfortable, may I get you something to drink? Tea, coffee, hot cocoa?" Nanoha offered her guest as she shed her winter gear.

The designer coat and outer jacket to the blonde's dress suit were hung up on a rack near the door leaving the woman standing in profile. Nanoha couldn't help staring for a moment, she really was beautiful, and the cream colored silk blouse, black pencil skirt and black tights she wore truly set off her figure enticingly. Though the low heeled shoes were a surprise, most bombshells went for three inch high heels. Overall the blonde was probably the most attractive person she had ever seen. Nanoha could only wish she could look half as well but knew that wasn't very likely, this woman was the living embodiment of elegance.

"Cocoa please, if it is not too much trouble," Fate replied with a faint blush.

Nanoha wondered at the blush but nodded before disappearing into her kitchen. While she was gone Fate took the time to explore Nanoha's bookshelves and examine her photos. The auburn haired young woman was obviously well-read and was close to her family. Some of the pictures on the wall were recent and showed her with what appeared to be her sisters?

When Nanoha returned she smiled at the picture Fate was looking at and said, "That's my mom and sister Miyuki."

Taking the cup of cocoa from her hostess Fate couldn't help saying, "Thank you, I almost wondered if your mother was your twin sister. She looks so young and you two look so much alike."

Giggling at this thought, "Mama would love to hear you say that. She was complaining about grey hair the last time I saw her and blamed me for all of them."

Following Nanoha back to the couch Fate took a seat across from her and pointed out, "Well at least you know you are going to age gracefully. You have wonderful genetics."

"What about you? Will you always look gorgeous or will you be turning into a raisin once you turn fifty?" Nanoha asked teasingly.

Fate went still for a moment then said, "I am not sure honestly, my mother and grandmother both died rather young so I have no idea how well I will age."

Guilt stricken Nanoha said, "Oh, I'm sorry Fate, I had no idea."

Shaking her head Fate waved it off, "You could not have known. Besides my adoptive mother Lindy Harlaown is still alive and well. My only living blood relative is my sister; she is only six years older than me so I do not think she would appreciate it if I used her as a comparison for growing old."

"So you're Chrono's adopted sister?" Nanoha asked politely.

Fate took another sip of cocoa then said, "Yes, our mothers were um best friends so when mama passed away Lindy took custody of us and raised us as her own. Chrono is older than me but younger than Alicia, my sister, so we both have to deal with her bossing us around."

Both women shared a rueful laugh and a knowing look, as little sisters they had both been on the receiving end of their big sisters' bossy attitude.

Curious Nanoha asked, "Do you and your sister look much alike?"

Fishing in her purse Fate pulled out her wallet and showed her a photograph of a group of four. A beautiful teal haired woman with a very gentle smile stood with three young people. A tall, devilishly handsome man with deep blue hair and two blonde females stood surrounding their matriarch. One was clearly Fate and the other woman appeared to be a miniature version of the gorgeous woman. The family looked happy and very close which made Nanoha feel much better about the whole situation.

Smiling Nanoha said, "She looks like a mini-Fate."

Fate laughed and it was a wonderful sound making Nanoha's insides feel all warm and quivery.

Shaking a finger at Nanoha Fate admonished her, "Do not ever let her hear you say that. She is very sensitive about her height. Besides she is older than me so I am a supersized Alicia."

Now it was Nanoha's turn to laugh, "I don't think the word 'supersized' could ever be applied to you."

Shrugging Fate commented, "We may have a similar bone structure but we are very different personality-wise. She is much more outgoing and popular. As long as you do not offend her by commenting on her height I am sure the two of you will get along swimmingly."

Nanoha gave a little nod at this advice and then asked, "So how much older is Chrono from you?"

"He is four years older than me. I am the baby of the family so they all like to fuss over me," Fate answered with a tired sigh.

Again feeling that sense of camaraderie Nanoha admitted, "I know the feeling, my brother and sister do the same to me. Kyoya is ten years older than me and Miyuki is seven so they refused to acknowledge I've grown up. Going home is like reverting to being nine again, it can be so annoying but I know they love me and that's how they show it."

Fate gave her a warm smile and said, "Chrono is a good brother, but he especially loves to baby me. He is very protective and it has caused problems in the past with former girlfriends. Believe me when I say he truly sees us girls as sisters. We were raised together. Both Chrono and Alicia have been watching over me since I was in diapers, they are like my mini parents. In fact it was only the realization that we girls really do see him as our brother that had Lindy Harlaown officially adopt us. It was my mother's hope one of us would some day marry him and join our families."

Nanoha was amused by this, "But instead of marrying him you're trying to help find him a girlfriend. You really must see each other as family. Everything I've ever heard about him makes him sound like a very nice person. So if you had romantic feelings for him you'd definitely have the inside track with him."

Wrinkling her nose Fate said, "He's my brother. Imagine trying to see your own brother in a romantic light."

Shuddering Nanoha said, "No thanks. He's a great guy but I know way too much about him, I sometimes pity his wife."

