The Saros Cycle

III - Hückebein

III – Hückebein

Nanoha felt divided. On the one hand, it was good to see her wife again and be with her in the same unit. On the other, she was certain Fate had not been listening to a word she said as they walked towards the meeting room. The Instructor waited 5 more minutes before doing something about it. She got close to Fate and blow air at her ear.

"Wha...? Nanoha!" Fate startled, putting a hand on her ear "Why did you do that?"

"I have been talking to you for a while and all you say is 'hmm'!" Nanoha said, making a pouting face and crossing her arms "Fate-chan is lost in her own world and doesn't pay any attention to me."

"That isn't true. I am just... worried" Fate replied, looking away.

"Will you tell me what is wrong?"

They just meet yesterday, but the reunion had been short. Both were overwhelmed with work. Nanoha had too many tests to run on the devices from Caledfwlch Techniques, while Fate was completely absorbed by the investigation. They barely had enough time to share a late dinner last night before going to bed, completely exhausted, only to woke up first thing in the morning to get back to work.

"We will discuss everything at the meeting" Fate said "You have been quite busy yourself. I can take care of this"

"You are avoiding the topic" Nanoha pointed with a neutral tone. Since she was 9 Fate had the bad habit of just keeping everything to herself, even her professional problems. She loathed to burden others with her issues so she tried to do it all herself, which was very frustration for those who just wanted to help her "We are working together now. I could give you a hand."

"I know, but..." Fate let out a sigh, defeated "Is not that serious, but it still worries me. The witness that survived the attack at Saint Valerie Airport died last night. Heart attack, unknow cause. Is not that strange considering her condition, and yet... I have been reflecting over it since the report arrived this morning."

Nanoha nodded. Now she could understand, even if she failed to see the issue. Lost of life was regrettable, but as Fate pointed out, the survivor had been in critical condition. Her death was tragic but far from unexpected. At least she had gotten her wife to come clean, which was better than trying to figure out what was going through her head each time.

"Maybe is worth investigating. If you suspect something you can request an autopsy" Nanoha said "And thank you for telling me. You should not keep things to yourself like that... even if you look very cute when you are lost in thought."

"Na-Nanoha! Don't say those things in public!"

Fate blushed, looking around for witnesses but they were alone in the long hallway. Nanoha giggled, teasing her wife was one of her secret pleasures.

They reached the meeting room, so their conversation was interrupted as Fate moved to open the door, still trying to control her expression, and they were welcome by the other members already present.

"Nanoha-san! Fate-san! It's been so long"

"Subaru!" Nanoha smiled at the young woman "How have you been?"

Subaru walked towards them, waving her hand. She was wearing the white uniform with blue shoulders of the rescue forces, and seem to be in great spirits. Behind her a more serious Teana remembered protocol and salute properly, she was wearing her Enforcer black uniform.

"Could you please act more professionally, Subaru? You are 21 years old" Teanna said, shaking her head.

"But we haven't seen Nanoha-san in ages. You always get to see Fate-san" Subaru complained, but she remember to salute "Besides we are just starting work today."