Chapter 23

November came and went and with no vendetta fulfilled the days passed peacefully. Evelyn refrained from accompanying V on patrols. V argued with her trying to make her see that it was too dangerous now that her identity was known, but Evelyn was nothing but stubborn and refused to acknowledge this truth. Instead she declared she would stay behind because someone had to watch the children. V loved Evelyn with his entire soul and would gladly lay down his life for her yet there were many days his frustration overcame him to the point he could not remain in the same room as her. Now they were facing the end days of December and Evelyn filled the air with talks of Christmas traditions and played endless Christmas music to help everyone get "into the spirit" as she would say. V did not hold much of an opinion about the holiday one way or another but he could not bring himself to damper the blinding happiness that suddenly overcame Evelyn. V conspired with Gordon for assistance in obtaining decorations and surprised Evelyn one morning with the Shadow Gallery drowning in wreaths, mistletoe, bright colored lights and her favorite part a tree that was at least eight feet tall. Since sneaking a live tree of that size would be incredibly difficult without being noticed he settled for a faux tree that he could carry in pieces inside of a black duffel bag.

"Jingle bells. Jingle bells. It's Christmas time in the city" Evelyn sang stretching an arm into a cabinet to take down four mugs.

Scooping three scoops of dried hot cocoa she then poured the steaming milk into the mugs and stirred. Finally topping the scorching, delicious smelling drinks with three large marshmallows. A decorative plate depicting a snowy scene with snowmen and a cabin and a steaming chimney was covered with gingerbread cookies stacked a mile high.

Slick turned placing a hand to his lips as Agatha smiled and nodded her head silently. Slick peered around the corner watching Evelyn bounce around and sing as she made hot cocoa. Silently he slipped into the kitchen while Agatha watched by the open doorway. Using the side of the refrigerator to hide he listened to make out just exactly where Evelyn was in the kitchen and it didn't sound as if she moved. Grinning widely he leaned over just enough to see Evelyn rummaging in a drawer for something. Taking the opportunity he rushed over to the table reaching his small calloused hand out to snag a few cookies when something caught his eyes. He wasn't fast enough to register what was sailing towards him until it smacked into his wrist.

"Ow. Aye!" He growled angrily watching a plastic spatula clatter to the ground.

"After dinner. Besides I made hot cocoa that's enough for right now"

Evelyn gave a grande smile sitting his mug on the table.

"Come on Aggie. I know you're over there"

Agatha popped her head out with an innocent smirk. Agatha had yet to speak but the little girl loved V. Whenever he stepped foot into the room she would rush over stretching her eyes into perfect circles with a slight pout and raise her hands above her head wanting V to pick her up. Evelyn only shook her head. It was easy to see she had him wrapped around her finger although he denied the accusation. Slick on the other hand wasn't lacking in trust when it came to V but the boy had walls that would probably take years to break down. Slick didn't like too much affection although he easily became jealous when V entertained Agatha by performing tricks like juggling or coloring with her; yet V would always find some way to include Slick in a way that didn't draw attention to the fact the boy felt left out. It was amazing how great V was with children considering he lived so isolated and Evelyn couldn't help but think what an amazing dad he would make. She wondered if V ever thought about having children of his own since the three of them came along because the thought crossed her mind pretty frequently as of late.

Evelyn moved the plate of cookies to the counter as Slick helped Agatha into her chair. Turning to rest against the counter she sipped on her cocoa studying Agatha. To look at her no one would believe the state she was found in. She was still on the shy side and didn't like to watch training whenever there were weapons involved and would even shrink away from V when his knives were visible. She spent most of her days drawing whenever Evelyn wasn't teaching the two their letters and basic mathematics. V was gone for the day so it took Evelyn by surprise when the alarm sounded that someone was approaching the Shadow Gallery. Evelyn snatched a knife and calmly walked out of the kitchen ready to face whoever came inside. Gordon groaned carrying two black sacks over his shoulder.

"Ho. Ho. Ho" He called in his best Santa Claus impression.

"Gordy" Evelyn cheered happily twisting the knife so the blade was away from Gordon as she pulled him into a hug.

Gordon smiled and wrapped his free arm around her pulling her to his chest.

"How have you been? Any trouble?"

"I'm fine Evelyn. Don't start making a fuss. Now let's get these gifts under the tree" Gordon smiled walking with Evelyn further inside the Gallery.

