Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Anya can’t really remember when she actually started to form a crush on Sy-on boy, because they had been friends for so long. Becky was constantly telling her that she deserved better because to everyone else, Damien had a massive stick up his ass. And yeah, he was sometimes a jerk to Anya, but he always was kind to her. There is, after all, a difference in being nice and being kind. She isn’t gonna lie, even with her mind-reading powers, she has always been a bit dense when it comes to romantic love. She knows she loves her mama and papa (even after all these years she still refers to them by those names, even if she knows it was all fake in the beginning). She loves her dog, Bond, and she loves her crazy uncles Franky and Yuri. She loves all of Papa’s weird friends, that come around even after “Twilight’s” official retirement. After Anya became an Imperial Scholar (along with Damien, Becky, Emilie, and Ewen), they finally accomplished the mission, even if it took a few years. Damien got Imperial Scholar just a few months before Anya and even became the School's Student President, and while it stressed him out, the boy seemed happy. 

Anya liked watching Damian study. His brow was always scrunched together like one of those poisonous caterpillars that were huge. He wore his reading glasses to help (which he had a whole fit over the first time Anya discovered he had reading glasses of all things), and, and, oh-  his eyes . Anya wasn’t very sure what romance was, but those eyes were certainly something. A green, like his hair, with a golden undertone that blatantly showed how special he was. She used to dislike him because of his father because he was the evil man that her father needed to stop! But, the more they bickered, the more they competed, the more his thoughts complimented her… well the harder she fell. But, given how dense she was, she only recently became aware of it - in her teens. 

The Imperial Scholars had private dorm rooms and a common room separate from the rest of Eden Academy. While it was not required for them to stay there, it was usually frowned upon to refuse. Even if she did miss home, she really did love those fancy beds! She did always make a point to go visit every weekend, which they were all happy about. She had been tempted to invite Damian a few times, mostly because when she invited Becky over, the girl obsessed over her dad. The crush, thankfully, had finally worn off and she was crushing on guys her own age now, but she still jokingly made passes at her dad. 

“Anya-chan! There you are, we were wondering where you’d wandered off to!” her best friend's voice carried over to where she was, and she snapped her head to see her coming up to her. 

“Becky-chan! Sorry, Anya decided to come to class extra early to help clean up, no biggie,” Anya smiled, looking behind her to see the Damian and his little goons following (just kidding, they had ceased to see the boy as a God for a long time now, they were actually quite good friends now, although, they did call him “boss” just for a good laugh). 

Sy-on boy just tsked before wandering to his seat, a his cheeks flushed pink as Ewen and Emile followed after him with a teasing expression; although Anya had sworn to try and stop unwillingly reading people’s minds, Sy-on was just so tempting, especially with her developing feelings! 

Gods, she’s fucking adorable, but seriously, worrying us over nothing. 

Anya just smiled, looking down at her notes, trying desperately to cram for the new test. Even as she had long put behind her old bad behavior, because she wanted to impress her ex-spy father and ex-assassin mother, and well as the really pretty boy in her class (also one of her closest friends), it was proving to be difficult, “Anyways, Becky, are you coming over for the premiere of that new romance show?”

“Mhm! My mom said she’s cool as long as I get home before midnight!” She hummed happily before looking over her shoulder and glaring at Damien, “Although our lost puppy of a president looks like he wants to ask you something, Anya-chan.”

She perked up, curiosity overcoming her need to study and as she peaked up there, golden-green eyes were transfixed on her and as they made eye contact, he rolled his eyes and turned away and he thought to himself gods why does she always know I’m looking? Stupid Blackbell. 

Anya wonders if they’d ever find out about her mindreading. 

She also wonders if Sy-on boy would hate her if he ever knew why she became friends with him in the first place. Her motives have changed because Sy-on boy is so wonderful, in his own… disgruntled way, but… would he hate her? After all, everyone knew of Twilight, and everyone knew that Desmond's father was being brought to court for trying to start another war - a real war. But, no one knew of Twilight’s daughter’s unrevealed assistance in the mission for peace. 

Anya started to feel sick at the thought of Damien’s true hatred. Yeah, no one gets to know that little secret. 

-

As usual, Damian was confused around the little Forger, that stupid little shrimp, but I’d be lying if I said she wasn’t cute- no wait! Oh who the hell cares, it’s been ten years. I’m aware enough to be able to admit I like her. Moving on, as the Student President of Eden Academy, which finally happened because his brother, finally graduated, leaving Damian to shine how he knows best. His brother had taken over the Desmond company, so that left Damian to do whatever he wished with his life. 

As the second son, he had a lot less expectations, but as his father was now in prison facing jail time due to his planning over a war between Westaila and their own home, he was now stuck dealing with all sorts of news outlets, story covers, and trying to stay sane enough to graduate. Thanks to the infamous spy Twilight, his father was stopped, but now he was lonelier than ever. Not that anyone paid attention to me even if father was present, I guess it doesn't mater that much. His brother left Eden, Jeeves was busy keeping things in order for Demetrius, and well, Damian couldn't be mad he was staying at the dorms. At least it gave him an excuse to not have people around. As the president, there was much to do around campus, so it didn't even really matter that he wanted to be home. 

“Hey, Boss, the teacher just came in, snap out of whatever trance you fell in-”

“Also, your staring at Anya again.”

“I am NOT!” 

Emile snickered, high-fiving Ewen before grabbing the math homework and preparing to turn it in. Damian just rolled his eyes, these two are idiots… but I’m glad I have them as my friends. He looked back down to Anya and saw her talking happily with Becky about something, some sort of movie premier that night? Those two are the best of friends, and really, it shouldn’t bother me… but… is it bad I want her attention? Even with all these “high-class” girls tryin’ to get in my pants - or worse. 

