p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As she opened her eyes she contemplated how quickly she adjusted to not see light, to not be greeted by the early rays of morning sunshine. She felt V's warmth beside her, one of his legs was thrown over hers. She stirred lightly blinking away sleep. He felt her shift and drew her closer to his /-V?- her voice was soft but rough from /-I love you.- his voice was much deeper and raspier than she expected it to /-Pardon?- she laughed secretly to herself while she faced away from /-I love you.- he raised his head above her trying to catch a glimpse of her /-I think good morning is more appropriate in this situation.- she finally faced him, she could see more of him now her eyes adjusting to the dark much quicker than last night, a very large reflection greeted her and her mouth stretched into a /- I disagree most vehemently. -br /-Can't argue with you.- she searched for his lips and was greeted by his scarred chin. She began laughing as he climbed between her legs. –My sonar isn't as good as it was yesterday.-br /-We shall have to rectify that immediately. – His breath fanned across her /-I agree most ardently.- she didn't wait long for her good morning kiss but was surprised with its /-I love you.- he repeated again ghosting the words across her /-I love you.- she happily supplied in return.- I'm not complaining just so you know, I just want to know why.-br /- You spoke my name in your sleep.- his arms supported his weight above her just enough to give her room to breathe but she was securely trapped underneath /-I did?- she couldn't be self-conscious about it if it made him so happy and /-You said it thrice very softly.- he stared intensely at her.- It woke me /-I'm sorry.- she guided her hand over his scarred /-I wish I would wake every morning with the sound of my name on your lips.- he kissed her /-If you want.- Evey giggled wrapping her arms around his back. Their foreheads connected in an already familiar gesture that comforted them both. After a moment of content silence, V withdrew from atop her but remained close to her /-What does my darling wish for breakfast?-br /-Eggy in a basket and a cup of…- she began when he interrupted /-Green tea with honey and lemon.- If V cooed this was the closest he /- Yes dear.- she took his hand allowing him to pull her upwards from their bed and into his /-I shall have to separate from you now dear but not to worry, breakfast will be waiting for you soon enough.- he kissed her one last time and retired to the /Later that day V sat in his armchair trying to read but he could only focus on Evey's soft swaying in the middle of the media room while she talked on the /-How is he treating you darling?- Gordon's voice buzzed annoyingly over the small telephone V used from time to time to place orders and /-Very good Gigi.- she blew air through her nose. At times he could pry too much into their relationship. She knew he worried but supported them none the less but it annoyed her /-Are you sure, does he take care of your needs?- he put a hard inflection on the end of the sentence with a small giggle. Evey drew in a breath ready to put him into his place but Gordon moved on and continued his /-Are you positively sure he treats you as he should? Do you need me to have a stern conversation with him?- He was teasing she /-Christ Gordon the man cuts the crust off my sandwiches, he treats me like no one ever has!- she exclaimed louder than she intended. She heard V snicker trying to hide his masked face behind a very large volume of French /-Alright love you don't have to get your knickers in a twist.- he groaned loudly causing her to worry, forgetting their earlier /-Does it still bother you?- she whispered, the memories of his arrest returning to her /-I'm alright, I spoke to a doctor, they assured me they could repair the knee.- she could hear the shuffling of objects on the other side. She glanced at the clock realizing Gordon was surely drinking tea as he always did in the /-I miss you Gigi...- she sighed deeply causing V to turn in his armchair. His head cocked to the side in a silent acknowledgment of her /-I miss you too button, soon everything will be right as rain and I'll come and see you.-br /-When will you be returning?- France wasn't a long way away but Evey couldn't leave, wouldn' /-In a month...- he sighed deeply almost painfully. – Dom says they're reinstating the government and soon no one will prosecute me. Imagine, a man likes a bit of sodomy and they almost kill you.- he joked bitterly. Evey slowly drifted closer to V's armchair seeking his comfort. He took her hand placing it absentmindedly to the mask's lips. – Anyhow...- Gordon continued trying to defuse the tension when Evey didn't return his laugh.- Tell the old blither I expect him to take every measure to keep you safe or else.- his threat was empty but the sentiment was appreciated even if it annoyed /-Tell him yourself.- she laughed glancing at V. He was observing her with a small smile, he wished she could see /-I will put him on!- Gordon exclaimed loudly accepting her challenge. She passed the phone over to V and he gracefully took it while he laid the volume on the end /-I hear you're accusing me of all sorts of things Mr. Deitrich I do not appreciate it. – V sounded smug and very petty but in reality the two of them shared a very twisted sense of humour. From the moment they began their communication she knew they would get along splendidly and V proved his liking of Gordon the moment he alerted Dominic to his capture. At the time Evey didn't realize V had a mole on the inside which she should have. She also didn't realize how deep his connections were. In the months when they were separated from one another Gordon was her only support and she frequented his hidden residence often. There she met Dominic and they struck up a comfortable friendship. Dominic and Gordon on the other hand while acquaintances in the beginning began a very sexually tense relationship with minutes upon minutes of intense eye contact that made Evey squirm in her seat whenever she was with them. Neither of them acted upon their obvious attraction and Evey often teased Gordon mercilessly about it. He assured her there was nothing between them and that he didn't know if Dominic was even gay but Evey persisted with the /-I did no such thing darling I merely inquired about her well-being.- If there ever was a more flamboyant man than V surely it was Gordon. He brought a strange energy out of V that Evey enjoyed to no end. She imagined a perfect life for them where they would frequent a fine dining restaurant together and drink and laugh and talk in the good company of Gordon and if Gordon tried enough Dominic as well. It wasn't a completely empty wish but it was hard to attain she knew, but she also knew if there ever was a man V could trust completely with his whole being it was /-Gordon I heard every word.- V tried not to laugh he really did but Gordon took it as well as he gave it and he found he enjoyed their play arguments more than he would ever admit to anyone even /- I bet you did dear.