-Do you want the latex gloves while you cook?- she watched him push the table opposite their usual dining table
-Perhaps they have recovered sufficiently, I shall see in a moment.- he observed the new layout with scrutiny, hands crossed on his chest, head tilted to the side. She giggled at him turning to the fridge. He was behind her in an instant. –What makes my darling giggle so lovely.- his hands stretched around her just below her breasts.
-You do.-
- Does me moving furniture around amuse you is some way?- he swayed slowly, his head resting on the top of her head.
-You just bring me joy that's all.- she leaned into him enjoying his warmth. – No one is as detail oriented as you.-
-As it should be. I am glad you approve.- he whispered quietly squeezing her a little tighter to himself.- Shall we cook madam?-
-What are we making anyway?- she peered into the open refrigerator.
-First music.- the warmth disappeared and his voice carried through the hall to the Wurlitzer.
-What do you say about some late 20th century Parisian, I just put it in last night?-
-That would be lovely.- she yelled back far less gracefully then his inflection. It always struck her strange how well he articulated and resonated through the mask, yes it was muffled but it was more pronounced than most of the people she knew. She fancied the idea of him being a radio host in another life. He returned gracefully, his kimono made it look like he floated on the stone, not a footstep was heard. He was singing again, another song she did not recognize.
-V that's beautiful.-
-It's for you.- he stepped in front of her wrapping his arms around her waist.
-But dinner V!- she exclaimed while he swept her away.
-Give me a minute love…- his mask pressed to the side of her skull. His feet carried them around the table, he lifted her of the ground, swaying slowly to the rhythm.
-How do you know French?- her voice was muffled by his chest.
-I don't know.- he paused his singing.- After Larkhill, when I heard French for the first time I didn't know how I could understand it, I just did. Funny how the brain works is it not?- he deposited her in front of the counter.
-So you always spoke it…-
- Latin too.- he ransacked through the fridge, she could only see the top of his head.
-You must have had a very good education.- she contemplated about V before Larkhill.
- I had the same conclusion.- his mask peered over the fridge door for a moment then disappeared again. – I had the same experience with the piano. It is actually a humorous anecdote.- he closed the door with his shoulder, his hands were full of vegetables. He deposited them on the counter and she waited for him to continue. V's hand glided over the knives. – I didn't own a piano for a while but one night Creedy's henchmen were moving a very large van. It peeked my interest you see.- he finally settled on a large vegetable knife. – Large vans equal very interesting shipments. – he peeled of his gloves placing them on the top of the fridge. Evey watched as he stretched his fingers as though he was testing them. – I disposed of them and investigated.- He gripped the knife turning the blade to the light.- Needs sharpening.- he murmured to himself and began searching for the sharpener. Evey leaned on the free counter observing him work.- When I climbed in.- he pulled the blade against the steel sharpener.- I saw the piano in pieces. I wasn't planning to use it mind you I just stole to find out I know more about them then I originally thought, it all came back to me while I was trying to assemble it in the gallery.-
-How did you get it there?- she watched in marvel as he guided the blade over the steel in fast, precise strokes.
-Stole the truck.- he looked in her direction.- How would I carry it otherwise?- his head tilted to one side. Her eyes lowered to the ground, she didn't really think about how V stole the things he did, they always just appeared in the gallery.- What's the matter love, didn't think I could drive?- he chuckled while placing the steel sharpener in its designated drawer.
-I didn't really think about it V, honestly.- she sounded defensive to his ears.
-It's quite alright, didn't think I could drive either. Also a very funny anecdote. – Her face lit up, she loved his stories, they were rear but always a treat.
- This is a bit embarrassing tale I must admit.- he peeled a carrot while he observed her.
-Please V!- she tried climbing up the counter but couldn't manage a proper grip.
-Does my lady require assistance?- she could hear his smile.
-Yes please.- her hands stretched upwards to him.
