Work Text:
It’s on an evening brightly lit by the moon that one Yuri Briar locks the door of his Ford Mustang. Any passerby could witness the eccentric bouquet of roses held in his hand, designated for his sister whom he absolutely has a normal amount of adoration for.
Flicking the remains of a cigarette butt, Yuri skips down the street in ecstasy— until an old rib injury makes him gasp in pain. Blood rushes to his cheeks as he thinks of the contributor. Might he say again that his love for Yor is entirely moderate.
It allows him to fix his tie and remove any dust from his trenchcoat. Only the best appearance for a first impression.
Doubts and worries for his sister begin to cloud his mind. What ifs, buts and maybes echo in repetition. It doesn’t take much for the thoughts to snowball into something practically unbelievable, and it’s with practised self-control that he’s eventually able to reset his head to a neutral state. Yuri Briar is but a civilian like any other. It must stay that way.
And it’s with one final breath that he rings the doorbell.
Du-dum… du-dum… du-dum…
Loid Forger is a perfectly heterosexual man, and it’s for this reason that the man facing him doesn’t create any reaction to his body whatsoever.
A young Mikkel Herrmann would have said otherwise, but that identity has long been gone.
Fake smiles are exchanged along with deception. As Loid narrows his eyes at Yuri, he wonders how long this temporary peace will last. Their hands meet in a handshake while the blond enjoys the warmth a little too much, and the two break it off only before it becomes awkward.
‘Yuri… That’s a Russian name, isn’t it?’ Although he trusts Yor on a certain level, nothing can guarantee her brother hasn’t been touched by the red propaganda.
“Allow me to take your coat and bags,” offers Loid, a warm smile still plastered on his face.
“I’m alright, thank you.” Yuri kindly brushes off his hospitality.
It strikes a nerve for the blond, but he maintains his composure. “I can quickly prepare something to eat so the two of you can go ahead and relax.” He releases a long breath as he’s sufficiently out of range. He knows for a fact Yuri is glaring daggers at him and the pressure to please the man reaches a new high.
“You’re scowling, Yuri. You must be nervous.” Loid has come to learn that his wife is incredibly blunt. Her words are thankfully enough to soften the tension.
“I-I’m not!” stutters Yuri. The blond hates to admit he almost finds it adorable. “More importantly, I’d really appreciate some answers.” He looks at the woman with pleading eyes. “Why didn’t you say anything about your marriage for an entire year, sis? Do you not trust me?!”
Loid watches the scene unfold from the kitchen. Naturally, any woman still single would be under suspicion of being a communist spy. Although, the double standard regarding men frustrates him. Loid, at least, feels suspicious of anyone regardless of gender— a true example of equality thanks to his trust issues.
“It was because,” hesitantly starts his wife, her fingers fidgeting, “I forgot to!”
You’ve got to be
fucking
kidding him.
“Um… yeah… But what about when we spoke on the phone last time?” rightfully questions Yuri. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a husband then?”
“Well, I forgot I didn’t tell you about my marriage so I assumed you already knew,” she continues with her cheery tone.
“If you say so, sis! I understand,” Yuri giggles. “You’re such a klutz!”
AND HE BOUGHT THAT?
Loid Forger has never been this dumbfounded before. It was, quite frankly, very concerning to the blond how someone could be this oblivious to their sister. However, such a feat could be extremely useful in the future.
He interrupts the siblings by carrying enough plates for the three of them to share. Loid is forever grateful for his undercover mission as a cook and for the culinary skills he acquired. Never has he failed to amaze someone and it won’t be a noisy little brother who has no right to be this attractive that will prove him wrong.
The glare icy enough to rival the artics does not faze him one bit.
“Please, help yourself,” he encourages his guest with the same sickeningly sweet expression.
Yuri insists that the other man takes the first bite. Could he be insinuating he might have poisoned the food? “You’ve worked so hard on this meal, it would be rude of me to ruin this beautiful presentation.”
Loid makes sure to audibly swallow.
Yor happily digs in, as she always does, and that seems to be plentifully enough to convince her brother.
Yuri has experienced many pleasures in life — whether it be sensual, from various substances, attained with his comfortable amount of money — but the way his taste buds tingle from the scrumptious food gliding in his mouth earns him a moan. He has no time to be embarrassed, rather devouring the dish with such shameless manners it would make his ancestors roll over in their graves.
He does not feel envy toward his sister.
Most certainly not.
“That’s right, I brought you some wine!” Yuri hands him a bottle of red with too much excitement to come off as an innocent gesture.
Getting your opponent drunk is a trick as old as time. The longer Loid spends with Yor’s brother, the more he notices the amateur temperament the other one emanates.
