Seated beside Nanoha, Fate listened while the all-male team from TSAB's Japan offices laid out the issues they were having. Her boss was leaning back in her chair, fingers steepled and eyes half-closed while she lent their local boys her ears.

"They have a new hotshot exec overseeing this bidding war, we've been leaking blood from the curveballs. It's almost as if she has a personal vendetta with TSAB. Those Hewlett-Packard nerds think they have it in the bag."

Nanoha scanned the list of attacks that her boys were having issue with deflecting. Then the presentation her men had given DoCoMo so far. Nodding, she picked up one of the ballpoints on the table and pulled over a few sheets of A4 paper. She'd discarded her wool jacket once they had reached the conference room, and her sleeves had been rolled up. Fate enjoyed the sight of Nanoha writing, the woman's forearm flexing in time with the words and diagrams she was putting to paper.

"You're not wrong, Hayashibara-san. They're making this very personal," Nanoha murmured. She flipped the page over to continue writing. "I was personally sent to take charge of every single one of these cases. If it comes up, I will answer for them all." She glanced over to her AVP, Cupid's bow lips curling into a small smile, "But we have our own Ace up the sleeve."

The men exchanged looks. Their boss' second-in-command was attention-grabbing, certainly, and at least two were considering asking her out after this was over… but an Ace?

Fate could feel their doubt as easily as if they had voiced it aloud, her own doubts at being termed an 'Ace' swiftly suppressed. Appearances were everything, especially in Japan. She sat serenely, hands folded on the conference table. Nanoha put down the pen and slid the papers towards the blonde who picked them up, graceful fingers flipping the pages as she slowly absorbed the plan the executive had sketched out.

Flipping open her laptop, Fate called up the relevant folder from their corporate servers, pulling her own personal folder up to overlap with it. Perching her wire-rim glasses on her nose, she began putting together a presentation on the spot. Incorporating what her seniors on this account had already worked on, together with what she'd put together before her and Nanoha's flight over, she streamlined the information there and began adding in what Nanoha had passed to her.

Nanoha was leaning back in her seat once more, the very image of complete confidence. Her azure gaze was lidded, admiring the sophisticated lines of her AVP while she worked. It wasn't often that she got to watch the blonde work and she was not going to miss this opportunity for anything. She was absolutely certain Fate could handle this on the back of all the public engagements she'd had to deal with in her former life.

"Takamachi-san," the one named Hayashibara said deferentially, "There has been another meeting called. I think the woman enjoys seeing us bicker over the table…"

The unspoken question was clear. "My AVP and I will join. I'd like to see their representatives in person, myself." The man heaved a sigh of relief. "Who did HP send?"

"Campbell."

Nanoha snorted, "Pulling out all the stops, hmm? They'd love to embarrass TSAB in Miss Yagami's native country."

"Hai… About Testarossa-san… Is she…?"

The usually stoic executive cast the local team a devilish grin and one quickly dropped his file to rest on his lap. "TSAB's Kuroi Tenshi will do fine." TSAB's Black Angel. The men exchanged glances, and dipped their heads into polite bows, "Hai, if Takamachi-san says so, it is so."

Ah, the old Japanese chain of command. Nanoha didn't miss the insane work ethics, even if she still practiced it herself, but there was something to be said about the unwavering belief in leadership that subordinates displayed. "Get the cars ready," she concluded softly, "It wouldn't do to keep our audience waiting. And get us some konbini onigiri, if you would please." There wouldn't be time for lunch, so a few convenience store rice balls would just have to do for now.

"At once, Ma'am." The men departed, leaving the two executives behind. Nanoha knew her AVP wasn't entirely ignorant of the Japanese language. The princess was a bit of a polyglot, according to the package Teana had put together for her the morning of her first encounter with the blonde. The faintest hint of pink in Fate's ears gave away the fact that she had caught what Nanoha had been discussing with the men, but she continued to work, finishing up the last few touches to her presentation.

Nanoha sat at a pace's distance behind Fate, watching over her shoulder. Usually, Fate hated the feeling of being watched while she worked, but their first weekend as friends had shown that she felt completely comfortable if it was Nanoha doing it. The executive gave no feedback and merely studied what was on her screen. No feedback meant Nanoha saw little need for anything to change. She was truly handing this over to the blonde.

