A/N: Yahoo~~! I'm here again! I want to tell everyone that I'm really really really, happy for all the feedbacks! *gives everyone cookies* they are all the encouragement that I need in order to continue writing and walk forth into finishing this story. Thank you so much for those reviews! Please, please, please, keep them coming! *hands out another batch of cookies*

Chapter 8

Contemplative Affair

"I knew Nanoha was going to be in the Inter-School Archery Competition… And I want to give her my best wishes. Everything I can give so that she would win once more."

"Fate-chan!" a blue-eyed brunette called to the flaxen female who was about to sit on her usual library seat to read. "Have you heard?"

"Umm… no, Hayate. I haven't, what is it?" Fate didn't look at her. Instead she continued on sitting down and opening her book. She then leaned down to slowly put down her bag on the floor.

"Nanoha-chan got injured yesterday." Fate dropped her bag on the floor. Slowly looking at Hayate.

Fate

No. ISAC is Nanoha's everything… She'll… I contemplated. I stared at Hayate until everything hit me. She'll push herself to compete. But I know I can't do anything. Yuuno Scrya just came back. He'd be the best option.

"It doesn't concern me." Discerning my emotions with a cold tone. I told Hayate, but she didn't falter. I dug my face back into my back, desperately trying to ignore her.

"It was rotary cuff injury." She told me. Nanoha's been pushing her shoulder. Nanoha…

"Like I said, It doesn—" I was startled when she grabbed away my book and my glasses. And with a swift motion she stole my ponytail, letting my hair sway down my legs.

"I'll be taking custody of this. Nanoha-chan is in Uminari Hospital. Although her rotary cuff is just slightly damaged, she fainted due to anemia. She needed to be confined for 2 -3 days max. Go visit her." I looked at her in shock. "I know what you're telling me. Yes, while you're dressed like that."

"But it's just the morning, I don't want to be abse—"

"Fate-chan, just go. Don't underestimate my godly powers. Just Go. Nanoha-chan needs you. She doesn't need ferret face to smash the brain cells out of her. Yuuno-kun will be busy arranging transfer papers today because it's his first day. It's your chance. Spend time with Nanoha-chan. Just go." I looked at her desperately. I stared her but she didn't falter.

"Hayate… Thank you." I dashed out carrying my bag with me.

Normal

"Since when did you become cupid, Hayate?" Vita appeared from behind the book shelf leaning against the shelf. "You can't even solve your own love life."

"You know, Vita-chan. I sincerely believe that everything has their own time. And for now… I'm sure that it's Nanoha-chan's time to find love, and Fate-chan's turn to find salvation." Hayate answered her cousin and winked at her.

"Well you may be right, but what about Carim?" Vita asked and walked towards Hayate.

"Carim? It'll work out. Believe me." Hayate said and gave her most effective fake smile and ruffled Vita's hair. "Go to class now. See you later, Vita-chan."

'I still don't know how Carim can forgive me.'

Fate

'Nanoha… wait for me… I'll do my best. You showed me the light… I'll make sure that you won't go into the dark.' Fate thought as she ran towards Uminari Hospital.

I took at sharp turn left as I ran. Uminari Hospital is 1500m from the school. I'm sure I can make it by five minutes in there. I'll make use of all the shortcuts that I know. I jumped over a small fence and went inside a short forest. I removed the leaves on my clothing. I smiled and panted as I saw 'Uminari Hospital' nearing closer and closer. I ran faster and stopped in-front of the door.

I fixed myself and calmly walked inside, and onto the reception desk.

"I—I'd like to visit Takamachi Nanoha. On what room is she in?" I asked as I gasped for air. The girl on the desk looked at me questioningly, I just flashed a smile.

"Nanoha-chan is at room 707. Take the elevator to the 7th floor and look for the 7th room. She just finished her X-Ray. So she should be awake." The kind nurse receptionist told me as I nodded and half-ran over to the elevator.

My hands are shaking, my knees are faltering. I don't know why but… this is officially the first time I'll be meeting Nanoha, after I have settled things with her… and after we have accidentally kissed.

I approached room 707. Contemplating whether to go in or not. I stretched my vest and fixed my expression to my usual one. I was about to open the door when I heard a loud thud. I rushed inside and saw a pink phone lying on the floor.

"Ah, Fate-chan. Nyahaha~" She told me and scratched the back of her head using her right hand. I picked up her phone and gave it to her. "Sorry about that, I'm not used into using my right hand as my dominant."

"I-It's okay. I'll be your left hand while I'm here." I gave her a small smile. I saw a blush flash on her cheeks as she gave me another 'nyahaha~'

"So… Fate-chan… you have class right?" She asked me. I looked at her and gave her a wry laugh.

"Well… Ha-Hayate, asked me to go here and take care of you, since she thinks you'd be lonely." I answered her question and sat beside her bed. "So-so… do-do you want anything?"

If I were asked what I wanted, I'd definitely answer 'you.' But I just can't do that, she has Yuuno… I need to straighten up myself. I should do my best to prevent the conversation stopping before I… do something I'd regret in the future.

