The grandfather clock chimed through the strangely silent apartment as the father, son and daughter of the Forger family sat in the living room. Loid sat on the far end of the couch reading a book with Eric sleeping on the couch with his head in his father's lap as he held Honey Ninja to his chest taking a literal cat nap. Anya sat on the ground in front of Bond as she held his face, trying to get a vision out of him.

The only Forger that was absent was Yor who has been coming home late the past few nights. Loid and Yor have enough respect for each other to not pry into each other's personal lives.

Anya's stomach growled loudly. "Papa, can we eat dinner now?"

"We will after Yor gets home." Loid answered before returning to his book.

Anya held Bond's face again, "Bond, use your powers and tell me what we're eating."

Eric yawned as he woke from his after-study nap. "Is Mom back yet?" He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand as he looked up at his father.

Before Loid could answer, the door opened and Yor entered the apartment.

Yor turned to her family and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, I got a little held up."

As she walked further into the apartment, Loid noted a few things that were different about her as Eric sat up feeling refreshed. 'A late arrival, with that grim expression, and several cuts on her hands.'

Anya ran up to her mother while Eric followed with calm steps, "Welcome home, Mama!"

"Hi Mom." Eric greeted; his hair mussed up from sleep. Making him look adorable in Yor's opinion.

"Aw, thanks for the warm reception you two." Yor said as Loid joined Anya and Eric.

"So glad you're here. Should we start dinner?" Loid asked.

Yor looked discomforted but hid it quickly. "Um, I'm not particularly hungry right now. But you three should eat something." She said before she walked past him towards her room.

"Oh, okay?" Loid said after a moment, feeling something was wrong as he watched Yor's back. 'What's going on with her?'

Anya stared up at her father while Eric looked at Yor's retreating figure.

Bond's ears perked up as both dog and child received a vision.

Yor wept into her band aid covered hands.

Anya had a fearful look as she turned just in time to see the door close shut.

'Mama's gonna cry, but why?' She thought worriedly.

Eric turned to his sister. 'Could it be one of her missions?'

Anya shook her head and shrugged, unable to answer since their mother's mind was blank and silent. She averted her eyes to Bond, signaling a vision.

As their father prepared dinner for him and his kids, Anya and Eric sat next to Bond and Honey.

Anya drew letters into her brother's palm.

MAMA CRIED

Eric raised an eyebrow, 'Are you sure?'

Anya nodded grimly.

'Was there anything else in the vision?' Eric glanced at Bond.

Anya shook her head.

Eric had a thoughtful expression as he contemplated any reason she would cry. 'Could someone be bothering her at her regular job? Or perhaps one of her missions?'

Anya shrugged.

Eric crossed his arms, 'She's been coming home late recently. The look on her face; something must've upset her.' An idea came to him, "After school tomorrow, I'll go to her job at Berlint City Hall."

Anya's eyes widened as she glanced at their father whose back was turned to them as he cooked.

'I need to investigate this myself. Dad will have no choice but to wait for you at home. You think you can take the bus home without me?'

Anya glanced between their father and her brother and nodded.

'Good. I'll figure out what's going on and, hopefully, prevent what will make her cry.' Eric thought to his sister, determined to find out the reason and whoever upset their mother. Assassin or not, neither of them want anyone to hurt or belittle Yor.


At the end of the school day, Eric escorted Anya to the bus.

"You know how to get to City Ha'?" Anya asked as she waited in line to board.

"I have a map, I'll be fine." Eric said as he held his bag securely, his regular clothes were inside ready for him to wear so he won't draw as much attention.

"Papa won't like it if you don't come home."

"I'll deal with him later. Right now, Mom is more important." 'There's no way I'm trusting an adult with a kid's job. And I'm pretty sure he's spying on us as we speak.'

"Yes, he is." Anya confirmed.

Eric sighed, he is not looking forward to that kind of scolding, but he'll take one for the team.

It was Anya's turn to enter the bus. "Good luck on your mission." She said before she heaved her smaller legs onto the high step of the bus.

When the bus peeled out, Eric moved behind one of the buildings and pulled off the jacket of his uniform then changed into a brown vest and a green jacket that covered the Eden symbol on his white dress shirt.

"Hopefully Dad won't be too upset." Eric said to himself as he pulled out a map and went to the trolley that would take him as close to City Hall.


Loid watched his son through his scope with gritted teeth.

'What are you doing Eric?' Loid yelled in his mind. 'Where does he think he's going, and leaving Anya like that?' He growled upon realizing that his daughter is expecting to see her father at the apartment. He shook his head, he can't leave Anya alone in the apartment by herself.

"Maybe she knows what he's doing." Loid said as he left to return home.


Eric hummed to himself as he stepped off the trolley, looking down at the map as he walked among the crowd. Though he made a mistake and ran into a streetlamp when he didn't look up in time.

Eric groaned as he rubbed his head, "Okay, so left on this street, then take one right."

After ten more minutes of walking, he looked up to see a large white government building.

"There it is, City Hall." Eric stuffed the map in his bag as he walked up the steps.


Yor was working at her desk when she got a call from reception.

"Hello Yor speaking." Yor listened until her face filled with shock, "What?" Her exclamation brought looks from her female coworkers. "Okay, I'll be right down." She put the phone down and left the room towards the reception area.

"Wonder what that's all about?" Camila asked.


Eric sat in the waiting area reading a book when Yor finally appeared.

"Eric."

He closed his book and stood up to greet her. "Hi Mom."

"What are you doing here? Where's your sister?" Yor asked, worried when she didn't see the little girl who is normally attached to the boy.

Eric assured her, "She's okay, I sent her home when school ended. Dad's already with her."

Yor let out a relieved breath, "But what are you doing here?"

Eric blinked up at his mother, "I wanted to spend the day with you."

Yor was colored surprised, "Really?"

"I want to make sure you're okay." Eric said honestly.

Yor was touched by his honest concern until she realized something. "Wait, did you tell your father you were coming here?"

