It was finally the end of the school day and Anya didn't hesitate to stop Damian from leaving the classroom. Since Becky more or less knew they were going to talk, Anya didn't feel as embarrassed to talk to him as she would have in the morning.

"Sy-on boy, can we talk in private?" Her simple question was enough to make everyone's mind go into a frenzy. She didn't think she was loud enough for people to hear.

Damian blushed slightly but nodded. "Sure."

Ewen and Emile seemed intrigued but ultimately didn't need to be told their friend will be busy and thus they went on ahead secretly glad that it seemed like they were finally going to make up. Becky followed behind the two blondes for some reason. It made Anya suspicious and thus she planned to interrogate Becky for once.

They made it to a secluded abandoned classroom. Anya was glad she knew this spot because otherwise it would be hard to make sure nobody could overhear them. Although she'd more or less know if anyone is nearby thanks to her ability to read minds.

When Damian closed the door it made Anya anxious. It was official they were going to talk and it would likely make or break their relationship.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Anya looked at him incredulously but opted not to comment on the obvious. "Was that real?" She asked, feeling the nerves in her stomach flip around.

"What was?" He looked at her in confusion. What is she talking about?

Anya resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I mean what happened earlier, is it for real or did you just accept in the heat of the moment." She blushed and turned her gaze to the floor, finding it rather interesting.

Damian on his part resembled a tomato again. "I mean… do you want it to be real?"

Anya blinked and stared at him for a bit. The right answer would be to say no, to spare them both any potential pain but she couldn't help herself anymore. Not when he finally admitted to his feelings out loud. "I do!" She said that a little too enthusiastically but did she care? No.

Damian's face couldn't get any redder but it did. "Th-Then we're a couple."

"Right." Anya fidgeted around feeling all sorts of emotions. Silence filled the room once again and Anya figured it was a good time to clear up the misunderstanding from earlier that more or less got interrupted. "About earlier, I meant it when I said I barely talked to your brother, it wasn't like that, I don't know what you saw but it wasn't directed towards your brother, honest! If anything I was thinking about you the entire time…" She trailed off feeling a bit embarrassed to admit that.

Damian was quiet for a bit before he let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, I got really upset and misunderstood… I was looking for you and I don't know what compelled me to keep looking even though I should have assumed you'd be home by then… and then I saw my brother but then I saw you and I didn't like it." He admitted although looking back he definitely shouldn't have assumed anything.

Anya nodded, understanding. "I kinda hid and fell asleep." She said sheepishly.

He rolled his eyes. "Of course you did."

"I don't hate you, I don't think I ever explained that properly." Anya didn't explain anything at all. She was being rather vague with her explanations.

He let out another sigh. "You didn't, you just said you didn't know."

"It wasn't really about you, your joke was just bad timing is all." She took a deep breath. You can do this Anya, you can tell him what's really going on just like how you told Becky. "It's about my parents."

"Your parents?"

She nodded slowly as she began her tale about what was going on with her family, the fight, the potential divorce and why she tried so hard to try and earn her last Stella star, and why his joke made her cry. Her fears of her family leaving her behind and potentially leaving Eden. "So that's why I cried, I know I should have told you to clear up the misunderstanding but I was so stressed out and I was afraid to talk to you." She looked down feeling embarrassed to admit everything to the boy you like. It was one thing to have this conversation with Becky but another to have it with Damian. Especially when there was so much he didn't know.

Damian at one point had sat down to listen to Anya vent. When she finished it all suddenly made sense even the incident in the hallway made sense. "Anya, why didn't you tell me sooner?" He wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her closer. She welcomed the unexpected close contact. "I was so worried about you." He caressed her cheek with his finger so lovingly.

Anya felt her heart practically leap out of her chest. The intimate gestures were making her mind feel like mush. "I know and I'm sorry, I did almost tell you but then Becky interrupted."

"Ah yes, Blackbell," Damian said, remembering that incident. He was still angry about it and now that he knew what she was going to say he was even angrier. But he'll curse Becky out some other time.

Anya wanted to laugh but stopped herself from doing so. "So that happened and Becky thinks things will get better but I'm not too sure yet." Not to mention Operation Strix is hanging by a thread at the moment.

"I'm glad you finally told me, I was so confused and just wanted to understand you and help." He held her tightly while looking at her so lovingly that it made Anya's pain from the last few days go away. If only for a moment.

Anya nodded and held back the few tears that were threatening to spill. "I'm so scared."

"They love each other, Anya, I'm sure it'll work out."

"And if it doesn't?"

There was some silence before Damian spoke again. "Then I'll still be here by your side, I'll never leave you alone Anya."

