Chapter Text
After years of abandoning every facet of himself, the spy known as Twilight could fulfill any role needed of him. Confident playboy, timid accountant, sluggish professor, and dozens of others were well within his repertoire. Though foreign, Twilight considered himself to play the role of the father rather convincingly. It was the role of the husband, however, that had him questioning his skills as a spy.
No, perhaps it is more accurate to say that the role of the husband in regard to Operation Strix had him doubting himself. A couple of months ago, he would have scoffed at the notion of being unable to embody the character he was assigned. Now, the line between utter incompetence and sheer excellence was becoming more and more blurred.
It was just that, Yor had a gift of constantly catching him off guard. Her words and actions were so… pure. Everything about her radiated a warmth Twilight never knew a person could possess.
At times, all Twilight could think of was just how amazing Loid Forger’s life was. A stable job as a psychiatrist, a beautiful and caring wife, and a healthy daughter attending one of the most prestigious schools in the world. If he was ever honest with himself, he’d admit that he craved the comfort of Loid Forger and that the constant additional spy work WISE demanded of him weighed him down, reminding him that his time as Loid Forger was all only a mission.
Though he knew it was all part of the job, the bank heists, terrorist groups, and assassinations he’d stopped were all catching up to him. It became a luxury for Twilight to earn more than three hours of sleep a night and as a result, his facade was slipping. Tiredness plagued his eyes while helping Anya with homework.
“And then,” Loid began, a yawn interrupting his sentence, “You have to make the bottom number the same so that you can add them together.”
“Papa, are you feeling okay?” Anya asked.
“It’s fine, Anya. Just a little tired that’s all. Don’t worry about me.”
“Okay,” Anya said, clearly not convinced. “What’s for dinner then?”
Shoot , Twilight thought. I completely forgot to buy ingredients for tonight. It’s essential that Anya has a balanced diet so that she can maintain her health. If she falls ill, it’ll only jeopardize the mission as absences could result in a tonitrus bolt. Additionally, if she misses a lesson, she’ll only fall even further behind. That absolutely cannot happen. “Oh, I’m not sure. What sounds good to you?”
The question seemed to snap Anya back to the moment. “Hmmm… peanuts!”
“You can have peanuts after you eat what I make you,” he said.
“Um, Loid.” Yor started, walking from the kitchen holding a plate she was drying, “Maybe we could order something for dinner tonight? Oh! I’m sorry, please forgive me, I’m not trying to insult your cooking skills, I promise! Everything you make is so delicious! It’s just that, you seem tired, so maybe we could take something off your plate?”
Loid stared at her with a small, genuine smile on his face. “Yes Yor, that sounds great. Thank you.”
Twilight didn’t even care that he had been caught. Though he actually enjoyed cooking, he did have to admit that it would be a nice change not having to worry about cleaning up the kitchen.
“Anya, close your eyes for me,” Loid said, rummaging through a drawer to find the various takeout menus the Forger family had acquired since the months they first became a family.
“Okay!” Anya answered enthusiastically, extending her hands out to pick one. “I want this one!” she said, plucking a menu from Loid’s hands. “Ooh, pizza!”
Well, that’s not the most nutritious thing in the world, Twilight thought to himself. “Alright, but let’s order a salad as well. You can only have peanuts after you eat your salad.”
“Aww okay,” Anya said, a little defeated.
Success.
…
Dinner had gone on without a hitch. The Forger family shared a nice green salad, a pepperoni pizza, and a bowl of peanuts as per Anya’s request. It was moments like these when the boundary between Twilight and Loid became weakest. When he allowed himself to slip into the comfortable role of the family man. These moments were precious to Loid, however, they also filled him with an indescribable guilt.
Twilight was hiding thousands of secrets from Yor and Anya. Sure, he was protecting them by preserving world peace, but he was also lying to them on a daily basis, using them to further WISE’s agenda. No matter how noble the cause was, the guilt ate at him in the late hours of the night. However, his biggest secret was kept hidden from even himself.
They’d hate me if they ever found out the truth.
The thought constantly plagued him, however he refused to acknowledge how it made him feel . To know that he’d be despised by his family…
Twilight shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. He was on a mission. He was wearing an earpiece to communicate. Franky was talking. He was not listening.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that? The reception is a little dicey here.” Loid lied, admonishing himself for missing clear instruction. You’re getting sloppy, Twilight.
“I was just saying that the van is set to arrive any minute. When the coast is clear, place the tracking device on it. Piece of cake, Twilight.”
WISE had been trying to get ahold of this shady pharmaceutical company for weeks now. They had done an excellent job concealing their true manufacturing location, but once WISE caught wind of a deal happening that night, a plan was drafted to monitor their future affairs.
Twilight glanced at his watch. Half past 2. It’s a weekend so the girls shouldn’t be up until nine tomorrow. Maybe I’ll have a chance to get some sleep.