"No." Came Eric's blunt answer. "But Anya should have told him by now."

Right on cue, the receptionist answered the phone and turned to Yor, "Um, Yor, your husband's calling." She held the phone out to the woman who hastily took it.

"Loid?"

"Hi Yor, sorry to bother you, but is Eric there with you?" Loid anxiously asked his wife.

"Yes, he's right here in the waiting room. He just arrived, actually."

Loid released a relieved sigh, "Thank goodness."

Yor smiled as she imagined the look on his face knowing his son is safe with her. "Do you want to talk to him?"

"Yes please."

Yor turned to Eric who sat in the chair calmly. "Eric, your father wants to talk to you."

Eric hopped off the chair and came closer until he was close enough for Yor to hand the phone to him.

"Hi Dad." He greeted in his usual calm tone.

"'Hi Dad?' Is that all you gotta say?" Loid asked exasperatedly at his son.

"No, sorry I didn't call ahead. I probably should've used the school phone before I got here."

"That's not it at all Eric, you went all the way from Eden to City Hall by yourself. You could've gotten hurt, or worse kidnapped." Loid scolded his son over the phone.

"I did hit my head on a streetlamp on the way here." Eric admitted then explained, "I'm alright, I wore regular clothes instead of the Eden uniform. Less conspicuous."

He could see his father pinching the bridge of his nose as he spoke to his son. "That hardly makes me feel better. You shouldn't go anywhere in the city without an adult."

"But you said I'm a mature young man. Doesn't that make me an adult too?"

"Just because you're more mature than most kids, does not change the fact that you're still six-years-old. And don't say knowing self-defense helps you feel safe on your own." Loid added sternly.

Eric sighed as his eye twitched. He honestly can't understand why his father is reacting this way. The old man trusts him to be on his own at Eden, and he was perfectly fine coming to City Hall by himself.

Loid released a sigh of his own, "Why did you suddenly want to go to City Hall?"

"I wanted to spend the day with Mom."

"You didn't think to ask me first?"

"You would've said no."

Eric heard the gritting of his father's teeth when he bluntly said that. He cupped his hand against the phone and whispered, "Something's upsetting Mom, and I want to find out what it is and help her."

This made Loid pause before Eric continued, "I know you're mad at me. But Mom needs me right now. I don't want her to cry."

He heard Loid sigh through his nose, "You and I will talk more when you get home. Can you pass the phone to Yor?"

"Sure." Eric turned to Yor who watched at a distance to give father and son some privacy. "Mom, he wants to talk to you."

He passed the phone to Yor.

"Hey Loid."

"Hi again Yor. Listen, I'm sorry if this is sudden, but are you okay with watching Eric for the rest of the day?"

"Of course, I don't mind. Though I will be home late again tonight. But don't worry, I'll be by Eric's side the entire time." Yor assured Loid.

"Thanks Yor. As long as he has his books and homework, he should be fine while you're working."

Yor smiled, "Not a problem."

Eric tugged on her shirt, "There's one more thing I need to say to him."

Yor passed the phone to her son. "Hey Dad, since I'm spending time with Mom, you should have some father daughter time already. She wants your attention too, you know."

"Right, thanks for telling me."

Eric smiled, "There's actually a park with a swing set and a merry-go-round I passed by on 8th Vera Way. You should take her there."

"I'll keep that in mind." Eric swore he heard the man smile.

He passed the phone back to Yor. "Looks like we both have plans with our dates." She said as she ruffled Eric's hair as he blushed slightly.

Loid breathes out a laugh, "Guess we do, watch over him Yor, mature or not, he'll still get hurt."

"Don't worry, I got him. We'll see you at home." Yor put the phone back then turned to Eric.

"Now then, shall I show you where I work?"

Eric nodded, "I'd love that actually."

Mother and son held hands as they returned to Yor's office.


Eric should've expected to be gawked at the moment he set foot in the room lined with desks. It wasn't a large crowd, just three ladies in the same uniform as his mother.

The first one he noticed was a young woman with blonde hair, yellow eyes, light skin, and short eyebrows. Her hair appears smooth and carefully curled at the ends, reaching her shoulders. The second is a young woman with light skin and eyes that are slanted downwards with long eyelashes. Her chin-length orange hair is styled into a bob curling inwards with her fringe swept to the right of her face. The third is a young woman with light skin and long black hair combed back. Her eyes are obscured by her glasses but are shown to be narrowed with a disinterested expression when visible.

"Yor, who's this kid?" Camilla asked as she got a better look at the little boy.

Yor smiled with maternal pride as she held Eric's shoulder. "This is my son, Eric Forger."

"Huh?" All three ladies exclaimed.

"Your son? Yor, when and how?" Millie asked as she got closer and glanced between the two.

"I adopted him actually. He's one of Loid's children from his first marriage." Yor explained to them.

"Huh, now I see the resemblance." Sharon stated, remembering the handsome man who Yor married.

Eric bowed his head in greeting, "Thank you for having me. I promise to stay out of your way and not cause trouble for you." He raised his head, "Also, thank you for looking after my mother."

The ladies were not expecting such polite behavior from such a young boy.

Camilla came closer and knelt to his level, "So, how old are you, young man?"

Eric blinked at the woman's question. "I'm six years old ma'am."

"Really, cause you sound very mature for a six-year-old."

"I get that a lot." Eric said calmly as Camilla gives him a scrutinizing look.

Before Eric knew what happened, he was pulled into a bone crushing hug. "Mmm! How can you be so cute?!" Camilla exclaimed as she hugged the boy who was equal parts surprised and bemused.

"I don't know." Eric answered despite his surprise.

Camilla pulled away and smushed his soft cheeks between her hands. "I never knew Yor became a mother when she got married, and to have such a well-behaved gentleman for a son. You may call me Camilla."

"Nishe to mit chu, Mish Camira." Eric said through his squished cheeks.

