What the hell did I do? Loid let out a deep sigh and looked down at the woman sleeping beside him. The sun was already beginning to rise and Yor's delicate features were caught in the soft orange glow of the morning light. She was beautiful even when she slept.

He propped himself up with one elbow and ran a hand through her hair. He didn't regret what they did. Being with her last night was…intoxicating. Exhilarating. It was magnificent and overwhelming at the same time. Never had he felt the way he did with another woman than he did with her. And when she moaned his name, it brought him to a new level of ecstasy.

So, what was this feeling then if not regret? Of course he already knew the answer, he just didn't want to admit it. He let out a sigh of discontentment. Now this was beginning to become a problem. Guilt was not something he usually experienced as an agent. Even though Yor had been the one to instigate them becoming intimate, he had wronged her by giving in. He should have said no, should have had better self-control.

He continued to study her. Soft breaths exhaled as she lay there next to him. Gently he traced his thumb across the lushness of her bottom lip and they reacted to his touch, pursing together in a pout. He fought the urge to lean down and kiss them. Damn it all. If he didn't pull himself together, he would be waking her up for another round, selfish bastard that he was. Forcing himself away, he rolled over on his back and stared up at the ceiling.

What's done was done. No dwelling on what already happened. He had to keep the mission moving forward. So, what were the next steps? Obviously, he couldn't pretend like this didn't happen. He already knew how that strategy failed him after their first kiss. No, he would have to double down now he supposed. Make her feel even more comfortable with him, use her new vulnerability for his own personal gain. Especially now that he knew she had piqued Desmond's interest. Perhaps…he could persuade her to do more for his mission by using her feelings towards him to his own advantage.

Loid closed his eyes and squeezed the bridge of his nose, What am I doing? Yor doesn't deserve this. Maybe he should have taken Fiona up on her offer after all and spared Yor from this nightmare. When did things go so terribly wrong anyway? He was supposed to just play the role as husband. Not get entangled in a real relationship with the woman. How did he let it get to this point? His mind began to swirl. There was no single moment he thought. Just an irresistible attraction that grew over time living with her. Despite fighting constantly with himself and ignoring the feelings she brought out, she had gotten to him. It was as if she were a wildfire invading his mind. Scorching a permanent place in his thoughts and he was unable to control it.

Wildfire! Suddenly a flashback burst into Loid's mind violently. A memory he hadn't thought on in over a decade. He closed his eyes tightly as if the vision itself put him in pain.

Everything was on fire.
Hot.
Engulfing. Orange, yellow, vicious red flames, everywhere.
The flames licked up at the dark sky, growing higher and higher.
There. Someone was screaming.
It was a woman. She was in trouble.
Find her. Follow the scream. Quickly!
He listened for the pained shrieking sound, loud even against the crackling sound of wood burning and buildings tumbling around him. Another scream, it was louder than before.
He was getting closer.
"Help us!"
He ran quicker than he ever had.
"Someone pleaseee!" He could make out the words of a familiar voice.
A new noise pricked his ears, and it almost made him drop to his knees.
Was that a…? Yes. It was a baby crying.
He rushed a finger across his cheek, swatting away the tear that fell.
Focusing he picked up speed.
There. Just up ahead.
He ran through the relentless clouds of smoke. He was coughing. Suffocating.
He continued to push through the hell around him.
Finally. He made it.
He reached the voice and tears ran down his cheeks through blood-stained eyes.
"Please…get us out of here." The voice that was once a piercing scream, now a gentle plea.
A solid pile of fallen wood blocked the doorway and he couldn't get through.
Through the gaps he could just barely make out the woman standing in front of him.
His eyes were burning from the unrelenting black clouds of smoke.
He pushed at the debris. Kicked at it. Rammed his body until it became numb from the pain, but nothing moved. Not even an inch.
He yelled out a cry of desperation.
It was too heavy. It wouldn't budge.
He wasn't strong enough. He wasn't…
"Please…." The voice was weaker now.
He continued to push against the heavy wood, his hands were burning against the hot surface.
He wouldn't give up. He had to keep trying. Push. Push damn it!
Suddenly, he felt a woman's hand reach through the cracks of the doorway to grab his own.
Her hands were soft.
They were reassuring. Warm, but not because of the fire.
"Do not blame yourself. We love you…"

Loid felt a soft caress pulling him from the memory. It was Yor's hand moving across his chest as she rolled on her side, her body falling perfectly into the nook of him. Her head fell to a rest, in the dip of his shoulder. Stirring slightly, eyes still closed she whispered, "Can't sleep?"

