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 Seven: Family Tree and the Root of All Evil
The New Testarossa House, Uminari, Japan
Three weeks later
Nanoha had taken a couple of days off to help Fate and Einhart move into their new home. It had taken a lot of convincing and Nanoha had to deploy her personal WMD, aka Vivio's puppy eyes, to finally get Fate to agree to purchase the five bedroom/three bath house less than a block away from her home. Nanoha hadn't liked what she had learned in her discussion with Hayate all those weeks ago but the knowledge had helped her in dealing with Fate's moodiness. It also left her feelings towards Lindy and Precia more than a little ambiguous. All Nanoha knew for certain was she still loved Fate, nothing could change that. But then again nothing was likely to ever happen between them either much to her dismay.
Nanoha had no problem holding Fate while she cried, listening to the garbled confessions. Slaying Fate's personal demons was something she was learning to do quite well. The woman had so many personal hang ups that if Nanoha stopped to think about it, she would have found it was amazing Fate was able to function at all. Six years ago if anyone had asked Nanoha she would have said Fate had seemed to have a few issues with her family but overall they seemed like a normal well-adjusted family. Then Hayate poured molten lava down her ear and it was only because the elderly couple was dead that Nanoha hadn't tracked them down to give them a good thrashing.
Fate Testarossa, youngest daughter of Malcolm and Precia Testarossa, inheritor of so many talents and skills it left her family stunned. Her education could not be left up to her incompetent parents, instead her formidable grandparents took on this grave responsibility. The child and her elder twin would be taught what it meant to be a Testarossa and be molded into proper young ladies and consummate performers.
Her grandfather Theodore Stratos Testarossa III had married the youngest daughter of a famous Noh actor, Naga Natsumi, a woman of high birth and distinction. Natsumi had no love for her husband but knew her duty and therefore gave birth to two sons soon after the marriage was secured. Of the two children, the elder son Theodore S. Testarossa IV died in his late-teens during a filming accident, leaving no living children. Therefore the second son, who had up to that point been by turns neglected and spoiled by his parents and a rather talentless young man, was now expected to take on the mantle of familial responsibility.
So they married the young Malcolm to the daughter of a prominent Hollywood director, a young woman who was a prodigy in medical science and had no interest in the arts. The young Precia was naïve, an intellectual living in the ivory tower of academia. Her interest was in life sciences, fertility treatments, in helping people conceive. Specializing in genetics and biochemistry, she was awarded for her work towards developing a method that would allow same sex couples to procreate.
Soon after giving birth to her twins she left their care in the hands of their grandparents and the nanny they hired. She didn't think much of her children's up bring, after all her in-laws had raised two children themselves, they knew what they were doing and she had so much work to do in the lab. Long days were spent in her lab, but when she was home it was decided she should try to conceive once again, a son was needed. Five years and six painful miscarriages later Precia and Malcolm Testarossa's marriage was on the rocks and Precia was on the edge of a breakdown. Malcolm was no help as he had taken to drinking and womanizing to deal with the anguish of each lost child, each a blow to his male ego.
Precia had come home after a long day at the hospital, a day of being poked and prodded. She had been taken there by her mother-in-law to be cleared to attempt another pregnancy, something she didn't feel she could take. What she found at the family estate finally pushed her over the edge. Malcolm was in bed with another woman, a young busty blonde whose healthy curves made the sickly thin Precia feel disgusting. The ensuing fight had resulted in Precia storming out of the family home and back to her father. Precia was demanding a divorce and custody of her children. She had a job offer in France to continue her research into alternative reproductive methods and genetic manipulation. She would be able to support her children without the Testarossa family's financial support, all she wanted was a clean break.
It was then her in-laws let their wayward daughter-in-law understand there was no escape. Precia would be allowed to leave the family, a temporary separation due to mental issues on her part. The children would stay with the family where they could be taken care of properly until she was ready to return. Precia hadn't liked this "offer" and put into motion an attempt to secure the custody of her children. It was then she received a letter from "no one" containing a note and a photo of her and another woman engaging in heavy kissing, an event that had happened years before her marriage. The note had stated, "What judge would give custody of two children to a known sexual pervert?"
