Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“...and what about you, Loid?” said Yor, gripping the railing tightly at the hillside overlook park. She stared below at the townspeople, avoiding Loid's face entirely. She was afraid that his face would reveal something she wasn’t ready to see.

"Huh? Oh…I would very much appreciate it as well," said Loid with a comforting smile. But something was off about that smile….something maybe even a little ingenuine.

Yor took a second to pause. It was hard to explain exactly how she was feeling to Loid. How could she word something so new? Something she had no idea was mutual.

And just then as Yor was about to say something -

“Ah ha!” said Camila, charging towards them. “There you are, you little freak!”

Both Yor and Loid jumped. Sharon and Millie followed on Camila’s heels. Yor’s coworkers stood facing the couple with accusing looks. 

How did they catch us?” Loid thought. Am I really off my game this much? And these are civilians! But then again…. Loid glanced over at Yor. Yor and I were having a rather intense conversation. It makes it a little less ideal to pay attention to your surroundings.

“Oh, Camila,” said Yor. “It’s so nice that all my coworkers could go on a walk today.”

“Can it, Yor,” said Camila, pointing a finger at her. “We saw you with that hunky guy.” A sly, mischievous smile developed across her lips.

“Um…..hunky guy?” Yor said, confused.

“The tall, blond man with the gorgeous head of long hair,” said Millie. 

Yor jumped. Surely, they hadn't seen me with Hemlock! He vowed that he hadn’t been followed! I knew it was too risky to meet in public!, she thought. 

She started panicking. Oh no. Oh no. What can I say? I’ve never been too good at lying. She looked over at Loid who, though looked calm, was also looking at Yor with curiosity. 

“You’re trying to think of an excuse, aren’t you?” said Camila, with her arms crossed. “There’s only one reason a woman would meet up with a man secretly, behind an alleyway, and not tell her husband.” 

“Yeah,” said Sharon. “And that one reason is that she’s cheating on him!”

Yor gasped. “No, no, no,” she said. “I would never cheat on Loid!”

“Then explain it,” said Camila. “Who was that guy?”

Yor gulped. She looked nervously at this group of women who were looking at her accusingly. She glanced at Loid, whose face now had a small frown. She had to come up with something quick.

“He’s my old self-defense instructor!” she blurted out.

“Oh?” said Loid with curiosity.

“Yes,” said Yor. “I wanted to brush up my skills recently so I decided to take another class.”

“If he’s just your self-defense instructor, why were you meeting up with him so secretly?” said Millie.

“I…didn’t tell Loid because….” said Yor, thinking quickly on her feet. “I know fighting isn’t a trait admired in wives and mothers, and I didn’t want him to think I was focusing more on learning self-defense than I was on my real weaknesses….like cooking.”

Camila furrowed her brow. She’s actually making sense… thought Camila.

“But then why was he giving you a gift?” said Shanon. “Not many self-defense instructors will meet their students behind an alley way and give them a present.” 

Wow, I can’t believe they saw that too, thought Yor. 

She decided to go with the truth. “He gave me….some medicine,” she said. She pulled out the paper bag to show the salve. “It’s homemade medicine used to treat sore muscles.” She looked over at Loid who was looking at her intrigued. “That’s why I’ve been a little off today. I haven’t been feeling well. That last self-defense lesson really took it out of me.”

Oh so that’s why she was in such a sour mood. It all makes sense now! thought Loid.

Loid smiled. “Yor, you don’t have to keep your self-defense lessons a secret.” Yor smiled back. “And I’d argue that self-defense is a great skill to have as a mother! Anya feels so safe and protected, because of how good you are at defending her from harm.”

Yor’s smile lit up. “Thank you, Loid.”

Had she gotten away with it? Loid seemed convinced. But what about the others? Yor thought.

She looked over at Camila, and noticed she still looked suspicious. “Hmmm, something’s still not right,” Camila said.

“And you’re just going to believe her?” said Camila, pointing a finger at Loid.

Loid smiled. “Of course,” he said. “I trust Yor completely."

Camila’s eyes darted back and forth from Loid and Yor, her mind quickly thinking.

“If it were me, I’d still be a little suspicious,” said Camila. “And you know what, I want to know more about this self-defense instructor. Bring him to my Christmas party.”

Yor was taken aback. “The Christmas party? But I already have a plus one - my husband.”

“No matter,” said Camila. “You can have two plus ones.  And there at the party, I can see exactly what kind of relationship you have with him.”

And with that she stormed off, with Sharon and Millie following behind her.

Yor suddenly noticed that she had been sweating bullets. That was intense, she thought. And now she had to bring Hemlock to Camila’s Christmas party? She groaned. She had to find a way to get out of it.

Beside her, Loid’s mind was also reeling.

Did Yor purposely keep him in the dark about her self-defense teacher because…. thought Loid. In Camila’s words….she thought he was a hunk?

No, said Loid, his eyes narrowing. Remember when she was taking that cooking class with Camila. She kept that a secret from me too.

“I guess we should be heading home,” said Yor hesitantly. 

“Sure, Yor,” said Loid. “Unless…you wanted to continue the conversation we were having.”

“No, no,” said Yor. “I’m pretty tired.” Camila’s interrogation really drained me. And what I wanted to tell Loid is going to take a lot of effort and determination. I need to be at peak energy for that.

Loid was still deep in thought. But what if her coworkers had actually noticed something romantic between her and this self-defense instructor? What if Yor was secretly interested in this guy, and that’s why she asked me how much longer our arrangement would last? Because she did want to get out of it!

No, during the conversation, it actually seemed like she wanted the arrangement to last longer. But what if she was testing the waters to see if she could pursue something with this new guy, while still continuing our fake marriage. Could that even be a viable avenue to explore? I hadn’t given much thought into what would happen if Yor wanted to find love with someone else. Would it be wrong to deprive her of a real relationship just for the sake of this fake marriage?

“You sure?” said Loid. “There isn’t anything else you wanted to talk about?”

“No,” said Yor.

Loid still felt like he should ask. It was hard to get the words out. The question on his lips felt needy. But why? He was just asking so that he could get a good handle on Operation Strix. It was important to know where Yor’s head was at about their arrangement. “Now that it’s just the two of us….do you have feelings for this man?”

Yor flinched. “Oh my God, Loid. No. Absolutely not. I’m 100% committed to our marriage!” she said.

Loid frowned. “But we do have a fake marriage. So if there ever was someone you were interested in…you could tell me about them.”

Yor felt a lurch in her stomach. Loid was ok with her having feelings for someone else? Does that mean… Her frown deepened.

“No,” said Yor, sadly.

She started walking ahead. “Let’s just get home.”

Chapter Text

“I can’t believe I have to go to this stupid party,” groaned Hemlock, with his elbow on the table, leaning his face on his fist.

Yor, Hemlock, Mr. Machcolm, and Gympie sat around a round table in the Garden’s gazebo, surrounded by flowers and wildlife. They were having lunch together after their meeting with The Shopkeeper.

Yor had explained the situation to The Shopkeeper, and asked him if it was okay for Hemlock to come to the party. The Shopkeeper was displeased that they had gotten caught meeting secretly, but he rightfully put the blame on Hemlock. Ambushing Yor while she was on a date with her husband? Hemlock should have known better...or been more careful.  

The Shopkeeper agreed that it was probably better for the organization for this misunderstanding to be resolved as quickly as possible. The SSS was known for arresting women who had committed adultery, and he wanted Yor to be free from all suspicion. And Hemlock did have a civilian identity, so it was possible that it was just his civilian self meeting Yor Forger in the street that day.

“I tried to get you out of it,” said Yor. “I told Camila that you were busy and couldn’t make it. But she said if you don’t come, she’s going to find that really suspicious. She said it’ll be proof that I’m really hiding something!”

“I don’t think you tried hard enough,” said Hemlock.

“Besides, this is all your fault,” said Yor. “You were followed! You weren’t careful enough giving me the salve. Now, even my husband is a little suspicious.”

Mr. Machcolm raised his eyebrows. “...really?” he asked.

Yor fidgeted. “Well…he asked me if I had feelings for Hemlock. I told him, ‘of course not’...but just the fact that he asked…” Yor trailed off.

“It makes you think he doesn’t trust you,” said Mr. Macholm.

“I don't know…” said Yor. “But I have to make him realize that this is all a big misunderstanding! So Hemlock, during the party, you have to make sure both my husband and Camila believe me. We aren’t having an affair, and you’re just my self-defense teacher.”

“Pffft, like I would ever date someone like you,” said Hemlock. Everyone’s heads turned to look at him. “Like...I would ever date anyone, period! I can’t believe this! This is going to ruin my precious solitude! And in turn, affect how lethal I am!”

