Hey everyone. Been a long time since I last posted on here. Look, I apologize for that as life over the last few years has been... difficult. Anyway, this idea came to me as I was watching Spy X Family for the thousandth time. The reason I'm calling this Forbidden fruit is pretty simple. See, for a spy or an assassin, a normal happy life is the forbidden fruit. Something they can't have or would have to deal with insane amounts of stress to pull off. Not to mention, the overtones in naming. I might be overthinking but hear me out. Yor works for GARDEN, Anya goes to EDEN, and Twilight works for WISE. Twilight has to create a family, be a loving family man... tasting the Forbidden Fruit for a Spy in a taste of a normal life. Yor has already had a taste of that life with raising her brother, giving the Assassin MILF Yor the taste of parenthood in a way. Maybe GARDEN was founded by EDEN alumni with a sense of humor in regard to GARDEN of EDEN. I just went on a tangent... Anyway... I've made some changes, especially with Yuri. I get it's played up for laughs that he has a sister complex, but if Yuri really does care about his sister, he'd cool his heels a little if he realizes how his behavior towards Loid aka Twilight could upset Yor. Now, I'm not going to suddenly have these two confess or something like that. The anime and Manga are showing the two are growing closer with Twilight softening up. And the anime, in an attempt to give filler, has created a situation that makes me scratch my head. How did The Iron Lady not hear about Twilight almost getting his teeth kicked in at the Castle episode? I know in the Manga it's like six panels and it could be explained away... but in the anime, dozens of WISE agents were there and I find it highly unlikely none of them happened to mention the fight. Especially as at the point in the story it takes place, it's stated all the female agents for WISE were caught and... uh... probably permanently retired. So I'll be exploring that plot point in this story. Anyway... please enjoy and leave a review.

Silence filled the apartment as the door closed. Yor Forger stands completely still, feeling not only embarrassed but also mortified at how her brother had acted. His first meeting with Loid had been a disaster! Yor's gaze drops to the floor as her shame in her own actions washes over her. In a critical moment, she'd let her shyness and embarrassment nearly ruin everything. And had ended up sending Yuri flying into an end table on the other side of the room!

A few weeks ago, she'd entered into this marriage mostly to put her brother's mind at ease. Yuri worried for his sister, which was understandable in the current circumstances. A woman her age not married drew attention she did not need. Especially as an assassin for GARDEN. While yes, it was a marriage of convenience with Loid Forger, it also made Yor feel... normal. A taste of the life she had years ago. Before her mother had died.

At the door, Loid aka Twilight, let out an inaudible sigh of relief. He'd deduced that Yuri Briar was a member of the SSS, the mortal enemy of WISE. 'Well, that certainly could have gone better.' Twilight mused in his mind, 'It appears we managed to dodge a bullet tonight. Yuri appears to fully believe Yor and I are actually a happily in love married couple.'

He turns and sees Yor's posture. Concern flares with in him as he steps closer to her. "Yor? Are you alright?"

Yor hears Loid's concerned voice, and she shakes her head, still unable to look him in the eyes.

"No. I'm not okay Loid." Her voice is soft, full of embarrassment as she keeps her gaze glued to the floor. "Tonight was nearly a disaster. Between how Yuri behaved to how I acted when we were about to kiss... I'm a failure as a wife."

"I didn't act like a good wife tonight. When our hands touched, I should have taken your hand in mine." Yor's shoulders slump as she speaks. "When Yuri demanded to see proof, for us to simply kiss... I couldn't even kiss a handsome man I'm married to. I was so embarrassed from Yuri putting us on the spot like that... I reacted badly."

'Badly? You sent your brother flying into an end table with that slap.' Twilight thought as he studied Yor. 'I had thought her reactions were because she didn't find me attractive. Especially as she downed nearly half a bottle of wine before surprising me with her boldness. Unlike other agents, I refuse to assume every woman finds me attractive. Making assumptions can get a spy killed. It appears I simply misunderstood her reaction.'

Twilight sees her vulnerable state right now. She truly is beating herself up mentally and it tugs at something deep in him. He chalks it up to just ensuring Operation Strix goes successfully by keeping a happy family.

"Yor... you have no reason to feel inadequate or as a failure." His tone is soft and caring as he gently lifts her chin to look her in the eyes. He could lie or manipulate the situation, but in this moment, Twilight decides to be completely honest in his opinion of her. "Yor... ever since we decided to stay together, you've been a wonderful wife to me and an exceptional mother to my daughter."

