Anya refused to have her parents be called so instead she left the nurse's office and proceeded with her classes like always. She felt lighter after the conversation with Damian. They were together but in the eyes of Eden and their friends, they were just friends. At the very least that fact reassured Damian to an extent. He doesn't have to restrain himself from speaking to her. It wouldn't be weird if they hung out or did things that would also be considered platonic.

Which begged the question.

Damian planned to take her out tomorrow and there was always the possibility someone might see them. So how will they be able to go on a date without fear of being spotted?

Anya didn't think this through properly.

It's a Friday so all the more reason to panic. People will be out and about getting ready for their weekend. She didn't want to cancel either since she's been wanting to go on a date with Damian since forever. So once class was over she decided to have a little sidebar with him without raising suspicions. How was she going to manage that? She didn't know but she had to try.

"Sy-on boy." There was hesitance in her tone which Damian quickly picked up on as he turned to look at her.

"Yes?"

Anya looked back at Becky who blinked and then looked at her in confusion. "Can I talk to you… in private?" She then turned and looked at Ewen and Emile expectantly. It didn't take long for the three to understand what Anya was trying to imply. Becky without saying anything quickly dragged Ewen and Emile away by their ears, their pain and discomfort could be heard down the hall.

Once they were gone and nobody was in sight Damian closed the gap between them and kissed her without restraint. He's been wanting to do that all day but knew he had to hold back. Aside from Eden's strict no-PDA rules nobody could know they were together. Anya wrapped her arms around his neck, letting out a heavenly sigh of pure bliss. Never in a million years did she think she'd ever feel this happy.

"I've been wanting to do that all day."

"Me too."

So they kissed, again and again, never letting the other so much as have a few seconds in between. Their small kiss turned into a full-on make-out session. Anya wasn't even sure at what point her back had hit the wall. She knew what they were doing was dangerous but she couldn't think at the moment and neither could Damian.

Then she remembered why she wanted to talk to him in the first place. "Damian?"

"Hm?"

"About our date on Friday…" She trailed off as her gaze was still on his lips. They finally decided to take a break. Anya felt her lips were rather swollen, she could only hope Becky doesn't notice that.

He tilted his head. "What about it?" Oh no, is she regretting the idea already?! Wait no, don't panic Damian, she's probably going to just ask you where we're going, yeah that's right-

OH SHIT, I DIDN'T PLAN ANYTHING!!!

Anya tried hard not to laugh at her boyfriend's ability to overreact. She paused and blinked. Calling Damian my boyfriend feels so surreal. She shook her head. "I was wondering… how are we going to go on a date without anyone spotting us?"

Damian paused and thought for a bit. "I never thought of that." Then again I didn't think we'd be dating so soon.

Anya smirked slightly and quickly gave him a peck on the cheek. "I want to go on a date but…" She didn't want to hurt his feelings. She knew it was hard enough for Damian to hide that they were together and happy.

Damian knew what she wanted to say though and why she was hesitant. He sighed. "I'm sure we can think of something." It'll be complicated but anything for my dear Anya.

Anya's heart swelled, and she gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I know I've said it before but… I love you." It was still embarrassing to admit, her face was as red as a tomato but she wanted- no she needed Damian to know how deep her feelings for him were.

Sure enough, Damian was the same shade of red she was. However, hearing such words made him happy. "I love you too." I've loved you since we were six.

Anya was sure she was about to burst out of pure happiness. She was ready to drop the bomb about their relationship, she wanted the whole world to know she was happy and that Damian loved her just as much as she loved him but restrained herself. It's for Damian's sake that we have to be a secret. She calmed herself down before speaking. "We still have time before Friday, we'll think of something by then." She gave him another kiss.

"Don't worry I'll-"

"Are you two done speaking yet?"

They both flinched and quickly took a step back from one another, well more like Damian did, Anya was still up against the wall but she did try anyway. They were glad they weren't holding hands otherwise they would have easily been caught. Ewen was walking towards them looking bored with Emile in tow and an annoyed-looking Becky.

Becky stopped with her hands on her hips. "They're still conversing and you interrupted it!" She sneered at him.

Ewen rolled his eyes. "They were taking too long!"

Emile merely remained quiet not chiming in as he walked up to Anya and Damian while an argument was about to ensue between Ewen and Becky. He sighed. "Sorry, he's impatient." He shrugged, looking apologetic.

Damian rolled his eyes in annoyance. He hated the fact that now he can't kiss his beloved girlfriend. But he tried to hide his emotions. "Whatever, Anya and I were just about to go find you guys." I wanted more time with Anya.

She wanted more time too. "Yeah, we were just leaving." She said nonchalantly.

Emile nodded. "What were you guys talking about anyway?" He inquired, too curious for his own good. At that moment Becky and Ewen stopped their argument also wanting to know what was up between their two friends.

Anya could sense Damian's panic despite him showing no emotion. "Just things that don't concern either of you three."

Becky huffed. "What do you mean?! It has to do with my best friend!"