- Gordons replay was almost campy, reminiscent of old posh ladies she watched on the /-Tell me dear.- V inflected the pet name playfully.- How is your loverboy, have you heard from him?- Evey imagined a wickedly playful smile graced V's features even though she never saw /-You bastard I told you not to call him that.- She heard Gordon hiss on the other end of the line. She leaned in trying to hear better. V laughed triumphantly slapping his knee in the /-Come now Gordon, Evey has told me all about your intense staring.- V inclined his head upwards towards Evey's face, she could only laugh at his /-I do no such thing!- Gordon deflected alarmingly. V rolled his eyes behind the mask, somehow Evey knew he said something /-What did he say?- she exhaled more than whispered. V tapped his thigh inviting her to sit upon it. While she tried to get comfortable V continued his merciless teasing, a revenge for his /- Gordon one day you'll jump that boy and you know it. – V's hands wrapped around Evey's side pressing the telephone to Evey's ear so she could hear /-Listen here you devil I have self-control.- She heard Gordon's cup /-Whatever you say my dear.- V's hand squeezed her side. Evey covered her mouth trying not to /– And tell your little misses to stop spying on our conversations.- Somehow he knew but how Evey couldn't /-Take care of yourself Gordon.- V turned serious for a moment.- We expect you to come for dinner, don't we dear?- he pressed his mask to her cheek.-br /-We expect you to bring wine Gigi, the best you own.- Evey /- I would be offended if you didn't.- V teased /-Alright you two, I will, I promise. – It was hard for Gordon to be away from his home but the finger was beginning to search more extensively right before the fifth, Dominic couldn't hide him anymore and he refused to encroach on V's privacy so close to the completion of his plan. The knee was also an issue that plagued Gordon but none of the doctors would be willing to treat him in England. After his escape Dominic found a doctor to treat his wounds but surgery was needed to repair it completely. Evey didn't ask much about his captivity, she couldn't bring herself to know what they did to /-Send my regards to Dominic would you.- Gordon tried to sound nonchalant but V and Evey knew how much he meant to /-Of course Gigi.-br /-I bet he will be thrilled.- V threw one last jab before they said their /-That man is in deep denial.- he readjusted Evey on his /-It's almost funny.- she leaned on his /-Indeed.- his hands caressed her scalp.- I have to go up top /-V…- she trailed off. She knew she couldn't keep him in the gallery forever but she dreaded to think of him leaving /-I can't make your custard if we don't have milk.- he tried to soothe /-Fuck the custard.- she mumbled into his /-Now now little lady, none of that.- he pushed her softly of his /-I'm just worried.- she observed his slippers. He wore a large knit sweater and slacks but remained /-I know.- he touched her chin.- It's just a trip to the mini-mart, I'm not off to gallivant in the streets. -br /-Can I see you before you leave?- her eyes expressed all the love and worry she felt. In most circumstance, she never saw his disguises but the more comfort he felt around her the more he allowed her to /-If you wish.- he placed the phone back on the side table next to his /-Will I see more?- she didn't have to explain what she meant, it became quite clear to him she wanted to see his face all at once and not in /- No.-br /-Alright…- she separated from him still worried but slightly comforted by the fact he wasn't venturing a long way /- I'll call you on my way out.- he supplied while leaving for the makeup /-Alright love.- she slumped in his armchair bringing her legs to her /Some time passed and she heard him in the hallway, he was putting on a long, dark winter coat. She liked to pretend she could surprise him but she never could and as her bare feet slid against the cold stone floor she heard his /-You mustn't walk barefoot on such a cold surface.- his back remained turned to /-I still try to surprise you.- she swayed back and forth observing his attire. A large wool cap was pulled over his head, she tried to figure out if he had hair on or not. She supposed he didn't really need it. As he turned a small lump formed in her throat, she didn't think his disguise would cause her to react in such a /-Slippers.- his tone was warm but commanding as he threw a pair of off-white slippers at her feet. As she climbed into them she continued to observe his face or the lack of it. The cap covered his whole forehead and eyebrows, a large brown scarf wrapped around the lower part of his face, she couldn't even make out his profile. Large round sunglasses shielded the rest of his face, she saw more in the dark than in this /- You weren't kidding.- she stepped closer to /-Winter is perfect for my special needs.- his head cocked to the side, she could recognize that gesture anywhere in any disguise, it was quintessential /- At least you'll be warm.- she adjusted the lapel of his /- The cashier at the mini-mart thinks I'm a celebrity.-br /- Who, Edna?- Evey smiled up at /-No, not Edna, Maude.-br /-One day Maude asked me if I've ever seen a very tall man with a very large scarf didn't think she meant you.-br /-I think I've made an impression with her the last time I was buying you pads.- he laughed while buttoning his /- It's not like you see a very large anonymous man buy feminine products every day.-br /-I will never understand why buying feminine products is such a novelty, to think a man would be embarrassed to buy them is beyond absurd. -br /- Speaking of.- she took his gloved /-Already on the list.- he tapped his index finger to his wool-covered head.- And chocolate.-br /She embraced him tightly. -Maybe I should go with you to show Maude you're taken.-br /-Not to worry my dear I shall return in no time to your embrace.- he lowered his face to her lips on instinct. Before he could say anything to her she was already on the tips of her toes, her eyes shut tightly. V pulled the scarf downwards kissing her softly. She giggled quietly more to /-I am amusing you again am I not?- he stole one more kiss before she could /-You did it without thinking.- she touched his face softly.- You forgot.- It was a very sudden realization to have. It would surprise him if he didn't know any better. The power this woman held over him was indescribable and the things he did just because of her were beginning to encroach on his religiously held routines. He never forgot he wore a mask, it was always in the back of his mind but these small moments reminded him it was possible to /-I'll forget a bunch of times I'm sure.- It was all he could /-I look forward to it.- This time it was Evey that stole one last kiss from his lips. She lowered to her normal height but her eyes remained /- Would you like to watch a film when I return?- he pulled the scarf over his nose securing it with his /- You just want to be close to me, admit it.- his wool-covered cheek connected with /-Always.