It was morning.
Loid got up like usual and made breakfast like usual. Waited for Yor and Anya to get up like usual. Fed Bond his food like usual. It seemed normal until it wasn't.
Yor walked in and instantly became guarded. Untrusting. She sat in front of her breakfast hesitating to even take a bite.
Loid despite understanding couldn't help but feel offended. "Yor."
"I'm not hungry."
"Yor please." He didn't mean to sound so desperate but he couldn't help it.
Yor looked guilty but before she could say anything Anya's figure emerging from the hallway caught their attention. She already had her uniform on, which was surprising. The look on her face though…
"You guys promised to get along." She was semi-glaring at them. Her eyes were glossy.
"Anya we-"
"PAPA AND MAMA ARE LIARS AND I HATE YOU!" Anya bolted out the door slamming it behind her, startling the adults in the room.
Anya had never raised her voice or ever said she hated them even when there was conflict. For the first time, Loid and Yor felt their hearts break into small pieces.
-
Anya wasn't sure how she made it to school. If you asked her she'd say she flew here. She just walked there but she was so slow that she was late for class. When she entered all eyes were on her. Becky looked concerned. Anya looked worse for wear.
"Miss Forger you're late." The teacher said sternly.
"I know." Her low and sad tone caught everyone off guard, to say the least. It wasn't like Anya hadn't been late before. Usually, she would walk in and go off on some weird tangent that involved super villains and her saving the world to justify why she was late. It was boring and dumb to some but amusing to others. If you asked Damian he could listen to her all day.
But today there wasn't such a story and Anya didn't have some goofy facial expression. It was like she was dead to the world. Even the teacher was concerned, already used to how eccentric Anya Forger is when late to class. She bowed and walked towards her assigned seat next to Becky who looked at her in utter shock. Like she wasn't even looking at her best friend in the whole world. Becky looked back at the trio in alarm who looked just as shocked as she was. The only thing in their mind at that moment was:
What happened to Anya!?
Truth is Anya was feeling extremely guilty. She didn't mean to yell at her parents or tell them that she hated them. Just seeing her Mama refuse to eat breakfast just because her Papa made it caught her by surprise. They were so normal last night. Was it all an act? No, she would have known since she could read minds. Is it because she was there? They momentarily forgot they were supposed to fake-fake being a family even more than before. Anya didn't know but it killed her inside. The peace was so fragile. They'll leave her without her having to reveal anything simply because they couldn't stand each other. The love they had was gone, wasn't it?
She wanted to cry so badly.
"Anya?" Becky's concerned voice stopped Anya's thoughts. She turned to her. "What's wrong? You can tell me."
Anya merely shook her head. "I'm okay."
No, you're not you dummy.
Anya stopped herself from looking at Damian like she always does whenever he thinks about her. She didn't think they were loud enough for the trio behind her to hear. She instinctively hugged herself as the teacher went on and on with his lecture but all Anya could hear was white noise. She wasn't even sure if she was breathing at this point with how cold her entire body felt. Raising her hand she decided the next best thing to do was get out of class.
"Yes, Miss Forger?"
"May I go to the nurse's office? I don't feel so good."
The teacher nodded half expecting this. She looked rather pale. "Of course, Damian, could you escort her please?"
Well, Anya wasn't expecting that.
"Yes sir."
Thus Anya found herself alone with Damian as they walked to the nurse's office. Anya felt awkward and stiff. She half expected him to question her but he surprisingly isn't even though in his mind he's extremely worried about her and doesn't know what to do. Anya felt bad that she was causing everyone around her stress. Becky, Damian, and even Emile and Ewen were nonstop wondering if she was okay. Becky at one point thought Anya was going to collapse.
"Anya."
She sucked a breath bracing herself. "Hm?"
"What's wrong?"
And there he goes, Anya sighed, she didn't even feel sick, the nurse's office was an excuse to leave. She planned to just hide out in the garden but with Damian here it just ruined her plans. Naturally, he's asking her what was wrong. What is she supposed to say? Oh, my parents are divorcing because they found out about the other's secret life, that's right the Forger family is fake! Ha. Ha. Ha. No that would be stupid! "I'm fi-"
Damian interrupted her. "You and I both know that's bullshit."
Anya flinched, it wasn't like he didn't curse but Damian was always prim and proper and thus refused to do so. Which annoyed Becky, she was always asking him to stop with the act and drop an F-bomb. Something even Emile and Ewen encouraged. "You wouldn't understand."
He stopped walking which made Anya stop in her tracks without meaning to. "Try me."
Anya's eyes widened a bit before tugging the end of her uniform looking down on the floor unable to meet his gaze. Should she just…? No, what is she thinking!? "I don't want to talk about it." She finally responded after a tense silence.
Damian sighed. "Okay that's fine but…" He trailed off. At least stop pretending you're fine.
Anya unconsciously nodded. "I'm not okay."
"Of course, you're not, you look pale." He walked closer to her, placing his hand on her cheek causing Anya to lean against his touch.
It was so loving that Anya felt like crying again. "I'm really tired." She felt drained from the emotional outburst she had in the morning. Her guilt is still consuming her.
