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It’s nearly Christmas Day.
In the past, Twilight would not bother celebrating Christmas or any other holidays.
His Christmas was never about him. It was all about the targets, intel, or even fake lovers. Celebrations and parties. Presents and laughter. He experienced all, but none of them brought joy. Because they were all just missions.
Present, Twilight is Loid.
Loid’s new task is to spend the Christmas holiday with his fake family. A normal household should join festivities, especially Christmas.
It should be a dull job for him to set up plans and prepare presents. But guess what, he is truly looking forward to it. His heart has long accepted Anya, Yor and Bond. They are his family.
And because they are so precious to him, he struggles.
For the first time in his spying career, Twilight can’t decide which present to give.
He can’t afford to buy another castle for Anya. It’s too costly and dangerous (for his life if Handler finds out). But if he selects a simpler present, will it disappoint her?
Loid doesn’t want to witness Anya’s frustrating eyes. She is his adorable daughter.
He also doesn’t know Yor’s present preference.
He once gave her lipstick as a gift, but she seems to have lost it somewhere. Does she hate it so much that she throws it away? No no, Yor would never do that, she is simply careless. She doesn't wear makeup that often and still looks so unbelievably pretty, what else can I give her? Or should he not choose cosmetics?
Loid can’t stop thinking whenever it’s about Yor. He wonders why his wife always brings gentle surprises to his life. He doesn’t hate it, he loves it.
Yor is his peace. His dear wife. She deserves the best thing in this world.
And that’s what makes it even harder for him to decide on the presents.
‘All of my experience has gone to the trash can. I must later ask Franky about this’ - Loid exhales.
“Papa, what are you thinking about? You’re not concentrating.”
Anya’s high pitched voice awakes him from the self turmoil. Ah yes, he is still helping his daughter with her homework.
“Nothing, don’t mind me. You have finished your work already?” - he turns back to his usual calm demeanor.
“Yup. Anya wants to watch Bondman next.”
There she goes, her true intention. Loid sighs.
“At least let me check your work before you go, should be fast”
⋆˙⟡ Hmm, not bad. 11/20 in a math quiz, quite decent. But why does she still suck at multiplication? And this part as well…
I guess Bondman’s theme can be a great gift for her, better check the available stock later. ⋆˙⟡
“Good job Anya, there are still some errors but it’s acceptable at your level.”
“Waaa, Papa praises me! Is Anya getting a new Bondman’s merch???” - the pink-haired girl screams, anticipation fills her sparkling green eyes.
“No, it’s just a math quiz. If you want I can make steaks.” - Loid smiles.
“Kay!” - she raises her hand, agreeing to the suggestion and fleeing to the television.
Her Dad’s last words are still echoing in her head.
⋆˙⟡ The Bondman present must be for Christmas ⋆˙⟡
‘Oh, so that’s what Dad has been thinking about, Christmas gifts!’ - Anya’s eyes lit up - ‘I really thought that it’s a present for my quiz.’
During the past hour, she unintentionally overhears her dad’s thoughts but understands nothing. He is thinking too much, too loud, too overwhelmed, while she is solving Math problems. She only knows it’s about two words: ‘Christmas’ and ‘presents’.
Like her Dad, Anya has never experienced a true holiday with her loved ones.
And like her Dad, the pink-haired girl can’t stop thinking about her first Christmas Day with the Forgers.
“Becky, what is Christmas?”
“Huh, you don’t know about it? It’s a traditional holiday, and students can get days off. Simple, right?” - the black-haired girl answers.
“Yeah school breaks, Anya loves Christmas!” - Anya yells happily.
“I’m just half-joking! Christmas is when your family gathers together, sharing delicious meals, watching movies or wandering the streets till night. And at midnight, Santa Claus will sneak into the house, usually through the chimney or window. And tada, next day waking up and you have a present, is that cool?”
⋆˙⟡ Anya is still a child, I mustn’t spoil her that Santa Claus is just an imaginary figure. I already find out that my yearly presents are from my beloved parents. I’m just too smart~ ⋆˙⟡
Sniff. If Anya didn’t read Becky’s mind, she would believe Santa Claus was real, even if she hasn’t received presents from him.
Becky continues her speech:
“You know what, the Berlint in Love OVA will be about Christmas! I can’t wait to see which present Vincent will give to his lover. I bet it will be a rose bouquet and a super cheesy love letter. They will definitely kiss under the mistletoe and exchange vows. Christmas is a truly wonderful holiday!”
