Work Text:
A familiar apartment. Footsteps could be heard approaching the door. The rustling of a paper bag.
"I'm home. " Twilightー No. Loid Forger. That's who he is now. Not as a spy in a mission or what. It's who he really is.
Loid entered the room. He hung his hat on the coat hanger.
"Borf. " Bond wagged his tail as Loid entered.
"Hello there Bond. " Loid pat Bond's head.
"Welcome back Loid-san! You're just in time. I'm cooking up some pancakes as a snack for you and Ms. Anya! " Yor had an apron on.
"Hm! That's why there was a nice scent in the air. It seems like you've gotten better at this, Yor. " Loid put the groceries down on the table.
Yor put her hands together
"I hope it will taste as great as it smells!! " and quickly got back to flipping her pancakes.
Loid approaches Anya's door and knocks on it.
"Anya, you've read enough of that spy novel. We're studying after I change. " Loid loosens his tie.
Anya's door opens and the sign on it clatters. Anya stands in front of Loid holding a book.
"Papa, you're back… "
Loid holds his tie.
"Why do you sound so sad?... " Loid goes back to the groceries and sorts them.
"Anya, you're 15 years old now. It's about time you read on your own. " Loid sighs while he takes out the cans and the fruits and vegetables.
"But I do read books! " Anya hid her novel behind her.
"You read books but not the educational ones. You read but you don't study. " Loid folds the paper bag and has everything sorted out.
"Come now Loid-san, having someone study with you makes things easier to understand. Ms. Anya needs you! " Yor turned the stove off and placed the pancakes on a plate.
Loid sighed again.
"I'm going to get changed. We'll get this sorted out after. "
"Heh. Pancake time! " Anya sits down, puts her book down and watches as Yor showers the pancake with melted butter and maple syrup. All with a big smile on her face.
Anya takes a few bites and Loid comes out of his room.
"Woahh! Mama! Your pancakes taste amazing! It's very elegant as Sir Henderson would say!" Anya eats more of the pancake.
Loid takes a seat as well.
"Let me try. " Loid cuts a part of the pancake with his fork and takes a bite.
Loid's face turns into a lighter expression.
"Hm. This is quite good, Yor. It's much better than the last time. "
"Borf! " Bond agrees.
Yor's eyes light up as well.
"Really? Thank you so much Loid-san and Ms. Anya! It's all because you taught me well Loid-san! " Yor was overjoyed that she finally mastered another dish.
"Please, Yor. You don't need to call us by such formalities anymore. Just call me Loid or any name you… yes, Loid will do. " Loid coughed to hide his embarrassment.
Anya could hear his thoughts though.
Loid:
[ I was thinking of saying she could call me by a nickname… But that's a bit embarrassing to say out loud. Loid should do. Our official marriage hasn't been that long yet anyway. ]
"Mama should call me Anya not Ms. as well. No Ms! " Anya took another pancake bite.
Yor looked a bit confused and so Loid continued.
"That's right. Unlike 9 years ago where we were bound by each of our motives, we have none now and we're an official couple so I really don't see anything wrong. " Loid takes his share of the pancakes.
"I understand Loid-saー Loid… I'm sure it's just like when Ms. AnーAnya stopped referring to herself as Anya. Does that mean IーI haven't matured enough? " Yor's face turned from pondering into… Disappointment!
"Ahaha. Don't misunderstand, Yor. I was saying you should be more comfortable around us. " Loid let Anya have the final pancake bite.
"Just like how comfortable you were when you adopted me, papa? " Anya sipped her orange juice.
"Wellー Hey! I barely knew you that time. But we have all known each other for quite a while. I suggest that we get more comfortable. " Loid said.
Yor's grin was something she couldn't hide. Her heart went aflutter just thinking about getting comfortable with her family. Her real family.
Yor:
[ Loid is really nice. Even if it was just "for the mission" he was extremely kind. I'm so happy to have these kind of people around me. ] Yor almost teared up.
Anya could read Yor's mind very clearly and because Anya has matured, she could sympathise with Yor. Feel her emotions. Feel the wholesome feelings coursing in Yor at this moment.