- How crude of me for not sitting you down.- While he lifted her on the counter she looked at the mask, how the light above the stove cast a warm glow over the masks nose and cheeks. He remained between her legs for a moment still holding her waist. Her hands raised towards the mask slowly stroking the porcelain finish. It was warm around his mouth.
His eyes fluttered closed on their own accord and he relaxed his head into her palm.
-Tell me more stories V. I want to hear all of them.- He exhaled a small chuckle.
-As my lady commands.- he graciously bowed down, his face very close to her knees. He quickly straightened resuming his work next to her.
-It was a cold January night, years ago to your dear narrator.- he began dramatically as he continued peeling. She laughed at his antics.- I stood on a roof top not far from this very place peering down below. A fingerman lurked about, you see he did not realize he was being watched.- he leaned towards her brining the mask very close to her face, his voice was soft and attentive.- Suddenly there was a great, big bang behind yours truly and to be quite honest to my dear sweetheart it scared her hero half to death. He was not yet as adept and vigilante you see. – The mask backed away from her face his voice becoming dramatic again. – He was attacked to your horror by an unknown man from behind. A gun glistened in the moon light. – she gasped in shock her hands covering her mouth. – Not to worry my darling what your hero lacked in weariness he possessed in speed. He leaped from the building on a nearby bin you see. What he failed to see was that the bin was indeed opened.- Evey sat in silence for a moment, V pausing in his story.- You jumped into an opened trash container?- she asked very slowly.
-Why yes dear, you see the hero was an utter blither.- he stated very matter of fact.- And as the hero crawled from the aforementioned container rather chagrined a few more fingerman gather about, disturbed by the noise you see. The hero found himself surrounded, what is he to do you wonder?- he began chopping the carrots into small cubes. – He observed there in front of him an opened car door.- he gesticulated with the knife towards the wall as if he was picturing the scene.
-You jumped into the car.- Evey was fascinated and very entertained by his story.
-Indeed he did and what he found was a stick shift. You see your dearest hero has never found himself in the presence of a stick shift, at least he thought. – She nodded eagerly wanting to know how he figured it out.
-He closed the door behind himself rather violently locking all the doors. The finger gathered around mocking him. Panic gripped the hero, what is he to do, how to escape? – His voice was laced with dramatic angst.- There was no time to think, the car was already in gear you see, that much he gathered and so he just stepped on the gas pedal. Imagine his surprise when his hand moved on its own accord shifting appropriately as he speeded through the street. I must admit.- he laughed loudly throwing his head backwards.- It was quite a shock to me. You see to my knowledge I never sat in a car in my life.-
-What a wonderful story V.- she all but clapped to his delight.
-The hero sped away in his new acquired transportation never to be seen again by the finger that is they never suspected it was the same man that terrorized their shipments later on.-
-How do you know.- she observed the small cubes and marvelled how similar they were to each other.
-I have not dawned the Guy Fawkes persona, I merely wore a black ski mask.
-I see.- she looked up at him.- When was this?-
-Seven years or so darling. Since then yours truly stole quite a large amount of cars, even motorcycles.-
-Motorcycles!?-
-Indeed love, but that took a bit of practice, I guess the young chap never rode bikes.-
-Can we….- she wanted to see him in action but she didn't know how we was going to go outside undetected.
-All in due time love. You do not know how to drive a car am I correct?- he chopped the onions with more speed then she would deem safe but it was him after all.
-I can't even ride a bike, let alone a car…- she sighed bitterly.
-Not to worry my pea I shall rectify that as soon as possible. In the meantime does my little lady wish to help me chop while I sauté the onions and carrots?-
-Sure.- she smiled warmly admiring his determination to teach her things. As she positioned herself in front of the cutting board he started the stove.
-You still didn't tell me what we're eating.-
-Deepest apologies my dear, a slip of the mind, Shepard's pie is our main course paired with a delicious 20 year old Cabernet Franc courtesy of chancellor Sutler. -
-Sounds fantastic…- she chopped the leek into small cubes just as he did but not nearly as neatly. She scrutinized her work never being as adept at cooking as most people let alone V, in her mind he could have been a master chef.