Camilla released his face and stood up. "And so polite."

"He is." Yor said as Eric massaged his cheeks.

Yor leaned in closer to Camilla and whispered, "Is it okay if I brought him along tonight?"

"Sure. Is his father okay with that?"

"He's fine as long as I bring him home." Yor assured Camilla who glanced at Eric.

"Have you told him about...you know?" Camilla asked.

"No, not yet. I'll tell him after work." Yor said, know she can't avoid it with Eric with her.

Yor turned to Eric, "You can set your homework up right on my desk. It's right over there."

"Thanks Mom." Eric said before he went over to the desk with Yor, making space for him before she went back to work beside him.

Both mother and son worked hard at her desk. Those who glanced their way were surprised at the appearance of the kid before her female coworkers filled them in about Eric being Yor's adopted son. Two hours later, Eric laid his head on the desk napping after finishing his homework.

"Wow, so cute when asleep." Millie squealed softly at the peaceful expression on the boy's face.

"All kids are cute when they're sleeping." Sharon commented as she glanced at Eric.

They watched as Yor glanced at Eric with a look of soft maternal fondness.

"Hard to believe she became a mom so soon." Camilla commented as she looked between Yor and Eric. Despite the lack of physical resemblance, she couldn't help but feel as though they were alike in some mysterious way.

When the day finally ended for the office workers, Yor gently shook Eric awake. "Eric, it's time to go."

Eric yawned then looked up at his mother through half opened eyes and blonde hair completely mussed up from sleep.

Yor giggled softly at his drowsy expression before he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

"We're leaving?" Eric slurred as he tried to wake himself up.

"Yep, though, we're actually gonna stop somewhere on the way home." Yor said as Eric grabbed his book bag and followed his mother out of the office.


"Um, Mom, Dad already bought some groceries a couple days ago." Eric said as he sat in the basket of the cart among the food while Yor pushed the cart through the produce section of the grocery store.

"Actually, Eric, this is for something else." Yor said, looking sheepish. "I've been keeping a secret these past few days."

Eric tilted his head, "Okay?"

Yor let out a breath and confessed, "I've been taking cooking classes from Camilla."

Eric held up the fish's head and moved its mouth up and down to make it talk, "Why is that a secret?"

Yor chuckled at Eric using the fish like a puppet then became serious again. "After what happened to your father the other day, because of the breakfast I made him that morning, he had a difficult time. So, I want to be a better cook."

Eric hummed as he looked into the dead fish's eyes as though to confirm something. "Can the little boy come along too?" Eric asked through the fish, hoping this bout of silliness would encourage and cheer her up.

Yor breathed out a small laugh, "Yes, the little boy can come."

Eric smiled with a light blush staining his cheeks. He was glad he could make her laugh like that.

"By the way, what are you going to make with this guy?" Eric asked as he glanced down at the fish again.

"I'm not sure yet."


Mother and son arrived at Camilla's house; each carried a bag of groceries in their arms. Yor had an intense look on her face whilst Eric put on a display of calm endurance, as though he was a soldier heading off to battle. Which in this case, it will be.

Yor + Cooking = War Zone

But Eric is confident in his mother's determination to be a better cook for their family. So, for her sake, he will support her and help in any way a six-year-old can.

At the corner of his eye, he saw something red seep through the bag. He knew it wasn't blood, but it painted quite a picture of what could be in that bag. He decided not to say anything since it would disrupt the mood.

"You ready?" Yor asked as Eric nodded, "Yeah."

Yor raised her band aid covered fingers to the doorbell and rang it.

A moment later, Camilla opened the door with a creak, wearing a long-sleeved purple top and ankle length white skirt.

Camilla's eyes darkened with intensity. "Okay, we're doing this."

Yor mirrored that look and nodded.

Eric kept his face in calm neutrality as he counted backwards from five.

"Wait a sec," Camilla pointed at the bag, "are those tomatoes? They got crushed! What is the matter with you?"

"UWAHH!" Yor exclaimed as she held up her bag and noticed a red stain on the brown paper.

"Don't worry, I got extras, they're cherry tomatoes." Eric held up his bag that was clean and undamaged.

Camilla's boyfriend, Dominic, appeared beside her. "Back at it, guess you can't keep a good woman down, can you?"

"Still trying, thanks." Yor responded.

"Don't act all innocent, she's here because of your big mouth!" Camilla seethed at her boyfriend for dragging her into teaching Yor how to cook these past few nights.

'So, he's the one who set this up, he looks like a nice guy.' Eric thought as he entered the house with his mother.

Dominic noticed the boy's arrival, "And who is this little guy?"

"He's Yor's adopted son. Turns out her new husband was a single father of two." Camilla answered, crossing her arms.

"Really, now that's surprising." Dominic said as Eric bowed his head in greeting.

"Thank you both for having me. Also, let me say I'm grateful to you for taking time out of your days to help my mother." Eric said before he raised his head to look up at them with his green eyes.

Dominic grinned as he ruffled his hair, "It was nothing, your mom was pretty desperate, and we were thrilled enough to teach her."

Eric kept his calm demeanor in front of new people.

"Would it be alright if I help in the kitchen as well?"

"Sure thing." Dominic gave the boy a thumbs up as Camilla sighed, "I need all the help I can get."

After Eric helped Yor lay out all the ingredients onto the countertop. Eric tied the green apron onto his person and a white bandana over his hair while Yor did the same with her red apron and pulled her long hair into a ponytail.

"Last time was rough, but I'm ready. Teach me all your ways." Yor said with renewed confidence.

"This is a nightmare." Camilla groaned as she held her head.

"Maybe it's your attitude." Dominic commented, although Camilla didn't take too kindly to it.

"Listen up buster! You'll be the one tasting all her crap! So, zip it!" Camilla vehemently said as she glared and pointed at her boyfriend.

'I guess they found out the hard way too.' Eric sympathetically thought as he held his own stomach at the memory.

