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Anya could barely sit still as she waited for Yor to finish ironing her dress. It was New Year's Eve, and the Forgers were running around the small West Berlint apartment, tidying up and cooking various foods. They were throwing a small party, in fact, their first since they had first come together all those months ago. Franky and Yuri were coming as well, and like Anya, Yor could barely contain her excitement.
She had not seen her brother for a few weeks and was eager to hear all about how he had been and what his plans for the new year consisted of. Franky, however, was over often in the last few weeks. Loid would always call him to watch Anya when he and Yor decided to go on a date... which they had been doing a lot lately. Yor understood they needed to keep up appearances, but even she could admit that the constant outings they found themselves on were only growing more frequent and lavish. On their last date, Loid took Yor to a fancy restaurant, where he proceeded to pepper her with compliments throughout the entire night.
Unusual feelings were filling her head, feelings Yor was positive Loid wasn't having too. In the last few weeks, Yor found herself blushing at just the mere sight of her pretend husband. She would be at a loss for words when Loid would get close to her. And when Loid would brush their fingers together as they sat on the couch watching an old movie late at night... her heart would nearly burst. She liked Loid, she had for a while. And at this rate, it would be nearly impossible to keep her feelings from him any longer. She was in too deep, and if Loid didn't reciprocate her feelings, Yor was sure she would die of embarrassment.
Yor was lost in her own mind as she ironed Anya's dress. Steam blew around her face as she moved the iron up and down over the gold fabric. Anya watched her mother with intrigue as she waited to put on the sparkly dress. Yor's face was scrunched up, and her eyes were glossed over.
Mama's sad, Anya thought, frowning at the current state of the woman. Anya squinted her eyes, setting her focus on Yor's mind.
I can never tell him how I feel, Yor thought, her frown deepening. It's just for appearances. He could never love someone like me.
Anya's mouth dropped open in shock. Mama loves papa, she thought, the gears in her head quickly turning.
"Mama, is Anya's dress done?" Anya asked, hoping to help snap Yor out of the trance she was in.
Yor snapped her head up to look at her daughter, forcing a smile onto her face. "Yes, honey. Let me help you get ready."
Yor removed the dress from the ironing board and knelt in front of Anya. The little girl raised her arms as Yor pulled the sparkly gold dress over her head. Anya giggled as she felt the fabric fall around her.
"It's warm," Anya said, looking at Yor with wide eyes.
Yor laughed, turning Anya around so she could zip the back and tie the bow. "Well, of course, sweetie. I just ironed it."
Anya then tugged on her black flats and sat patiently as her mother curled her hair. After a while, Anya was dressed and ready to take on the evening. Yor walked to the door, yawning as she ran a hand through her hair.
"You're all set, sweetie," Yor smiled at the little girl, who was twirling in front of the mirror, admiring her new dress. "I have to go get ready now, so why don't you go help your father decorate the living room?"
"Can Anya help mama get ready?" Anya asked, running to her mother and hugging her legs. "Anya wants to help mama look at bootiful as she made Anya!"
Yor teared up at Anya's words. Sure, she said "beautiful" wrong, but she didn't care. Yor nodded her head and took Anya's hand in hers, leading her to her room.
Loid glanced at his watch, sighing as he realized the time.
"Goddamnit, Franky," Loid muttered under his breath.
Franky was late. He was supposed to be there half an hour ago with information on an upcoming case Loid was due to be assigned. He huffed as he turned his attention back to the stovetop, which was littered with pots and pans. Bass simmered in a pan and butternut squash bisque bubbled in a pot. Loid was chopping up some apples for a gremolata, tossing the thinly sliced apple sticks into a bowl, and setting it aside.
As he wiped his forehead with a hand towel, a knock sounded at the front door. Bond barked and trotted toward the sound, sitting down in front of the wood. Loid gently pushed the big dog aside and opened the door. There stood Franky, face red, and bottles of wine and scotch held in his hands. Loid rolled his eyes, stepping aside to let the informant in.
"You're late," Loid said flatly, walking back into the kitchen.
"Sorry, sorry," Franky said sheepishly, placing the bottles of booze on the dinner table. "I was picking these up when I met this smokin' lady. We talked for like 10 minutes. Dude, I gotta tell you, I think I'm in love."
Loid glared at his friend as he stirred the bisque. "You're telling me you were late giving me essential information on a mission because you were too busy flirting with a girl you've known for all of 10 minutes?"
Franky blinked. "Maybe."