-You hold the knife wrong, that is why you are dissatisfied with your work.- he stirred slowly glancing in her direction.
-How can one hold a kitchen knife wrong?- she looked at the aforementioned object with confusion.
-Like this darling.- he stepped behind her trapping her between the counter and his body. – You must hold it lightly by the handle and use your wrist.- his hand stretched over hers as he demonstrated. – Hand us that pepper over there.- As she placed it on the cutting board his other hand stretched under her elbow and positioned the pepper to his liking.- We chop the pepper into chunks.- he demonstrated guiding her hand.- Skin always down, we do not wish for you to get cut now do we. Pay attention to the way I hold the pepper. Always hold it with three fingers thusly.- he began moving her hand slowly showing her how to cut the pepper into strips.- This is called a batonnet cut.- she really did try to concentrate but his evening plans decided to resurface in her mind.
-My dear you must concentrate.- he chastised lightly.
-Am I that obvious?- she looked upwards trying to catch a glimpse of the mask.
-You're beginning to be quite flushed my darling. -
-I can't help it when you're this close.- she giggled trying to turn into his arms.
-No hiding love, you are not being a good girl.- That shook her out of her thoughts immediately.
-I'm sorry sir, I will pay attention.-
-Good, now we turn the pepper, tell me what did we say, what's the name of the cut?- he resumed his demonstration.
-Batonnet…- she sheepishly added realizing that he's trying to share his passion with her and the only thing she could think about was smut.
-Good darling, now we turn the batonnet.- he lovingly supplied while guiding her hand. – Now we chop them into small cubes.
-What, they don't have a fancy name?- she laughed while his hand guided the knife.
-Brunoise darling.-
-Sounds delicious.-
- It is just a cut love.- he lowered the knife stretching his hand to stir the onions.
-Not the cut V, the French.-
-Do you like it when I speak French?- his hand spanned the entirety of her belly. She nodded shyly. He turned her towards himself lowering his mask to her face.
– Je t'embrasserai si tu me plais.- His voice enchanted her on a daily basis but it did unspeakable things to her when it was in French.- Comprenez-vous chaton?- the masks lips lowered to her own but never touched.
-You could have insulted me right now and I would still fall in love even more.- she whispered between them.
-I did no such thing my love.- he chuckled circling her waist.
-What did you say.- her hands played with his hair.
-You'll find out if you listened carefully to your lesson.- he stepped away from her embrace to stir the onions once again.
-You're not playing fair.- she pouted.
-Neither are you and your delicious lips my darling, c'est la vie. Now keep chopping I need that.- he smacked her bottom lightly. She yelped in surprise trying to hide her blush.
-I saw that.- he warned hotly, suddenly he didn't care much for the Shepard's pie. It was harder and harder to control himself, he might not be showing his eagerness about the arranged evening but it was very hard not to think about it. She didn't have to do much to stir his desires towards her, one delicious blush was more than enough for him. Evey breathed out a deep sigh trying to remember how he showed her to cut the peppers. As they continued to work in silence the sexual tension simmered down to a constant slow fizz between them, the sudden fire died down but it remained none the less. While V fried the minced meat she observed her handy work, he was right, it is all in the technique of the cutting.
-How are the peppers coming along my love?- his body was behind her suddenly.
-I think good?- she was unsure again now that she compered them to V's dice.
-Let us take a look shall we.- his left arm circled her waist pushing her in the crook of his body. He peered down at them his hair falling over his shoulders. – Very good indeed.- he looked down at her face. – I shall tell you what I said but first.- he turned her more towards himself.- Close your eyes. -
-Yes sir.- she urgently replied squeezing her eyes shit. He untied his mask just enough to raise it. His lips stopped a hair's breadth away from hers enjoying her breath on his face.
