Chapter XLIII

The first thing she registered was the soft duvet that covered her aching body. Ana sighed, allowing the soft mattress to envelope her further, and slowly opened her eyes. She looked around, confused at the new surroundings and wondered how she had gotten into someone else's bed. A bright green post-it note caught her attention and Ana immediately felt better.

Morning! Aaron carried you here since we didn't want to wake you. Help yourself to a shower, some clothes, food and anything else. Wake me if you need anything.

Emily

Ana had to admit that a shower and clean clothes sounded more than delightful. She rose slowly- her abdomen still throbbing- and began to explore Emily's home. Ana whistled softly at the expensive looking flat. She really wasn't kidding. Looking out the window, Ana had a complete view of Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument. She had always wanted to visit the capitol. Who would have guessed that it would be like this? She shook the thought and went looking for the nearest bathroom. A pile of clothes was waiting for her on the toilet seat cover and Ana simply added this on her list of 'what to thank Emily for'. She showered quickly, slightly uncomfortable with using someone else's bathroom, and dressed. As she finished, she risked a look in the mirror. The person who stared back at her could have easily been a stranger. Ana shook her head in disapproval and made her way back to the kitchen. She pulled out a chair and flinched as it shrieked against the floor. She waited, holding her breath, until no sound came from what she presumed to be Emily's bedroom. A thought struck her as her eyes wandered over to the agent's kitchen appliances. Ana's lips twitched in what could be considered a smile and she quickly got to work.

Emily awoke to sound of pans clanking. She shot out of bed, immediately aware of the possible threat, until she remembered that Ana was now living with her. She relaxed, took her hand off her sidearm, and threw on an oversized sweater before heading towards the noise.

"Good morning." She greeted with a smile and a raised eyebrow. "Or afternoon." The clock to her right read 2:31 PM.

"Did I wake you?" Ana stopped what she was doing at the sound of Emily's voice.

"No, no." She lied. "I've been awake for a little."

"Good." Ana sighed in relief and continued her mission. "I hope you like well…everything."

"You didn't have to-"

"I wanted to." Ana said without looking up from frying a pan of bacon.

"It smells amazing." Emily smiled as she watched the girl work. "Whatcha got?"

"I didn't know what you preferred so I figured I'd play it safe." Ana transferred the bacon from the pan to a plate and served it, along with about six others, in front of the older brunette.

"That's very nice of you Ana." Emily took a napkin. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." The girl took a seat across from her. "Really, don't mention it because then everyone would want me to cook for them." Emily laughed wholeheartedly.

"I get the feeling this isn't something that happens often." She took a bite of over-easy eggs on buttered bread and was surprised at how good it was.

"Yea so don't get used to it." Ana tried to hide a smirk.

"I hope you don't expect me to finish this on my own." Emily handed her a set of utensils.

"Well I figured you'd give it a go." Ana remarked playfully as she added a few items onto her own plate.

"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Emily crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow in question.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing." Ana waved a hand as she tasted her own creations.

"Are you calling me fat?"

"Me?!" the girl gasped. "I would never!"

"You're lucky you're under federal protection." Emily jabbed her fork in Ana's direction. The two finished their brunch in silence, too engrossed in the meal to carry out a conversation. Emily insisted she be the one to load the washer since Ana had cooked and suggested that she turn on the TV. Reluctantly, Ana did as she was told and sat on the velvety couch as Emily finished up. She flicked aimlessly through the channels until one caught her attention.

-will be more to come on the developing story of Ana Valerious, also known as Mackenzie, a seventeen year old girl arrested by the FBI just last night. Valerious was caught during a raid on the home of Adrian Hail- a well-known Manhattan business man- almost two weeks ago where both Hail and Valerious were gravely injured. Adrian Hail died of his injuries late last night. The whereabouts of Ana Valerious are currently unknown but sources do say that she has been arrested for serious reasons- one of those being the theft of over $6 billion from various different accounts all across the country. District Attorney Ronald Machen prepares his case against Valerious with-

Emily watched the back of Ana's head as she waited for a reaction.

"Is that what they think?" she asked in a small voice. "That I stole that money for myself?"

"Ana, they don't have the full story." Emily rounded the couch and knelt by her feet. "The press never gets it right. Trust me on that."

"So the whole world is just going to think that I'm some slut that slept with a rich guy for the perks of it." Ana stood and made her way towards the window, Emily hot on her heels.

"We'll prove them wrong." Emily crossed her arms defiantly.

"And what if we don't?" Ana spun on her heels, her hair whipping behind her violently. "What if they win and I go to jail for the rest of my life and no one knows the truth?"

"I won't let that happen." Emily remained placid, her stance rigid, as Ana paced the room nervously.

"This isn't up to you anymore Emily." She shook her head. "Why should I even try? Trying to explain to them won't make a difference- they'll sentence me just to make an example out of me and then what? Then one of Hail's friends hires someone to come after me while I-"

"Ana, stop!" Emily latched onto the girl's shoulders and halted her pacing, forcing her to look up. "I can't tell you that I know what's going to happen. I can't promise that this will be quick and painless. But the one thing I can promise you is that you are not alone. Do you understand me?" Ana nodded slightly. "I need you to relax. We're going to figure this out and sooner or later, everything will be set straight. I know it's hard for you right now but you need to trust me…you need to trust us ok?"

"Ok." Ana lowered her gaze and Emily felt the tension leave her shoulders. Before she knew it, Emily felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck- seeing as without heels, Ana was slightly taller- and pull her close. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Emily smiled, surprised yet pleased with the sudden show of emotion.

"No Emily." Ana squeezed harder as she spoke softly into her ear. "I don't think you understand. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you."

"I'm sure you-"

"No, I wouldn't have." Ana stated firmly. "I hated you- all of you- and now you're the only reason I'm still alive. I didn't think anyone could…could really…"

"I understand." Emily assured her as she ran her hands up and down the girl's back in a soothing motion.

"Yea," she felt Ana smiled against her cheek. "you do, don't you?"

"Ana?"

"Hm?" the girl finally released Emily's neck and the two made their way to the couch. Ana sat cross-legged and reminded Emily of Reid.

"I need to ask you for a favor."

"I know." She started playing with her cuticles the second she realized what Emily was asking.

"I know you don't want to talk about it but we have to know." Emily promised. "It'll help."

"I know." Ana looked up shyly. "I trust you." Emily smiled warmly at the statement and got comfortable. She warmed her hands by pulling her still hot coffee mug into her lap, knowing that this was going to be long story.

Kind of a filler chapter but like I said before, they're necessary. Hope you enjoy, stick around to find out the final secret of Ana Valerious!