Time seemed to freeze the moment Evey realized she was pregnant. She was in such disbelief that she nearly fainted in the confinement of the stall. Bracing herself against the walls, she stood and attempted to calm her breathing. Technically it was just one test, so did that mean it was completely accurate? Looking down at the tightly bound watch on her wrist she noted the time.

Shit, I have none.

It was nearing the end of her lunch break and she did not have enough time to take another test to prove the first one wrong. She would have to wait until her meetings were finished with Eric, Dominic and a few of the other council members. If anything, if this were true, there would be more consequences she would have to face apart from V's reaction.

Evey quickly removed herself from the wet room and made her way back into the hallway. The fluorescent lights above her were suddenly making her feel nauseous and she wondered then if she was going to be able to sit through this with a straight face. When she entered the conference room, three men greeted her with their pleasantries and gestured for her to sit at the head. Smiling as confidently as she could, she eased herself into the black leather chair beneath her. Eric glanced at her with a hint of concern, but immediately began to discuss their topics of the hour.

"Miss Hammond, we were just discussing the upcoming elections that will be held this coming November on the 5th. We wanted to introduce you to one of the candidates today and discuss with you future meetings with the other candidates for the rest of this week," Eric said as he gestured to the gentleman who was sitting in front of him.

"Miss Hammond, my name is Willard Bass and I will be running for the democratic party. It is certainly quite a pleasure and an honor to be in your presence."

Smiling respectfully she tilted her head downwards, "Mr. Bass, it is quite a pleasure to meet you. I have heard absolutely brilliant things about you and I look forward to hearing your upcoming speeches within the next few months."

Mr. Bass smiled at her with kind eyes and returned her head gesture.

"Who are the rest of the candidates that I will be meeting with this week, Mr. Finch?" Evey asked, folding her arms across the table.

As Mr. Finch briefly listed the other candidate's names her mind began to wander. She wanted to listen to what he was saying, but she also began to feel a bit faint from the lingering thoughts in her mind. It was only a matter of time before Mr. Finch brought her back to reality, "Miss Hammond? Are you all right?"

"Oh, yes. I apologize. What did you say again?" she asked, feeling the heat creep up to her cheeks.

"It's quite all right, I just asked if you would be able to adjust your busy schedule one day this week to have tea with Mr. Bass, myself and the rest of the candidates?"

Evey immediately shook her head, "Of course. I will check with Jane to see what I have planned for the week."

"That sounds perfect Miss Hammond, we will begin the planning of that immediately. In the mean time we wish to hear from Mr. Bass and his plans on his presidency for the coming year if he is elected," replied Mr. Finch.

"Yes, well, I do have a bit in mind for how I plan to rebuild the destruction of our government and how we can make Britain great again. Our country is badly damaged from the lack of support of our rights and I plan to instill hope in our people again by first practicing our freedom of speech," Mr. Willard beamed, his confidence clearly oozing out of his words.

Evey smiled, "I believe you have a wonderful foundation to build on just as the other candidates, but what makes you stand out from the others?"

"I plan to unite the country under the promise of liberty, loyalty and justice, something I believe I take more seriously than my fellow running mates," he responded, shrugging his shoulders ever so slightly.

Despite how devastatingly simple his reply was, Evey had to acknowledge his faith in understanding the basic rights of their people. She smiled gently and nodded her head in acceptance, "Mr. Bass, once again I am very eager to hear more about you and your campaign as we approach the 5th, I do hope you will remain this confident throughout the election."

"Miss Hammond although I have impressive competition before me I am very self-assured of my campaign and my plan to rebuild this country from the ground up."

Evey smiled softly, "I wish you luck."


For the rest of the meeting Evey, Mr. Finch, Dominic Stone and Mr. Bass continued to discuss different solutions of how the election would be brought to their people and how they could continue as a nation from their catastrophic past. It often puzzled Evey when she reflected on where England had come from and where they wanted to go in their future. It puzzled her even more to realize she was at the head of it all trying to correct the wrong doings of Chancellor Sutler's reign.

As they came to a conclusion for the day, Evey glanced at her watch again. It was nearing 5 o'clock in the evening and she would need to return home soon before it got too dark.

She was also dying to know what the second test would say.

Standing to shake hands with each of the gentlemen, Mr. Bass gripped her palm firmly and smiled, "Miss Hammond, I am greatly honored to work alongside you at this given time. I never imagined that I would be able to get to where I am right now, but you and codename "V" will always remain a great inspiration to me,"

"Mr. Bass, please you may call me Evey, it was certainly a pleasure to be able to meet with you today and to discuss your plans. If you need anything please get in contact with my secretary, Jane, and my door is always open," she responded, letting her hand drop to her side.