"Franky-"
"BESIDES, I got what you need. I gotta warn you, this mission is gonna be hardcore."
Loid frowned. "How so?"
"Word has it Sherwood thinks you've been spending too much time and money on your wife, so she wants to make sure your head is still where it's supposed to be."
Loid scoffed, grabbing a spatula to flip the fish in the pan. "I do not spend too much time with Yor."
"You've gone out 12 times in the last month, you've spent an obscene amount of money at restaurants and clothing stores!"
"It's all for appearances," Loid muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose to ease the impending headache Franky was causing. "Yor and I's relationship is strictly professional."
Franky gaped at the spy. "Oh my god, you like her!"
Loid coughed, staring wide-eyed at Franky. "No-"
"Dude, don't try and tell me otherwise," Franky deadpanned. "I've seen how the two of you look at each other. You're a smiling, blushing mess whenever you're around her!"
"Stop it."
Franky shook his head and opened the cabinet, grabbing a whiskey glass off the shelf. He opened the freezer and dropped a few cubes of ice into the glass and went to pour himself some of the scotch he brought.
"You're in love, Twilight," Franky sighed. "Are you seriously willing to risk this whole mission for her?"
Loid huffed and shut off the stove, walking quickly to his room, and flipping off Franky as he went down the hallway. He shut the door behind him, shifting to lean against the hard wood. He sighed, rubbing his face in his hands. Was he truly that obvious? Were his feelings really that easy to put together? Impossible. Yor was... Yor. This bright and shining enigma in his life that he couldn't help but love. He had for a long time, but he pushed his feelings away. When Operation Strix would eventually end... so would they. It was inevitable
Perhaps Loid felt that keeping her at a distance would make him less depressed when the time came. However, he failed to realize that some of the many dates he took Yor on maybe weren't Twilight's idea, but Loid's. They belonged to two different worlds. He knew he could never have her, but maybe Loid wanted him to have a fighting chance. A chance at romance, a chance to have a real family... a chance to be loved.
He craved the feeling. He figured Yor probably didn't feel the same, but it couldn't hurt to dream. Of all the sleepless nights Loid had as of late, the majority were of his pretend wife. It shook him to the core thinking that he let himself get too close to the woman, but there was no taking back his feelings now. He was in deep, and could only live with the fact that he could never have her.
He opted to push away his thoughts once more and get dressed.
Anya's eyes sparkled as she watched her mother slip into her dress. It was a deep red bodycon dress that went down to her knees. It had a square neckline that sensibly covered her breasts and long sleeves that - thankfully - hid her scars. She wore gold heels that glittered under the room's bright light, along with various gold chains and bracelets, matching them with her shoes perfectly. Finally, her hair fell like a waterfall down her back, curled to perfection.
Yor reached over her shoulder, searching her backside with a frustrated groan. "I can't reach the zipper."
Anya smiled mischievously. If papa helps mama, they'll fall in love! Then papa won't leave! Anya thought.
"I'll get papa!!" Anya yelled as she jumped off Yor's bed and ran out the door.
"What?!" Yor screeched, scrambling to hide her bare back.
Anya loudly knocked on Loid's door, not stopping until the man opened it, his hands fumbling with his tie.
"Anya, it's rude to knock on people's doors like that," Loid gently warned her.
"Sorry, but mama needs your help," Anya smiled.
Loid frowned and walked to Yor's door, knocking before he entered. "Yor? Are you alright?"
"I-Uh-Yes! Though, I need a little bit of help."
Her voice trailed off toward the end, and Loid opened the door a bit to peek his head in. There, he saw Yor shyly standing in the middle of her room, her arms wrapped around her. He gawked at her dress, which was completely unzipped, exposing her bare back. She looked away, her face filled with a deep crimson. Loid coughed and quietly entered.
"Can I zip this up for you?" Loid asked, closing the door behind him. Anya pressed her ear against the wood, trying her hardest to listen to what they were saying.
"Y-Yes please," Yor stammered.
Loid gently approached Yor, raising a hand to gather her hair. His fingers softly trailed along her neck as he draped her long black locks over her shoulder. Yor held her breath, her nerves overtaking her. Loid then dropped his hands to the zipper, which ended right above her bottom. It took everything Loid had to not drop his gaze to her ass, which was only further accentuated by how tight the dress was.
