Loid's Surprise

It had been a long day at the Berlint Central Hospital for Dr. Loid Forger, and he was feeling exhausted as he walked out of the building, his briefcase in one hand while putting his hat on with the other. It was dark already, but Years End decorations and illuminations were lightening the city up, shining in children's eyes who were walking with their parents from the nearby shopping mall. Loid let out a sigh: he wished he could've taken Anya to the mall, too. Then he remembered that the following day would be his day off, and that he would have all the time in the world to take his daughter shopping for toys; his sigh turned in a faint, albeit genuine smile.
The day's work had been done and all he had left to do was to head back home and enjoy a quiet evening with his loved ones, far from the hospital and from the city's busy streets. He looked left and right before walking away, in case a WISE agent would try to pass intel to him for yet another overtime mission: fortunately, nothing of that sort came and he flew away relieved. For once, he would be getting home on time! Maybe he would even have time to watch a full Bondman episode together with Anya. His stride lengthened as he walked towards the train station, and he started frantically checking his wristwatch: if the next train was on time, he'd definitely be home sooner than he used to these past few days.

Yor was also frantically checking the wall clock in the kitchen. Since it was her day off, she had stayed at home most of the day and had only gone out to drop and pick up Anya from the school. She checked everything one last time, just in case she forgot anything. Anya was giggling while watching Bondman reruns in the living-room with Franky, who had happened to have dropped by a few minutes earlier.

"I hope he doesn't come home late", Yor whispered louder than she wanted to.

"Papa will be happy!"

"He better come home right on time!" Franky exclaimed. "With all the effort you put into all of this, it would be very inconsiderate of him! Does he know?"

"No, it's still a surprise. But I think he might suspect something…"

"Either way, everything is going according to plan so far: no one died from what you cooked and baked today! Relax, it'll be fine! I'm sure he'll love it!"

Yor gazed at the kitchen, for she had indeed been hard at work all day long and was hoping Loid would be satisfied. She made a mental note not to forget to thank Camilla for her cooking lessons were slowly but surely paying off, at long last. At least they seemed to pay off, and only Loid's reaction would confirm it.

"Thank you, Franky."

"You're welcome but… what for?"

"Without you telling me it out of the blue last week, I wouldn't have known Loid's birth date."

"You know, I mentioned that casually… I assumed you already knew it! You're his wife, aren't you? And anyways, you could've asked him directly if you really wanted to know."

Anya was watching the whole exchange and winced as her mama started to appear flustered.

"How could have I? I'm not even his real wife! It would've been weird to ask!"

"It would've been weirder to not celebrate birthdays for a married couple."

"Uncle Scruffy's right. Also, I read on papa's mind the other time that he already plans a big surprise for mama's birthday next month!"

Loid felt relieved as he walked the last few meters before entering his building: the familiar scent of bleach and cleaning products welcomed him, proof that the communal areas had received their weekly cleaning. He almost jumped upstairs, his whole body lightened by the prospect of being home soon, and before long he was standing before his apartment's door. But something felt off and he stiffened, ready to bolt. Was he ambushed, like in the first apartment he rented as Loid Forger, the one where Anya got kidnapped after using improperly some of his secret gear? It seemed unlikely: he knew Yor stayed at home on her day off, and a woman as strong as her wouldn't let herself be pushed around by measly housebreakers. The SSS, then? No, Yuri would never let his colleagues touch a single hair off his beloved sister's head. Then, maybe he was just overthinking things – as usual? Probably. Anyways, he turned the keys in the lock and pushed the door. Lights were shut, and from inside came no sound.

"I'm home", he said with a blank voice.

He reached to turn the lights on.
In the next second, a lot of things happened.
Firstly, several detonations startled him, though they did not sound like gunfire. A shower of glistering confetti started pouring over him, as he was welcomed by the smiling faces of his wife and daughter who had just fired they party crackers.
Secondly, several voices shouted: "Happy birthday!"
Thirdly, Anya jumped in his arms and he noticed that she was wearing a little party hat.

"Wha–"

"Happy birthday papa!" yelled his daughter, clenching her little arms around his neck.

"Birthday? Whose birthday? Mine?" Loid thought, confused by the events.

For there indeed were birthday decorations hung on the walls, and everyone – he noticed Franky, who was still sitting in the couch – was wearing party hats, including Bond who barked once.

"I don't even remember my own birthday, so whose could it be…"

"Happy birthday, Loid!"

Yor smiled at him as she reached to replace his fedora with a party hat. It was the most heartwarming smile that he had ever seen shining on her face, and he felt his heart jump a little as he gazed into her ruby eyes; he noticed she was still wearing her apron. Then Loid's Forger forged ID card flashed before his eyes, and he connected the dots at last.

"I get it now. Today's the 18th of December, that is to say Loid Forger's – no, my birthday!"

He then noticed Franky's cunning smile in the background, and understood that the informant had performed his duty by informing his family of his birthdate, which, truth be told, was a topic never brought up before. It wasn't his real birthdate, of course – he couldn't even remember it – but it was definitely Loid's, and seeing the smiling faces of his wife and daughter was well worth a thousand real birthday parties.