He smiled and nodded, "I appreciate that very much, Evey, thank you. I hope you have a pleasant evening and I will see you for tea soon,"

When she was able to break away, Evey immediately headed for the wet room and closed the door swiftly behind her. Since she was leaving so late in the evening she was able to lock the door from the inside without the fear of someone bothering her.

She whipped out another test and sat in the stall, patiently awaiting her fate again. She thought about the first test and went to grab it from her purse. It was buried in a piece of toilet paper and she furrowed her brows again at the sight.

A part of her was terrified of what was yet to come. She wanted to believe that maybe things would be all right and that she would be able to find a new found happiness in having a child. However, she was worried about the life it would have in their newly built world that was still hurting so much from their past.

Closing her eyes tightly once she was finished, she clutched the test within her palm and sighed deeply, "I will be okay if this is positive, I will be okay," she whispered.

Just as before, a tiny, pink plus appeared on the screen.

"Oh dear,"


Evey briskly walked out of her office building with a furrowed brow. The chilly spring air was whipping around and biting at her soft cheeks, causing them to turn rosy and flushed. She was irritated at how cold it still was that evening despite it being late April. She turned down a corner hastily and tried to calm herself with positive thoughts.

Everything will be all right, V is going to be okay, I have nothing to worry about.

It was frustrating for her to be so distraught over something that was supposed to bring her such joy and happiness, but she was worried for V and how he would respond to this news that was completely unplanned. What worried her even more was how she would tell him.

She stopped immediately on the sidewalk and crossed her arms, "No, you know what. This is silly. I shouldn't assume those things about V. He loves me, he would do anything for me and I him. If this is hard it will only strengthen our relationship, not crush it," she said to herself, suddenly beaming.

Laughing at her fear she felt a sudden release in her tension. It was insane to think that she was pregnant with the former terrorist's child and that they were madly in love. It was insane that she had even doubted his love in the first place. She would tell him with enthusiasm and it was going to be marvelous and she would kiss him like she never had before. She was having his child and it would be the most incredible experience of their lives.

With sudden bliss from her realization, Evey began to skip down the street happily, laughing at how wonderful her life suddenly was.

In the mean time, a dark presence was looming over Evey and watched her carefully. The figure took note of her whereabouts and her dynamic change in demeanor. As she skipped down the alleyway the figure crept hidden beneath the shadows, their eyes never once faltering from her.

Leaning against the wall with utmost silence, the figure was disturbed when a few people passed near him with their crooning laughter. The distraction lead to him losing sight of the Princess and she disappeared within seconds.

He would find her again.


Evey's footsteps daintily crossed over the dreary passageways that lead to the Shadow Gallery. As she approached the door, motion censored lights illuminated her presence. V had only just installed them for her since she had been staying with him and he realized that she would need some sort of light when she entered the tunnels by herself in the evening.

When she arrived at the heavy wooden door she pushed it open and grinned once the smell of spices and other comforting aromas filled her nostrils. V was cooking her favorite: authentic Italian spaghetti. He first introduced her to the dish not too long after they had been reunited and she was absolutely thrilled that he had decided to make that for her tonight of all nights.

"V? Where are you?" she called, taking her coat off and placing it on the coat rack beside her. When she turned around V waltzed out of the kitchen sporting one of his tacky aprons, "Hello my love! How was your day? I thought I would make you a treat for high tea this evening," he said as he gestured to the food behind him.

A wide grin flashed over her pretty face and she ran up to him to throw her arms around his neck. He chuckled softly and lifted her up from the ground, "My you are quite lovable this evening. I take it you must feel much better than last night?" he murmured.

Evey shook her head and kissed the cheek of the Guy Fawkes mask, "Yes. I feel much better. I have something I want to share with you, but only until we have finished eating,"

"Good news I hope? I'm almost finished. I just need to prepare a few more things. You should go get yourself comfortable and I'll serve you your meal," he responded as he gave her a squeeze and let her down onto the floor.

"That sounds wonderful, I'll go get changed," She turned to make a quick exit, but added before she left, "And yes, it is very good news,"

This will be easy, he is very relaxed right now and everything will be fine. I'm sure of it.

As she undressed she pulled off the light blue dress she was wearing and laid it gingerly on the chair beside her. She absentmindedly placed a hand on her small yet growing abdomen and smiled. This little gift of hers was going to be one of the best things to happen to them, she just knew it.

She shivered then at the sudden chill that filled the air and hurriedly put on her pajamas. When she headed back into the room V was already setting the table for her.

It warmed her so much to see him so casual and she felt a great excitement stir within her as she admired the shape of his back. His shoulders were sturdy and broad and he held himself with such composure that made her feel weak in the knees. She had a feeling that he would embrace becoming a father very naturally. V turned around then to look at her and she was suddenly staring into the eyes of the Guy Fawkes mask, "Were you gazing at me?" he asked playfully.