Before Damian could argue anything Anya finally spoke. "I asked Damian to tutor me on Friday!" She squeaked slightly realizing she blurted that out without meaning to. And on Friday of all days! Our date! I ruined everything-

Well, a study date could work.

Anya blinked and looked up at Damian without meaning to. He looked at her in confusion. She quickly looked away facing Becky. "I want his help so I can get my last Stella." The perfect cover-up and technically not a lie.

Becky looked at her questioningly. "And why is that a private matter? We all know Desmond planned to tutor you before… well you know." She gestured vaguely making references to Anya's emotional state that caused a rift between them before it was patched.

Anya looked at Damian for support, she ran out of ideas. He quickly came up with an excuse. "It was meant to be a surprise!"

"A surprise?"

"Yeah!" Anya quickly agreed. "That way you guys will get excited when I finally get my last Stella!" She laughed nervously.

Becky eyed her curiously as if trying to catch her on a lie. Anya stared her , trying not to let her nerves show. Eventually, Becky sighed before clapping her hands together with a huge smile. "Oh, my dear Anya! Don't worry I'll host a huge party when you finally become an imperial scholar!"

The thought of Anya becoming an imperial scholar made Damian happy. He hadn't realized that her joining him would mean they could spend more time together and most importantly alone. And nobody would question anything!

Anya's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't thought of that either! Truthfully she just wanted to finish Operation Strix and be able to be with Damian without any more issues. "Of course, I expect nothing less from my best friend!" Anya giggled.

"Anyway, we should get going." Damian suddenly said, trying to usher everyone away. Mainly so nobody asks any more questions they might not be able to potentially answer.

Becky wrapped her arm around Anya. "Yes, let's enjoy the day now that we're free from school!" She started walking, taking Anya with her.

Anya sweatdropped but found comfort in knowing things were going well. She did make plans with Becky, right? Right. She didn't want to go home just yet. "Are you boys doing anything?" It was a general question but she was mainly asking Damian.

"Nothing much, studying."

"Emile wants to play cards later."

"No, you want to play cards!"

On cue, the two boys began bickering.

Damian sighed and then turned to Anya. "What about you two?" Not that I care about what Blackbell does during her free time.

Before Anya could answer Becky began to speak. "Well, my dad asked me to accompany him to an event."

Anya stopped walking. "Wait, I thought we had plans!"

"We did?!" Becky's eyes widened. "I thought it was yesterday?"

Anya blinked, oh it was yesterday… "Ah, never mind." She rubbed the back of her head nervously. I don't want to go home! She fidgeted around nervously as they continued walking towards the entrance. Becky's car was already there waiting for her.

"See you guys tomorrow!" Becky ran up to the car. Martha opened the door for her. She waved back at Anya and Damian and proceeded to get in the car and drive away.

As they watched the car drive away Anya's nerves got the better of her. "Well, I better go." She swallowed hard before taking a step towards her bus.

"Anya wait."

"Hm?"

Damian looked to the side to see Ewen and Emile chatting looking at a comic book. He quickly scouted the area, nobody was around and Anya's bus wasn't here yet. He gave her a quick peck on the lips. "I wanted to say goodbye properly."

Anya blushed. "Oh, you." She giggled while hitting his shoulder playfully.

There was a bit of silence before he spoke. "You don't want to go home do you?"

She stiffened looking at him with semi-wide eyes. "Wha-"

"It's the same look I have whenever I dread the idea of going home because you know… my parents are never really… around." He explained. "Demetrius is usually busy although he makes sure to keep me company during the holidays." Granted that's a new development.

"Oh… yeah…" She trailed off. She should have figured if anyone would see through her it would be Damian. "But I'll be fine." She tried to reassure him but it was obvious that wasn't going to work. He looked at her with concern. They couldn't exactly say anything more as Ewen and Emile were nearby, no longer distracted and trying to keep her company until her bus arrived.

Unfortunately for Anya, she wouldn't be leaving via bus.

"Hey, Anya isn't that your dad?" Emile pointed out looking behind her.

She paled and looked back. Sure enough, her Papa pulled up beside them. Anya tried really hard not to grit her teeth in annoyance once the window was rolled down to reveal Loid Forger.

"Hello dear, boys, I was able to leave work early so I came to pick you up." He said nonchalantly.

Anya knew better though. With a glare, nobody seemed to notice she said. "That's great Papa."

Loid had his usual smile on his face but he could sense Anya's animosity. I know you're mad Anya.

Of course she was!

"I'll see you guys tomorrow." Anya waved at the boys. Her gaze lingered on Damian. Their date would be tomorrow.

"Bye Anya!" Ewen and Emile said in unison.

Damian merely waved back because he didn't trust himself to not accidentally tell Anya he loves her somehow.

Anya fought back a giggle as she opened the car door and got inside. As Loid began driving away from Eden Academy Anya's smile turned into a frown. "You didn't have to come pick me up."

"I didn't have to but I wanted to." Loid briefly looked back at her but his eyes needed to remain on the road.

