It was only barely Wednesday and Anya was already having the worst week ever.

It all started when she got her fourth tonitrus bolt over something that wasn't even her fault. And since there were no witnesses that were on her side because Becky just so happened to be out sick that day Anya had to deal with the blow. Her Papa fainted when she got home. Then she casually slipped on water that was on the floor which made her the laughing stock of the school for the day. She couldn't concentrate during class and got reprimanded and her classmates just treated her like she was one big joke. She had no idea why since they've all been together since first grade.

Her commoner status never left her name it seems.

Despite being known for being nice but eccentric and weird at times, it wasn't enough to earn Anya any popularity of sorts. Not that she wanted it but it would help her Papa's mission seeing as Plan A was still a work in progress and Plan B is barely getting there. The friendship scheme took a bit to take off. It was probably around third grade when the son of her Papa's target, Damian Desmond, finally decided to stop being so mean to her and began acting nice towards her. Somewhat, he was still sort of mean at times. Or at the very least it seemed he was never really serious with any of his comments. His mind was an enigma but one thing was for certain and that's the fact that Damian was a liar.

Never sincere.

Always saying one thing but thinking something else entirely.

She couldn't call him out though for two reasons. One, he can't know she can read minds for starters, and two, she was a liar herself. Her entire family was built on a lie which brought her to this morning when she heard a crash and sounds of a struggle. Her dog Bond whimpered by her door. Of course, she got up faster than the speed of light, mostly because she naively thought her parents were beating up some robbers and Bond was merely scared. Instead of something exciting, it was a horror scene of her Papa being held down on the ground by her Mama with her weapon close to his neck. Her gasp was enough to stop anything more from happening.

Her entire world came crashing down.

Twilight and the Thorn Princess came face to face and sure enough, the worst-case scenario happened. Anya locked herself in the room that night along with Bond, ignoring all the knocks and the concerned questions from her parents.

That morning she left early for school. Managing to somehow sneak out. Even with her mind-reading powers they still had sharp instincts. Her parents were in their respective rooms. Perhaps they couldn't sleep like her, maybe they finally collapsed in exhaustion. Either way, it allowed her to leave without problems. She told Bond to stay in her room until she got back knowing she'd have to face the music once school was over.

For now, though, she wanted to get away from it all.

Since she was early she was the first one to arrive, something she's never done before.

You can imagine the shock that went through a certain trio's faces when they noticed Anya at her desk with her head down. She didn't get much sleep so she was resting her eyes before class officially started. She's sure Becky will be worried when she doesn't see her by the entrance like usual but it was fine.

The first one to break the silence and talk to Anya was none other than Damian. "Forger? What are you doing here so early?"

Anya looked up, blinked, and rubbed her eyes. She looked absolutely dead. "I'm early." She didn't feel like explaining anything, it was bad enough she was trying to stay awake. The bags under her eyes were too much to ignore.

"Did you even sleep?" He asked in concern, something Anya wasn't used to hearing.

Admittedly she almost cried but she held herself back. "I'm okay." She was not okay. Nobody could know what was going on or the fact that she'll probably have to leave Eden soon when the Forger family inevitably breaks apart.

She's not okay at all, she looks pale too.

Damian's concerned thoughts flooded into her mind. Sometimes she wishes she didn't have the ability to read minds. Or be able to turn it off. Where was Becky when she needed her? Becky was always good at distracting her.

Nothing else was said as it was obvious Anya didn't want to talk. They simply walked to their respective seats. The nagging feeling that something was wrong was bothering Damian. He couldn't exactly make her say anything though.

Maybe I should ask her when we're alone.

Anya conveniently ignored that.

When Becky arrived she bombarded Anya with loads of questions. Anya doing her best to answer them. She didn't think it was weird of Anya to come to school early so that was a plus, although she was concerned over her bags but Becky chalked it up to Anya wanting to take school more seriously. So here Anya was after class putting things in her locker when a group of students nearby were chatting about different topics. Becky was talking her ear off which she appreciated although she isn't engaging much. Becky was used to it though.

"So my mom bought me this necklace the other day."

"Wow, it's so pretty Carol!"

"Well, my dad bought me a whole set!"

"So cool!"

Becky rolled her eyes. "Are they really boasting about what their parents buy them? Everyone knows I can easily win that competition by a landslide." She began to laugh.

Anya merely nodded.

"Hey, Blackbell."

Becky groaned and closed her locker. "What do you want Desmond?"

Damian rolled his eyes. "Always so rude."

"Only because it's you and your gang of idiots." Becky snickered.

Emile and Ewen took offense to that.

"Watch your mouth Blackbell!"

"Yeah!"

Anya merely sighed not wanting to engage in whatever petty feud they were having today. Instead, she opted to stay on the sidelines and just concentrate on anything else.

"Anyway, I-" Damian was rudely interrupted.

"Damian-sama, what did your parents buy you this weekend?"