Loid stiffened. Still completely unnerved by the past rearing its ugly teeth at him, he fought back the tears that were threatening to fall. How long had it been since he remembered that god awful night? For years after it first happened, it was all he would dream about, all he would see whenever he closed his eyes…but it had been over a decade since he relived that memory in his mind. So why now? Perhaps it was a painful reminder to stay focused on the mission. That the failure of this could mean a hell from his past, coming back, only this time, a hundred-fold. He didn't believe in signs or miracles, but if there was ever a time to believe, this would be it. It couldn't have been clearer; a necessary reminder to remember what could happen if this mission were to fail.

He felt her body move against him again, still waiting for his response. There was no time to consider hurt feelings. No time for distractions. All thoughts of guilt or feeling sorry for her had to be pushed aside. He needed to play this next hand carefully…say or do the wrong thing in her most vulnerable moment, and she would run and he could not have that. Steeling himself, he nodded in Yor's direction with newly gained confidence.

It was time to do what he did best and put on another mask. He nuzzled his chin into her hair, kissing her forehead and he felt her smile even though he couldn't see her face. "I was just thinking about what you said earlier."

Yor shifted beside him and slowly opened her eyes, dazed, still groggy from waking. "Hmm? And what did I say earlier?"

He tucked his chin down so that he caught her gaze. "About this only being for one night."

Now it was her turn to stiffen. "And?" She offered quietly.

She sounds so damn innocent, Loid thought. And she was. Until tonight, she was a virgin. He had his suspicions but after being with her there was no denying it. He had taken something so precious from her and now he was going to use this to assure that she helps him find out what Desmond was planning. He felt the sharp tugging of guilt trying to claw at him, but he just as quickly shoved it aside.

You must be relentless. You are on a mission for Westalis. This identity…this Loid Forger…and whatever you might feel…it isn't real. Play. The. Part.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe it doesn't have to be," he replied. The grogginess was gone from her eyes now, he had her full attention. She sat there quietly staring, waiting for him to continue. "Our arrangement might have started off as a temporary solution to our problems, but why does it have to end?"

Yor sat upright then. Clutching the bedsheet to her chest. "Loid, are you saying…"

He adjusted himself as well and sat up. His back now resting against the headboard of the bed.
"Yor, let's give this a real shot." He reached to cup her cheek with his palm. "Aside from the obvious benefits to our agreement, your protection, and the Academy believing that we are a real family…I…I don't want to keep fighting this any longer. I want you to stay with me. And not just for one night, but for all the rest of my nights."

Yor brought a hand to her lips, stunned by his sudden declaration.

For all the rest of my nights…

While a part of her had hoped that this arrangement would never end, now that there was a strong possibility of it actually happening, fear and trepidation ran through her entire body.

Of course, she wanted this. Wanted him. There was just a teeny tiny little problem. She was still an assassin.
Her life was dangerous. Her targets were dangerous. Bringing a family into that seemed like a terrible idea, and yet…for the first time, logic be damned, she wanted to try. If he had said any of this earlier in the night she would have jumped at the proposition, giddy with joy. And yet…there was something in his voice. Something in his eyes. Something did not feel right.

She eyed him cautiously. Where was this coming from anyway? Just a little while ago he was reminding her that this arrangement was only temporary, so… "Why the sudden change of heart?" She asked quietly.

He reached for her, his hand landing on her knee. "Because of you."

She could hear the words but strangely it felt distant. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her and she shook her head. "No. I do not accept your offer. I can't."

Loid pulled his hand away and tilted his head to the side. His face genuinely confused. "I thought this was what you wanted."