"I'm happy that mama is happy. " Anya smiled brightly.
"HーHuh?! Anya! Did you read my mind?!? Oh… This is so embarrassing… " Yor put her hands to her face as it was getting a bit flushed.
"While I am happy that Yor is feeling joy.. Anya, didn't we agree that you can't use your mind reading unless you really have to? " Loid's scolding was beginning and Anya wasn't having any of that.
"I can't help it! Strong emotions are something I can't stop. I think you should thank me because you wouldn't know mama is happy unless I say so. " Anya looked at Loid with a blank stare as if to say "don't act like you didn't want to know either".
"Hm.. I'll let this slide because it's a sunday. " Loid himself has matured and has gone through his days of always scolding. He's learned that Anya will learn things sooner or later but you shouldn't force someone to learn or things will be worse than they were.
Anya, after 11 years, could now control her mind reading ability. She still has it and mostly chooses not to read people's minds. After an incident with the Desmond family, their family situation has gotten better.
Loid:
[I'm just glad with everything that was settled 9 years ago… Anya hasn't given up. My mission was to defeat Donovan Desmond and put him in his place. After he tried to kill us and we fought back and won… I'm honestly shocked at how persistent she is. How is she still the happy girl weー....... You're reading my mind aren't you? ]
Anya was surprised. It's not the first time Loid caught her in the act but this took her by surprise. She didn't think he was this guarded even mentally.
"Aw.. After all this time papa is still on guard… " Anya slumped her shoulders.
"That's just how he is Anya. Now, why don't we spend time together as a fam.. Family! " Yor always does her best to up the family's morale.
They spent a wonderful time together that sunday.
________________________
11 years.
11 years ago was when Twilight started his mission. A spy who was always on guard. A spy who never showed who he was truly. A spy.
9 years.
9 years ago was when Donovan Desmond had died. It was broadcast throughout Ostania that Donovan Desmond had died of a sudden heart attack. Of course, that was what the public had believed. Majority had believed this and yet there were a few who said he was assassinated. Rumours in the State Security Service say it was someone from GARDEN who had assassinated the man. People wonder which officer would have hands on that kind of information.
Such a dangerous man. Executing experiments on different beings. A dog who could see the future. A girl who could read minds. But the worst part of all was that most experiments couldn't remember being experimented on. It was most likely caused by the trauma or Donovan himself wanted them to have their memories erased.
Anya was 6 when Donovan died. This meant his son, Damian, was around 8. All family members were notified about Donovan's actions and those who knew beforehand confessed. It included Damian who was absolutely heartbroken at the news. He's an innocent little boy who was lied to.
His wife Melinda was interviewed for the event. Her statement shocked the public. She seemed rather happy to announce that her husband had died. She had announced that Desmond was not the man he seemed to be. She had a 5-page speech ready for this very occassion which had many thinking:
'How long was she mistreated for her to turn into this? And to what degree?'
Melinda Desmond even had a special mention and that she was glad that a "friend" helped her deal with her emotional problems. Many understood that she must have had friends who helped her cope but it was her own way of hiding or rather, very low key implying that she had a friend who "helped" her.
Anya was now 15 years old and was in high school. She was less dense than before and seemed to be more aware of her environment. She had grown strong physically. It's all thanks to her very capable parents. Her appearance is a bit more mature than she was 4 that much is obvious and a given fact. Her cuteness was getting mixed with beauty. She kept her hair long and never threw her hair accessories away. In a way, it was what made Anya, Anya.
Her father was a spy, now a former spy. He decided to keep letting Anya attend Eden Academy for it was the safest option.
Her Mother was an assassin who is now a great housewife. Her cooking used to be garbage but now it's much much better. Though part of Garden, who's motives are usually unknown she assassinated Donovan Desmond upon request of Melinda Desmond. Not just Melinda but also many others who wanted him dead and circumstances at the time were also dire. Donovan must be eliminated.
Eden Academy has been doing fine these past years even after the incident. They have recovered well considering that the Desmond family was a big part of their system. Now they are pretty much the same.