"Mama baked you cake! Your favorite one!" cheered Anya, already running to the table.

"Is it true?" asked Loid while taking his jacket off.

Yor looked away to the kitchen, slightly blushing. "Well, I tried to. It's probably bad though, but I put a lot of effort into it!"

Loid went to see for himself, and he could smell the scent of freshly baked cake before even entering the kitchen. There, on the counter, was among other smaller pastries a delicious-looking apple pie. He could also smell something else, and noticed a pot on the gas stove: it definitely smelled like southern stew. Turning back his gaze to the cake, he felt his mouth watering.

"I don't think she ever cooked something that looked this tasty", thought he. "It's got to be good, right?"

His feelings were torn, for on the one hand he felt extremely grateful towards his wife to have spent so much time in the kitchen on her day off, and on the other hand he feared that this could turn out to be his last birthday party. But something was different today, and he knew her cooking was getting gradually better ever since she started taking lessons from her coworker.

"Don't worry," Franky barged in. "Anya and I tasted the preparation and we're still here to tell the tale!"

"Uncle Scruffy's right! Mama's cake is delishious!"

"I'm sure it is," Loid smiled, relieved.

He then noticed a couple gifts wrapped in colourful paper on the table. Gifts? For him? He started to feel emotional, as he was sitting at the table next to his daughter. Yor brought the cake to the table and cut everyone a slice of each. Loid was glad he came home early: it was barely past snack time and he wouldn't have to scold Anya if she were to stuff herself with cake. After all, her papa's birthday was only once a year!
Yor produced a box of matches and a set of birthday cake candles, and planted a few on the pie.

"The candles! The candles! Will you let me blow with you, papa?"

"Careful, Anya!" warned Yor as she lit the candles. "I don't want you to burn yourself – your papa has spent enough time at the hospital today!"

Loid was sitting still as he watched his wife proceed, with a faint smile as the smell of candles and matches rose to his nostrils. Hazy memories popped up in his mind, memories of a time long gone and forgotten, a weird feeling only Yor could spark off.

"Happy birthday, Loid", she whispered in his ear before planting a light kiss on his cheek.

A huge chill ran down his spine and his hair rose up on his head while Anya gazed wide-eyed at them, her glass of fruit juice stopped halfway in the air between the table and her mouth.

"Hey!" protested Franky, embarrassed by the display of affection. "You'll have all the time in the world to be lovey-dovey after we have cake! I can't wait no more!"

Loid obliged with a smile. He took Anya on his knees and they blew the candles together while Yor took pictures on a small Polaroid… only to find out some of the candles were reigniting by themselves!

"Magical candles!" shouted excitedly the little girl, who made it her utmost duty to blow them all.

"This is torture!" exclaimed Franky, whose stomach was aching for food as Anya was excitedly blowing the candles off for the fourth time.

All candles were eventually dealt with and Yor finally proceeded to cut everyone a generous slice of pie.

"This is so good!" said Franky, cheeks filled with apple pie.

"Mama's cake is finally good!"

But the only reaction Yor was seeking was Loid's, and he was sitting still and quiet, chewing a bit of his slice.

"I knew you wouldn't like it…" she said, suddenly saddened.

Loid then snapped out of the memory he had relived after tasting the pie. Another long gone memory, but a clear one this time, and a happy one before the war and its atrocities. Memory of an ordinary childhood, surrounded by loved ones. A memory very similar to the moment he was living right now.

"It's the best apple pie I ever ate."

Yor swallowed her tears. "You mean it?"

"Of course I do!"

The cake indeed turned out decent. Yor still had a lot of progress to make but overall, she did better than expected. The pastry wasn't baked enough and slices were falling apart as they held them to their mouths, but it was definitely good and everyone had another helping.

"Will you make a cake for my birthday, mama?" pleaded Anya with big eyes.

"Of course, Anya!"

"Come on now Loid, time for the grand gift opening!" cheered Franky. "Mine first, let's keep the best till last!"

He handed his friend the smallest gift that was displayed on the table, and Loid unwrapped it carefully to discover a brand-new wallet.

"It comes with the hidden miniature wiretapping set you requested me the other time", whispered the informant in his ear.

"Thanks, I needed a replacement!" thanked Loid, before reaching for the second gift.

"My gift! It's mine!" shouted Anya, crazy with excitation.

It was a mug, a plain white mug that bore the words world's best dad in big black letters. The simplest of gifts, yet undoubtedly the most heartwarming one.

"Come here…" His mug in one hand and his daughter in the other arm, he cuddled her.

"Happy birthday papa!"

Loid was starting to feel a funny sensation in his eyes, something he hadn't felt in a long time. Almost like a tickling, but a watery one.

"Happy birthday, dar– I mean Loid…" muttered Yor while handing him her gift, the biggest of the three.

He instantly recognized the brand displayed on the cardboard box he unwrapped: Mona & Monacca.

"It's from where we met for the first time", he commented with a smile as he opened the box.

Yor blushed so hard she had to look away.