"You know, I actually invited someone over to help with that." Dominic was smart enough to come up with a backup plan.

Right on cue, the doorbell rang and in came a young man who bore a shocking resemblance to Yor except with neck length hair.

Eric's eyes widened a fraction, 'Wait, could this guy be-?'

"What's up Yor? I'm here!" The man joyfully greeted with his arms raised.

"Yuri?" Yor exclaimed in response at the sight of her brother.

"I heard you will be cooking dinner here tonight." Yuri said, happy as ever to see his beloved sister.

"Well..."

Eric tensed up as he hid himself slightly behind Yor. His green eyes trained on the man. 'Mom's younger brother, Yuri Briar.'

Yuri greeted Camilla. "Thanks for having me over Camilla! I really appreciate all you do for Yor."

"You guys having a little party or something like that?" Yuri asked as he hung up his coat.

Red eyes finally took notice of the small boy hidden behind his sister.

"Yor, who is that behind you?"

Yor smiled as she laid a hand on her strangely shy child's shoulder and gently coaxed him forward until he stood in front of his mother with her comforting hands on his shoulders.

Green eyes void of emotion looked up at red ones that watched him with curiosity.

'This man, he carries the same air as Yor. He hides a ruthless side that is vicious towards his prey. The worst part, he is part of SSS...Dad's worst enemy.' Eric clenched his fists by his side. 'I can't read his mind. Does he already know about who Twilight is? Did he suspect anything that time? I need to be careful, now more than ever for everyone's sake.'

"This is Eric Forger. He's my son."

Yuri blinked as he processed what his sister just said.

"YOU HAD LOIDY'S BABY ALREADY!"

His loud exclamation shook the entire house and may or may not have caused a car alarm to go off.

"What? No, of course not. Yes, he's Loid's son from his first marriage. I adopted him and Anya after we got married." Yor quickly explained after Yuri's panicked outburst.

This made Yuri calm down almost immediately. "Adopted?"

"Yeah, perhaps I should've mentioned that little detail when you came over last time." Yor sheepishly said as she scratched the back of her head.

Yuri visibly relaxed before he got a better look at Eric and assessed him with narrowed eyes. He looked too much like Loid for his taste. He put on a friendly face the way he does whenever he interrogates a traitor and knelt down to Eric's level.

"Hello Eric, I'm Yor's brother. I suppose that makes me your uncle."

Eric's face remained impassive, not trusting the friendly tone from the man.

He bowed his head in greeting, "I am pleased to meet Mr. Briar, Mom told me you are very intelligent."

Yuri beamed under the praise Yor gave him. "She told you?"

Eric nodded, "Yes, though I'm shocked at the resemblance between you. You're like twins. It's strange to see Mom in two different places in front of me."

Yuri smiled, taking it as a compliment, "I'm flattered. I must say, you look exactly like Loidy. It's like seeing a smaller version of him."

"We don't look anything alike. My eyes are green, his are blue." Eric denied even though many people commented on their similarities.

"I see, are you still going to school?" Yuri asked, needing all the details he can get out of this kid.

"Yes, I quite enjoy it." Eric answered pleasantly.

"Where do you go to school?"

"Eden."

"That's an elite school."

"I like learning new things."

"What do you do in your free time?"

"I like reading, it's my happy place."

"What else do you do?"

"I play with my little sister, our cat and dog, and I help with cleaning."

Yor smiled at their interaction. "He likes to help me with the chores. Such a sweet boy."

Eric blushed lightly under the praise.

"Honestly he reminds me of you when you were little." Though Yor's words sounded like affectionate praise, Yuri and Eric didn't like the way it sounded.

They thought at the exact same time.

'There is no way he and I are anything alike!'

Yuri smiled to cover his discomfort, "Really now, with him attending Eden with all those brains, I should hope so."

"Thank you." Eric kept his face neutral.

Yuri then asked, "So, what brings you here with Yor?"

Eric answered, "I'm helping her while she takes a cooking class."

"Oh, it's a cooking class."

Yor, Eric, Camilla and Yuri were in the kitchen while Dominic sat at the dining table. "Please don't mention it to Loid and Anya. I'm trying to get better in secret."

Due to Eric's height, he couldn't see over the countertop, so he has to stand on his tippy toes to see over the counter. "I found out not too long ago and wanted to lend my support." He explained then sweat dropped as he settled back on his heels; the top of his bandana covered head could be seen from the dining table. "Though I'm not sure how given my lack of growth."

Yor smiled, "Your presence here is enough."

Yuri didn't look all that pleased. 'She's doing all this for stupid Loidy! Do I even wanna help?' He thought as he gritted his teeth.

Yor's back was to her brother as she mused to herself and Camilla, "For tonight's menu, I thought we might try making minestrone."

"That's Italian." Eric commented upon hearing that name.

"Yep, it's a soup." Yor nodded.

"Seriously, I told you not to get all the stuff we don't need. I mean, do you think that's in the recipe?" Camilla pointed at the cactus Yor bought.

"They say variety is the spice of life, so won't this make it better?"

Eric peaked over the edge then covered his mouth and gave the cactus a flat look, "I do not want needles poking my mouth."

"You're right, let's just set that aside." Yor said while Camilla looked relieved.

Camilla groaned, "Alright, let's start by peeling the potatoes."

"Right." Yor said as she held up a peeler and a potato.

'Here we go.' Eric thought, mentally prepared for the disaster.

Not two minutes later and the precious potatoes were covered in blood.

"How can anyone be this bad at prep work?" Camilla exasperatedly asked as she beheld the massacre. 'There's blood everywhere!"

Yor clenched her eyes shut in pain, "This weapon is almost impossible to wield."

Camilla glared, "It's not a weapon, you dope."

Yuri slid over and presented a band aide, "Hey sis, I brought you some bandages."