Yor flushes from the praise, her eyes never leaving Loid's. As an assassin, she's trained to read the body language of those around her. It's a skill that's saved her life a few times. She can see Loid is being sincere in his words and her heart thumps in her chest as her emotions well up.

"You've took to helping me raise Anya like a duck to water. Our daughter looks up to you and adores you." Twilight thinks back on all the instances of Anya and Yor spending time together and a warm smile graces his face. "You're her super cool Mama, remember? So, you are certainly not a failure as a mother. And as for your embarrassment? It's natural to be embarrassed doing any intimate actions in front of family."

Yor gives a small smile of her own as she thinks about the precious little girl she's become fully attached to. Twilight runs a thumb over Yor's cheek. He's not sure why he's being this sensitive or soft but just tells himself it's merely how a husband and a friend should act. That he isn't going soft or getting attached.

"As for you being a failure of a wife? I don't see that. I see a beautiful woman doing her best. I see someone I can trust and who isn't afraid to tell me I'm being too hard on Anya." Twilight sighs with a grin. "To be fully honest with you, Yor. You are a wonderful, exceptional woman. And just like I said at that party a few weeks ago, I truly admire your drive and determination to take care of those you call family. Part of why I'm a bit envious of the relationship you have with your brother."

Yor briefly closes her eyes, enjoying this moment. It's not often someone comforts her when she needs it. "I was wondering why you said that earlier to Yuri. Um... can I ask why?"

Twilight hesitates for a moment. He slowly nods and the pair sit on the sofa.

"Like you and Yuri... I lost both my parents in the last war. My father and my mother... they died when I was a kid." Twilight, for the first time in a long time lets those memories play in his mind. "When my mother died... I had no one to turn to. No one to rely on. And no one to comfort me. You and Yuri had each other."

Yor nods in understanding, her expression one of sad understanding. "What were they like?"

"My father was a decent man. He was hard on me, and he wasn't thrilled when I mentioned i wanted to be a soldier someday. He told me that wasn't the life he wanted me to have. I didn't know it at the time... but I realized as I got older that he didn't want me to go through what he and my grandfather went through. The mental tolls of war are a terrible thing." Twilight mutters, thoughts of his time on the front lines as a common soldier popping up. He shakes his head slightly before smiling as he looks to Yor. "My mother was the best mother a boy could ever want. She'd pull me close during bombing raids and sing to me. In those moments... I always felt safe. That nothing bad would happen. She'd have adored you."

Twilight didn't mean to let that slip out. He'd let himself fully feel those emotions, let them leak into his cover. But for some reason, he didn't mind. It was actually kind of nice to let himself... feel. Yor smiled at him as she fully realizes just how similar her and Loid's past are. "What song did she used to sing to you?"

"I'm not much of a singer, so don't judge too harshly." Twilight chuckles before taking a breath. Remembering the song, he softly started singing it. To his surprise, Yor started singing it as well. An almost inaudible intake of breath from Twilight being the only indicator of his surprise. Closing his eyes for a moment, he allowed the warm feeling to wash over him. He knows he shouldn't, but he figures letting himself enjoy the moment won't hurt anything.

"Yor... you don't need to worry about if you're a good wife and a good mother. Because you are exceptional at both roles." Twilight's tone is sincere.

"Thank you, Loid. I guess I just over think at times." Yor admits with a small smile. "And it really is common for people to get embarrassed expressing affection in front of family?"

"Of course. In fact, I knew a girl in college that broke her partner's nose with a headbutt during a rehearsal that involved a romantic scene in a play." Twilight grins. 'Nightfall nearly killed me from that headbutt during her seduction and infiltration training' , Twilight mused in his mind. "If you'd like, we can work on making it less embarrassing for you. Only if you are fine with it."

"I...I... yes. I don't want to cause any issues in the future. You are my husband after all and I can't let myself get embarrassed showing affectionate displays in the future." Yor proclaims, reminding herself that it would seem weird if a married couple didn't engage in the occasional display of affection, though she can't deny a part of her craves that kind of thing.

Not far from the apartment, Yuri is feeling like the words biggest piece of shit. He'd embarrassed his sister! Worse than that... He'd disappointed his dear, sweet sister Yor! With an irritated growl, he shut off the receiver he had in his hand. He'd been extremely suspicious of the whole marriage situation. It was a perfect cover for a spy. So, He'd planted a bug. One where a spy wouldn't think of looking as it would be way too obvious. He planted it on Yor.

