It's early Saturday morning at the park, yet every face that strolled and ran around are already enlivened. The sun shone brightly, the sky as clear as it can be. Children are out with their friends and pets, walking, chasing, playing, reading — the park was full of life.

A pair of hazel eyes observed the scenery, albeit in a tensed mood. He tapped his fingers repeatedly, bit his nails every now and then, and changed how he sat a number of times for the past 10 minutes. He even repeatedly adjusted the temperature inside his limousine despite using the usual setting because for some reason he felt he's going to freeze — a sensation that is unique to this very day.

Damian closed his eyes and recalled what Becky instructed yesterday for their visit to Anya today.

'Listen, Desmond. Just be yourself and wear what you would when you hang out with your friends. Don't wear anything fancy, nor expect any. There will be no butlers nor house help as Anya's parents do everything in the house. We must not trouble them. Instead, we should even offer to help them out — like bring our plates to the kitchen, for instance. So turn down that bossy attitude a notch.' Damian mentally reviewed everything he can remember.

'Now, since you are visiting as a friend, her parents will definitely suspect that you like their daughter if you give her flowers. That's what I road from my novels. Fruits are fine— it's perfectly neutral. As for peanuts, well, you're bringing too much,' Becky said to him in his head.

'What? I already prepared this much for the visit. But... I guess you have a point...' Damian puffed his cheeks.

Becky suddenly had a new idea. 'I know! I'll be the one to carry the flowers, you will bring the fruits. That's it! As for the peanuts — er — just give her that in school on Monday. Yeah? You're less obvious this way. I'm sure her parents won't suspect a thing!' Becky exclaimed.

Damian took a deep breath and opened his eyes. His chaffeur spoke.

"Mr. Damian, it's time." Damian took the basket of fruits and a small flower bouquet.

"Mmm." Damian's door flew open as his bodyguard led him out of the car.

"I'll call you when you can pick me up," he instructed.

From a distance, he heard Becky's voice calling her. "Desmond!" she said, waving. She grabbed the flowers.

"Alright! Are you ready?" Becky asked Damian.

Damian nodded.

"Let's go!" Becky excitedly said.

Damian and Becky walked for 5 minutes. They reviewed what they agreed about the visit and how they planned for it to go.

Finally, they arrived at the front door of the building where the Forgers live. Becky pressed the door bell to Anya's house and spoke briefly with Yor.

The door lock was released and the two entered the building. Becky went straight to the wooden staircase. Damian followed her until they came to a door at the furthest end of the second floor hallway. Damian was quietly making a mental map of the place in his head.

"Are you okay?" Becky asked.

"Uh-huh." Damian replied. He was clearly nervous.

"It's gonna be fine, Desmond!" encouraged Becky. "I'm knocking now."

Damian gulped.

Knock-knock-knock. The sound echoed in the hallway.

The door opened. Yor Forger stood, pretty, sweet, and pleasant as always. She welcomed the two inside.

"Good morning, Becky, and... Damian, right? Come in," Yor said in a soothing voice. She welcomed the two inside.

"Good morning, Mrs. Forger," Becky and Damian responded. The two entered.

Typical sofa and furnitures, not one branded. Plain curtains that served the sole purpose of blocking the sunlight and hiding whatever is happening inside. There's a small television (probably where Anya watched her Bondman shows), a few plants and hung pictures on the wall. Nothing fancy. Yet...'

'It feels so warm, cozy, and welcoming.' Damian's thoughts wandered.

Realizing this, he redirected his attention to Becky and Yor.

"Is Mr. Forger home too?" Becky asked.

"No, but he will be back in the afternoon," Yor said.

"Thank you for letting us come, Mrs. Forger," Becky replied as she winked at Damian. Damian looked away as if it did not matter to him. Though the truth is, in fact, he was mentally rejoicing that Loid isn't around! At least for an hour or two...

Damian cleared his throat. "We appreciate that you allowed us to visit, Mrs. Forger," he said, slightly bowing his head. "How is Anya feeling?" he inquired.

Yor turned to Damian. "Compared to how she was two days ago, Anya is livelier today. Her fever is gone and her appetite is back. She went back to playing with her stuff toys this morning."