So Precia Testarossa was now faced with a decision, come back to her husband's family and continue to attempt to give birth to the hoped for male heir or leave, abandoning her children and try to rebuild her life from scratch. Precia had learned over the eight years of her marriage that her in-laws always got their way. Subtle manipulation was par for the course, when that failed outright badgering and borderline verbal and mental abuse had become nearly daily fare when living with Natsumi and Theo Testarossa. Precia tried one more time to make her relationship with Malcolm work, begging him to move out of the family home with her and the children, to make a real home with them. She tried to make him see that he didn't have to listen to his parents, that they could live their own lives.
They had stayed in Precia's father's beach house for nearly a month before Natsumi decided the "family vacation" was over and it was time for them all to come home. Then once back in the pressure cooker that was Testarossa House Malcolm fell back into old habits and started drinking again. Three nights later Precia found Malcolm and another woman in a spare bedroom in another wing of the family home. When Precia tried to get Natsumi do something about the behavior she told Precia it was nothing to get worked up over, besides if she was more of a "real woman" then maybe her son wouldn't have to seek out other women. Precia left permanently that night, two days before her daughters' sixth birthday.
The girls' grandparents wasted no time in maligning Precia. Fate had understood what was going on around her and had refused to hate her mother for leaving them. Alicia who had always been more like her mother intellectually turned every ounce of her love and admiration into hate and loathing. Alicia knew she wasn't as talented as her sister, she was told that fact a dozen times a day, so to curry favor from her grandparents she became another handler for her sister.
Their father weak minded and talentless wasn't going to take over the company, Fate would but until that day came Theo would have to settle on using his grandniece Agnese Rosalia Fiorella Testarossa, or as she liked to call herself Arf. Anyone with a death wish was welcome to call her Aggie and more than once the forcefully immigrated girl found herself having to beat her proper name into the head of an ignorant half-wit. Now as Arf was not a direct descendant from, as Theo would put it, his own loins he refused to entrust her with majority ownership of the company. That honor would be for his perfect granddaughter. So he groomed both girls in business and made sure Arf understood Fate was his heir, Arf the luckless Italian orphan from a distant improvised line should count herself lucky to be Fate's grand vizier.
The old man hired the best tutors and regulated every moment of Fate's education. She had so much potential it was hard to determine where her best use would be. Eventually he decided Fate would be an actor/model/singer until she was about thirty then she would take over the company. It would be best to have her garner as much fame and prestige within the entertainment industry while young then segue into the leadership role within the company. The contacts she'd make throughout her career making it easier for her to forward the company's agenda when she came to power.
Punishment at the hands of her grandparents usually consisted of harsh words and the occasional blow, nothing too violent after all they couldn't risk damaging their greatest asset. When the words were not enough then she was sent to a sound proofed empty room to contemplate her behavior. It consisted of stark white walls and no furnishings. She was forced to sit on the ground or paced the small eight by ten foot space listening to the silence. She'd sit in the room for hours sometimes in pitch blackness if her misdeeds warranted more severe punishment. When visitors asked what the room was for they were told it was a practice room for Fate's voice lessons. During these brief visits from outsiders a practice stand and a wooden chair were stored in the room as proof of its actual use.
When the old man died Fate was twelve and Arf twenty-six, much sooner than anyone had counted on. So Natsumi stepped forward to make sure everything went as Theo had directed in his Will. Fate was not able to take on the role of Vice-president of Testarossa Corp as Theo originally planned due to her age but was able to make decisions through Arf who now held all of the major business positions, CEO, CFO, and President and her power of attorney. Poor Arf was so inundated with all her new responsibilities that Natsumi had her move into the Main House so she could "watch over" her. The pre-teen seeing the trouble her cousin was having left what little of her childhood she had behind and took on the work of a grown adult.
Their "sweet" Nana oversaw every aspect of their lives, from who they dated to what they wore. She made sure they upheld the honor of their name by attending high society parties and industry galas. She would stand close to them in public, a hand on their waist or an arm. If her "girls" misbehaved she would give them a subtle pinch that would often leave a bruise. At home she oversaw Fate's continuing education, acquiring new languages, business law, and voice and dance lessons, there was never to be a wasted minute in Fate's life.