His goal had been simple: Determine if this Loid Forger was a spy or not. That had originally been his plan. But upon seeing his sister, seeing how happy and at ease she was with this man had ignited a flame of jealousy. Did Yuri have a rather unhealthy obsession with his sister? Yuri would admit he does. But not like many think. Yor had been not only his sister but the only maternal figure in his life after they lost their mother.

Yes, it came off as creepy and borderline incestuous at times, but Yuri wouldn't cross that line. His love for his sister and his obsession with her boiled down to his desire to protect her and make her happy. To return what she did for him. Seeing another man step into that role caused Yuri to lose his composure. And now, He'd harmed his sister by his hostile behavior. He could hear how upset she was as he listened to the conversation between her and Loid.

Yuri gnashed his teeth as he stepped onto the train. He'd been suspicious of Loid, of how perfect this guy seemed. Spies tend to perfect their roles too well which is how many are caught. But listening to Loid and Yor talk, especially as it seems Loid opened up about his own loss at a young age... Yuri found himself empathetic towards Loid a little. Yuri could also tell by the man's voice he wasn't making up some convincing back story.

No, what bothered Yuri was the fact Loid was being quite honest with Yor. Still irritated, Yuri drops into an open seat, cradling his face in his hands. Loid wasn't perfect. And as much as Yuri tried to run through everything in his head to find some hole in Loid's story... he couldn't.

"Damn it... I guess... I guess for Yor's sake, I'll try to be less aggressive towards Loid." Yuri growls to himself. "And that daughter of his... she looks up to Yor. Well, i mean, who wouldn't? Yor is the perfect role model! The brat has good tastes at least so there won't be any problem there. I'll stop by tomorrow to apologize to sis and retrieve the bug i planted on her."

-x-x-x-

The next morning, Twilight looked to the door. 'Who is that? Far as I know, no one is expected.' Twilight thinks, his senses on alert though his outward demeanor is one of mild curiosity.

"It's me, Yuri." A muffled voice calls from the other side of the door.

'Yuri?! But... why would he be back? I found no bugs or other planted devices.' Twilight thinks as he stands up from the table. 'Could he be onto me? Could he know my marriage to Yor is fake? No. No, his reactions last night were too emotional. There's no way he suspects anything. I should let him in, or it'll be very suspicious'

"I'll let your brother in." Twilight smiles as he walks to the door. He's on alert but no one except the telepath in the room knows. Loid answers the door with a smile. "Ah, Yuri. Pleasure to see you again. Please, come in. We were just starting on breakfast."

Yuri gives a curt nod to Loid and follows the man into the dining room and stops. Seeing that smile on Yor's face as she listens to the energetic child talk about some cartoon tugs at Yuri. The gentle way Yor brushes the girl's hair out of her face as they chat eats at Yuri, making him feel even worse than he had last night after his shameful behavior. He almost misses Loid offering him coffee. "Uh, yeah. Black please."

Yor looks over to her brother, a slight glint of disappointment is present as Yor recalls how her brother behaved last night. Little Anya looks at Yuri with childish curiosity, wondering who this man is. Yuri sighs as Loid returns with a cup of coffee for him.

"Thanks." Yuri mutters before sighing. "Sis... I'm sorry how I acted last night. I didn't just embarrass myself, but i shamed and embarrassed you as well. You raised me to be better than that. I could make up any excuse in the world, but excuses won't change that I embarrassed the only family I have left."

"Yuri... you're right. I taught you to behave better than that. And yes, you did embarrass me with your behavior towards my husband." Yor's voice isn't accusatory as she simply stating what he did. "I had hoped you'd accept Loid, see how wonderful of a husband he is. I know it was only you and me for a long time, Yuri. And if it hadn't been for Loid being so understanding about the bond of family, we share... I'd be upset with you."

Yuri winces at Yor's words as honestly, his sister would have every right to be upset with him. It bugged him that apparently, he owed Loid but the irritation he felt vanished recalling the heart to heart he had overheard. He almost flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder, turning his head to see Loid standing beside him.

"Like I said last night, Yuri. The bond you two share is something I'm envious of. And one i can understand and respect. But you don't just have Yor anymore." Loid speaks in a calm tone. "You can include me and Anya in that as well. I'd really like to have a positive relationship with my brother-in-law, and I know Anya is excited to have an uncle."

"No aunts or uncles?" Yuri asks glancing at Anya who seems to be almost shaking in excitement at having an uncle, though Yuri doesn't let it show he's aware Loid is an orphan.

"No. I was an only child and her mother..." Twilight trails off, running a few scenarios of possible answers when Yuri, who misunderstood the slight pause nods in understanding.

