𝐉𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 // 𝐒𝐏𝐘 𝐱 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘

Chapter 21

Over a decade after the iron curtain severed the east from the west... a fragile peace was forged between the two sides after six anxious days of talk and many more bitter years of war.

It was broadcasted on televisions nationwide, a tiny fuzzy screen with the key to everything inside.

It was an alliance built upon a foundation of trickery and guile...

Veiled threats, politics, pressure, and intelligence agencies, each vying for the advantage.

But it is a peace that we cannot allow to be broken.

Cannons booming in a sky painted the bloody red of its victims. The endless rocket fire of guns and missiles. Starving children, hungry and scattering the streets.

That's why we have WISE.

A mysterious woman in a wide brimmed hat, glasses hiding a pair of cunning fox eyes.

That's why we have Operation Strix.

A family hidden behind the appearance of 'ordinary'.

That's why we have the Forger Family!

A spy.

An assassin.

An esper.

And a (debatably genius) mute.

The two men did the handshake, assessing each other critically. They exchanged pleasantries through painted smiles, and false well-wishes. One, a dark haired man in a trench coat (his hand gloveless, for now), the other in semi formal wear; a knitted sweater, thrown over a collared shirt.

Kei found the mirroring image they made amusing at the very least.

Is this man a threat to our family? I intend to find out. Loid's eyes narrowed (anything for the mission)

Is this man worthy of my sister? I'll determine that today! (but really, how could he possibly be?) Yuri's grip tightened ever so briefly.

However, Kei's amusement soon faded as she was swept off to the whirlwind excuse of a mind belonging to the one and only Yuri.

Kei felt dizzy from just trying to keep up with his endless stream of consciousness, completely and wholly dedicated to his sister. My first ever yandere... Kei thought to herself faintly. Though not my first ever psychopath. She added, pretty certain that at least one member of her (pretend) family could qualify as a psychopath. Yor with her murder-y job, Loid and his obsession with the mission, even Anya who was weird by normal standards.

And so she quickly came to a single conclusion: He needs a life beyond Yor.

"Here, I'll take your coat and briefcase." Loid invited Yuri in.

"Oh, no thank you, I'm fine." Yuri smiled politely.

"If you don't mind eating simple fare, I'll whip something up. Go ahead and make yourself at home." Loid cheerfully continued.

"Don't trouble yourself." Yuri scowled after the blond man. As if I'd want to eat anything you've made.

You'd be surprised. Kei thought wryly to herself. His cooking was absolutely heavenly, as expected of a spymaster who had mastered everything considered "normal".

Yuri glanced at Kei, before bending down slightly. So you're the brat my sister's been forced upon.

Kei resisted the urge to stick out her tongue. She wasn't that petty. (Or maybe she was) Spitefully, she thought to herself, and I am Yor's favorite person in the entire world, so take that, Mr. Sparkles.