Pain.

That's all he could feel, pain.

The type to leave you bound to your bed whining until someone puts you out of your misery. However Twilight wasn't new to this pain. He's felt it before when he was a newbie before he became the best spy westalias ever knew. Before everything.

And even then…

Even then…

It didn't hurt as much as hearing Anya saying he wasn't her real father. It stung so much he cried himself to sleep. He hasn't cried in ages, it's been a while since he felt so vulnerable. Having Yor by his side made him feel better but ultimately knowing they would have to separate eventually was also a painful realization. Another painful realization was the mere fact that he didn't want to separate from her. He didn't want to abandon Anya either. He could live with Yor being an assassin and the fact that Anya could read minds. He could accept that so long as they accept the fact that he's a spy.

But he knows it was futile. No matter how much he yearns to turn his family into a real one.

They never will be.

When he opened his eyes he was blinded by the light momentarily. Yor was by his side holding his hand with her head on the edge of the bed. She had fallen asleep in what seemed to be an uncomfortable position but if Loid had to guess she most likely didn't mind. A smile appeared on his face as his eyes looked at her adoringly. He had no idea Sylvia was watching him from the corner of the room. She was waiting for him to wake up to discuss things. She stayed silent despite the matters being urgent. Because she knew. She just did. She didn't even attempt to stop him from falling back asleep. The smile is still on his face. He looked at peace now.

When he woke back up again though it was a different story. Yor was still there but she was awake. Seeing her bright and relieved smile was enough for him. There was a bit of a back and forth with Yor informing him of what happened to Anya. When being told of the news she fainted. Yor rushed her to the hospital, she was fine but currently resting. She had been resting a lot. Yor took turns looking after them both. Franky was around earlier but had gone back to work much to his dismay. Although Loid figured it was because he didn't want to stick around for too long. He was still needed, after all, lately, he's been getting a lot of customers these days.

"I'll go see if Anya is awake now, I'm sure she'll want to see you." Yor got up and started heading for the door. As she did Sylvia was by the entrance ready to knock. She stepped aside. "Oh! Ms. Sylvia." She bowed.

"I was just leaving to see if our daughter is awake." She turned to look at Loid. "I'll be back."

Loid gave a curt nod. He doubts Handler would have revealed who she was but knowing she gave her real name to Yor was a surprise. WISE wasn't aware that both Yor and Anya knew everything. It was a necessary lie. As soon as the door closed the mask came back on. Twilight was present. "Handler-"

She held her hand up. "No need, I have the full report of what happened from Nightfall."

Right, they were partnered up for this mission. "I see." He could only imagine what narrative she might have painted. If he wasn't thinking straight he'd chastise himself. He was foolish, an idiot! To make such a mistake after years of-

"You've grown soft Twilight." Her arms were crossed, and she was giving him a serious look he couldn't quite read. "Although I guess it's only natural."

His mind was racing. He was distracted- no he allowed himself to be distracted. After years of training and learning to mask his feelings he couldn't-

"Once Operation Strix is over I suggest you retire."

There was a pause, and the silence that followed was apparent. It took a few seconds for the words to register. Loid looked at her with wide and shocked eyes. "What-"

She interrupted him again. "Don't. You know what I'm saying and yes I'm serious."

More silence filled the room before Loid spoke again. Or at least he attempted to, truthfully he couldn't find the right words to describe how he was feeling right now. Was it joy? Perhaps. He was happy but also being a spy was something he knew he would do until he was unable to. A part of him felt like it was too soon but also…

Anya will be happy. I can be with my family. I can be with Yor.

"I'll inform headquarters of this, and finish Operation Strix as soon as possible." Sylvia got up and left the room not allowing Loid to even attempt to object. It was obvious to him that she was saying this because she could tell.