She looked at him with hope in her eyes. "Really? Even though it'll likely be a huge scandal and you'll probably be caught up in it?" She knew what she was trying to imply. Aside from his academics, Anya knew the most important thing to Damian was not to bring shame to the Desmond family by any means. If word got out about the Forger's divorcing and they knew Damian was Anya's boyfriend she could only imagine he'd be somehow dragged into it. He'd likely break up with her over it.

She didn't want that so she needed his honest answer now.

He leaned in, planting a tender kiss on her lips. "I don't care about what people might say, Anya."

She closed her eyes, feeling his warmth. She knew he was being sincere but deep down he would care. There was no way he wouldn't. But for now, she'll believe him anyway. "Okay." She snuggled up to him feeling nothing but relief.

-

After a few minutes, they walked out of the classroom. Damian decided to walk Anya towards the entrance of the school where Becky was likely waiting since they were going shopping. Sure enough, she was there but so were Ewen and Emile. They were chatting rather amicably which again made Anya suspicious. That interrogation on Becky was happening now. She felt Damian's hand slip into hers as they walked up. She looked up at him, he was blushing, unable to look at her directly. She blushed too, he was shy, and honestly, so was she.

As soon as Becky, Ewen, and Emile turned around Anya without meaning to quickly let go of Damian's hand and ran towards Becky with a smile. She gave her a big hug which was out of nowhere but Becky appreciated it. Anya didn't know why she did what she did. "Let's go shopping!" She declared.

Becky giggled. "Someone is happy, I take it you two made up."

Before Damian could answer, Anya quickly intervened. "Oui! Everything is fine again."

Becky hummed and nodded. Something was going on but she couldn't quite tell what it was. For some reason Becky being suspicious made Anya nervous. Why was Anya nervous and why wasn't she just announcing their relationship status?

"So friends again? Because seriously you two not talking to each other was like witnessing a snowstorm in the summer." Ewen said as Emile nodded agreeing with him.

"Yeah, we're friends again." Anya paused. What?! But they're not friends! What is Anya doing?? She couldn't really face Damian. She didn't even need to look at him to know he was feeling hurt.

I thought we were dating?!

They are but for some reason, Anya is weird about it. What is going on with me now??? "Anyway Becky and I have things to do boys, see you all tomorrow!" She quickly drags Becky away from the trio. Becky doesn't protest but questions the sudden change. Usually, the one enthusiastic about shopping was her, not Anya. The one being dragged is usually Anya. But Anya was feeling like she needed to leave quickly.

Did I misunderstand something??

Anya gulped as Damian's worried thoughts invaded her mind. She didn't dare look back when she didn't know why she was hiding the fact that they were now a thing. She's wanted this for so long and yet… she's… hiding it?? Anya is confused, she's confusing herself.

She was dragged by Becky for hours racking up a bill of clothing and other accessories. Anya only bought a small trinket as it was all she could afford. She helped out Martha with Becky's pretty heavy bags but it was enough to distract Anya from the invading thoughts she was having. It was late at night by the time she arrived home. Anya didn't bother giving any sort of explanation for why she was out so late to her parents again. Not that she wanted to, this was her plan, an excuse. She couldn't face them anymore. She entered the Forger residence immediately greeted by Bond who quickly licked her face and once again ran off to hide in her room. Anya sighed knowing this meant her parents were likely waiting for her again. Ready to face the music she walked in and sure enough, her parents were sitting on the couch. Cups set in front of them, and worried thoughts invaded her mind. She quickly tuned them out. As soon as she walked in they both got up.

"Anya! Where have you been, young lady?! Do you have any idea how worried we were!!" Loid wasn't one to lose his composure but he had been worried for his daughter this entire time. Tempted to call in WISE to look for her.

"Anya, where were you?!" Yor while more composed was only on the outside. On the inside she had nothing but bad scenarios go through her mind. She was ready to just go and look for her daughter, kill anyone who dares to hurt her.

Anya flinched. "I was with Becky."

Loid almost flipped out but restrained himself. "Anya… if you were with Becky why didn't you tell us?!"

Yor quickly grabbed his arm to calm him but also to calm herself. She unconsciously did it as she would always seek his comfort. "Anya, you know you can't just go out without telling us!"

Anya held herself back but couldn't. "BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE!" She yelled out. Furiously wiping her tears she glared at them. "I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE!! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU TWO RIGHT NOW!!" She quickly ran and locked herself in her room. Thoughts of running away were tempting her. Her family was falling apart and she couldn't bear it anymore.

Knock knock

"Anya? Anya, please talk to us, don't shut us out again."

"Anya dear, please open the door."

Anya didn't open the door. She didn't even go out when Loid announced that dinner was ready or that Spy Wars was on. Anya stayed in her room hugging Bond for dear life.

No new visions.

