A/N: So this was not the ending I had originally planned for. It sort of just... Happened. But hey, isn't that the running theme in this story? I hope you have enjoyed reading Remember Me as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Please leave a review!
Happy valentines' day everyone!
The Hayate Route
Hayate stood motionless in the shower, cool water pouring down on her, running in cold rivers down her back, through her hair which matted itself down on her head, masking the tears. The white t shirt she wore was soaked through, sticking to her body, making it feel even colder than it really was.
But at this point, she would do anything to feel anything but this pain.
She choked back another sob. It was thoroughly unbecoming of a general to cry. Especially over something as trivial as matters of the heart.
She felt a pair of warm arms embrace her from behind, startling her slightly before she heard the familiar low voice.
"You can cry if you need to."
The brunette was silent for a moment. Then her walls fell, her voice leaving her in anguished cries as she clutched at her aching chest.
"I never did anything she wasn't sure she wanted." Hayate cried, tears falling free. "I knew this would all have to end. So why does this hurt so much?"
"It's okay, Hayate…" Signum said soothingly, holding the brunette tightly, feeling the small body in her arms shake. The cold water rained down on her back, saturating her uniform and hair. It killed her inside to watch her mistress be in so much agony. But it was far more torturous knowing there was nothing she could do.
"Am I bad person for wanting her to love me instead…"
Signum never said anything. But Hayate didn't need her to.
2 weeks later...
"General Yagami, preparations are complete. The Wolfram is ready for departure."
"Thank you Sergeant." Hayate nodded to the soldier in front of her. The young woman saluted sharply and left the cabin and Hayate to her thoughts. There really was no need for a general to take on this simple 5 month long mission. She had always berated Fate for running away from her problems. But right now, she could really see the draw.
There was a quiet knock on the door.
"Fuck off…" sighed Hayate, letting her hand flop over her eyes as she leaned back into her chair. She really was not in the mood for further interruptions of her moping.
She heard the door click open. A scowl formed on her face as she sat up, ready to give whoever dared come in a good tongue lashing, and possibly an overly harsh trip to the brig. She got out of her seat, rearranging her expression to what she hoped was an angry one.
"I thought I told you to go-"
The general stopped mid sentence at the sight in front of her. This was not happening. This could not possibly be happening. Fate could not possibly be standing in her office with that warm look in her eyes.
If this was her imagination, her mind was a cruel thing.
"Fate… Why-" Hayate began uncertainly.
"You're a difficult person to track down when you don't want to be found."
"That's the entire point of going into hiding." muttered the general.
Fate frowned, stepping towards the general. "I thought you said you weren't going anywhere."
"But my job is done. You have Nanoha." Saying those words stung more than she expected it to. She turned away from Fate, frantically blinking back the tears that began to prick the corners of her eyes.
"This is my decision, Hayate."
The general fell silent, fighting back that tiny glimmer of hope that threatened to spark in her heart. Hope and wishful thinking was what got her into this state to begin with.
"Hayate…" the blonde began again, turning the brunette around to look her in the eye. "I meant what I said. I'm serious about this. About us."
"Fate…"
"I want to give this a chance. I want to give us a chance. You've always been there for me. Now, more than anything I want to be able to be there for you too. Give you everything I have to give."
Hayate gazed quietly into those burgundy eyes, but all she found was sincerity and warmth.
"Are you sure this is what you want, Fate?" she asked softly.
Fate returned the intense gaze. "Yes."
"Then..." Hayate began, feeling the pain in her chest begin to fade. "I'm yours."
The blonde smiled, pulling the general into a tight embrace, feeling the familiar sensation of the smaller girl's body pressed against her own, the scent of violets filling her senses. Hesitantly, the brunette returned the hug, her arms snaking around the enforcer's waist, finally allowing herself to fully relax.
"You know my Wolkenritter will kill you right?" Hayate asked half jokingly into the taller girl's shoulder.
Fate chuckled. "Bring it on."
1 year later...
"Hayate, are you already going home?"
The general looked up from the briefcase she was packing to give Vita a bright smile.
"Yeah. We've got reservations at that new place in the city."
The redheaded knight sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes as she leaned against the door frame. "Trying to buy your affection with swanky Italian food?"
Hayate smiled, ruffling the small knight's hair out of habit, earning herself a mock scowl.
"You know she doesn't have to do that." the brunette said.
Vita would never admit it, but she was glad. It had been so long since she saw Hayate truly happy. And as much as she disliked that woman, if Hayate was happy, she was too.
The brunette picked up the small leather briefcase, making her way out of the office towards the front of the building.
The soldier at the lobby saluted smartly as Hayate stepped out from the revolving glass door. "General. Would you like me to get your car?
"Not today, Sergeant." Hayate waved as a sleek black car pulled into the lobby. The passenger door slid open smoothly and the brunette lightly slid into the leather seat, shutting the door behind her. The car gently roared into motion, speeding steadily out of the TSAB complex and onto the darkened streets.
"How was your day?" Hayate asked, giving her girlfriend a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Much better now." Fate gave her a warm smile and the brunette felt her heart flutter in her chest.
There was that smile she loved. The one she fought to protect. The one she wanted so much to see again.
Wishes did come true after all.
fin.