Keeping her distance was indeed the worst thing ever and dodging him wasn't all that great.

Becky made things easier for her but whenever she was alone she kept hearing his string of thoughts that were practically begging her to please look his way and to talk to him at least once. She swallowed down her guilt as she continued with her day.

During lunch in their private area, Anya told Becky about the newest development in the Forger family crisis.

"I'm so sorry Anya but I'm sure your parents love each other too much to stay mad, things will get better you'll see!" Becky sipped on her juice. I would know, I've seen the way Loid looks at Master Yor, it reminds me of the main couple in Berlint in Love! So romantic!!

Anya sighed and smiled slightly. "I know, I'm glad I told you Becky, it was weighing on me for a while."

Becky waved her hand around. "It's no problem, that's what friends are for."

Despite this Anya's mind was still cluttered over the whole thing with Damian. Becky was a love expert. Surely she could help her somewhat? "Say, Becky, can I tell you something?"

Becky hummed while taking a bite of her lunch. "Anything."

"You know how I really like Sy-on boy right?"

Becky practically choked on her food to which Anya quickly slapped her back multiple times making sure she didn't die. When Becky recovered she took a giant gulp from her juice and then took a deep breath before her pupils became literal hearts. "Oh my god, Anya! So you finally realized your feelings!" She squealed.

Anya blushed brightly. "I don't know how it happened but… I know it won't ever happen." She admitted feeling overwhelming sadness.

Becky looked at her in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Anya gulped realizing she couldn't tell Becky the problem seeing as she didn't know the full truth yet. "Well, you see…" She trailed off before settling on a believable lie. "I'm a commoner and he's a Desmond." Thinking back on that, she wasn't sure if this would be an issue. In her one-track mind their status was never an issue but maybe to Damian it might be. Although his mind never gave anything away but then again he didn't seem keen on confessing either.

It was like something clicked in Becky's mind as she looked at Anya sympathetically. "Oh Anya, I'm sure things will work out anyway! I know he's always pissed about it but him being the second son is a good thing. Most of the responsibility to continue the lineage will fall on his brother! He'd be free to marry you instead!" Becky gushed like a fangirl.

Anya's eyes went wide. WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT MARRIAGE?! Sure she liked Damian but marry him? No way! Well… maybe the idea isn't that bad… no, no, what are you thinking Anya?! She quickly shook her head. "It's too early to think about that!"

Becky wagged her finger in front of her face. "No, no, my dear Anya, it's never too early! Plus you two have liked each other since the first grade, it's meant to be!!" She squealed some more.

Well technically no I didn't like him back then but I can see how you might have thought that. Regardless, Anya had no intentions of clearing that up. At least not yet, not until she gathers her courage to confess to Becky everything including about Operation Strix. She's sure if anything Becky will likely be shocked at first but then be in Anya's corner every step of the way. And it would make things easier in a way. "Anyway avoiding him is a pain but I have to." She sighed. It was like she was being challenged.

Becky crossed her arms. "Why? I know I said I'd support you but it's obvious you love him so why are you avoiding him? And don't say it's because you're a commoner, I already told you why that isn't a problem."

Becky is too smart sometimes. Anya internally groaned. "I don't want to talk about that just yet… I just don't know for how long I can avoid him." She rubbed her arm feeling uncertain about her resolve.

Becky sighed not quite understanding but figured she was missing something from what Anya implied. "Whenever you feel up to it we can talk about it. For now, as your best friend, I'll make sure to keep Desmond away from you."

"Thanks, Becks."

The bell rang signaling the end of lunch.

They walked back to class after putting their trays away in the cafeteria. They chatted absentmindedly on the way there, which Anya appreciated. It was like a distraction from the thoughts that would make their way toward her. Tuning certain thoughts out was still something she's been working on and Becky was great at helping even if she didn't know yet. She was talking about the latest episode of Berlint in love when a teacher stopped her.

"Miss Blackbell you're needed in the teacher's office."

"Huh? Okay." Becky looked at Anya who merely shrugged. God, I hope I didn't somehow get in trouble.

Anya patted her shoulder before she left. It didn't seem like Becky was in trouble but her teacher's thoughts didn't give anything away. Oh well seems she'll have to walk the rest of the way alone-

"Forger."

Ah shit.

Anya kept walking; she didn't dare stop, not even for a moment. Not even when those footsteps were getting oddly louder. She was sure she was about to full-on sprint towards class the closer they got. Not now, please go away!

"Forger! Anya- wait please!"

Fuck.

Anya stopped and shut her eyes tightly before facing the music. Suddenly she hated their height difference. "What?"

Damian looked so tired that it made Anya feel worse. "Listen! I'm sorry, okay! I didn't mean to hurt you with what I said, please stop avoiding me and talk to me!" I feel like I'm losing you and I don't want that.

Anya blinked in surprise. Why did he think that? Sure she knew avoiding him wasn't going to work in the long run. She was the worst. "I…" She kept her mouth shut.