"We all lost someone to the war. It's not surprising your first wife lost her family." Yuri says with some empathy before giving a genuine smile to Anya. "Well... guess I get to be her super cool uncle then. Sound good to you chihuahua?"

Anya looks at Yuri in adorable confusion while Twilight and Yor blink before looking to each other.

"That's actually an apt comparison." Twilight mutters, thinking about how Anya does exhibit traits of the small dog breed with Yor nodding along.

"You mean like the little doggies that bounce?" Anya asks her uncle.

"Yup. You seem to nearly shake with energy and you're tiny." Yuri smirks as Anya frowns at him. "And you're adorable just like a chihuahua. Not too mention those horn things in your hair fit."

Anya cocks her head to the side before smiling in happiness. "Okie dokie unkie."

-x-x-x-

Sylvia takes a drag from her cigarette as she looks over a few reports. Frowning, she sets the paper down and looks towards the door. She can hear a discussion, but something said draws her attention. Upon opening the door, she spots a pair of agents discussing some sort of training mission run by Twilight. 'Odd... I don't know of any training mission Twilight has run. If that man isn't putting his full focus on Operation Strix, I'll wring his neck.' Sylvia thinks to herself as she steps over to the two agents.

"What training mission are you two referring to?" Slyvia asks pointedly, hands on her hips as she looks at the two men who gulp as they face The Iron Lady.

"Uh... well... the one at that castle." One of them finally answers. "It was pretty intense even if it seemed... childish."

"Childish? Man, it was awesome! Especially that female agent that gave Twilight a run for his money. I bet if her boot heel hadn't snapped, she'd have handed Twilight his ass." The other grinned at his friend, not noticing the slight narrowing of Sylvia's eyes.

'Female agent? One on the same level as Twilight?' Sylvia ran names through her head to figure out who these two were talking about. The only agent besides herself that could accomplish the feat of besting Twilight in hand to hand was Nightfall, but she wasn't in country. Sylvia frowns at the mention of a castle, recalling the expenditure reports from Twilight. "Describe this female agent."

"Uh... slender... definitely attractive." The shorter man rubbed his chin. "She had long dark hair and red eyes."

'This man just described Twilight's fake wife. Maybe Twilight let her get the upper hand. Wait... why would they engage in combat?' Sylvia cocks an eyebrow as she looks at the two. "Was there a pink haired little girl there as well?"

"Now that you mention it, yeah. An adorable little pink haired girl. She seemed to be calling the shots to a degree." The taller answered, rubbing the back of his neck. "She definitely seemed attached to Twilight."

"I see what's going on." Sylvia smirks but something is nagging at her. "I don't suppose anyone recorded this... fight?"

"Yes ma'am! I have a copy actually." The shorter one quickly hands over the camera roll with the footage.

"Thank you. I'd like to view this training session. You two are dismissed." She says and enters her office. After closing the door, she eyes the film roll. Sylvia feels a nagging in her mind and decides to view the footage. Perhaps she's just overthinking but she didn't get this far by ignoring her instincts.

Sylvia begins to watch the full recording. Seeing Twilight dressed in that mask made her snort in amusement. She certainly considered calling him Loidman from now on but her amusement ground to a complete halt upon seeing Yor facing off against Twilight. Sylvia's eyes were locked onto the film as she analyzed the movements of the women. The fluid almost hypnotic movements followed by the sheer skill in hand to hand combat raised alarms in Sylvia's mind. This wasn't just some simple civil servant. If Sylvia was right, which she usually was... Twilight had some how married a member of GARDEN.

Her worry vanished seeing the woman land on the ground after a heel malfunction, feeling empathy as that was the worst thing a female agent could have happen during a fight. The film ends and Sylvia leans back in her chair, rubbing her chin. How had they missed this? How had Twilight? Yor had nearly taken his head off and Sylvia found herself agreeing that had the heel not snapped, Twilight would have gotten his ass handed to him. Thinking on Yor Forger's file... there was absolutely nothing to indicate she was a well trained assassin. But the fact Twilight's reports say nothing of her being an Assassin means she's hiding a secret life. But does Yor Forger know of Twilight's mission? Does she know he's a spy?

No... Sylvia knows there is only one way to know for sure if GARDEN is after Twilight. Sylvia grabs the phone receiver, her voice calm. "I need a meeting arranged with an old acquaintance. Ready a car. I'm taking a trip to GARDEN. Please give them a heads up and let them know I need to speak to The Shopkeeper."