It reminds the blond of his younger self— overconfident, cocky, arrogant. Well, minus the sister complex.
“That’s awfully kind of you,” he responds to the expensive wine. Unlike his wife, with whom he shall not repeat The Castle Disaster a second time, Loid has a pretty high tolerance for alcohol.
“So, where did you two meet?” Yuri begins his interrogation.
He pours himself a glass, shortly glancing at Yor. “It was at a boutique on Third Avenue.”
“I felt a stranger staring at me,” she chimes in, “and once our eyes met, it was just love at first sight,” dreamily sighs the woman.
“We had a few more meals together and it made me realise how crazy I was for her.” He hopes it comes off as natural to her brother.
“When, where, how many times, and at which restaurants did you eat?” bombards the younger man at the married couple. “How many times did you meet before dating? What made you decide to marry her?”
Yeah, Loid would have never thought Yuri worked for the secret police. He feels second-hand embarrassment for his sloppiness, for God’s sake.
“Um…” The spy is too flabbergasted to utter a word.
“What do you two call each other?” Yuri dangerously narrows his eyes. The tension in the room rapidly climbs.
Loid feels every single one of his moves observed. “Well,” he places a hand on his wife’s shoulder, “I usually call her sweetheart,” he enunciates the last word, staring directly into the man’s eyes.
Yor instantly blushes at the nickname, the other sibling shortly copying her. Loid finds new pleasure in making the younger one flustered.
Yuri clears his throat before asking, “Sis, what do you call him? Loy-Loy, Lotty or something?!”
The blond stifles a laugh by taking a sip of wine.
“Eh?” She tilts her head in confusion, and it seems to confirm things for her poor brother who aggressively pours himself a glass. “I usually prefer using ‘darling’,” she reddens through the sentence.
Their marriage might be fake, but the thought of using these nicknames on a daily ignites something in Loid’s heart. Oh no, he knows that feeling all too well . He puts the blame on the wine.
Yuri keeps up his streak of bad manners by chugging the entirety of his glass before slumping against the sofa, cheeks rosied. The man quite frankly just shot himself in the foot.
‘Are you okay?” asks Loid with a hint of actual concern. He unfortunately has too much experience with the Briar genes.
‘What does sis even like about him?’ grumbles Yuri to himself. ‘ Sure, he might be a doctor that can cook incredibly well, he’s pretty tall, considerate, really handsome…’
“Fuck!” he exclaims, drinking straight from the bottle. This Loid Forger has no right making him feel this way. His sister urges him to relax but the deed’s already been done, judging by the lightness of the bottle.
“Dominic told me that you went to Hungary recently!” Yor beams, changing the subject.
‘Oh, it- it was just for work.” He stumbles on his feet, deciding to rather sit down. “But you’re right, beeaauutiful city,” he slurs. “Lots of- lots of cafes. In a restaurant where the Empress used to go…” He might be drunk, but he’s read the manual front to back to gain the skills in reciting it no matter his sobriety level.
Loid responds with something about the capital and delicious restaurants, and medical training he isn’t bothered to know about.
He drunkenly nods. “The Carpathia, I used to- to go there a lot. The soup made by the owner is excellent.”
The other lifts the wine bottle to check the label. “So this wine is from Hungary! What a great product.”
“Just… something I came across at a store on Hedger Street,” he continues with his cover story, unaware that a spy is sitting in this very same room.
The blond whistles in surprise. “It must’ve been expensive.” He delicately raises his glass for another sip.
He shakes his head. “Only about 100 euros.”
“That’s plentifully expensive, thank you.”
Yuri feels his heartbeat quicken the more he stares at the man. A new feeling of guilt surges as he reminds himself that he’s married to his sister.
Not to say that Yor’s excitement at his new brother-in-law quickly puts things in perspective.
He slams a hand on the table, abruptly standing up. “As if I would call someone like him a brother!” the dark-haired fumes. What right does this man have to come in between them and steal his sister? His sister, with whom he shares flesh and blood. His own kin.
“You’re being rude, Yuri!”
He tries to ignore the pang in his chest from her disappointed expression. The only reason his stomach is in shambles is because of anger.
And somewhat he spills out his entire life story. He doesn’t mean to, but the words escape by themselves. He doesn’t know if it’s due to the man’s nature as a psychiatrist but he feels a certain safety as he mentions personal and embarrassing details. And yet, something about him ignites extreme irritation.
Does Yuri wish he could be him? Or perhaps, be with him?
“Do you understand how I feel when a flimsy man like you takes the most important person in my life?” He pauses and gazes at his beloved sister. “Of course, I wanted you to get married and be happy sooner or later, but that person has to be someone who can protect you more than me!” He points a firm finger at Loid, brows furrowed. “Are you really gonna be able to fill that role?! Lotty!”