⟡ Kyaaaa, I say it! Should I invite Loid-san to my home and watch the movie together? No that would be inappropriate, he still has Anya and Yor-sama. Next time I will make a move then~⟡
‘We can have a Christmas party and dishes from high-class chefs at Becky’s house. You should reconsider it’ - typical Anya shamelessly closes her eyes to think - ‘No, Dad won’t approve it, he has a very bad stomach. And he also has plans for Christmas. Too bad.’
A familiar arrogant voice breaks the girls’ conversation, echoing from behind their back.
“Wonderful holiday huh? Such childish behaviour.”
It’s Damian Desmond and his annoying mockery. Anya doesn’t understand why he finds joy doing that.
“So what? Wanna compare our Christmas presents to see who is the more mature one? I got a set of luxurious cosmetics and a custom-made dress from a famous fashion designer. I can share his name if you want." - Becky is furious now. So scary.
“It has nothing to do with this topic.” - the boy gingerly steps back.
.✦ ݁˖ Darn it, this Blackbell really wants to fight back. I just want to tease them to join the talk because Anya’s eyes spark like stars. So annoying…✦ ݁˖
‘What, my eyes are normal,’ said Anya Forger.
✦ ݁˖ My Dad and Mom never spends Christmas with me. They ordered the special delivery and made Jeeves place it under my bed. It’s no fun to talk about those presents.✦ ݁˖
‘Oh I see, poor Sy-on Boy…’
“My Papa and Mama gave me gingerbreads with peanut butter flavour last year, was that cool?” - Anya lies to switch the topic. In some sense, both of them are pathetically similar.
“It sounds gross to me, can you even eat that?’ - Damian gives a bombastic side-eye.
“Of course, it was very deli-cos!”
“It’s de-li-cious, dummy!” - the boy mocks her. She is sooo regretting helping him now.
“Looks weird but if it’s from Anya’s Dad, I would love to taste those gingerbreads.” - Becky answers seriously.
The discussion ends when Mr. Henderson appears and starts the usual class. The teacher’s voice is so lively and passionate.
But Anya’s mind still lingers on her imaginary peanut-butter flavoured gingerbread.
“Mama, I’m home!”
“Hi dear, how is school today?”
It’s her Mama, Yor Forger. Anya loves talking and sharing her day because Yor understands her more than anyone else. Her Mama is always a good listener, treating her with such gentleness.
But today, Mama is not focusing on the conversation. Anya has given a peek into her Mom’s mind, and it’s all about Christmas. Again.
⋆˙⟡ Yor. Concentrate. Anya is talking. But it’s nearly Christmas and I still haven’t prepared anything… My coworkers have asked about it and I still don’t know. Their suggestions are…too much, I can’t follow them. When I still lived with Yuri, he said my yummy dishes were already present to him. But it's not the case here, it must be physical gifts!
Should I ask Anya directly what she wants? No no no, she will find it weird that I don’t know anything. Or should I ask Melinda, she must have more experience than me in selecting presents…⋆˙⟡
‘Mama also mentions about gift thingy, it seems she needs help too. Adults are so complicated,’ exhaled Anya.
She should make a move then.
“Mama, what do you think about Christmas? The teacher told me in class today that we will have a long break.”
“O-oh yup, that’s right Anya-chan! Do you want to go anywhere on the holiday?” - Yor jolts from the sudden mention.
“Nope, Anya just wants to stay with Papa and Mama and Bond. I don’t need any presents.”
“Aww, you’re so cute Anya-chan~” - the black-haired woman sniffs, giving her daughter a warm embrace - “You deserve everything, so don’t hesitate to say it aloud, okay?”
“Kay, Mama! Is it possible that Anya has gingerbread with peanut-butter flavor?” - she asks innocently.
“... I’ll try my best!” - Yor smiles at her daughter's request.
“Anya loves you, Mama.” - Anya kisses her Mom’s cheek.
And Yor returns with a peek on her forehead.
“Me too, I love you Anya-chan.”
Loid Forger is so dumbfounded. What does Anya mean by peanut-butter flavoured gingerbread?
“Yor-san, are you sure you don’t mistake Anya’s words?”
“I’m sure that's what she said, Loid-san.” - Yor replies, her ruby eyes show a desperate plea - “You are the best cook I know, please help me.”
He has never heard of that combination, even though one of his past disguises was a famous chef. But his daughter wants it, so he must at least give it a try.