He didn't like that. "Anya! What do I have to do to earn your forgiveness?!"

Anya took a step back. "Wha-? No nothing!" She quickly said before her eyes widened and she sighed knowing there was no point and this was getting ridiculous. "It's not actually your fault okay? I'm not mad, I don't hate you, it was never about you!" She wanted to facepalm so badly. As if he'd believe that, she practically avoided him!

And sure enough, he looked at her skeptically. "If you're not mad then why are you avoiding me?"

Because I'm scared. "I don't know." She cursed herself for such a dumb excuse.

"What do you mean you don't know?!"

"I don't!" Come up with a better excuse dammit! She wished she had her Papa's lying skills right now.

"So then what? Finally got what you wanted so you don't need me anymore?"

Anya felt like a bucket of ice-cold water was poured all over her. "What?! What are you talking about??" Her heart beat against her chest. No way he suspects anything right??

He looked so bitter that Anya wondered if he somehow figured out about Operation Strix. "Don't act dumb! I saw the way you looked at him!" He suddenly exclaimed.

Anya paused, feeling utterly confused. "What the fuck are you talking about?" The confusion on her face was obvious and evident.

"About Demetrius!!"

…

HUH?!

"Your brother?"

"Yes!"

"What's he got to do with this?!" She barely even said a word to him. She's sure it wasn't enough to somehow offend him.

"You like him don't you!?"

Anya blinked and blinked again as those words slowly processed in her mind. Wait a minute… She took a step back holding her hands out defensively. It clicked, it was clicking in her mind but she was so taken aback she couldn't form a response.

Why were you looking at him like that!

Why can't you look at me like that?!

Damian is jealous.

But why? Anya barely even talked to Demetrius. What could have possibly happened for him to misinterpret everything?! "I don't know what you saw-"

"I saw plenty!" He interrupted her with a scowl on his face.

Anya wanted to facepalm so badly. "This is a misunderstanding!"

"How exactly?"

She looked at him as if he was dumb. "I barely even talked to Demetrius!" She exclaimed, holding her arms up in the air as she did.

Damian scoffed. "Really? Because it seemed you guys were chatting all friendly like!"

She rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to punch him in the face. "All he did was ask me to help him try to locate you! That's all that happened!" This was getting even more ridiculous.

"And why would he ask you that?!"

"I don't know! He thought we were friends!"

"Are we not friends?"

Anya stiffened, were they? She was always confused about that. He looked hurt which made her wonder if she fucked up even more than ever. "I… listen you're not very honest with me Sy-on boy! How am I supposed to know?"

"Well, I thought it was obvious."

"Well, it wasn't to me!"

He crossed her arms and looked away from her feeling pissed off. "Why did you talk to him? Why did it have to be you!"

Anya watched as Damian's usual stoic composure was coming undone. His mind was running a mile which only confused her further. His thoughts were so jumbled it made Anya feel dizzy. "Damian…" She reached out but he rejected her touch.

"Leave me alone, I don't need your pity!"

What pity exactly?

"WOULD YOU BE MORE CLEAR I DON'T UNDERSTAND!" She finally screamed out, fed up with the unclear signs.

"I LIKE YOU!"

Oh.

Oh.

"I like you a lot okay! And seeing you acting all embarrassed and blushing with my brother hurt me! I want you to look at me that way, not HIM!" Damian sucked in a shaky breath as the weight of his confession came crashing down on him. His face resembled a tomato in mere seconds.

Anya opened and closed her mouth, words failing to form. Her mind was combusting as the confession she thought she'd never get came and she was extremely unprepared to hear it. She blushed deep red feeling steam coming out of her ears.

"...Say something." He looked at her practically pleading.

But Anya remained silent. Not because she didn't understand but because she couldn't believe it. Her ears couldn't believe it. Despite reading his mind, she still couldn't believe it!

Damian averted his gaze, feeling hurt from her silence. This is her rejecting me. "Forget I sa-"

She immediately interrupted him. "You're so dumb!"

"...HUH?!"

Anya took a step and closed the gap between them. Looking at him straight in the eyes. "Maybe I like you too! Maybe I like you a lot too!!!" She huffed.

There was a bit of silence before her words finally clicked in his mind. His blush came back full force. He quickly cleared his throat. "Yeah well, maybe I like you even more!" What the fuck am I saying?!

"Then I guess that just makes us boyfriend and girlfriend now!" WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU EVEN SAYING?!

"Fine! But on one condition!"

"What?"

"I'll take you out on a date this Friday!"

"Fine deal!"

"Good!"

They stood there awkwardly not daring to meet the other's gaze. The silence was deafening even after the bell rang signaling class was about to start. Anya's mind was running in a frenzy trying to piece together what just happened. Damian was trying hard not to scream in utter joy at the sudden turn of events. They were still in the hallway and although nobody witnessed their exchange, students were starting to pour in seeing as class was starting soon. Anya was the first to break the silence.