-

The next morning Anya managed to sneak out again. Her parents were in their rooms having finally fallen asleep after trying to get Anya to open her door all night. With excuses that she couldn't go to sleep on an empty stomach or that they needed to talk properly. She fed Bond before leaving and quickly ran out towards the bus. As soon as she stepped foot in Eden she didn't feel any better. She felt heavier than ever. Things got better only to get worse. She walked in not even waiting for Becky like usual. Walking in she practically sped walked to Cecile Hall without looking at anyone. She sat at her desk and laid her head down trying to stop her tears. A headache came in and groaned hoping nobody else could hear her. She sat up and took a deep breath. She felt queasy, not eating any dinner or having breakfast was a terrible decision. Looking up she locked eyes with a certain hazel-eyed boy whom she loves so much. Just seeing him was enough to make her feel better.

"Sy-on boy!" She stood up rather quickly and almost fell back down in her seat. The dizziness kicked in.

Damian quickly went to her side. "Anya! Anya what's wrong, are you okay?!" He held her tightly.

"I'm okay, I'm okay just… I skipped breakfast like a dummy." She laughed nervously.

Despite this Damian didn't believe her. "But Anya you look pale, let me take you to the nurse's office please."

"I'm fine Sy-on boy I really am." She tried to reassure him but she knew she was failing because he wasn't being convinced.

Even Ewen and Emile weren't convinced.

"Come on Forger, just go to the nurse's office," Emile said, sounding concerned.

"Yeah you look pale, plus if we don't convince you Becky will have our heads." Ewen shuddered at the thought of being on the receiving end of Becky's wrath. She was always overprotective of Anya.

He wasn't wrong about that. Anya sighed and nodded. "Okay, I'll go." She let herself be guided by Damian. He instructed Ewen and Emile to take care of their things and to let Becky know what happened.

As they walked out Anya could feel the tension between them. It's not easy for Damian to forget the fact that Anya lied about their relationship status. Even though he planned to talk to her about it he didn't expect to be greeted by her in the morning looking sickly and pale. When they arrived at the nurse's office the nurse laid her down and started checking up on her. After confirming that it was due to a lack of eating and sleeping she allowed Anya to rest in the meantime to recover her lost energy. Damian decided to stay with her until class starts.

"Damian," Anya called out to him, his eyes widened momentarily, seeing as it's rare for Anya to actually use his name.

"What's wrong?"

Anya took a deep breath before she began to speak again. "I'm sorry, I know you're upset but I don't want anyone knowing we're together right now."

"Why?" He was confused, to say the least. Why wouldn't she want that?

Anya grabbed his hand tightly. "I don't want my family problems to get in the way of your reputation." I don't want Papa to know… if he finds out…

Damian looked at her in disbelief. "Anya I don't care about my-"

She interrupted him. "Yes, you do! You always have! Things aren't getting better and it's only a matter of time before all of Eden finds out and…" She trailed off afraid of what might happen when they do. No way they'll let her continue to study at Eden. She'll have to say goodbye. Why did she accept to be his girlfriend knowing this fact? She was selfish at the end of the day.

"Anya."

She looked away.

"Anya look at me." With hesitance she did. He caressed her cheek, placing his forehead against hers. Looking deep into her eyes. Nobody was around so he kissed her tenderly hoping to erase all the pain and stress she was feeling. "I don't care at all." He kissed her again and again. He wanted to convince her of the obvious.

Anya knew he was telling the truth. But that wasn't the problem anymore. "Please understand Damian… at least until the issues with my family are resolved." Until Operation Strix is done and over with until it's gone and I can be with you with no problems.

He sighed feeling rather frustrated, to say the least. "But I can't do that Anya, I don't want to hide you."

Anya smiled and kissed him this time around. "It's only temporary I promise." She didn't know how temporary it was if she were honest. They were pressuring her Papa. She needed one last Stella but she knew from her Papa's thoughts that he no longer planned to rely on her anymore. Circumstances changed. She needed to help accomplish the mission now more than ever.

Damian was hesitant, he didn't want to hide Anya. It was bad enough that he tried hiding his feelings for years. He can't imagine having to restrain himself any longer, not being able to call the girl he loves his girlfriend. Or kiss her when the teachers weren't looking. Hold her hand or let everyone else know she's taken and was his and only his. But he can't deny her request. She could ask him to jump off a cliff and he wouldn't be able to deny her. It's only for a short while. Pops loves Ms. Forger, I'm sure it'll be resolved soon. With a sigh, he nodded. "Okay, I won't tell anyone." He held her hand up and placed a kiss.

Anya blushed as she felt nothing but relief. "I love you."

"I love you too."

More than ever Anya was determined to finish the mission. And with it, she knew she could never tell Damian the truth.

Ever.

--

This chapter is super late and I apologize!

It was meant to go up yesterday but I forgot because life xD

Anyway Anya finally got a W!

How long will it last tho?

No spoilers *wink*

Also 1st episode of second cour!

Ngl I got emotional when Bond and Anya crossed paths xD (even tho I'm a manga reader lol)

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