So when Natsumi suddenly passed away when Fate was fifteen it was more a blessing than a curse for both Fate and Arf. Finally they could make decisions of their own regarding the running of Testarossa Corp and their household. Arf agreed to the closing of two wings of the main house and cutting back the staff. The now "normal" sized staff of six handled the daily care of the family and grounds. As for the company they could now "retire" some of the old guard and hire new blood and rebuild the company's reputation of being cutting edge in the film industry.
Fate, Alicia, Arf and the last living male Malcolm were free from their elders but the training and expectations lived on in their minds. Malcolm and Alicia both underachievers as far as Natsumi and Theo had been concerned now took it upon themselves to try and enforce their will after death. Fate tried to rebel against the old ways and was quickly brought into line by Alicia. Words and actions learned from their grandmother were adapted and soon Fate was brought to heel. Never would Fate be allowed to pursue her own happiness, she lived for the family's honor.
Hayate had learned all of this from Lindy and Chrono, both having been witnesses, living in the Testarossa family home from the time Precia had left. Chrono had vivid memories of Fate's grandparents and had made up his mind never to get involved with either of the twins because of it. Chrono joked that the he had always thought the old woman would rise from the grave once a great grandchild was born so she could "train" it properly. He couldn't say he was glad Alicia and Malcolm were dead but he was thankful that they wouldn't be around to traumatize Einhart with their insane expectations.
Nanoha thought about what a lifetime of being subjugated to someone else's will could do to a person. Of constantly hearing your opinion, your needs, didn't matter. Of being told you have to be perfect and that the weight of the world rests on your shoulders. That if you fail then you aren't just disappointing one person but could be ruining the lives of thousands of other people. Nanoha didn't think she could have survived such mental torture, 'I'd have snapped and cut my wrists or maybe somebody's throat.'
So when she unpacked a box and came across a photo album she was surprised that Fate had smiled at it and begun to flip through its pages. Fate called Einhart over and showed her photos of her and Alicia when they were little girls. Lindy's children were often in the background or featured with the girls. The photos showed a progression of birthday parties and Christmas celebrations. Fate rubbed her cheek against the Einhart's hair. The child was sitting in her lap and was asking questions about the presents the sisters had received.
"I stopped asking for presents when I turned eight, I traded that for the right to speak to my mother. Alicia was angry about that, she never wanted to talk to Precia. Would hang up if I tried to give her the phone," Fate's voice was soft, like she was talking to herself.
Nanoha pulled the book out of her hands and closed it, "Ein-chan we can look at the photos again later, how about you and Vi-chan wash up now so we can have lunch."
The child was use to her mother's changing mood, she had been like that for a long time was what she told Nanoha so she shouldn't worry. Einhart had also said she was glad her Fate-mama had survived the accident, she didn't remember much about her "real" mother but she hadn't been nice. The fact that by the age of three Einhart had already made the distinction between her good aunt and her bad mama and was happy god had left her the good aunt made Nanoha shudder thinking what Alicia would have subjugated her daughter too if she had lived.
"Fa ̴ te-chan, stop zoning out, it's lunch time," Nanoha cooed to the distracted blonde, poking her cheek.
"Uhm…yeah, thanks Nanoha," Fate murmured and pushed off the couch and walk to the kitchen.
Fate's face was pale and Nanoha could see she had dark rings under her eyes. 'Damn it, she's still having nightmares, please Fate-chan let me get closer so I can help you.'
As much as Fate had let Nanoha in it was still only skin deep, there were painful memories she still hid, too raw and personal that the blonde felt she could not share. Her grandmother had never left permanent marks on her skin but her soul was scarred and each day she didn't teach Einhart and Vivio properly made the old wounds bleed. She could hear the old woman's voice in her mind, at first it was with quiet authority and now it was the outraged screech that Fate could remember hearing when she had disappointed the woman as a teen. It was the little blonde more than Einhart that had brought out these memories, Vivio reminded her of the child she had been at that age. So enthusiastic and wanting to please, little Vivio could be molded and taught to be so much more.