"Eh… I-If you don't mind… slicing some apples for me..." She answered me and nyahaha'd again. Maybe this is how Nanoha is when she's nervous? How adorable.

I started peeling on the apples. I saw her grab the remote with her right hand and opened the hospital television. "So… Nanoha…"

She answered me a soft hum. I looked at her while I finish peeling some apples and started slicing them into rabbit shapes. "What… happened?"

I looked at her as I handed her the plate with apples. "Ah! Rabbits!" She took one from the plate I was holding and immediately chomped it gone. "Well… Some things were bothering me, and I… nyahaha~ ended up pushing my shoulder."

"I heard from Hayate you fainted because of anemia…" I looked at her again. I read her expression and it said something along the lines of 'you're so gonna get it, Hayate-chan.' or something. I kept the chuckle to myself not to obstruct the serious atmosphere. "Ha…Have you been sleeping properly? I know, I'm sorry. I'm not in such position to ask such thi—"

"You're wrong!" My eyes widened from the shock of Nanoha shouting at me. I noticed her being surprised as well. She inhaled deeply, "You're wrong. It's okay for you to ask such things. I'm sorry to worry you, Fate-chan."

I was shocked by her sudden surge of emotion. I've never felt so needed… so loved before. I can't even understand why it's making me happy… then… maybe… just maybe… could this be…?

"The thing you were thinking of… does it… include…" me. Nanoha, were you thinking about me? I could never finish my sentence. She just looked at me in confusion. I just looked at her in embarrassment. There's no way I could even ask that! What's worse is that… she might answer 'no.' to it.

"Ara, Nanoha-chan! You're awake, and with a visitor! Hello pretty lady, may I have your name?" A female with short dark blue hair came in. I assume she's the doctor tending to Nanoha. I introduced myself and extended my hand for a hand shake. "Nice to meet you Fate-chan, I'm Ishida Sachie, I'm Nanoha's doctor. Although… I'm sorry to tell you, but may I ask you to step outside for a while? It's time for Nanoha-chan's daily examination. It won't take long."

I nodded and went out of the room. I waved at Nanoha and sat at the bench outside.

Normal

A blonde man was seen on the reception looking for a 'Takamachi Nanoha.' As a certain Fate Testarossa-Harlaown wandered the halls of the hospital as she wait for Nanoha's check up to finish.

She looked at the direction of the elevator, and heard a familiar voice talking to a nurse. She hid behind a vending machine as she saw him go inside Nanoha's hospital room in the middle of the said check up.

"Yuuno Scrya." She slowly said his name. Different emotions surged into her system. Unable to think properly what she needs to do. What it is that she felt… or what it is that's… the correct decision.

In an almost automatic gesture, her feet led her into the other elevator, down to the first floor and out the building.

"Nanoha won't need me there anymore, since Yuuno Scrya already visited her. I should go to school."

Leaving the grounds of the hospital, she left in sadness, never even able to say good bye to Nanoha, or even told her a 'get well soon,' she just left. Just like that.

Yagami Hayate was in the cafeteria chugging down a large banana as she talked to Vita. Vita pointed behind her, she almost choked at seeing a sad blonde right behind her.

"Alicia-chan! I mean, Fate-chan!" She swallowed the whole banana and drank water in lightning speed. "Why are you here? Isn't it still early?"

"I just… feel like going back early." The blonde answered and attempted to walk away from the table. However, the epic Hayate grabbed her arm. "I'm going back to the library. You left my things in my locker, right?"

"Well, I'm not just gonna let you go like that." Hayate attempted to drag Fate away, but she forcibly took her hand away.

"Hayate, I don't care about this anymore." She told her and walked away.

"So you don't care about, Nanoha-chan at all?" Hayate's question threw her off. However, the blonde continued walking away. People were oblivious of the events thinking that Hayate was just talking to 'Alicia Testarossa.' "I'll be waiting in the Student Council Room!" She shouted at her, but she just kept on walking.

After school…

"And I ended up coming after all…" Fate told herself as she stood in-front of the student council room. Shaking hands were about to grab for the door knob when it bolted open, with a hand wrapping itself on her wrist.

"Told you so, Vita-chan." Hayate appeared behind the door, looking at Vita with a smug smile.

"Not like I lose anything." The redhead said as she put both her hands behind her head. "So, catch your prey, since she looks like she's ready to run."

"Hayate, how many times do I tell you that forcing people is a no-no?" Signum asked as she stayed seated beside Vita in the long square table of the council room.

"I grabbed her properly, okay? She's not gonna escape." Hayate said as she smirked. "Well come on in. We'll start the meeting." She led Fate inside, and let her seat on a chair near her, than her usual at the opposite side of the table.

"Wh-wh-what is this about?" Fate asked, but everyone gave her the silent treatment.

"Now if you'd please calm down. Nanoha-chan doesn't like hurrying if you know what I mean." Hayate said as she brought out a small folder and opened it. She looked at Fate who blushed at her remark and chuckled. "So, Fate-chan… you see. Student Council lacks a Secretary."

(A/N: Whoever watched B Gata H Kei. Yes.)