Hitting 'Save', Fate turned around and was taken aback by how close Nanoha had leaned in and she sucked in a quiet breath, absorbing the closeness without giving away that she was doing so. Holding the blonde's gaze, Nanoha rose and offered her one calloused hand. "Let's go, Feito-chan." Taking that warmly offered hand, Fate stood, laptop secured under her other arm.

"Campbell and I go back," the executive began, and the AVP recognised this as Nanoha's 'war briefing'. Nanoha helped Fate into her trench coat before pulling on her own woollen jacket and leading them out, "He's held a grudge since we stole Siemens from under his nose four years ago. He won't be happy to see me, which is good, since he'll ignore you. That man could never see the forest for the trees. He's a misogynistic shitbag, but the DoCoMo rep being female might keep his worst tendencies at bay. Regardless, he'll try to rattle you. Just keep your eyes on me."

Nanoha nodded a greeting to the driver holding the door for them and followed in after Fate. They had the Mercedes to themselves, the other men taking their own cars to the meeting. Seated at the back, surrounded by the privacy of tinted, soundproof glass, Fate fought to keep her imposter syndrome in check. She cast an envious glance at the Japanese woman who wore her cloak of professional indifference with an ease of long practise.

"Campbell was probably the one providing DoCoMo with dirt on me. But they're already strike one by sending a gaijin." Or 'outsider'. Nanoha unwrapped a tuna onigiri and handed it to Fate, the ingenious system of packaging the snack ensuring the seaweed wrap remained crisp and fresh. Fate's stomach had been invaded with butterflies, but she made an effort to take a bite while listening. It actually was quite nice, if only nerves had not stolen her appetite.

"But, Nanoha, I'm a gaijin," Fate felt compelled to point out, earning her a faint look of approval, "Indeed, but Feito-chan is under me, and the rest of our team is Japanese." She leaned back a moment to stretch, the morning's unplanned workout had her body feeling a little tense. Fate appreciated the sight, since it helped distract her from how nervous she felt. The executive popped her neck with a soft groan, the cracks audible in the quiet of the car.

"Japanese people get stressed juggling the behaviour, mannerisms and actions of outsiders. DoCoMo's rep will know I'll step in if you make a faux pas, saving them the effort of adjusting their responses to you. It's a small thing, but the Devil," and she winked at Fate, incidentally charming the blonde to bits, "Is in the details."

"Leave me to address the DoCoMo rep, keep your responses to Campbell. We're projecting that we consider the rep my equal while implying Campbell is beneath both the rep and myself. If our boys get in the mud with HP's boys, that's fine. There's a reason I pay them top dollar. Even better if Campbell himself tries to sling something."

Nanoha could see the conflicts swirling in her AVP's beautiful crimson eyes and kept her alto low and soothing, injecting it with all the confidence she had in the blonde. "He won't fathom why I'm not jumping down his throat. We're going to capsize his happy little boat and keep him in the water." All that sexy confidence was chipping steadily away at the blonde's worries as she absorbed the ins and outs of doing business in the Land of the Rising Sun.

"Any question you're asked, wait for my nod to answer. If I step in, it's not a knock on you, but to meet a direct challenge from the top. If an HP underling directs something to you, act like you never heard them and let our boys handle it. And remember, someone is always listening."

Fate felt her heart rate climb, as it was wont to do when she was alone with Nanoha, especially when those incredible azure eyes looked at her with such rock solid belief. Given, not earned. But she had to, to quiet all those doubting the executive's decisions regarding Fate. That feeling of inner panic began to subside, replaced by the comforting warmth of the Japanese woman's regard.

"You can do this, Feito-chan." The blonde nodded, "Don't forget your food, Nanoha." She returned the executive's brilliant smile with a small one of her own. The Mercedes rumbled down the streets of Tokyo, the Angel going where the Devil didn't fear to tread.

----------------------------------------

Meeting the rest of their team on site, the group of TSAB people were led by an employee of DoCoMo to the large conference room that already had HP's team there, waiting. It was a tense tableau when they arrived fifteen minutes before the appointed time. The DoCoMo representative herself had yet to show.