________________________
Anya gets down from the school bus.
"Anyaaaa!! " a familiar voice called out.
Anya looked to see Becky Blackbell, her best friend.
Becky's beauty is very evident now that she's 17. Her style is still very pink which was still very noticeable even through Eden Academy's black and gold uniform.
"Becky! It's been months… Two months? " Anya put her finger on her chin as if to ponder.
"Wow Anya you got it right!! Oh and did you notice anything different? " Becky made a little pose to give Anya hints.
"You have only one ponytail now. The other ponytail must have died. " Anya said with her signature blank stare.
Becky had a ponytail instead of the twintails she had back then. It suited her and made her look more mature.
"You know Anya we're in highschool but I still worry about you… " Becky put her hand to her hip.
"But it looks great on you, Becky. '' Anya said to make the mood lighter as she has learned to do for the past 11 years in Eden Academy.
"Oh Anya! Just because you're absolutely adorable I'll let it go! " Becky smiled widely.
As they were having fun together, having met after a while, they heard more familiar voices.
"Boss, boss look! It's that Forger! Already in high school but she still looks elementary hehe." It was one of Damian's lackeys, Emile. On the other side of Damian was Ewen.
Becky chimed in.
"Hmph. Already in high school but still picking on others? You have no qualities of a gentleman! "
Ewen was pissed.
"Huh! Boss Damian is the ultimate gentleman! How dare you say that to him! "
Damian scoffed.
"Hm. Stop it Ewen, Emile. We're in high school. We shouldn't quarrel with others. "
Though not much has changed, Damian's features definitely became more mature and the handsomeness that showed in his smaller years was very visible now.
"As expected from Boss, you know how to handle things. Let's go now! We don't want to be late. " Ewen praised Damian.
"We apologise. We'll be seeing you in class, young madames. " Emile added, which made Becky's brows furrow.
"He said something like a gentleman but it makes me more irritated! Let's go now, Anya! " Becky walked ahead.
Before Anya could follow Damian went up to Anya and said
"You better thank me, Forger. " Damian walked along.
"There he goes again.. Come on Anya!! " Becky rushed Anya who was spaced out.
___________________
Break time
"Seriously.. He got homeschooled until the start of highschool and now he talks to people? The nerve of that boy!! " Becky ate lunch with Anya at the same table, she ranted on and on.
"Maybe he got really shy. " Anya said while munching.
"I heard that. " Damian called from behind who, as usual, was with his lackeys. They happened to have sat on tables next to each other.
"But why wouldn't you talk to anyone for a year if you weren't shy?" Anya asked innocently.
"It's called confidentiality. Something an ugー I mean… Something a peasant like you wouldn't understand. " Damian placed his fork and knife on his plate neatly and stood up.
At this moment, Anya wanted to use her powers but she had better self-control than when she was 4 and so she did not use her powers to get an advantage.
"Boss, she's just trying to get to you. '' Emile was snickering at the childish statement Anya made.
Though 11 years did pass and certain events did happen, not much changed in Eden Academy's students. They were the same bunch.
"Boys will always be boys! " Becky did the same thing Damian did to his utensils and stood up as well.
As Emile and Ewen went on ahead, Damian approached Anya once more.
"We're meeting after school, okay? Here in the cafeteria. " Damian glared at her.
Anya didn't respond. More like, she didn't have the time to respond because as soon as Damian said what he did, he left. Once again she is tempted to use her powers. Will self-control win?
Luckily, Becky was there to snap Anya back to reality. Kind of.
"Anya! Come hereee! Walk with me to class, don't just stand there! " Becky called out.
Anya went with her and started walking as well.
"So… Why are you gonna.. *chuckle* meet with Damian after school? Is there a reason why he didn't talk to anyone for a year? Or did he talk to you? " Becky was pecking Anya with questions.
Anya didn't get any of the hints that Becky was giving and thus, gave an answer a dense person would.
"Huh? Dunno. He was probably just being a jerk. " Anya said. Signature blank stare included.
Becky sighed, her face disappointed.