The two children sighed in relief. Yor noticed the fruits and flowers they carry.

"Oh, are those for Anya?"

"Yes Mrs. Forger," Becky replied. "We thought we'd bring something to cheer her up."

"I see, that's so thoughtful of you, Becky, Damian," Yor smiled at the two. "I'm sure she will be delighted to see you both. Come with me, I'll bring you to her room."

They walked past the living and dining areas when the two heard their friend's voice.

"Mama," Anya called out.

"Anya, I'm coming," Yor responded. "Wait here for a while," she told the two who stood just outside the door.

"Anya sounded like she's yet to regain her energy," Becky whispered to Damian. Damian nodded.

The two overheard Anya and Yor's conversation.

"Mama," Anya spoke, "I think Becky and Sy-on boy are near. I thought I heard them." Anya sat on her bed. "Mama, I want Papa's cookies. Becky likes it so much."

"I see. Then I'll prepare that for her," Yor responded.

"Mama, Sy-on boy too. Papa's cookies are fancy cookies for Anya so that would be fine. But I want him to get the star ones... eight of them," Anya told Yor.

Damian maintained his usual demeanor, but he gasped for air in his head. 'I - eight star cookies - eight stellas- imperial scholar...'

Anya knew he wants to be one, and she seems to want him to get it. He was deeply touched — he wants to hug her. But no, no, no!

"Alright, Anya," Yor smiled. "I'd prepare the cookies for them. Play with them for now, won't you?" Yor gestured the two to come in. Becky immediately ran inside the room.

"Anya! I'm here!" said a tearful Becky. She went straight to her friend and hugged her.

"Becky!" Anya beamed at her unexpected visitor.

"I would love the cookies," she said almost tearfully. "I miss you Anya!"

"Becky," Anya smiled softly. "I'm sorry, Anya was careless and got sick."

"It's okay," Becky replied.

"Damian? Don't be shy. Come inside," Yor gently called out. Damian came in, his hands tucked in his pockets. Anya was visibly surprised to see her classmate enter.

"I'm leaving you for a while." Yor closed the door as she left the three.

"Oi, Shr— Anya," he pulled his right hand and waved at Anya.

"H-hi Sy-on boy!" While not having her usual energy, it was clear how surprised Anya was. "I can't believe you visited me."

"Oh, we have something for you!" Becky exclaimed.

Becky stood and went to Damian. To his surprise, Becky shoved the flowers onto him and grabbed the basket of fruits from his hand.

"Anya, this is for you!" Becky was as quick as lightning.

"Thank you Becky!" Anya took the fruits from her friend.

'Wha-!' Damian failed to react immediately. He's now left with flowers to give.

Becky glanced at Damian and signaled him to give the flowers. The boy hesitantly approached Anya's bed — his face warm and slightly pink.

"Uh, get well soon, Shrimp," Damian said as he stretched out his arms to give the flowers while looking away.

"What are you doing, Desmond?!" said an agitated Becky. "Talk and give that to her properly!"

"Er, keep you voice down, Blackbell!" Damian annoyingly responded.

Anya laughed.

"There is no need to do it again," Anya reached for the flowers and took them to her chest. "Anya likes these pretty flowers! Thank you, Sy-on boy!" Anya beamed at him.

Since it was a sincere thanks, Damian felt his heart flutter. That bright smile — he surely miss having it.

Soon enough, Mrs. Forger knocked and spoke to the three. Damian turned his back on the door to hide his still pinkish cheeks.

"Uhm, I will be picking something at the City Hall and will be gone for at least an hour. Is it okay to leave you three?" She asked Becky and Damian

"Don't worry, Mrs. Forger! We'll look after Anya while you're gone," Becky responded. Damian nodded.

"Thank you, Becky, Damian. I left you something in the dining table. Anya, you can't leave the house. Understood?"

"Anya will not leave the house, mama!" Anya replied.

"Alright. I'll be off." Yor waved at the three before closing the door.

