Chapter Text
As Yor grew up, she could never understand what it meant for “age to catch up with you.” In her profession she has no time to become complacent; the option of letting her skills dull is completely out of the question. She must be ready to be called upon at any time of the day, no matter the occasion. For as long as she could remember she followed these conditions with ease. However, with a family, her once smoldering spirit has simmered into a warm cinder. Don’t get her wrong, she can still kick ass and takes names. But being a part of a family of four for two years has snuffed what little fighting spirit she has and replaced it with the want for domestic life. After the incident on the cruise ship, she concluded that she could walk away from this line of work now. Her brother was far better off without her intervention and keeping this part of her life a secret from Loid and Anya was starting to take a toll on her.
Soon enough she set up a private meeting with The Shopkeeper. She even wrote down her thoughts beforehand and pieced together a decent enough speech that hopefully fully portrayed her desires. While she did not know much about her master’s private life, she did know his professional side. Something gnawed at her that this meeting may go sideways, and her instincts were never wrong. She has never met the end of her master’s wrath, she was far too compliant for such a situation to arise. But she has been present for his very rare “lashings” before and she found it hard to believe that the savage man before her was also the nurturing mentor she was graced with every visit.
So, sitting before her master held a whole different air and she finds herself becoming anxious. The reason she could get along with The Shopkeeper so well is because of his caring nature. Yor felt like she could come to the man with anything and talk about everything in between. But today wasn’t a regular visit and just from Yor’s awkward posture, The Shopkeeper could sense the same as well. “Something is troubling you.” His voice sent Yor into a small panic, the female’s prepared speech that she had rehearsed over and over again flying completely out of her mind. “A-ah, no! No, I’m fine!” She gave her best smile. “Perhaps I’ll bring this up later.” She thought to herself, feeling empty of courage.
He chuckled,” Do you know why I like working with you, Thorn Princess?” Yor gave a tilt of her head, expression questioning for him to elaborate. “You are the epitome of “heart on your sleeve.” You give your honest opinion yet you do so in such a way that tries to not hurt anyone’s feelings. You are a very empathetic person, Thorn. It’s a trait you don’t see in many people these days, especially ones in our line of work.” Yor listened with wide eyes, the extent of her master’s praises had been over her success with missions and they were always brief. Feeling a bit more at ease, she started over.
“You do know how to make one feel at peace, Shopkeeper.” Yor beamed, her master giving a small grin. “Peace is a must in this world. A calm and tranquil inner being always produces logical results in the end. If only certain politicians could take note.” He couldn’t help but add at the end. Yor giggled at that,” A lot of things would, indeed, be simpler if negotiations were held more peacefully.” The image of Anya making Bond and Agent Penguinman “shake hands for peace” pleasantly surfaced to the forefront of her mind.
“Whatever it is, you seem quite reluctant to bring it up. Albeit your timid nature, I’ve never seen you so unsure about something.” He had clasped his hands together, his calculating stare heightened due to the lower half of his face being covered. “Has homelife clouded your judgment?” The fact that he had come very close to what she wished to discuss made her face flush and completely exposed her. A moment passed before he sighed, his eyes closing in feign thought. “ You wish to resign.”
Yor’s mouth began to move faster than her thoughts,” It’s not that I’m ungrateful for what you’ve done for me, far from it! But after the cruise ship incident, I’ve started questioning things and I’ve found my fighting spirit has all but left me.” Her rambling slowly dwindled to her signature, bashful demeanor. “To be honest, sir. I’m only in this line of work because I wanted to create a future where it was possible for my brother to not only grow but evolve into the great man I know he can be. ” She began to fiddle with her thumbs. “ But that time has come and gone and hearing about his constant successes seems to have calmed me quite a bit.” A soft smile graced her lips. “ Family life doesn’t seem too terrible once I came to that conclusion.”
The sincerity in her voice was enough to move The Shopkeeper’s stance on her status with The Garden. Now that he thought about it, how long has it been since Yor joined his inner circle? For him, she’s been there for a part of his life while he’s been with her for most of her life. With her parents gone, he was sure that he was a parental figure in her eyes. Or, at least, someone who deserved loyalty and trust.