"Really… High school and you're still a child. It's okay Anya, I'm here for you. " Becky patted Anya's head with Anya getting even MORE confused.
Damian Desmond, being the son of Donovan Desmond, was subject to homeschooling after Donovan's death. It lasted until high school and he met with a few people who were his close friends, Emile and Ewen. Melinda wanted his safety but she also wanted him to have a social life, bringing him back to Eden. For a year, he talked to no one save his few friends and an occasional bicker with Anya but that was it.
___________________
The school bell rings.
Now Anya will have her answers to what happened with the Desmond family. She never got much of a chance after the incident, all with her powers being locked by a rule that's sometimes broken by loss of self-control.
Becky waves goodbye while looking very mischievous.
"Byebye Anya good luck with your date~ " Such a playful voice.
"Huh? I didn't hear that but byebye Becky. " Anya waved with a confused face. Innocent.
She went to the cafeteria and as he said, Damian Desmond was there.
"We should go somewhere more private. I don't want your fellow peasants hearing our conversation. " Damian then walked away.
Anya was starting to lose her patience. She followed anyway.
At the back of Eden Academy.
Damian glared harder at Anya now.
"Why were you there? " Damian asked and now he wasn't even looking at Anya.
Anya didn't answer. She hasn't figured out what he was talking about yet.
"Hey. Answer me. Why were you there when my father died? I saw you there. You can't lie out of this because I remember it clearly. " Damian's voice grew louder with anger.
"Uh… Because you were in danger. "
Anya had always somehow got into a problem involving Damian. Because she was against his father, one way or another she would get entangled with the son. This caused problems which always put Damian in danger.
During the incident, Damian was almost used as a hostage. Anya however intercepted the plans and saved Damian. In fact, these problems happened very often. The difference between all those times and the incident was that Damian never knew who his saviour was. Now he knew.
"That doesn't answer my question. " Damian's facial expression didn't change.
"Uh… Erm…. " Anya was frantic, she didn't know she would get into this situation. Actually, she never thought about it.
"You won't get me with uh's and erm's. Answer the question. " Damian was interrogating at this point.
"Be… Because your father was a bad man and you were going to get in trouble so IhadtodowhatIhadtodobecauseifー '' Anya was pretty much panicking.
"Speak slowly. I can't understand what you're saying you damn uggo! " Damian lost his temper.
"..... *Anya breathes in and out* Because Syon-boy was going to be taken hostage. I saw it and I knew you were in danger so I saved you. " Anya confessed a bit.
"YーYou… How did you know? About my father and everything? Who are you really? " Damian asked.
Anya:
[Uh oh… Can I tell him? I mean… he saw papa on the mission so I can't lie to him.]
"Did you see papa? " Anya asked, looking less panicked than before.
"Eh? Now that you mention it… I do remember seeing someone similar… that was him!? " Damian was deep in thought.
Anya thought long and hard as well. And she has come up with an answer!
Anya:
[Okay so Plan A.. I should bring him to my house so Papa can explain everything! *Gasp* But then he'll find out Papa is a spy and Mama is an assassin! But… ]
Anya thought long and hard again. Can she read his mind right now? It is an emergency so..
And she read his mind.
Damian:
[ Wait.. She's right… I saw her dad just before father died. Mother said not to get too into it but why can't I know?... I think.. What is he, some kind of spy in disguise or something? Do those kinds of people really exist? People who can disguise themselves without anyone thinking otherwise? ]
Anya called it. Damian is smart. There's a reason why he is top in class even when he was homeschooled.
"Why don't.. you come to my house? " Anya asked innocently, she didn't know anything else to say.
"Eh!? You want me… To go to your house? You can't just ask a boy that! Let alone me! I'm from the Desmond family! " Damian's face blushed a little.
"But I can't explain it to you.. '' Anya still has not noticed the meaning of what she said.
Damian knew she was right. He wasn't going to get the full explanation from her.
"F.. Fine. But I need to ask permission from my mother first. " Damian looked hesitant but he was there.
They walked towards the front of the school.