Loid knew he could continue being a spy but being one meant abandoning his family. They would be in danger and with Yor's assassin job there was no telling if he'd run into her co-workers. From what she told him, Garden was a dangerous organization. If he quits and Yor finds a way to cut ties with Garden without issues then they could start over as a normal family. The thought made him smile so much that for the first time he felt like laughing. It was too good to be true and yet… it seems like a possibility.

At that moment Yor walked in. "I'm back, oh, did Sylvia leave already?" She walked over to Loid and sat on the edge of his bed.

Loid merely nodded. "She's my boss."

"Boss as in…"

"Yes."

"Oh." There was some silence before Yor spoke again. "She was nice."

"Only to you." Loid joked to which Yor laughed. When her laughter settled Loid continued. "Is Anya not awake yet?"

"She is but she needs a moment she's happy to know you're okay." I'm also happy.

He sighed. "Bullet wounds aren't new to me."

Yor chuckled. "I know what you mean."

He could only imagine due to the nature of her job. It would be awkward to talk about it right now though. He wasn't sure how to bring up the potential possibility of him being able to stay after all.

Not a possibility, it's a fact.

"Yor."

"Yes?"

Words wouldn't come out no matter how hard he tried. Even if it was a fact would Yor even want to be with him? "I'm… retiring soon."

Yor's eyes went wide. "Re-Retiring?! Oh my, why? Did they fire you??"

He shook his head. "No, for my years of service they figured it was best I retire."

She didn't sense any sadness from him so she could only assume he was agreeing with the decision. "Are you happy about it?"

There was a pause before he answered. "I thought I wouldn't be but… I could be an everyday citizen now with nothing holding me back." He didn't want to get hopeful but he couldn't help but look at Yor. The implications of what he meant were there as he tenderly caressed her hand.

A small blush appeared on Yor's cheeks. Her heart began to beat loudly, betraying all her suppressed thoughts and feelings. However, she wasn't sure if she understood what he meant correctly and she didn't want to get her hopes up. "Could we…?" She trailed off feeling embarrassed.

"Could we start all over?" He finished for her.

"Yes!" Yor said quickly, a little too quickly but she was too ecstatic to even feel embarrassed. But her smile quickly faded. "But my job…"

"I'm okay with it."

She perked up. "You are? But- well… it's not like Garden knows you're a spy."

"Soon to be ex-spy." He corrected her with a chuckle.

"Right." She giggled.

-

When Anya woke up the first thing she felt was an intense headache. The second thing was that she could tell she wasn't in her room. The bright lights and semi-soft bed were noticeable. She realized quickly she was laying on a hospital bed though. The memories of what had happened and how she ended up here were quick. Her Papa had gotten injured and she felt immense guilt over it. Their last conversation didn't end on a good note and had he died that would have been the last thing she would have said to him. The truth was she was hurt that he didn't want to fight for her. That after years of bonding he was still willing to abandon her. It was painful but despite it all, she loved her Papa. The news about his recovery was talked about at some point but she can't quite remember, she recalls hearing her Mama telling her at some point when she came to but fell back asleep because she was so tired.

So tired.

She sighed as she sat up and noticed her Mama was sleeping on the couch. She wondered why she was here and not with her Papa. Perhaps he needed some privacy? They still had issues to fix after all. "Mama?" She called out.

Yor stirred awake upon hearing Anya. She stretched a bit before her face brightened up seeing Anya. "You're awake! I'm so glad." She held her hands.

Anya felt like crying but she refrained from doing so. "Is Papa okay?" She didn't realize she had begun to speak.

Yor smiled reassuringly. "He's recovering, luckily the bullet wound didn't hit any vital organs." And no arteries, he was extremely lucky.

Anya let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. The immense relief she felt was immediate. She wondered what had happened to cause her Papa to make such a slip up though… unless… no way. Her eyes fell back onto her Mama who was observing her knowingly. Yor had been crying before the good news as her eyes were a bit red and swollen but regardless she had the biggest smile on her face. She looked brighter than ever. It made Anya feel somewhat suspicious. "Mama?"

