A decade has passed since Operation Strix began. The once volatile tensions between the East and West have calmed, thanks in part to Loid Forger's relentless efforts. However, rumors of a new program designed to reignite the hostilities have started...
"I'm home!" I yell out, but I get no response. Bond wagged his tail enthusiastically, splashing water everywhere with his wagging tail.
"Looks like Bond's happy to see us," Damian remarked with a laugh, shaking off his soaked shirt.
I chuckled, feeling a bit sheepish. "Yeah, he's always excited, especially when there's a chance for extra attention." I walk over to the bathroom to get Damian a towel, as I passed the living room I notice a note on the table.
"Anya, Loid and I will be working overnight, we left you some food in the fridge! Be sure to sleep early, we will see you tomorrow, call Yuri or Franky if you need anything- Love Yor" Looks like Papa and Mama had a last minute mission. I made my way back to Damian who was petting Bond's tummy. The white dog was laid all over the floor loving the belly rub. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Here, why don't you dry off? You should stay until the rain settles down a bit," I said. As Damian stood up, his clothes were clinging to his form, I couldn't help but blush as I turned around to give him some privacy.
"Um your clothes must be pretty wet, let me get you some of papas clothes, I can dry yours while we wait for the rain to stop."
Damian nodded, appreciating the gesture. "Wait Anya, You don't-." I quickly disappeared into my parents' room, searching for some spare clothes for him. As I rummaged through the closet, I found a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt that I hoped would fit him.
I handed the clothes to Damian, who took them with a grateful smile. "These should do the trick," I said, trying to hide my embarrassment. "I'll get your clothes drying, then we can hang out in the living room."
"Okay, sounds good," Damian replied, heading towards the bathroom to change. I set about getting his wet clothes into the dryer, hoping they would be dry soon. As the dryer hummed to life, I walked back to the living room, where Bond was still sprawled on the floor, now dozing off with a contented sigh.
Damian emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in the clothes I had found for him.the T-shirt hung loosely, but he looked more comfortable. "Thanks, Anya, but you didn't have to do this, I could have just ran back to the dorm..."
I shook my head, "No way! I will not be held responsible for you getting sick! Now sit let's drink some hot chocolate, its pretty cold outside"
Hesitantly, Damian finally agreed. "Okay Shrimp, that actually does sound pretty nice," settling onto the couch with Bond at his feet. I went to the kitchen to prepare the drinks, the warmth of the kitchen a stark contrast to the cold, rainy evening outside. As I waited for the kettle to boil, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. Damian's presence, the rain, the unexpected moments—it all felt surreal, yet strangely comforting.
We settled into a comfortable silence, the rain still tapping gently against the window. Bond, now fully relaxed, had curled up on the floor beside Damian, his gentle snoring filling the room. The cozy atmosphere made the world outside seem distant and unimportant. After a few hours of relaxing, we decided to study. Damian was actually really good at explaining things to me, he presented many visuals and dumbed it down for me, I applied his strategies and managed to get all my homework done.
"Wow! Thank you Sy-on boy, you're actually pretty helpful," I said smirking.
"Maybe if you actually paid attention in class you would understand shrimp," he replied grinning.
"I'll have you know, I do pay attention... when I don't fall asleep..." I reply, suddenly another loud rumble interrupted us. The apartment shook a bit before it went pitch black. I got up immediately, locating my phone to turn on the flash, Bond was awakened and began panicking.
"Borf!" he barked out before crashing into me. Suddenly, I tripped, landing on something hard in the darkness. My phone clattered to the floor, its flashlight casting erratic shadows around the room. Bond continued to bark anxiously, his tail wagging nervously.
"Anya, are you okay?" Damian's voice came from above me. I landed on top of him, my legs straddling his lower abdomen. My face close to his, I couldn't help but blush. He began breathing faster, was I heavy?
"I'm sorry, Bond made me trip, but i'm okay, are you?" I ask as I looked at him, the dark was casting a surreal atmosphere around us, the faint light from our phones creating dancing shadows on the walls. The rain continued to pour, the drops hitting the window in a rhythmic pattern that was oddly soothing. Damian looked down at me, his expression softening. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, We didn't move from our position, I couldn't stop staring at him, why was I feeling like this? He took his hand and placed it on my cheek softly.
"Anya... I can't deny it any longer..."
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