- With one final embrace he began his small mission of grocery shopping./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As he climbed out of the tunnel's exit V glanced around the corner. There were a few people milling about but mostly the streets were covered with light fog. He stood at the back alley observing them. Everything seemed calm. As much as he hated to admit it crowds made him uneasy but he ventured on determined to pay them no mind. The minimart was a five-minute walk away and he frequented it often, you could call him a regular if he didn't visit it in multiple disguises. A large truck passed him as he crossed the road causing a rather large splash of water next to his foot. He dodged it easily causing a woman next to him to comment under her breathbr /-Sodding rain.- she pulled her coat tighter around her body. A few streets down he happened upon a larger group of pedestrians all walking to their destinations, rushing through the afternoon traffic. He stood a few meters away from them in the shadow of a building observing them. They all seemed content, unbothered by the events that transpired. It was the first time since the fifth he allowed himself to watch the people and their reactions to the new political climate that was developing, it all seemed as it was to him. Stepping out of the shadow a small child ran in front of him chasing a ball. A small girl with frilly pigtails lagged behind him. She stopped in front of V's /-Mister, there's no sun out.- she gazed up at /-Sweetheart stop bothering that man.- a woman rushed into the conversation taking her /-It is quite alright miss.- he bowed his head slowly bidding them /-Bye mister sunglasses.- the little girl waved cheerfully showing her missing front teeth. He found himself reconsidering the sunglasses, they were a bit conspicuous in this fog. After a few unsure steps, he removed them and placed them in his inner coat pocket. It has been years since he showed his burned skin in public. He stepped on the street passing by a few teenagers. One of them made eye contact with him and quickly looked away. He bowed his head deeper looking at his feet as he walked. When he arrived in front of the minimart Edna greeted him at the door. She was a young woman, barely in her thirties. She smoked thin cigarettes and wore large and flowy dresses at all times of the year. She recognized him immediately and lowered the cigarette to the improvised ashtray that stood on the mini-marts /- Well mister scarf, been a while.- she cheerfully waved. As he got closer she registered his eyes. She lowered her gaze immediately. There wasn't enough skin showing to make her realize how much damage there was but she could see ropey tissue that covered the right side of his forehead. Surely she could see some of the eyelashes were also /-Good afternoon Edna, do not rush with your break.- he didn't stop enough to let her see more. He opted to squeeze past her and enter the shop. The constant anxiety that felt like a punch in the gut did not stop even when he hid behind a shelf. As he was trying to catch his breath he heard a sharp intake of breath followed by a toppling of a few /-Bugger all!- Maude all but yelled. V's size meant he could easily peer over the short shelves. He observed her battle with a rather large stack of boxes of sugar. She was trying to place them at the top of the shelves but could not pick them up. Maude was much older than Edna, V presumed she was at least fifty. Her hair was greying and her skin showed sun damage. What fascinated V the most were her nails, she always had rather large and he hate to admit it rather ugly square press on /-Might I assist?- he finally spoke after a few minutes of observation. What came over him he could not /- God almighty.- she almost flung a pack of sugar into the /-Apologise.- It was becoming an instinct to apologize after he startled /-Ouh! It's you…- she looked him up and down stopping at his eyes. He observed her reaction with scrutiny. She did not react as Edna did minutes ago. Maude held steady eye contact with him. He wondered how well she could see judging by the lack of /-Well, what are you waiting for?- she suddenly spoke disturbing his /-Right.- V felt even more uncomfortable than he was, a quick look he could deal with but a stare as long as Maud's he could not. As he lifted the box Maude spoke again.- I wondered how long it would take you.-br /-Pardon?- he watched her from the corner of his /-How long it would take for you to show yourself.- She was rather upfront about the whole thing. V didn't know what to /-After some time deliberating with meself I came to a conclusion. Ye must be either famous or disfigured.- she said it like it was a matter of fact and not a very rude and brash thing to say to someone who only bought milk and bread from you. V realized it didn't offend him one bit it was the truth after /-Well today I decided sunglasses were a bit too much.- he chuckled beside himself that he would even say such a thing to a stranger. She simply shook her head in acknowledgment and handed him another /- How's the missus?- she yelled as she left for the till. V realized he didn't give Maude enough credit, she was a clever woman after all, very /-Good, thank you for asking. - As he picked up all the items from the shelves Edna returned inside and went straight for /-Did you see?- she spoke in a low rushed breath. The shop was very small containing only three shelves and he was pretty sure even normal people could hear her comment. Maude smacked her over the shoulder with a folded copy of the Daily /-Show some respect child!- Maude pushed her to the back room.- Sort that shite will ya.-br /As V brought all the items to the till Maude returned with a very large scowl on her /-Pay her no mind mister?-br /Nosey woman V thought to himself ignoring her question. As she rang the items she looked up at him again. They made eye contact again but V did not look away as much as her gaze bothered him, he wanted her to /-My late husband had eyes like you. He could stare down a wild animal if he wanted to.- she finally looked down to check the /-I've been told the same.- his eyes grew softer for a moment, he didn't intend to scare her, it was a very instinctive act for him since Larkhill. Making people uncomfortable with just a stare was the only thing he could do, the only power he had in that wretched /- Supposed that's a good thing now is it? No one can give you shite for anything.- she laughed handing him his /-It does give an advantage.- he confirmed lowering the bag to his /-I say you should stare anyone who tries to look ya the wrong way, serves the pillocks right.-br /-I shall endeavor to do so.- he bowed his head cordially making his way to the /-Edna say bye to the mister.- Maude screamed suddenly causing a loud ruckus from the back /-Bye mister.- Edna's dark hair peeked through the threshold of the door. Her eyes danced over his wool-clad /-Good day ladies.