A maroon van approached, drawing to a stop when a man approached it. Twilight took the initiative and made his move. Darting from his vantage point, he easily avoided the eyes of the driver, sneaking around the back to attach a small tracker to the van.
A few months prior, he would have likely tailed the van, create a map of potential firms, and construct a possible supply chain that WISE could use to their advantage. Now, all he wanted to do was return home. His job as Twilight was done. His watch showed two fifty-five. If he was lucky, he could make it home in just under thirty minutes.
When he arrived, he silently opened the door, hoping that only Bond would notice his return. He quickly gave him a treat to quiet him so that Yor and Anya wouldn’t wake up.
The sound of running water made him pause in the doorway. He cautiously opened Anya’s door, finding her sleeping soundly snuggled against her plush chimera. It must be Yor. He thought to himself. I wonder what she’s doing up so late .
As he was still fully dressed, Twilight figured it best to return to his room and just ignore it. Besides, Yor would get suspicious if he hadn’t changed into some comfortable clothes by 3 o’clock in the morning. It was something he could ask her about in the morning if he still cared. At the very least, it seemed best to simply go to bed and try and catch up on sleep.
…
For the first time in weeks, the sun woke Twilight up. It was so inviting that he almost decided to stay in bed, but he figured that it would be best if he prepared breakfast earlier than later.
I don’t want to have another accident on our hands like last time.
When he got to the kitchen, he saw Yor already standing there, holding a cup of tea. Beside her was another mug with steam gently rising from it.
She brightened when she saw him, “Good morning, Loid. I made you a cup of coffee, I’ll have to run to the store later though, I used the last of the cream in your coffee.”
“Thank you, Yor.” he said, slipping easily into character. “We can run to the store together in a little bit. Do you want me to start on some breakfast?”
“That’d be wonderful! I think it’s about time for Anya to get up as well, so maybe we can all eat together today!” She said, smiling as she made her way to his daughter’s bedroom.
Twilight sighed, fondness seeping into his actions as he cracked an egg. It didn’t take long for the Forger kitchen to fill with the sound of sizzling bacon and for Loid to start plating three meals for the family to enjoy.
As they ate, Loid read the newspaper, occasionally taking sips of his coffee. As Anya was enthusiastically recalling her dream, the phone rang. “I’ll get it,” Loid said with a smile. Picking up the phone, he heard a familiar voice. A voice that he had come to instantly recognize after spending so much time together.
“Hello, Fiona.” He said, actively trying to maintain a tone of normalcy, “What can I do for you?”
“Hello, Mr. Forger. I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time. This isn’t too early for you, is it? And on a weekend too no less. From what I’ve heard, you’ve had trouble sleeping.”
Good morning, Twilight.
H cipher , Twilight thought to himself. “Oh, not at all Fiona! I’ve actually been getting plenty of rest these days, but I appreciate the concern. Is there something I could help you with this morning?”
Nightfall, is there a reason you’ve made contact? Keep in mind that we have specifically been told not to engage each other so as to not further expose ourselves.
“That is reassuring to hear. I understand that some of your projects are complex and can only add to your stress. I can only imagine how exhausted you are, what with raising a young daughter and all.”
I am aware. I am simply calling to confirm Operation Strix’s progress for myself.
“Yes, I suppose it does take a lot out of me, yet I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love spending time with my family. In fact, I feel as if it rejuvenates me. At least, it keeps me motivated to keep on working.”
Operation Strix is progressing, you have no need to intervene.
“ That is wonderful to hear. I was actually calling to inform you of a new project that has been assigned to you. Apparently, we will be working together on this one. I don’t have the details yet, but will let you know soon.”
Handler has paired us together
“Oh? Well, that’s a surprise. I am eager to work with you, I’ll be seeing you on Monday then?”
Understood. Will meet later.
“I look forward to it.”
“Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
“Who was that?” Yor asked after Loid hung up the phone.
“My coworker, Fiona Frost. It appears we may be working together in the near future.”
Yor tensed, bending the fork she held in her hand slightly. “Oh, that sure sounds great. I’m sure you could use all the help you can get.” She smiled, attempting to dissolve the tension in her face.
“That’s right, I hope this means I’ll be able to spend some more time with you and Anya.” He said. Obviously not though. Instead of lightening the load Handler just piled on another dozen or so hours to my schedule. I”m not even getting paid overtime!
Anya looked up at her father, waiting for a moment before saying something, “Papa, are you feeling okay?”
“Thank you, Anya.” He replied, “I’m feeling great. Hey, do you think you’d like to go to the store with me later today?”
“An oot-ing?” Anya brightened.
“Yes, an oo-- outing,” Loid said, correcting himself.
Oo-ting? Seriously Twilight, get it together. He thought, finishing his breakfast as Anya babbled on about the exciting ‘ooting’ that they’d be going on.