Chapter Text
A most unlikely invitation
How did this even happen? How did he let himself get roped into this situation in the first place? And how on earth did he end up inviting Chloe to join him on his sister’s family trip to Himmelstrand? Chloe. Of all people.
After having mourned on the fact for over a week, Yuri ended up accepting this puzzling situation. It wasn’t like he wanted to in the first place, but Chloe had been the first name that came into mind when Yor insisted he should invite one of his friends to the trip. Yor, being the angel that she was, was probably concerned about him not being social enough, saying it out of genuine preoccupation. Yuri scoured. He couldn’t do that to Yor, letting her think that he was still lonely like he used to be. He wanted to let her know he had improved at human interaction, better than in his school years. But evidently, he didn’t think it through— the name had slipped so easily he couldn’t even prepare for the possibility that Yor might get other ideas as soon as she heard the name belonged to a woman.
Yor was so happy about it and he couldn’t take it back. He couldn’t do that to her.
***
Yuri slammed his locker shut, sat down on the room’s bench and fixed his hat, ready to face his pinch. But, before doing so, he needed to plan his words carefully, and prepare the ground to avoid any misunderstanding. He was going to invite Chloe as a friend. It was as simple as that. They'd show up together, have a few small civilized interactions with each other to appease Yor, maybe he could get Chloe to focus on Lotty's daughter– so he could spend more time with his sister, of course– and then they'd go their separate ways until they repeated the cycle for the next three days. Simple enough.
“Aaaahhghhhh” Yuri groaned, slamming his boots unceremoniously. It would have been easy but the task seemed impossible. Chloe and him weren’t even friends. How would he even go about it?
Reluctantly, Yuri entered the office eyes scanning the room for his colleague, but she hadn’t arrived yet. Yuri sighed, taking a deep breath at the fact that he had gained a little bit more time to decide how to approach her. He looked straight at the window, which was letting in some of the summer heat.
“Maybe I should have said Dominic instead,” he said outwardly. Thinking his words had been unnoticed, Yuri sprang up as soon as he felt the contact of another gloved hand on his shoulder.
“Something troubling you, boy?” It was the Captain. It looked as if he hadn't been smoking yet, perhaps because it was barely eight, or perhaps because he was on his monthly quest– which he failed every time— to quit smoking.
“Morning, sir”. Yuri said, trying to force back a smile. Despite the situation at hand, he still sounded lively. It had been a good week for them, low on the field but overall productive. “Not at all sir”. He spoke honestly about that part. He would be able to wind down a bit and he would also be able to spend time with Yor. That’s what he repeated himself over and over again.
“For a while I thought you had some kind of problem on your mind. You’re not this preoccupied about having to spend time with your sister, so it might be something else. Am I right?” The Captain moved back to his seat and carefully took off his jacket, unbuttoning his collar.
“Well…” Yuri began. He was unsure if he wanted to tell his boss about this, but at the same time he had to, now that it had intrigued him. Yuri’s thoughts lingered on letting out some of the details, but finding himself unable to stop himself talking, “Yor wants me to invite a friend to our beach trip. And–”
The door slammed open to Chloe looking chipper, but she dropped her good mood as soon as she noticed Yuri’s scowl. “Mooorning Captain! Ah, Lieutenant. Morning to you too” Chloe said, smiling at his boss and then eyeing Yuri as quickly. Yuri’s throat dried up, and he instinctively frowned and bit back at her greeting.
“Yes, good morning”. He said flatly.
“Ooohh! Someone’s in a bad mood today” she said.
“I-I’m n-not!” Yuri protested, and then, catching a grip, continued the conversation with his boss while Chloe took her jacket and put it on a hanger. Chloe settled into her chair and flicked through some papers, pretending not to care about his antics.
“Yes, Captain. Apparently Forger has won some raffle prizes for a stay in a resort in Himmelstrand. Yor is very excited about it. She always wanted to visit but we never got the chance”, he explained, “and, well they invited me because they won a prize for five people”.
“Three days without Lieutenant Briar? Phew, we might crumble here”. Chloe said sarcastically, forgetting that she was just bluffing at her desk.
“I’m aware that my presence is invaluable, but you’re going to have to figure it out without me, officer”. He said, rolling his eyes, forgetting that he was the one who needed the help. Dammit! Yuri bit the inside of his cheek before his captain could intervene.