“I won’t guarantee, but we must try right? Do you have the list of ingredients?”
“I already bought everything on my way home. You can check it.” - Yor says proudly.
“Great job, let’s get to work.”
Loid immediately moves to the basin, washing his dirty hands and swiftly scans the ingredients bag. It’s impressive for her to pick out these items on her own.
Cream butter on his left, sugar jar on his right. He adds the contents into an empty glass bowl and leaves them there.
Pop.
The flour bag is opened neatly, soon following his hand to join the bowl. His eyes glance at the round eggs on the table. They are his next target.
Crack.
The egg opens. Loid gently lets the white fluid slip, only keeping the yolk in the eggshell, pouring the orange substance to the mixture. He repeats and repeats.
Crack. Crack. And crack.
His movement is so perfect, Yor admires in awe. There is not a single flaw in Loid’s cooking skill, or himself. She stares at him, hands under her chin, lips curve into a smile, eyes fill with utter joy.
She never feels bored watching him.
“Yor-san, can you open the peanut-butter jar and put 2 spoons in this bowl for me?” - Loid’s deep voice awakes her from the daze.
Yor follows his instruction, face blushing from embarrassment. Is this what Camilla said ‘yearning’? You feel calm and pleased just by looking at the person you love. So endearing.
“Ano, can I try kneading the dough?” - Yor takes her courage to ask. It’s her present after all, she can’t let Loid do all the job.
Loid agrees, moving away to give her space.
“Both of your hands should be relaxed and apply enough pressure on the dough.”
His wife nods her head, fingers curl inside, palms grab the dough. Her hands begin to move. Up and down. Pressing and pulling. In repetitive and steady rhythm.
Her movement is completely flawless, except for the fact that she uses too much force. He feels so miserable for the dough, being tormented to death by such gravity.
I must stop her, or the table will be broken. Loid gasps.
“Yor-san, may I touch your hands to guide you some next steps? It would be easier than just listening.”
Her cheek soon becomes flushed at the thought. He is just being a good husband, get a grip. Yor reminds herself and nods again, accepting his request.
Loid approaches Yor from behind, ensuring to distance himself from her back in case getting kicked again.
His head instinctively feels so heavy. Yor’s head is too close to his chin, her hair bun keeps interfering his sight. How cute. However, it’s not as annoying as her red sweater. The real danger. From this holy view, her skin exposes too much, he must refrain every brain cell to not place his head on her crook of shoulder. The sweet scent of shampoo distracts him from the task, luring him to a flower garden out of nowhere.
Twilight, you must focus on cooking, not domestic fluff.
Swallowing his thoughts, Loid continues, both hands fully place on hers. He can sense Yor’s delicate fingers flinching from the sudden intimacy, her skin feels so soft and warm against him. He starts moving, slowly and gently to guide her movement. Up and down. Pressing and pulling. In repetitive and steady rhythm.
It’s the same motions as before, so why does he feel this hot? Their clothes don’t even glide, only their hands are intact all the time. Yet it makes him feel heated. His heart beats like a drum.
He should stop before he can't restrain himself anymore.
“The dough should be soft enough. You have done great, Yor.” - Loid breaks the unbearable silence, hands go back to his usual spot.
He misses her warmth already, but he won’t admit it.
“T-thank you for your guidance, Loid-san.” - the black-haired woman hides her face from him, voice creaking.
They stay quiet like that until the end. None of them feel uncomfortable.
Because quietness is the best disguise to hide mutual embarrassment.
“Papa is home already?” - Anya asks incredulously.
“What’s wrong with it? You must say hello to me first.” - Loid sighs.
‘So Papa is helping Mama with the gingerbread. I’m glad that they work together.’
Anya smiles heartily.
“Papa and Mama are flirting.”
“No we’re not!” - the blonde coughs - “Yor is already out for her job half an hour ago, tonight will only have two of us- I mean three of us.”
He fixes the sentence because he mustn't forget. Bond is also a member of his family.
Woof woof. He agrees.
The more urgent issue is…
…Tomorrow is already Christmas, and he still can’t select a suitable gift for Yor. He has already taken care of Anya and Bond’s presents, thanks to Franky’s assistance and his intuition.
But Yor’s case is different. He plans to ask Anya for suggestions, too.
“Anya, what do you think Yor will like as a gift?”
“If it’s from Papa, Mama will definitely appreciate whatever it is.” - the young girl answers. She really means it, the girl understands Yor too well - “Mama knows you think about her, and that makes her happy. So Papa, don’t worry.”