Evelyn reached into the magical bags that never seemed to end with it's odd shaped boxes and a few regular ones thrown in as well. Gordon smiled happily with his hands behind his back.

"Everything looks so beautiful. The kids will love the gifts. Thanks Gordy"

"Seems we forgot one?" Gordon said with a frown.

"Really?" Evelyn said searching the ground around her.

"Here you go my dear" Gordon smirked holding a box just big enough to fit in the palm of his hands to Evelyn.

"You shouldn't have" Evelyn cried out happily.

"I'm gonna open it now, ok?"

"Alright" Gordon laughed at the sheer excitement oozing from her. Her bright smile and shining eyes brought him true happiness.

Evelyn unwrapped the elegantly tied bow lifting the top of the box up to find a framed picture of her and Gordon at the fair, him wearing goofy over sized glasses holding a deep fried Twinkie on a stick, and her with a fake mustache striking a posh expression waving her candy apple.

"Oh Gordon I love it!" Evelyn cried throwing her arms around him tightly.

"It's going on my dresser. V! Look what Gordon gave me for Christmas, isn't it awesome?"

V's masked head tilted eyeing the photo with a smile.

"Is that a new look love?" V chuckled.

Evelyn rolled her eyes with a smile and nudged him in the chest. She was so overcome with joy that she didn't realize the box V hid behind his back. The box didn't escape Gordon's observation but he wasn't going to ruin his friend's surprise whatever it was.

"I'm glad you like it. There's more where that came from but no peeking until Christmas"

Evelyn sucked her teeth adding an eye roll.

"That's a full twenty four hours"

"Don't be a big baby. I don't see what the big deal is anyway" Slick said trying not to pay attention to the wrapped boxes under the tree.

"You've never celebrated Christmas?" Evelyn said in disbelief.

Slick only shrugged glancing at the presents once more.

"Perhaps you will feel differently tomorrow after you open your gifts" Gordon winked with a jovial smile.

"We get presents?" Agatha asked in amazement eyes sparkling as she wondered which of the boxes belonged to her and what could be inside.

Evelyn stood speechless that Agatha actually spoke. Kneeling down so she would be eye level with the little girl Evelyn smiled pushing some of Agatha's hair that fell a few inches longer in the month since she came to the Shadow Gallery.

"Of course you do"

"I want to give presents too" Agatha pouted.

"You're a smart girl I'm sure you will come up with something before tomorrow is over. Hey I know why don't you draw one of your beautiful pictures"

"It won't be a surprise" Agatha pouted once again.

"It's alright little one we still don't know what the picture will look like now do we?" Gordon interjected.

Agatha's eyes lit up and she shook her head no before rushing off to her drawing area, which was the coffee table in front of the couch in the living room.

Slick shifted uncomfortably before turning to leave the room. Evelyn stared after him with concern but stood with a sigh.

"I made cookies Gordy. You want some to take with you?"

"Not today. Have to watch my figure for the cameras"

Evelyn laughed.

"Oh come on it's Christmas"

"Tomorrow's Christmas. So save me some until then. I probably should get going I have a few parties to attend that I will have to endure solo now I'm afraid" He said giving Evelyn a sad look.

"I'm sure you can find a model or congressman to keep you company" She giggled.

Gordon smirked giving a small shrug.

"Be a gent and see an old friend out" Gordon said to V who nodded and followed Gordon towards one of the exits.

Once they were alone and away from the Shadow Gallery Gordon sighed.

"She is quite the woman isn't she"

"Yes she is. As Shakespeare recited and though she be but little, she is fierce"

"Yes, she does have a strength within her like I have never seen. I could not help but notice that box you have tried to hide. Does this mean I will be attending a wedding in the near future?" Gordon questioned boldly.

In all the years the two had been friends V should have been expecting a question like this to fall from his best friend's lips and yet he was still caught off guard finding himself close to stumbling for a response. Once he gathered his thoughts he still could not find a reply for his friend.

"You know that is not possible" V sighed.

"Isn't it?"

"Gordon" V warned.

"If you choose to continue down this path and your days are truly numbered I would think you would want to fill those days with as much happiness as you could"

"I will not propose to Evelyn simply because I am going to die. She deserves more than that"

"A valid point" Gordon responded. "Still I think you are making a mistake. There are many people that will and have died for the opportunity at marriage. Not everyone gets the option to turn it down"

"I understand but that has nothing to do with my decision. I can not get married just because others can't. Plus things have changed"

"Changed? How?"