Right. She didn’t just up and run, she sat down with him to obtain his blessing to leave. His grip upon his interlocked fingers slightly tightened. How could he deny this request? Has she even ever asked something in return? His past authorizations benefited them both such as when he gave her permission to play the role of a mother. It helped keep her from being labeled as ‘suspicious’ and Yor seemed to gain another reason to come back alive when backed into a corner. He’s never seen her so passionate before.
“Yor.” The young assassin stiffened automatically, her mentor never addressing her by her real name. Code names were not only cover-ups but a way to keep from becoming attached to someone. Every day they face the possibility of dying and unfortunately, death was the norm in their line of work. Attachments, too, are a death sentence. “ The selfish part of me wants you to stay here full time. But, I must remember that you’re human. You desire things just as much as the next person. That being said, would it be alright if I could have you on call for very important clients? I can trust the rest of our team taking on small fry, but you’re the only one I trust with the big picture.”
Yor had never been so honored. He saw her as an important asset and considering the sort of petty gossip she deals with at City Hall, this helped her self-esteem. “Not at all, Shopkeeper.” She chirped, Yor relieved that everything went smoother than expected. Of course, she always fears the worst in any situation which results in her overpreparing. She mentally giggled at the speech she prepared, the entire thing becomes laughable. Why did she always expect the worst anyway? Perhaps…
She thinks she doesn’t deserve anything good in her life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first one to greet her was Bond, the Great Pyrenees hearing Yor approaching when she climbed the stairs to their floor. His sudden trot to the door alerted Anya and Loid and they followed after Bond to see Yor opening the door. “Hello, Bond! Awh, who’s a good boy?” Yor cooed at the large dog, Bond panting happily over the attention. “Hi, mama! What’s for dinner?” Yor couldn’t help give a breath of a laugh, Anya never beating around the bush to get to her true goal.
“Hold on, now. She just walked in.” Loid commented with his chuckle, Yor hanging up her coat as she slipped out of her work shoes. “Have a good day?” Loid asked, the male leaning in to give Yor a small hug. Yor tensed up but for only a moment, the assassin felt her face heat up. “Mhmm. Same old, same old.” She stuck a tongue out in faux disgust which earned her a fond smile from her husband. “It’s becoming a little monotonous. However, it’s a decent enough job so I think I can deal with repetition. After all, I come home to something new, anyhow.” She provided a smile, both staring at each other with endearment.
“Are mama and papa going to kiss now?” Anya chimed in suddenly, both adults whipping their heads down to stare at their daughter. “No, we are not!” They both announced at the same time, Anya giving an all-knowing “heh” before skipping to the table to await dinner. Yor shook her head but stared after Anya with endearment,” If only I could have that much energy again.” Yor said, Loid agreeing with a nod. “I get tired just looking at her.” He joked, both sharing a small laugh. Moments like these were coming along far too easy, both spouses feeling much more at home with each other than they probably should. It was true that this started as a sham, but now…
“I’ll get started on dinner then. Anya, how does the soup you and papa tried last time sound?” It was not only a quick fix but a meal that Yor felt 100% confident in making, especially after receiving help from her coworker. “Okey-doke!” Anya chimed, little legs kicking underneath the table as she knew for sure it was going to not make her feel sick. Yor looked to Loid who added,” Works for me, as well.” Yor gave a grin,” Give me 20 minutes then~”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a successful dinner, Anya was sent off to ready herself for bed. Being a school night, there were no exceptions to staying up a bit like she could on the weekends. “Little ones need their rest~” Yor would coo while tucking her in for the night. In the meantime, Yor washed what little dishes were used that day while Loid finished up with whatever paperwork he had been working on. Something to do with his work, she presumed. “I have tomorrow off. It’s an admin day so I won’t be needed.” There was a small pause before he proceeded. “Would you like to provide me some company for the night?” The invitation made Yor cease her idle scrubbing, her face transitioning to red almost immediately.
Loid meant nothing by it, she knew that. They were married by law but secretly were two adults whose relationship is seemingly blooming into something more. However, Yor didn’t want to get her hopes up of Loid possibly liking her back. So, if Yor can sit with him even if it was in comfortable silence, she felt like that would be enough. “Sure!” She beamed. Suddenly, the sound of little feet padding against the floor filled the room. “All done!” Anya announced little arms spread out like wings as she ‘flew’ around the living room. “Tuck me in, please!” Yor heard her husband close up the book he had been skimming through. “Alright, alright.”