“Five people huh? That’s a pretty generous prize don’t you think?” The nameless man chanted. Spot on observation. Giving away a prize like this one was strange but it was less odd than the fact that Lotty seemed to carry good luck with him wherever he went. It was almost… suspicious. “Aah… so that’s why you need someone to come with you… you have an extra invitation I see”. The older man said pensive, eyes darting between his colleagues.
“I better go check if this is correct, excuse me”. Chloe said, getting up from her seat to avoid the lingering gaze of their boss. Rapidly, she closed the door behind her and Yuri let out an exasperated sigh.
“So, a friend, huh” the captain replied, eyes fixed on Yuri’s.
“I don’t have many of those”. Yuri scowled. “Not that I need them or anything! But Yor…”
“I see”. The captain shook his head, almost hopeless, fishing in his pockets for a stray forgotten cigarette. He needed one immediately.
***
Yuri always had a physical reaction to Yor’s absence. If, if, he refused going on this trip, he would probably get sick again, or he’d try to overcompensate with a workload that would put the Director himself to shame. Pondering on the dilemma the entire morning until the next break, Yuri scribbled notes and muttered, excusing himself with lines like “Okay, Yuri. It’s just an invitation. She’s just a coworker. You’ve interrogated spies, dealt with traitors, and kept countless secrets under wraps. This is nothing compared to that. This is just to make Yor happy” only to jump back to “Chloe is my colleague, she’s not my friend” and then back to “But maybe Sis could like her, I just need her not to embarrass me and–”
“Okay, Chloe… I need to ask you something” Yuri spoke aloud, forgetting that half of his words were out of the lock of his mouth.
“Sure Lieutenant, what’s up?” Chloe asked casually, ignoring Yuri’s screech and the turning of his chair.
“I–I” Yuri babbled.
“Are you okay? What do you need me for?” She asked again, this time alarmed, raising her eyebrows at him suspiciously. Yuri exhaled, pacing a little, thankful that they were both alone for the time being. He brushed his hair back, pushing his bangs for a brief second before returning them to conceal his forehead back. He stammered. “So, my sister…” Chloe rolled her eyes at that. “Her husband”, Yuri said with disdain, “they won a family trip. For five people. And, I am going, but uh, she insisted, she said I should bring a friend” he spat awkwardly.
Chloe stared wide eyed, smirking mischievously. “Wait… wait, wait”, she said, taking a step back, before smiling again and holding back a chuckle, “you’re asking… me? Don’t you have any friends?”
“I’m asking because Dominic is busy! Don’t get any funny ideas” He scowled, visibly flustered.
‘So he has one friend at least’ , Chloe reasoned. ‘Wait does this mean I–’
Yuri snapped again. “It’s just for three days. You don’t even have to talk to me much, just show up, pretend we get along, and then do whatever you want. Take it or leave it!” Yuri crossed his arms, looking away, hoping the heat in his head didn’t show like an open lid letting out steam.
Through her eyes, Yuri looked a little more than desperate. How much would she have to pretend? Why her of all people? Chloe thought, tapping her chin, adding to the suspense of the moment, weighing in all the possibilities and outcomes her presence in this trip would help unfold. And, adding to that, she also had to admit she had a sordid fascination for wanting to learn more about Yuri, and meeting Yor, for which he did everything. That should be interesting enough, even more so at the opportunity to tease Yuri for three days.
“You want me to help you convince your sister that… you’re normal enough to have friends?” Chloe laughed, only to see how much he could break at her incredulousness.
“It’s not like that! She just… she worries too much. I’m doing this for her, not for me”.
“Uh-huh, and you picked me because…?” Chloe said, pondering on the outcomes of her saying no. If she refused, she would probably have to deal with him being more irritated when he came back, but if she agreed, she would have the chance to see what Yuri Briar was outside of work, and that was too good to pass up for… personal reasons. Would he be just as stuffy like on the job? Or would he be totally endearing showing his loyalty to his sister? She needed to know. Besides, she could totally use a free trip to a resort. “Alright, Lieutenant. I’ll go. But only because I wanna meet this Yor who is the world's kindest sister. She probably thinks you’re a total recluse!”
Yuri bristled through his teeth. “I don’t need your pity! You better not ruin this trip for her!”
“Sure, sure,” Chloe laughed. “So, when do we leave?”
***
After days in preparation for this potential disaster, as Yuri referred to his conundrum, the fateful day arrived at last. Yuri arrived at the train station way earlier than expected because of the anticipation. Three days with his sweet sister, the chihuahua girl, that damned Forger and now, Chloe.