"The children. It is not only Evelyn and myself I have to consider"

Gordon smirked.

"So you do plan on keeping the little ones. Good for you and this would be my stop. Well I shall see you tomorrow. Merry Christmas V"

"Merry Christmas Gordon" V said with a slight nod in Gordon's direction before walking back to the Shadow Gallery.

V could not help but smile underneath his mask as he returned to Evelyn's slightly off key singing of Christmas carols that played in the background. She was back in the kitchen baking what smelled like peppermint and brownies. He watched her from the doorway. Evelyn spun around grabbing ingredients shaking her hips as she shook powdered sugar into a bowl. In a moment like this he could not help but truly entertain the idea of marriage despite how short it would be. That only meant he had to ensure that it was the best year of Evelyn's life. He would get to know as much as he could about Agatha and Slick starting with the boy's actual name.

"If you're gonna stand there then you can help. I think I took on more than I can handle alone"

V stared at the young woman who's smile showed how oblivious she was to how deeply her words affected him. Although she was referring to her baked treats those words gathered new meaning in his mind.

"V?"

"Yes" V answered coming out of his thoughts with quickened paces towards her stopping at her side grabbing an abandoned rolling pen and rolling out cookie dough.

"Not too thin" Evey said eyeing the cookie dough before turning her attention to her brownies humming.

Agatha and Slick followed the heavenly scent and were quickly put to work as well mostly mixing various dough and fillings.

"Ow!" Slick cried as his hand was popped by Evelyn.

"No taste testing"

When her back was turned he scrunched his face up taking another bite freezing in place to find V staring right at him, or at least that's what he thought. V chuckled but said nothing as he joined Evelyn's humming using the cookie cutter to cut out shapes.

Christmas Morning

Roasted chicken with skin slightly crisp, baked potatoes, roasted vegetables with bubbling macaroni and cheese awoke the Shadow Gallery including V who could not recall Evelyn leaving their bed. Christmas music played softly but Evelyn did not sing along as she was trained completely on accomplishing the massive task she took upon herself.

"Finally. Everything's done" She said gazing at her work with pride.

"Good morning Evey" V called making Evelyn turn to find the man behind her.

A pleasant smile pulled at her lips expecting to see his usual all black attire and in a way he did not deviate far from his comfort zone however his black, button up cotton shirt was decorated in two swirling wisps of silver blowing across his chest. The soft light reflected off the silver displaying its shimmering shine weaved into the fabric. Underneath the collar laid a gray material wrapped around his neck covering the would be exposed skin.

"You look festive my love"

V chuckled taking in her V neck short sleeve shirt depicting a village covered in snow. Her hair fell around her shoulders neatly curled with it pushed and held back with red ribbon. The tattered and distressed jean shorts hugged her hips deliciously drawing much of his attention.

"As do you"

"Here" Evelyn smiled handing him a plate wrapped in foil.

"I thought you would want to eat before the kids got up"

"Thoughtful as always. Thank you" V bowed taking the plate.

Standing on her toes she kissed the cheek of the animated Guy Fawkes. Moments after V disappeared Agatha and Slick walked into the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas!" Evelyn called earning an enthusiastic reply from Agatha and a happy but quieter merry Christmas from Slick.

"Where's V" Agatha asked in concern searching around for the man that seemed to come and go like a shadow.

"Oh he's coming"

"Can I open his gifts?" She asked with a sweet smile.

Evelyn smiled.

"Nice try but no. Besides you two aren't opening anything until you've eaten"

Evelyn collected the empty plates when V returned.

"Merry Christmas V" Agatha called jumping off her chair and running over wrapping her arms around his legs.

V stared down at the child allowing the familiar warm feeling to spread.

"Merry Christmas Agatha"

The young girl's face twisted as if she ate a piece of sour candy.

"Aggie"

"Merry Christmas Aggie" V said.

Agatha gave him a pleased grin.

"Merry Christmas Slick" V said with a nod.

Slick gave him one in return.

"Can we open presents now?" Slick wondered out loud munching on a Christmas tree cookie.

"Not until Gordon gets here"

Half an hour later Gordon walked into the Shadow Gallery surprised by the spread of food and treats scattered around the common areas.