Anya raised an eyebrow. Seriously? She couldn't help the annoyed look that was on her face. Mainly because it was Carol that was asking. That girl had a thing for Damian and would always insert herself in their conversations. Luckily much to Anya's amusement Damian didn't look happy at all.

"That's none of your business, please don't interrupt me ever again." He wasn't one to glare but he couldn't help it at that moment.

Seeing Carol recoil made Anya snicker in amusement. Unfortunately, she was loud enough for it to be heard.

"What are you laughing at Forger?" Carol sneered.

Anya cleared her throat. "Oh, nothing." She mustered her best innocent-looking face she could.

Carol huffed. "Don't get so full of yourself Forger! You commoners will never be on our level. I bet your parents don't even love you." She laughed as if what she said was the funniest joke ever. Her entourage laughed as well, encouraging the joke.

Normally Anya wouldn't care. She's used to such dumb nonsensical comments. And yet that was enough to break her today.

Sniff

Her shoulders were shaking and her mind went numb. Tears started falling as she grabbed the hem of her uniform trying to calm herself. No matter how hard she tried she kept failing.

"CAROL YOU BITCH HOW DARE YOU MAKE ANYA CRY!!" Becky screamed in outrage garnering everyone's nearby attention.

"What!? How is it my fault she's such a sensitive little-"

" DON'T finish that sentence," Damian said, his voice low but commanding. He was warning her. His glare was deadly.

Carol gulped and shut her mouth.

Anya was trying but couldn't stop her tears. She was right, now that her parents hated each other there was no point in them staying together, the Forger family was no more. Anya was going to go back to being all alone in some orphanage. Abandoned like all those years ago. The thought alone was enough to make her cry even harder.

Becky growled and almost threw herself at Carol but was stopped by Emile and Ewen while Damian tried to console Anya as best as he could.

Damian didn't like seeing her cry, far from it. It hurt him deeply to see her this way. She sounded so hurt and broken. "Anya, Anya hey." Don't cry, I'm here.

Anya furiously wiped her tears. A few hiccups escaped her lips as she tried to calm down. She looked up at Damian and noticed the way his eyes softened when they made eye contact.

I wish I could take your pain away.

"I'm okay." She sniffed and wiped the remaining tears away. Becky was still trying to murder Carol. Emile and Ewen were talking her out of it. Nobody was paying attention to them. At that moment Anya allowed herself to do something she wouldn't normally do. She buried her face into his chest.

Damian tensed from the action but soon eased up. Nobody was watching anyway and Anya likely needed this. Feeling her so close felt right to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. She was still shaking and breathing heavily but she wasn't crying anymore. She felt more relaxed.

How nobody noticed them hugging was a mystery they weren't going to explain.

As soon as Anya broke away Becky turned to check on her.

"Anya are you okay?" She checked Anya everywhere.

She nodded. "I'm good." Her eyes were a little red and swollen but she seemed fine for the most part.

"You sure?" Maybe I should take her out for ice cream later to cheer her up, Becky thought to herself.

Anya nodded. "I'll be okay." She did feel a bit embarrassed for crying but after everything, she couldn't hold it in anymore. She was terrified of what was waiting for her at home. Will she come home to see them both dead or only one of them? Or will they both be gone completely abandoning her to the streets?

Becky didn't look convinced. "Agh! I'll be worried anyway you know!"

Anya smiled and nodded. "I know but I'll be okay because I have you as my best friend in the whole wide world!" It felt a bit forced but she did appreciate Becky a lot. If Anya told her what was happening how would she react? She didn't even know what was going to happen herself. She was still scared to go home once all is said and done.

It was taken at face value, her semi lie that is. They all walked to class without another incident. Anya acted like she didn't just burst into tears in the morning. Nobody seemed to tease her about it either. As class went on her mind wandered over to the hug she had with Damian. A small blush spread across her cheeks imagining his arms around her. She covered her face realizing she had such an intimate moment with him… and nobody noticed!

Probably for the best, Becky would have teased her and everyone else would have started weird rumors even though it wouldn't be that out of the ordinary considering he was technically just trying to cheer her up. She was crying.

Still, hugging Damian made her feel better.

She found herself wanting another hug.

No, no, bad Anya! Don't think about those things!

…

She was doomed.

When the bell rang she told Becky she needed to head home quickly so she couldn't wait for her. She didn't even wait for a response as she bolted out the door without a second thought. Anya walked home knowing the bus would take a bit. She liked it this way as she was dreading what might be waiting for her at home. As she did she passed by the park they would always go to with Bond. Memories of her younger self being carefree and running around while her parents lovingly watched her from the sidelines. Tears began to form as the memories hit her like a truck. The wonderful memories would soon be tainted and become nothing more than a distant dream. Anya was naive, she should have seen this coming. She could have stopped it. If only… if only…

She was home.