The wide smile on Fate's face made it clear she understood that sentiment. It made Nanoha question why her brother's former girlfriends hadn't taken the time to talk with her, if they had they would have seen the truth immediately.

Leaning back against the sofa Nanoha asked, "Has it always been difficult for women to accept you and your sister as part of his family?"

There was a slight distancing to Fate's gaze; it appeared there really had been problems. Trying to keep her voice light Fate admitted, "A few women have tried to force him to choose between us or them. The arguments were always ugly. We are a tight knit family who share hugs and kisses. I hope that will not be a problem for you."

Shaking her head with an accepting smile, "Of course it's not. I'd never try to force a person to choose between me and their family. It's always been my hope that whatever person I end up with can accept mine. They can be pretty overwhelming. In fact they frightened off my last two would-be boyfriends. So while inheriting two gorgeous blondes as sisters might be a bit intimidating for some people I think I could handle it," suddenly worried about what her family might do if she ever did bring this woman's brother home she asked, "Um Fate, your brother isn't scared of heights is he?"

Raising an eyebrow Fate asked, "Why do you ask?"

It was now or never, it'd be a pity to frighten off the man before the date even happened but she had to be honest, "Because my brother and sister will likely try to get him to join them in rock climbing. It's one of their tests to determine if someone is good enough to join the family."

Worried Fate asked, "Do they do this to every potential suitor?"

Shaking her head, "No, but if they suspect a man is scared of heights and they already have a reason to dislike him they'll purposely do it to run him off. They can be quite underhanded."

Fate was relieved at this answer, Chrono could charm anyone, there was no way these people would try to run him off. Giving her a conspiratorial grin that made Nanoha feel warm and happy from the obvious acceptance the woman was giving her. Leaning in the blonde whispered, "If you like I can tell you a very embarrassing story?"

The movement allowed Nanoha to breathe in the soft floral scent of Fate's perfume and gave her the mad impulse to move closer to the seated woman. Taking advantage of the excuse of wanting to ensure secrecy she took the spot next to her guest and whispered back, "I'd love to hear one."

Fate's eyes crinkled in amusement as she told her silly anecdote, "Both Chrono and Alicia are both terribly frightened of heights. It is entirely my fault too. I tricked them when we were kids and got them stuck halfway up a fifty foot tree."

Dumbfounded Nanoha asked, "How in the world did you manage that?"

With a happy reminiscing smile Fate said, "I climbed it first. I was nearly to the top when they caught sight of me. Being the wonderful responsible siblings they are, they immediately started climbing in order to help get me down. Alas I did not have a problem with the height or getting down. In fact once I saw them get to a certain point I scampered down like a squirrel and called our mom."

The smile on the blonde's face almost became a smirk for a moment when she commented, "Most kids freeze up once they realize how high they really are, then start crying for help down like cats. That is what happened with them. Mom had to call the Fire Department in the end. Chrono had a death grip on the branch he was stuck on."

Nanoha giggled at this and lightly smacked Fate's shoulder, "You're awful. When I finally meet your brother that mental image is going to pop into my head and make it hard for me to keep a straight face."

"Then he will have a reason to thank me, you have a beautiful smile Miss Takamachi," Fate said sincerely.

"Oh, please call me Nanoha. Unless…ah did you want me to call you by your family name?" suddenly Nanoha was worried she had been rude to her guest. Her natural instinct was to call people by their family name but that was frowned upon in Mid Childa.

The blonde shook her head with a blush, "No, I like the way you say my name. I am sure you are annoyed by people saying this but your accent is beautiful, much nicer than the hard accents of Mid Childans. I just did not want to be presumptuous given your background. You have a lovely name Miss Nanoha."

Frowning a bit Nanoha asked, "What do you mean 'my background'? What do you know about me?"

Afraid she had offended the woman Fate explained, "Ah well, it is my understanding you come from a very traditional Japanese family. Miss Yagami and her relations speak very highly of you and your family. It was one of the reasons why I suggested to Chrono we send someone to apologize to you in person."

Nanoha studied the woman for a moment and tried to get a better idea of what kind of person she was dealing with, curious she asked, "Was it your idea to bring the gifts also?"

Blushing Fate looked down embarrassed, "It was the least I could do to make up for my brother wasting your time. You are a very eligible young woman and probably had many other options on how you could have spent your evening. My brother made plans with you then cancelled at the last moment. It really was the height of bad manners."

This answer was surprising; Nanoha wouldn't consider herself a very eligible woman. Yes, she was a rising star in her company and had a decent reputation but the Harlaowns from Hayate's description and rumors were well above her station in life.

Not really knowing how to proceed but feeling she owed the woman at least a 'thank you' Nanoha said, "Well, thank you for the flowers and chocolates. You didn't have to do that, you coming over was more than was necessary. I'd have been happy with a call really."