Eric pulled a step stool he found and slid it between the women and the counter then climbed it to take the bloodied peeler and carried it and pulled the step stool over to the sink to rinse it under the water. Once it was clean, he dragged the stool back to where the women were and took another potato from the pile. He ran the excess water from his fingers over the skin then held the potato firmly in one hand then brandished the peeler in the other.

The adults watched with bated breath as Eric placed the blade of the peeler onto the potato's skin and gently peeled it. He was slow in his method; peel then turn the potato slightly. It took him five minutes, and after careful inspection, he held up the freshly peeled potato for all the adults present.

"Does this look okay?" Eric asked the astonished adults.

"It's perfect." Yor said with marvel at how cleanly her son handled it.

"Since when did you learn to use a peeler?" Camilla asked as Eric cradled the potato as though it were an egg.

"I observe my dad whenever he cooks. This is my first time." Eric explained, remembering the technique Loid uses when preparing food.

"Hm, not bad kid." Camilla said with an impressed look as Eric put down the peeler.

"So, what do we do next?" Eric asked as he pulled a meat cleaver out of nowhere.

"For one thing put down the meat cleaver!" Camilla exclaimed in shock and fright at how he brandished it with a blank innocent look. Yor however, looked proud at how her son handles a weapon.

Camilla let out a breath as she put the meat cleaver back in the drawer. "The number one rule in the kitchen is never allow children to hold sharp objects like knives."

"Understood." Eric said as he and Yor waited for further instruction.

"I'm handy with a knife though." Yor said confidently as she held up her next weapon of choice.

As expected, Yor's skills with a knife were too extreme.

"You don't have to cut it paper thin just do it like a normal person, okay!" Camilla exclaimed in horror at how Yor inhumanly quick cut the meat.

"Wow, look at those knife skills!" Yuri complimented.

Eric caught the flying meat paper and decided to use them for origami birds.

Yor tried again with spinach, results...

"What the-You're acting like a lunatic, you sliced up my favorite cutting board!"

Yor bowed apologetically, "I'm sorry, I'll buy you another one."

Yuri slid over again, "Amazing as always!"

Eric used the stem and leaves from the spinach to make a little hut and umbrellas for his origami birds on the counter. He marveled at his little at project as he munched on a chocolate bar, completely forgetting what they were supposed to be doing.

"Like really," Eric turned to watch Camilla berate Yor, "What is the matter with you anyway? And why would anyone marry you? Get outta here!"

"Sorry."

Yuri was not happy with how Camilla treated Yor and felt the urge to make her disappear.

Eric frowned as he stared at an untouched tomato.

Camilla had just reached the end of her rope after seeing the disaster on her counter. "You know, I'm afraid this is a lost cause. You might as well give up. Divorce that hunk and move out!"

"I can't do that." Yor sighed out while Yuri looked pleased at the prospect of his sister divorcing Loid. She clenched her hands tightly to her chest and face her coworker desperately, "I'm begging you Camilla, because if Loid divorces me, then I'll-I'll be-" '-picked up by the Secret Police!' Yuri and Camilla stared at how desperate Yor became, how much she wants to learn.

Yor felt something tug on her shirt. She looked down and saw Eric cradling something in his hand. He raised it up and showed her, "Here."

Yor blinked at what she saw, "A rose?"

"Tomato rose." Eric explained, "I saw someone do it on the cooking channel, and I thought it was pretty. And you love flowers so..." Eric looked down, "...I thought maybe this would help encourage you."

The adults watched this little boy in awe.

"I... don't know how to comfort an adult, what the right words to say when they need help. I like knowing things, but I wish I knew how I can help you." Eric said with a guilty expression, hating how powerless he felt when he promised to make sure Yor doesn't cry.

Yor felt touched by Eric's insecure yet kind words. He is so used to looking after his younger sister and protecting her. Yet, despite his good intentions, he is still awkward in conveying his feelings to an adult. At the end of the day, Eric is still a child trying to learn.

Yor smiled as she accepted the gift from her son. "It's beautiful Eric, thank you."

Eric felt a small smile crawl onto his face when he saw his mother smile at him.

"You cut yourself, didn't you?"

Eric looked down at his bleeding fingers, "Maybe a little."

"I got him, sis. Let's get that cleaned that up." Yuri volunteered as he guided the boy to the bathroom.

Camilla watched the interaction and glanced at the origami birds and small landscape the kid made from Yor's mishaps. There's no denying how odd the boy is, but she can see how much he cares about Yor.

Letting out a breath, she spoke to Yor more gently this time, "Just get your ingredients simmering already. Then I'll teach you how to properly season everything. The sooner you can get this meal done, the sooner you can leave."

Yor smiled with relief as Dominic came to stand beside her. "See, there's a soft side under there...once you get past the prickly bits."

"Honestly, I always thought she was pretty great." Yor said, making a blushing Camilla turn to her, "Hey!"

Eric sat on the toilet as Yuri cleaned his fingers. He hissed softly at the sting when Yuri applied disinfectant to the cuts.

"Sorry." Yuri quickly apologized as he tried to be as quick as possible.

"It's okay. I'm accident prone, so this is nothing new." Eric assured him as he endured the sting.

"Still, you knew you were not supposed to hold sharp objects. Knives especially." Yuri chastised him as he pulled out a couple of band aids.

Eric shrugged, "It's a small sacrifice. I only wanted to make Mom happy."

Yuri smiled as he gently wrapped the band aids around his fingers. "You did good back there. Thank you." He softly said as he finished with Eric's fingers. "You really are a good kid."

"I thought you didn't like me."

"What? Why would you think that?" Yuri asked, wondering what gave away his initial feelings.

Eric raised an eyebrow at the man.

Yuri sighed and scratched the back of his head, "Okay, fine, I didn't like you for a couple of seconds." He looked off to the side guiltily. "To be honest, it wasn't really you I was mad at. It was Loidy."

"You call my dad 'Loidy'?" Eric covered his mouth to stifle a grin, "That's hilarious."

Yuri grinned, "It's the best insult I can give him."