Sighing she clutched the bedsheet at her chest tighter. "Exactly. It's what I want. Out of some misplaced guilt you have for taking my…well, you know…" Yor's face turned a dark pink, unable to say the word. "You feel responsible and that's why you're doing this. But I won't have it. I won't have you be guilt-tripped into a permanent arrangement with me. I can see it in your eyes. You're trying to put on a face, but I can see you hiding something…the truth most likely."

She thought she saw a flicker of shock in his gaze, as if he had been caught in a lie, but just as quickly as she saw it, it was gone. Instead, he let out a low laugh before grabbing her by the waist, pulling her close to him. The sheet she was holding fell and she could feel the warmth of his chest against her bare skin.

"You want the truth?" He lifted her chin up with his finger, forcing her to look up at him. "Well, here it is. I don't regret what we shared tonight. In fact…I enjoyed every minute of it." He winked devilishly at her and Yor's blush deepened, "But this is about me realizing something. Without you…I'm afraid I'll fail in the future. My world will end in chaos. You have no idea how much I actually need you, Yor. "

She listened carefully. To the tone of his voice, his breathing…she could sense the truth in his words this time and yet, there was still a lingering feeling in the back of her mind…

His piercing blue eyes bore deep into hers then, and she felt the last inklings of concern fade away. She leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around her, cradling her. They fit perfectly together she thought. Was this how it was supposed to feel then? This is what being in a relationship felt like? Safe? Secure? Loving?

Of course, she would have to continue to be extra diligent with hiding her secret life but hadn't she already proven to herself that it was possible after all this time with him and Anya? She'd been keeping this from them for nearly two months and still nothing. Not even an ounce of suspicion for any of her outside activities.

I can do this. I can actually do this! She exclaimed to herself. She nestled her face into his chest to hide her beaming smile. She remained there perfectly satisfied for a few seconds before something along his abdomen caught her eye. She traced her fingers from his chest down his body, stopping at the darkened mark on his stomach. It was a scar about five inches in length, with a fleshy lighter color in the middle of the wound which indicated that the cut had originally been deep. "Where did you get this scar from?"

"Hmm?" Loid shifted so he could see. "Well, that one's kind of embarrassing. Nothing cool I'm afraid. I played ball at the University I went to, and one day during practice I suddenly felt ill. Turns out it was my appendix and had to get a surgical procedure done to remove it. It wasn't as bad as the scar makes it out to be though."
Yor took a closer look, it definitely didn't look like a surgical incision, but Loid never gave her any reason to doubt him, so she couldn't say for sure. She remembered back to earlier in the night, he did mention that he didn't like hospitals. Perhaps it was because of a bad experience? Maybe this was it?

That reminds me! With a playful smile, she began to sit up, and mounted him. "Wha—Hey!" Loid reached for her waist, completely taken by surprise. "What are you doing?"

She ignored him and continued to climb upward, pulling at his shoulder, forcing him to lean forward. She pointed at his back shoulder blade. "What about this one? I noticed it when I was stitching you up earlier."

She tapped her finger along the circular shaped scar. Now seemed as good a time as ever to get to really know her husband, that is if they were actually going to give this a real shot. She didn't know too much about his past, he barely shared his life with her. Perhaps this would be a nice ice-breaker to get that conversation going. She glanced back at the scar. To her, it looked to be the size of a gunshot wound but that's because her mind naturally veered towards her work. Surely Loid didn't actually take a bullet in his back though?

Loid let out an embarrassed laugh, "I suppose you might find this one funny. In grade school, a girl stabbed me with a pencil because I pulled at her pigtails."

"You're kidding!" Yor couldn't hide the shock in her voice even though a smile played at the ends of her lips. She couldn't imagine a mischievous kid version of Loid yanking down on some little girl's hair.

"I was no older than Anya, and was quite rowdy as a boy I must admit. I was always teasing her it seems. I grew out of that phase quite quickly though." Loid defended. They both shared in on the laugh this time and she fell back to lay on her side, still not fully able to grasp this sudden turn of events.