The friends sat at the table eating and the two younger girls were giggling and Vivio was poking and teasing her friend. Fate watched the behavior and as cute and happy as it made her the Old Woman in her mind was angry.
Fate was beginning to get nauseous from the conflicting emotions and her head ached, "Excuse me, I think I need to lay down for a while."
Nanoha was worried about this but let her go. An hour later Fate was burning up and sweating in her bed. The blonde was tossing and turning, muttering incoherently and crying out, begging for forgiveness. Nanoha had tried to calm her and wake her from her nightmare but Fate seemed unable to fully awake. Scared and feeling overwhelmed Nanoha called Fate's mothers and Shamal. The women arrived within minutes of each other, Shamal trailing Signum and Fate's mothers had an unknown young woman trailing them. Shamal with Signum's help in holding her down was able to give Fate a shot to bring down her fever and help her sleep more comfortably. Then Shamal and Nanoha decided it was time to confront the older women.
Nanoha walked back out to the living room and pointed to the red-headed girl sitting next to Precia.
"First of all who's this? And why'd you bring her here?"
"Ah this is my adopted daughter, Teana Lanster. She came to meet Fate, she just graduated from college and was hoping to be of help to Fate."
"You have another daughter? When did this happen? Does Fate know about this girl?"
"When I moved to France for work Teana's brother worked for me, he was killed in a terrorist attack on our facility. He was Teana's only living relation so I took her in. I adopted her ten years ago, I put her in a boarding school when Fate had her accident so didn't come with me. Fate knows I'm Teana's guardian, and why I agreed to take care of her. Most importantly I have explained to her that Teana was never a replacement for her or Alicia."
"I… we aren't that close. I appreciate everything Precia-sensei has done for me but I really don't see her as a mother. I know Fate-san has been having problems and whatever I can do to help her I want to do it," the red-headed girl said painfully earnest.
"Okay, but do you know about her past? I just heard about Fate-chan's childhood from Hayate, a friend of mine. I don't want Fate-chan's privacy invaded anymore than necessary."
"I have spoken to Lindy-san about the issues Fate-san seems to be having. I have a degree in psychology and business management. Ah…I was a bit conflicted in what I wanted to study so I double majored. I wanted to learn something that could help the Testarossa family as a repayment for Precia-sensei's care all these years."
"Okay, maybe you can help. It'll be up to Fate-chan if she wants to trust you with anything going on with her personally. Right now I need to talk with Lindy-san."
Sharp sapphire eyes pinned Lindy, "It seems something about her situation here in Japan is bring back memories of her childhood… Why is she asking for forgiveness in her sleep? What's going on?!" Nanoha demanded.
Lindy shifted in her seat, she had heard Fate's cries and it had brought back her own memories of that time. She had had to intervene before the old woman actually severely hurt Fate, physically.
"You have to understand I didn't know…I didn't realize how bad things were. Fate's grandmother's mind was going and in the last few months before she died of a stroke she started acting strangely, so maybe that was the real reason why it happened. You see Fate had been talking to Akko on the phone, that was a friend of hers, joking about the next time they would spar. Fate should have been working on something, I'm not even sure what but I can remember Natsumi walking into the room and staring hard at Fate. Well Fate hung up quickly and bent her head to the papers in front of her. But apparently that hadn't appeased the old woman...um Natsumi.
Anyway, when I saw Natsumi leave the room I relaxed and decided it was okay to leave Fate alone. I had to work on something else in another part of the house. It was only when I heard the screams a few minutes later that I even knew Natsumi had come back to deal with Fate's infraction. Fate had been tied to the table, face pressed down on the paperwork. Her shirt and bra cut away leaving her back exposed. Natsumi had a whip in her hands, she had already struck Fate a few times and there were bright red lash marks on her back. I ran over and tore the whip out of her hands before she was able to strike again. After that I never left Fate alone with Natsumi again, the old woman slapped me for interfering that time. She hit me more than once before she finally died in fact."
The room was silent, no one but Lindy had known about this event, Fate had begged her to keep it a secret from everyone else, she knew her grandmother was ill and hadn't wanted her to be punished. Lindy still couldn't understand how Fate could love and want to protect the woman that had hurt her.
