Chapter Text
“ Loid , do you have a minute?”
Loid looked up from his newspaper. “Yes, Yor?”
It was a quiet Friday evening. After a long, draining week, the Forger family were enjoying a rare moment of peace in the living room. Loid appeared calm and collected, immersed in the headlines , but Twilight , the spy within, was processing updates for his latest mission.
Across the room, Anya and Bond were curled up in front of the TV, completely absorbed in the newest episode of Spy Wars .
“I’ve been called in for work,” Yor said, clasping her hands in front of her. “The city hall is planning a wildlife conservation act, so a few of us are going to the forest for a two-day survey. I’ll be back by Sunday evening.”
I can’t tell Loid I’m actually hunting poachers… That would be… problematic , Yor thought anxiously.
“I see,” Loid replied, setting the paper down. “Make sure to take a first-aid kit, just in case. But I know you’ll be fine—you’re strong and capable. Just stay safe.”
"I need her to stay unharmed. For Anya’s stability and my mission, of course," thought Loid .
Yor flushed slightly but forced a smile. “Thank you, Loid . I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning.”
“Whoa! Mama is going on an assassin mission! Waku waku!”
Anya’s eyes twinkled with excitement, having picked up her mother’s real thoughts.
Yor knelt beside Anya and hugged her tightly. “Anya, please be a good girl, alright? I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Oui!”
Sunday – 8:45 PM
The front door creaked open.
“Mama!!” Anya zoomed to the entrance with a cheerful shriek.
Yor had barely set down her bag and coat before Anya wrapped herself around her leg. Smiling through her fatigue, Yor crouched down and scooped her daughter into a warm embrace, peppering her with gentle kisses.
“Welcome home, Yor,” Loid said, stepping forward to take her coat. “How was the trip? Did you eat? I can warm something up for you if you’re hungry.”
Yor smiled, tired, but grateful. “I’d appreciate that, Loid . Let me just freshen up quickly.”
“Oh, and—”
Before he could finish, Yor stepped closer. With trembling hands, she gently cupped his face, stood on her tiptoes, and pressed the lightest kiss to his cheek.
It lasted no more than a second and a half.
And then—she bolted to her room, face ablaze, and slammed the door shut behind her.
Loid stood completely frozen.
“…Huh?”
His mind kicked into overdrive, processing the moment like a mission gone wrong. What was the intent? Could this signal romantic interest? Or did something happen on her trip?
He touched the spot on his cheek where her lips had landed. It tingled faintly. The warmth lingered long after she’d gone.
From across the room, Anya peeked over the couch, lips curled into a smug little grin.
Loid cleared his throat, snapping out of his trance. “Anya, it’s bedtime. You have school tomorrow.”
“Can I watch for just a few more minutes? Pweaaaase ?”
“No. You’ve already stayed up later than usual. Those big eyes won’t work this time, young lady.” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Let’s go.”
After tucking Anya into bed, Loid approached Yor’s room and knocked gently.
“Yor? Are you alright? I warmed up dinner for you.”
“I-I’ll be out in a m-minute , L-Loid,” came the muffled reply.
Why is my chest fluttering? Exhaustion… definitely exhaustion. That’s all it is.
The door finally creaked open.
She stood there, eyes wide, face-to-chest with him. Her cheeks were practically glowing crimson, a perfect match for her sweater. Loid coughed and stepped aside, gesturing toward the dining table.
Dinner was quiet. Painfully quiet.
Yor fidgeted with her spoon, eyes darting anywhere but toward him. The blush on her face refused to fade. Loid kept clearing his throat, unsure what to say or how to say it.
Finally, they both spoke at once.
“ Loid , I—”
“Yor, I—”
“You first,” he said gently.
Yor hesitated. Her knuckles whitened around her spoon.
“I… I’m sorry for earlier. It was completely inappropriate,” she said, voice trembling.
She looked down, shoulders tense.
“My coworkers were gossiping about how wives greet their husbands with a kiss when they come home. They said it’s normal. S-So I thought… maybe I could be a more normal wife to you .”
Tears pricked her eyes.
“But I didn’t ask. I just did it. And I know our relationship isn’t like that. I crossed a boundary. If you want to end this arrangement or… d-divorce me , I understand . I’ll pack my things. I ruined it, didn’t I?”
Tears spilled over, and she covered her face in shame.
Stupid, stupid! What if he hates me now? What if I reminded him of his first wife? What if—
Loid moved before he could stop himself.
He gently took her wrists and lowered her hands, revealing her tear-streaked face.
“Hey. Look at me.”
His voice was calm and soft, gentler than she had ever heard it . His cerulean eyes met hers, full of something she couldn’t name.
“You didn’t do anything wrong, Yor. Not one thing.”
He reached up and brushed away a tear with his thumb.
“You were trying to do something kind. And normal. And sweet. You’re already perfect as you are. Please… don’t feel like you need to be anything else.”
Yor blinked rapidly, lips quivering. She shyly leaned into his touch, heart hammering in her chest. His hand was warm and steady, but he was blushing, too. His ears were a light pink.
Loid dropped his hand abruptly, suddenly aware of the closeness. The warmth faded instantly, and he found himself missing it.
“A-And… about the kiss,” he added quietly. “I didn’t mind it. Not at all.”
Yor stared, stunned.
“It caught me off guard, yes— but it wasn’t… unwelcome.”
It’s good for the cover and strengthens our image. He told himself.
Yor could only stare at him, lips slightly parted, mind blank from the overload of emotion and embarrassment.
Loid coughed again and looked at the clock. “It’s getting late. We should both get some rest.”
Yor nodded slowly, eyes still locked on him. “R-right. Of course.”
Oh god! This woman never failed to surprise him.