Waking up to Loid and having a playful conversation with him was such a strange experience. One, being she had never experienced waking up to a man before. And two, she had never experienced it with someone she felt so strongly about. So, what was next in this new chapter of hers? Should she inform the Shopkeeper? What would she tell him? That this temporary arrangement would now be permanent? That she had fallen for Loid? Would the Shopkeeper even allow for one of his assassins to be involved with a civilian?

Come to think of it, she couldn't name one single associate that she knew that had a family. The idea of quitting didn't seem so farfetched now. She had gotten into this line of work to provide for Yuri but he was doing well enough on his own, he didn't need big sister looking after him anymore…and while she did enjoy doing what she could for her country, maybe this was her opportunity to hang up her daggers?

Nestling into the crook of his body once more Yor shook thoughts of work aside. She didn't want to ruin this moment; she'll tell the Shopkeeper when the time was right, she supposed. Feeling as if someone were staring at her she glanced up, surprised to find blue eyes already looking down at her. "What?" She said with a light smile and a raised brow.

"Well, you asked about mine, now aren't you going to share about yours?" Loid's finger tapped at her shoulder. "This one seems rather new."

Yor immediately panicked. What a stupid idea to ask about his scars, of course he would be curious about her own. And God, did she have a handful. "I…walked into a broken fence and cut myself."

Loid's smile disappeared and he looked at her dumbfounded. "You…walked into a fence?"

She gulped and nodded. "Mmhmm. I was out on a lunchbreak, passed by a construction area. The fence was bent, and the metal was twisted. I wasn't paying attention and completely walked right into it. A part of it went into my shoulder but it's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal? First of all, it sliced into you. Second, a dirty old fence has a lot of bacteria. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? Did you go to the hospital at least? That's how people contract tetanus. Why didn't you tell me any of this when it happened?"

She continued to lie through gritted teeth desperate to change the subject. She hated to lie, she was terrible at it, especially when she had to come up with something right on the spot. "Yes, of course I went in, and they were able to clean it up quickly. In regards to not telling you, it was during the time you were ignoring me, so…I didn't want to bother you."

His smile came back to his face then, "I see. So it's my own fault. You know, you can be quite sly when you want to be." He laid his head back against the pillow and she quietly let out a sigh of relief. Good. The shift of blame seemed to do the trick. Now, to get the conversation directed towards something else. She didn't need him asking questions about her other scars. There was no way she could lie about each one right after the other and keep her composure.

"What are we going to tell Anya?"

Loid shrugged, "I'll have a sit down with her. I think it's best if maybe I talk to her personally."

She nodded in agreement. Anya was after all Loid's daughter and even though she was playing pretend mother, she didn't feel close enough yet to the girl to be involved in a conversation such as this. During the early interviews with the Academy when Anya had started to cry after the mention of her real mother, it did pain Yor a little. She remembered how it felt to lose both her parents when she was younger. It was more painful than any physical wound she could think of and it was not something she would wish on any child. What if Anya didn't even want a new mother?

"Come, let's enjoy each other's company for a little longer before we have to get out of bed." Loid's calm voice immediately relaxed her and she lay her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, and for the first time in a long time, felt nothing but absolute peace.

Anya turned to wave goodbye to Becky as she stood out front of the apartment building, shouting a "See ya!" as the black limousine drove away. She couldn't wait to tell Mama and Papa about last night! More importantly, she couldn't wait to tell Mama and Papa about her new real birthday! It was less than two weeks away and there were preparations to be had! Not nearly in the same ballpark as Becky laid out, but there were still things she really wanted for her own party.

Running up the steps to their floor, she burst into the apartment, and stood victoriously in the doorway. "Anya's home!"

She was greeted by her Mama who was setting up the table for lunch. She stopped what she was doing and turned to face her, a large smile on her face. Mama seems really happy today, Anya noticed as she placed her backpack on the floor and removed her shoes.

"How was your sleepover?"

"It was amazing! Becky lives in a giant home with infinite ice cream, a water park and a zoo! She also has a lot of people living in the house that help her clean and stuff." Anya smiled and made her way over to the table. "But even more important than all that! I have a birthday!"