“I would love to be invited to a party,” said Gympie. “It could give me a chance to meet new people…..maybe even a cute boy….”

Hemlock rolled his eyes. “Don’t you see what merry-making-out gets you? You end up a weaker assassin AND you take your coworkers down with you! Now, I’ll become weaker because of her bad choices. I’m forced to pause my solitude and mingle with a bunch of strangers! This hurts everyone!”

###

Franky handed Loid the file. “Elliot Jones, your wife’s hunky fitness instructor."

Loid glared at him. 

“What? Camila was right…he’s quite the looker,” teased Franky, in a sing-songy voice.

Loid opened the file to see a small picture of Hemlock aka Elliot Jones, his civilian identity. He squinted at the photo. “What are you all saying? He looks like an average man.”

“Yeah,” said Franky. “An average man who’s about to steal your wife.”

“Knock it off,” said Loid. “What information did you get on him?”

“So Elliot Jones. He lives alone. He's described by his neighbors as a bit of a loner. He never speaks to them, and he never has people over. He works from home writing articles for a magazine,” said Frankly.

“A writer?” said Loid. “Where is he politically?”

“Well, he’s not very political in his writings. But they all have one major theme. The importance of being alone,” said Franky. “He’s kind of a weirdo. He says being lonely, and not having many friends or loved ones is a blessing in disguise. He writes article after article about how only by being alone can you master any skill you care about. Only by being alone can you devote 100% attention to being the best artist, or best fighter. What Yor said about martial arts also checks out. He’s mentioned being a better fighter by being alone.”

“Hmmmm,” said Loid. “Interesting.”

“He’s also always touting the health benefits of being alone as well,” Franky said. “The newspaper he writes for is geared toward lonely, young men and touts a lot of misinformation.”

“That is misinformation,” said Loid. “As a psychiatrist, everything I’ve read, and seen in my practice shows that the healthiest people are the ones with a robust and caring support system. It’s dangerous of him to spread these lies.”

Franky shrugged. “While reading his writing, I was a little inspired by him. I almost wished I could be like him.” Loid looked at him in disbelief. “That I could be a strong, stoic man who doesn’t need anyone. But I’m just such a lover boy!” continued Franky, with hearts in his eyes.  “I just couldn’t say no to women! They are just everything to me!”

“Right…” said Loid deadpan.

“HEY DON’T YOU DARE JUDGE ME! SOON WE’LL BOTH BE SINGLE”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Loid, waving him off, and walking away with the file.

###

“Wait!” said Franky, catching up to him. “Wait.” Loid stopped walking, and turned toward him. “In all seriousness, I did want to ask you - what do you think about all this? About Yor meeting up with this guy in secret?”

“I don’t know… " he said. He looked over at Franky, who looked genuinely interested. Loid wasn’t used to having friends to share his troubles with. As a spy, being too vocal about what is in your head could get you killed. But Franky wasn’t a “friend.” He was his ally and informant. And sharing his thoughts on Operation Strix to his ally felt okay.

“That day, when I first found out about all this, Yor was acting so weird. She was asking me all these questions about our future, and questions about how long our marriage will last. And I got the feeling that there was something she wasn’t telling me…”

“And then all this information about Elliot got dropped on me on the same day. It’s confusing," said Loid.

“Hmmm…something she’s not telling you?” said Franky “Do you think she could actually be having an affair with this guy?”

“No,” said Loid. “She would never jeopardize being found out by the SSS. That’s the whole reason she even entered into our agreement.”

“Hmmmm…what if she actually has feelings for him?” said Franky. 

Loid frowned and looked away. “But if that’s the case, then it would be a non-issue. Our marriage is fake. Yor’s allowed to like someone else. And during our talk, it seemed like Yor wanted to continue the marriage, which means Operation Strix is safe. So there’s nothing to be worried about.”

“So if Yor did have a secret crush on this guy,” said Franky. “You’d be ok with it?” 

Loid couldn’t look Franky in the eyes, so he looked off into the distance. 

“Yes,” said Loid. “Of course. I am okay with it.” 

But there was an uncomfortable pause after this answer. 

Loid refused to look over at Franky.

“As a spy…” said Franky. 

“....you have to keep your feelings out of it,” said Loid. “I know.”

Chapter Text

The day of Camilla’s Christmas Party was here. 

Loid was wearing a baby blue sweater with a snow flakes pattern. Yor was wearing a different red dress than usual - this one was fluffier and had white cuffs at the wrists.

“I finished brewing the tea,” said Yor. 

“And I just finished setting up the table with the biscuits,” said Loid. 

“We’re finally done,” said Yor, breathing a sigh of relief. She sat down on the couch.

Anya was dancing around. “I’m so excited to meet Mama’s secret friend!” she sang.

“Don’t call him that!” said Loid. He massaged his temples. This was so stressful. He didn’t know why but he was so…uneasy. Who was this man, that everyone seemed to imply Yor had a thing for? He looked over at Yor, and noticed she also looked nervous.

“Are you nervous?” asked Loid.

“No!” said Yor quickly. She was very jumpy. “Why would I be nervous? I have nothing to hide!” 

Well that was convincing , thought Loid, sarcastically. He took a deep breath. How is she going to convince her coworkers that she isn’t having an affair?

Loid frowned deepened. This was hopeless.

No, I have to keep my feelings out of it for the sake of the mission. And today’s only objective: Convince Yor’s coworkers that this marriage is normal, loving, and real. Show that I trust Yor 100%, and that Elliot is just her self-defence teacher - nothing more. They can do this.

“We can do this,” said Loid to Yor. He sat closer to her on the couch, and turned to face her.

He eyed her hand for a second. Usually when he had deep talks with Yor, he would take her hand in his. But he had noticed that Yor would get really unsettled when he had done that previously - and it sometimes resulted in him getting a kick to the chin. So he kept his hands to himself this time. He had something important to say, and he didn’t want to distract Yor any more than necessary. 

He chose not to hold my hand , Yor thought with a twinge in her stomach.

Loid looked her in the eyes. “I trust you completely so it isn’t me you have to convince. All we have to do is convince your coworkers, and we are golden. That’s our only agenda.”

Yor gulped. “Right,” she said. She paused. She looked into his eyes, and Loid felt a sudden burst of closeness.  “I don’t have to convince you?” she asked, shakily, searching his eyes.

“No, you don’t,” said Loid, in a low voice. “I believe you.”

“You believed me when I said I don’t have feelings for him?” said Yor.

Loid flinched just a millimeter. But he caught himself quickly in the act, and put a stop to it. “Yes, I believe you,” he said, continuing to look into her eyes.

Yor breathed a sign of relief. “I’m so glad.”

Loid smiled. And settled more comfortably in his seat.

“Mama and Papa are flirting,” said Anya.

“NO WE ARE NOT,” said Loid and Yor in unison.

But as they sat there, Loid and Yor realized that they both had a second, secret agenda. 

“I have to play the part of a trusting husband. No one can know that I might be having doubts,” Loid thought.

“I have to make sure Loid believes me that I don’t have feelings for Hemlock,” Yor thought.

The doorbell rang.

Loid and Yor looked at each other.

“Um, I’ll get it,” said Yor, standing up. When Yor opened the door, it was Franky at the door.

“Scruffy-head!” said Anya. 

“Hi, Franky,” said Yor. “Thanks for baby-sitting.”

“My pleasure,” said Franky.

Loid pulled him to the side. “Why are you here so early?”

“I wanted to meet Elliot,” said Franky, with a mischievous smile.

Loid rolled his eyes. “Fine, sure, whatever.”

“How are you feeling?” asked Franky. “Is the anticipation killing you?”

“No, I’m fine,” said Loid. “Yor, on the other hand, looks very nervous.”

Franky peeked his head out to look at her. Yor sat on the couch, her fingers interlaced, looking like her mind was going a million miles per minute.

“That does not look good for you,” said Franky.

“Okay, now you’re making me nervous,” said Loid.

The doorbell rang again. Yor and Loid’s eyes met from across the room. They both knew that it was time. Loid gave her a comforting look. Yor nodded, accepting it.

Yor opened the door, and Hemlock stood there. He was wearing the same outfit he always wore - a long, black coat with a collared shirt and visible tie.

“Hi He-” said Yor. She cleared her throat. “Hi, Elliot. Nice to see you could make it.”

“Sure,” said Hemlock, curtly.

“Come on in,” said Yor. Loid walked over. “This is my husband, Loid. Loid, this is…Elliot,” she said.