"She's fighting her grandmother in her mind, the woman hurt her, is still hurting her. I think it's because of the girls, she is feeling guilty for not teaching them properly. She is failing to meet her grandmother's expectations. I suspected something like this would happen eventually,'" Lindy was trying not to cry; trying not to think of all the ways she failed to protect Fate in the past.
"What do you mean by teaching them properly, Fate-chan is amazing with them. They are learning so fast that they won't have any problems when they start school this coming spring."
"Nanoha, Fate was not allowed to be a child growing up. She was a tool, an object. The only time Fate was allowed to act like a child was when she was on shoots. Even then she was expected to be a well-behaved perfect angel. Where do you think the nickname the American Angels came from? It was a role both the girls had to portray while in public, they had to be cute and sweet, always charming. When I got them behind closed doors when we weren't at home I tried to give them time to be kids but they really didn't understand what that meant. Clyde and Chrono had to teach them how to laugh and play, I mean really play. The girls knew what playing looked like but never relaxed enough to enjoy it. It was like there was a camera always watching to make sure they were doing it right."
Frustrated Lindy jumped up and began to pace, "Natsumi treated her grandchildren like talking dolls. No one was allowed to have their own opinions, when Theo was alive she did her wifely duty to enforce his will. After he died she went loopy, she acted as if she could still speak to him and would make irrational demands on everyone. Fate was the focus of her obsession, Theo always spoke about how she was the culmination of the Testarossa Family's greatness. When Fate made the mistake of acting like a teenager instead of Natsumi's perfect grandchild she would rant and rave at her for disappointing her. Each second of the day was accounted for, there was always a lesson to be learned. Fate isn't doing that with Einhart, she wants her to enjoy a normal childhood without all the crazy expectations. Fate is fighting her own programming each and every day so doesn't force Einhart to be a performer."
Nanoha looked at Precia and Lindy with anger, "You just left her there, both the girls. You could have collected evidence of the abuse and gotten them out."
"Nanoha it wasn't that simple, the Testarossa family, Theo and Natsumi, were well-respected in the community and incredibly wealthy. If either of us tried to do anything against the family we would have been personally destroyed. I'm sure you know Precia was treated like a broodmare by Natsumi, that's why she left the family. They didn't care about her personal safety or happiness, they just wanted a grandson. As for me, I was under a contract to the family which left me with about as many personal rights as a feudal serf. And they practically owned my sons, my late husband signing a contract that gave them immense legal power over them," Lindy tried to explain but knew this all sounded like excuses but the powerlessness she felt then and now was real.
The talk had been going on for a while and no one noticed the subject of their conversation enter the room. Fate's head was still fuzzy from the medicine and fever but she needed a glass of water. Seeing her family all converged in her living room made her confused. She didn't like Lindy being near Nanoha, irrational thoughts filled her mind. Fate made her way sleepily to Nanoha, her light in the storm of her disordered mind, and wrapped her arms around her. The serious and tense mood suddenly lightened at the sight of Nanoha blushing when Fate nuzzled into her neck.
"Ah-ha Fate-chan! What's wrong?" she cried, doing her best not to pull away in embarrassment and hurt the woman's feelings.
"I don't know…hmmm" she sighed as she began to burrow into sweet smelling auburn hair, "I… wanted something to drink but…."
Nanoha felt Fate lean her weight against her, catching the woman before she collapsed to the ground. Fate had fallen asleep standing up. Nanoha lifted her up bridal style and carried her back to her room. When she started to pull away she suddenly felt herself being pulled forward. Fate was trying to use her as a cuddle toy. Nanoha's heart was doing flip-flops, she desperately wanted to succumb and lay down with the blonde but the rational part of her mind told her to leave and get a glass of water for the woman. Fate didn't know what she was doing right now, it was up to Nanoha to make sure nothing untoward happened even if untoward was exactly what she wanted.
Using a pillow as a distraction Nanoha slid out of Fate's grip and went back out to the waiting group. She was faced with more than one knowing grin, it made her angry, Fate wasn't going to make any love confessions to her. She went into the kitchen for a glass of water as she pointedly ignored the others and went back to the sleeping blonde. Gently urging her awake so she could drink then once that was done Fate mumbled her thanks and fell back asleep.