His brother-in-law raises an eyebrow at the name. “To be completely fair…” he dramatically stops. “Have you ever come to think that Yor is a grown independent woman and shouldn’t require a man for protection? Surely you’ve seen her talents in martial arts. She would do just fine by herself.”
The world seems to completely stop for a moment.
“...Eh?”
“—Besides, while I know that the loss of your parents most likely made you develop attachment issues — and I don’t blame you for that — you must come to the realisation that Yor is her own person too. You have the right to be selfish at times and find your own goals and hobbies in other grow your own identity.” Loid quickly slaps a hand across his mouth. “My apologies, I, um… I probably overstepped my boundaries.”
His sister is left with a mouth agape, rendered speechless like he also is.
Yuri shakingly reaches for his glass but unfortunately knocks it over. Water begins to spill on the coffee table, much to his humiliation. Blood quickly rushes to his face. “My bad- I- uh-” He stumbles out of his seat. “Be right back.” He urgently grabs a pack of Malboros from his trenchcoat and leaves outside.
“Yor, I fucked it up,” Loid groans, rummaging a hand through his hair. “Please tell me I didn’t go too far.” He looks at the woman for reassurance.
Sweat drips from her face. Not exactly a good sign.
“My brother has always been the sensitive type.” She stares down at her knees. “Even though he did need to hear it,” she slightly chuckles, “It might have been… a little too much, especially considering this is your first meeting.”
Loid slowly nods in agreement. Grabbing her delicate hands — if only he knew what they’ve done — he ultimately mirrors the darkening cheeks appearing on her face. “I’ll fix this, sweetheart. I promise.”
His wife nods, steam practically ready to burst out.
A chilly breeze welcomes him, along with the faint smell of cigarettes. Below Yuri’s feet, he can observe already two crushed orange snouts. He makes a mental note to clean that later. He might have given the poor man an identity crisis by the look on his face. It reminds him of a cute lost puppy.
The younger one has obviously noticed his arrival but has chosen to stay quiet. The singing of cicadas and frogs fills in the silence, which is surprisingly not uncomfortable. As Yuri flicks some ashes, Loid feels piercing red eyes devour his figure.
“Hi.”
“You’re annoying, you know that?”
That earns a chuckle from the blond. “So I’ve been told.”
Yuri lets himself rest against the porch, shortly staring at the stars. “On August 12th of ‘61, my parents went on a business trip to the Eastside. It wasn’t unusual and sis was used to babysitting me.” He swallows. “But the next day we heard news about the wall and…” His fists tighten.
Loid carefully walks closer to him. “I’m terribly sorry about that.” He presses his lips tightly. “I’m an orphan myself.” He breathes out. “At one point, I was so desperate for money,” he carefully looks at the younger man. “I had to become a dilly boy.”
Most people would be ignorant of Polari slangs. Except for one type— and Loid is trying to figure out if Yuri belongs to that same group.
His eyes glisten in recognition, although he tries not to show it. To a normal citizen, perhaps, he might convince. It certainly doesn’t go unnoticed by Loid. “A what now?” he feigns.
The blond frowns, guiding the other to a shadowed corner. “Why are you trying to hide it?” His lips are slightly parted.
Yuri seems to become irritated. “And why is someone of your… nature in love with a woman? ”
A fair question, Loid has to admit. Especially coming from her brother. “I don’t restrict myself, I like the best of both worlds.” He takes joy in making the other resemble a tomato. “We also aren’t mutually exclusive, which means Mrs Forger and I could have other partners— if desired,” he finishes with a wink.
Yuri stutters a few incoherent words as their faces approach. To have the power to render a secret police agent this helpless… Loid believes it could almost become dangerous. “May I?” he fixates the cigarette still held between bruised fingers. The dark-haired man is only able to nod.
He props the cancer stick in between his lips, taking a long drag as he gently lifts Yuri’s chin. His body seems to obey oh so easily any of the blond’s commands. Cupping his cheeks, he delicately exhales the smoke, to which the other inhales in exchange.
Thump thump thump thump
Adrenaline and oxytocin run through his veins by their proximity. It would be so, so tempting to kiss this unfairly attractive man at his mercy. Their noses touch and Loid can feel hot breath hitting his skin. It smells of wine, nicotine and menthol.
He temptingly brushes his lips against the other’s, only so slightly, and he earns a dissatisfied grunt from the younger one. Putting the cigarette back in Yuri’s mouth, he resumes by dragging his mouth along the other’s neck. He automatically tilts back his head, allowing the blond to pamper the delicate skin with kisses through a cloud of smoke.