Loid extended his hand. For a second, Hemlock shot Yor a look that said, “I can’t believe you are making me do this.” But he had been ordered by the shopkeeper to be at least semi-normal today. So although he had just hesitated, he eventually got the idea, and extended his arm to shake his.

Loid took a second to observe Elliot. He looked exactly like the picture Franky put in his file. He was tall…but not taller than him. He had long, blond hair that looked like it was cut with one single blade. Loid had spent some time reading the articles Elliot had written, and remembered that he had mentioned he stopped going to the barbershop in pursuit of his solitude lifestyle. Loid still didn’t classify him as much of a hunk….sure, he was fit…but that was expected of a martial arts expert.

“Nice to meet you,” said Loid, in his most charming voice. “Hope it wasn’t much trouble finding the place?”

“It was fine,” said Hemlock.

Loid took a brief millisecond to observe Yor and Hemlock standing next to each other. They didn’t seem to have any obvious chemistry. In fact, Yor was leaning away from him, and Elliot didn’t care to give her that much of his attention. 

Maybe I’m in the clear , thought Loid. 

In the clear for what though? Like I had previously reasoned - if Yor is still committed to the fake marriage, it didn’t matter if the two of them had something going on. It wouldn’t affect the mission.

“Let me get your coat,” said Loid.

“And this is Anya,” said Yor.

“Hi, nice to meet you,” said Anya, in an energetic voice. Hemlock returned her enthusiasm with a blank stare.

Children are also part of this ordeal?, Hemlock muttered to himself.

Franky walked over. “Hi, I’m Franky, Loid’s friend and sometimes baby-sitter!” he said, also extending an arm to shake his. 

Ugh, I’m meeting too many people. This will infect my fortress of solitude in such terrible ways, Hemlock thought.

Four tress of sol-i-tood?? , thought Anya.

“Nice to meet you,” said Hemlock robotically. 

“Please sit down,” said Loid to Hemlock. They all took their seats around the living room table. “Would you like some tea and biscuits?” said Loid, offering him a plate.

“No thanks,” said Hemlock, in the same dull voice.

Yor laughed nervously. “Please excuse Elliot - he doesn’t spend much time with others.” 

Franky’s intelligence was correct , thought Loid. If I didn’t have this information, I might have thought he was purposely giving me the third-degree.

“So I’ve heard you are Yor’s self defence teacher? You’re doing an amazing job, Yor’s a great fighter,” said Loid, giving her a sweet smile.

“Yup…” said Hemlock. 

He’s responding so curtly to everything I say! thought Loid. I know it is just a part of his personality. How should I go about this? I usually engage people in friendly conversation. But I’m not sure this guy wants that.

“Do you like what you do?” said Loid.

“Oh, I love teaching Yor how to be a better fighter,” said Hemlock.  “She’s got a lot to learn….”

Yor glared at him. I just beat you in a fight a few days ago! I proved you were the weaker assassin! 

He’s an assassin!? gasped Anya, in her head. That’s why he’s Mama’s secret friend. He’s her assassin friend!

“Mama’s my self-defence teacher!” chirped Anya. “And she’s great!”

“Awwww, thank you Anya,” said Yor with a smile, patting her head.

“So what do you do for a living?” asked Franky, already knowing the answer.

“I write,” said Hemlock, curtly. Yor was taken aback. She didn’t know that.

“Write what?” asked Loid.

“Articles about self-improvement,” said Hemlock. “How to be a better fighter, better person….just better in general.” 

“I’d like to hear more,” said Loid, with a cheerful smile, sounding very interested. “I’m always looking for ways to improve.”

“Well…,” said Hemlock. “About solitude…it’s very important…” 

Hemlock started to talk about his philosophy on how only by being alone can you be at your most powerful. Loid continued to be his charming self. Smiling at his explanation, nodding at the appropriate times, and even….agreeing with him at times.

“You know…” said Loid. “That thought has crossed my mind as well. When you have less attachments to people, you have less vulnerabilities - which makes you stronger.” 

For a moment, Loid remembered how he almost lost that fight with Yuri because of his association with Yor. He had put such an important mission in jeopardy - if Wheeler had succeeded, many WISE agents would have had their cover blown. And let’s not forget, he almost died because of it.

“Exactly!” said Hemlock, excitedly. Loid continued to let Hemlock talk. Yor looked in shock as Hemlock actually seemed to be opening up.

The best way to get someone to trust you, is for you to be interested in the things they are interested in, thought Loid.

“Yor doesn't agree with me,” continued Hemlock. “She’s all like “I can’t stop kissing my husband,” every time I tell her that being alone will make her a better fighter.”

Franky snickered. Yor turned a bright shade of red. “I never said that to him, Loid!” she exclaimed. 

Wow, Yor’s actually very good at keeping our cover story , thought Loid. If she’s been telling Elliot that we have such an affectionate relationship.

“It’s okay, Yor. I’m glad you’d rather kiss me,“ said Loid, with a sweet smile. “You’re plenty strong to begin with - you don’t need to sacrifice our love to get stronger.”

“Ugh,” said Hemlock. Everyone turned to look at him. Loid raised an eyebrow. Was that ‘ugh’ jealousy about Yor and I’s relationship? 

“Sorry, I just don’t believe in relationships,” Hemlock continued.

“Does that mean you’ve never dated anyone?” asked Franky, grinning.

“No,” said Hemlock, with his eyebrows furrowed. “And I would never want to.”

“Never?” asked Franky. “What about a kiss? Have you had a first kiss?”

Hemlock blushed. 

Loid sensing that Hemlock had started to grow uncomfortable said, “Ah, let’s not ask such personal questions. Please, continue with what you were saying, Elliot."

Hemlock perked up, and continued listing all the evidence he had gathered about his theory on solitude. Loid noted that everything he mentioned came from dubious sources. As Hemlock talked, he looked happy. He seemed to enjoy sharing his worldly views. It was odd to see someone so against socializing, enjoying socializing.

Hemlock relaxed into this seat. “You know, maybe I will take some biscuits,” said Hemlock. He took a bite. “Ohhhh, I’ve had this before! This is the same flavor you usually bring to lunch!”

Yor, Loid, and Franky froze. 

Yor tried to give Hemlock a “what are you doing?,” look. Hemlock shrugged his shoulders at first, but then realization dawned on his face that he had messed up.

Oh no, Hemlock just revealed we have lunch together. Not just once, but several times, thought Yor.

Yor, Hemlock, and the rest of her The Garden coworkers had practiced Yor and Hemlock’s story multiple times. And this was not a part of it.

Hemlock had accidentally revealed the truth. It’s true that Yor, Hemlock and the rest of her Garden coworkers would sometimes have lunch time meetings where they would eat lunch together. So Hemlock did correctly remember the biscuits. 

But the cover story was that Elliot and Yor only meet up once in a while to train. This is what she had told Loid. And it was never at lunch time.

Yor glanced at Loid. Loid’s jaw had tensed up, and he looked almost frozen.

“Oh….um…” said Loid. His mind had gone blank.

Get yourself together, Twilight , thought Loid. What am I doing? It feels like my brain just stopped working.

Loid tried to say something, but nothing was coming out. 

I’m really losing my edge , thought Loid.

Franky looked at Loid with apprehension, and decided to continue in his place. “You two have lunch together?” asked Franky.

Yor turned a little red. 

“Maybe once or twice,” said Hemlock. “...and it’s a group thing - with my other students!”

“Yeah,” said Yor. “Just once or twice. Nothing more. When would I even have time to eat lunch with Elliot? I’m usually at work. Or I’m home during the weekends.”

Loid cleared his throat. He gave a fake smile and said, “Happy to hear that you do sometimes socialize, Elliot.”

Loid let out a sigh of relief. That was just a 10 second mishap. Nothing major.

“You guys should probably head out soon,” said Franky. “Before you go, Loid, there was something you wanted to show me in your room.”

Loid effortlessly got the hint. “Yup, let me show you before we head out.”

“I’ll clean up and get our coats,” said Yor, with a smile.

When Loid and Franky were finally alone, Loid closed his eyes, relaxed into the closed door, and took a moment to exhale. 

“I can’t believe you froze!” said Franky. 

“Yeah, I don’t know. It isn’t like me to be thrown off by something so small,” said Loid. 

“And how worried are you that Yor is having lunch dates with this weirdo?!” said Franky.

Loid shook his head. “She’s not. They had a solid explanation for why they had lunch together.”

“You’re a spy! How can you be so dense!” said Franky. “Both of them looked like they had gotten caught red-handed!”

Loid frowned. Was there any merit to what Franky was saying?