"We should probably head to class."

"We should."

So they did but Anya would be lying if she didn't feel like her entire body was on fire. What the hell just happened? She made such a bold move out of nowhere and it somehow paid off?! She shook her head trying to clear it of all thoughts as she walked in and made her way towards her desk. Becky wasn't here yet which sucked since Anya needed to make sense of her earlier actions. I was supposed to avoid him but now I'm suddenly his girlfriend?? She almost hit her head against the table but refrained from such action. She's already known as the weird girl from Cecile Hall. Would be bad enough to gain an even worse reputation. Normally she wouldn't care but things were different now. Or were they? She subtly looked at Damian who was conveniently distracted with his work but Anya could tell his mind was a mess like hers was at the moment.

"Anya! Can you believe what the- Anya? Anya, you good?" Becky looked at Anya who seemed lost in thought. She shook her friend's shoulder.

Anya blinked and turned to look at Becky. "Oh hey."

"Don't oh hey me! You good?" She looked at her friend weirdly. Almost like she knew what was going on but couldn't quite pinpoint it.

Anya quickly shook her head as it screamed at her to deny everything. "I'm fine Becks! What happened at the teacher's office?" That was enough to distract Becky who began a dramatic retelling of events that weren't all that bad but in Becky's mind they were. Anya would have rolled her eyes but this was Becky, she'll always be dramatic.

As Becky continued with her tale Anya's gaze found itself looking in Damian's general direction.

They were boyfriend and girlfriend now.

Boyfriend.

And.

Girlfriend.

She felt her cheeks flush as the thought practically jackhammered itself into her skull. How the hell did she manage that? One moment they were arguing the next Damian is confessing and then she declares them a couple and he just accepts it. Accepts it without input, with no hesitation. She wanted to scream but she was in class and Becky was right next to her. The teacher walked in which caused Becky to stop her tale and Anya appreciated the perfect timing. It wasn't that she thought Becky was being annoying, more like she wasn't paying attention and she didn't want Becky to notice and get upset which would cause Anya the need to explain and right now she can't explain anything. At least not without talking properly to Damian first. She needed to know if this was for real or if this was a heat-of-the-moment decision considering he was upset and filled with jealousy earlier over a misunderstanding.

Then again had she not ignored him he wouldn't have misunderstood. It probably didn't help whatever scenario he conjured up in his mind about her and his brother even though they barely uttered any words.

Naturally, Anya was antsy the rest of the day wanting school to end so she could have that conversation. Becky kept asking her if she was okay and Anya would say she was but it was obvious something was going on and Becky wasn't dumb, sooner or later she's going to put two and two together because Anya for the life of her can't be subtle or hide anything. More than ever she wished she was like her Papa. Luckily the teacher provided a great distraction for both girls as Becky couldn't bombard her with questions because they had work to do. Notes to take and all that jazz. Although Anya wasn't much of a note taker she took them anyway or else she'll get a lashing from the teacher or worse, Becky will interrogate her again. Getting interrogated by Becky is never ideal in any sort of circumstance. But then again maybe Becky would understand what just happened to her considering she's the love expert-

No, no, I promised myself to talk to Damian before I talk to anyone else.

She took a deep breath and let it out. With that resolve in mind once again she continued her note-taking despite feeling distracted by everything around her. Tuning out thoughts is difficult and today everyone seemed truly restless and bored. Great, what a great time to be taking notes. She knew math class was boring but she didn't expect everybody else to also be struggling with the material aside from herself. The only one with a grasp on it was Damian but she was trying real hard not to read his thoughts which seemed to jump from math to her in a matter of seconds that it gave her whiplash. It was really sweet otherwise but not right now.

"Psst Anya."

"Hm?"

"Wanna go shopping with me today?" Becky whispered, never taking her eyes off the board.

Anya nodded but then realized Becky couldn't see that. "Sure, just let me do something real quick after class, and then we'll go shopping." This was also a perfect excuse to not go home right away again.

Becky raised a brow as she turned her head slightly to face Anya. "You need to do something? What is it?" Her curiosity was peaking.

Anya blushed slightly. She could be honest in this case, right? She'll tell her everything eventually. "I'm going to talk to Sy-on boy." She admitted feeling rather embarrassed.

Becky hid her incoming squeal by quickly covering her mouth. "I knew you couldn't stay away from your prince charming." She giggled and winked at Anya.

Anya's blush deepened. "It's not like that!" She hissed in a low voice. The teacher's booming voice as he taught the class was enough to mask their conversation. "I just want to clear up the misunderstanding." And make sure we're actually dating before I can get any dumb ideas.

Becky hummed and looked at her knowingly. "If you say so." She said in a teasing voice which caused Anya to subtly shove her with her shoulder in a playful manner.

Anya giggled feeling a little lighter today.

--

I hope the way they got together is just as funny to you guys as it was to me when I wrote the scene xD

Here's a more lighter chapter, basically the calm before the storm

I'm not evil I promise lol

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