Eric removed his hand from his mouth, "So, why are you mad at dad?"

Yuri's grin disappeared, "Personally, I don't like that he married my sister so suddenly without my approval. He's a nice guy and he treats Yor right, but..." He sighed, "It's hard to like someone who married someone you love."

"I get it."

Yuri looked back at Eric in surprise at those three words.

Eric gave him an understanding look, "I have a little sister who I love very much. She's innocent, sweet, and can easily get hurt if not careful. I wanna protect her too." He looked to the side with a mildly irritated expression. "She wants to be friends with this boy in my class. Thing is, he and I are rivals, and he don't like each other at all. He's spoiled and obnoxious. I don't understand her taste."

Yuri pointed at Eric, "So you know exactly how it feels." He said in surprise at how a little kid could understand his need to protect his sister.

Eric nodded, "Yeah, the idiot wanted to bully her at first, but she gave him kindness and he decided not to bully her anymore." He frowned and blushed, "That, and I may have gone all demon and threatened to kill him if I ever see him near my sister." He added, ashamed of himself.

Yuri gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up, "Great job, always protect your sister."

Eric gave Yuri a thumbs up as well, "You too."

Yuri lowered his hand and admitted, "Looks like we have more in common than we thought."

"It would appear so." Eric smiled slightly, "Mom took care of you after your parents died. That must've taken a lot of strength for her to do by herself."

Yuri smiled in melancholy, "Yeah, for a long time, it has always been us. I wouldn't be the man I am today if not for her. The best way I can repay all she's done for me is by keeping her safe."

'That must be why you joined SSS.' Eric pieced together Yuri's reason for becoming a part of SSS. It was all for his sister.

"I don't doubt that. You know," Eric began, "I think the real reason why she's such a wonderful mom is because of you. She wouldn't be the woman she is today if not for you. I'm honored to be her son, so I want to do everything in my power to make her happy as well." Eric stared at his band aide covered fingers.

Yuri was surprised at what he heard from the boy. He thought he would feel irritated having a stranger's child call Yor their mother. Yet after witnessing Eric's unyielding compassion and love for Yor and how equally protective he is of his little sister did Yuri realize that the boy was more than just Yor's adopted son, he's a protector like himself.

He raised a hand and ruffled Eric's blonde hair the way Yor used to do to him.

Yuri smiled, "You truly are something special."

Eric blushed, "I'm not that special. I'm just Eric."

Yuri laughed under his breath at how bashful the kid is.

"Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot before, but now that we're family, I believe it's okay to call me Uncle."

Eric looked surprised at what Yuri just said, "Are you sure about that? I am the son of your least favorite person."

Yuri shrugged, "Meh, doesn't matter to me. I find you much preferable."

Eric smiled, even though this man is Twilight's enemy, somehow, he can tell he's a good person.

Yuri stood up from his kneeling position and held his hand out, "Come on, Yor is waiting for us."

Eric hopped off the toilet seat and took Yuri's hand, "As you wish...Uncle Yuri."

Yuri smiled in a way that is similar to Yor.

Eric found himself liking the man more than he realized.

Back in the kitchen the food was ready...to kill.

Eric stared at the evil aura that simmered out of the pot of "minestrone" as Yor said it was.

"Are we sure about this?" Eric slid his eyes to the adults present.

Dominic turns to Yuri, "You're up. Make sure it's not pois-uh I mean, make sure it's delicious."

"Yeah, sounds good to me!" Yuri said with excitement.

Yuri sat at the table with the bowl of hell in front of him. One kid and three adults watched with bated breath as Yuri dipped his spoon into the bowl and raised it to his mouth.

"Down the hatch." Yuri said then wrapped his mouth around the spoon.

Eric did the sign of the cross, praying for his uncle's survival.

What came next was just bizarre horror.

Yuri shoveled more food into his mouth while vomiting at the same time. "This is amazing, it tastes just like my childhood!" He exclaimed between bites and vomits.

"Yay." Yor said, happy with her brother's compliment.

"If it's good then why are you throwing up?" Camilla asked as she and her boyfriend sweat dropped at the sight.

Normally, Eric considers himself a wiz when it comes to keeping his face void of emotion or expression. However, watching Yuri scarf down Yor's food and upchuck at the same time was not something he was mentally prepared for. His face filled with discomfort, and horror as he fought to keep his own nausea from spilling forth.

'This is the guy my dad has to worry about!' Eric thought incredulously.

"Huh?" Eric noticed the adults about to eat Yor's food. "Wait don't-!" Eric held his hands out to stop them, but it was too late. They dropped dead to the floor.

Eric groaned quietly as he brought a hand to his face, "Great, now they're dead."

Yor yelled in panic at her coworkers.

Thankfully, Camilla recovered quickly enough to pull herself up with the table while clutching the front of her chest in agony. "How could you screw it up this badly? Did you listen to a word I said?"

"I'm so sorry."

"Hey sis, I'm ready for seconds?"

Meanwhile, Eric performed CPR on Dominic while holding a piece of chocolate under the man's nose, hoping the sweet smell can revive him.

Camilla stood back up with a struggle. "Guess you're not at minestrone level yet." She rasped out in pain, "Let's try an easier dish, like meatballs or something."

Yor smiled, "Yeah, okay."

Turns out, the meatball was just as bad.

"Mom, I think the meatball just moved." Eric said after squinting at the dish.

Yuri, on the other hand, was wolfing it down and spewing vomit.

"This is incredible! It's so good I'm turning blue; I'm breaking out into a cold sweat! Like every bite is making my life flash before my eyes!" True enough, he really did turn blue. "Wait, I think I see Mom calling me to join her-"

"Don't do it man! Stop before it's too late!" Dominic yelled over Yuri's rant and vomit in an effort to safe him.

'Where does all that vomit go after it comes out of him?' Eric thought to himself, trying to figure out the mystery of his uncle's vomit.