“Well, it doesn’t matter,” said Loid. “Even if she did go on a lunch date with Elliot….it is fine. We are a fake couple. She can be interested in someone else.”

There was a moment of silence between them, as Franky searched Loid’s face. Loid looked expression-less as ever. It was his spy face – practiced, devoid of any emotion –  a concerted effort not to let any of his true thoughts or feelings show. His eyes were also blank, staring straight forward. Franky frowned, thinking it over. 

“I think it does matter to you,” said Franky.

“What?” said Loid, taken aback.

“I think it does matter to you,” said Franky. “That’s why you froze. Because you had some feelings about Yor having lunch with Elliot.”

Loid thought about it for a second. Is that why he froze? Are there some feelings that are impacting his ability to be an adequate spy? And if there are, he must find a way to push them down so that he doesn’t fail this mission.

“What feelings?” said Loid.

Franky smirked. “Maybe jealousy?”

Loid narrowed his eyes. “No,” he said. “This is a fake marriage, and I know that..”

Franky shrugged. “If that’s what you really think,” he said. “But before you go to the party, I just want to say - it is okay if a little jealousy comes up.”

“No, it is not,” said Loid. “I can’t show Yor’s coworkers that I am doubting her.”

“I get that,” said Franky. “But I think lots of regular guys might feel jealousy when they see their lady with another man. So if a little jealousy does start to show, don’t be so afraid of it. It might even be okay if Yor’s coworkers see it. Some ladies think jealousy is hot! That it is a sign their man really cares!”

“Hmmmm,” said Loid, thinking. “I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

“And next time you feel jealous, maybe you won’t freeze as much,” said Franky.

“That wasn’t jealousy!” said Loid. “But I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”

“Good luck!’ said Franky.

Loid nodded and started to open the door. Straight in his eyeline, he saw Yor and Elliot standing in the hallway, their backs to him, talking to each other in low voices. Loid couldn’t hear them, but he could tell that it was private. They seemed oddly comfortable with each other. 

He felt a twinge in his stomach. He ignored it though, and walked towards them. 

Yor and Elliot abruptly stopped talking.

“Ready to go?” said Loid, with a smile.

“Ready!” said Yor.

They had just opened the door to step out when -

“Wait!” called Franky.

Loid turned around, just for Franky to hiss in his ear -

“HEY WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING AT I’M NOT YOUR BABY-SITTER!”

Loid pulled out a stack of cash. “Happy?”

Franky swiped the cash, and grinned. “Very. Have fun you three!”

Chapter Text

Yor pressed the doorbell on Camilla’s front door.

It swung open, revealing Camilla whose smile lit up when she saw Yor, Loid, and Hemlock standing in front of her.

“Yor! So glad you could make it! Come on in!” she said, as if she hadn’t threatened Yor into coming and bringing an extra guest.

All three of them entered the house. It was decorated for Christmas - with a Christmas tree full of ornaments in the corner, green and red ribbons hung from the ceiling, and two stockings by the fireplace.

“Nice to see you again, Camilla,” said Loid, with a polite smile.

Camilla didn’t respond.

Instead, she, along with Millie and Sharon, encircled Hemlock.

Hemlock flinched in terror. He took a step back, and made contact with the wall. I’m surrounded on all sides, he thought.

Camilla stood there with her arms crossed. She gave him a slow once-over, her eyes slowly moving from his head to his toes. 

“So you’re Elliot Jones, huh?” said Camilla, 

“Hmmm...interesting, you look a little different from that day we saw you,” said Sharon.

“Wow,” said Millie, softly.

Hemlock didn’t know what to do. He just stood there as these three women gawked at him. His basic social skills training hadn’t prepared him for this.

Hemlock looked over at Yor for support.

“Wow, you have the attention of three gorgeous women, and all you can do is look at Yor,” said Camilla.

Oh no! It’s only been two minutes, and they’re already suspicious!, thought Loid.

“No, no, guys it isn’t anything like that,” said Yor, waving her hands. “Elliot’s just kinda shy.”

Hemlock scoffed. “I’m not shy!” he said. “I’m….I’m….I just prefer solitude.”

“Really?” said Camilla. “And yet, you went out of your way to give Yor medicine. That was a very caring gesture, Mr. Jones.”

“I was just doing my duty as a self-defense instructor!” said Hemlock. “Ugh, I can’t believe this.” 

He squeezed past them and started to walk away from the trio.

How many people am I going to be forced to meet?, thought Hemlock.

Millie followed him. 

He turned around. 

She looked up at him with puppy-dog eyes. 

Hemlock recoiled backwards.

“Hi, I’m Millie,” she said, sweetly.

“Ugh,” said Elliot. “I mean…Hi, I’m Elliot,” he said in his robotic, practiced voice.

“Can I have your phone number?” said Millie.

“What? As if I have one?” said Hemlock. “I have no telephone in my home! What an inappropriate device!”

“Come on, Millie,” said Camilla. “He seems kinda like a weirdo.”

“How old are you? How tall are you? Can you tell me over dinner?” said Millie. 

I know the answer to all three of those questions, thought Loid.

“Millie! Stop!” said Sharon. 

“Yeah, remember we have a different agenda for the evening,” said Camilla.

She smiled. “Yor, Loid - make yourself comfortable,” said Camilla. “We have a lot of activities planned for tonight.”

Why did that sound like a threat?, thought Loid.

Loid smiled at Yor. “How are you feeling?” he said.

“Not bad,” she said, with a smile. “Let’s get some food.” 

Loid and Yor walked over to the dining table where an assortment of dishes were placed. There was roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy - and the pair happily started to put food on their plates. Behind them, Hemlock followed to do the same. 

Later, as they sat to eat their food, Hemlock also joined them - a little to the side. 

Dominic came over to speak to them. 

“Hi, you must be Elliot,” said Dominic with a sweet smile, to Hemlock. “Camilla was so excited to meet you!”

“Yeah….” said Hemlock, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief. “Not sure what that’s about.”

Dominic turned to talk to Loid and Yor about how they were doing and what was new with their lives. 

Eventually, the trio moved away from the couches, and decided to stand and talk. Elliot walked over with them.

Loid noticed that Elliot was following them throughout the party. That made sense - he was a recluse and couldn’t be very comfortable here. But Loid couldn’t help but think this evening would be a lot nicer if it was just Yor with him. Elliot was kind of a third wheel. He was always just standing there, awkwardly. It would have been much nicer for Loid and Yor, the married couple, to have enjoyed the nice Christmas vibe, food, and company together.

The conversation drifted to Loid and Dominic talking about some city hall business.

Hemlock lowered his voice so only Yor could hear him. “Oh look, Thorn Princess” he said with a mischievous smile. “Mistle toe! I bet you’re itching to kiss your husband over there!” He pointed to a small archway next to the pantry that had mistletoe hanging from the ceiling.

“What!” said Yor. “No-no,” she said nervously.

But Hemlock had brought up an interesting idea. Tradition says that whoever is under the mistletoe has to kiss. If her and Loid would accidentally wind up there…they’d have a reason to kiss!

No, thought Yor, shaking her head. It shouldn’t be forced. Our first kiss should be special. If it ever does even happen….if Loid ever does want to kiss me…

She looked over at Loid. He looked so charming chatting with Dominic. 

Loid is so good at talking to people!, thought Yor, smiling to herself. And he has such a beautiful smile! It’s amazing how he makes everyone feel so at ease! 

Eventually, Dominic was pulled away to talk to another party guest. This left just the three of them - Loid, Yor and Hemlock together again. Loid decided maybe they should take a walk around the party.

“Hey Yor,” whispered Loid in her ear. “Do you want to try holding hands? For appearances"

Yor took a deep breath and said, “Yes, I’ll do my best!”

Loid took Yor’s hand in his. 

He’s holding my hand! I have to keep my cool. People are watching. This is fine. I am fine, thought Yor.

But as she was thinking this, she started softly mumbling “ahhhhhhhh,” to herself and lightly shaking.

Loid looked at her face and body language -  and immediately recognized that she was uncomfortable.

I’m not sure how long we are going to be able to hold hands, thought Loid. 

Loid at least wanted to show their public display of affection to Yor’s coworkers. So he guided her to walk nearby them. Camilla, Sharon, and Millie did turn to look at them as they walked past.

Camilla give a jealous glare to the couple, which Loid received happily. 

Yes, he thought. It’s working!

Of course, Hemlock was behind them the entire time. But he was their “plus two.” So it was fine he was around.

Camilla waltzed over to the couple. 

“Hey Loid,” said Camilla, with a mischievous smile. “I need your help with something. Come with me.”