“Sy-on boy!” her voice was suddenly right in front of him and he looked up and made eye contact with the most beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen, like really, who allowed her to have such a power? Her eyes could bring peace between the two warring states alone, that I know, gods, how could I ever like anyone else? She’s always been the only one and she’ll always be the only one- “Sorry it took me so long to come talk to you, the teach was worried about my math scores, but surprisingly, I actually did okay! I got a 70 hehe!” she laughed and it was so bright he gulped down the spat about that low of a grade- she had earned her stellas based on good deeds because Anya was such a good person, and, of course, Damien believed that. 

“Well Stubby Legs, don’t worry, I wasn’t counting down the seconds for you to get here,” he snarked, maybe I was but that’s no one’s business but my own , “That’s a decent grade… much better than those past. I guess our study sessions are finally doing some good.”

“How mean, Sy-on boy! After Anya came over here to thank you and everything,” she rolled her eyes, but the amusement was there, and all of a sudden it was just the two of them and Damien knew, yeah, its always gonna be her. 

Chapter Text

Damian had always loved Anya.

As long as he known her, he'd loved her. It had started even before she knocked him senseless, basically, but when she punched him, that’s when he really realized she was all he wanted - needed, even. For the longest time however, he was in a great mindset of denial. He could barely even admit it to himself, much less her. Recently, however, he realized there was no use in ignoring it. He’d been mindlessly pining after her since they were six years old (well, he was six and she was five, turns out she was a bit younger than him), and basically the entire school knew she was his everything - except for her! She was so annoyingly dense. 

But lately, her best friend, Becky Blackbell, had been doing some meddling. 

Because of course Becky felt the need to make a romance movie come to life. Damian didn't mind, not really, he needed this relationship more than he needed air at this point. He'd waited so long. 

It had made Damian loose his cool a few times because he really wanted to let her realize she likes him on her own, his charm was infallible after all. But, he knew Blackbell meant well and Anya was quite dense...He digresses. Perhaps when they were young his charm hadn’t set in, but, but it was different now! He was not only an Imperial Scholar, he was also the Student President! He was notably the smartest, hardest working kid in their grade, had too much status to know what to do with (a particular reason why he thought there was no reason he could fall for her, after all she was a mere commoner! Her father was only a feelings doctor- well, that wasn’t quite true, but he didn't know it at the time. After his father had been captured due to his… despicable deeds, the infamous world spy, Twilight, had retired to live simply with his “fake” marriage and daughter- later they did get married and the three of them were very happy. Yor was actually pregnant with Anya’s newest sibling!), and Damian knew he wasn’t ugly. He’d gone through yet another growth spurt (and he had to be at least a head’s worth taller than Anya), and his features had finally lost his baby face, he was actually quite popular among the ladies, but he’d rejected every single confession because there was only one girl he wanted - Anya Forger, really he could do so much better! It wasn’t as if she was cute or the light of his life or-

“Boss man!” Ewen interrupted his thoughts, he looked concerned, trying to get Damian to open up. They likely assumed it was about Anya until he didn't respond, thinking it was something serious. Unfortunately it was still just about Anya, “We’re headed to lunch, the teacher said it’s fine to go out to eat if we want. You’re too stressed, boss man.”

“Yo, you good?” Emile asked, his eyes were trained on Damian like he was trying to dissect the other. That was the creepy thing about Emile, how observant he got over the years, “You’ve been out of it all day.”

“I’m fine,” he lied, and it came out smoothly. After all, his thoughts were his alone. It was a harmless lie, he was sure it wouldn't matter. It was obvious he was worrying about Anya of course, where was that pretty little idiot , “Have you seen the idiots?”

“Oh! Blackbell is out sick so stubby legs decided to hang out in the imperial scholar room to study, she seemed kinda down,” smirked Ewen, before tapping Damian's shoulder again, “Mr. Henderson said it seemed elegant to study so he’s excusing her from all her classes.”

“He’s literally playing favorites because he has a man crush on her dad,” Damian grumbled, but truthfully didn't mind. He was glad Mr. Henderson had decided to cut Anya a break. Anyone could see the work she was putting in tenfold to keep her head above water. Everyone also knew she never really excelled a much academics, but that didn't make her any less of a good person and friend to be around, “But whatever-”

Like you don’t ever play favorites, Ewen added mentally with a snicker, “Yeah, but maybe you could go check on her during lunch," he nodded sagely like he'd given good advice, "Just make sure you don't get sick!"

“I probably will,” Damian admitted, these idiots, I was going to anyway! Why do I feel like they’re making fun of me! He couldn't help but glare at Ewen as he knew there was something going through his head. 

-

Anya wasn’t sad that her best friend was out sick for the week, totally not, but she was just down. And because she’d proved to be Imperial Scholar worthy, she’d convinced Mr. Henderson to give her time off so she could “study”, well, she actually was studying, so like, that’s how she knew she needed to get some help. Ever since her… experimentation days, she had hated studying. Granted, she did managed to get out of there pretty quickly, but, she had never forgotten those days. She doesn’t think she ever will. She also sometimes thinks about the other kids she left behind. Did they ever make it out? Were they okay? What happened to them? Sometimes these thoughts kept her up late, mourning her friends, because she didn't know what happened. 

“Come now Anya, we need to preserve world peace.”

“We do not have time for such nonsense.”