- he smiled softly making his eyes /Even if this wasn't the first time he left the gallery after his injuries it still left her uneasy. The gallery was very quiet and dim without him in it. She knew rationally that she was being ridiculous but she wasn't used to being separated from him. In fact, she hated it. In reality, he would return in an hour at most but to her it felt longer. She tried to not dwell on her fears and returned to the media room, to his armchair where she spent most of her time while he was away, even before the fifth, even before her imprisonment she would often sit in it while he protected the city at night. She didn't know if he knew how much she missed him even when she was his /-Evey you're being unbearable.- she spoke to herself looking around the room, perhaps a book would do her good. As she settled comfortably enjoying the collection of Oscar Wild poetry the phone rang loudly. It never rang, she would be confused by the origin of the sound if it didn't buzz on the end table. She peered over the armchair trying to see the call number ID. She didn't recognize the calling line identification. It rang incessantly for over a minute and finally she decided to answer. She didn't say anything simply accepted the call. A soft but very accented Scottish voice /-She wants tae speak tae ye.- Evey couldn't stop her intake of breath which caused the woman on the other side of the line to exclaim. - Tis her!- there was a very large gasp and the sound of the phone shuffling between /-Finally!- an older voice exclaimed. Evey panicked not knowing what to do or how to react. In a last ditch effort she hung up throwing the phone on the sofa in a flurry. She stared at the little device intensely like it would grow legs and run towards her. Panicked gripped her again, what had she done, she broke his trust. She began pacing up and down the length of the sofa still looking at the phone. She feared it would ring again but before she could decide her next course of action V opened the door of the gallery rather violently with his /-Damn hinges.- he muttered to himself.- I oil you and clean you and still you cause trouble.- he shook of the stray drops of rain that began collection on his coat. He stood still for a moment when he didn't hear Evey. It alarmed him instantly, something was /- Love?- he raised his voice just enough to alert her of his /-In here.- she sounded distraught, almost horrified. He didn't wait for a moment, not even to take his boots of. He found her in front of the sofa looking downwards at the /-What has happened?- he noticed the phone missing from the side table, his brain worked faster than his legs and as he stepped next to her he already had his /-It rang didn't it?- he asked after a moment of her silence. She simply shook her /-You aren't in trouble.- he reassured her instantly wanting her to relax but she grew even more /-Did you talk to her?- he leaned forward towards her /-I hung up, I'm sorry.- the sudden burst of tears he did not expect. It caused him to grip her tightly shaking her slightly. – It's alright Evey, I am not cross.- she pushed her head under his chin burying her head in his /-I don't know why I did it.- she /-You did it because you were curious, there is nothing wrong with that.- he sat her down on the sofa.- You were supposed to know this in any case, I don't know why I waited this long.- She calmed a bit watching her reflection in his sunglasses. He remembered to return them before he entered the /-Know what?- he produced a tissue and pushed it into her palm without her even /-A moment darling, just a moment and I will tell you everything.- he straightened to his full height and began walking in a brisk manner to the makeup room. She contemplated the tissue for a moment marveling how ready he was for her every need. He returned quickly and kneeled in front of her feet, Guy Fawkes smiled up at her. He took her hands in his, they were slightly colder than /-I never told you what happened after…- It came out rushed but he continued not wanting for her to feel guilty any longer, if he finished his story the last time he spoke of it she wouldn't be /-I didn't pass out after the explosion. There was chaos everywhere, people running trying to put out the fire, some of the prisoners were escaping. It took me a moment to realize I survived, that I too could escape and I figured fate was trying to tell me something. So I jumped a fence and ran and kept running. I found a dirt road and I just walked and walked, I don't remember half of it.- he pulled himself closer to her knees. She remained silent with unfallen tears in her /-Somehow, somewhere in that journey I passed out and woke up in a bed, immobilized, in pain, I couldn't see anything, they had covered my eyes.- she tried to take his hand in hers but he wrapped them around her /-You see when I woke up I soon realized someone found me, took me in, stitched me up, cleaned me. Her name is Agnes.- he stopped suddenly searching for the phone, it was trapped between the fold of the sofa's cushions. He took it into his hands but did little with /-She is mother superior of the monastery near Larkhill.- he looked down at his hand. – She….- it wasn't hard to tell Evey what she meant to him, at least he didn't think it would be. It suddenly made him very emotional to think about his time at the monastery, it was painful, unpleasant, and humiliating but at the same time, it was his second home. Evey touched his shoulder softly, she finally stopped /-She raised me sort of speak.- he concluded finally touching her cheek /-One of them recognized me, at least I think she did. That's when I hung up.-br /-I should think they would, they know everything about you.- she could hear him /-They know me…- she was both amazed and frightened about the /-Of course, they do my love, how could I not share you with them.- he began retyping the monastery's /-Tell me more.- she urged wanting to know /-I think its best she tells you, she's been nagging me about you for months.-br /-You want me to speak to her?- she was alarmed again. It was a sural idea to speak to a woman who rehabilitated him after /-Do not fret my love, they love you already.- he recognized her discomfort immediately. – I was worried at one point she would come to London herself just to see you.- It made Evey laugh. He pressed the phone to his ear holding it with his shoulder, his hands caressed her face softly. After a few rings the same voice /-Ah hawp ye hae a guid explanation fur her.-br /-Teresa…- he sighed through a smile.- You scared her.-br /-Tis yer fault young man.- Teresa /-Yes of course.- he chuckled /-Ye cannae keep her tae yersel'- she continued to tut /-Is that him Teresa, he's in big trouble!- Evey leaned close to him again listening in on the /- Big trouble!- V exclaimed dramatically.- Tell her she scared my darling half to death.-br /-I did no such thing.- Evey gathered that the woman in question finally got to the /-She was crying.- V stood and sat beside her on the /-That's because you didn't tell her you muppet!- Evey laughed suddenly not able to contain /- Agnes…-he gritted through his /-Agnes?! Young man, first you blame me for something I did not do and now you disrespect me in such a manner.