Seeing his daughter patting his leg to comfort him, Loid can’t help but smile. She is right, just like Franky said.
“Thanks, Anya.” - he lowers his knee to pat her head - “Let’s buy presents together. You should have something for Becky and Damian for tomorrow. It’s your last class right?”
“Yup, only for half a day and then we will have Christmas break.”
“Okay, let’s go then.”
Today is Christmas.
Last day of class in the morning, and students will begin their long break for weeks.
“It is the end of our class, I hope you all enjoy your Christmas holiday.”
As Mr. Henderson finishes his last sentence, cheers and handclap erupt across the room.
Finally, we are free!
“Anya, I will have a very busy holiday with so many movies and trips.” - Becky screams excitedly - “See you soon!”
“Wait Becky, Anya has something for you.” - the girl clumsily opens her small backpack, bringing out a purple packaged present, wrapped by yellow ribbon.
“Merry Christmas, Becky!”
The black-haired girl is astonished, hands covering her mouth.
“Anya-chan, I’m so happy, thank you! You’ll have your present from me after the holiday, I promise!”
“Yup, see you soon, Becky.” - Anya smiles, then turns her head to the lower seat. She needs to find Sy-on boy, her Plan B objective.
A small part of her sympathizes with Damian, and she wishes to share the joy with him.
Fortunately, the young heir is still sitting on his usual spot, head swaying to look for something. Or someone.
“Hi Sy-on boy,”
“Bwaa, you scare me!” - the boy yells at her, hand stroking his chest for reassurance.
⟡ Phew, I though she has come home. This morning I didn't have any chance to meet her. Now is the time!⟡
“What do you need from me?” - he asks while searching for his small gift in the bag.
“Today is Christmas. Anya guesses that no one will give Sy-on boy any gift, so Anya wants to give you something. Merry Christmas!”
It’s a snowman hourglass she bought together with her Dad the other day.
“Sh-shut up! What do you mean ‘no one will give me any gift’? You better not underestimate me.” - his face reddens instantly.
⟡ My gosh, she has a Christmas gift for me. For me! My face must be so red right now, darn it. Anya looks too cute when she hands me her present. Cursed you shoujo filter!
Wait, it should be me who initiates first, you loser Damian!⟡
He snatches the blue box on Anya’s hands, placing it on the table before continuing.
“I-I mean, you should be the one who has no present from anyone besides your parents.” - the young heir coughs, hand holding a small glass jar, wrapped carefully in white paper - “I-I feel bad for you so here, your Christmas present! It’s imported chocolate with peanuts inside, treasure it!”
Anya remains silent for a while, her eyes keep staring at the jar. Has he done wrong? Is he too harsh?
“Anyway, thank you for your present. I don’t know what’s inside but I really appreciate that.” - Damian softens his tone.
⟡ Please answer me.⟡
At long last, the pink-haired girl lifts her head. She beams at him with the happiest smile he has ever seen, warm gaze radiating his already fast-beaten heart. Damian swears that Anya even has a halo on her head. Like an angel.
⟡ Again, cursed you shoujo filter! ⟡
“You are a good person, Sy-on boy, thank you for your gift!” - Anya grins. She doesn’t realize the effect of her words on Damian’s heart. It’s too much for him. His face must be the same as a tomato now.
“Sy-on boy, do you want to visit my family on Christmas?” - the girl never misses her chance. Plan B is still running.
“H-huh, no, I will never go to your house! I will spend this year's holiday with my Mom.”
⟡ It’s actually just a shared meal in a restaurant, but I’m going to see my Mom! ⟡
That’s no surprise for Anya. She already knows it. It was her Mama who persuaded Damian’s Mom to meet him.
“I feel happy for you, Sy-on boy,” - the young girl smiles once last time - “Let’s see who has better presents then. Enjoy your holiday!”
“Mine will definitely be the best, just wait and see.” - Damian snorts, eyes lingering on her vanished silhouette.
This year Christmas is really the best.
It is finally the day.
‘Anya is probably on her bus to go home,’ Loid reminds himself.
He has walked around the living room for half an hour, thinking of how to send Anya her present. This is their first Christmas together, he wants to make it special.
Last night, he asked her whether or not she would love a present from Santa Claus. If it was a yes, he would dress just like in the fairy tale, red costume and full of beard. He wouldn’t mind sneaking into her room and placing the box on her table. Perfect plan for a normal child.