"Hey. Don't walk too close to me. " Damian was trying to make a distance between him and Anya.
"Huh? But we're gonna go to the same place. " Anya thought there was nothing wrong with it. Most of all without her mind reading, she wouldn't know what other people are thinking. She didn't care.
Little did she know people could see them and they were talking. Starting rumours.
"People are going to misunderstand! " Damian said out loud.
"That we're friends? " Anya was irritated.
"No! That we're… We're uh… " Damian couldn't get himself to say it and so he fidgeted like a child.
"Syon-boy is weird. " Anya said not even batting an eye to Damian.
"I AM NOT WEIRD! You know what? Whatever! Do what you want. I don't care. " Damian put his hands in his pockets and kept walking.
Anya couldn't understand what Damian was so flustered about but she kept walking.
"Master Damian! Would you like to return home? " A butler of the Desmond family was awaiting Damian.
Unlike when the family was under Donovan's hand, Damian had more freedom now with Melinda being the head of the house. He didn't use the dorms but now he goes back home everyday.
"I.. want to use the car telephone. Can I talk to my mother? " Damian looked shy.
"As you wish milord. " The butler dials the number in the car phone.
Damian goes near the car door.
"Oh. Hello? Mother? Ah.. yes I'm doing fine. I just wanted to ask if I could go to a friend's house…. It's the Forger'sー Hー What? You're allowing me? I'll try to enjoy.. Okay.. Thank you mother. Goodbye. " Damian puts the car phone back.
"She said I could go. " Damian had both hands back in his pockets.
"Okie dokie! " Anya smiled with a thumbs up.
"What are you doing? Get inside the car. " Damian signalled.
"Eh? " Anya thought she would take the bus and meet him at their apartment.
"I'm not taking the bus with you, peasant girl. My mother said.. I should bring you with me in the car. So hurry up and get in the car." Damian averted his gaze.
Anya happily went inside the car. Phew, she's never been inside a fancy car before.
The butler got in the driver's seat after closing the door for Damian.
"Wah! I've never been in a car with a telephone before. And the windows are so dark. " Anya touched the windows.
"Hey. You're gonna get your fingerprints all over the windows. It's called tinted windows for extra privacy. Hey, I told you to stop touching things! " Damian grabbed Anya's arm because she was getting too worked up over a fancy car.
"Ow. You're so harsh Syon-boy. I'm already helping you. " Anya looked at Damian like he was worse than trash.
Damian let go of her arm, realising what he was doing.
"Thenー Then stop touching things that aren't yours! " Damian yet again averted his gaze but his ears were flushed.
Anya gave the butler directions, she was pretty accurate considering that she goes the same way every day for almost her whole life.
"We have arrived, Master Damian. " The butler stops the car.
"Thanks. Return around.. 5? or 6 PM. "
"As you wish, milord. " The butler bowed and returned inside the car.
"Rich people are really different. " Anya commented while Damian looked irritated.
They entered the building.
"As expected from some apartment full of peasants. " Damian critiqued everything he saw in the apartment complex.
"Syon-boy is just too rich and fancy and spoiled. " Anya remarked as they went up the stairs.
"Spoiled? Me? Hmph. You know nothing. "
Both of them bickered until the front door.
*knock knock
"Just a second! " Yor's muffled voice could be heard inside.
Yor opened the door and her smile turned into a surprised face.
"Welcome back Anyー Hm? Oh! Who are you?" Yor took a few seconds to think but Anya couldn't hear it.
Yor:
[Anya brought… Melinda's child? What was his name? Daniel? Dalton? Wait… She brought him from school? But it's usually Becky that she spends time with… ]
Yor gasped.
"Mama are you okay? " Anya asked and was also surprised by Yor's sudden gasp.
"Is everything alright, Mrs. Forger? " Damian asked as well.
"Oh, yes!! I'm great!! You must be Melinda's child! Please get inside! IーI can prepare snacks for you. " Yor hurriedly went to the kitchen after closing the door for them.