Nanoha nodded to Hayashibara to help get Fate's laptop connected and prepped for the presentation.

"Takamachi," a balding white man sneered to see Nanoha at the front of the TSAB group. "Yagami must be getting desperate if she's sending you here."

Strike Two.

Coolly taking a seat across from the man, Nanoha quirked a smile that never reached the glittering flint of her blue eyes, "Campbell-san, it is good to see you."

Snorting, the over-aged frat boy in a suit eyed his previous opponent. "How's it feel to be hiding behind skirts, Hayashibara?"

Strike Three.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

The TSAB man was crouched over to plug in an HDMI cable and didn't immediately respond to the HP executive. Nanoha's team had exchanged texts before arriving, and all had been reminded that listening devices were most certainly installed where the meeting would take place.

Standing, he gave the HP man a barely respectful bow, "It feels good, Campbell-san." Hayashibara replied politely, "TSAB highly values our employees, whether they wear suits or skirts." Moving back to take his place by Nanoha and Fate, the team lead was a picture of serenity.

Ten minutes to three.

A side door opened to admit a petite redhead with hair a few shades paler than Vita's. She was dressed sharply in a business jacket and skirt, heels silent on the carpet as she made her way to the head of the table. Plum-shaded eyes studied the two groups and Fate realised with a start that it was the woman she'd seen in the gym with Nanoha this morning. Everyone had stood when she arrived, and it seemed her eyes lingered on Campbell a fraction longer.

"Inoue Agito desu, I will be DoCoMo's representative for today. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu~" I will be in your care. The woman made a bow to those gathered. TSAB's contingent bowed back in unison, "Kochi rakoso, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu~" Likewise, we are in your care.

The HP group took a little longer to proffer their bows, still unused to the local customs.

Nanoha hadn't turned a hair to see Agito, her boardroom face a smooth mask. So, little Agito had climbed her way this far. Impressive. She hid a smile when Campbell garnered a slightly longer glance, knowing the DoCoMo woman had heard that skirt insult.

She studied Nanoha for a moment, "We have been hoping TSAB would send us their best." Was there a slight purr in her voice as she spoke, or was Fate's overactive imagination playing games with her mind? "It is gratifying to see that this is the case. We do not, however, recognise the one who is with you?"

Rising, Fate bowed and offered her name card with both hands to the Inoue woman's assistant, the side with her name and title in japanese facing upwards. "Fate Testarossa, Takamachi-san's assistant vice president. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu~" She could feel the weighing gaze of the DoCoMo executive and strove to mirror Nanoha's aplomb as she retook her seat.

"Indeed." The DoCoMo executive received the card from her assistant and spent a moment studying it, then Fate. Appearing to dismiss Fate, the woman addressed those gathered, "I have seen what Campbell-san has to offer. Am I to assume nothing has changed in that regard, Campbell-san?"

The HP suit nodded, appearing a little sweaty under the collar as he regretted his decision not to update his team's presentation.

"Then I ask the same of Takamachi-san."

Nanoha tilted her head, "Deepest apologies, Inoue-san. Since TSAB values DoCoMo's continued favour, and you have so kindly afforded us more of your time today, we have taken the liberty of improving the scope of how we wish to enhance your venerable company's adoption by the younger generation. If you would allow us a chance?"

At the woman's nod, Fate rose and glided towards the front, remote in hand. Settling back, Nanoha took stock of the silent surprise evident on the face of everyone present, her own team aside. Catching Fate's eyes for a moment, she imbued all the supportive warmth into her returned look.

It was time. Bolstered by Nanoha's all-seeing gaze, Fate bowed to her audience and began, her melodic voice weaving in tandem with the slides she presented.

"DoCoMo is an institution synonymous with Japan's rise as an economic power of Asia. Where there was growth, there was DoCoMo. It is the backbone of Japan's society and has rendered incomparable support to countless lives and businesses…"

The auburn-haired woman could see Agito out of the corner of her eye, glancing from herself to Fate and back again, expression speculative. With a final look thrown Nanoha's way, the DoCoMo woman turned her attention fully to Fate.