- It surprised Evey how authoritative her voice was, she couldn't imagine anyone speaking to V in such a way let alone him letting /-Mother…- he honest to God whined for the first time since she knew him.-I am calling not to argue with you but for you to speak with her.-br /-Yes, yes that it precisely what I was waiting for, I am an old woman do you want me to die without knowing her?- V's head fell on the back of the sofa, defeated, he passed the phone to Evey praying to whoever was listening that this conversation will be as painless for him as it can /-Hello?- Evey's voice shook /-My dear, first and foremost I am beyond thrilled to hear your voice finally, secondly, you must forgive him for his behavior, that is not how I raised him.- Agnese's voice became soft and /-He is stubborn sometimes I know.- Evey /-Stubborn doesn't even begin to cover it. You should have seen him when he first arrived. Not three days passed and he wanted to get out of bed, Sister Mary had to sedate him with a shot worthy of a horse.- Evey glanced to V, his head still hung over the sofa's backrest exposing his neck to her, it was slightly stubbly on the left side, she wanted to touch it but she was interrupted by Agnes's loud laugh. – And thank God for Sister Mary, she is a nurse you know, without her we would have to chase him around the abbey.-br /- I had a fight with him over the same thing.-br /-We are all so incredibly happy you found him.- Agnes's voice was warm and /- I am the one who has to thank you for saving him.- she took V's ungloved hand placing it in her /- He saved us all hasn't he?- she sounded very thoughtful. Evey didn't know how much Agnes knew about what V did and she would not say anything until she checked with /-Tell me about him, please.- V stirred next to her, it only caused Evey to grip him /-It was awful my dear, truly monstrous what they did to him. .- she could hear how much it hurt Agnes to even speak of it. – Sister Teresa and a few of our Novitiate found him in our field early in the morning. How he did not bleed out we do not know.- V's masked nuzzled below her neck hiding from the light as if he was exposed. In reality, this was a kind of exposing, an exposing of his trauma and injuries. She needed to know, he promised it to himself to tell her everything, every last detail if needed. Evey remained silent while she listened to the story. Her hand brushed through his /- Two days he remained unconscious, unmoved. We weren't sure if he would survive. There was nothing we could have done. Sister Mary could provide some medication, pain relief, and bandages but nothing more. We feared where he came from and what they would do to him if they found him.- The way Sister Agnus said they made Evey realize she probably knew what was happening in the country long before most people /-Finally, we managed to get Friar Francis to pick up a doctor that Sister Mary spoke to. You see we are a remote abbey, my child, it was not easy to find us.-br /-What did the doctor say?- Evey grew anxious for V's state even though it was years /-He was as shocked as we were if not more so. He was one of the protestors and he swore he would not say from where he came from. We all knew it was Larkhill, everyone knew what they did there.- Agnese's throat constricted painfully.- After days and days of his inconsistent muttering the only thing we understood was two words, V and Larkhill. That was the only confirmation I needed. Of course, we did not know his name, we asked he only kept saying those two words. We simply called him V after that until he regained full consciousness. But when he did we quickly realized he did not know who he was. – Evey sighed deeply pushing V closer under her /-I know, he told me.-br /- We don't even know how old he is. The good doctor said somewhere around 20 at the time, that was all he could tell. Weeks passed, he spoke little and could not see because of the bandages. After a time I became increasingly worried for his spirit you see, he was becoming very depressed and he stopped eating so I started reading to him in the evenings. He fancied that. That and when it came time for mass when he could hear the organ /-Sounds like him.- Evey smiled /- After a while he could move for a time before he got too exhausted, we would often help him to get to the library that is where he spent most of his time. He reorganized it top to bottom in alphabetical order, which made Sister Francine incredibly /- Is it still in order?- it was the first time V spoke in a /-Yes son, everything is in tip-top shape just as you left it last time, Sister Francine says the ladder works amazingly.-br /-Good, good.- he lowered his head into Evey's lap, his legs were too long to fit and he threw one of them over the backrest, it hung precariously, swaying /-Did you go there that time you were gone for a weekend, a couple of months ago?- V simply nodded silently a bit guilty he abandoned her for a whole weekend. Agnus commented nothing only sniffled a little on the other side of the /-Sister…- Evey looked down at his masked face, his hair laid softly around him, she knew he was looking at her. – Does he let you see his face?- she asked finally knowing he would take no offence to /-I'm afraid he had little choice.- Evey traced the outline of the mask as she listened to /-Tell me about it.-br /- He is very beautiful.- Agnes said it with certainty only a mother could possess. – He has very intense /-Sometimes I know he's looking at me even if I've never saw them.-br /-He would scare the Novitiates all the time. I must admit to you, dear. We had quite the trouble with /-How could you say such a thing Mother I was an angel.- we /-The first 4 months maybe, after that we could no longer restrain you. Every Novitiate had a crush on that boy it was truly awful to control /-That is a lie.- V sat up quickly taking the phone out of Evey's hand. -You're making me out to sound like a womanizer.- he seemed rather /- Remember Dorothy?- Agnes /-I don't want to remember Dorothy!- he threw the hand back into Evey's /-I want know.- Evey laughed loudly seeing a very different side to /- Our poor sister, she was very young, younger than you dear, one time she confessed to one of the younger sisters she found herself lusting after /-Mother stop.- V's hands covered the mask in /- Nothing to be ashamed of.- Agnes teased while Evey wheezed above /-I knew I shouldn't have let you speak, you conspire against me. – V stood from the sofa turning on his heel and leaving for his office. Evey knew he wasn't really angry at them, just didn't want to be more /-He's too harsh on himself.- Agnes sounded worried again.- But you make him incredibly happy, as happy as he's ever been.-br /-I hope so.- Evey sighed quietly observing the door of his /- Give him time child, you'll see.-br /-I saw very little, in the dark but I already know he's beautiful. Do not worry Sister, I have all the time in the world.-br /-Agnes.-br /-Pardon?-br /-You may call me Agnes dear.-br /-Agnes… Alright. Tell me more, tell me everything.