Her Mama gave her a soft smile, "Of course you have a birthday dear."

Oh no. Anya could hear her Papa's thoughts from the kitchen. How am I supposed to explain that Anya's birth certificate was forged? If Yor were to find out now that Anya was adopted just a couple months ago... Just when I finally thought I got a handle on everything this morning too. Think, think!

Anya stepped forward with a closed fist directly over her heart. She would fix this problem for Papa, and Mama won't suspect a thing. There would be no problems and nothing was going to stand in the way of her birthday celebration! Not even her family's own secrets!

Stepping up closer to Mama, she retold the same lie she told Becky. That she had suffered from amnesia after her first mother passed due to as she put it, "extreme heartache and pain." Anya put a hand to her forehead and pretended to fall, just to have her Mama catch her in time.

She's laying it on pretty thick, but I suppose I can't stop her mid-story. Her Papa's thoughts only strengthened her resolve even further as she continued. She needed her Mama to believe this story if she wanted to have this party.

"And because I can no longer remember my true birthday, Papa was going to let me pick a new date to celebrate." Waving her arms as theatrically as she could, Anya recounted how Becky had come up with her new birthdate, starting with all the ice cream they ate, their official officialness of becoming best friends, and how special this new birthday really meant to her.

That is the most ludicrous, unbelievable... Nobody is ever going to…

"Oh you poor thing!" Anya was suddenly embraced by her Mama, who was on her knees now, clutching the girl in a tight embrace. "No child should ever have to face such a traumatic ordeal! And to think that you even lost your memories!"

Oh right. I forgot that the Briars were prone to extreme gullibility. She winked up at her Papa who only shrugged in disbelief, but obviously relieved. She sensed him gathering his thoughts before he spoke. "Well, it was very kind of Miss Blackbell to come up with such a thoughtful new birthday for you. Have you decided on what you want to do?"

Anya nodded. "Birthday party at the museum! There's going to be lotsa dinorawrs! And a big cake! And lotsa presents!"

Anya bashfully put her arms behind her and gave a little kick. Eyes wide and hopeful she looked up at her Papa. "…I mean…can Anya have a big cake?" Speaking in third person often seemed cute to parents, Becky had mentioned. A nifty little trick that works most of the time when wanting something.

"Anything you want." Anya felt as if she were floating. Everything was going exactly as she hoped. No disagreements, no debating.

"And I already made my invitations. I want to invite a few friends from school…" She started to list them out by counting out with her fingers. "Becky and Martha of course. Unkie Frankie, and Unkie Yuri too!" She raised her arms in the air and jumped ecstatically.

Mama clapped her hands, joining in on the jumping. How wonderful! And what perfect timing! A celebration as a family just as Loid and I decided on making this arrangement a permanent one. We really are going to be a real family!

Anya stopped hopping up and down just then. Did Mama just say…a real family? So…Papa had decided that he does want to keep this family after all? Did that mean this life of hers wasn't going to end after the mission? With tears still fresh in her eyes, she ran straight to Papa, grabbing onto his leg. Tugging at his pant leg she looked up at him. "Are we a real family now? Mama isn't going to leave us and I won't be returned?"

He chuckled and patted her on the head, giving hints to shush about the adoption details and let out a nervous laugh. "I don't know where this question is coming from, but yes. Yor and I have decided to extend this arrangement indefinitely."

Anya's mouth slowly curled upwards into a magnificent smile. This was the best news ever! If Mama and Papa were in agreement that they would stay, then that had to mean that Papa intended to keep her as well. He wouldn't be returning her to the orphanage after all. She was going to be able to keep attending Eden Academy, keep her friendship with Becky, and more importantly, keep being a part of this family. Today might not have been her birthday, but it could have been, what with this bomb of a gift. For what could top the gift of family?

October 6th. 1:00PM.