"Hm?" She said oh so innocently.

"Are you hiding something?"

Yor was indeed doing that, it was taking everything in her being to not think about it and give it away! She wanted Loid to be the one to break the news. "Loid will tell you, he's currently having a meeting with Fiona." She finally said with a strain in her voice as keeping it to herself without so much as a slip was taking a toll. Yor has never had to not think about something before. It was difficult, to say the least.

Well, that explains that. She wondered why her Papa had to speak to Nightfall. Did her Mama know that Fiona is also a spy? "Do you know about Fiona?" She suddenly asked.

Yor was a bit surprised but soon nodded. "Somewhat, I got a run down before she knocked on the door insisting she needed to speak to him about urgent matters from the hospital." Most likely spy-related, perhaps they didn't complete their mission due to Loid's injury- no wait he would have mentioned it if he hadn't.

Anya nodded. "Nobody at WISE knows we know and it should stay that way." Anya took a deep sigh. "They'll likely take Papa away and if they dig deep enough they could…" She trailed off not wanting to mention the Garden.

But Yor understood what she meant. Her eyes darkened somewhat. "It'll be okay… soon I'll break my ties with Garden." She admitted.

Anya looked at her with wide eyes. "Wha-"

Knock knock

Anya and Yor looked at the door in confusion as they didn't expect anyone to enter right now. Not even a nurse, they had said once Anya was awake they could discharge her.

"Come in." Yor eventually said.

The door swung open revealing Becky in near tears. "My dear Anya!!" Behind her was Martha who bowed as Becky practically ran towards Anya and hugged her tightly. "I was so scared when I heard you were also hospitalized!!" She began checking Anya making sure nothing was missing. All her fingers were in order so far.

Anya rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't worry Becks, I'm fine, the doctors said I was free to go now." According to Mama's thoughts anyway. "I'm still here due to Papa."

Becky quickly nodded. "I know, I know! I asked and they said Mr. Forger was fine now so I was very relieved."

"So were we," Yor added.

There was a bit of silence before Becky spoke again. "I have so much to talk about once you're feeling better Anya!" She said enthusiastically. I want to know how Desmond tricked you into a secret relationship! There's no way you'd agree to that!

Anya almost choked on her spit. She knew she had forgotten about something.

-

As soon as the door closed and Yor was away Loid felt an emptiness without her by his side but he understood. Fiona- no- Nightfall wanted to talk alone and she naturally couldn't find out that Yor knew everything. "If it's about the mission-" He was interrupted by Fiona putting her hand up.

She shook her head. "The mission was a success despite the injury I know." She walked up to him, closing the gap between them. How many years has it been? And yet… she knew deep down he would never feel the same way. "I heard from Handler about your retirement."

So that's what this is about. Loid merely nodded. "It appears so, I guess it was a long time coming and I'm not getting any young-"

"Cut the crap."

Loid's eyes almost fell out of their eye sockets hearing Fiona curse for the first time. "I- Excuse me?"

"It's over your fake family, correct?" She studied his eyes, any hint of emotion. It was there if only briefly. There was no way this man- Twilight was meant to retire. He would have continued until he could no longer walk. Handler wouldn't have made this proposition if she hadn't noticed something before.

Loid remained composed. "The reasons why are irrelevant."

"Do excuse me but they're very relevant."

"How so?"

Fiona gritted her teeth but remained firm. "Because- Senpai- you were meant to finish Operation Strix years ago, you were meant to break away from the Forger's, you were meant for-"

"Things changed, Operation Strix was always going to be long and complicated-"

"No. It was due to the incompetence of your fake wife and your fake daughter-"

"DO NOT speak about Yor and Anya that way!" He suddenly lashed out, surprising Fiona and himself. Although it was obvious why.