-Bonne chaton…- he kissed her softly enjoying her quiet murmur of his name. –Ma bonne fille.- he pressed her tighter to his chest.- Car, vois-tu, chaque jour je t'aime davantage, aujourd'hui plus qu'hier et bien moins que demain.-
- Tell me.- Her whispered ghosted over his lips.
- For, you see, each day I love you more, today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.- V smiled observing how her lip trembled and parted lightly for him.
-I love you too.- she hugged him tightly kissing his neck.- What else.- her kisses caused him to shiver lightly.
-I said I will kiss you if you please me.- he readjusted the mask back to its rightful place. – And you did wonderfully paying attention to your lesson.-She nodded under his chin.
-And while you kissed me.- he looked up at him knowing he returned the mask.
-Good kitten.- his thumb traced her bottom lip.- My good girl.- her eyes closed. -Time to continue my pea, I am famished.- The abrupt stop was more for his control than her own.
-Will there be pie left for me?- she giggled while he started on the mashed potatoes.
-Of course love, I promise to control myself.- She nodded in content leaving him to finish his work. While they waited for the pie to be finished they prepared plates and glasses-
-I'm excited.- she supplied moving the plates next to the stove.
-Does it please you that much to eat with me?-
-Of course it does V, I enjoy doing everything with you.- she stopped her setting just enough to kiss the masks lips. He stopped for a moment, letting the feeling of being love sink in, it was odd but not unwelcomed. These small moments of her natural, instinctive demonstrations of love for him were his motivation for letting her see everything. Of course he wanted to do what all normal couple did but they weren't a normal couple no matter how much he wanted it. But at the same time it motivated him to try, to push for her, for himself. At the end of the day he knew he should be unmasking himself for his benefit not just for hers.
-V?- she stopped when she noticed how still he was.
-It's alright love, I'm just marvelling about how good you are to me.- She smiled again, that wide small that told him wordlessly Of course, I love you. It took him time to detect the smile, to recognize what it meant. She smiled at him like that for a while now, even before the fifth, even before her imprisonment. The timer rang rather loudly breaking his trail of thought.
-Be careful love, it's hot.- he warned as he opened the oven.
-I'll watch out.- she supplied back not wanting him to worry.- It smells delicious.-
-Indeed.- He portioned the pie on their respected plates. The size of V's portion did not escape Evey's attention.
-God V that's massive!- she exclaimed trying to peer over his shoulder.
-I told you I eat ungodly amounts.-
-I believe you. Even better, we'll be together longer.- she moved to her table with her plate but still peered upwards at him. He pulled out a small black hair tie and began to tie his hair back in a low pony tail. Her eyes glistened up at him approving of his hair. – I like that a lot.- she watched as a lone strand fell across the masks cheek. There it was again, the feeling of being loved. He turned to take his plate.
-Close your eyes.-
-I already did.- she laughed warmly behind him. He took the plate to his table but turned towards her seat. He untied the mask lowering it in front of his face. For some reason eating in front of her was harder than he thought it would be, he knew she couldn't see his struggle, the scar on his chin made it a bit difficult to eat at times when it was too tight, he hated it, the teeth complicated matters even more at times.
-It's alright V, I can wait as long as you need.- she felt his presence behind her, tried to find his hand. He helped her search in the dark, gripping it and bringing it to his lips, one kiss was planted on her ring finger, the next higher closer to her wrist. He let go and tenderly took her chin between his thumb and index finger. She smiled immediately at the contact but remained still, her head lowered in the direction of the table.
- I love you.- it made her smile even more. He turned her face to his placing a small kiss on her bottom lip. She heard a quiet clatter next to her right hand where she placed it on the table.
-Will you take care of that for me darling?- she moved her hand over the object feeling Fawkes nose below her fingers.
-Always V.- she lovingly stroked her thumb over the masks lips.
-Thank you love.- he kissed her cheek beginning to move away from her.
-Wait.- he stopped in his tracks still lowered to her eye level. Her hands stretched searching for him. He kneeled to her side right in the path of her hands. When she felt his face she stopped over the scar on his cheek.- There you are. You can't go yet.- she stroked the length of his jawline.