"I suppose it makes sense why your pallet is such a mess if you only have this walking train wreck eating your food." Camilla stated after remembering that Yor and Yuri lost their parents when they were very young.

"Train wreck?" Yuri turned to Camilla.

"I just wanted to make sure he got all the right nutrients that a growing boy needs." Yor explained.

"Wow, I'm so glad you survived buddy." Dominic said in horrified amazement.

'I suppose he's living proof that humanity can survive anything.' Eric felt a hint of respect for his uncle for living past childhood with only Yor's cooking.

"Here's an idea, can you remember any dish in particular your mom made that was really good? We could try that." Camilla asked, hoping something from their childhood could help them make something that was edible.

Yor held her chin as she tried to remember then turned to her brother. "Yuri, can you think of something?"

"Something Mom made?" Yuri struggled to remember since he was so young when they lost their parents. "Huh, I kinda remember her making some type of stew that was really good, right? Very warm and filling."

"Yeah, and she'd always put a fried egg on top." Yor added, remembering that one key detail their mother would do.

"'Kay we should give that a whirl. So, see if you can recall the flavor." Camilla said, feeling they were finally getting somewhere. "It probably uses a simple southern style stew base."

The Briar siblings got to work trying to recall the flavor of the stew, using any key detail that can clue them in on what ingredients that were used by their mother. Camilla patiently instructed Yor who took notes while stirring the pot. Eric took a turn stirring with the ladle while Yor sprinkled a bit of salt and pepper.

Eric stood on the step stool between Yor and Camilla as he watched his mother concentrate on stirring.

"You know, something is different about you lately." Camilla noted, making Yor and Eric turn to the woman. "I mean, like, you don't have that blank robotic look on your face so much."

'Blank and robotic? I suppose it would make sense given her profession. But at her normal job too?' Eric glanced at his mother, 'Could it be before she met Dad?'

"Uh, oh yeah?" Yor looked down at the pot. "Well, maybe it's because...I'm married."

"What? So, now you're trying to brag about it? Honestly, I think you just changed your makeup." Camilla said with her arms folded across her midriff.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be boastful!" Yor exclaimed as the soup bubbled nicely.

"Ah, c'mon," Dominic laid a hand on his girlfriend's shoulder, "you know that you're a total catch babe. So don't feel bad."

Camilla blushed, "Hey!"

Eric smiled lightly, though they were different personality-wise, he found them to be a cute couple.

Dominic sniffed and pointed at the stew, "I gotta say, this one actually smells kinda good. I think you nailed it. Nice work."

"Third times a charm." Eric said as he pulled out a spoon. "Any volunteers?"

Camilla sighed and took the spoon then stood in front of the stew. She dipped the spoon into the pot then gulped before she took a sip. Her eyes widen in surprise, "Wow, it's not awful."

Yor smiled while Eric sighed in relief.

Yuri tasted the stew next, "It's really good, but it feels like there may be something missing."

Camilla held her chin with a thoughtful look. "Hm. So, where is your family from originally?"

Yor answered, "We're from Eastern Nielsberg mostly."

Camilla opened the fridge, "Seems like people from that region might add sour cream. So why don't we throw little bit in there?" She took a container out then tossed a spoonful into the stew.

After a couple of stirs, Yor, Camilla, Yuri, and Eric held their spoons.

"You ready Eric?" Yor asked as her son did another sign of the cross to summon his courage before all four dipped their spoons in and tasted the stew.

Yor and Yuri gasped, this is exactly how their mother made the stew in their childhood.

"Looks like we hit the mark." Dominic commented then glanced at Eric, "Although, I think the kid is frozen."

Yor glanced down at her son and realized Eric is completely motionless with the spoon still inside his mouth.

"Ah, is the stew not to your liking?" Yor asked Eric in panic.

Eric slowly turned to his mother, but instead of pain-filled and disgust as she was expecting, his green eyes sparkled in joy and bliss and a blush filled his cheeks.

"I think he really likes it." Camilla said as Eric finally removed the spoon from his mouth and scooped out another bite from the pot.

Yor's face filled with joy as Camilla, Dominic, her son and brother helped themselves to more stew.

Yor's cooking class ended on a good note, and all three of them bid Camilla and Dominic farewell then left.

Eric held his mother's hand as he placed his other hand over his stomach with a content smile. "I had fun."

Yor laughed, "I'm glad. This time tonight, I'll cook for your father and sister."

"They'll be surprised. I wanna help you make the next batch. We can try doing that fried egg together." Eric said, remembering what Yor recalled from childhood.

"I'd love that." Yor smiled then turned to her brother who walked on the other side of Eric.

"Thanks for coming over Yuri. It really helped."

Yuri smiled, "Anything for my sister."

"No, I mean it." Yor smile held melancholy, "We were able to get a piece of mom back."

Yuri shared her smile, "Yeah, we did."

Eric looked up at the siblings, "What was she like?"

Yor closed her eyes, "Well, she had black hair and red eyes like us, and she always smelled of something spicy and sweet. She also hums a calm and soothing song when she cooks."

Yuri chimed in, "Mom was also a fan of hugs, lots of them. She wanted to hold onto us for as long as she could."

"What kind of flowers did she like?" Eric asked as he imagined Yor and Yuri's mother.

"All kinds. Bright ones, big ones, small ones, you name it." Yor smiled, "The flower patch she grew was called a Garden of Rainbows."

Eric eyes lowered, "Do you think...she'd have liked me? Even though I'm odd."

Yuri ruffled Eric's hair, making the little boy look up. "Are you kidding, Mom would love you to bits."

"He's right, she'd be happy to have such a handsome and sweet grandson like you." Yor stated as Eric blushed.

All three reached the path that would take Yuri home.

"Are you sure you don't need me to escort you home. You don't know if you'll run into something dangerous." Yuri said, hesitant to leave his sister in the dark.

"I'll be fine Yuri, I can take care of myself." 'I may or may not have snapped their arms in two last time.'