- And she did, all the shenanigans that transpired in the Abbey since his arrival./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As he climbed out of the tunnel's exit V glanced around the corner. There were a few people milling about but mostly the streets were covered with light fog. He stood at the back alley observing them. Everything seemed calm. As much as he hated to admit it crowds made him uneasy but he ventured on determined to pay them no mind. The minimart was a five-minute walk away and he frequented it often, you could call him a regular if he didn't visit it in multiple disguises. A large truck passed him as he crossed the road causing a rather large splash of water next to his foot. He dodged it easily causing a woman next to him to comment under her breathbr /-Sodding rain.- she pulled her coat tighter around her body. A few streets down he happened upon a larger group of pedestrians all walking to their destinations, rushing through the afternoon traffic. He stood a few meters away from them in the shadow of a building observing them. They all seemed content, unbothered by the events that transpired. It was the first time since the fifth he allowed himself to watch the people and their reactions to the new political climate that was developing, it all seemed as it was to him. Stepping out of the shadow a small child ran in front of him chasing a ball. A small girl with frilly pigtails lagged behind him. She stopped in front of V's /-Mister, there's no sun out.- she gazed up at /-Sweetheart stop bothering that man.- a woman rushed into the conversation taking her /-It is quite alright miss.- he bowed his head slowly bidding them /-Bye mister sunglasses.- the little girl waved cheerfully showing her missing front teeth. He found himself reconsidering the sunglasses, they were a bit conspicuous in this fog. After a few unsure steps, he removed them and placed them in his inner coat pocket. It has been years since he showed his burned skin in public. He stepped on the street passing by a few teenagers. One of them made eye contact with him and quickly looked away. He bowed his head deeper looking at his feet as he walked. When he arrived in front of the minimart Edna greeted him at the door. She was a young woman, barely in her thirties. She smoked thin cigarettes and wore large and flowy dresses at all times of the year. She recognized him immediately and lowered the cigarette to the improvised ashtray that stood on the mini-marts /- Well mister scarf, been a while.- she cheerfully waved. As he got closer she registered his eyes. She lowered her gaze immediately. There wasn't enough skin showing to make her realize how much damage there was but she could see ropey tissue that covered the right side of his forehead. Surely she could see some of the eyelashes were also /-Good afternoon Edna, do not rush with your break.- he didn't stop enough to let her see more. He opted to squeeze past her and enter the shop. The constant anxiety that felt like a punch in the gut did not stop even when he hid behind a shelf. As he was trying to catch his breath he heard a sharp intake of breath followed by a toppling of a few /-Bugger all!- Maude all but yelled. V's size meant he could easily peer over the short shelves. He observed her battle with a rather large stack of boxes of sugar. She was trying to place them at the top of the shelves but could not pick them up. Maude was much older than Edna, V presumed she was at least fifty. Her hair was greying and her skin showed sun damage. What fascinated V the most were her nails, she always had rather large and he hate to admit it rather ugly square press on /-Might I assist?- he finally spoke after a few minutes of observation. What came over him he could not /- God almighty.- she almost flung a pack of sugar into the /-Apologise.- It was becoming an instinct to apologize after he startled /-Ouh! It's you…- she looked him up and down stopping at his eyes. He observed her reaction with scrutiny. She did not react as Edna did minutes ago. Maude held steady eye contact with him. He wondered how well she could see judging by the lack of /-Well, what are you waiting for?- she suddenly spoke disturbing his /-Right.- V felt even more uncomfortable than he was, a quick look he could deal with but a stare as long as Maud's he could not. As he lifted the box Maude spoke again.- I wondered how long it would take you.-br /-Pardon?- he watched her from the corner of his /-How long it would take for you to show yourself.- She was rather upfront about the whole thing. V didn't know what to /-After some time deliberating with meself I came to a conclusion. Ye must be either famous or disfigured.- she said it like it was a matter of fact and not a very rude and brash thing to say to someone who only bought milk and bread from you. V realized it didn't offend him one bit it was the truth after /-Well today I decided sunglasses were a bit too much.- he chuckled beside himself that he would even say such a thing to a stranger. She simply shook her head in acknowledgment and handed him another /- How's the missus?- she yelled as she left for the till. V realized he didn't give Maude enough credit, she was a clever woman after all, very /-Good, thank you for asking. - As he picked up all the items from the shelves Edna returned inside and went straight for /-Did you see?- she spoke in a low rushed breath. The shop was very small containing only three shelves and he was pretty sure even normal people could hear her comment. Maude smacked her over the shoulder with a folded copy of the Daily /-Show some respect child!- Maude pushed her to the back room.- Sort that shite will ya.-br /As V brought all the items to the till Maude returned with a very large scowl on her /-Pay her no mind mister?-br /Nosey woman V thought to himself ignoring her question. As she rang the items she looked up at him again. They made eye contact again but V did not look away as much as her gaze bothered him, he wanted her to /-My late husband had eyes like you. He could stare down a wild animal if he wanted to.- she finally looked down to check the /-I've been told the same.- his eyes grew softer for a moment, he didn't intend to scare her, it was a very instinctive act for him since Larkhill. Making people uncomfortable with just a stare was the only thing he could do, the only power he had in that wretched /- Supposed that's a good thing now is it? No one can give you shite for anything.- she laughed handing him his /-It does give an advantage.- he confirmed lowering the bag to his /-I say you should stare anyone who tries to look ya the wrong way, serves the pillocks right.-br /-I shall endeavor to do so.- he bowed his head cordially making his way to the /-Edna say bye to the mister.- Maude screamed suddenly causing a loud ruckus from the back /-Bye mister.- Edna's dark hair peeked through the threshold of the door. Her eyes danced over his wool-clad /-Good day ladies.