“Oh…okay,” said Loid, with a frown. “Be right back, Yor. ” As he walked away, he looked over his shoulder to see just Yor and Elliot standing next to each other.

Camilla took him to a table with an assortment of alcohol bottles, syrups, and fresh fruit. Dominic was standing there as well - and he gave a smile to Loid to welcome him.

“Yor’s always talking about how good of a cook you are so I hope you don’t mind helping us make some drinks,” said Camilla.

“Sure…” said Loid. 

Odd request. Cooking doesn’t translate that closely with mixing drinks, thought Loid.

But Loid did get the hang of how to make the drinks quickly. And he started churning them out at a quick pace.

But why did Camilla ask me to do this?, thought Loid.

He looked over at Camilla, who was also making the drinks but was very slow, and…distracted. She seemed to be looking out at the crowd a lot. Loid tried to see what she was looking at, and then gasped at the realization.

This was a set-up!, he thought. Well-played, Camilla. And it’s a good vantage point too. Excellent location scouting skills. 

Camilla was staring at Yor and Elliot. Loid could tell she was trying to figure out what kind of relationship they had based on how they were interacting with each other.

Loid followed Camilla’s lead - and also looked over at Yor and Elliot. Elliot seemed to have opened up now that he was alone with Yor. They were talking to each, with their faces very close to one another, like they didn’t want anyone to hear their conversation. 

Why are they always whispering to each other? Could they actually have something to hide?,  thought Loid. 

Loid tried to read lips, but his view wasn’t good enough to get a clear read. 

Camilla’s not that good at location scouting, thought Loid. Or else she would have accounted for lip reading capabilities.

Wait, can Camilla even read lips? Probably not. You’re working with civilians Twilight! What are you even saying?

Loid continued to watch Elliot talking to his wife with a crease deepening between his eyebrows. Then, there was a moment when Yor laughed at something Elliot said. 

Loid gasped. What on earth could he have said that would make her laugh?

Suddenly, Yor’s head turned in their direction. 

Had she figured out we were watching them? 

Immediately after, Yor started to walk away from Elliot. But Elliot put his hand on her forearm to stop her - clinging to her arm.

Great, thought Loid. Now they are touching.

Loid realized that his eyebrows were furrowed, and his entire face was tense.

Franky’s words came to mind.

I really am acting like a jealous boyfriend, thought Loid, with a groan. Er….I mean, jealous husband.

Loid took a deep breath to relax and focus on the mission.

He looked over again, and saw Elliot still had his hand on Yor's forearm. Loid frowned.

Why is he lingering on her so much? thought Loid. And why is Yor so comfortable around him? No shaking, no weird noises? Whenever I try to get close to her, she is visibly disturbed.

Loid noticed Yor’s face had moved a few degrees, and he could finally read some of Yor’s lips. 

“You can be alone for five seconds! My husband and Camilla are watching us!” said Yor.

Hmmm, thought Loid.

“Spying on your wife, Loid Forger?” said Camilla. Loid jumped. Then flinched at the word “spy.”

He had been so focused on Yor and Elliot, he forgot Camilla was probably testing him as well.

“I think they have chemistry,” said Camilla, with a sly nod. “Look at that arm grab. I bet they have touched each other multiple times in the past.”

Loid’s eyebrows furrowed again.

Well yes, he teaches her self defence. thought Loid. But then his mind forced him to really think about it. Yor and Elliot sparring with each other - their arms and legs frequently colliding, Yor’s arm caught in Elliot’s grip, their chests and faces so close to each other as both of them tried to get out of each other’s hold. Thinking about it did cause an uneasy feeling in his stomach. And he could feel his face turn red….which was absolutely unacceptable. 

You do get uncomfortably close to someone when you spar, thought Loid.

“Thinking about it, huh?” said Camilla, with a mischievous smile.

But wait a minute, thought Loid. I’ve sparred with Nightfall countless of times. And I've never felt anything for her! Not a single ounce of romantic affection! The same could be true with Elliot!

This thought put a smile on his face.

“It’s sweet for you to be so invested in the integrity of our relationship,” said Loid, though it wasn’t sweet at all. “But you shouldn’t worry. I know my Yor, and I trust her completely. Yor and Elliot are just colleagues.”

“If you say so,” muttered Camilla, and then continued to look over at Yor and Elliot.

I gotta get back to them. I can’t just leave them there to be gawked at, thought Loid. 

He started assembling the drinks at lightning speed. He was so fast that in the time it took Dominic to make one drink, Loid had made twenty.

“Whoa!” said Dominic. “You’re really good at this!”

“Thanks,” said Loid, with a smile. “Well, since I’m done with my batch, I better get going back to my wife.”

Camilla glared at him, as he walked away.

Loid found Yor and Elliot.

“What did I miss?” said Loid. 

“Nothing really,” said Yor. She then lowered her voice. “Elliot’s just been a little clingy because he doesn’t know anyone at the party.”

Loid looked over at Elliot, He was standing there visibly uncomfortable.

“How are you, Elliot?” said Loid.

“I’m fine,” said Elliot. “Just a little thrown off by all these people.”

“Hmmm,” said Loid. “I have an idea. Follow me.”

Loid had scouted the area for escape routes and danger zones the moment he set foot in the house so he had a good familiarity with the area. 

As they walked, Yor realized Loid was leading them to the mistletoe! 

Oh no! thought Yor. She felt a little shaky. We are getting awfully close to the mistletoe! 

But instead they stopped right before it - and entered a small open space that was the pantry. The little corner was lined with shelves of foodstuffs like cans, bottles, and sauces.

“If you’re ever feeling like you need a break from the party, Elliot, you can come here to collect yourself,” said Loid.

Hemlock walked into the open space and looked around. It did give a nice little respite from the party.

“I like it,” said Hemlock. “It’s a nice place to recharge my solitude powers.”

“Yeah, you can even do some meditation,” said Loid. He had read in Elliot’s magazine articles that he recommended meditation for a strong mind. This was one of the only things Loid agreed with him about. “I know the patients in my hospital have really found it helpful."

“You’re so kind, Loid,” said Yor, with a smile. “It’s so nice of you to look out for Elliot.”

Loid smiled back. “It’s no problem, happy to help.”

Hemlock stood there for a second. There was a moment where it looked like he was mulling something over.

But then he swallowed and said, “Yes, thank you, Loid.”

Yor’s mouth hung open. Hemlock thanking someone?! I didn’t think that was possible!

Loid reflected on the irony of being thanked for this. His motivations were hardly altruistic. To be honest, he just wanted to ditch Elliot. Camilla was constantly observing the trio, Elliot was ruining the mood by being awkward, and….maybe Loid preferred to attend this party with just Yor.

“You’re welcome,” said Loid. “Shall we get back to the party, Yor?” 

But before Yor could say anything - Camilla showed up.

“Oh there you three are!” said Camilla. “We are just about to start our first game. Let’s go!” She ushered them towards the living room.

“Uhh, I just wanted to rest here for a moment,” said Hemlock.

“No, no,” said Camilla, grabbing Hemlock’s arm, and pushing him towards the living room. “You definitely have to play.”

“Um, Camilla,” said Loid. “What exactly are we playing?”

“Oh, just a little game to find out how close people really are to each other,” she said with a mischievous smile. 

Her tone was ambiguous, but the way she said it made Loid instinctively glance at Yor and Hemlock - who were standing next to each other, shoulder to shoulder, relaxed and at ease, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Chapter Text

The chairs in the living room had been arranged in a wide circle for the “party games” portion of the evening. Loid, Yor, and Hemlock sat side by side in one part of the circle. Loid sat with his arms crossed as he listened to Camilla explain the game, while simultaneously devising strategies on what the best move going forward was for their mission.

“For our first game, we will see who knows each person best. We have a box filled with random questions. The person in the spotlight will pick out a question, and everyone else will try to answer it using the dry-erase board that’s under your seats,” said Camilla, who was standing in the middle of the circle.

Everyone reached under their seats to pick up their dry-erase board, which came with a marker and an eraser. 

“After five questions, we will see who answered the most questions correctly. And that person is the one who knows them the best!”

This game seems easy enough, thought Loid. It’s actually a game of intelligence! No one here can beat me at that! And as a spy, I remember almost everything Yor has told me. There’s no way Elliot - or anyone else - knows Yor more than me.

Millie volunteered to be the first person in the spotlight. She happily reached into the cardboard box and pulled out a question and read it aloud. “What is my favorite color?”

Everyone started writing on their dry-erase boards. 