The three chatted for a few more minutes inside the room before snacking at the dining area. To Damian's delight, eight star-shaped cookies sat on his plate. Becky munched hers as soon as she saw them as she really love Loid's cookies. Anya ate both her cookies and peanuts. There they talked about what happened in class, about their teacher, about some reminders for the following week.

Becky also mentioned that she was assigned Ewen's buddy for Planetarium Monday.

"Huh? Who is Anya's buddy then?" Anya asked.

"I'm your buddy," Damian said. "But it's okay if you still need to be absent."

"Yeah if you're absent, Desmond will just go and visit again on Monday," said a grinning Becky.

Damian glared at her. "I-I definitely won't!"

Becky chuckled. Anya felt lost in the conversation. 'I wonder why Becky is saying these things.'

"You better treat her properly, Desmond. I will be watching you," she warned.

"It depends on how Shrimp behaves. If she runs around and might break something, she will hear from me," Damian responded.

"Anya thinks you'd be the one running when you see the telescope, Sy-on boy," Anya gave Damian her signature smug face. Of course, what the boy saw a pair of teasing emerald eyes and a cute smile.

"I- I will not!" Damian denied. Although deep inside, he's so excited to take a peek.

The two girls chuckled.

Two hours passed quickly as the three enjoyed their snacks. Soon enough, Loid and Yor came home with bags of food for lunch. Damian almost froze at the sight of Loid who smiled at them.

The three children were told to transfer to the sofa and watch the television as Anya's parents prepared lunch. Damian offered to bring their plates to the kitchen which Loid obliged. Damian strangely liked the feeling of doing a simple chore himself. He offered to help more but Loid and Yor convinced him to join the two girls instead.

Not long after, the table was ready and everyone had lunch together.

Loid looked at the four who enjoined him at the table. Becky was lively as ever, repeatedly hugging his daughter. Damian seemed to be enjoying himself, responding politely to him and Yor albeit a bit tensed. Anya cheerfully beamed and chuckled with her classmates. Yor gently nudged everyone to relax and eat more.

The faces of these children and his wife reminded him of the reason he worked so hard to protect the peace. Loid mentally kept a photograph of this peaceful and cheerful meal in his head as a reminder of why he does what he does. His motivation rose. 'Operation Strix must be a success, no matter what.' He briefly glanced towards Damian, lowered his gaze to hide a tinge of pity on the boy, and continued to engage with everyone in the table.

After lunch, Anya was given medicines and was told to rest in her room. Wanting Anya to relax and rest up fully, Becky and Damian decided to leave. They called their chauffeurs before bidding their farewell to the Forgers.

"Thank you very much for warmly welcoming us here," Damian politely said.

Loid nodded. "Although we can only offer your simple things, you are welcome to come visit us anytime," Loid told the two.

"We appreciate the invitation," Damian responded. He shook hands with Loid.

"Becky, thank you for taking care of Anya. And Damian, thank you for telling Anya about next week's school work," Yor said.

"Sure!" Becky exclaimed. She turned to Anya.

"I hope to see you on Monday, Anya!" Becky elbowed Damian.

"Get well soon and let us know if you can make it on Monday," Damian said to Anya.

"Mmm!" Anya nodded.

The Forgers and the children waved at each other as Becky and Damian walked down the hallway. Their cars awaited them outside the building as soon as they stepped out of the front door.

Becky went straight inside after saying goodbye to her classmate. As she left, Damian subconsciously looked at the side of the building where the Forger's residence is. There, he saw a beaming and waving Anya. He waved back at her. He turned away to hide the smile in his face as he got into his limousine.

~~~~~

"It seems Anya made great friends in school, Loid," Yor told her husband.

"Yes," Loid responded. He passed by Anya's room and saw a bouquet of flowers.

"Uhm, Yor," he called his wife's attention, "Who gave the flowers to Anya?" He asked, faking a innocent-and-curious demeanor.

Yor looked at the ceiling and tried to recall this morning. "Let's see... Becky brought Anya flowers. Damian brought her fruits," she said, while pointing to a basket beside Anya's bed.

"I see. Thank you, Yor."

'Loid is so protective of Anya.' Yor thought. She smiled as she watched her husband head to his room.

~~~~~

Next Chapter: Planetarium Monday

~~~~~