Anya frowned, putting her book down and covering her eyes, she knew they could still come for her, even if it had been years, even if peace was closer than ever, even if the big bad boss had been taken down- they were always coming for her. Even though her parents finally opened up about their “jobs”, she still hadn’t told anyone about her powers. What if one day the scientists found her and took her away even though she has a home here? What if they let them take her because she lied? She grew up in a house hold of lies, though. All she knows is to lie. What happens when those lies catch up to her? She can’t bear to think what would happen if Becky hated her. Or worse, Damian. What if that boy who was always being kind to her, out of whatever sort of obligation he felt. Damian, while a massive Tsundere, like her father, was kind. He was so kind, that’s what she grew to like about him. From the time he saved her from Bill’s throws to when he tutored her in math and helped her even though he was a horrid teacher (besides, he was so, so distracting with those kind of eyes, how was she supposed to pay attention??) She wondered how long she had been dazing off when she noticed someone in front of her, their hands hovering just above her knees, concern in his eyes as she realized it was Damian. Her Sy-on boy. 

“Anya? Anya? Come on, talk to me, what’s wrong? I come in here and you look like you're about to faint on the spot,” Damian tried to speak to her, gods above what happened? What’s wrong with her? She’s so precious, whoever made her feel like this will pay., I will rain hell upon whoever made her feel sad. I will send all my father’s old henchmen after them, oh wait, they're probably gone. I doubt Demetreius would let me kill people for no good reason. But Gods, she looks so pretty. Even those emerald eyes shimmer, even when sad. I wish I could- I want to wipe those tears away. Anya felt her heavy heart lighten as she looked up, staring into her favorite pair of eyes, grabbing his hands and putting them on her face, allowing him to feel the tears, allowing him to touch her in such a simple but intimate way. Usually she hated when people touched her, much to no one’s awareness, but Damian, oh her Sy-on boy could have whatever he wished, “Oh, Anya.” He wiped the tears that seemed to continue to fall, “Who made you cry? I really just want to have a long conversation with them about how it’s not proper nor elegant to make a pretty girl cry.”

Anya giggled, “Who me?”

Anya knew Damian thought she was pretty, or cute, because it’s all he seemed to think about when she was around (or when she wasn’t). 

“Duh,” he whispered, “I missed you in Henderson’s class, boring as hell without those pretty eyes to keep me entertained.” Distracted is a better word but with Anya the words are basically interchangeable. 

“Glad to know I’m here for entertainment purposes only,” she joked with red cheeks, and as it was usually Damian who was flustered around her, he relished in the flustered look of his the Anya Forger. She liked listening to his inner monologue- it was always refreshing to hear the nice things he had to say. 

“Oh you know that’s know that’s not true,” Sy-on boy hummed, in both amusement and exasperation, “Now, are you gonna stay here holed up all day? Emile and Ewen won’t mind if you tag along, they know how lost you are without Becky-”

“Oh shut up, that’s not the only reason I’m in here, Sy-on boy!” Anya smirked, knowing it irked him but all she received was an eye roll, she wanted to stay inside all day because she was diving down a dark path and it was better to just feel all the things, but she never could resist Damian, “But yeah, I’ll come with you, for the rest of the day.”

“Glad to hear it,” he hummed, I wonder what she’s hiding, it seemed like she was having a pretty serious flashback. Was it from the warring period? I know she was pretty involved with the politics, unfortunately. Is she thinking about that? Is she freaked out by the news of those weird scientists visiting? Henderson said they were coming to speak about their own involvement with the war- oh no! 

“UH- Actually, I think… Maybe I’ll stay here,” Anya stuttered, her heart started pumping a million miles a minute as she processed what he said, scientists are visiting, and if she had t guess they were "her" scientists, “I already got-”

“I’ll stay with you, so it’s fine. Imperial Scholars are expected to be there, you know, I’m sure whatever’s freaking you out, I could… well,” Damian struggled to find his words, I want to help, but I don’t even know what freaked her out! I don’t wanna pressure her either, she’s just so… I could never deserve her, I guess, and that’s what’s scary… “Besides, I’m sure whatever-”

“You’re right, I can’t disappoint Papa, Mama, or my uncles. Besides, Sy-on boy gets grumpy when Anya isn’t there and our classmates complain about it,” Anya sighed, standing up, going over to the mirror and making sure she was perfectly hiding her previous crying. She giggled as she knew the comment was about to rile him up. 

“I do not! Did those idiots tell you that?!!” Damian scowled, his eyes were narrowed as he looked at Anya's crying face, I’ll have a talk with those idiots to stop spewing "lies" to her, but… unfortunately they aren’t wrong. Seeing Anya is the highlight of my day. 

Anya snickered, “Sure, Sy-on boy. Let’s go.”

He nods, walking to the door, holding it open for her and she smiles before winking and making her way to their next class. 

Chapter Text

Anya was scared. 

She had kept her secret her entire life because that’s what they taught her to do. Keep her mouth shut, don’t tell anyone, and if anyone did manage to find out, she’d have to leave - because no one could love a monster. No one, no one, no one. Maybe Bond, Anya considered, after all the poor dog had been experimented on just like her, and so he had magical powers too. That’s why she loved Bond so much because unlike the others, he understood. Also for some reason, Bond’s life expectancy had been increased, as well as the other dogs who were experimented on, but Anya knew the time was coming where she’d have to live without Bond. Anya continued walking with Damian, their hands gently brushing the other as they walked to the Classical Literature class, his eyes were pointed straight forward like he was inwardly fighting something- and if Anya was a normal girl, she’d be wondering. 