He held the zipper between his fingers, moving his other hand to pull the top closer together. Like with her neck, his fingers trailed softly up her spine as he moved the zipper up the track. He clasped the button at the top and stepped aside, admiring the dress from behind. Yor turned around and gave Loid a small smile, her breath hitching at the sight of him. He wore a dark green dress shirt that was cuffed at his elbows, black pants, and black leather shoes. Around his neck was an undone black tie with small gold stars, a present from her and Anya for Christmas. Anya had gotten a second stella and wanted to surprise him.
Loid looked Yor up and down, a smile growing on his lips. "You look absolutely stunning, Yor."
Her heart was going to burst, no doubt about it. She could only smile as her blush deepened. She shifted her gaze to the tie and chuckled.
"Want me to help you with that, too?" Yor asked, pointing to it.
"S-Sure. Thank you, Yor."
Yor stepped closer to him and reached up, taking the two ends in her hands. Loid watched her as she swiftly tied it together, pulling it tight at his neck. Without thinking, she placed her hands on his chest. Loid froze, blushing fiercely. She had never done that before, and he hated how excited it made him.
"There, all done," Yor said softly, fixating her eyes on his.
Loid was at a loss for words. He could only stare helplessly into her bright red orbs as her hands rested on his chest, her fingers toying with the dark green fabric of his shirt. He dropped his gaze to her lips, which were red and full. He noticed a small section of hair fall in front of her face. Reaching up a hand, he brushed it behind her ear, stopping at her jaw. His thumb traced her jawline, and he sighed, his heart beating a million miles a minute.
They were mere inches apart, their lips impossibly close. If Loid would only just lean forward ever-so-slightly, his lips would be on hers. Anya smirked behind the door as she listened to their scrambling thoughts, both of which consisted of how badly they wanted to kiss each other.
Just kiss her, you goon, Anya thought, frustrated. Just then, another knock sounded at the door. Anya groaned as Loid and Yor's thoughts came to a halt. Whoever just knocked must hate love.
Loid and Yor emerged from the room, both flustered, blushing, bumbling messes. Loid walked to the door and opened it to find Yuri on the other side, a large bouquet of red roses in his arms, along with some gift bags and a case of beer. Loid forced a smile onto his face as he stepped aside to let the SSS officer through the door.
I was right, Anya thought, annoyed.
"Good to see you, Yuri," Loid said kindly.
Yuri glared at him, handing over the case of beer. "Forger."
Yor walked around the corner, a big smile breaking out on her face. Her eyes brightened as she watched her brother look around the decorated apartment.
"Yuri!"
"Yor!" Yuri yelped, dropping the bags to the floor and shoving the flowers into Franky's arms, who watched him with an annoyed stare. "I haven't seen you in weeks! I've missed you!"
Yor pulled him in for a hug and helped him remove his jacket. "I've missed you too, Yuri. It really has been too long. How was your vacation?"
"Vermuda was beautiful," Yuri sighed. "I only wish you had come with me."
"I'm sorry I couldn't, but I'm glad you were able to get a break from work!"
Yuri took the flowers from Franky's arms and handed them to Yor. He then bent down and handed Anya the two small gift bags. "I brought some presents since I wasn't here for Christmas."
"Can I open them?" Anya asked curiously.
Yuri rolled his eyes. "Well duh, that's why I got it for you."
Anya excitedly ran to the couch and tore the tissue paper out of the first bag, pulling out a yellow linen dress with bows on the sleeves. Anya smiled and held it up to show the other adults. Yor chuckled and approached the giddy girl, bending down to pick up the tissue paper she had thrown on the ground.
Loid, very unsubtly, stared at her, quickly forgetting how to breathe. Franky nudged him, snapping the spy back to reality. He coughed and forced a relaxed smile onto his face.
"The dress is very pretty, Anya. Say thank you to your Uncle Yuri."
"Thank you!" Anya cheered, handing Yor the dress as she reached for the last bag.
Yuri simply nodded as he watched her rip into the next bag, pulling out a blue and green clay mug with the words 'Anya's Hot Cocoa' written in glittering gold letters on the front. Yor smiled brightly as she gently took the cup from Anya's hands, turning it around to inspect it fully.
"The kid drinks so much hot chocolate," Yuri chuckled. "Figured she would want her own special mug to drink it out of."
"Thank you!" Anya said, running to her uncle. She wrapped her arms around his legs and held tight as Yuri wobbled, patting her head with a tentative hand.
"You're welcome, kid."
Yor put the two gifts back into their bags and took them to Anya's room, placing them on her desk. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she smiled as she saw there were only five minutes remaining until the new year. She walked out and hurried to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of champagne. She reached for four glasses and walked to the living room. Handing a glass to everyone, she quickly worked to pop the cork.