Yor was on her last dish before she felt a few small tugs on her sweater. She looked down at a hopeful Anya,” Could you tuck me in, as well?” Her gleaning eyes tugged at Yor’s heart, the female giving a nod. “Of course.” Anya gave a small noise of excitement, resuming her ‘formation’ as she made a beeline to her room with Bond in tow. “As I said, makes me tired just looking at her.” Loid gave a fond shake of his head as he walked to Anya’s room, as well. Soon, all that was lef to do was drain the sink and dry her hands. After making sure that everything was properly put away she followed after her little family.
She walked in to see Anya already snuggled underneath her plush blanket, Agent Penguinman and her chimera on one side while she argued with Loid on why Bond should be allowed up on the bed. “He’ll catch a bad habit-” “But it’s only my bed! He won’t start jumping up on anything else, right Bond?” She looked to the Pyrenees who gave a borf as if agreeing. “See?” Loid could only huff. “Yor, help me out?” He looked over his shoulder to his wife, eyes silently asking for her to back him up. Yor gave a soft smile,”Now, Anya, listen to your papa.” Their daughter gave a huff, Bond lowering his head in defeat and found a spot next to Anya’s bed.
Loid scoffed,”So when it’s your mama you’ll immediately listen?” Anya looked to Loid with a smirk. “I like mama better.~” His little one was giving a playful poke but her comment still stung him. “Why you little…” Anya gave a “heh” before escaping underneath the covers. Through the fabric Loid ruffled Anya’s hair,”Go to sleep, rascal.” His playful tone made Anya give a giggle. Backing up, Yor stepped forward to give her own good night hug. “See ya in the morning.~” Yor cooed, the female placing a soft kiss upon Anya’s forehead.
She then retreated out of Anya’s room with Loid, the male switching off the main light as both stared adoringly at Anya. “I love you, guys!” Anya beamed as her little head popped out from underneath her covers, Loid and Yor automatically answering with their own before gently shutting the door behind them. “Where does she get that misheviousness?” Loid thought outloud, Yor chuckling,” Her friends, perhaps? Littles ones are like sponges, ya know.” Her husband made a noise in agreement, the evening now free for them to relax and unwind.
Yor had swiped a book to idly sift through, the female not really being much of a bookworm herself. But having spent a lot of time around Loid who seemed to easily lose himself in his stories, her curiosity peaked enough to where she asked her husband what book he would reccommend. She was a little embarrassed to admit that she didn’t read much and was not caught up in the latest hits. But instead she was met with a small smile, Loid more than happy to share his vast collection of literature. It was the first step in them truly bonding past the boundaries of their platonic pact.
“What is it tonight?” Loid asked, Yor finding a spot on the couch to tuck her legs underneath her as she leaned her weight on the side arm “To Kill a Mockingbird. I’m far into it already but I’m happy to see that there is actually no killing of Mockingbirds.” Yor sighed in relief, Loid unsure if his wife was serious or not. “What about yourself? From the looks of it you’ve gotten a lot of paperwork recently.” She commented, Loid taking his place on the other side of the couch. “ Considering the times we’re in I can’t say that I’m surprised.” His brows furrowed,” The Iron Curtain may be keeping the peace for now but to think that it could all come down easily at any time.” He noticed his negative outlook and quickly smoothed over his pained his face. “ My apologies. I don’t mean to sound so grim.”
Yor gently closed her book, hands placed atop each other as she rested them on the front cover. “No, I understand what you mean. I try and be strong for both you and Anya but that anxiety is still there.” She looked down,” Every day is a scary day, but I’m happy to spend them with all of you.” She beamed at Loid, the male unable to restrain himself from giving his own smile. “I see. I’m happy to hear that you find comfort in us.” He looked to Yor, their eyes holding eachother’s stare. “In me, I guess.” The last comment seemed to slip from his lips.