But Anya is not a normal child. She already knew Santa Claus was unreal. It must be from her smart friends, there is no way Anya would figure it out on her own. His perfect plan got ruined.
So what’s next? He plans to cosplay Bondman to surprise her, but the costume is already out of stock. What should he do?
“Loid-san, what’s on your mind? Your footsteps sound worrying.” - His wife interrupts the endless monologue.
“...I’m not too sure whether Anya likes my present or not. It has been a long time since she celebrated the holidays with that many people. Normally it’s just me and her.” - he lies.
“Anya has already told me, I will just repeat it.” - Yor takes a deep breath and continues - “Anya just wants to stay with Papa and Mama and Bond. That’s her grant wish, and my wish as well. It doesn’t matter which present you give, she will cherish it with her pure heart. So don’t overthink it too much.”
“...You’re right, thanks again Yor-san, you saved me.” He really means that.
“Y-you’re welcome.” - the black-haired woman tries to hide her flushed cheek. It overwhelms her to receive compliments from him.
“I guess we will just greet her home and take turns to give her presents then, don’t you agree?”
“Yeah, sounds nice.”
As Yor finishes her sentence, the doorbell rings. Their daughter has arrived.
Click. Door opens.
Anya emerges, her beaming face greets them.
“Anya is home, Papa, Mama. And she has presents! Anya is not too good at decorating, but she pours her heart to do it. Merry Christmas! ”
The pink-haired girl hands over the two well-decorated cardgifts, one in green, the other in red. Those are from the extracurricular activity, ‘Christmas gift tutorial for students’ to be precise.
The parents are too stunned to react. She is too adorable.
“Bond, this is your card.” - she tucks a white card in her palm - “But Anya hasn’t finished it yet because it sucks. Anya will give you the card tomorrow.”
Woof… Bond wags his tail in both anticipation and disapproval. Typical Anya.
Loid already imagines the messiness from his giftcard, but it really doesn’t matter. He would love to receive any gifts from her. He laughs at himself for overthinking too much, and returns his daughter with another gift box.
“I’m so surprised, thanks Anya. Here is your present!”
“Waaa I love you Papa! Can I open it, can I open it?
You’re so predictable. Loid nods, unable to hide his smile.
The present is a limited Christmas edition Bondman figure, 1:8 ratio in red costume. He took literally five whole days to search for it from Franky’s intel.
Anya looks like she will cry from happiness. She absolutely loves it.
“Anya-san, here is my present. I hope you like it.” - Yor shyly holds her glass box. The peanut-butter flavoured gingerbread. She already tests the biscuit, totally edible.
“Mama can really do it! Anya will have a try!” - Anya’s eyes lit up, hands grab the gingerbread and put it in her mouth.
Weird taste, but it’s deli-cos.
“Anya is so happy, thank you Papa and Mama!”
She smiles and hugs them tightly. So warm. ‘Anya wishes we could stay like this forever.’
They stay still until Anya reminds them. Oh, they are not done yet.
“Papa, Anya thinks you forgot Mama’s present.”
Gasp.
⟡ N-no, I plan to give her later. But nevermind.” ⟡
The blonde picks out a rectangular box from his pocket. It’s another lipstick he caught Yor sometimes stared at on their way home. The color really suits her.
“Merry Christmas, Yor-san.”
“M-merry Christmas, Loid-san. I also have a present for you.” - Yor turns her head, dashes to her room and comes out with a gift. She hasn’t seen Loid changing his necktie, so it should be a useful item for him.
“I hope you like it.”
“I love it, thank you Yor.”
Loid’s gaze softens at the sight. So this is the feeling when you receive genuine presents. He feels delighted. Affectionate. Content.
Loid loves his family. He will do whatever it takes to protect their smiles.
In the corner of the room, Bond sits quietly. He also feels so happy.
Woof!
“Oh, Bond, you also have your present!” - Loid’s eyes dart to his place, handing him a costume - “Here are the Christmas clothes for you, let’s go.”
Woof. Thank you!
“Yor and Anya, we will all join the Christmas festival. Get dressed and we will go.”
Hooray!
Four minds connected by fate are uniting as a family.
They can’t wait to celebrate the holiday together, blending in the waves of people, and enjoying the bliss. As long as they are together, they are the happiest.
As they finish and are ready to go, Loid comes first and opens the door.
What will await them next? He doesn't need to know. All he need is The Forgers. His family. Right beside him.
This year Christmas is already the best day ever.