Loid rubbed his forehead and let out a frustrated breath. Damn these emergencies keep on piling up! Of all the days to be called into work, it had to be this one. Anya's big birthday celebration was set to start in just a couple hours. He couldn't be late, not for this. Not only was this a momentous occasion for the little girl, but today was a major step forward for Operation Strix! She had somehow gotten the Desmond boy to accept her invitation, and even more surprisingly, his father, Donovan Desmond had agreed to attend in person with his son. Imagine! The Head of the National Unity Party, attending Anya's birthday celebration.

Never in a million years would he have thought that the mission would succeed due to the two unknowing partners he formed when he created this family. Because of Anya and her friendship in the Blackbell child, they were able to secure the entire museum for themselves. A private tour of the dinosaur exhibit and the entire space was reserved for just their party. Thanks to the complete privacy Desmond felt comfortable enough to attend, whereas if it were any other location, he would have passed without a second thought. Which led to his second accomplice, his wife. He was not so unaware that Donovan was attending due solely to the fact that he probably wished to see Yor again. It definitely wasn't out of love for his son. No, he had made it quite clear where their relationship stood as father and son back at the Academy. Loid was certain that it was because of Yor. There was something about her that night at the parent teacher's conference that caught Donovan's eye. But what? What could Yor possibly have done or said to catch his attention? Could they know each other somehow? The mystery nagged at him every night.

Letting out another sigh, Loid leaned back into his chair. The leather slightly creaking against his weight. Mission details weren't the only thing that kept him up at night. For the past week, Yor had completely relaxed around him and their relationship seemed to be blossoming better than expected. She smiled more, held his arm more when they went walking. Even began taking cooking lessons with her co-worker Camilla because she wanted to improve on her homemaking skills. Everything was going according to plan. Yor was eating out of the palm of his hand and Desmond would be attending Anya's birthday celebration this afternoon...Operation Strix was speeding past all the checkpoints, green lights all the way. So, what was bothering him? What was keeping him up all night?

A knock at the door tore him from his thoughts and Loid coughed into a hand, recollecting himself. "Come in." He leaned forward from the chair and watched as one of the nurses from outside ushered a rather awkward man inside. He was tall and lanky, with disheveled blond hair and weary eyes.

"I'm sorry. He was just sent from administration. They assure that this is the last one for the day, they want you to—"

"Talk to the patient and send my analysis to them right away." He finished her sentence, and waved them in, motioning towards the chair.

The nurse stood still for a second before uncomfortably nodding. "Sir, I know it's your daughter's birthday, I tried to tell them but…they said this was priority."

"Of course. I'll see to this last case." He stood up from his chair then and gave a slight bow of his head. "If you'll stay here with the patient for a moment. I need to make a phone call." Loid stood up and tugged at his vest suit. This was the fifth emergency patient he had to see today. What was going on? Unfortunately, this job was just as important to maintain as his cover so he couldn't blow off direct assignments from the hospital's administration board. Stepping out into the hallway he walked towards the public phone. He would have made the call in his own office, but since the patient was already there and he seemed to be distressed he didn't want to add to the situation. Picking up the phone he dialed for home.

"Yor? Hi. I'm sorry but I'm still caught up with work. Do you think you can run by the bakery and pick up Anya's cake?—
Splendid, uh huh—
Yes, I should be done with this patient in about an hour. I know I said I'd be able to help decorate the event room at the museum but I'm not sure that—
Oh, Franky is there? Wonderful!—
Okay, I'll see you at the museum—
Oh and Yor? I…I really am sorry." Hanging up the phone Loid's head felt heavy. He knew the apology was for much more than not being able to help decorate. The guilt of using Yor was taking a heavier toll on him. He gave the phone a tap with his hand before hanging up, walking back to his office.

He could stay in denial all he wanted but there was no running from the truth. No matter how hard he tried to suppress the emotions, that thin line that kept his feelings at bay was splitting. Shattering at the seams. This past week he had given his best performance as doting husband and was greatly rewarded because of it. The Operation was about to hit its peak! It didn't get any better than this. He should be ecstatic, jumping with joy. After all, this was his whole purpose in life wasn't it? To ensure a safe and prosperous world for the future's children? So why did he feel so goddamn awful?