Yuri checked his watch dutifully to make sure he was on time, but with each second that passed the possibility of Chloe arriving late set him on edge. It was very possible, and he had forgotten the fact in all fright to have her agree to this. The fact that he had his bags perfectly packed, the way he was dressed like this was a work assignment, meant nothing if she was going to arrive fashionably late. And as expected, she did. She swung into his eyesight wearing a casual, breezy vacation attire, a sunny yellow dress, carrying a haphazardly packed bag.
“Wow, Lieutenant. Are you on vacation or a business trip?” Chloe snickered.
“Unlike others, I like to be prepared”. Yuri snapped back, oblivious to the Forgers’ approaching from behind. His heart raced at the sound of his niece yelling and pointing at him, screaming at the top of her lungs as Yor waved, and Loid Forger sighed, yelling back at the little demon.
“You look like a married couple!” Anya spat, making Chloe burst out laughing. Yuri frantically denied it.
“You little ch–”
“Yuri!” Yor pitched, beaming heartily at them as she approached, her smile radiant as always, perfectly poised and dressed for the occasion. Beside her, Forger handled their luggage with practiced ease, looking as steady as ever, but deep down just as exhausted as him. Yuri huffed, eyes darting back at his niece, trying to glare as a warning not to make these types of comments in front of Yor, but forgetting right away as soon as she lit up, making his demeanor softening at her presence. To this, Anya burped, and Chloe raised her brow at Yuri’s contrasting reaction. “I’m glad you could make it, Yuri! This must be Chloe!” Yor offered gleefully.
“Hello! You must be Yuri’s family. It’s very nice to meet you” Chloe said, absorbing Yuri’s sister's sparkling gaze at her. As she stepped forward, Yor clutched her hands together.
“It’s so wonderful to meet one of Yuri’s friends! He doesn’t talk much about them so this is a treat!” Yor said, reaching for Chloe’s hand and shaking it warmly. Chloe fluttered back, taken aback at her politeness. Watching this, Yuri almost disintegrated, becoming one with the ground.
Loid observed the exchange with sharpened eyes, picking up immediately on the subtle tension in Yuri’s posture and the calculated charm of his ‘friend’. He straightened his collar, let out a deep sigh, feigned a smile and silently remarked, ‘She’s an SSS officer too…’
Anya squealed excitedly between them, but quickly straightened her face, feigning nonchalance . ‘Unkie’s friend is another of papa’s enemies? This trip is going to be so exciting!’ She gawked until picking up on her uncle’s friends' thoughts.
‘This is going to be interesting. His sister seems sweet enough, his brother in law looks too rigid but he’s polite, and this little girl! She’s so cute!’
Anya grinned between all the adults. “Heh”.
“What is that face for?” Loid asked Anya, subtlety.
“Papa must have fun this time. Anya will make sure of that”. She cackled devilishly.
***
After their greetings and introductions, the Forgers plus two moved into the designated platform. Forger and Yor engaged in some lighthearted conversation about the destination, mentioning highlights of their previous family trips, with Yuri nearly falling into a medically induced coma by the way he was shooting daggers at his brother in law’s neck. Yuri trailed after them, almost as if he was following a suspect, leaving Chloe to smile and walk along with Anya, both of them glancing back at him with a playful grin. Both giggled and held hands, making Yuri sigh defeatedly. He can already feel this is going to be a disaster.
Three days with her . What have I gotten myself into?
Day One: Room for WHO?
The resort was a well known luxury place near the shores of Himmelstrand. Upon arrival, Chloe marvelled at the monumental architecture, exquisite detailing on a castle-like main building followed by several smaller ones, none less impressive than the other. Yuri was already restless, having survived a four-hour journey from Berlint in a noisy carriage, with Chloe and Anya playing board games while Yor rested comfortably and Lotty concentrated on his book. The thought of getting off the train and into a decent bed comforted him more than anything else, well not more than knowing that his dear sister was with him, probably happy to be spending these days with him as well. But, Yuri should have realized from the start that his luck wasn't going to be on his side.
“WHAT?! NO WAY!? I’M NOT STAYING IN THE SAME ROOM AS–” Yuri yelled, half jumping at the reception desk. Chloe reached out to pull him down, grabbing his shirt, while Yor tried to stay calm, looking to Loid for guidance.
“Yuri… I’m sure there’s some sort of misunderstanding here, there’s no need to make a fuss!” Chloe said, regrettably. She should have known something like this could happen.
