If you only knew...

7.Unexpected visit

Ana's POV

As the golden rays of late afternoon sunlight weave through the curtains, I slowly wake up, a satisfying yawn escaping my lips. I shuffle my way to the bathroom, splashing cool water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep. When I step into the living room, I expect to find V nestled comfortably on the couch, but instead, I'm taken aback by the sight of him wide awake, his gaze locked onto something invisible.

"Look at you, up and about before me! What's your trick?" I tease, a grin breaking free.

He shrugs, a faint smile flickering across his face. "Just had enough rest," he replies in that calm, steady tone of his, the one I always find reassuring.

My playful demeanor shifts as a realization hits me. "Your arm's giving you trouble, isn't it? That pain must be keeping you up," I say, concern tightening my voice.

"I... guess so," he admits, getting to his feet and rummaging through his backpack like he's searching for a solution. "Whenever you're ready, we can head back to the Black Veil."

"Let's hit the road!" I exclaim, enthusiasm bubbling over as I dash to grab my backpack.

The drive feels lengthy, filled with our favorite tunes, laughter spilling into the spaces between, and our effortless conversations. I try to distract him from the relentless discomfort until we finally reach our base, where painkillers and proper care await.

"So, V," I pry, curiosity shining through my casual tone, "what's your biggest fear?"

"Humans," he replies, his voice suddenly grave, his expression inscrutable.

Caught off guard, I raise an eyebrow, disbelief weaving through my thoughts. "Humans? Seriously? I thought it might be bears, snakes, or maybe even some claustrophobia!"

"Humans can be worse than any of that, Ana..." His tone carries a heaviness, hinting at a painful history I know he doesn't wish to revisit. Guilt knots in my stomach; I wish I could know more about that burden and take it away...

"During our last mission, I came face-to-face with one of my biggest fears—heights. Running on those high platforms or balancing along that precarious ledge in the cave was terrifying. How can I call myself a secret agent when I crumble under that pressure?" I confess, a hint of disappointment creeping into my voice.

"As long as we stick together, we can overthrow those fears," he assures me, his unwavering strength a comforting presence.

"Thanks, V. I wish I knew your fears too—it'd help me to be aware of it in the field. I mean, give me a reason you can fear me; after all, I'm human too! How can I work with you if I don't know your triggers?" I joke, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.

"Just... don't hurt me intentionally," he replies, a solemn note hidden in his tone.

"I promise, I would never! You're safe with me!" I retort, a chuckle spilling from me, wrapping around our conversation like a warm embrace, a brief escape from the tension.

After a while, a comfortable silence blankets the car, each of us lost in our thoughts until I finally voice something that has been gnawing at me.

"You never told me your real name... V—it's clearly just a nickname. Don't you feel like sharing it with me now?" My voice is tense, laced with a desperate hope not to miss this chance to finally know it.

""Xavier. That's my real name," he replies softly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, avoiding my gaze.

I can't help but smile. "Oh, what a lovely name! I'm thrilled you finally decided to share it with me! Do you mind if I call you by your real name from now on?" I press on, curiosity bubbling.