Gods above, I wonder what I did to annoy Anya this time? I wish Becky was here, she always knows what to do. If I were better at speaking to Anya, this could be avoided. Why was she so upset? I swear to god I will kill whoever made her feel like that. I’m the only one allowed to be… “mean” to her and I’m really just teasing-

And like usual, Sy-on boy’s thoughts were a mess, this time there were a lot more threats though, which she thought was sweet. Only her Sy-on boy would threaten the world for her, in his eyes, she must be a really good friend. Although, she wished it was more. That was not for her to decide, though. Her lies were catching up to her, they were running after her. She remembered what the “doctors” or rather scientists looked like, it was like a burnt memory, so she knew they’d be after her if she made even a single wrong move. Perhaps they’d forgotten what she looked like, after all, she was so much different that before. What a silly thought, Anya, I’ve always stood out. Pink hair, green eyes, and my little hair clips? Just cause I’m older doesn’t mean those bastards don’t know what I look like! They’re here to preach about what they did to stop the war, all they did was kill my parents and experiement on me to see how far my powers could go-

“Anya, we’re here,” Damian interrupted her thoughts, and she couldn't help but glance at him. He was gorgeous, of course, but especially like this: at ease, looking at her like she was the only one in the room, and a small smile on his lips, “Everyone else is coming in a few minutes, the first bell just went off.”

“Oh! Okay, thanks Sy-on boy,” Anya smiled, there were a few times where Anya had referred to Sy-on boy by Damian, but those were few and far inbetween, to keep him on his toes, as one does. He always looked so flustered when she did, so she liked to tease her friend (even if she wished it was more). 

“Yeah, yeah whatever,” he grumbled, and she knew it would be funny to call him Damian because he was just so grumpy, “Ewen and Emile can sit next to each other today, where do you wanna sit?”

Anya smiled, “We can sit in the back if you want,” her smile, she realized, was a weakness of Damian, well her real smile, not that sly smirk she made to irk the boy. She loved that smirk, especially when he made it back, it was funny, but it was also funny seeing the second son of the great Desmond family flustered over a “mere commoner”, but whatever. She also thought it was incredibly sweet he wanted to sit with her, and she definitely didn't mind. 

“Sure,” he replied, heading up to the top where he usually sat with Ewen and Emile, who walked in a few minutes later surprised to see Anya in their usual seat, but other than that, didn’t say anything. 

The two of them sat together in silence, Damian reading over his notes for the supposed pop quiz they were having today (some girl in another class leaked the information - being an imperial scholar had it’s benefits), and Anya was snacking on a bag of peanuts she brought from home, reading a romance manga Becky finally convinced her to read. The other students piled in, surprised to see Anya sitting by Damian, and she heard sporadic thoughts like:

Are they finally dating?

Finally! Poor Damian has been suffering for too long!

I wonder where that shrimp was before and why is she sitting next to Damian-sama?!

She looks cute today, no wonder Damian is head over heels for her. 

Too bad I can’t make a move on Forger, Desmond has made it apparent he’ll kill anyone who so much as looks at her. Even without his father, the Desmonds are still highly respected. Thanks to Demetrius of course. 

I wonder if Forger would accept a date from anyone. Does she even like that Desmond idiot?

Anya had been trying to keep others thoughts out of her own mind due to her respect of their privacy and also her own sanity; listening to that many people at once, all the time, well, she was going to go insane.

Classical Lit was her favorite class because she always excelled at it- especially after her handwriting improved. Mr. Henderson was on her ass about it for years, but she finally managed to get a Stella for her excellent grades in this class. Damian swore the only way she hadn’t been kicked out of Eden Academy was due to all her good deeds, even if she was slightly a troublemaker growing up. Damian swore he didn’t mind, she was fun to hang out with, even if she was a shrimp. 

Silently though, he’d add that she was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. Anya thought that was cute. She supposed maybe her crush wasn’t that unrequited. She wasn’t even really sure why or when she got a crush on Sy-on boy, but Becky, while confused, said it was obvious the two of them were lovesick since the first grade. Anya thought she was crazy, but maybe Damian always had been a little lovesick. It took Anya a few years to realize she was too- perhaps it all started during that dodgeball game. 

She kept reminiscing over all the memories she had with Damian, they were mostly good, even if a few of them were… iffy, but she was glad she had proceeded with Plan B since it lead her to be good friends with Damian, even if she had originally wanted to be his friend for Papa’s sake. She stopped asking to go to his house after his father was arrested, which she was sure he was a bit suspicious about, but she blew it off as saying, “Sy-on Boy, I’ve been asking for years and you’ve never said yes! I give up!”

“Forger, look alive, the professor came in,” Sy-on boy hissed into her ear, shoving her a bit from the side and she perked up, looking forward, and she heard a sigh from her left and was amused to see Damian looked more stressed out than usual. Was he still worried about the people who “made her cry”? Unfortunately for him, Damian had no way of being able to “kill” or “have a stern talking to” with the scientists that made her life a… bit more “interesting”. They were here, yes, but they’d be seen as heroes. Anya wondered how many other kids were there, and how many others died. 

Anya knew her biological parents were killed in those labs, that’s why she started crying in the Eden intereveiw. She loved her adopted parents to the moon and back, they were her parents, but seeing her biological parents die for a cause they were captured for… was terrifying. She never wanted to see that happen to her new mama and papa. She’d make sure of it. The professor lectured about all the classical literature that would be on the mid-term, as it was nearly half-way over with their 11th year, Damian would be turning 18 at the end of the month and she would be 16 for another 5 months. She didn’t mind being a bit younger than Damian, and he was always very respectful. Really, she wondered, why he was so respectful. Was it just because he was a Desmond and he was a gentleman? Or some other reason? Did he have a mission as well? 

I wonder what Anya is thinking about, she loves this class so much it’s a surprise for her to be dozing off. 

Sy-on boy was right; Anya did love this class, but the thoughts of that dumb pep-rally, seeing those men, everything was too much. She wished her mama and papa were here. They were always able to protect her, they always made sure she was safe- 

Well, no matter, I’ll catch her up later. 

Well, she guess, glancing over at the boy she was quickly falling for, Damian's here, I guess I’ll be alright. 