“Are you… really planning to cottage right now?” huffs Yuri, hands grappling after his shirt.
It puts Loid in a halt. That’s what happens when he thinks with his dick— any reason goes out the window. “Not right here.” He checks his surroundings. It would only take someone to walk in at the wrong time to ruin his entire cover mission. “And not while you’re inebriated. Later, perhaps.” He cheekily grins.
Yuri puts out his smoke before so kindly dragging him back inside, shoving him against the door. He happens to be slightly shorter than Loid but holds an impressive amount of strength— although he seems to be panting quite a lot.
“Yuri?” calls out the spy. “Are you okay?” He feels the man’s arms gradually lose their strength. His head hits Loid’s chest. Something is murmured, incomprehensible to him. “What was that?”
“What the fuck am I doing?” a wavering voice asks him. “I came all the way here not get to know you but- but because I considered you a threat. It’s like- it sounds as if I’m obsessed with sis. I don’t even know,” he loudly groans. “I know I can be overprotective but…” he looks up to the blond with teary eyes. “Is that not how siblings usually feel?”
Would Loid be an actual psychiatrist, he surely would have a smart answer. But Loid Forger is currently a little tipsy and doesn’t quite know how to deal with the trembling mess in his arms. He strokes the mop of black hair because this at least doesn’t require any talking.
Yuri carries on with his word vomit. “I was really angry after that little speech you made. I still am.” He stares at him with his face scrunched up. “But it… kind of makes sense,” he dejectedly admits. “Ugh, screw you.” He weakly hits Loid.
“I know, I know.” He lets him go at it. “We have a guest bedroom if you wish to stay for tonight,” offers the blond after observing his state.
He snickers, “That might be for the best, thank you.” The man steps into the living room. Yor is dozing on the couch, the TV playing as background noise. Yuri kneels before her, kissing her forehead. “Goodnight sis,” he whispers as he pulls the blanket over her.
“Here, follow me.” Loid guides him to Yor’s bedroom that’s been completely refurbished in order to seem as authentic as possible.
“Hey, Lot- um, Loid, I mean,” Yuri clears his throat. “I don’t forgive you yet. However,” he shyly looks away, “thanks for knocking some sense into me.”
It earns him a chuckle. “You’re welcome, Yuri. Have a good night” Except he doesn’t leave. In fact, the two are frozen in time. Their eyes slowly trail off. A magnetic force pulls them together in mere seconds right before the door behind them is shut.
It takes a moment for his brain to register that they’re kissing. He inhales, relishing the soft lips clashing against his. The sensation easily becomes addictive. Loid softly bites the other’s bottom lip while pulling away, earning a few whimpers from Yuri.
“Let me try that,” the younger one pants. He tries to imitate the motion, although it comes off slightly as amateurish. He repeats it again, again, and again until feeling more confident.
“Good boy,” the blond praises. He smirks at how easily Yuri blushes.
Loid gently deepens the kiss by opening his mouth wider. It allows for their tongues to meet and swirl in a circle. Yuri might be less experienced, but it doesn’t make it any less pleasurable. He becomes playful with it and a few giggles escape from both of them. As their lips become numb and breaths much shortened, it gives the signal for Loid to slowly pull away. There’s a disgustingly long trail of saliva connecting their mouths which Yuri quickly wipes off.
“That was, um…” Yuri stares at his feet, “That felt nice. Thanks.” He coughs rather as an excuse to hide himself with his elbow.
“Likewise,” he smiles, ruffling his hair. Loid takes a moment to compose himself. He hesitantly opens the door, feeling the tiredness grow in his bones. “You get some rest, alright?” He checks on Yuri who seems to be about to die from shame.
The other hums, body sprawled on the bed with his face ready to become one with a pillow. Loid can’t help but laugh at the comical scene before closing back the door to allow his guest some privacy.
He gives a long sigh, shaking his head in disbelief as he thinks back on the whole evening. They didn’t call Twilight the best spy for any reason. He had obviously noticed the looks — and not only angry ones — given my Yuri. You could call him out later on the ethics of seducing his wife’s brother but coming from a member belonging to the organisation planning his downfall, removing any possible threat is a must.
Only, he’s never dated a man before.
He’s done sexual favours in times of need— in places far from ideal. While he didn’t mind, he didn’t particularly enjoy it. And so, he mostly considered himself heterosexual. But now…
Now he’s confused. Very confused.
He stares at his awfully tempting bed before collapsing on the mattress. Whatever mess is brewing in his head— that will be for tomorrow’s Loid to handle.
His only priority right now is taking care of his problem downstairs and passing the fuck out.