A soft laugh erupted from her lips and she felt a chill run down her spine, "No, well, maybe I was. I can't help it you know,"

"Oh I certainly enjoy your lingering gazes considering you are unable to view my true face," he mused and he turned then to finish placing her food on her plate. Evey shook her head and walked towards him slowly until she found her arms around his waist, "I think you're beautiful," she whispered.

She felt his muscles immediately soften and he placed his hand on top of hers. A pang of guilt overcame him then as he imagined himself being able to kiss her without any sort of a barrier in between them. He wondered how on earth he could have possibly gotten so lucky as to find someone who was not only accepting of his mask, but also still considered him to be beautiful despite the monster he was underneath.

"I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine love," he whispered.

"William Blake?" she questioned, watching him as he gently turned to look at her. He touched the tip of her chin with his index finger and smiled, "Correct,"

After what felt like ages of them gazing at one another, V finally broke their stare and gestured for her to sit at the table.

"Did you have a successful meeting today with the council?" He pulled out her chair and made sure she had everything she needed before he sat beside her.

She hesitated a moment before taking a quick bite of her food, "The meeting went brilliantly and I was able to meet one of the new candidates for the upcoming election,"

V folded his arms casually over his broad chest and nodded, "Who were you introduced to?"

"His name is Willard Bass. I believe he has always been involved with politics but was never truly allowed to express his opinion on any matters due to Chancellor Sutler," she responded, "He seemed to be a very good natured fellow and I believe he has true leadership skills,"

"Do you know anything more about him?" V asked. Evey shrugged and continued to eat, "No, not really. Just that he has been involved in politics for a while and that he seems to have a good reputation amongst the people. Tomorrow Eric and I will be reviewing all of the candidates' files before our next meeting. I am also to have tea with them sometime this week."

"Opinions are made to be changed-or how is truth to be got at?" he asked.

"How do you mean?"

"Don't let any of these politicians fool you with their charming demeanors," V warned.

Evey shook her head, "Oh I agree with you, that's why I am planning to have this meeting with Eric tomorrow to make sure of that. Despite everything being quiet on the home front I know there are still many supporters out there of Sutler."

"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers," he sighed with a shake of his head.

"I will make you proud V, you can trust me,"

"I am certain you will, I do not doubt that at all my love," he replied as he grabbed her hand then, his gloves still no where in sight.

"How do you like your meal?" he asked, changing the subject as he gave her hand a squeeze, gesturing thoughtfully to her empty plate, "I haven't seen you with this sort of appetite for quite some time! I suppose that stomach bug of yours really wasn't much to worry about,"

Evey bit her bottom lip at his comment and glanced down at her stomach. It was a curious thing that he had noticed how much food she consumed on a regular basis but didn't seem to notice anything had changed with her overall appearance.

"Yes, well, you know how much I adore your spaghetti, V. You're a fantastic cook," she said with a grin, her almond shaped eyes glittering with adoration.

"I am so pleased to hear that, would you like some more?" he asked politely as he began to stand from the table, "Oh no I think I am finished for now. Maybe you can make me a plate to heat up in the microwave for later?"

"I would love to,"

"Very good. Do you mind if I head to the telly room?" she asked.

"No, not at all. I'll clean up here and we can continue chatting about your day," he said gently as he moved to get her dishes cleaned.


Lounging on the chaise brought comfort to Evey as she awaited V to join her in the telly room. She felt truly relaxed with the Wurlitzer playing softly in the background and a warm blanket strewn over her small frame. Daydreaming became a regular occurrence for her as she thought about what their life was going to be like in just a few short months. She did not know anything about child birth or raising a baby, but she did know that her stomach would grow and that she would be growing a life inside of her that she had made with her beloved. She wondered then what sort of parents they would be and if their lives would really change at all.

"May I sit down?" V asked, his smooth voice immediately pulling her from her thoughts. Her eyes opened wide and she responded in a small voice, "Yes, you may, but only if we can cuddle,"

"Of course, my love. Anything for you," He then sat down and allowed for her to curl into the crook of his strong arm.

"So what is this good news that you wanted to tell me?" he asked as his thumb gingerly caressed her bare arm.

She shifted to face him on the couch and smiled warmly at him, bringing her hand to his chest as she spoke, "I discovered an unexpected joy last night," she began, her smile growing wider. V chuckled softly and brought his hand over to touch her soft curls that lay so delicately on her shoulder, "An unexpected joy? Whatever do you mean?"

"V...I'm...pregnant," she breathed, her eyes filling with tears of happiness.

He became stiff suddenly and his hand stopped stroking her hair. She felt his muscles become tense and rigid and his breathing began to slow, "You're...with child?" he asked calmly, yet firmly.

Evey's face started to fall, her demeanor changing just as quickly as she realized he was not pleased to hear her news. Several moments of silence clouded around them then as she quietly replied, "Yes...I realized after my bath last night that I looked a little different and I could not remember the last time I had my period and well, considering certain events...," He was moving to stand then and he gently let go of her. An indescribable feeling of hurt hit her once he left her embrace.

