A/N: Chapter 12 is up. Sorry for being a bit late with the update, but yesterday was one of the worst days I had this year. Again sorry for my bad English, I haven't proof-read this either. I apologize.
Thank you VampirLovr91, The_Lover_Of_V and Yilvina1 for you kind reviews. Hope this chapter is to your liking.
Disclaimer: I do not own V for Vendetta.
Chapter XII
"Oh, here it is.", V's voice rumbled, as they stopped in front of what seemed to be a very elegant and expensive restaurant. V opened the door for her. "After you, mademoiselle."
The moment she stepped in her jaw hit the floor, it wasn't a very big restaurant, but the atmosphere was overwhelming, so warm and so……romantic. Small two-person tables encircled a round dance-floor, placed in the room's centre, though no one was dancing. The sweet music filling the air made Evey sway slightly. V walked slowly towards her, smiling in delight. He placed his hand gently on her back making her turn to face him, her eyes glittering with emotion.
"Do you like it?", he asked, his velvety voice melting her heart.
"V…this is...", she mumbled words simply avoiding her, "… Thank you."
"You have nothing to thank me for, my dearest.", he smiled, one gloved thumb caressing her flushed cheek.
"Mister Dietrich!", an eager voice made it's way to their ears. A tall blonde man stretched his hand as he greeted the guests, a grin showing on his face. "Glad to have you back."
"It's good to be back.", V nodded, squeezing the man's hand.
"I have just the table for you two, and the wine is waiting for you to relish its bouquet. Right this way please.", the host lead them to a table, situated in a more intimate part of the restaurant and then left, as they sat down.
"How come he knows you?", Evey asked surprised.
"I've been here once, a week after I woke up from the coma."
"Alone?", she inquired, lifting a brow.
"Oh, no, my dear. Of course not. Joanna joined me.", was his sincere answer, unaware that it went like an arrow through Evey's heart. Only when her smiled faded, and a dry "Oh" left her mouth he knew something was wrong. "She was only kind to help me pick a place good enough for us."
"So very nice of her.", she smiled bitterly.
V could not practically believe his eyes. Evey was burning with jealousy. Even though a spark of pride lit in his mind, he was still worried he offended her.
"Evey … ", he almost begged.
"It's ok, I … I understand.", she spoke, pushing some evenness in her voice. V sighed, and took her hand.
"Joanna is nothing more than a friend to me, Evey.", he tried again.
"Oh…ok.", sounding still not very convinced. Her little face was a fiery red, her brows furrowed and her lips desperately trying to draw a smile. V couldn't help but chuckle.
"This upset face does not suit you, my dear."
"I'm sorry, V. I don't know what's upsetting me so. I don't want to ruin this evening. I'm…I think I'm a bit jealous, after all.", she confessed carefully avoiding his eyes.
"Why?", he asked confused, his mind yet unable to comprehend why would she be jealous. 'Did she…no, no old chap, it's impossible and you know that. These hopeful dreams will get you nowhere. She probably even forgot about your admission to her.'
His train of thoughts was stopped as the waiter brought them the wine, and poured it into their glasses. V had already chosen their menu for the night the time he'd been here with Joanna. He thanked the waiter and then turned his attention towards his beloved. She was still saying nothing, her eyes fixed on the table separating them.
"Perhaps a bit wine will help us both gather some courage.", he suggested while raising his glass. She did the same, and then they clinked their glasses. Evey took a mouthful of wine swallowing rapidly.
"I can't tell you now, not until you listen to some things I have to say to you."
He tipped his head to the side. "I will listen to everything you want me to hear."
"I need you to forgive me V.", she said, her voice trembling. "For betraying you, for all the things I've said to you and for all those I haven't."
"Evey…"
"Please. V… Please. I'm still having nightmares upon making you a monster.", she pleaded.
"You were solely making the most logical conclusion, there's nothing to apologize for."
"You are not a monster!", her voice raised against him. "V, you are a wonderful man. That's why I'm so jealous on Joanna. She knows so much more than me about you, she was closer to you than I've ever been. It wouldn't surprise me if she'd fall in love with you, why wouldn't she…?..." her voice suddenly dropped, making her next words barely audible, "…I did."
V's brain collapsed. That couldn't be. He did not hear that, it was his damned imagination again. Even though seated he was loosing his stability. His heart was pumping the blood much faster than it should causing him to feel light-headed. Evey realized something was wrong when his hand grabbed the table holding it for dear life. "V!", her voice ringed for the third time. He was finally hooking back to reality, panting and his vision blurred.
"V, are you ok?", she asked again.
"Yes. I must apologize for my reaction. I fear I'm not used to emotions of this magnitude.
And the 20 years of solitude do not help me either as books are only meant to inform.", he excused himself, his breathing still erratic.
The waiter brought them their food, and they ate in complete silence, though they were both clearly enjoying their meal. Evey threw a hidden glance at him when the realization hit her and the glance tuned to a full stare. The masked man caught her stare, and stopped eating.
"Is there something wrong?", he asked, worried he might have ruin their night with that damned emotional breakdown.
"No!", she replied fast as she saw his worried face. "It's just that…this is the first time you eat in my presence." An endearing smile took shelter on her lips.
He smiled back at her, knowing she was right. If she'd only knew just how many things he was experiencing for the first time since she entered his life.
She tenderly placed her little hand upon his gloved one, he slowly took it and cradled it in his palm, squeezing it lightly.
"What you said a year ago on that platform…", she whispered, "…did you meant it?"
So she did remembered after all.
"Every word, my dearest, every word."
Her smile disappeared only to make place to a full grin. The sudden change made V giggle as he felt comfortable again. He stood up, holding Evey's hand tightly.
"Would my petite allow me this dance?", he bowed lightly kissing the hand he's been so caringly holding.
"I'd be delighted.", she accepted.
End of Chapter XII
A/N: Thank you for reading. Next: V and Evey share a dance, a special one. And some problems are encountered as they return home.
