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Twilight leaned into his seat as the train barreled towards the next station. He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to leave early today but when he realized there were no messages left for him by mid-afternoon, he took advantage of the rare situation and headed for the station. It may have been irresponsible for the Westalis' greatest spy but for a loving father and husband, it was exactly the kind of behavior expected of Loid Forger.
For the mission, of course.
A ghost of a smirk formed on his lips. After a week of unexpected missions, Twilight was thankful for the reprieve. Knowing WISE, a new stack of side missions and medical exams would be waiting for him in the morning.
He eyed the other passengers on the train, salarymen with their shoulders slumped forward, women shuffling their feet to alleviate the pain from their high heels. He studied the way they rubbed their necks and fidgeted with the briefcases in their hands. Most were probably on their way home to their families, perhaps a social gathering or two. The brakes squealed as the train pulled into the central station, the smell of burning rubber permeating through the thick summer air. Just one transfer and he would be within a stone’s throw of the Forger residence.
I wonder how Anya’s test went. I hope Yor remembered to pack extra snacks for her today.
Twilight followed the crowd as they made their way off the main platform. He loosened his tie, noting the number of people fanning themselves as he walked past. Though most of the commuters were people in professional dress, there were a mix of tourists dressed in vacation clothing wandering aimlessly between transit maps of the city.
Perhaps we could go to the park this weekend. We could take Bond. Maybe the zoo? Anya would enjoy the animals.
Keeping up appearances was an integral part of Operation Strix. Between helping Anya improve on her studies and upholding his reputation as a psychiatrist, Twilight also needed to maintain the picture perfect image of the Forger family. They struggled in the beginning but family outings became second nature to them now. It amazed him how quickly Yor and Anya took to each other. Whenever Anya had particularly stressful days at school, Yor would meet Anya at the bus stop and treat her to ice cream. He smiled remembering how happy Anya was when she learned about peanut butter ice cream. He teased Yor for spoiling her but secretly, he appreciated how often she went above and beyond. She truly enjoyed being Anya’s mother.
“Did you see the legs on that one?” A stout mustachioed man grunted. Twilight’s ears perked up as he passed. He glanced at the man, making note of any distinct, easily recognizable features. The man wore a wrinkled suit and appeared to be in the latter stages of midlife crisis. Twilight scanned the depths of his mind but could not find any record of him, perhaps he was no one of particular importance.
“I prefer blondes myself.” His companion chuckled. Taller, better dressed, and well groomed, this man wore a yellow gold signet ring on his left pinky. Twilight recognized him as a lower ranking member of the National Unity Party with no direct linkage to Donovan Desmond.
“Suit yourself. I could spend all day running my hands up and down those silky stockings." The short man chuckled until he fell into a fit of uncontrollable coughing.
While inappropriate, there was nothing he could do about the lecherous comments people made in public. He sighed as he scanned the crowd for the unfortunate object of their harassment. Surely the young lady was somewhere nearby and there were a number of women on the platform today, though none of them really fit the description. Twilight had all but given up until his eyes landed on a familiar figure with shiny raven hair.
They’re talking about Yor?!
Twilight nearly choked. His ears burned and he tightened the grip on his briefcase. A full nanosecond passed before he deftly suppressed the shock that stained his stoic face.
Breathe, Twilight.
He cleared his throat and straightened the collar of his jacket, taking long, swift strides towards his pretend wife. He could smell her rosy perfume through the stale air as he approached.
“Yor!” He said in his softer, Loid Forger voice. He glanced at the men from the corner of his eye, smirking as he noted the disdain on the shorter man’s face. Yor raised her head ever so slightly before turning in his direction.
“Loid!” She exclaimed with a dazzling smile. If he had a weaker constitution, his knees would have buckled on the spot.
“What a coincidence.” He said, returning her smile.
“Are you heading home too? I didn't know you took this train.” Yor adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag. Twilight admired how elegant she looked even in the sweltering heat of the station. The sheen of sweat forming on her brow only made her sparkle.
“I prefer to walk but I don’t mind taking the train once in a while. Plus, I wanted to get home early and start dinner.” He could hear the men grumbling behind them. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt a peculiar sense of pride knowing he had Yor’s full attention.
“You’ll be home for dinner tonight?” She clapped her hands together with a smile. “I’m so glad. I - uh, Miss Anya misses you so much. She says it's more fun when you’re around.”
“Is that so?” Twilight replied, noting the blush that bloomed on the tops of her cheeks. He found himself fighting the urge to grin.
They stood beside each other in a comfortable silence as the train arrived with a piercing screech, people shoved to board the train as the passengers disembarked. Twilight placed his hand on Yor’s back, shielding her from the people who tried to board ahead of them. He smiled, marveling at how natural it felt to be with her in this way. He wanted to make sure she felt safe even though taking the train was part of her daily routine. When it was their turn, he held her hand as she raised her leg to step across the gap, taking extra care to stand steadily on her heels aboard the train. His eyes traced the curve of her calves, admiring how her heels accentuated her curves.