"How romantic!" teased Franky.

Her gift was a brand-new set of red ties of varying patterns and shades, along with decorated tiepins and cufflinks. It was a rather simple gift, but Loid could tell from the assortment of patterns that Yor had chosen each tie with the utmost care, and had spent hours at the tailor shop to pick the best ones for him. He started to feel overwhelmed with joy, so much he was about to start crying.

"I better not cry, because she'd think I hate her gift – even though that'd be tears of joy!"

But he couldn't hold his tears back any longer.

"Papa! You're sad? Do you not like our gifts?" Anya seemed distressed.

Yor let out a small gasp. Was she still that bad of a cook? Or was she the most useless wife ever? Her mind started to spiral out of control.

"These are tears of joy", Loid reassured them, "this is the best birthday in a long time!"

He smiled at them and wiped his tears.

"I'm very thankful – for all of you, I mean. Birthdays parties, surprise ones at that, are not something I've been used to, so I felt kind of overwhelmed!"

"It's not because I'm useless?" Yor looked up, somewhat relieved. "I thought my bland pie and dull gift were the reasons why you started crying."

"Where in Hell is she picking up such depressing ideas about herself? I'll need to have her come to my office, one day…!" thought the psychiatrist.

"Your apple pie was delicious, to begin with. And it matters not what's in the box: the real gift is the time and care you put in picking what you thought would be the perfect gift. That's the real treasure."

"So that means you don't like my gift?" whined Anya with watery eyes, whose gift had been chosen in a couple of minutes at the gift store.

"I love it too! That's not what I meant!"

"Man, sometimes I find solace in living alone." Franky thought, a content look on his face as he watched his friend and partner struggle to balance between his wife's and his daughter's feelings.

"You really liked my gift?!" Yor cried out, her face dangerously close to his.

"It's a thoughtful and useful one, of course I like it."

"Then that's great! I feared you wouldn't like it, because-"

"Because I had no idea what a wife could gift her husband on his birthday, and Camilla and the girls' only suggestion was to be the gift myself… what does that even mean?"

Anya imagined her mama wearing a red gift ribbon instead of her signature white headband, and was left intrigued as… there was nothing to unwrap with such a gift?

This was a truly memorable birthday party that turned into a fine birthday dinner, and for the first time Yor cooked a whole meal without intoxicating anyone – a big milestone by Loid's standards! Though it was far from the quiet evening he had fancied earlier, it was still very enjoyable and he was glad to be there with his family and his friend.

Loid and Franky headed out after dessert, as Bond was yet to have his evening walk. It was almost half past nine on a cold December evening: the streets were empty, and the three of them walked down the pavement casting shadows thrice their size, dancing between street-lights.

"Thank you, Franky. This is all thanks to you, isn't? I never mentioned my birthdate to the girls."

"Well," Frankly scratched the back of his head with false modesty. "All I did was casually mentioning your birthdate, I assumed your wife of all people would've known it!"

"As unfathomable as it might seem to a mind as narrow as yours, we're not very talkative when it comes to our personal lives."

"You know her birthdate, don't you?" Franky retorted, his glasses shining with the reflection of a nearby street-light.

"It's the 27th of January." Loid answered straight off.

"Been doing your stalking, haven't you? I wonder if she knows she's living with such a creep."

"You're the one I commissioned with gathering intel on miss Yor Briar in the first place, if I recall correctly." Loid gave his friend a black look.

"Hey, no need to be on the defensive! There's nothing wrong seeking to please your wife."

"I'm not-"

"How many gift ideas have you had so far?"

"A hundred and seventy-two, including jewelry and clothing items, but excluding travels and chocolate boxes, and-" he finally understood he had been played like a fiddle. "Hey! Stop teasing me, or I'll have your WISE allowance withheld!"

The two friends eventually parted ways halfway through Bond's walk as it had led them not far from Franky's neighborhood; the spy and his dog quietly walked back to their apartment at 128 Park Avenue, under the Years End lights.

It still smelled of cake and good fare as he came back home around ten o'clock. Anya was nowhere to be seen, since Yor had put her to bed shortly after her father and her uncle had left. Speaking of Mrs. Forger, she was cleaning the dishes while listening inattentively to a variety show on TV.

"You're back!"

He could hear her smile.

"I am. Bond wanted some attention, so I took him on a walk longer than usual."

He joined her in the kitchen, to help with the dishes and the tidying. They stood there in silence for a long while, basking in each other's quiet yet comforting presence.

"Yor," Loid whispered at last, "I have something to tell you."

She felt blood rushing to her face up to her ears, as her husband had unexpectedly turned to hug her from behind.

"Thank you for today. It meant the world to me. I really mean it."

He wrapped his arms around her upper stomach and buried his nose in locks of silk black hair. He was feeling at peace, like he had never felt before.

"Loid, I-" Yor stuttered.

She wanted to speak out loud, but she was dying from embarrassment as Loid wouldn't seem to let her go. Her heart started racing and her mind spiraled.

"I'm not ready, is he going to… is he going to unwrap me?!"