“But Yor…” Yuri cried with snot dripping out of his nose, half alleviated by the fact that Yor was trying to talk in his defense. Yes, only she could set this mistake right, he thought.
“Ah! Excuse me, Miss receptionist… Is there any chance that we could have another room for our reservation?” Yor tried in a meek voice.
“I’m deeply sorry Mrs. Forger, but our reservation only includes one family room, and another one for your guests”. The receptionist cleared, trying her best to smile through Yuri’s piercing glare. Loid also smiled, trying to contain the situation with his usual tactics.
“We understand” Loid interjected, “but, there’s no chance you can look if there’s another one available. We could pay the difference and–”
“No! There’s no need to Mr. Forger! We can handle this, please don’t pay attention to Yuri” Chloe said, waving her hands in a peace offering.
‘Believe me I wish…’ Loid thought inwardly. Anya perked at this, rubbing her hands together and tugging on Yor’s dress, pulling her down to whisper in her mother’s ear.
“Mama, can Unkie’s friend be my auntie?” Anya asked, making Yor blush and coo excitedly, her mind racing at the prospect. Growing up together, and living through all his phases, Yuri had always been the one who wanted Yor to be happy. Yuri didn’t have any more friends aside from Dominic, and the knowledge of Chloe's existence gave her a hopeful feeling in her chest, now optimistic that maybe this way Yuri would be distracted enough not to notice the sham of her marriage. Besides, Chloe seemed like a nice person, willing to scowl at Yuri when necessary, not to mention strikingly pretty. So it was decided, Yor thought. She would help Yuri in his search for said happiness. Anya beamed at her and Yor made a silent gesture, a secret between mother and daughter for the sake of their family trip.
Anya saluted wickedly. ‘Let the operation lovey dovey for Unkie begin!’
***
Having sorted out the room situation, the group found themselves strolling through the lobby. On their way to their luggage, they stopped just in front of the bellboy as he introduced himself. Yuri tranquilized himself after learning that his room with Chloe was one with two separate beds, and that the family room also had beds for each of the guests. Thinking that was the extent of his problems, he finally noticed that something was wrong.
Yuri scanned the bags in the cart, scurried around them, frowned and said, “Wait. Where’s my suitcase?” He stepped closer, as if it would magically appear.
Confused, the bellboy spoke. “Sir, this is everything from the car”.
“No, it’s not!” Yuri said, his voice rising slightly. “My case isn’t here! It’s black, medium sized and has my name tag on it!”
“Oh, come on, Yuri. Didn’t you say you were always prepared back there at the station? Did you leave it there? Or maybe your luggage had its own destination in mind away from you” she teased, only to be glared at by him.
“That’s not funny. I don’t lose stuff. Someone else did! It’s probably all your fault!” Yuri spat, pointing at her as the receptionist approached the group apologetically, smiling nervously. Noticing the outburst, she checked into her records and tried to explain.
“Excuse me. I apologize for this confusion. I was checking my records”. Hearing this, Yuri prepared for the worst. No, he was going to arrest and execute the person who had lost his suitcase. This wasn’t going to stay like this. The receptionist shivered. “Your luggage was mistakenly sent to another resort nearby. We will contact them immediately and arrange for it to be returned. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience”.
“I’ll get you a–” Yuri warned before he was interrupted. Loid sighed. ‘He was going to say arrested, wasn’t he?’ Meanwhile, Yor rested her palm on Yuri’s shoulder, instantly reassuring him. An impressed Chloe added.
“He apologizes, he’s just probably exhausted from the journey”. Yuri side eyed her as she apologized on his behalf.
Yuri began to mumble. “What’s next? An alien invasion?”
Yor tried again. “It’s just a little mistake, Yuri. Your luggage will be here soon. And in the meantime, you can borrow some of Loid's clothes!”
Loid nodded, trying to keep his face from Yuri’s killer eyes. “I’m sure I have something that will fit. Let’s not let this spoil the fun of the trip”.
Yuri pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered. “This trip is already doomed…”
‘
Unkie is so funny when he’s angry. He’ll look wacky in Papa’s clothes…’ Anya giggled.
***
Loid had arranged their dinner reservations at the resort. Chloe had changed awfully quickly and left Yuri back at their room, anything to get away from his terrible mood. She sat at the table next to Anya, waiting for Yuri to finally appear so that their waiter could take on their order.
“Why is Unkie taking so long?” Anya chimed, playing resoundingly with the cutlery which Yor promptly moved away from her fingers.