Switching slides, the unfamiliar user interface of a streaming platform appeared. At the top, its branding in purple declared the platform's name was 'Twatch', or 'To Watch'. An attractive woman cosplaying as Princess Zolda from the popular Zolda game series from Japan was seen interacting with her audience while she navigated a boss fight. "Dimtendo, that's not fair. This healthbar is ridiculous…" The streamer could be heard complaining about some gameplay mechanic while her audience sent comments via a text chatroom, completely engaged in what they were seeing on screen. Partway through the fight, a DoCoMo advertisement was superimposed over the streamer's window.

"We believe DoCoMo has great growth potential outside of Japan's shores. With the support TSAB can provide to seamlessly integrate DoCoMo's proprietary infrastructure to the wider world, and tie-in's with TSAB's existing contracts with Dimtendo, we believe your venerable company can bring its services forward into the realm of the billion dollar gaming industry."

Screenshots of popular japanese image boards morphed into the streamlined UX experience that was reminiscent of TSAB's own intranet interface, and similar demonstrations of japanese-based streaming services were morphed to incorporate DoCoMo's own branding, showcasing real-time translations that would bridge the gap between streamer and audience, eliminating national boundaries with the click of a button.

Fate fell silent then, face slightly flushed, and her eyes settled once more on her boss. Taking her cue, the rest of the room watched as the executive deliberately pulled out her mobile phone and displaying the height of bad manners, began to film the blonde AVP. The TSAB application connected to Fate's laptop and she appeared in her own slide.

The blond began speaking again, "By your leave, this is but a small sample of what we hope to offer DoCoMo as part of our package." Fate spoke in english, but her voice could be heard emanating from the presentation speakers in japanese, with corresponding japanese subtitles under her on the screen. Pressing the button to kill her uplink to the presentation system, Fate bowed low to the audience, retrieved her laptop and reclaimed her seat next to her boss. On her way back to her seat, she'd caught the smallest hint of an almost wink from her boss, out of anyone else's view.

The room's lights came back up, though the silence after the presentation remained. Nanoha simply sat, the leopard crouched low, while she eyed Agito. The DoCoMo executive pushed HP's folder towards where Campbell and his team sat, "Thank you for your time. We will consider your proposal." The HP team bowed and left with their folder, Campbell throwing poisonous looks at Nanoha and her AVP as he left.

The TSAB team sat with bated breath while they waited for their competitors to leave. Once that was done, the redheaded executive picked up the TSAB folder and handed it to her assistant who bowed as she received it. "We will be in touch."

All remaining rose to bow and turned to leave.

"A moment, Takamachi-san." Giving her team a reassuring nod, Nanoha murmured to Fate, "I'll meet you at the car," and remained behind. Agito's assistant had also left to show the TSAB people out, leaving Nanoha alone with the redheaded executive.

Pulling out a little remote, Agito made a show of turning off all listening devices that had been installed in the room, setting the item plainly down on the table for Nanoha to see.

"Interesting," she noted, approaching the auburn-haired woman who remained stationary. "And here I thought she was just some eye candy." Never removing her boardroom mask, Nanoha quirked a faint smile, "You know me better than that, Agito."

"Do I, now?" She closed the distance between them, again pressing herself along Nanoha's side, "I'd like to… refresh my memory. Shall we say… 6PM? We can discuss the deal further..."

This was just business as usual. Fate would understand. All she had to do was drop a quick text to her AVP to let her know she wouldn't be back until late. Dinner, a quick tumble, and the White Devil would return with another feather in TSAB's bonnet. A calloused hand rose of its own volition to gently remove the redhead from Nanoha's person. "I am flattered, Agito, but I have a prior engagement." What was she DOING? This was bad for business. "Please send your parents my regards."

Surprised to be turned down, even with the huge contract for a carrot, the redheaded executive cocked her head at the TSAB woman, "Who are you and what have you done with TSAB's White Devil?"

Good question. Straightening her shoulders, Nanoha gave the redhead a deep bow which she held for a good five seconds. "Please have your people contact my AVP for any clarifications. Dewa~" Spinning on her heel, she exited the conference room to make a beeline for the elevators.