This is too easy, thought Loid. Her favorite color is yellow. I know this from when I did research into Yor’s coworkers a while ago.

But of course, Loid Forger wouldn’t know this, so I’ll write down pink instead.

As he waited for everyone to finish, another thought crossed his mind.

Wait, does Yor know Loid’s favorite color? Loid’s mind started racing. Have I ever mentioned what my cover identity’s favorite color is? This is bad. I don’t think I dropped enough information about Loid to Yor!

Loid looked over at Yor, and noticed she also looked worried. 

I don’t know Loid’s favorite color, thought Yor.

Great, thought Loid. I should have prepared for this. I should have been dropping intel on Loid to Yor this entire time. I’m sure I’ve mentioned some things. I know Yor’s favorite color, of course. She told Anya that it was red. Why didn’t I speak up to share then?

Could I somehow communicate with Yor and feed her the answers?

No, I don’t think so. Everyone can see us. It would be too obvious we are cheating. Perhaps Camilla arranged these seats in a circle to ensure any suspicious activity was impossible due to open surveillance.

“Time's up! Everyone raise their dry-erase boards!” said Camilla. 

Millie’s dry-erase board had “Yellow,” written on it in neat handwriting. Loid looked next to him and saw that Yor had “Yellow,” written on hers. He looked over at Elliot’s, and was surprised to find he had also gotten the question correct.

“So let’s see,” said Dominic, looking down on a clipboard. “That’s me, Camilla, Sharon, Yor, and Elliot who get a point.”

Millie beamed. “Wow, Elliot! You know my favorite color!?”

“Of course, I don't,” said Elliot, bluntly. “I don’t know you. That was just a guess. I just wrote down my favorite color.”

Millie lit up. “No way! We have the same favorite color!”

“Hold up! No sharing until it’s your turn!” said Camilla, pointing a finger at Hemlock. “Now what if Elliot draws the favorite color question?”

“We can just get him to pick a different question if that happens,” said Dominic. “But yeah, try not to share too much while we play the game, everyone!”

There goes any attempt at feeding Yor intel, thought Loid. 

Four more questions about Millie were asked, and Sharon was named as the person who knows Millie the best, followed in second place by Camilla. The group clapped politely for Sharon at her victory.

The game moved clockwise to the next person. Some guests were strangers to Yor, but she knew a handful of them through work. Yor actually got a lot of answers correct for Camilla, Millie, Sharon, and Dominic, which she seemed happy about.

And soon, it would be his turn. 

He noticed that couples usually ended up with their partner as the winner – though one pair had failed. Those two had just laughed it off, and everyone moved on quickly. Could he and Yor do that if it came to that?

No. It’s too suspicious if we don’t get this right. Camilla is right on our tail. If Yor doesn’t know enough about Loid, it would be plain evidence for all to see that they are not the loving couple that they need to be.

~*Loid’s Turn*~

“It’s your turn, Loid,” said Camilla, smiling and extending the box of questions out to him.

He pulled out a question, and read it outloud, “What is my favorite TV show?”

Favorite TV show? Does Loid have a favorite TV show?

Loid looked over at Yor, and was shocked to find that she was smiling! 

Yor seems so confident! What?! Remember Twilight, this isn’t a question about my actual favorite TV show. It is a question of what Yor would put down as my favorite TV show. What do I like to watch around the home? Usually, if Anya isn’t hogging the TV with cartoons, I’m usually watching the news.

The news? Could that be the answer?

He wrote it down.

“Time’s up,” said Camilla and everyone raised their dry-erase board.

Loid looked over at Yor’s and found that she had written down, “Ostanian News Network.” 

“We’ll count that,” said Dominic.

Loid and Yor beamed at each other. Our first question was a success! 

Loid looked around and saw that there was one stranger who had also gotten the question correct. This game was an interesting concept - seeing how much you can glean about a stranger just through their looks, demeanor, and overall vibe. Spies do this all the time, and Loid had guessed a lot of correct answers for the strangers at the party - but he made sure not to write them down.

Hemlock had written, “Pass,” on his board.

“Awwww, at least try, Elliot,” said Camilla.

“I don’t watch television,” said Hemlock. “Such frivolous entertainment would only weaken my resolve.” 

“Huh?” said Camilla, as she extended the box to Loid again.

Loid pulled out the next question. “What is my favorite hobby?”

Yor smiled and started writing her answer right away.

How could she know the answer to that question?, thought Loid. I don’t have any hobbies!

Think Twilight, Yor was very confident so there must be something. In my down time, what has Yor seen me do? I’m usually so busy, I fill my down time with research. Oh! That must be it.

When the time was up, both Yor and Loid had written, “Reading,” on their dry-erase board.

They smiled at each other again. Two for two, we are doing pretty well.

Loid pulled out the next question. “What’s my least favorite chore?”

Loid looked over at Yor, and this time, she gave him a look that said, “I don’t know this one.”

What kind of married couple doesn’t know their spouse’s least favorite chore? This would surely out them as a fake couple.

Did I make a gross miscalculation in making my Loid Forger persona never complain about housework? Would it have been better if Loid had at least one chore that he disliked? I’m learning so much about crafting a cover identity from this game.

He sighed. We’re going to get this one wrong. To be honest, I don’t actually hate any chore. But which one do I enjoy the least?, thought Loid.

“Time’s up,” said Camilla.

Loid held up his dry-erase board and it said, “Taking out the trash.”

He looked over at Yor, and it said the same thing!

Loid broke out into a grin. How? 

Yor smiled back. “I just noticed your face looks a bit scrunched up whenever you take out the trash.”

Yor figured out what my actual most disliked chore was just through my body language?! That’s something that takes rookie spies years to master. Could Yor be a spy? Don’t be ridiculous, Twilight. She just spends a lot of time with you and pays attention.

Loid pulled out the next question. “What’s my favorite color?”

Loid internally groaned. This was the question he was dreading from the start of the game. He looked at Yor, and she looked very hesitant, but wrote something down. Loid sighed and decided to put down what color he probably thought Yor associated him with.

When time was up, they pulled out their dry-erase board, and both said, “Green.”

Loid and Yor both grinned. Four for Four. They were truly nailing this game. 

Loid looked around the room and many people, including Dominic and Camilla, had guessed green. Loid knew his green suit was associated with him, so he figured this was an easy question for an acquaintance to guess at.

“Wow,” said Dominic. “Yor and Loid have an almost perfect game.”

Camilla scowled.

When Camilla extended out the box for the final question, Loid noticed something odd. This wasn’t the same box of questions he had pulled from for the previous four questions. This was a new box. It had much less wear and tear than the previous one. An average civilian probably wouldn’t have noticed the difference, but he definitely did.

What? When did Camilla have time to switch the box? 

A little uneasy, Loid pulled out a question and read it outloud, “What is the biggest gripe I have with my partner?”

His heart skipped a beat.

This question was an obvious trap. He looked at Yor with a worried expression, and she also looked at him with her mouth slightly open. 

“And you can’t say, 'Nothing!'" said Camilla, with a smirk.

He was going to have to say something negative about Yor.

Okay, Twilight, think. What’s the best course of action here?

Maybe he shouldn’t focus on winning this round. He should focus on portraying their relationship in the best light possible. 

His stomach churned as he thought about what she might write. 

She probably thinks my biggest gripe with her is that she’s a bad cook, or that she isn’t doing enough as a wife and mother. But of course, I don’t think that. Yor does so much for the household, I don’t even have a real gripe with her. But I can’t write, “nothing” per the rules? 

Okay, it needs to be something that shows her in a good light. That way I can maintain my good relationship with Yor and show Camilla how much Loid Forger appreciates his wife.

“This one’s juicy,” said Sharon, leaning forward in her chair. 

“Time’s up,” said Camilla.

Loid put up his dry-erase board and it said, “She’s too hard on herself.”

Yor looked very nervous and was slightly shaky as she put hers up which said, “That I can’t cook.”

When Yor saw Loid’s answer, she blushed. Loid gave her an encouraging smile.

“Awwwww,” said a couple of the girls in the circle.

“That’s such a sweet answer. You guys are so cute,” said Millie, with a big smile.

Camilla scoffed.

Loid took a second to look around the room and see what other people had written down. There were a lot of people who had written “bad cook,” as their answer.

“Wow, Sharon, Millie, Camilla, Dominic, Elliot, Josh, Steven, Shelley, Sophia, James, Eric all wrote down the ‘bad cook’ answer,” said Dominic.

Millie giggled. “So many people know you’re a bad cook, Yor,” she said.

“I think it was from the pot-luck incident from last year,” said Sharon.