“Loid?” She called from the train with concerned eyes.
Focus!
Twilight smiled and hopped aboard the train, returning his hand to Yor’s back. They walked towards the center when he spotted an open seat.
“Please, take this seat.” He gestured.
Yor nodded, adjusting her skirt to cover her legs. Twilight kept his eyes on the men from earlier, breathing a short sigh of relief when only the shorter man boarded their train.
At least it's only one of them.
His relief quickly changed to dismay when the man found a seat directly across from Yor. Twilight clenched his fist tightly around the strap above his head, strategically positioning himself in front of her to prevent the man from undressing her with his wandering eyes. The train lurched forward, bounding a sharp right turn. Twilight focused on the reflections in the window, maintaining his balance effortlessly as the train jostled its passengers.
Just a few more stops and –
The man snickered behind him before he realized what had happened. He shifted his eyes slowly from the window to see Yor gripping the front pleats of his trousers, her forehead mere inches from his belt buckle.
“I’m s-s-s-so-sorry Loid, the train moved so suddenly, and I fell forward, I-I-I . . .” She muttered, letting go hastily.
Twilight gulped as a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. His pulse quickened, the sound of his own thumping heart drowned out the announcements for the next stop. He shook his head and forced his eyes forward to avoid making the situation more awkward for them.
It's nothing, the heat’s just getting the best of you.
At that precise moment, the train slammed on its brakes, pulling to an abrupt stop. Before he could step aside for the oncoming passengers, Yor jumped out of her seat.
“Excuse me, ma’am!” She said breathlessly. “Please, you can have my seat.”
Twilight looked past Yor to see an elderly woman boarding the crowded train with a full shopping cart in tow. He looked behind him for room to move backwards but he wasn’t quick enough for Yor. She moved swiftly to give the elderly woman room for her cart, forcing him against one of the dividers. He reached for the pole to stable himself but it was too late, Yor pushed her entire back against him, her body fitting into his like a glove.
It wasn’t often that they found themselves in such close quarters. He could smell her shampoo, its scent combined with her perfume lulled Twilight into a dreamlike trance. He closed his eyes and gently lowered his head over hers, using every ounce of strength to not press his nose into her hair.
What’s happening?
He opened his eyes and frowned, noting the tiny squeak that escaped Yor’s lips. He placed an arm around her shoulders to guide her towards the middle of the car and away from the dividers.
Don’t make it worse.
“There’s more room if we stand over here.” He stated cautiously, hoping the clarification would diffuse the tension between them. Based on his experience, Yor was only a few moments away from slapping him into the next car.
“Oh miss,” a gruff voice called. Twilight narrowed his gaze while Yor looked up in confusion.
Of course.
“I’ve got a nice seat right here.” The stout man said as he patted the tops of his thighs. Twilight cursed him under his breath. The forwardness of this man could not go unpunished. Yor’s eyes widened with concern as she stepped a few centimeters closer to Twilight.
Don’t worry, Yor. I’ll protect you.
“You must be tired,” the man snickered. “I promise I don’t bite.”
“I’m married, sir. Please do not speak to me in such a disrespectful way.” Yor stated firmly. Twilight had seen this version of her before. Her voice sounded firm and harsh, her hands rounded into a claw. She nearly dislocated Franky’s shoulder when he last saw her like this.
“Married?” The man blinked. “To whom?”
Yor refused to acknowledge the man’s comment, nor did she look to Twilight for assistance. Twilight lowered his head with a smirk, Yor never ceased to impress him with the way she carried herself. While he would have loved to see her wipe the smug smile off the man’s face, he knew a loving husband would intervene.
“My wife asked you to stop.” Twilight declared, stepping towards the man.
“You?” The man’s eyes scanned Twilight’s form from his hair down to his polished dress shoes. “Tch, the pretty girls always fall for men like you. She doesn’t even have a ring. What kind of man are you?” The man spoke as if he were preaching to the other passengers on the train. “If you had spent less time and money on that haircut and suit, you would have enough to buy something worthy of her.”
Twilight clenched his jaw, his body shook with anger. He moved to strike until he felt a feather’s touch on his shoulder.
“Yor?” He whispered. She placed her hand on his shoulder and stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the man like a lioness at her prey.
“Do not insult my husband, sir. If I were you, I would be very careful about my next words.” She growled. Twilight watched the man’s complexion pale at her words.
That’s my girl.
“You’re not my type anyway,” the man whimpered. He snapped his head in the opposite direction, averting their gaze.
Twilight relished their small victory. He looked to Yor with a smile but his heart dropped. She wrapped her arms around herself, the tension still visible in her neck and brow. The experience must have rattled her.
Was that man right?
He lowered his hat to cover his eyes, the faint smell of her perfume filling him with guilt and anxiety. When the train gently pulled into its next stop, Twilight watched as the man exited the train with his shoulders slumped. He hated to admit it but he could hear the man’s voice reverberating through his thoughts.
“Loid?” Yor asked.
“I’m fine, just eager to get home.” He tried to smile.