- he smiled softly making his eyes /Even if this wasn't the first time he left the gallery after his injuries it still left her uneasy. The gallery was very quiet and dim without him in it. She knew rationally that she was being ridiculous but she wasn't used to being separated from him. In fact, she hated it. In reality, he would return in an hour at most but to her it felt longer. She tried to not dwell on her fears and returned to the media room, to his armchair where she spent most of her time while he was away, even before the fifth, even before her imprisonment she would often sit in it while he protected the city at night. She didn't know if he knew how much she missed him even when she was his /-Evey you're being unbearable.- she spoke to herself looking around the room, perhaps a book would do her good. As she settled comfortably enjoying the collection of Oscar Wild poetry the phone rang loudly. It never rang, she would be confused by the origin of the sound if it didn't buzz on the end table. She peered over the armchair trying to see the call number ID. She didn't recognize the calling line identification. It rang incessantly for over a minute and finally she decided to answer. She didn't say anything simply accepted the call. A soft but very accented Scottish voice /-She wants tae speak tae ye.- Evey couldn't stop her intake of breath which caused the woman on the other side of the line to exclaim. - Tis her!- there was a very large gasp and the sound of the phone shuffling between /-Finally!- an older voice exclaimed. Evey panicked not knowing what to do or how to react. In a last ditch effort she hung up throwing the phone on the sofa in a flurry. She stared at the little device intensely like it would grow legs and run towards her. Panicked gripped her again, what had she done, she broke his trust. She began pacing up and down the length of the sofa still looking at the phone. She feared it would ring again but before she could decide her next course of action V opened the door of the gallery rather violently with his /-Damn hinges.- he muttered to himself.- I oil you and clean you and still you cause trouble.- he shook of the stray drops of rain that began collection on his coat. He stood still for a moment when he didn't hear Evey. It alarmed him instantly, something was /- Love?- he raised his voice just enough to alert her of his /-In here.- she sounded distraught, almost horrified. He didn't wait for a moment, not even to take his boots of. He found her in front of the sofa looking downwards at the /-What has happened?- he noticed the phone missing from the side table, his brain worked faster than his legs and as he stepped next to her he already had his /-It rang didn't it?- he asked after a moment of her silence. She simply shook her /-You aren't in trouble.- he reassured her instantly wanting her to relax but she grew even more /-Did you talk to her?- he leaned forward towards her /-I hung up, I'm sorry.- the sudden burst of tears he did not expect. It caused him to grip her tightly shaking her slightly. – It's alright Evey, I am not cross.- she pushed her head under his chin burying her head in his /-I don't know why I did it.- she /-You did it because you were curious, there is nothing wrong with that.- he sat her down on the sofa.- You were supposed to know this in any case, I don't know why I waited this long.- She calmed a bit watching her reflection in his sunglasses. He remembered to return them before he entered the /-Know what?- he produced a tissue and pushed it into her palm without her even /-A moment darling, just a moment and I will tell you everything.- he straightened to his full height and began walking in a brisk manner to the makeup room. She contemplated the tissue for a moment marveling how ready he was for her every need. He returned quickly and kneeled in front of her feet, Guy Fawkes smiled up at her. He took her hands in his, they were slightly colder than /-I never told you what happened after…- It came out rushed but he continued not wanting for her to feel guilty any longer, if he finished his story the last time he spoke of it she wouldn't be /-I didn't pass out after the explosion. There was chaos everywhere, people running trying to put out the fire, some of the prisoners were escaping. It took me a moment to realize I survived, that I too could escape and I figured fate was trying to tell me something. So I jumped a fence and ran and kept running. I found a dirt road and I just walked and walked, I don't remember half of it.- he pulled himself closer to her knees. She remained silent with unfallen tears in her /-Somehow, somewhere in that journey I passed out and woke up in a bed, immobilized, in pain, I couldn't see anything, they had covered my eyes.- she tried to take his hand in hers but he wrapped them around her /-You see when I woke up I soon realized someone found me, took me in, stitched me up, cleaned me. Her name is Agnes.- he stopped suddenly searching for the phone, it was trapped between the fold of the sofa's cushions. He took it into his hands but did little with /-She is mother superior of the monastery near Larkhill.- he looked down at his hand. – She….- it wasn't hard to tell Evey what she meant to him, at least he didn't think it would be. It suddenly made him very emotional to think about his time at the monastery, it was painful, unpleasant, and humiliating but at the same time, it was his second home. Evey touched his shoulder softly, she finally stopped /-She raised me sort of speak.- he concluded finally touching her cheek /-One of them recognized me, at least I think she did. That's when I hung up.-br /-I should think they would, they know everything about you.- she could hear him /-They know me…- she was both amazed and frightened about the /-Of course, they do my love, how could I not share you with them.- he began retyping the monastery's /-Tell me more.- she urged wanting to know /-I think its best she tells you, she's been nagging me about you for months.-br /-You want me to speak to her?- she was alarmed again. It was a sural idea to speak to a woman who rehabilitated him after /-Do not fret my love, they love you already.- he recognized her discomfort immediately. – I was worried at one point she would come to London herself just to see you.- It made Evey laugh. He pressed the phone to his ear holding it with his shoulder, his hands caressed her face softly. After a few rings the same voice /-Ah hawp ye hae a guid explanation fur her.-br /-Teresa…- he sighed through a smile.- You scared her.-br /-Tis yer fault young man.- Teresa /-Yes of course.- he chuckled /-Ye cannae keep her tae yersel'- she continued to tut /-Is that him Teresa, he's in big trouble!- Evey leaned close to him again listening in on the /- Big trouble!- V exclaimed dramatically.- Tell her she scared my darling half to death.-br /-I did no such thing.- Evey gathered that the woman in question finally got to the /-She was crying.- V stood and sat beside her on the /-That's because you didn't tell her you muppet!- Evey laughed suddenly not able to contain /- Agnes…-he gritted through his /-Agnes?! Young man, first you blame me for something I did not do and now you disrespect me in such a manner.