Knowing she was still being observed, Nanoha leaned back against the lift's railing, arms crossed and chin tucked into her chest. This was madness. No one looked twice if Nanoha closed a deal with her usual ruthless efficiency. A body was just that, and sex was just exercising using a bed. Nothing was stopping the executive from ensuring TSAB got the best out of their dealings with DoCoMo.

Nothing… Except a sweet blonde with wine-red eyes who looked at her with such steadfast belief and acceptance. Could she handle the disappointment that would be in those eyes? Her chest rose and fell as she blew out a long breath, the twist she felt in her heart imagining that look was her answer. Exiting the building, she made her way to the roundabout where her ride was waiting. The top of the passenger window had been lowered and she caught the worried gaze of her AVP peering out.

Fate had struggled her entire way down to the ground level. What was that redheaded executive up to? Was she going to use the contract to make Nanoha do something she didn't wish to? Flashes of Ginga and the forced kiss sped through the blonde's mind and she had to force herself to get into the car instead of back into the lift to retrieve her boss. Then she caught sight of that familiar, powerful stride, and she could breathe again.

Immediately tumbling out of the car, she met Nanoha halfway, her low ponytail trailing after her in the faint autumn breeze. Pulling up short, that same breeze pulled at the forelock dipping over brilliant blue eyes that crinkled at the corners just for Fate. Looking up into eyes darkened with concern, for her, Nanoha studied the blonde in silent wonder. Finally, she said quietly, "Tadaima, Feito-chan~" I am home.

Fate caught the smallest bit of sleeve on the woollen jacket the executive was wearing, she simply couldn't help herself. It was all she could do not to hug the auburn-haired woman, her relief was so great. Her melodic soprano was the barest of whispers, "O-Okaeri nasai, Nanoha-chan." Welcome home.

Sensing others approaching, Fate quickly let go of Nanoha's sleeve, hastily stepping away from the woman. It was Hayashibara and company. Together, the men bowed to Nanoha, then to her, "Inoue-san's assistant has already contacted us. We have provided them with Testarossa-san's contact as they have requested. Thank you very much for the help, Takamachi-san."

"Iye~ This was Testarossa-san's win. We will remain a few more days to iron out the initial stages and hand it to you. Good work Kobayashi, Satou, Fukuzawa."

"Hai! Testarossa-san, it was a masterclass in presenting. It is clear why Takamachi-san picked you. We hope to work again with you soon. Dewa~" Bowing and bidding the women farewell, the TSAB team lead left with his subordinates.

Settling back into their company-appointed vehicle, Nanoha smiled over at her AVP, "And so the legend of TSAB's Kuro no Tenshi begins." Blushing fiercely, Fate plucked at the cuff of her trench coat. "I h-had a good teacher."

Nanoha placed a warm hand over Fate's nervously plucking one. "I just made some doodles. All credit goes to Feito-chan. I knew you could do it." Licking her lips, Fate shook her head, "Only because you believed I could."

Such humility wrapped in this blushing, stammering package of adorable sweetness. Nanoha sighed to herself, wanting to kiss those lips so much. She gave the blonde's hand one last pat and pulled out her phone. "It's a little early," she observed, noting the time on her screen stating that it was five minutes past five, "Shall we get out of these monkey suits and look for some bangohan?"

Fate processed the word for a moment - dinner. She smiled, "Are we allowed to end our work day this early?"

"There's an AVP that needs rewarding, and it's my duty to do so. This is still part of work." That devilish grin appeared once again, and Fate felt her heart doing somersaults. "I suppose if it's the boss' orders…" The blonde murmured, feigning reluctance.

"Oh, very much so," Nanoha pinned her AVP where she sat, "Your boss is ordering you." Shivering a little, Fate licked her lips again and nodded. Who was she to argue?

Unseen by either woman, the redheaded executive had watched their interactions from up in the office building. Tapping her lip with one manicured nail, Agito hummed thoughtfully.

"Yuki-chan."

"Hai, Inoue-san."

"Please find out more about Takamachi-san's AVP-chan for me."

"Hai." Her assistant hurried off to do as her boss asked.