A weak smile appeared on her lips. Yor had always been understanding of their arrangement but after months of living together, was this enough? He was so worried about Anya and the mission that he neglected his other half. How could a loving family man have an unhappy spouse? Yor devoted herself to this family and yet, he did nothing to protect her.
What if she agrees with that man? Would she want to leave?
He peered at her from under his hat, pleading for some kind of reassurance that she wanted to stay. He studied the loose hairs on the back of her neck, the way her long lashes curled around her bright eyes.
Say something . . .
“Yor . . .” he whispered.
Surprise flickered in her eyes, Twilight wasn’t sure why but he held his breath until he felt her slender fingers on his sleeve. She blushed as she gingerly wrapped them around his arm, gently pulling him closer. The train barreled towards their stop as both Mr. and Mrs. Forger stood within inches of each other in silence until they reached their stop.
Since boarding the train, rain had started to fall. Loid opened his umbrella, looking over at Yor to see if she did the same. Her head was down, murmuring something about not remembering to bring an umbrella. He held his arm out for her, gesturing for her to come closer.
“Anya would be furious if her Mama caught a cold.” He said with a warm smile.
As they walked towards the apartment, Twilight found himself staring at Yor’s bare ring finger. The man’s words returned with a vengeance no matter how hard he tried to shake them from his conscience.
“Yor,” he paused to consider his words carefully. “Do you . . . get a lot of comments like that?”
“Hmm?” She looked at him earnestly.
“What that man said on the train . . .” The most famous spy in all of Westalis tongue-tied. He could imagine the look on Handler’s face if she ever found out.
“Sometimes,” her voice trailed off as if she recalled something painful. “Not all of them are so rude.”
Twilight wasn’t sure why he even asked, of course there were men who made these kinds of comments towards Yor. Perhaps he expected her to tell him when something truly bothered her, he could generally rely on her to do so. What would a loving husband do in this situation? In past missions, Twilight had played the part of a perfect lover, a desirable boyfriend, but a husband was something different. It was more than being someone who inspired fleeting emotions of warmth and lust, he needed to be a partner.
I have to make this right.
“I heard the wisteria is supposed to be in full bloom at the park this weekend.” He looked towards the sky as if hoping for a clear day. “Would you like to see them?”
“Hmm?” Yor replied, her eyes distracted.
“Would you like to go see the wisteria this weekend?” He smiled through his nerves.
“Oh, of course! I’m sure Anya would enjoy it.” Twilight frowned slightly, she still felt miles away.
“Actually, I was thinking about getting a sitter for Anya.” The raindrops around them fell faster and heavier than before.
“Oh,” Yor blushed.
“There’s, uh, also a jewelry store nearby,” Twilight’s ears burned for the hundredth time that afternoon. “We could look at rings . . .”
“Rings?” He could see the wheels turning in Yor’s mind. “Why would we look at rings?”
“Well, most married couples wear rings as a symbol of their vows.” He said cheerfully.
“Is that so . . .” Yor raised her hand to her chin as she processed his words. “I could start wearing the one you gave me.”
I never gave her a ring . . .
“It’s just that it’s too big, I’m afraid I’ll lose it.” She giggled. “It sounds silly but I look at it from time to time and think about the promise we made that night.”
The grenade pin???
“I’d like to get you something nicer,” Twilight chuckled nervously. “If that’s alright.”
“Loid . . .” Yor stopped and met his eyes.
“Let me do this for you.” Twilight placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. His eyes studied hers, willing a response.
“We could get matching bands as well!” Twilight smiled, kicking himself for saying the last sentence with so much fervor. In all his prior missions, the targets were the ones who dropped hints for rings and commitment. Yet here he was, asking the most beautiful woman in Ostania if she would wear a ring to show the world that she was his wife. If he were a more honest man, he may have felt embarrassed.
This feeling, could it be . ..?
“I think . . . I would like that . . .” Yor replied shyly. She stared at their feet, marveling how they stood perfectly opposite from each other under the dark umbrella. “Thank you, Loid.”
The sound of the raindrops synchronized with the beating of their hearts, a faint flush painting the tops of both their cheeks.
“Yor, I . . .” Loid began to say. Her perfectly shaped lips shined as felt himself leaning closer.
“Papa! Mama!” A tiny voice shouted. Both froze as tiny footsteps splashed towards them through the rain. “Papa and Mama waited for Anya!”
The tiny pink-haired girl stared at Twilight before switching her gaze to Yor. Her eyes widened and fell into a natural smirk as she realized what was happening.
“Papa and Mama are flirting!” She jumped, splashing them with her rain boots.
Both Twilight and Yor opened their mouths to deny it but laughed instead. Yor looked at Twilight from the corner of her eyes with a giggle, her face as red as her favorite sweater.
“How about we get out of the rain?” Twilight asked, handing Yor his briefcase as he hoisted Anya onto his shoulders.
“I’ll make us tea and cocoa to warm up.” Yor smiled as she held the umbrella over them.
The three of them laughed as they dashed across the street into the home they built together.