-

“Alright, Imperial Scholars have to stand on the stage while the speakers speak. Since I’m the president, I have to make the opening speech. Will you be okay for a few minuets while I do that?” Damian asked on the way to the main hall, concern written all over his face. Anya blushed at the concern coming off of him. 

“Of course! Don’t worry about me,” Anya smiled, “These dumb scientests don’t got nothing on me.”

Pft, I wonder what her beef is with these scientists, she has actually been getting better in science so I wonder… does she still have a hatred for science…? “Alright, shrimp. I’ll trust you on this one,” he sighed, nerves in his body language and all of a sudden he was staring at something- perhaps her face? Did she have something on it? Oh gods. He reached up his hand, brushing a peice of hair to the side, “You really outta brush your hair before these things.”

The loud inner voices overcame her for a moment:

Do these two really not care about the rules?

I wish Damian touched me like that.

Why has Forger always been Desmond’s favorite?

Really, he complains about favoritism, then literally has a favorite. 

Can’t even blame girlfriend privilege because they aren’t officially together. Have they even been on a first date, I wonder?

Anya sighed, leaning into the touch for a second before jolting at the doors opening, he turned around, ears pink as he walked confidently through the door, ready to welcome the bastards to speak. 

Anya felt nervous. 

Damian, confidently and distinguished as always, walked up to the microphone, thanking Henderson for giving him free reign to speak, “Hello fellow Eden Students. My name is Desmond Damian. I am an Imperial Scholar and the Student President here at Eden Academy, as it is my duty, I am here to introduce the scientists who helped to achieve world peace, as they continue to work towards that goal. They have helped to give abilities to many children and those children sacrifice much to be able to help save the world. My utmost respect to them, thank you for coming to speak to us today.”

The speech had obviously not been written by Damian, Anya considered, as it was far too… elegant, she giggled inwardly, keeping a straight face as she felt her nervous overcoming her. She really wished this would pass and she could go back to her everyday life already. They were here, and they would know. She should be able to read their thoughts because there is no way they’d bring those anti-anya objects they made to combat the skill they forced on her. Her being the offspring of two people who were experimented on, tested on, she was the actual thing they “made” and they, before her escape, were working on perfecting the ability. 

“Now welcome in the scientists!” Damian’s voice carried over the area as he walked back to stand with Anya, a quiet understanding as they stood close together, as there were a few Imperial Scholars up there. They came out and oh gods, those were them. The people who made her who she was today. 

I do wonder if 007 is still alive. 

Did she manage to escape somewhere people could help?

Is she here? Did she find a rich family to send her here?

007 is perhaps our failed experiment, although, she, if alive, is one of the few to live. 

Too many of those children died, and perhaps it was a good thing 007 escaped. I wonder how the boss will shape this to make us look like the good guys… even if we hurt children. 

Ah yes, the only one who ever felt remorse. The only one who gave her peanuts. The only one who ever cared. Anya felt sick seeing them. Felt sick referring to 007. Such a foreign number, something that she forgot she was called. 

“Hello students, it is good to see Eden is still running smoothly,” the “boss” replied, stupid glasses man , “When the children were brought there, they were often raised there. Most, unfortunately, did not survive, but their powers were used for the sake of world peace. They understood this and were glad to give for their country, their nation. Except one: 007. A mindreader, someone who could have helped to shape the nation, the war. Perhaps it does not matter now,” he mused, “As Agent Twilight has stopped the war, stopped Mr. Desmond, and given us peace. His daughter attends here, does she not? Goes by the name of Anya Forger?”

Anya saw red, panic in her chest as the doctor turned around, “Glasses-man.”

“Oh! And here she is, an Imperial Scholar no less. I do wonder, did anyone know of her involvement with the war effort as Twilight’s daughter? Did anyone know she could read minds?”

Everything was frozen. Anya felt her whole world come crashing down. No, no no no. this was not how they were supposed to know. She would tell Damian on their first date. Tell Becky when they were watching a movie together. She’d tell everyone of her past, eventually, everyone who mattered. But here they were, ever trying to ruin her life. Why why why why. She could feel Damian’s eyes on her. 

“Well that just isn’t all true, now is it doc?” she asked, trying to keep her calm, “Especially with how you treated my biological parents.”

Her confidence was fake, she felt like she was going to have a panic attack, but if they were praised for the killing and torture of the children they harrassed, if they killed more in another war, if they were allowed to continue, she doesn’t know how she’d survive. If they were going to out her, so be it. She’d make their lives terrible too. 

“Just because I escaped, makes me the villain?” she pondered, “Like you didn’t kill my parents in front of me and tell me that I didn’t get to be a kid because of the experiments you performed on my parents and I was born with the power to read minds? Then when I escaped, I got to learn how to be a kid. I got to teach myself how to control it,” she said, “You killed all those kids with no remorese. But, I was just a kid. I could never go back. I will never go back. And if all these people think of me as a monster, so be it. Now, kindly, get out of my school.”

Perhaps it was dramatic, perhaps it was uncalled for, but she simply turned and walked off, her walk turning into a speed walk, then a run as she ran to the garden, a place where only the Imperial Scholars could enter. She had embarrassed herself, her friends, her family. And now Damian knew everything. But not by her own accord, because those bastards finally found her. They found her after 13 years, and ruined how she was living her life. She didn’t know how she could continue this. She was simply-

“Anya, where the hell did you go?” called that annoying familiar voice, it was strained, like he’d been yelling- did he come after her? After everything? Even though she was a freak and a monster? Was he gonna tell her all those things to her face? Was he just- “Oh thank the gods, there you are. Anya, it’s freezing cold, what are you doing out here without a scarf or something!?”