Once this is all over the guilt will subside. You will no longer have to pretend, and Yor will be nothing but a distant memory. You are doing what you must. Take pride in at least that. Gripping both doorknobs firmly he walked back into his office, ready to take on his last patient of the day.

That was…strange. Yor hung up the phone turning to face the rather short man standing beside her. Franky was one of Loid's closest friends and over the past couple of months had gotten quite close to both her and Anya, taking on the role as Uncle with ease. In contrast to Loid's stoic personality, Franky was quite the opposite. Colorful, outspoken, lively. He constantly indulged Anya whenever she wanted to play dress-up or make believe without any complaint, and now here he was, helping out with the final preparations for the birthday party.

"Was that Loid?" Franky asked, carefully placing the decorative garlands in a large plastic bag.

Yor nodded. "Work is keeping him longer than expected." She decided to keep to herself however that Loid's apology at the end didn't feel as if he were talking about just work, which made her worry. What could be bothering him on a day like this? Putting the thought aside for another time she flashed Franky an apologetic smile. "Do you mind if we make a stop at the bakery before we head to the museum?"

"Not at all!" His eyes gleamed behind his thick red glasses and his round afro-perm bounced slightly as he gave a shake of his head. She couldn't have been more grateful for his help today. Anya was with Becky all morning who had been quite insistent that the birthday girl get a fresh manicure and have her hair styled right before her big party. Which was fine since that allowed Yor and Loid, well, Yor and Franky, to decorate the event space at the museum where the party would be taking place.

It was just about another ten minutes that they had the car packed and ready with everything they would need. Shutting the car door, she hopped into the passenger seat with a giddy smile on her face. Even though it wasn't her birthday being celebrated today, she couldn't have felt any happier. Things were finally going smoothly with Loid. No miscommunication, no fighting how they truly felt any longer...and it was such a relief to have that weight lifted from her shoulders. And then there was Anya's big party today. Cake, presents, surrounded by her friends, her family…this was really it.

A normal life. "My new beginning…" She whispered to herself.

"What was that?" Franky asked without taking his eyes off the road.

"Oh, nothing." She giggled at being caught talking to herself. She couldn't help it, she was too excited! An assassin…with a family? Celebrating, throwing parties? It was such an insane notion but somehow it was all working! And after today I will finally tell the Shopkeeper about my permanent decision to stay with Loid. I owe it to him to be truthful. Yor looked out the window and felt a wave of concern wash over the excitement. She knew this conversation had to happen sooner or later. And while she didn't exactly feel scared of what the Shopkeeper's reaction would be, she did feel…slightly anxious. There was always the chance that he would reject them being together. That her job as assassin was too much of a risk. What if they found out about her secret life? What if they were found out by enemies? Balling her fist she looked ahead with resolve. If that were the case, then she would quit. Simple as that. She would put behind her life of taking lives, and instead focus on the very alive, two most important people to her now.

Yor felt the car slow down as Franky pulled into a parking lot, looking for an available spot. "Why don't you drop me off here and go find a space. You can wait in the car, I shouldn't be more than five minutes." She opened the car door and stepped outside, welcoming the warm sun on her face. It really was a beautiful day. She let Franky drive forward before making her way across the gravel to the bakery shop at the corner.

She giggled for what seemed like the hundredth time in the past hour. Anya is going to be so excited when she sees this! Together, her and Loid had decided on a giant seven-tiered cake. It seemed only fitting for a child who was turning seven today after all. With each layer a different flavor, it was sure to be an instant hit with the little pink haired angel. Chocolate chunks, caramel delights, popping candy that exploded in your mouth! Oh! She couldn't wait! Smiling, she reached for the door and stepped into the bakery.

Her face suddenly grim, and the smile was wiped clear from her face as her entire body went on high alert, her eyes quickly scanning for any immediate threats. The room was dark, save for the light coming in through the glass display window. Not a single customer, nor worker in sight. No shop music, no kitchen machinery at work…nothing but silence.