After tucking Fate in she went over to Einhart's room to check on the children. Nanoha had sent them to the room to play. Einhart and Vivio were sitting on the bed cuddled up napping. Both children had been upset with Fate's condition, both strongly bonded to her. Vivio wanted them all to be together forever and had made that request more than once. Fate had smiled and told her that she would always be there for Vivio and Einhart. Vivio had taken to calling Einhart "onee" or sister which had both mothers feeling a mixture of concern and happiness.
"Girls, hey wake up Sweeties." Nanoha nudged the girls gently.
Einhart's eyes flew open and focusing, "Is Mama okay?!"
Vivio looking just as concerned asked, "Is Fate-san okay Mama?"
"Yes Sweeties, she is sleeping right now, do you want to check on her?"
Both girls scooted off the bed and walked quietly to the master bedroom. After seeing the peacefully sleeping blonde and giving her soft kisses on her forehead and cheek both girls backed out of the room and agreed to play quietly in Einhart's room until dinner time. Minds relieved they could go back to playing and unpacking boxes of toys and books.
The green haired girl pulled on Nanoha's hand before returning to her friend and Nanoha knelt to speak to the child.
The girl said, "I'm glad you're not just pretend. Mama needs someone to protect her from the bad ones."
Nanoha wasn't sure what the little girl meant by pretend or the bad ones but she sure as hell would protect the blonde with everything she had.
Lindy and Precia had watched Nanoha handle Fate and the children and were quietly gratified that someone could help their daughter. For so long Fate had refused to admit to her weakness or allow them to really help with Einhart. The fact that Fate was so relaxed could only mean she trusted the auburn haired woman to handle things appropriately. They couldn't be, and as much as it hurt they understood why Fate couldn't trust them.
When the young woman returned to the group Shamal teased her, "I think we can trust you to take care of your wife from here on."
It was the wrong thing to say.
Nanoha's frustration and annoyance finally finding its breaking point she nearly screamed, "No Shamal! She isn't my wife, god knows I want that but she won't even talk to me about having a relationship deeper than friendship. I love her, but she doesn't love me the same way. She doesn't want me…"
Tears began to flow and the girl dropped down to the couch trying to catch her breath and rioting emotions.
Lindy put a hand on her shoulder and gently admonished her, "Nanoha-chan, believe me when I say this, Fate loves you. She really truly loves you. She has since you two met all those years ago. She just doesn't know how to have a relationship, she doesn't know how to act. She is probably scared of hurting you, of letting you down… disappointing you. So if you really love her just stay by her side and show her your love, eventually it will get through to her and who knows…"
Then looking over the group still assembled, "What do you say we help unpack the rest of this stuff and then make a nice dinner for our sick little girl. When she wakes up it'd be nice if everything was set up and ready to go."
The others agreed and went about carrying boxes to Fate's office or living room from the moving truck still parked outside. Nanoha opened the last box labeled, Important Documents, in Fate's neat handwriting. There was a stack of Tax forms on top which she put directly into the filing cabinet in the office. Under these forms was a worn photo album, and Nanoha couldn't help herself and had to open it. Inside was a collection of photos from their first meeting. Also safely stored under plastic was every letter she had ever sent the blonde. There were press clippings of Nanoha's biggest achievements and surprisingly the doodle she had drawn on Hayate's book cover over a decade ago saved like it was a precious artifact. Then in Fate's own hand was a sketch of her, her face slightly turned but with a smile that she knew only Fate had ever brought to her lips.
Nanoha hugged the album to her chest, her heart ached so badly. It was these little things that Fate did that spoke volumes about how greatly she cared. Why couldn't the blonde just say she loved her, why couldn't things be easy? It wasn't like Nanoha was playing hard to get, she had all but thrown herself naked at Fate in an effort to make her see she was seriously in love with her. She took down a notepad and quickly and recklessly wrote, I love you Fate-chan, from the first day we met and until the day I die. Please, please don't push me away, you are my everything. – Nanoha
Sticking the note in the last empty slot in the album she shut it and put the book on the shelf next to the other photo albums. Nanoha stared at the book for a while, how long would it be before Fate opened again, and when would she discover the hidden note? Would it be enough to make Fate reconsider her hands off position or be the final straw and force the blonde to break ties with her for good?