He wrapped his scarf around her, pressing his hand to her forehead to make sure she hadn’t gotten a fever, she felt at peace, but did not make eye contact. He was only being a gentleman. He was angry, so angry. She just knew it. She could hear everyone’s shouts, inner and outer, the damn scientests were coming and before she could process anything else… she fainted there on the spot. 

Chapter Text

Damian didn’t hate her.

Because, really, how could he? Damian Desmond had been in love with Anya Forger for as long as he could remember. He loved her for her emerald eyes that shined in the sunlight, he loved her for her cotton candy pink hair, he loved her for how excitable she got over peanuts and bondman, he loved her for everything and this was just another piece of the puzzle.

But for some strange reason, Anya couldn’t comprehend that Damian didn’t hate her. Sure, it hurt, hearing that she had been a part of her father’s mission because that means their friendship’s foundation was built on lies. It meant she wanted to use him like everyone else, just in a different way. But, before that moment in the dodgeball tournament all those years ago, she still seemed stiff, like she disliked speaking to him. Which fits into the narrative that she wasn't all that interested in being friends outside of helping her dad. But after that, she melted into speaking with him, like he proved himself to her or something. So, she would have made a decision to proceed with her “plan” or not. Damian was hurt, yes, but he was sure Anya had an explanation. I have to believe that, 10 years of friendship built on a foundation of lies… but this was Anya, the love of my life! She’s everything to me. She has an explanation. She doesn’t know how in love I am, but that’s besides the point. 

“Boss man, we’re gonna go to class, are you sure you’ll be okay?” Emile asked, concern written all over his face as he glanced between the unconscious Anya and stressed Damian. He flinched, forgetting his two friends were there. They were looking at both of them with equal concern, which mildly pissed Damian off- Anya was literally passed out! 

“Ah yes, I can’t leave her here alone. Especially with those creepy scientists still here,” Damian claimed, getting frustrated at the thought of those scientists hurting Anya. He doesn't know the full story from Anya yet, but just based on the pieces she said, he is already looking for a reason to get them hurt,  “I’ll be okay. I’m sure the classes have been put on hold anyway seeing as how Anya is being treated.”

“That’s true, we’ll go check and then be right back. I heard Mr. and Mrs. Forger are on their way so make sure to keep your hands to yourself, Boss Man!” Ewen snickered before turning to run out the door, amusement dancing in his eyes as Damian loudly told them to “fuck off”. The nurse had gone to talk to the Dean, leaving Damian alone with Anya, which normally would leave the poor rich boy flustered as a tomato, but now he was just filled with worry. 

“Ngh,” groaned a familiar voice and as his head basically snapped downward, looking over the pretty friend of his, “What the fu- wasn’t I just- oh my god! Sy-on boy! I- I mean, I-”

“Woah, calm down Anya, it’s okay, breathe for me, yeah?” Damian tried getting her to relax, the anxiety was written all over her face made him nervous. She was always so confident, and now she needed him. He could do this, god I wish I was better at helping- oh god she can read my mind. She has been able to for years-  “Look, I’m not angry, and I don’t think of you any differently. You’re still the same Anya I lo- know. Besides, if it was just for the mission, our friendship would have ended when my father was captured,” he added just for good measure. He was sure this wouldn’t work, but anything to get that expression wiped off her face. That was a good point though, if it was just for his father, then she would have stopped speaking to him the moment that was taken care of. But they stayed friends. 

Anya flinched, “Sorry, yeah, I’ve been getting better at ignoring people’s thoughts, but those inner voices get loud when I’m in physical contact with someone,” she added with a flush, their hands still connected- when the hell did I grab her hand?!  She giggled, “No need to get flustered,” she sighed, grabbing his hand tightly, and Damian felt his heart on the verge of exploding, “It’s reassuring," she sounded like she was telling the truth, but unlike Anya, he couldn't read minds.

He nodded, relief written all over his face, “But you know, you do have a lot to explain. To me, to your parents, to Becky. I don’t think you owe anyone else anything. Maybe thing 1 and thing 2.”

Anya sighed, “Yeah, I guess I do. I was raised in a house of lies, no matter how loving they were. It was still a house built on lies, so I guess I just ran with it. I had decided I wanted to tell you, Becky, and my parents. But it just never felt like the right moment, I guess.”

Damian nodded, sympathy written all over his face, “Yeah, I don’t know if I would have believed you, if I even believe the scientists, I guess. Unethical, human experimentation was said to have gone out of use decades ago. It’s so hard to believe, so for them to come forward, basically admitting it, and expecting praise? They definitely have something wrong going on up there,” but really, how would I even know if I was worth anything to her? After all… it was all for a mission-

“It started out as a mission, Sy-Damian. But, it’s different,” Anya interrupted his thoughts, making him flinch and look into those beautiful green eyes he loved so much, “I wanted to make Papa proud because I was adopted. He saved me from those awful orphanages, like I had been returned 4 times before the age of 6, and that was after I ran away from… there . And that’s also why I became so obsessed with Bondman and stuff. Then I heard I needed to become friends with you! And I heard you say that I had fallen for your charm and it irked me-”

“Oh god, that was your first impression of me? No wonder you punched me,” Damian groaned, putting his face in his hands, and Anya giggled. Honestly if he had heard that coming from someone else, that would have pissed him off. She was 100% in the right as far as he was concerned. 