She poured everyone a glass (minus Anya) and set the bottle down, glancing up at another clock on the wall.
One minute, she thought.
Loid bent down and picked up Anya, placing her on his hip. She held onto him tight as she wiggled in excitement.
Becky said it was tradishun for people in love to kiss at midnight, Anya thought, the gears in her head turning faster than before.
"Mama! Papa! Kiss Anya at midnight!" Anya shouted, quickly looking between the two.
Yor and Loid laughed softly, amused at the child's excitement. She moved to stand closer to Anya and Loid, watching the clock, counting down the seconds in her head.
Five seconds left.
"Five!"
"Four!"
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
"Kiss Anya!" Anya cheered.
Loid and Yor leaned forward, each intending to kiss one of Anya's cheeks. However, at the last second, Anya threw her head back, watching with pure joy as her parents' lips pressed together. It was nothing more than a quick peck, and both parties pulled away, surprised and blushing. Anya pushed herself out of her father's arms and ran to Bond, planting a kiss on his fluffy head. Franky snorted as he watched the bewildered spy and assassin stare at each other, unsure of what to say.
Meanwhile, Yuri was positively fuming. Swallowing the remnants of the champagne in his glass, he pointed an accusatory finger at Loid, gawking in disbelief.
"Loid Forger!" Yuri yelled. "Just what do you think you're doing with MY sister? You really have some nerve- HEY!"
Yuri squirmed as he felt himself get dragged out the door by Franky.
"Come on, Mr. Cockblock, leave them be."
"COCKBLOCK?!" Yuri yelled, shocked by the nickname. "The audacity you have!"
"Uncle Franky, what's a cockblock?" Anya asked innocently, following the two men out of the apartment.
Franky laughed and closed the door behind him. "I'll explain when you're older, kid."
Back inside the living room, Loid and Yor were stuck in the same spot, unable to move or even breathe. Loid coughed and dropped his head.
"I am... so sorry, Yor," he stressed. "I didn't know what she was up to."
"She truly is a little matchmaker, isn't she?" Yor questioned, twirling her hair nervously between her fingers.
Loid chuckled and shook his head. "I think she just forced us to do something I was too scared to do myself."
Yor blushed, shyly raising her head to meet his gaze. "Me too."
Loid smiled and pulled Yor in for a hug, wrapping his arms tight around her waist. He dropped his face to her neck, breathing in her scent, allowing himself to melt within her embrace. He then pulled away slightly and reached into his pocket.
"I did have one last present for you," he said, handing Yor the small box. "Happy New Year, Yor Forger."
Yor gave him a confused smile and opened the small velvet box, gasping as she set her sight upon the small band inside. It was a thin gold ring with a rectangle-cut diamond in the center. Tears filled Yor's eyes and she brought a shaky hand to her mouth, muffling a quiet sob.
"Loid," she started, dabbing her eyes. "This is too much!"
"I never did get you a ring though," he said, taking Yor's left hand in his. "Can I put this on you?"
Yor nodded, her hand shaking. Loid took the ring from the box and slipped it onto her ring finger. It was a perfect fit. Raising her knuckles to his lips, he placed a soft kiss on the top, sighing in contentment. Yor held up her hand beneath the light, her eyes sparkling more than the rock.
"It's beautiful, Loid," she smiled. "Thank you."
Loid wrapped his arms around Yor's waist once more, gazing into her eyes. "You never told me your New Year's resolution."
Yor hummed, thinking of what to say. "I think... I would want to kiss you one more time."
Loid smiled, pressing his forehead against hers. Yor circled her arms around his neck, holding the man closer. "Only once more?"
She laughed at his teasing. "Okay, maybe more than once!"
"Want to start now?" Loid asked smugly, dropping his gaze to her full red lips.
Yor pressed forward, connecting their lips once more. Loid moved one hand up to cup her jaw, exhaling as they moved their lips together. Yor pulled him even closer, kissing Loid deeper than before. Eventually, they broke apart, flustered and out of breath. They pressed their foreheads together once more and chuckled.
"We'll have to thank Anya later," Loid said.
"Yes," Yor hummed. "We shall."
They kissed once more, enjoying the quiet solitude. Who knew what this new year had in store for them? But whatever it was, they would discover it together, moved by their shared love for each other.
Yes... they would definitely need to thank their meddling daughter for this.