"And then I suppose you took a test to confirm your suspicions," he asked, bringing his hands to his head. He felt an urgent need to escape the room and he felt claustrophobic, a feeling he forgot he was capable of having when being around Evey.

"I did...I took two. I can show you,-" she started but he interrupted her, "You...don't have to. I believe you,"

"V? What's all this then? Why are you acting this way?" She hoped he didn't hear the hurt in her voice, but she knew she was straining it to much for him not to notice.

"Evey, I'm going to need some time to process this...I will need to leave you for a while," He immediately began to remove himself from the room and started for his bed chamber, but Evey was quick to grab his arm and he paused, his back still turned to her.

"Please don't leave. Why are you upset?" she asked, her voice becoming weak and uneasy.

"I cannot speak to you like this, I need some time alone to think," he quickly removed himself from her grasp and disappeared into the shadows of the hallway.

Feeling completely defeated and heartbroken, she finally let out a painful sob and allowed the tears to flow freely down her face. This was not at all how she imagined their conversation going and it happened so quickly that she felt a type of fragility that she did not know she was still capable of having. She felt uncertain of her way of approaching the subject and instantly regretted her actions. For the first time in a very long time she was fearful of what was yet to come and she wasn't sure if she was prepared for the consequences of their intimacy.

It was a funny thing to note that her gut instinct ended up being true. How naive she must have been to believe this would all come out in joyful celebration.

She placed a gentle hand on her abdomen and squeezed.


Sitting at his bedside, V held his head in his hands as tears pricked the back of his eyes. He felt so helpless and weak having to hide from Evey in such a way, but he was absolutely astonished over the news and his heart ached for what was yet to come. Over the years at Lark Hill he had been brutally experimented on as a test subject and he knew that his blood was poisonous. He was unsure of what else could possibly be wrong with him and if anything happened to Evey as consequence he could never live with himself.

He began to reflect on all of the different people he knew that might be able to help her, but he hesitated for a moment at the thought of having to expose himself to the world. Their situation was in desperate need of delicate care and V decided that he would do whatever it took, even if it meant sacrificing himself for Evey's safety, to protect her and their unborn child.

Standing abruptly he began to pace his room back and forth. Remembering that he kept a few files on his laptop of different physicians' numbers and addresses he immediately began to search. He remembered meeting with a man just a few years ago when he needed some medical advice who deemed himself rather trustworthy. It was just a matter of getting in contact with him that was the tricky part. He copy and pasted his name into a separate document and decided he would take note of each individual separately.

After a few hours of working he managed to compile a list of names that he felt would be reliable enough for him to be in contact with. If anything he felt brave enough to give them each a chance based on all of his research of each physician. He would ensure that Evey had the best care if anything were to go wrong.

All of the sudden his acute sense of hearing perked up as he heard Evey walking down the hallway. His heart thumped rapidly in his chest as genuine sadness crept within him.

I'm doing this for a good reason. She need not know where I am right now.

She was sniffling very softly, trying her best not to make herself a distraction. He could hear her entering the wet room in haste, her delicate footsteps barely making a sound on the stone hallway. Her door shut quietly soon after and he knew she was settling herself into bed. What mattered to him then was her safety and he reasoned that he would be there to comfort her once he had all the tools laid before him.

He gripped his fists tightly as he thought about the merciless torture he went through being at Lark Hill again. Despite his successful revenge on those that had mistreated him he still felt an emptiness inside that twisted its way throughout his organs. He never even considered the possibility of himself being able to procreate and therefore never had a solution to solving the problem if it were to be one. The demons in the back of his mind began to torture him relentlessly and he slammed his laptop shut with great force.

You weren't made to be a father, you were made to wage war.

"Stop!" he growled, moving to collect his hat and his cloak. He would need to escape the confinement of these walls before he destroyed everything within them.

He packed his knives into their regular sheaths and quietly crept out the doorway. The hallway was dark and secluded and a few chills ran down his spine. It had been a long while since the Shadow Gallery had felt so barren and he cursed himself silently for being the cause of it all.

Not being able to help himself he walked carefully to Evey's bed chamber, stopping short just beside her door. He could hear that her breathing was even and knew that she was asleep. Opening her door with as little sound as he could possibly muster he checked on her briefly. A lump formed in his throat when he saw her laying there, tears still wet on her cheeks.

I will not fail you my love, I can only pray that you will be able to forgive me.

Shutting her door softly, he glided through the shadows and into the night.


A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you all so much for your kind reviews of my first chapter! I am so excited that it was received well and I cannot wait to keep unfolding this story for you all! I really hope you enjoy this second chapter and your reviews are always welcomed and appreciated! Enjoy! ~