Anya hesitated to walk in. The stairs leading to the Forger residence felt heavy and unnerving. Anya could feel her breathing getting uneven as she did. Her anxiety spiked through the roof. She turned the knob… slowly.

"I'm home." She said quietly.

"Anya!" Both her parents said in unison, they smiled brightly as she walked through the door. They hugged her tightly which caused her to burst into tears once again. They let her cry her eyes out. Never daring to interrupt her. Seeing Anya crying out in pain was enough to shatter their hearts.

Once Anya calmed down they sat her on the sofa. Three drinks in front of them like always. Anya sipped on her hot chocolate feeling nostalgic.

"Anya." Loid began but sounded hesitant almost as if he knew the news they were about to give her would hurt her.

"Papa." She gulped but prepared herself for the obvious.

"We love you, Anya." Yor added with a smile. "But…" She trailed off looking at Loid. She didn't seem angry, almost sad.

Loid looked the same way. "We've decided to get divorced."

Even though she knew Anya's heart was still shattered. "Okay." She averted her gaze to the floor.

"But…" He trailed off.

Anya looked up, hope in her eyes.

"We decided to stay together until you finish your schooling." Yor finished for him.

Oh.

Oh.

Well, there was still hope, right?

Anya nodded and didn't say anything further. There was still a chance for the Forger family to remain right? She knew they loved each other. They said so years ago. No way those feelings won't be rekindled even if they're mad about the lies, the deception. Anya didn't dare reveal she was an esper though. The Forger family was hanging by a thread right now. Revealing something like that would tip the tides in the worst way possible. They'll divorce right away and abandon her without hesitation. They're staying together for her sake. Because despite their anger one thing was for certain. They love and adore Anya. For her sake, they'll set aside their feud and be there for her.

Anya needs to seize this opportunity.

"Nothing has changed Anya, we'll keep being the Forger family, you'll still be Anya Forger… until your schooling is over we'll decide what to do right after," Loid explained although he was worried about what would happen then. Despite his mission still pending he couldn't think of that right now. What will happen to Anya? Legally she's his daughter but with Yor leaving what will W.I.S.E do with him and Anya?

Anya took another sip. "Will…" She hesitated taking a deep breath, she continued. "Will everything be back to normal?"

Loid's gaze softened. "Of course Anya."

She looked off to the side. "...Will Papa and Mama not fight?"

"We won't," Yor reassured.

She closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath. "Will Anya always be Anya Forger?" It's been years since she'd referred to herself in third person. It was like she reverted to being her child self, the one that was naive and innocent and thought things would remain the same no matter what.

They both smiled at her but she knew deep down they just wanted to lie to make sure she was okay.

A beautiful lie. A shared thought between the three.

With hesitation, Loid answered. "You'll always be Anya Forger." His smile didn't give anything away but his thoughts were loud. I don't know if she can continue being Anya Forger. I don't know what will happen to us once everything is over.

Anya closed her eyes, a small tear rolling down her cheek. Papa is a liar… but I love him anyway. "Okay."

Bond stood off to the side looking at the three sadly. He too wondered if once this was all over if he'll have to go back to the shelter. What will happen to Anya? Will Anya be able to take him with her? Will Loid remain even when Yor finally leaves? For some reason, a vision didn't make itself known. Was their future truly doomed? He whimpered sadly at the uncertainty of it all.

Anya stared at him sadly. Will I be able to still have Bond with me at least? No visions were going through. Was their future doomed? Will her parents never reconcile?

"Anya is hungry." She was still referring to herself in third person. She didn't know why, she just was.

Loid nodded. "I'll make your favorite."

A small smile appeared on her face. Even if the future seems meek and gloomy she can still change it. Like when she changed her Papa's fate way back then. She could do anything if she set her mind to it. Like when she helped her Mama fight off those bad guys in the boat. Anya nodded to herself feeling a swell of hope.

As Loid made dinner he momentarily forgot there was even a problem. He forgot the Forger family was hanging by a thread as he made food for his lovely wife and daughter. As they sat down all worries were thrown out the window. Eating, chatting without a care in the world. As if Loid didn't find out Yor was an assassin or that Yor found out he's a spy. It was like they were the Forger family again. This fleeting small moment that all three clung to knowing it'll be over one day.

Anya still held onto hope that it'll all be okay. Even when she got ready for bed. When her parents kissed her goodnight and said their respective I love you's. She was hopeful that it would all work out.

It will… won't it?

Or was Anya once again being naive?

…

Heyooo

I hesitated when uploading this fic since it's been a while

Honestly had a rough two weeks which is why I haven't uploaded anything

I got sick, I think I got covid idk

And then my favorite CC died and I've been in mourning

If you know who I'm talking about I still miss him as well

Anyway my friend gave me the courage to upload this fic that's been in the works for a few weeks because I really wanted to do a secret relationship fic and have been working hard

So hopefully you guys enjoyed~