Yor couldn't help but think
[ Oh dear… Oh dear… They grow up so fast!! Anya has a boyfriend and she's just in highschool!!! What will Loid say?? Does he know?? Did they not tell me because I've been an irresponsible mother????? Someone help me!! Bond!! Aww but Bond is asleep in our room!!! ]
"Mama… Mama! " Anya called Yor over and over.
"HーHuh!? Oh, what is it? " Yor's face was blushing and she was very panicked.
"Mama, is Papa home yet? " Anya washed her hands and Damian sat in the living room.
"Noー Not yet! Why? " Yor, still flustered, buttered the bread in under 5 seconds.
"I have to ask him something really important. It involves Syon-boy over there. " Anya's face was pretty serious and Yor kept overthinking. Anya's statement didn't help at all.
"Syon-boy? " Yor didn't know this nickname.
"Oh that's the nickname I gave him. His real name is Damian. " Anya said.
Yor:
[Sheー Is she going to ask if she can marry him!??? Anya no!! You're far too young!!! Even Loid and I got married when we were above 30 years old! And she already has a pet name for him?!? Ohhhh What do I do??!?? ]
Anya went back to Damian and sat down next to him.
"...What is it? Did you make me anything? " Damian asked like the spoiled child he is.
"Why would I make you anything? " Anya asked like the ignorant girl she is.
"I'm your guest! " Damian pestered her and she looked pretty irritated.
"I think this guest is too good for a snack. " Anya gave him the signature blank stare.
"YーYouー! "
"Please, not to worry! I'm whipping up some french toast that you two can enjoy! " Yor said from the kitchen.
"Here. " Anya placed a chimera stuffed toy on Damian's lap.
"What the heck is this? " He held it up seeing its beat up exterior. It looked like it went through a lot as time went by.
"It's Mr. Chimera! Say hello to him while we wait for Papa. " Anya said, smiling all the way like a little kid.
"Just like a little child. Still playing with stuffed toys? " Damian handed it back to Anya.
Anya held Mr.Chimera close to her.
"Playing with stuffed toys doesn't make you a little kid. " Anya pouted.
"Then why do I see little kids playing with it huhh? " Damian mocked Anya while sitting down on the couch like a king. Anya could only feel her anger.
"Syon-boy says that but I'm sure you have your own stuffed toy somewhere. " Anya holds Chimera still.
"Hmph! There's no way you can prove that! " Damian crossed his arms.
"This guy…. Well anyway.. I keep it 'cause it makes me feel warm inside. " Anya hugged Chimera with a warm smile on her face.
Damian thought about what it meant. Feeling warm inside. Was it because she loved the stuffed toy that he felt warm inside?
*clink
"Here you go! French toast! " Yor placed a plate on the table that had two thick slices of toasted bread with savoury maple syrup and melted butter.
Anya knows how long Yor has been practising these types of dishes.
"Ooh! Yay, thank you Mama! " Anya put Chimera down on the couch parallel to Damian.
"Hehe, Anya don't forget to save some for Damian. I… I hope you two um… Enjoy! " Yor rushed back to the kitchen.
"Hah! Because this is Syon-boy's first time here, I will let you have the first bite including the majority of the french toast! " Anya crossed her arms to say I have matured!
"Or we could just take a slice of bread each. " Damian scoffed.
"Oh! I knew that as well! " Anya sweat a little there.
"Of course you did…. " Damian looks at the french toast. He slices a piece and dips it into the excess maple syrup.
It definitely didn't taste like the expensive pastries that his mother would buy for him and as he recalled, his mother hasn't made him french toast before. It didn't taste super bad either. It just tasted like.. home.
"Mrs. Forger.. this is.. good. " Damian said as he was munching on it.
"Really? I'm glad you like it! If you want some more I can still make you some. " Yor said happily.
"Hoo. So it fits Syon-boy's high class taste. How is it? " Anya took a bit out of her piece as well.
"It's not bad and it makes me.. feel warm inside. " Damian looks at Anya and remembers what she said a moment ago. A warm feeling…
"BーBut that's all. There's nothing else to say about this french toast so don't ask so much! " Damian brushed the thought off.
"Syon-boy's so shy about a piece of french toast? " Anya said.