- But the pie.- he tried playfully.
-Kiss first then pie.- she placed a small kiss atop his chin then at his cheek. He tried following her lips with his own but she kept kissing everywhere else but atop them. –I seem to be having problems today, can't quite find them.- she teased him planting a small kiss very close to the corner of his lips. He couldn't wait anymore, refused to wait. He grabbed her chin again, more forcefully than before.
-Naughty girl.- he kissed her hard enough to make her moan.- You mustn't tease me like that.-
-Am I in trouble? – she asked innocently.
-I want to see that plate all cleaned up then we'll see if you're in troubled.- he purred kissing her again.
-Yes sir.-
-Good now eat my dear and then maybe you'll get more kisses.- He moved to his table taking care to not scrape the tiles with his chair. He could hear the soft clicking of her cutlery.
-It's really good sir.- she spoke through a mouthful.
-Breathe darling.- he chuckled while he opened the wine bottle.
-Why are you good at everything you do?- she lowered her fork listening to the unmistakable pop of the wine cork.
-I suppose everything I do I take great care in it.- he let the wine breath before he poured it. The chair moved behind her and she closed her eyes again. – I'm ready.-
- Smart girl.- he placed the glass next to her.- Let it breath a bit more.- he spoke next to her ear.
-Now you're doing that on purpose.- she pouted again hating how much he could seduce her by just speaking.
-Perhaps a little.- he retreated back to his chair and began eating. – I must say.- he swallowed before speaking.- This is my best one yet, must be the little peppers.-
-Now you're just trying to win my favour. – she said over her shoulder laughing.
-Bien sûr ma chère.-
-Cheater!- she accused. They continued eating quietly, the scar hurt when he opened his mouth. He began to be restless, he didn't like not seeing her even though he knew she wouldn't look, he trusted her but the nasty voice in his head kept whispering to him. He grabbed the glass more forcefully than he intended and took a great gulp from it. A small drop rolled from the corner of his mouth where the scar was tighter than usual. It made him angry.
-This won't do.- he suddenly exclaimed scaring her.
-What's the matter V?- she closed her eyes on instinct like he was right in front of her.
-I'm sorry darling, I'm just upset, like a child.- his lip snarled.
-No sir. What's bothering you, tell me please.- he exhaled deeply willing himself to calm down.
-It hurts sometimes….- he whipped the trail that the droplet left. – When I eat or drink.
- How can I help? Do you want Fawkes back?- she gripped the mask to her chest looking down at it.
-No love, thank you. A spot of cream perhaps. I shall be back.- he stood abruptly walking away from her to his room. When he returned she did not move a single inch, the plate was as filled as it was when he left.
-Better darling?- she still held the mask for comfort.-
-Yes love, apologizes.-
-You have nothing to apologize for, you're hurting.- she returned the mask next to her plate. It watched her silently, it looked like it was smiling painfully at her.
-I can't even eat properly like a human.- he bitterly added after a moment of silence.
-I want to kiss it better sir, will you allow me.- she held her breath while she waited his answer.
-Would you?- his throat was dry. It was such an irrational disgust he felt towards himself when he couldn't eat, it made him feel like an animal.
-I'll try to make it better, I want to.- she risked a glance backwards somehow knowing he wouldn't be facing her, his head was bowed down, slumped depressively towards his lap. It made her so incredibly sad that this incredible man would suffer this much. She lifted her chair and began shuffling backwards until she touched his own chair, he flinched instinctively but remained seated no matter how much his instinct screamed for him to get up.
-I'm right here.- she tried to touch him without turning. He gripped her hand reflexively turning his body sideways to her.
- Later darling I promise you can make it better, I put numbing cream for the time being.-
-Can we hold hands while we eat?- she rubbed his knuckles with her thumb.
-That would help, thank you.- And so they continued eating, back to back, hand in hand not letting go of each other.