It took everything in Fiona to not shed a tear. She knew but she deluded herself regardless. "You're retiring for the sake of your fake family then." She didn't need to be told twice.

Loid sighed. "Listen I-"

"You've changed Senpai… you've grown soft." She admitted. "You've grown weak… you let yourself be shot due to being distracted."

Loid didn't want to lash out again. He knew it was his fault. He's stressed out as it is over many things and knowing soon it'll all be over and he can be with his family was enough for him. But this sudden interrogation was quite frankly… unnecessary. Regardless of his reasons, retirement will happen. He didn't know what her angle was. He had been her mentor, perhaps she was feeling if only for a bit, sad that he was leaving. She wasn't wrong, he was meant to complete the operation and leave the Forger's soon afterward. But that didn't happen. His conflict with Anya made him realize how much he loved his family. He hated the thought of Anya not seeing him as her dad. He knew she'd hate him even more if he left. He'd hate himself. "I suppose I have." Was his response after a long silence. And I don't regret it one bit.

Fiona looked away trying not to tremble. "I see… that's all then, congratulations on your retirement, now if you'll ex-"

BAM

"Big sis! I'm here! Is Lottie de-" There was a pause as everyone stared at each other awkwardly. Yuri suddenly entered the room. "Who are you?" He glared at Fiona. This isn't my sister! What is she doing with Lottie?! Alone! Without my sister?? Alone!!

Loid just looked dead on the inside with the shenanigans he was sure were about to occur with Yuri here. It didn't escape what he was about to say as well. "I'm glad you came to see if I was fine." He said, the sarcasm was obvious. Loid was at a point with Yuri where he didn't need to pretend anymore.

Yuri glared at him but now wasn't the time to talk about his condition! "Lottie, who is this girl and why is she here and not my sister!" He pointed at Fiona accusingly.

Loid felt a migraine incoming. "She's my co-worker, Yor is taking care of Anya right now." He explained. It didn't seem to satisfy him though. Loid didn't want any problems to arise from whatever is going through Yuri's mind. He could have sworn they'd met before but perhaps not.

Fiona cleared her throat. "I will be on my way, excuse me." She finally left the room. Whatever tension was there soon went away, replaced with Yuri's indignation.

"ARE YOU TWO TIMING MY SISTER?!"

Loid felt like facepalming. "No, I already said-"

"I know what you said but your explanations aren't good enough- scratch that not important." His mood suddenly switched it gave Loid whiplash. "Are you okay?"

Now Loid was sure he was dead and this was all just a dream. "I- yes?" The confusion was evident.

Yuri rolled his eyes. "My sister loves you and would be devastated so naturally I… care… deep down… very deep down!" He exclaimed.

Loid sweatdropped feeling a bit of his sanity peel away. "Weren't you about to ask Yor if I was dea-"

"Don't dwell on the past!"

"It was three minutes ago."

"Don't dwell on it!" He insisted. There was silence before he spoke again. "How's my niece doing? Why is she in the hospital?!" There was a slight panic in his voice.

Loid didn't know when or how but at some point Yuri began to care about Anya. "She was in shock due to the news but she's fine, she'll be discharged soon."

Yuri sighed in relief, a sight Loid still can't get used to. "I should check up on her, which room?"

"Room 235."

"Alright." He opened the door and stepped out. "I'll let sis know you're awake." He closed the door behind him, not allowing Loid to speak.

Loid let out a long sigh.

…

Hey hey people!

Had to skip last week as this chapter was giving me trouble, since it was going to take place at the hospital, I guess I had difficulty since I don't really know how to do such scenes, it was an experience nonetheless!

Hope you guys enjoyed a bit of loid and yuri's dynamic, I had fun writing it ngl lol

Anyway we're back to regularly scheduled weekly updates! I hope anyway lol

Apologies to the guests that wish to leave a review, I had to turn them off as I recently got spam and I need to protect my fics from them

I hope you understand!

Anyway see you in the next chapter!