The blonde isn't catching on. Signum and Vita just sat a bit bored on their seats, but still their attention is still there.

"And our acting secretary is the current Vice President. But I can't keep her doing it alone. We need to find someone who can take the place, someone who can work with us properly. First of all, what does a secretary do? They take notes, be wary of the duration of the meeting, and is the head for making announcements for the school." Hayate said as she flipped one page of the folder she's holding.

"I asked Principal Leti for your records and she gladly gave it to me. I saw your records, and I'm amazed. The school is very particular with the top ten students so they never announced it. But who would've thought you'd be at number 4, following closely behind, Myself, Nanoha-chan, Suzuka-chan and over taking Arisa-chan from the place.

I asked your professors as well to give me some of your written papers and notes. And I must say I am amazed." Hayate paused and looked at her.

"You're… basically asking me to be the secretary and help Nanoha with her work, right?" Fate asked shock and disbelief on her expression.

"I am. So?" the short haired brunette answered as she clasped her hands together, put her elbows on the table and placed her head on her clasped fist.

"What… does this have to do with Nanoha?" Fate asked. Hayate signalled for Vita and Signum to leave when they stood up in silence and left the room.

"Everything." Hayate said as she breathed. "You know, Fate-chan. Nanoha-chan needs you."

"She did tell me th—" Fate stopped mid-sentence before realizing what she was saying. "Oh, I mean, she does?"

"Stop hiding it, Nanoha-chan told you she needs you right? So why are you desperately shoving her away?" Hayate said as she started interrogating the poor blonde.

Hospital…

"Yuuno-kun?" Nanoha broke the silence as the man sitting beside her hospital bed looked at her from his book. "Where's Fate-chan?"

They've been silent since Yuuno entered. Nanoha kept on sighing the whole time, as Yuuno kept this disturbing atmosphere as if it was normal… to him.

"Why are you looking for the offender, Nanoha? Don't you want to be with me? Don't you want to talk to me? You didn't even miss me?" He pushed his glasses upward and looked at her.

"Because I want to see her." Nanoha looked at him glaring with all her might. But it doesn't look like he's getting any hint. "And No on the rest of your questions. I'd like for you to leave me alone."

"You know very well, that I cannot do that, Nanoha. Doctor Ishida told me that you shouldn't be left alone, since you look like someone who'd break out of the Hospital because you want to push herself." Yuuno said as he reached for Nanoha's left hand. Being unable to move her hands properly, Nanoha couldn't reject it.

"Yuuno." The seriousness in the auburn haired female resonated. "Leave. Me. Alone."

"Nanoha, No."

The door then suddenly slid open.

"I don't think you should be forcing a girl what they don't want, Yuuno Scrya." Blonde with red-eyes appeared, with a serious expression. "You see, I don't really tolerate wimps. And I'm rather not happy in having you back."

Nanoha raised an eyebrow. Yuuno stood up from his position.

"Offender, if you'd just mind your own business." Yuuno said as he walked towards her. In a fast motion, he was pushed outside the door of 707.

"You should mind your OWN business, smartass." The flaxen tresses flown into the air, and then she locked the door. "If you want to get married and have children, you're not coming back here anymore."

Loud running footsteps were heard. Nanoha chuckled, the blonde chuckled as well.

"Thanks, Alicia-san." Nanoha said and bowed her head.

"How'd you know?" Alicia asked as she flopped down beside Nanoha's hospital bed. "I do remember Fate coming here in the same get up this morning."

"I don't think I'd be called the 'White Devil Vice President,' if I can't tell simple differences in personality." Nanoha answered and chuckled again a bit.

"Good point. You're looking better. How was my loser for a sister's visit? Was she shy?" Alicia asked and then crossed her legs. She brought out a mirror and re-applied her contacts.

Nanoha just smiled at her. She raised an eyebrow and sighed.

Student Council Room…

"So, Fate-chan?"

"Okay, I'll accept it."

Outside the Hospital…

"Just you wait Offender… I'm really gonna offend you." He pushed his glasses upward… and ran away, probably to his mama.

To be Continued

A/N: And so there's my delayed Chapter 8. I hope nothing is confusing! Whew. Next chapter's going to be an interesting one. And a bit of a spoiler, it's not going to have much NanoFate since I'm going to focus on Hayate. If everyone doesn't mind. Hayate's a crucial character for the two of them, so everyone please show Hayate some love too! *puts trailing cookies to review button* Please? :3?

The people in the chatroom are very kind. I had lots of fun, so everyone who's reading this and hasn't joined, you should! It's a fun place I assure you. I gained lots of friends, and every day is a fun filled day! So I'm basically plugging. *shot.* In any case, please leave a review! :3!

On a side note… rotary cuff injuries can be really serious. I endured one, and am enduring it now because of badminton. Both shoulders. I got confined for around three days, but eventually I'm fine. Everything I do, and lift, is very limited though.

With that, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, and this gotta be my longest A/N! Once again, Thank you to those who appreciate this work, who leaves reviews, and puts me on their favourite or any list! THANK YOU! Well then, Risa Arakawa is now taking off!