Yor felt her heart begin to race, the mood in the room transitioning into something tense. “Well of course, Loid. You took a chance on me and not only welcomed me into your home but you saw me as a good fit for this role.” A blush began to cover her cheeks. “Being so busy in my early adulthood, I never got to think about being a mother. In all honesty, the thought scared me as I believed it would never work out for me.” She looked to Anya’s room. “She’s not my flesh and blood, but I love her to bits. I couldn’t ask for a better daughter.” Loid found himself entranced by Yor’s expression, adoration and gratitude evident.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would have guessed you were already a mother. You’re naturally good at this while I had no clue what I was doing.” He chuckled, Loid keeping up the story that Anya was from his first marriage. Lately, however, he’s been wanting to tell Yor otherwise. Why? He wasn’t too sure himself. Twilight was a professional, he never risks attachments. He’s been in many relationships but all were for obtaining information, none resulting in something more. He has never felt that ‘spark’ that everyone always talks about but with Yor, his inability to not catch feelings for her was concerning. For him, anyway. He can’t have anything that could possibly mess with the mission, but he would be lying if he said that family life wasn’t pleasant.
He has never been able to relax, even after a successful job. His defensive nature was etched into his personality, his morals centered around his instincts and past experiences. He simply just didn’t have the means of relaxation but coming home to this charade has made certain feelings he believed were long gone arise once more. At first he thought that he was catching a cold, the imbalance sending him into finding a solution to counteract the symptoms. But upon further analysis, he soon realized that he was far deeper into this whole scenario than a professional spy should be. He was treading in dangerous waters.
Yor gave a pleased hum. “Thank you, Loid. Hearing you say that helps me feel a bit better.” She still doubted herself, but she would take the temporary boost the praise provided nonetheless. However, Loid could sense Yor’s tentativeness in her voice and his shoulders slightly drooped. “Though I don’t think I’ll ever get to see for myself. I’m already 27 and I don’t have anyone in my life.” She perked up suddenly, eyes wide as she looked to her husband with a heavy blush,”I-I mean I have you, of course! But we’re technically not together except on paper and obviously you don’t like me like that and I’m so sorry I brought it up and-” She felt hands grasp her shoulders, Yor ceasing her mindless rambling.
During her outburst, Loid had closed what little space was between them and tried his best to provide enough comfort to help her calm down. His touch left a pleasant burn where his skin met hers, Yor’s blush spreading rather than fading like she wanted it to. A few seconds of silence passed between them before Loid spoke next,” Can I be honest with you?” Yor was unsure of this but she still gave a nod. He looked away,”It’s not something to boast about but I’ve been in many relationships. None, except for my late wife.” He almost forgot to add in his cover story. “Ever made me sit down and wonder what the future would look like with them by my side.”
His eyes found hers again,”And while we built this sham to benefit us both, I suppose I should have known better when you stay with someone for this long.” Yor was at a loss for words. She couldn’t help but feel like this wasn’t happening, the whole thing feeling like a fever dream. Never once in her life has anything “gone her way.” She didn’t take what she had for granted but sometimes she was handed the short hand of the stick. This couldn’t actually be…
“Loid, did you drink when I wasn’t looking?” Yor couldn’t come up with any other reason why Loid would even bring this up. She wasn’t desirable. She wasn’t pretty. All she could do when it came to homemaking was cleaning up. But seeing as where her cleanliness stemmed from, she wondered if she would still only be good at cleaning if she hadn’t gone down the path of being an assassin. This couldn’t actually be…
Loid had been slowly closing the distance between them, Yor’s personal space completely invaded. He gave a warm smile. “Unlike you, Yor, I can hold my liquor.” He teased her, his hands traveling up to cup her face. “But I’m stone cold sober, Yor. This is 100% me.” His look was smoldering, Yor unable to flee anywhere now. “I’m not worth-” “Shush you.” Loid reprimanded before tilting her head up to steal a kiss. It wasn’t passionate but it didn’t lack feeling either. Yor’s emotions got the best of her and a few tears left her eyes, her husband gently brushing each away.
She may never had been in a relationship before, but Yor was sure that not too many women have it this good. Her first catch may just be her last. Pulling away, Loid placed his forehead against Yors’, his wife placing a hand over one his.
“Yes! Mama and Papa kissed!” If both had turned their head any faster they would have broken their necks. There stood Anya in the hallway, arms in the air in triumph. “ANYA!” Her parents couldn’t help but react in embarassment, Anya giving a giggle that was borderline evil before making her escape back into her room. The only reason she woke up was because her parent’s thoughts had been that loud. If anything she was going to run out there to tell them to smooch already but was already beaten to the punch. “Finally.” She joked with Bond, the pyrenees having snuck under Anya’s sheets.
Yor hid her face in her hands, her blush reaching the tips of her ears. While Loid was also embarrassed, it didn’t stop him from laughing.