"We should go-"
"I'm not sick, I merely lied to get out of class." Anya wasn't sure what possessed her to be this honest. Especially to Damian, a model student, an Imperial Scholar, not surprising he's earned it. He wouldn't dream of ever skipping class, much less approve of a fellow student doing the same thing. Sure they've known each other for years but he'd judge her anyway.
There was a pause. "Oh." His hand went back to his side much to Anya's displeasure and disappointment. "Where did you plan on going?"
Anya shrugged. "Hide out in the gardens or something." She just wanted peace and quiet. Somewhere she could sleep peacefully without interruption. Sure she could go to the nurse's office but eventually, Becky would likely non-stop visit her and be worried. Hearing her thoughts wasn't an added stress Anya needed right now.
He looked at her disapprovingly, something she expected. "Anya."
She sighed and turned around. "Fine, I'll go to the nurse's office-" Before she could take a step she felt her hand being grabbed. She was forcefully turned right back around, finding herself facing Damian once again. She was glad they had a height difference because her face was burning and she didn't want him to see it.
They were holding hands.
"Anya look at me."
Anya blinked and looked up. She felt embarrassed as she was sure her red cheeks were still visible.
His gaze softened as he stared into her emerald eyes. They're so beautiful.
How much more red can she get? She wasn't sure but she was about to find out. "Ye-Yes?" Curse her stuttering! Since when does she stutter!?
"If you want to go to the garden you can go to the garden I promise I won't say anything." Damian held her hand tightly. "But… whatever is bothering you…" He pulled her into a hug which managed to not only surprise Anya but himself. Why am I being so bold!? He mentally cursed himself.
"Whatever is bothering you, just know that you can talk about it with me." It wasn't out of the ordinary for Damian to say something like that. In the past, it was Anya that would lend him an ear, her shoulder to cry on. It was how they got closer even though he'd never admit to such events taking place. She knew about his struggles and insecurities. About his father and how non-existent he was to that man.
So maybe…
Anya wrapped her arms around his torso and buried her face into his chest with a shaky breath. "I know… thank you, Damian."
The use of his name made him feel all giddy inside. He held her tightly savoring their embrace before he inevitably had to go back to class.
If only this moment could last forever.
-
Anya wasn't sure for how long she was out cold on the ground. Well on the grass. Right after what felt like an eternity she broke their hug and made Damian go back to class before he accidentally ended up missing the whole thing. It turned out they were just there for ten minutes thanks to a clock nearby she managed to spot so he was fine. She missed him and his warm embrace but she wasn't going to make him skip class for her benefit. Plus she couldn't bring it in herself to tell him about her problems yet. Although a part of her selfishly wished he was next to her. Holding her. Caressing her. Letting her know everything was going to be okay. She forced herself to sit up. She wondered how much she skipped today from supposedly being in the nurse's office. The growl from her stomach was loud. Hungry, she groaned to herself as she remembered skipping breakfast entirely because she yelled at her parents. "This is the worst." With a sigh, she got up and started walking towards the cafeteria. Unsure if it was lunch time she quickly spotted a clock.
Bingo!
It was almost lunchtime.
She patted herself on the back for the impeccable timing. But it also meant she missed most of her morning classes. Well knowing Becky she'll likely let her copy the missed material. Content, she continued walking towards the cafeteria humming a slight tune feeling better after resting up from what felt like a nightmare. It was very real, the Forger family was still hanging by a thread but her time with Damian helped her feel better. Kept her mind off of it.
Students poured out in groups of two or five, some making their way towards the cafeteria like Anya. She waited in line and ordered her food when it was her turn. She sat down at one of the tables and began to eat. As soon as the food hit her mouth she swore she heard a bunch of angels singing. She must have been starving but her fatigue and the moment with Damian must have distracted her.
She should stop thinking about that.
"Anya!"
"Oh hey, Becky-!" Anya dropped her spoon as Becky pulled her into a bear-crushing hug. She was used to such hugs thanks to her Mama. She was also glad to know Becky has yet to realize she wasn't in the nurse's office.
"I was so worried! Are you feeling better?" Becky began to check Anya from head to toe twice. Determining she seemed fine she squeezed her once more. "I'm so glad you seem better."
Anya sweatdropped but didn't want to say anything. She knew she caused Becky to worry deeply this morning.
"Blackbell, you're killing her." Luckily for Anya, Damian came to the rescue.
She shot him a look that screamed 'thank you I was dying here' despite being used to Mama's bear-crushing hugs she didn't enjoy them anyway. Becky wasn't as strong as her Mama though and thank god for that. He gave her a curt nod of acknowledgment as he sat down in front of her with his tray, Ewen and Emile taking a seat beside him like always. They're sitting with us, huh?! Anya was confused but didn't voice her thoughts. She wondered if it was some silent agreement seeing as Becky wasn't as confused as her.
Becky glared at Damian but let Anya go anyway. "Anyway, Anya I'm dragging you with me today after school to get your mind off whatever is bothering you, okay?" She declared looking at Anya expectantly.
Well, Anya did want a convenient excuse to not go home today. "Sure!" She said excitedly, albeit a bit forced but nobody seemed to notice. Unless your name is Damian, he for some reason always knows when she's forcing her emotions.