"Okay." Yuri said then turned to Eric and bent to his height, "You take care of yourself at school now. Now remember, what makes a real man?"

"Always protect your sister from the unworthy." Eric answered with no hesitation.

Yuri grinned and ruffled Eric's hair again, "Thatta boy."

Eric fixed his blonde locks, "Will I see you again?"

"Perhaps, I'll drop by and visit."

"You should, Anya really wanted to meet you that time, but she fell asleep."

"I'll try not to disappoint." Yuri straightened himself up and waved at his sister and nephew, "See you next time."

Yor and Eric watched him leave before they two resumed their journey home.

"What did you think of your Uncle Yuri?"

"Hmm, he's a bit strange, but I like him." Eric answered honestly, even though he's his father's enemy, he can't bring himself to hate the man who wants to protect his sister.

'I guess he and I aren't that different in that regard.'


At the Forger home, Loid sat cross legged and held up hand in front of the dog.

"Wait. Now." Then the dog started eating his chow.

Anya teetered from side to side, holding her stomach.

Loid smiled as the cat laid curled up in between his legs. 'Naturally or not, he's an intelligent creature. We'll start training him to be a guard dog soon.'

Anya's stomach growled loudly, "Papa, I think my tummy's about to eat itself. I'm so hungry." She said pitifully, considering all the energy she burned from their day at the park.

"I'll bet." Loid said, not blaming her since he was hungry himself.

The front door then opened to reveal Yor and Eric with bags of groceries tucked in their arms.

"I'm so sorry I'm home late again." Yor apologized before she closed the door.

"We're glad you're back." Loid said then turned to Eric, "Have you been good today?"

"For the most part." Eric answered as he placed the bag on the kitchen counter.

Loid and Anya followed them until they were in the mouth of the kitchen.

"Hm? What have you got?"

Yor placed her own bag gently on the counter. "Well, about that." She turned to her family and declared, "Listen up everyone, tonight I'm making dinner!"

As expected, father and daughter had a look of horror on their faces.

Eric couldn't blame them.

Together, mother and son cooked the stew.

"You've been learning how to cook?" Loid asked in surprise.

"Sorry for hiding it from you."

'I see now' Loid then glanced down at the pot, "So, this is Southern stew?"

Yor looked up, not stopping in her chopping, "Yeah, my mom used to make it for us."

Loid glanced at Eric whose face was covered in flour as he kneaded the dough.

"And you are..?"

"A good stew needs bread rolls." Eric said as he rolled them into balls and put them on a baking sheet then sprinkled cheese on top. "I'm not allowed to use the stove on my own yet, so this is what I can do."

Eric then took the sheet and carefully hopped off the step stool to open the oven. But with his hands occupied, he tried to use his right foot to hook into the handle.

"I got it." Yor intervened as she opened the preheated oven for her son.

Eric carefully slid the sheet in and closed it then set up the timer.

The plates were all set up and the basket of bread rolls were placed in the center of the table. Yor and Eric tried their best to fry the eggs. Though the yolk was running, at least it wasn't burned.

Yor announced, "Here we go, slight issue frying the egg, but voila! I hope you like it." She clapped her hands together in prayer.

Father and daughter each filled their spoons.

'Doesn't smell deadly.' Loid prepared for the worst.

'This is my least meal.' Anya looked resigned.

After a long moment of silence, Loid and Anya each took a bite.

"It's really good/It's yummy!" They exclaimed in surprise.

Yor's red eyes gleamed at their positive reaction.

"I actually like it!" Anya said as she scooped more into her mouth.

"Yes, it's quite comforting." Loid commented.

"I thought the same too. I was frozen with joy when I tried it." Eric said from beside his mother.

Yor never realized she would be this happy seeing her family enjoy something she made. This feeling of joy overwhelmed her enough to bring tears to her eyes as she covered her face with her hands.

"Yor, is something wrong?" Loid asked, not expecting to see his wife cry.

"Mom?" Eric turned to Yor in surprise when he heard her sob.

"I'm sorry. It's silly, but when I saw your faces, I just felt so relieved." Yor confessed, the feeling never left her.

Eric watched his mother for a few seconds then hugged her side.

'That vision Bond had; it wasn't because someone hurt her.' Eric smiled as Yor rubbed his back, 'Looks like I failed my mission to make sure she doesn't cry.'

Yor smiled at her family, 'I thought the only reason to have this family was so I can keep doing assassination jobs.' A loving glow surrounded the Forgers as they enjoyed their meal. 'I never dreamed that having them around, and seeing their smiles, but those simple things can make me so happy.'

Yor felt a surge of positivity course through her, "I'm starting to feel a little more confident now. Both as Loid Forger's wife, and Eric and Anya's mom."

Loid smiled in relief, "It makes me so happy to hear that."

"You know what, I did make another dish you might enjoy." Yor said as she got up from the table.

'Wait, what other dish?' Eric felt a pit in his stomach as he held the spoon in his mouth.

"This one's a Yor Forger original." Yor held up a plate with what appeared to be some kind of swirling desert, or at least was disguised as desert.

"Gimme, gimme!" Anya raised a hand.

Unable to hurt his mother's feelings, Eric joined Anya and Loid as they fell to the ground. He laid there like a fresh corpse at their funeral with a cloth napkin over his face as he held a flower against his chest between his fingers.

Yor stared at her family in shock and guilt. She still had a long way to go.


I personally enjoyed writing this chapter. Yor and Eric deserved this.

To Vongolo Ninja, I have to thank you for your brainstorm ideas. It makes sense for Yuri to make that kind of misunderstanding. Eric isn't bad at cooking as Yor, he's still fresh and learning after all. Plus, he's still a kid, the disasters he makes seem to involve food art. Also, I wanted to start him off with something common and easy with the bread rolls.

Yuri and Eric are similar in regard to their sisters, but Eric isn't obsessed or has that sister complex.

Next chapter will involve Loid and Anya at the park, because, let's face it, we all love this father-daughter duo.