"Huh?? Why would I be shy about some french toast? " Damian wasn't having it this time.
"It's okay, Syon-boy. It makes me feel warm too. " Anya said with a precious smile on her face. Damian didn't say anything and just looked at her.
*ding dong
"Wa! I think Loid's finally here! " A flustered Yor rushed to the door.
"Oh! Papa's here. " Anya looked relieved.
Damian stayed silent. To him, this moment was very crucial. He was going to get his answers that his mother also wasn't aware of. Or was she? And she only wanted to protect her son. Not even french toast was going to stop him.
"I'm home.. Hm? Yor? Why are you so worked up? " Loid spots Damian and immediately thoughts run through his mind.
Twilight:
[ The Desmond's kid? Why could he be here? And it looks like he's eating with Anya. Did they suddenly get closer or were they always this close? What business does he have here? ]
"Oh. Hello there, Damian was it? What brings you here? " Loid does his usual things like hanging his hat on the coat hanger.
"Good afternoon Mr. Forger, I was just erm.. uh… " Damian was at a loss for words. What would he say?
Yor was losing it.
[ Is he going to ask for Anya's hand in marriage now? Nooo please! Anya, don't grow up yet!! I have to stop this right? Iー ]
"Uh! Papa! He wants to know the truth about what happened to his father! " Anya blurted out
Silence.
No one spoke.
Twilight had kind of an Eh? moment but THAT WASN'T THE POINT.
"Huh? That's what this was about? " Yor said, and now her mind was piecing everything together.
"What did Mama think this was about? " Anya wondered.
"Hm!? Oh nothing! " Yor was sweating. Hard.
To sort things out, they sat down and talked about the situation.
"So.. You say Anya saved you during Donovan Desmond's speech? " Loid was sitting parallel to them.
"Um.. Yes. I also recall seeing you and Mrs. Forger. I.. I just…. " Damian was at a loss at what to say and he was frustrated at himself for being unable to say it.
"I know, you want the truth. [I guess there's no helping it. He saw me in the act. I could play it off but he saw Anya and Yor too. Not to mention his mother was greatly involved in our plans. But I don't think we're the ones who should tell him. ] But I think it's better to ask your mother about it. I don't think we are in a position to tell you. " Loid looks at Damian with all sincerity.
"Mother knew all along?.. So.. I came here all for nothing? " Damian looked like he was about to tear up.
Anya patted his shoulder.
"Don't be sad, Syon-boy. At least you got to taste Mama's french toast! " Anya touched hearts again with her precious smile.
Damian didn't blush but he was comforted by it.
"Oh? You made french toast, Yor? " Loid still kept his composure.
"AーAh! Yes! IーI can make some for you if yーyou want! " Yor was nervous and Anya heard her thoughts because her emotions were so strong.
[ Oh dear… Uh oh…. Technically I was the one who killed his father…. Garden was involved for certain reasons…. Am I at fault? ]
Anya tried to control the situation.
"Um.. Papa, what time is it? "
"Hm? It's.. 5:20 PM according to my watch. " Loid showed his watch.
"Then I guess I also have to go home, Mr. and Mrs. Forger. It was great meeting you.. " Damian looked down.
"It was our pleasure, Anya doesn't usually invite friends over so it's nice seeing someone around other than Becky. I hope your mother doesn't mind. " Loid stood up to open the door for Damian.
"ThーThank you l, Mr. Forger. I came here only to ask you. I'm not sure I'll be able to come back here next time. " Damian started walking.
"Well whenever you feel like it, you're free to come over. " Loid kept the door open.
While all of this formality was filling the room, Yor was at the side still lost in thought. Anya noticed this and knew what she had to do.
"Um! Papa. " Anya went up to Loid.
"Uh, yes? " Loid was a bit surprised.
"Syon-boy probably doesn't know the way out the building so I'll go with him! " Anya raised her left hand.
"Ha? " Damian felt offended.
"Are you sure he needsー" Loid was cut off by Anya.
"Mama looks down so cheer her up, Papa! " Anya whispered to Loid while covering her mouth with one hand.