“Oh yeah, Yor’s pasta was infamous that day!” said Millie.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” said Yor. “I’ll do better next time.” 

“That was a tough question you guys got,” said Dominic. “And with 4 points, Yor Forger is the one who knows Loid best!”

Everyone clapped. And even though technically, the clapping was for Yor, Loid was proud of himself. Crisis averted. This was the hardest part of the game, and they were past it. He was sure he could answer all of Yor’s questions with ease.

~*Yor’s Turn*~

Camilla seemed a little miffed, as she said, “Your turn, Yor.”

Yor pulled out the question, “What’s my favorite color?”

Loid smirked. Easy.

When time was up, Yor and Loid both had “Red,” marked on their dry-erase board. But as he looked around, so did many other people…including Elliot.

Well….favorite color is an easy question to guess at. There are just a few common colors everyone knows. Red is one of the most common ones. It doesn’t mean anything that Elliot knows this about Yor.

“So Loid, Elliot, Camilla, Sharon, Millie myself, and Sophia get a point,” said Dominic.

Yor pulled out another question, “What’s my favorite fruit?”

Too easy, thought Loid.

Yor and Loid both had, “Apple,” on their dry-erase boards. And so did Camilla, Sharon, Millie, Dominic…and Elliot.

This was also a relatively easy question to guess. Apples are one of the main fruits everyone eats. It doesn’t mean anything that Elliot knows this about Yor. 

But Loid couldn’t help but admit that it was annoying that Elliot knew all these things about Yor. Even if it was just basic things. 

Camilla handed Yor the box again, and Loid’s eyes widened. It was the same fake box that she had used for Loid’s gripe question. 

Oh no, thought Loid. What is Camilla planning this time?

Yor pulled out a question: “What is my biggest gripe with my partner?”

The same question?!?!, thought Loid, taken aback.

But Loid was surprised to find that Yor gave him a big smile and wrote something down.

Huh?, thought Loid. This was a question Camilla purposely put to throw us off our game. Why is Yor smiling?

Ohhhhh, because we talked about this right after the Wheeler fight. She knows I know her answer. Loid smiled. 

Camilla really thought she was going to get us with this question. But when you think about it, this is another easy point.

When time was up, both Yor and Loid held up their dry-erase boards:

“I wish he’d rely on me more often,” was written on Yor’s dry-erase board.

“She wishes I’d rely on her more often,” was written on Loid’s dry-erase board.

Excellent, thought Loid. And I bet this puts me in the lead because no one else could have known this about them.

Loid looked over to see Camilla’s reaction and was surprised to find that she was…smirking and looking quite happy with herself? 

What? We dealt with that obstacle perfectly. Did she get us somehow?, thought Loid.

“Omg,” said Millie, with a giggle. “How does Elliot know what Yor’s biggest gripe with Loid is?”

Loid jolted his head to look at Elliot’s dry-erase board and it said “She wishes he’d rely on her more often.” The color drained from Loid’s face. 

How could Elliot possibly know that? Has Yor been talking about me to Elliot? Are Yor and Elliot closer than they let on? Has she been using him as a source of emotional support…about me?

He looked over at Yor, and noticed she looked nervous. Her eyes darted to her right to look at Loid’s. They made eye contact for a brief second - before she flinched and looked away in embarrassment.

“Loid and Elliot both get a point," said Dominic. “And they are now both tied for first place.”

“I wonder what these two have in common,” said Camilla teasingly with a little giggle.

Loid felt heat rise up his face. He crossed his arms in his chest, and glared to his left at the two of them. 

CRASH

Almost everyone’s head turned to look in the direction of the crash. A guest at the party had dropped their wine glass. 

In the split second of the crash, Yor quickly leaned over to Elliot and whispered, “Throw the game, Hemlock”

“Yeah, I lost sight of our goal,” Hemlock whispered back.

Since Loid had the reflexes of a spy and could read lips, he heard almost the entire exchange.

Throw the game, him lost? thought Loid. I don’t really understand the last part of that sentence. 

But for some reason, Yor and Elliot’s little exchange made him angrier. 

Does Elliot know so much about Yor that he has to purposely throw the game? How close are they? And their little whisper - like they are partners in a secret mission - it made his blood boil.

Loid furrowed his eyebrows.

Twilight, you’re getting emotional again. Focus.

I don’t care how close they are. It doesn’t affect the mission so it shouldn’t affect me.

He looked over at the two of them sitting side by side. Yor’s long black hair, beautiful smile. Hemlock’s long blonde hair, and serious expression. Loid hadn’t noticed any obvious chemistry between them, but what if they were just really good at faking it. Just how close were these two?

Loid watched Camilla walk over to help the party guest, but all he could think of was what was going on between Yor and Elliot.  

“Okay,” said Camilla. “I’m back. Next question.”

Yor picked out the next question and said, “What animal am I afraid of the most?”

When time was up, Loid and Yor had both written down, “Bugs.” Hemlock had written down, “Butterfly,” thinking it would be an incorrect answer.

“Well…” said Camilla. “A butterfly is a type of bug.”

Yor looked appalled. “I’m not afraid of butterflies!!” she said. “That shouldn’t count!”

“Ugh, fine,” said Camilla.

Yor’s next question was, ”What is my favorite household chore?”

When time was up, Loid and Yor had both written down, “Cleaning.” Hemlock had written down, “Cooking.”

“Elliot!” said Camilla. “How could Yor’s favorite chore be cooking when she’s so bad at it?!”

“Oh….?” said Elliot, in a tone where it was obvious he was faking being confused. “Yor’s bad at cooking?....I had no idea…I guess I don’t know much about her…” 

Yor and Loid responded to that with a deadpan expression. 

Camilla shook her head. 

“With a perfect score of five points, the person who knows Yor Forger the best is….Loid Forger!” said Dominic. Everyone at the party clapped for him, but Loid barely registered the applause at all.

~*Hemlock’s Turn*~

“You’re up next, Elliot,” said Camilla.

Hemlock pulled out the first question, “What is my favorite season?”

When time was up, Hemlock, Loid, and Millie had written down, “Winter.” Yor had written down, “Tax.”

Millie perked up, “I love winter too, Elliot!” she said. “It’s such a romantic season with the Christmas lights glistening in the darkness.”

“I like it because everyone is in their house, and I don’t have to see them,” said Elliot, flatly.

Millie giggled. “You’re so funny, Elliot.”

Hemlock pulled out his second question, “What is my favorite meal to eat for dinner?”

When time was up, Hemlock revealed that he had written down, “Chicken breast, rice, and broccoli.”

“Ew,” said Camilla. “You’re one of those people.”

“Huh?” said Hemlock. “What kind of people?”

Yor had written down, "Mayonnaise," on her dry-erase board.

“And you!” said Camilla pointing to Yor. “Don’t think I don’t notice you purposely throwing the game! Take this seriously!”

“But-but Elliot could like mayonnaise?” said Yor.

“I would never put something so nutritionally weak in my body,” said Hemlock.

“This game is kinda fun,” said Dominic. “I’m learning so much about everyone.”

Hemlock pulled out his third question, “What is my favorite way to spend time with friends?”

After time was up, Hemlock showed everyone his dry-erase board which said, “I don’t.”

Loid, Yor, Camilla, Millie, Dominic had written down some version of, “He doesn’t.”

Sharon, and two others had written down, “Doesn’t have any friends.”

A few people in the crowd laughed. 

Hemlock turned a little red. 

“So Loid, Yor, Camilla, Sharon, Millie, Dominic Josh, and Sophia all get a point,” said Dominic. He gave Hemlock a big smile. “Looks like everyone is starting to get to know you, Elliot.”

This made Hemlock turn an even deeper shade of red.

I don’t want any of the imbeciles to know me, thought Hemlock. Already this party is leaving a nasty mark on me. And what are these people playing at? Assuming I don’t have friends?....I mean, I don’t. But that’s because I don’t want any. Errghh….

“Hmmph,” said Elliot, as he swiped the next question from Camilla. He read the piece of paper outloud, “What is my love language?”

Ugh, thought Hemlock. What is this nonsense?

When time was up, Hemlock put up his dry-erase board and it said, “Don’t have one.”

The rest of the party put up their dry-erase boards with answers such as:

“Doesn’t have love.”

“No love in his life.”

“Can’t answer what he doesn’t know.”

“He doesn’t know what that is.”

“Doesn’t have one.”

Hemlock furrowed his eyebrows, and looked angrily at the crowd. 

These people have no idea I could kill everyone here in one fell swoop, he thought.

It seemed like everyone at the party had learned from Hemlock’s last question. Every single person around him had some version of the same answer - “Doesn’t have one” - except Millie. 