After two hours everything was settled and the group was debating what to have for dinner. The girls came out of the room and made the suggestion of pizza which was quickly agreed upon. A movie was selected and everyone settled down for the show while awaiting the delivery of the food. Fate woke up to the sound of laugher and the delicious smell of fresh pizza.
Wearing rumpled clothing and still groggy she came out and was met by Einhart with a plate of pizza followed by Vivio carrying a drink for her. They led her off to the Lay-zee Boy chair where she settled in and took the plate and set her drink it the arm rest cup holder. The girls then went back to the coffee table where their food was waiting. Fate looked over and saw a face she didn't recognize. "Hello, who might you be?"
Teana was surprised once again with the beauty of the blonde, even disheveled and sick she was awesome. Standing up and bowing, "Ah, Hi… I'm Teana Lanster."
The name was enough to make the connection, "Oh my new little sister, I'm sorry I haven't been very sociable before. It's nice to finally get to met you."
Fate reached out a hand to shake. Teana took the hand and shook it happily, 'She called me her sister, I didn't think she'd do that.'
Releasing the warm soft hand, "It's an honor. Precia-sensei talks about you a lot. If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know?"
Fate made a face and shook her head, "Ne Teana-chan, I don't want you to act like that, we are family now, I've been a bit of a jerk for a while, so let's try to be friends. I don't want or need an employee or god-forbid a groupie."
Nervous but willing, "Right, please take care of me then."
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The next few days were nice and yet annoying at the same time, Nanoha liked Teana, but she hated the way the girl seemed to be glued to her sister twenty-four/seven. Einhart and Vivio liked her too, talking about the things Onee-chan did for them and with them. It was funny to see the normally reserve girl become a mushy little-kid when they watched Disney princess movies. But what was annoying was Teana being smart, pretty and staying in Fate's home. Nanoha was torn between happiness that Fate was letting someone help her and jealousy that someone other than her was allowed to be so close to her Fate-chan.
Fate was working on her newest graphic novel and was about to finish the inking when Teana came in with the phone.
"Fate-san, phone call for you, it's your cousin Arf."
Fate squeezed her eyes shut and sighed before reaching out for the phone, "Thank you Tea-chan."
The girl could sense she wanted privacy so left the room, closing the door behind her.
Thankful for the understanding Fate swallowed her nervousness and spoke into the phone, "Hi Arf."
Arf was surprised by the quiet gentleness in her cousin's voice. She didn't sound as angry or hurt as the last time they had spoke. She decided to do everything she could to bury the hatchet and get back on good terms with her favorite cousin. After an hour of talking out their issues and lots of apologies on both sides both women felt better. Arf was silently thanking God for Nanoha, they had only briefly met when Fate was in her coma but she had felt how much the girl cared for Fate and Arf was happy that hadn't changed. 'I should have sent her to Japan years ago. We could have avoided a lot of heart ache and angst if that girl had just been there.'
"Fate, I know you don't want anything to do with the company and I respect that but I need your help. TCJ has come under a cloud of disrepute. After Seito-san retired it's been hard to find a good replacement. I need for you to clean up the company's reputation, please, this has to be handled by the family directly or no one's going to believe we are taking the charges seriously. Once things are under control we can find a new President and you can go back to your medical retirement."
"You don't have to call it that, medical retirement, it sounds like I'm a cripple who can't contribute to the family business," Fate replied grumpily.
"You know I didn't mean it that way, you are still the best song and script writer the company has, that alone makes you the most valuable employee we have. But I still need your help so don't try to distract me, will you do it?" She retorted.
Rubbing her face and knowing she would likely regret her answer, "Yeah, I'll help. I'll go down to the offices Monday. After I assess the situation I'll call you back and we can plan out how we can get things back in order."
"Thank you Fate, I love you Sweet Pea. I promise once this is done you can decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. No pressure."
"Ha, yeah right…no pressure. I'll talk to you later Arf, love you," then she hung up and Arf sat there listening to the dial tone with a feeling of guilt flooding her.