- It surprised Evey how authoritative her voice was, she couldn't imagine anyone speaking to V in such a way let alone him letting /-Mother…- he honest to God whined for the first time since she knew him.-I am calling not to argue with you but for you to speak with her.-br /-Yes, yes that it precisely what I was waiting for, I am an old woman do you want me to die without knowing her?- V's head fell on the back of the sofa, defeated, he passed the phone to Evey praying to whoever was listening that this conversation will be as painless for him as it can /-Hello?- Evey's voice shook /-My dear, first and foremost I am beyond thrilled to hear your voice finally, secondly, you must forgive him for his behavior, that is not how I raised him.- Agnese's voice became soft and /-He is stubborn sometimes I know.- Evey /-Stubborn doesn't even begin to cover it. You should have seen him when he first arrived. Not three days passed and he wanted to get out of bed, Sister Mary had to sedate him with a shot worthy of a horse.- Evey glanced to V, his head still hung over the sofa's backrest exposing his neck to her, it was slightly stubbly on the left side, she wanted to touch it but she was interrupted by Agnes's loud laugh. – And thank God for Sister Mary, she is a nurse you know, without her we would have to chase him around the abbey.-br /- I had a fight with him over the same thing.-br /-We are all so incredibly happy you found him.- Agnes's voice was warm and /- I am the one who has to thank you for saving him.- she took V's ungloved hand placing it in her /- He saved us all hasn't he?- she sounded very thoughtful. Evey didn't know how much Agnes knew about what V did and she would not say anything until she checked with /-Tell me about him, please.- V stirred next to her, it only caused Evey to grip him /-It was awful my dear, truly monstrous what they did to him. .- she could hear how much it hurt Agnes to even speak of it. – Sister Teresa and a few of our Novitiate found him in our field early in the morning. How he did not bleed out we do not know.- V's masked nuzzled below her neck hiding from the light as if he was exposed. In reality, this was a kind of exposing, an exposing of his trauma and injuries. She needed to know, he promised it to himself to tell her everything, every last detail if needed. Evey remained silent while she listened to the story. Her hand brushed through his /- Two days he remained unconscious, unmoved. We weren't sure if he would survive. There was nothing we could have done. Sister Mary could provide some medication, pain relief, and bandages but nothing more. We feared where he came from and what they would do to him if they found him.- The way Sister Agnus said they made Evey realize she probably knew what was happening in the country long before most people /-Finally, we managed to get Friar Francis to pick up a doctor that Sister Mary spoke to. You see we are a remote abbey, my child, it was not easy to find us.-br /-What did the doctor say?- Evey grew anxious for V's state even though it was years /-He was as shocked as we were if not more so. He was one of the protestors and he swore he would not say from where he came from. We all knew it was Larkhill, everyone knew what they did there.- Agnese's throat constricted painfully.- After days and days of his inconsistent muttering the only thing we understood was two words, V and Larkhill. That was the only confirmation I needed. Of course, we did not know his name, we asked he only kept saying those two words. We simply called him V after that until he regained full consciousness. But when he did we quickly realized he did not know who he was. – Evey sighed deeply pushing V closer under her /-I know, he told me.-br /- We don't even know how old he is. The good doctor said somewhere around 20 at the time, that was all he could tell. Weeks passed, he spoke little and could not see because of the bandages. After a time I became increasingly worried for his spirit you see, he was becoming very depressed and he stopped eating so I started reading to him in the evenings. He fancied that. That and when it came time for mass when he could hear the organ /-Sounds like him.- Evey smiled /- After a while he could move for a time before he got too exhausted, we would often help him to get to the library that is where he spent most of his time. He reorganized it top to bottom in alphabetical order, which made Sister Francine incredibly /- Is it still in order?- it was the first time V spoke in a /-Yes son, everything is in tip-top shape just as you left it last time, Sister Francine says the ladder works amazingly.-br /-Good, good.- he lowered his head into Evey's lap, his legs were too long to fit and he threw one of them over the backrest, it hung precariously, swaying /-Did you go there that time you were gone for a weekend, a couple of months ago?- V simply nodded silently a bit guilty he abandoned her for a whole weekend. Agnus commented nothing only sniffled a little on the other side of the /-Sister…- Evey looked down at his masked face, his hair laid softly around him, she knew he was looking at her. – Does he let you see his face?- she asked finally knowing he would take no offence to /-I'm afraid he had little choice.- Evey traced the outline of the mask as she listened to /-Tell me about it.-br /- He is very beautiful.- Agnes said it with certainty only a mother could possess. – He has very intense /-Sometimes I know he's looking at me even if I've never saw them.-br /-He would scare the Novitiates all the time. I must admit to you, dear. We had quite the trouble with /-How could you say such a thing Mother I was an angel.- we /-The first 4 months maybe, after that we could no longer restrain you. Every Novitiate had a crush on that boy it was truly awful to control /-That is a lie.- V sat up quickly taking the phone out of Evey's hand. -You're making me out to sound like a womanizer.- he seemed rather /- Remember Dorothy?- Agnes /-I don't want to remember Dorothy!- he threw the hand back into Evey's /-I want know.- Evey laughed loudly seeing a very different side to /- Our poor sister, she was very young, younger than you dear, one time she confessed to one of the younger sisters she found herself lusting after /-Mother stop.- V's hands covered the mask in /- Nothing to be ashamed of.- Agnes teased while Evey wheezed above /-I knew I shouldn't have let you speak, you conspire against me. – V stood from the sofa turning on his heel and leaving for his office. Evey knew he wasn't really angry at them, just didn't want to be more /-He's too harsh on himself.- Agnes sounded worried again.- But you make him incredibly happy, as happy as he's ever been.-br /-I hope so.- Evey sighed quietly observing the door of his /- Give him time child, you'll see.-br /-I saw very little, in the dark but I already know he's beautiful. Do not worry Sister, I have all the time in the world.-br /-Agnes.-br /-Pardon?-br /-You may call me Agnes dear.-br /-Agnes… Alright. Tell me more, tell me everything.- And she did, all the shenanigans that transpired in the Abbey since his arrival./p