“He will be here soon Anya, please, let’s relax”. Loid answered.
It was funny how of all the times Yuri had accused Chloe of being late, he was the one in the spotlight now. Chloe laughed, thinking about it while Yuri’s pretty little niece beamed at her, and then snapped her eyes back, noticing that Yuri had finally come out of their room, wearing one of Loid’s button-down shirts, and his green sweater with that funny lapel. It looked too big on his shoulders, in addition to the casual pants that didn't quite fit. Yuri tugged at his collar, clearly uncomfortable.
Chloe laughed. “You... look…”
“Say another word and I'll go back and have you e–” Yuri said, flushing red and snarling.
Yor cheered, trying to reassure her brother. “You look great, Yuri!”
Behind his drink, Loid tried to swallow a smirk and added, “It’s only temporary. Your luggage should be here in the morning”.
Yuri puffed, sitting down in the empty seat, oblivious to Chloe saving a glance at him. Perhaps she was having too much fun poking fun at his misery. He noticed, glared back and breathed a little too casually, “What are you looking at?”
' Never mind... That guy's grumpy in and out of work...' Chloe thought.
Anya looked between them, glumly, before pulling Yor to her and saying to her. “Mama, this isn’t working!”
“Don’t worry Miss Anya, tomorrow we will have a new day to make them smile. Let’s enjoy our evening, shall we?” Yor pointed out confidently.
“Oui”. Anya said.
‘What is that girl whispering to my dear sis? Oh, she better not give Yor any ideas about… no! Calm down, Yuri. You’ve been glaring all day long, you need to be polite! Yes. Chivalry! I will show Yor I’m a good friend to Chloe. She will be proud of me’ . Yuri thought while making a strange face, weirding out Chloe in the process.
Loid interrupted, curiosity brimming from his lips. “Miss Chloe, I’m sure Yor wants to ask you herself, but I am a little intrigued about how long you’ve known Yuri. If you don’t mind me asking”
‘That's right, yes!’ Yuri thought, slipping in his answer before Chloe could speak, ‘This is the perfect chance to explain that I wasn't all alone back then’.
“We graduated from the same university,” Yuri said matter-of-factly.
“I was his upperclassman, actually,” Chloe interrupted, giving Yuri a mischievous look, knowing how much that fact still irked him. Yuri glared again.
“Oooh! Yuri, you didn’t tell me you knew each other from way back!” Yor said, her eyes shining with hope at the new information.
“R-Right! Well I didn’t know anyone at the time and Chloe here was kind enough to introduce herself…” Yuri stuttered. Chloe raised her brow and quickly grasped what was happening. This guy was trying to talk himself up! And on top of that, talking about how friendly he seemed when it was the exact opposite. Yor leaned on the table, and listened intently to her little brother, making Chloe regret being so hard on Yuri. Chloe soured, remembering that she was there for a reason.
“Actually... Yuri doesn’t like to talk about it,” Chloe began. Yuri snapped his head to hers, confused, anxious to hear what would come out of his colleague’s mouth. Yuri tensed, gripping the cloth napkin in his lap, holding his breath at the prospect of Chloe saying something outrageous. “We didn’t talk much back then. He was pretty rude to me,” she said with a nostalgic smile.
‘Sounds about right,’ Loid thought as he sipped a glass of wine. ‘I don’t sense any lies in her tone, so there’s some truth to this said friendship’ . Yuri jumped in his seat, eyes narrowed and intense. Chloe continued.
“But, his heart’s in the right place,” Yor’s heart leaped at Chloe’s words, stealing glances with Anya, who was also smiling brightly. “I know because one day, he tried to defend me from a bunch of hoodlums outside the library… Yuri ran towards me and gave them a piece of his mind! That was very brave of him. And I appreciate it”.
“Uh. Right. They were calling you names, I couldn’t let them get away with that”. Yuri spat honestly, even if the event had gone a little differently in his memory. Anya pictured it clearly– he had run towards Miss Chloe, throwing his books aside as he watched her single-handedly finish off each and every one of those thugs, kicking them and making them run before Yuri could even say a word. Anya’s eyes widened. ‘Auntie Chloe is so cool!!!’
Everyone at the table smiled, looking at them with a joyful disposition, even though this whole day had been terrible for Yuri. A warm feeling settled in his chest, one which he tried to drown with a drink from his cup, making him think that maybe he could survive this journey. 'Huh'. He mused with a half smile.
One day down, two to go.