"You out did yourself my dear"

"Well it's our first Christmas. It's special"

Agatha grabbed one of Gordon's hands pulling him towards the brightly lit Christmas tree. Evelyn passed out her presents to Slick, Agatha, Gordon and lastly V. Slick received an action figure play set which he could add to the mountain of toys from Gordon, Agatha opened her box to see a two hundred piece drawing set and portable easle. Gordon opened his gift, only after seeing Agatha's face from opening one of his many gifts to her, and smiled at the home made cook book.

"You once said you were bored with England's food because you tried it all. Most of these recipes are a blend of American and Turkish. Mom loved Turkish food. She liked to mix different cultured food and make her own dishes. These were some of my favorites"

"Thank you my dear I shall treasure it always" Gordon said before finding himself wrapped in a tight hug from Evelyn.

"And this is for you" Evelyn said with a blush handing V his gift.

V bowed elegantly before reaching for his gift. Evelyn felt her stomach tighten and churn in waiting as his gloved fingers pulled at the string that kept the box closed securely. Opening the box V fell silent and Evelyn wasn't sure what he was thinking since she couldn't see his face.

"It was my brother's. Thankfully Creedy and his men didn't find the hiding space. It's been in my family...oh I don't know forever. I think you and my brother would have gotten along really good. You two are a lot alike in many ways. Anyway I think he would have wanted you to have it"

V's eyes never left the shortened hand sword with it's curved blade. The handle was ridged allowing for a tight grip and made from a predated type of leather technique.

"V? Say something. Do you like it? I could have gotten you something else. I knew I should have gotten you an apron or something the last thing you would want is something violent on one of the most peaceful days of the year"

V closed the box with the knife wrapped inside, grabbed Evey and pulled her to him.

"I love it Evelyn"

Butterflies fluttered inside of her as his deep voice caressed her just as tenderly as the gloved hand brushing across her cheek lovingly.

"I have a gift for you as well" V smirked pulling a box from what looked to be thin air.

Evey stared up at him questionably as she opened the small box. Instantly her small smile fell as her hands began to tremble threatening to send the present crashing to the stone floor. V's fist tightened bracing himself for a reaction and from the look of the tears gathering in her amber eyes it would mostly likely be physical.

Evey's fingers scooped up the bracelet a hauntingly beautiful ballerina twirled in the colorful glow of the Christmas tree lights. Evey's lips opened and closed without a sound passing between them and then her eyes landed on another metal charm on the bracelet. A beautiful crimson rose with a vibrant green stem and a tiny silver replica of V's hand knife crossed one another in the shape of an X.

"May I?" V asked extending an open palm towards Evey.

Evey stared at the gloved hand then slowly placed the bracelet into it. V unfastened the clasp and wrapped the bracelet around the wrist offered.

"I love it. Thank you so much"

The words forced their way out while a sob threatened to break free but she kept it down however she could not hide the tears. V wrapped his arms around her focused on nothing but Evey.

"I have gift too" Agatha called in excitement slicing through the moment.

Evey and V turned their attention to the little girl running with blonde hair bobbing about as she disappeared into her room for a few minutes and ran back to the group.

"Look" She shouted with a smile.

Everyone crowded around Agatha staring down at the skilled drawing of a wild flower patch, V and Evey were sitting in the flowers holding hands, while Agatha flew a kite, and her brother played ball with Gordon.

"Aggie. You did all of this last night?"

The little girl nodded.

"Well Georgie helped too"

"Aggie!" Slick scolded.

"Whoops sorry Georgie. It's OK they won't tell anyone. Will you?" Aggie smiled.

"Cross my heart" Gordon promised with a smirk.

"So do we"

Slick went to pout until Evey stuffed a cookie in his mouth. The festivities continued as everyone except V stuffed themselves on cookies, pies, brownies and more food on occasion. It wasn't long until Agatha and her brother were asleep on the couch with a Christmas movie playing in the background. Evey didn't want Gordon to go home so he agreed to stay in a spare bedroom that Evey didn't even know existed.

Evey and V retired to their room. V starting his routine for the night by taking off his wig and mask when Evey called his name. V spun around at his supernatural speed coming face to face with a grinning Evey. His silver and golden eyes narrowed in suspicion as she stepped forward raising something over their heads. V reacted grabbing her wrist.

"V relax it's just mistletoe" She laughed.

V released her staring up at the twig and leaves above. Evey rolled her eyes.

"You're suppose to kiss me. It's tradition"

"Then I would not wish to offend you my love" He grinned.

Sweet kisses were exchanged as arms wrapped around one another.

"Merry Christmas Evey"

"Merry Christmas V"