“Well yeah, I was a mere commoner for a couple of years, wasn’t I?” she snickered, but her eyes were still bright so Damian took that as a win, “But, then you saved me from Bill. And helped me study- like you helped me understand maths! Damian, you’re so much more than a stupid mission. You get all frustrated when you don’t understand stuff, like your brow furrows up and your eyes squint, so you feel like you gotta put on your reading glasses. You have these pretty eyes that glimmer in the sunlight, like green with golden undertone? What kinda absurd shit is that? And your like the smartest person I know, you always know everything, and surprisingly it isn’t the most annoying thing in the world. Like you got 90s when we were six for fucks sake, and Damian, you are so, so kind. I know you wanna deny it, so shush, but you are! Every time I want peanuts, somehow they end up on my desk and I wonder who gets me them? Even though I’m a terrible student, or I was, you stuck through and taught me. I love being around you, and I just can’t imagine-”

“ANYA DARLING ARE YOU ALRIGHT- am I interrupting something?” yelled Mr. Forger, and Damian had forgotten for a moment her parents had been summoned, and he felt a shiver go down his spine; so he refused to turn around and continued to look into those pretty green eyes, his blush getting worse and worse as she spoke, “Yor, love, I think we walked in during a confession- which is perfectly fine as my Anya is much to young to date, especially this Desmond!”

Yor giggled from the side, “Oh darling! Come on now, we both knew it was a long time coming! He’s always thought of her as an equivalent to a Goddess! And Anya has been building up some affection for quite some time now-”

“MAMA!” Anya yelled, a similar blush on her face, so Damian got up, moving to the other side of her so that her parents could sit closer to her, “I- it’s not- Damian and I- we’re-”

Damian sighed contently, “Well, I’m not sure what was going to happen before you came in, but I do think you should tell them in detail of what happened today, Anya. I mean, they out of everyone should know they won't leave you.”

Yor tilted her head to the side, confusion written all over her face, “Anya, dear, what’s wrong?”

Loid nodded, “We’re here for you, darling. Did Desmond do something? I may be retired but-”

“No! No, Damian, he’s fine… I guess, uh, a part of my past was revealed to the entire school today. Like before this family.”

“Oh?” Yor tilted her head, and she suddenly realized she knew nothing of what Anya was like before Loid adopted her, and Loid had a sudden, similar feeling. He had tried to see what her previous life was like, but to no avail. It had bothered him, at first, because he was an amazing spy, and always knew everything about anybody in his life. But it was like Anya had spawned into existence, no mother, no father, no records. Nothing. 

“Okay, so, uh, how do I put this…” Anya sighed, she put her head into her hands, taking a deep breath, and then looked back up, squeezing Damian's hand for stabilization, “Okay. You know how the two of you had secret lives in the beginning of our fake-family-turned-real-family?”

“Ah, yes,” Loid nodded, I thought that much was obvious, where is she going with this? “From which I recently retired, thank god.”

“Well, I knew you were a spy and an assassin before you revealed it to each other because I can read minds, my biological parents were illegally experimented on by the scientists who came in today and I watched them die. Because of this, I was given powers from whatever happened to them. I was the only kid who escaped, from what I know, every other kid was killed. I was also like 2 when I escaped."

Loid’s eyes popped open, surprise evident on his face, “Oh, that… explains a lot actually,” but there was no malice in his tone, a simple acceptance, and it seemed Yor felt the same, but, the fact that she had to watch her biological parents die, no wonder she seemed so upset when she was younger at the mention of her biological mother, additionally she was only two when she escaped? That's a lot of information- “It seems nothing about our family has ever been normal.”

“This is true,” Anya agreed, “Like really? It was so exciting as a kid! Also, papa, you're brain is running really fast right now and I can usually deal with it but if you could chill that would be great," causing Loid to laugh and give her a thumbs up. 

“Oh dear! Is this why when we held hands for the first time you freaked out?! Because I was thinking of what I did to my dear brother?!”

“Yes, ma. That’s exactly what happened-”

“007, we have found you,” interrupted a voice, it was the very voice that haunted her dreams late into the night, keeping her from sleep for nearly a decade, “Ah, I see your… “parents” are here, as well as your “boyfriend”. But playtimes over. It’s time to go back to the lab.”

Anya froze, before getting out of bed and backing up as far away as she could, frantically looking around for some kind of exit. Damian stood and protectively was in front of her, eyes ablaze in anger. Loid and Yor soon followed and stood in front of the kids, carefully watching the scientists who claimed to be doctors, “Glasses, I’m 16 now. I have no intention of returning there. You’ve killed kids . And I know you’ll kill me. I have no reason to return. You do not own me."

They scoffed, “As if you have a choice. We legally-”

“No you don’t,” Yor smiled, malice seeping through her tone, and Anya was reminded that Yor was a dangerous assassin for a long time, “Loid and I have the adoption papers that legally, as you say, adopted Anya into our family. Don’t pull that bullshit with us. We’ve been a happy family for many years now.”

Loid nodded, supporting his wife, “I signed those adoption papers a long time ago, even from the sketchy adoptive place. This is my, our, daughter.  I will not be giving her to you so easily despite what you may think you are entitled to."

“I thought a man who sought world peace would understand,” Glasses replied with equal malice, his eyebrow was raised in carefully orchestrated amusement, “We seek world peace at the expense of the few.”

“Oh god, you’re one of those greater good fellows huh?” Damian sneered, his eyes blazing with anger, “The Desmonds may not have as much political power as when my father… my father was running the world, but I can assure you, I have plenty of my own influence. Taking Anya away from me will be the biggest mistake you’ll ever make.”

Anya blushed, grabbing the back of Damian’s cloak, wanting to simply disappear, but the other did not fold, glaring the scientists dead in the eye. 

“Besides, have you heard of her parents? Twilight, the infamous spy, who could accomplish any mission. And the Thorn Princess, with super strength and the ability to kill any man. Messing with the Forgers will be the last mistake you ever make,” Damian snarled, “Besides, Anya is an Imperial Scholar. Her departure would make a great dent on society. Are you sure you want a commotion that huge? Seems like an awful amount of hustle for one girl.” Anya, I mean this in a way to protect you, I completely agree with the hustle, you’re wonderful and amazing and I’d do the same for you, but clearly not to torture you and-

“Yeah, yeah, I get it, Dames,” she whispered into his back, allowing the adults to glare at each other. He smiled briefly before returning his glare at the scientists. The Forgers gawked at the young Desmond, seemingly seeing him in a new light as he skillfully protected their daughter from these mad, unethical scientists. 