Looking at Nanoha seriously Fate said, "No, that would not do. Forgive me but I did try to learn a little bit about you before this date and you deserve this and much more. Miss Nanoha please do not sell yourself short. I warned my brother he may come to regret missing this opportunity if you find a more attentive suitor in the meantime."

There was something about the way the woman spoke that made Nanoha want to hug her, she was so earnest and sweet. Unable to help herself Nanoha said, "You really are an old fashioned kind of person, calling me Miss so politely. It's rather endearing and cute," Fate flushed deeper at this making Nanoha laugh, "Oh you really are adorable, hmm if you insist on calling Miss Nanoha then I think I'll have to call you…hmm… Fate-chan," Nanoha teased her new friend.

Fate nearly spilt her hot cocoa, "Fate-chan?! But…but…Miss Nanoha that is far too familiar. You hardly know me. Besides I hardly look like the kind of woman you should be addressing in such a cute way. No, I do not deserve to be addressed in such a manner; you really should reserve that for people more…more…worthy of your affection."

Finally all the evidence of her eyes and ears clicked and Nanoha realized Fate wasn't a cool and aloof beauty, she was a bashful but somewhat playful beauty. This realization made it even harder for her to restrain herself.

Nanoha started to giggle again, "Oh my dear Fate-chan that is exactly what I am going to call you. You might look like a supermodel lawyer but you're really just a cute little sister type. No wonder your brother is so protective of you, I bet you set off people's moe meters. Don't worry I'll keep your secret, I am sure you have a hard enough time trying to get people to take you seriously."

The blonde pouted a little and her method of speaking relaxed a bit unconsciously, "You weren't supposed to figure it out. Most women get hung up on how I look and just think I'm stuck up since I don't talk a lot."

Confused Nanoha pointed out, "But you've been talking to me Fate-chan. Are you saying you usually don't talk to people?"

Fate was well on her way to having a permanent blush thanks to this woman, "That's exactly what I'm saying. You are a very easy person to speak to. This is the longest conversation I've ever had with a "stranger." Most women don't even allow me to speak, spending the entire time we're in company telling me how much better than me they are. Or they go on about how perfect they are for my brother."

Nanoha gave Fate a little shrug, "I don't think I'm better than you and I don't know your brother but I do look forward to meeting him. Especially if he's anything like you Fate-chan. You've given him the hard sell so he has a lot to live up to and that's even after all the stories I heard about him from before."

This time the blush was much deeper and Fate avoided her eyes as she spoke, "Much of my brother's reputation is well deserved but some of the things I've heard women say about him are completely untrue. If you are just looking for fun then he isn't the man for you. He really wants to settle down. Mom has been pressuring all of us recently for grandchildren. So now Alicia and I are doing all we can to find him a wife."

Smiling at the earnest manner in which Fate was going about this task of helping, "Don't you think your mom might want some grandkids from you and your sister too? Even if her biological son gives her grandbabies I'm sure she'd like to see her best friend's daughters settled with families of their own," Nanoha pointed out.

Shrugging Fate said, "Alicia has a steady boyfriend and will likely marry in another year or so if things continue as they've been going. He's proven to be a good partner to her and will likely make a good father."

Something about the way Fate spoke made it seem like she didn't like the man. Searching Fate's face Nanoha looked into her blue…no wait…distracted Nanoha asked, "Fate-chan, what color eyes do you have?"

Fate reached up as if to touch her eyes and realized one of her contacts must have slipped out of place. Blinking the blue contact slid back uncomfortably, "Ugh, may I use your lavatory?"

Nanoha pointed her to the bathroom and the blonde disappeared into the room with her purse. A few minutes later the blonde returned wearing a pair of horn-rimmed glasses. She now really looked like one of those "hot lawyer" types that men fantasize about and Nanoha had to admit even she was finding herself affected. Then Fate got closer and she saw her eyes and her breath was stolen, red eyes!

Not thinking Nanoha asked, "Why in the world do you wear colored contacts? Your eyes are gorgeous!"

Suddenly the beautiful blonde's face was nearly as red as her eyes as she stammered, "Th...th…thank you."

Getting closer Nanoha was now most definitely in Fate's personal space and was leaning into her to get a better look at her eyes. Taking a liberty she'd kick herself for later, Nanoha reached up to remove Fate's glasses which made her take a step back.

"Um…I think I better be going now Miss Takamachi. Thank you for the drink," Fate said as she scrambled to the door. She was practically shaking with nerves from the close attention as she pulled on her jacket and coat.

Nanoha had been entranced by the blonde's eyes and suddenly realized what she had nearly done, apologizing Nanoha said, "I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so forward."

Fate smiled weakly, "Be at peace, you are not the first person to be fascinated by my eye color. That is why I wear contacts. I really do have to be going. I will have Chrono call you to reschedule your date with him. I am sure the two of you will get along wonderfully. Have a good evening Miss Takamachi."

Almost like the whole thing had been a dream Fate then disappeared out the door and Nanoha felt a strange hollowness form in her chest. She hadn't wanted the woman to leave and it was very likely she'd never see her again.