Loid looked over to Yor and saw she looked down. He got the message.
"I see. Make sure he's safe then, Anya. " Loid closed the door with Damian confused.
"I don't need you to escort me out. I can do it alone. " Damian started walking.
"I will still do it! So Papa can comfort Mama! " Anya looked proud and pumped her chest.
Damian didn't say anything to that.
They were in front of the apartment complex and to be honest, Damian didn't know when exactly the butler would come back.
"So I have to stand around and wait… " Damian crossed his arms and looked around.
"You have me with you so you won't get lonely!" Anya said so innocently with a glimmer of kindness in her eyes.
"Youー You say a lot of childish things, you know that? Like when you talked about that 'warm feeling'ー Hah! You sound like a little girl!" Damian tried to mock Anya because he was getting so confused with his emotions at the moment. Was it nostalgia? Was it a homey feeling?
"At least I don't sound like a grumpy old man. You sound like that all the time. " Anya looked at Damian with disgust.
"Urgh… But I guess… I have to… thank you… " Damian mumbled around the end and didn't look at Anya. His ears were getting redder and redder.
"Eh? I didn't hear that. " Anya's face was adorably confused.
"I saidー thank….. yo…u… " Damian had a hard time saying it out loud. He had made fun of Anya for many years but when he found out she was his hero all this time.. It made him feel guilty.
"... You have to work on your speaking skills, Syon-boy. " Anya was frustrated that he couldn't say it.
"THANK YOU! I said thank you! You damn uggo! I said thank you! You're always soー " Damian got angry.
Hug.
Anya hugged Damian.
"Whー " Damian had to process this situation.
Anya let go and made her "heh" face.
"Heh. You're welcome. I am happy that your family is okay now. " Anya
Damian's face was now red and he couldn't speak.
"Treat me to some peanuts next time~ " Anya inserted that tiny request.
"I'm not getting you peanuts! And don't hug me so casually next time! It's.. irritating! " Damian couldn't cross his arms because he was getting so frustrated and started raising his voice.
"Sheesh Syon-boy. You can't even consider me a friend? " Anya was in disbelief.
"What does that have to do with anything?? " Damian raised an eyebrow.
"Friends can hug each other. " Anya said with her index finger up to make a point!
"They don't do it that often. " Damian brushed her statement off.
"You must not have a lot of friends… " Anya felt sorry for Damian.
"You don't have much either, uggo. " Damian scoffed.
"That's just mean… " Anya stayed quiet after that.
Damian felt EVEN MORE guilty. He was supposed to thank her and not answer back. Such is the attitude of a rich spoiled kid.
"How is it mean? I'm your friend too. That alone makes it better than having a hundred friends. " Damian sounded proud but at the same time, comforting.
"Then that means hugging is allowed! " Anya held her arms out.
"No way. " Damian bent his arms into an X shape.
"Huuuh.. " Anya was perplexed. What a confusing guy. She did not understand what was wrong with hugging.
Hug (again).
Damian hugged Anya this time.
"Here! It's to express my thankfulness. Got it? "
Damian hugged her with both arms and didn't look at Anya at all.
Anya hugged back tightly which made Damian the reddest to ever red. Anya didn't say anything though.
"O.. Okay! That's enough friendship for one day. " Damian pushed Anya away.
"Oh lookie just in time. " Anya pointed.
The Desmond fancy car made a turn and stopped in front of them.
"Pardon me, Master Damian. I've come to bring you home. " The butler opened the door for Damian.
"Yeah. Thanks. I'll see you around then, Forger." Damian went inside the car.
"Bye bye, Damian. " Anya waved.
The butler closed the door.
Anya went back inside the building as the car drove off.
As she approached the door she could hear Yor's voice.
"Thank you Loid.. If it weren't for you I would probably have been somewhere bad and depressed… "
"It's alright, Yor. That's why I'm here and that's why Anya's here. A family should be there for each other. "
Anya opened the door and entered with a really happy expression knowing she has a real family by her side.
"I'm back! Let's eat dinner!! "