“Wow!” said Dominic. “That’s a first! Almost everyone gets a point this round.”

Camilla looked at Millie’s dry-erase board and noticed that she had written, “Physical touch.”

“What the hell, Millie?” said Camilla.

“What?” said Millie, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear slyly, and making eye contact with Hemlock. “You look at him and tell me, it wouldn’t be physical touch.” 

Hemlock turned an even deeper shade of red, and looked at the floor at his feet.

“You really need to stop liking guys just for their looks,” said Sharon.

Loid’s eyes darted towards Yor who was smiling at the exchange as she usually does. I wonder if Yor thinks Elliot is handsome? Is this man really as good looking as everyone says? I don’t see it, personally…but it’s hard to ignore these women fawning over him.

“Time for the next question, Elliot,” said Camilla, shaking the box in front of Hemlock’s face to get his attention since he was still recovering from Millie’s flirtation.

Hemlock cleared his throat. “What is my guilty pleasure?” he said, reading the piece of paper.

After the allotted amount of time, Hemlock raised his dry-erase board and it said, “Amusement parks.”

“Oh,” said Dominic. “I didn’t expect that.”

No one in the group had gotten the answer correctly.

“What about your whole solitude schtick?” said Camilla, with a hand on her hip. “Amusement parks are filled with people.”

“Yeah, that’s why they are a guilty pleasure,” said Hemlock. “Although, I only go there by myself.”

“That doesn’t sound very fun,” said Camilla.

“Well…if you ever need a date to the amusement park, I know someone who might be available!" said Millie, energetically. 

“Why would I ever need a date to the amusement park?,” said Hemlock. He shook his head.

The game continued clock-wise with the remaining guests of the party. Loid and Yor both felt a little bit of relief that their turns were over and done with, but they still couldn’t completely relax.

Loid sat there with his arms crossed, starting straight ahead.

His eyes darted over to Yor again, and he sighed. It did bother him that Hemlock knew what Yor’s biggest gripe with him was. Did she tell him? He needed to find out. 

When the game was over, some of the party guests stood up and resumed mingling.

“Thanks for playing,” said Dominic. “Hopefully we all learned more about each other from this game!”

Yor turned to face Loid, and noticed that he was still sitting there with his arms crossed with a sullen expression on his face. She knew it had to do with the gripe question. 

She opened her mouth to say something, but Loid spoke first.

“Elliot…” said Loid, in a low voice, eyes darting over to him. “How did you know what Yor’s biggest gripe with me was?”

Hemlock gulped. Yor took an intake of breath.

“I heard Yor talking about it…with someone,” said Elliot.

Yor looked puzzled.

“Who?” said Loid, not caring if this sounded like an interrogation.

Hemlock's head turned to make eye contact with Yor. It looked like he was trying to communicate with Yor wordlessly. Loid hated that. He hated that they could be close enough to do that.

Hemlock knew he had to answer this fast or Yor’s husband was going to think he was lying.

“Just one of my other self-defense students during one of our lunches,” said Elliot.

Yor breathed a sigh of relief. That was a good lie, she thought.

Loid noticed her sigh of relief and narrowed his eyes.

“What’s his or her name?”

There was another second of silence before Elliot said, “Her name is….Gympie.” Hemlock felt a little guilty that he took the easy way out and said her real assassin name but he just couldn’t come up with another name in time. 

And who cares? It’s not like Yor’s husband will ever go looking into Garden, thought Hemlock. It’s probably fine to use Gympie’s assassin name.

Loid thought about it. Gympie is too specific of a name for him to be lying. It’s a strange name though. Why would anyone name their daughter after an extremely poisonous plant? Ah….but plant names are quite common so I guess it might have been someone trying to be unique.

“Oh!” said Yor. “I remember that! She was asking me what it was like to be in a relationship with a boy.” 

“Hmmm?” said Loid. “Why was she asking about that?”

“Well….Gympie’s a little younger than us so I think she was curious,” explained Yor. 

“Yeah, Yor is filling her head with nonsense about having a boyfriend. When Gympie’s real priority should be to focus on her solitude,” said Elliot. “You are such a bad influence, Yor.”

Loid narrowed his eyes. Was that last part…teasing?

Loid continued to sit there with his arms crossed, looking a bit miffed. 

Yor noticed, and seemed apprehensive.

“Um….Loid?” said Yor, nervously.

Loid looked over at her.

“Sorry about all that,” she said with her eyes downcast and some sadness in her voice.

That snapped Loid out of his weird mood quickly.

“Oh, don’t worry about it Yor,” said Loid, with his masterful fake smile. He relaxed his arms, and made sure to give off more open body language. “If Camilla asks about it, we’ll just tell her what you told me just now. It’ll be fine.”

Yor nodded. She was still frowning though.

“And you’re not…” said Yor.

There were a few seconds of silence.

Loid tilted his head, waiting for her to finish. “I’m not what?” he said.

Yor shook her head. “Nothing…” she said, averting her eyes.

“Trouble in paradise?” they heard a voice behind them say.

Loid and Yor jumped. They hadn’t noticed Camilla sneak up on them.

“Not at all, Camilla,” said Loid, with another fake smile. He laid his left hand on Yor’s right hand in a purposefully caring gesture. “It was touching seeing just how well Yor knows me.” He smiled lovingly at his wife. Yor was taken aback and started shaking for a few seconds.

“Hmph,” said Camilla, walking away from them. 

Hemlock looked around at the party, and noticed that everyone was doing their own thing. “Maybe I can use this time to go to my solitude corner,” he said to himself.

“Not so fast,” said Camilla, who heard him as she walked by him. “We are almost done setting up the next activity.”

“There’s more???” said Hemlock, incredulously. “After I had to endure that ridiculous game?”

After a few minutes, Camilla was standing in the middle of the circle of chairs calling for everyone’s attention.

“For our next activity, I’ve put all of our names in this box,” said Camilla, shaking the box for emphasis. Loid’s stomach lurched, noticing it was her trickery box - the one she used to rig the game against Loid and Yor. 

“Everyone will get a chance to pull one name out of the box, and that’s the person who will be your partner for…,” Camilla paused for dramatic effect. “....a slow dance!” She gave a mischievous smile to the audience.

Sharon made a face. “I don’t know about this one, Camilla…” she said. “Some of us have partners…”

“It’ll be fine,” said Camilla. “It’s a way for everyone to get to know each other. Just a platonic dance. Yor, you’re up first.”

Of course she is, thought Loid, eyeing Camilla’s trickery box. No shot that box has any other name but Elliot’s.

“Me?” said Yor. “Oh, okay.”

Loid put his arm out to stop her. “I’m also not so comfortable with this game,” said Loid. “I don’t know if I want to see Yor dancing with some other man.” A perfectly reasonable request from a husband.

Camilla smiled. “It’s just a game, Loid,” she said. “Unless…your relationship with Yor isn’t as strong as it might appear.”

Loid and Camilla stared at each other daring the other to make their next move. 

“How about you pick first,” said Loid. “If you’re so excited to dance with someone who isn’t your partner.”

Camilla narrowed her eyes. “Why? I’m the host,” said Camilla. “It would be rude of me to go first.”

“It wouldn’t be rude at all,” said Loid. “In fact, I insist. We’ll follow by your example.”

“Stalling tactics…” said Camilla. “I think the real problem is, you just don’t trust your wife. If you did, you wouldn’t mind her dancing with someone else. It’s just a platonic dance, afterall.” She gave a cheeky smile.

Loid’s eyebrows furrowed. Camilla unknowingly hit him in the mission’s sore spot. He didn’t know if continuing to push back would backfire into people thinking Loid and Yor weren’t the solid couple they needed to appear. 

Camilla noticed him giving up so she moved the box under Yor’s nose. 

Yor glanced over at Loid. Loid nodded solemnly. Yor reached into the box to pull out a name.

Loid stomach twisted. He knew exactly what name she was going to pull out.

“Elliot,” said Yor, sounding defeated, reading the piece of paper.

“Our first couple is Elliot and Yor!” said Camilla.

Hemlock looked appalled. “I have to dance...with you?” said Hemlock, with bafflement laced in his voice. 

Yor looked over at Loid with a sad look on her face. Loid returned her sad face with one of his own.

Loid really didn’t want to see Yor dance with Elliot. But it was all part of Camilla’s master plan.

Camilla smiled. “Okay, who’s next,” she said, holding the non-trickery box - the one she uses for actual random drawings.

When did she swap the box back?, thought Loid. Camilla’s sleight of hand skills are not to be messed with.