“Not to mention, you basically outed yourselves by telling us the “work” you did to “protect” world peace by killing and experimenting on children,” Damian added, bringing his hands up to add physical quotations in the air as he spoke, “So, as I have called the police, you either leave now or be held accountable. Personally, I’d like to have you behind bars, you despicable villains.”

Another reason why Anya liked Damian, she supposed, was how fancy and “elegant” he always spoke. So much snazz. And really, after that day, she fell so hard she didn’t know if she’d ever get up again. 

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since the “reveal”. Under some kind of luck, those scientits were taken to prison, with a life sentence, and the labratory had been found and everyone there had been taken into custody. They’d found a few more of the children who were currently being experimented on and were taken to be given into loving homes, Anya made a statement to the public a few weeks ago, explaining her view on what happened, and fighting for those kids to be put into good orphanages and eventually good homes with loving families. She wanted those kids who had survived to have the same “good” experience she had (she adds quotations for the fact it was a good experience, her mama and papa were amazing, but… a house of lies… it’s a dangerous game. Although it did end up okay, it might not have).

Things were finally starting to settle down, and she’d filled Becky in and Damian, had accepted her with open arms (Ewen and Emile also thought it was pretty fucking cool she could do that, and made her help them win their crushes over. She thought of it as a good bonding opportunity to be completely honest). 

Anya sat in the garden, her favorite place, as she waitied for Damian. The two of them were finally going to talk - about them. Anya had a stressful past few weeks, so stressful in fact, Mr. Henderson and the others had managed to take sympathy with her and excuse her from a weeks worth of homework, claiming she had been given a most taxing situation. Damian, however, had not been excused, but he had always been smarter than her, and managed to finish his homework pretty quickly. Anya loved the garden because of how quiet it was. Her entire life had been noisy as she could always hear what others thought, of her, of her life, of her parents, etc. (And somehow, she’d missed that Damian was completely, insanely, in love with her.) Anya’s life had always been anything but quiet. She had learned to control it, too quiet up her own mind, and to respect the privacy of others, she explained this to the others, and explained thoughts were amplified if she was staring at them or in direct physical contact with them. But otherwise, thoughts were jumbled, messy, and also a real she hated crowds so much- they were so loud . Most of the school actually thought it was pretty cool, much to her loud surprise. They asked her for details of her powers, and she was happy to answer them, but the few who thought of her as a “monster or a freak” were quickly dealt with by any number of her friends, depending on the day.

“Anya, there you are,” called Damian, his voice like a soft blanket over a cold body, and when she looked up, his golden green eyes stared back into her green eyes (although, they were a different shade of green; her’s were always brighter, and his darker, but both beautiful to the other), “I knew you’d be here.”

“Yeah, cause I told you stupid,” she smiled, getting up to give him a hug, her arms wrapped around his torso as she rested her head where his heart was, allowing herself to relax when he reciprocated the hug, his arms coming to wrap around her shoulder blades, resting his own head on her shoulder, eyes closing in content.

“Yeah, yeah,” he whispered, careful to not break the tense air they’d created, as they knew they were on the principal of change, of something good or bad depending on this mutual confession went, “Still.”

She smiled, nuzzling into his chest before taking a step back, sitting down on the bench beside the sunflowers (a usually hated flower at Eden Academy, but she had fought for some on the campus. They always looked towards the sun, and when there wasn’t a sun, they faced each other. A truly inspiring flower). He smiled down at her, sitting down in contentness, deciding he’d be happy if he could just stay with her forever. 

“So,” she decided to speak, “Looking back, I guess it was pretty obvious you did wanna be more than friends.”

He jerked, sitting up straighter with a look in his eyes that said, oh shit , “Well, you are the Anya Forger. I hate to break it to you, but there are a lot of guys who feel the same.”

She snickered, “Ah well, you made sure they never got close, didn’t you? Becky told me before I got here that’s why no boys ever came to talk to me.”

“Well Becky, unfortunately, wasn’t that off. I didn’t think they should be allowed to talk to you,” he defended, “You are the prettiest person in the world.”

“Yeah?” she giggled, a flush on her face, “Well… that’s awfully sweet of you. You’re really not that bad yourself.”

He grins, “Oh yeah? Finally give into my charms?”

“You’re an actual idiot,” she rolled her eyes as she smiled, but she couldn't find it in herself to actually deny it, “But I guess, that’s essentially what happened.”

“Well good grief, finally. I’ve only been waiting 10 years!”

She rolled her eyes, “You first formed a crush on me when we were 6 years old! I was even younger! And besides, it’s not like you didn’t have girls jumping at the chance to be with you!”

“Oh yeah? You noticed,” he grinned, it’s not like I wanted to be with anyone but you either way, they never stood a chance, “Glad you see how popular I am and just how lucky you are.”

She rolled her eyes again, “I can read your simp thoughts, remember loser?” she replied with amusement lacing her tone, “But I guess I do feel pretty the Damian Desmond fell in love with little ol’ me. After all, I am just a mere commoner compared to the smartest, youngest Imperial Scholar of our age, tall, handsome, too good at everything for his own good…”

He basked in her (sarcastic) praise, a smirk resting on those pretty lips of his, “Well, Anya , you don’t gotta worry. It’s always been you,” he laughed, “It always was, it is, and it will always be you.”

She smiled, her cheeks turning red before she pulled him down, 10 years of romantic tension building for this kiss and let her tell you - her first kiss? It was the fucking bomb.