Looking around for any type of weapon just in case, Yor reached towards a baguette and gripped it tightly in her hands. It wouldn't have been her first weapon of choice, but it was long, firm, and it was better than nothing. She continued slowly around the counter and made her way into the back, flicking at any light-switch she passed, yet none worked. It was darker back here, the sun from outside only a soft glow as she walked further away from the front. Suddenly the sound of shuffling caught her ear…but it wasn't coming in one direction, they were coming from all around her. The building was being surrounded!

Turning quickly, she ran back towards the front door, but it was too late. She watched in what seemed like slow motion as a small tin canister was flung through the window, the sound of glass shattering roaring loudly against the silence. Realizing what it was Yor rushed to shield her eyes, but it was too late. The flashbang exploded! A blinding white light knocked her off balance and she stumbled backwards. The piercing high-pitched ring blaring in her ears and it was all she could hear. She felt somebody grabbing at her and she made a guess as to where he was, swinging the baguette wildly she was met with satisfaction as she hit something solid, knocking them to the ground. Through squinted eyes she could barely make out the rush of men in full tactical gear swarming into the room.
Who are they? No time to ask questions, she needed to regain her composure if she was going to fight her way out of this.

Letting out a warrior's cry as if to scream away the deafening sound, she hurled herself forward.
There! Clarity! Her senses came back to her and she instantly flung herself back into action.
With rapid speed she grabbed the front of the man's rifle and yanked it downwards causing the man to stumble towards her. With a violent thrust, she rammed the end of the gun into his nose, breaking it. The soldier fell to his knees in pain, clutching at his face, and she swiftly moved on to the next. She ducked under a left hook, and with an open hand, lunged her hand into the man's throat, hitting a pressure point and she stood up in satisfaction as another man fell to her feet. Tactical gear was all well and good unless you knew the in-betweens and slips of getting past them. Unlucky for these men, Yor knew them all.

"Take cover men!" The voice sounded behind her and just as she spun around, Yor saw another flashbang being tossed her way, but this time she had no time to shield herself and took the hit directly. She fell backwards disoriented. Nothing but sharp ringing in her ears and a blanket of white in front of her. Immediately she felt the firm grips of several men grabbing her arms, pinning them securely behind her back, and cool metal as they handcuffed her.

This was it. She was captured. Brought to her knees by a force of mysterious soldiers. But who were they? And why? She did nothing wrong. She was coming in to pick up a cake! This had to be a misunderstanding. As the room slowly began to stop spinning and the piercing sound was beginning to subside, she looked up to see an older man grinning down at her. The left side of his face was badly scarred that stretched from his left cheekbone all the way up to his hair line. Bad stitching didn't help offset the ugliness of the scar, instead it only added to it. He was wearing a dark olive-green suit and suddenly Yor knew exactly who this was.

"Secret Police?" The words barely escaped her lips. How? Did they finally figure out she was an assassin? Oh God. Loid, Anya… What would happen to them? Would they suspect the entire family and punish them because of her? Or would they grant them mercy?

"Ah. You don't seem too surprised at your arrest." The man took a deep huff from his cigarette before blowing the smoke directly into her face. "It's been years, but we've finally captured you."

Yor let out a nervous laugh, "This has to be a misunderstanding. Why would the Secret Police be interested in me?" She watched as the man let the cigarette fall from his mouth, but before it could hit the ground—thwack! His fist was solid. Heavy. A good punch and he didn't hold back despite the fact that she was a woman. Her face throbbed from the sudden hit, a hot searing pain burned across her cheek, and she spit out the blood from her mouth to his feet.

The scarred man straightened to his full height. He was tall, but aside from his physical build, she could tell this man held high ranking. He reached into his jacket for another light before continuing, "There is nothing you can say to get out of this." His eyes narrowed on her and he placed the cigarette into his mouth. With one hand to shield away the wind, and the lighter in the other, he lit the cig, taking in a deep satisfied breath as he savored that delicious first drag of a newly lit smoke. His smile twisted as he turned his attention back to her. His eyes held nothing but hatred and contempt and she couldn't help the fear that ran down her spine.

"For the crimes against this country you will pay dearly, I promise you that, Twilight."