"Why?" Anya looked out the window to distract herself from her emotions.

"Because I care about you Anya and I- we- don't want you to get hurt in your attempts to avoid coming home." His hands gripped the steering wheel.

Anya avoided showing emotions. Her heart was beating fast. Maybe she shouldn't have ever said anything. But she was so angry she couldn't help it. "I was going to go home."

"I know that's a lie."

"What does it matter?"

"It matters Anya because-"

"NO, IT DOESN'T!"

"Don't raise your tone at me, young lady."

"WHO CARES YOU'RE NOT MY DAD!"

Loid pressed the brakes, stopping the car immediately. They were both momentarily jerked forward for a second. He wasn't speeding by any means so the sudden stop wasn't that bad. However, Anya knew she had fucked up by saying what she did. She didn't dare look at her Papa. She knew he had a death grip on the steering wheel, gaze unmoving as his head swarmed, Anya couldn't understand anything. But one thing was for certain amongst the sea of thoughts.

He was hurt by her words.

He mentally took a deep breath before speaking again. "Is that how you really feel Anya?"

There was silence for a bit. Anya straightened in her seat. "I know you'll abandon me anyway… once Strix is done and over with…" She mumbled but Loid could hear her anyway.

Loid's devastatingly seeped through despite trying to remain neutral. He quickly started driving the car again. "You're right Anya… once the divorce is finalized you'll be living with Yor and Bond." With that, he remained quiet.

Tears welled up in Anya's eyes but she quickly dried them. She continued looking out the window. Not a single word was uttered during the car ride.

The entire ride was tense. Even when they got home Anya merely ran into her room not before letting Bond in and locking her door. Yor didn't even have a chance to say hello. She looked at Loid who looked ready to pass out. He walked past her and practically fell on the couch. She didn't need to be told that something happened. She could tell. For the first time, Loid seemed vulnerable. "Loid?" She sat next to him and waited.

"Anya will be staying with you."

Despite knowing how this would all end her heart shattered all the more. She still loved him after all but knowing it would end no matter what was something she couldn't process. It didn't matter if she wanted him to stay if she wanted them to get married for real. In the end, he was a spy and she was an assassin. She knew Anya was hurting as well. Seeing the state of the family she loved so much. "Loid…" She paused, hesitating to voice anything. The words were there but she couldn't find it in herself to utter them. Let's start over, let's save our marriage.

She wanted to say it.

Scream it out even.

But…

"If it's too much I can-"

"No, I can take care of Anya."

Loid was relieved, he was glad to know that even when he's gone at least Anya won't be alone. And yet the heaviness in his heart didn't want that. Knowing how Anya truly felt hurt all the more. It was his fault. She knew from the start and he never noticed. Everything was slowly crumbling down. He pushed her away. He stared at Yor who was next to him holding his hand in a subtle manner likely not wanting to overstep. He held on tightly. She reacted but luckily didn't pull away. I want to save our marriage.

Let's start over, please.

He wanted to say those words more than anything.

But he couldn't.

As the two stayed in silence Anya was curled up in a ball on her bed silently sobbing. She wanted Operation Strix to be over more than anything but it'll come at a cost and was only now realizing it. She was naive, she thought things would be fine. That her Papa would stay. She sat up startling Bond somewhat. She got up from her bed and walked towards her desk, took out a journal and began to write down all of her inner feelings. Anything to get them off her chest. She was tired and she wanted to stop feeling this way. She wanted things to go back to normal.

But if things stay as they were…

Another realization.

Damian.

She wouldn't be able to tell her parents- her Papa- that they're dating. It would be too dangerous, it would lead to Operation Strix ending anyway. No way WISE wouldn't find out. No way they wouldn't use this or at least pressure her Papa. He'd give in, likely promise things he can't keep to Anya. Anya doesn't care what they'll do to Donovan if he's guilty. What she's worried about is how Damian will feel.

If he finds out…

Bond's ears shot up.

Anya stiffened as a vision invaded her mind. It was Eden Academy at night. Lights everywhere, people dancing.

The dance?!

Right, the spring dance! Becky wanted to plan it out with her since she's part of the volunteering committee.

Suddenly it cut to herself and Damian dancing. Her smile slowly faded…

And…

And?!

She blinked and blinked again. "And what Bond?! What's going to happen!! Tell me!!" She shook him a bit but he couldn't seem to be able to show her more. It was too vague and she didn't like that.

But something will happen at that dance.

And Anya wasn't sure if it would be good or bad.

…

Hello~

I finally managed to finish this chapter!

As some of you might know I've had a terrible authors block since August but managed to upload weekly in September since I had material in advance ready. Unfortunately couldn't say the same thing for October so it's been a dry month and even with the animes return and the manga getting good my authors block remains

However I managed to get some inspiration and finished this chapter!

Can't say the same for my other projects lol

I even wanted to do a Halloween special but I don't know if I'll be able to finish that on time so… only time will tell I guess

Anyway hope you all enjoyed the chapter!