She seems okay but whatever it is it's still bothering her.
Anya couldn't help her stare. It tends to happen whenever he's thinking of her. It was like a magnet was pulling her towards him every time. He caught her stare which caused a light blush on both their faces. Anya quickly looked down forcing her eyes to stare at her omelette until she managed to bore holes into it somehow.
I love you, Anya.
Anya jolted in her seat, her heart was practically ripping out of her ribcage and her face was as red as a tomato. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit-
"Anya are you okay!?" Becky grabbed her arm and tried to calm her down.
"No." Anya almost wanted to faint. She did not expect that. Why did he have to say that!?
"What happened, are you sick again?" Becky checked her temperature and she was burning.
"No, I'm okay just…" She couldn't help her subtle glance at Damian. "I think I have heartburn or something." She clutched her chest. She needed to get out of here.
"Eh!? You should probably go to the nurse's office Forger." Ewen advised sounding worried.
"Yeah." Emile agreed.
"Want me to take you?" Damian offered.
Which set off the following chain of events. Anya quickly got up from her seat and quickly shook her head so much that they were worried she might get dizzy. She grabbed her tray and began walking away but accidentally bumped into an Imperial Scholar of all the fucking students in this huge ass school and got their cape dirty. They were glaring daggers at her even as she profusely apologized to the point of tears. Becky, and surprisingly Ewen and Emile defended her honor, not unusual from Becky but it certainly was an unusual development from Damian's known lackeys/friends. It was an overall mess of a scene and Anya just wanted out. She felt her arm being tugged, it was Damian trying to pull her away while everyone else was arguing. Seems she was being obvious about wanting to leave.
In the end, she ended up being alone with Damian… again.
"How did you even manage that?"
"I don't know!" Anya groaned as she clutched her head. They were in a secluded hallway aware from prying eyes.
There was a pause before Damian spoke again. "Did something happen? You seemed like you were running away."
Anya stiffened and turned around- leave it to Damian to always somehow be able to read her without having mind powers. "I… was not." She mentally facepalmed, great fucking excuse Anya.
"I know you're lying."
"Yeah, so what!?" Anya exclaimed rather dramatically.
Damian held his hands up defensively. "Hey, now I'm not saying it to be mean or anything."
Anya sighed. "I know and I'm sorry." She felt a migraine incoming. Today was just not her day. She was looking forward to her outing with Becky after school though.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"...No."
Silence ensued, he didn't try to get her to talk. Anya felt guilty about it. It was obvious Damian was trying to get her to open up but she wasn't budging no matter how hard he tried. Although in this case there was no way she was telling him she could read minds and happened to read his mind when he said 'I love you' while looking at her. At. Her.
She covered her face again. "I'm stressed out." With a sigh, she leaned against the wall.
"With what?"
And there he goes again.
Anya didn't respond, she knew it was pointless. It was like they were dancing around the issue in more ways than one.
I want to help you but you won't let me.
Curse her mind-reading powers!
…
Maybe she could just tell him…
"Damian."
Holy shit did she just say my name aga- "Yes?"
Anya closed her eyes and breathed in slowly. "I want to tell you but I don't want to burden you." She can't tell him the full truth either but maybe a half-truth will make her feel better.
"Anya, you're never a burden to me." He inched closer to her. "You can tell me anything."
She slowly nodded, meeting his gaze. It was now or never, it wouldn't hurt, it was Damian he would understand. "My parents-"
"ANYA!!"
Both teens stiffened as Becky with Ewen and Emile in tow came running towards them. Becky quickly jumped on Anya.
"I was wondering where you went! Come on, we have class soon!" She started dragging Anya with her while sending a quick wave to the boys.
Anya protested lightly but knew she couldn't fight it. She looked back at Damian apologetically. She knew he was fuming on the inside even when he looked at her in reassurance. We'll just have to talk about it later.
For once Anya wanted to curse out Becky like a sailor.
"So Anya?"
"Hm?"
"About the spring dance," Becky said excitedly.
"The what now?" Anya looked at her puzzled.
She deadpanned. "Do you really not know!? There's no way you don't- we talked about this last week!" She put her hands on her hips in disappointment.
Anya sweatdropped. "Sorry Becks, you know I love you but sometimes I get distracted and forget."
Becky sighed and shook her head but ultimately couldn't find it in herself to be mad at Anya. "Well no matter, the point is- you have a date right?" The abrupt nature in which her tone changed gave Anya whiplash. Becky looked at her expectantly.
No, she did not have a date. "No." Should she have one? She wasn't even sure if she wanted to go, she hadn't even bothered to remember it was a thing in the first place.
Then again her family wasn't in a crisis last week.
And it could be an excuse to not be home.
"You could always ask Desmond," Becky suggested.
She could always-
Wait…
"HUH!?"
…
And ideas don't stop coming and they don't stop coming lmao
Also poor anya taking L's this chapter with a side dish of W's
Honestly the angst in this story is only mild right now I'm ngl xD
No I'm not a bad person I swear I'm just too good at writing angst
Anyway hope you all enjoyed this chapter ;)