Chapter 12: Help

Author's Note: This is the chapter where Hayate confronts Fate. As you all know Hayate has seen a difference in Nanoha to what degree this chapter will explain. Hayate is very insightful and can pick up on things easier than expected so I think this chapter puts that to justice.

This chapter is in Hayate's Pov.

When do you know when you need help? Is it when you can no longer move on our own ? When you feel lost and can no longer deal with the loneliness by yourself?

Is asking for help a sign of weakness? Some feel that way. But for me I feel as if it's cleaning your soul.

It takes a strong heart to admit you need help…

Outside Nanoha's door Hayate's P.o.v

"Hayate whatever you thought was going on between me and Nano-" I cut her off

"Why" I didn't have time. I needed answers.

"Excuse me?"

"What are your intentions with Nanoha" I dropped the honorifics. She needed to know this was not some game.

" I see. I plan on helping her"

'She catches on quickly, good'

"What makes you think she needs help ?"

'I need a good answer please. I need to know I can count on you. I need your help'

"Her eyes"

"Her eyes?"

"Yes, her eyes. They are of a beautiful slate blue. It could be more beautiful than the calming sea and more pure than the sky.

"And that makes you think she needs help?"

"No, I said they could be. Her eyes right now are dull and lack the shine I'm sure was once there. Am I correct ?"

"I knew I could ask you"

"What is it you need from me ?"

"I need you to get her to open up to you"

"She isn't very cooperative with me though"

"You would be surprised"

'You think so?"

"Trust me I know. You don't even know how much of an effect you have on her"

"What do you think I can do ?"

" I think you're the only one who can get through to that heart of hers"

"Me?"

"Yeah you, you have noticed her behavior correct"

"Yes, she doesn't seem to care about anything. But you can tell she wishes it wasn't this way."

I began to explain to her in details of Nanoha's new behavior.

It started about 4 years ago when we were 14. At first she became very quiet. Nanoha was no longer laughing out loud. She was just there. She was a simple shadow.

As time passed by she became distant. Her thoughts were secret. The way she talked about life and the world, it was as if she lost hope. She became a ghost.

That's when the newest most heartbreaking side of her emerged. The shameless flirting, and constant flings began. She started to have sex with whoever wanted some. It broke my heart to see this. We eventually had a huge argument over this but she blew up on me. We stopped talking for a month; more like she stopped talking to me. I tried reaching out to her but she wouldn't have it. I cried for days thinking of how I could mend our relationship. Thankfully it was a couple days ago when she began to talk to me again.

Fate seemed to be processing the information I had told her well. Despite her teasing and stupid charms I could tell this blonde was intelligent, brave and kept her word.

' I know you can help her Fate'

"I'm guessing we both have a clue on what could have happened? Fate-chan said.

'Just like I thought. Intelligent'

"Yes I do, as student body president I have records of all the students. And being the granddaughter of the Chairman gives me some much needed perks.

" And?"

'Impatient aren't we. Then again I was too in the beginning'

" I believe she was raped. It makes sense with her behavior especially with the guys"

" I believe you"

"So, how do you plan to proceed ?" I'm not usually this straightforward and serious but I can't shake this bad feeling that seems to grow every second"

"It's obvious I will do everything I can"

'Thank you Fate-chan, but I have to ask this'

"Because you love her?"

She never replied

"I've noticed how you look at her. In this short amount of time you have already fallen in love with her. Am I correct ?"

"..."

"Fate-chan?"

" You are"

'I knew it, I guess I lose out'

I began to walk out of hearing distance and said "Well she needs you just as much as you need her, Alicia"

A/N: Oh interesting. Confused well I guess that's part of the story's charm. It's hard to put Hayate's teasing side in such a story so right now she has the role of being the supportive friend she is to Nanoha and Fate. Hayate was always like the big sister of the three. She looked out for them and pulled the strings to get them to stay in the same room. That's just my view on Hayate.

Till next time...

Ps: Im sorry about the late updates I willdo better. Life has just been crazy lately.