A/N: I'm back with a new chapter. I'm very sorry I made you wait so long. In this one my characters will leave, because they've done their job and this is not their story. From next chapter on more V & Evey romance!

Thank you VampirLovr91 for your review. I'm very happy you like my story.

Thank you everyone for reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own V for Vendetta.


Chapter IX

"I think you owe me some explanations, Evey.", Finch said as they left Joanna's house, his voice still trembling from shock.

"I think you owe her an apology. She saved my life, you know.", Evey scolded him.

"Evey, she's not what you think. You saw what she can do, you're in danger with her around…"

"Don't you hear what I'm saying? She saved my life. I would have been dead if Joanna and her friends weren't there to help me."

"Even so, Evey, I want you too keep distance from those people. They have done their job"

"I can't."

"Why? Is it because of that Victor?", his voice lost a bit of it's strength uttering the question, while her answer came plain and simple, "Yes."

Eric's head dropped, he couldn't fully comprehend how could she fall for the man in such a small amount of time when she so badly sustained she won't love somebody else. He almost felt sorry for V, even though the man was dead. But who was this man? Would he be able to take care of her properly? 'Good. I'm thinking like her father now.' They got in the car, and left.


In the meantime

Thomas helped Joanna to her feet, cupping her face with his hands. His sky blue eyes held hers. "Are you ok?", he spoke. The girl only nodded and slipped into his embrace. "Think I should go check on them?"

"Yes, you should.", she placed a hand on his cheek, staring in his eyes. "But please be careful."

"I will, I promise.", he slowly let her go, helping her sit on the armchair.

V silently walked in, astonished by the state the living-room was in, he and Evey heard the noises, and he knew something was wrong when she didn't return, but he didn't expect to see this.

"What happened here?", he enquired.

"Eric Finch was worried over your friend and he made the mistake to threaten Joanna.", the other male replied. The mask turned to the girl resting on the armchair.

"Did she left?", his strong voice now reduced to a faint whisper.

"She said she'll be back, but I doubt Mr. Finch will agree, not after I convinced him my file was telling the truth, and I am indeed insane.", Joanna stated lifting her arms helpless.

"Maybe it's better for her not to come…"

"Are you stupid?", the girl barked. The masked man tilted his head, he definitely didn't expect that reaction. "Do you want to lose her? Again?"

"It's not about what I want, but what's better for her. She does not need a man without a face. A man that cannot offer her a caress or a kiss, because he's afraid she will scream in terror.", anger was written in his words now. Joanna stood up walking in front of him.

"I want to ask you something, and I don't want you to answer this question to me, but to yourself. If Evey would somehow get burnt, the same way you did, would you stop loving her?", she paused to see V's reaction, he was frozen, only a silent whimper leaving his mouth. "You know, it's her choice to make. Your choice ……. is to trust her, or not."


The next day

"Well….what do you think?"

The man stood in front of the mirror, just staring at himself.

"How did you do this?", his fingers touching his nose, covered by a thin layer of transparent skin.

"What can I say? I'm a genius.", she laughed. "I'm really sorry I couldn't do anything regarding your skin."

"You done more than enough for me. And I shall be forever be in doubt to you, my dear.", V had a long grin spread on his face when he bowed in front of her. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course, V."

"I do hope is not offensive but…have you ever been in love?"

The girl bowed her head, smiling shyly. After she let out a sigh she replied: "Yes."

"Did something wrong happened?", he asked, worried he opened a difficult subject.

"Loads of things, actually. The worst was his death."

"Dear Heavens, I'm sorry….I didn't mean to…."

"Joanna…", a male voice interrupted him. Thomas was standing at the door, staring at them. "I'm sorry for interrupting but I need to talk to you."

"What is it?", she asked.

"We have to leave. Jonathan called, the government wants to close the facility.", his voice dropped, he knew what that place meant to her, and expected her to react pretty bad.

She closed her eyes, and her head dropped.

"They can't do this."

"I'm afraid they will."

"Thomas, I can't go back. I still have nightmares…I still feel guilty."

Thomas drew near her, one hand cupping her cheek. "Look at me." She raised her head, looking at the man facing her. "It was not your fault. Stop blaming yourself for all that has happened. You know who did it, and you made them pay."

"The men that killed her lover?", V intervened.

The younger male looked at him and nodded. "Yes. Though he wasn't dead, but merely hiding from her.", the man let out a deep sigh, gazing towards the floor in shame.

"Which was very rude and selfish of you.", Joanna stated as she smiled back at him, lifting his chin to face her. "Think this big guy will handle the situation by himself?", pointing to V.

"Yes, I think he will, love."

"Well, I'll go pack up then.", she gave him a sly smile and turned to V. "V, as you can see, there's nothing for you to be sorry for. And as thanks for what I did, just promise me you'll try your best to be happy."

"If this is all that you request, I shall put all my strength into complying.", he sincerely replied, and Joanna left the room. Thomas turned to follow her but a strong hand landed on his shoulder.

"Why did you hid from her?"

"The same reason you hid from Evey. Just that someone I loved before Joanna screamed in terror and fainted at the sight of my face."

V had so many questions to ask, what happened to him? was he burned too? did Joanna healed him? But the man already turned to leave. On the back of his neck though, V saw what he recognized as Lichtenberg figures, marks left by lightning to some of it's victims.


Evey was arranging the books handed back today, back on their rack. The entrance bell rang, announcing someone entered the library. She climbed down the ladder to greet her customer…or more precisely customers. There were 2 men she knew for some time, they came almost every day, Robert and William, both young and attractive, and very passionate about Evey's…..books? They were followed by a tall man, one Evey did not recognize, he was dressed in black jeans, and a black turtleneck, wearing a fedora on his head and aviator glasses hiding his eyes. Even with the full attire she could still categorize him as handsome.

End of Chapter IX


A/N: Next chapter….V gets a bit jealous. (*evil grin*). Thank you for reading.