SPY X FAMILY - OPERATION BIG BROTHER?!

Small Lie, Big consequences.

Loid sat at the dinner table, his hands wrapped around his cup of coffee, though it had long gone cold. Across the room, Yor busied herself with the final touches to dinner, her movements a little hurried and nervous as always when she cooked. Anya sat on the floor with Bond, both watching the television, but Loid could tell from her occasional glances that she was waiting for him to say something.

I need to be careful with this, Loid thought. Introducing a new "family member" was a delicate operation. This backstory he was about to unveil had to be perfect, airtight. He couldn't afford for Yor to become suspicious, especially with how sharp she could be despite her innocent nature.

Dinner was served, and as they sat down, Loid noticed Yor's curious glances. She was always observant in her own way, and he knew he had to time this conversation carefully, or risk giving too much away.

They ate quietly for a few minutes, the awkward clatter of silverware filling the silence. Finally, Loid set down his fork and cleared his throat.

"Yor," he began softly, leaning back a little as if pondering something difficult, "there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about for some time now."

Yor immediately looked up, her eyes wide with pre-concern. "Loid, is everything alright? Did something happen at work?"

Loid shook his head, putting on his best hesitant face. "No, it's nothing to do with work. It's... personal. Something I've been keeping to myself for a while, and I think it's time I tell you."

Anya, sensing the shift in conversation, leaned in closer to the table, her large eyes bouncing between her parents. She had a grin on her face, clearly knowing what was coming. Loid gave her a subtle look, hoping she would remain quiet.

Yor, on the other hand, was clearly perplexed. "Something personal?" she repeated, setting her chopsticks down. "What is it, Loid?"

Loid hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "You already know about my.." He paused slyly for effect. "well my deceased wife."

It was always so that whenever the man would mention this "partner", Yor would always switch to a look of sympathy and understanding, although the woman had never prior had one.

Yor blinked, her face now a mix of confusion and concern. "You've never really talked about your past much... Is everything okay?"

Loid gave a soft, practiced sigh. "I have a son," he said, his voice calm but tinged with what he hoped sounded like regret. "He's been living with relatives for a while now, but the situation has changed, and I think it's time for him to come live with us."

Yor's eyes widened, her hands clasping together in surprise. "A son?" she echoed, clearly caught off guard. "Loid, I didn't know... why didn't you tell me before?"

Loid leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table in a posture of earnestness. "It wasn't something I wanted to burden you with, especially when we were just starting this life together. It's not that I was hiding it from you, Yor—it's just a part of my life that's been difficult to talk about."

Yor's brow furrowed in thought. "I see. I understand. But... why now? I mean, what's changed? Has something happened?"

Loid nodded, already prepared for this question. "The relatives who have been caring for him can't do so anymore. They've done their best, but their situation has changed too, and now it's time for him to come home."

Yor leaned back in her chair, processing the information. "I had no idea you were dealing with something like this. It must have been so hard for you..." Her voice trailed off, and her hands fidgeted in her lap, the nurturing side of her already stirring. "Are he and Anya on good terms?"

Loid suppressed a smile. This is going well. She's asking the right questions.

"As you know, Anya was quite little when..she passed." Loid said, glancing at Anya, who was still watching the conversation unfold with anticipation. "He's a good kid. Smart, responsible, but he's been through a lot being away from me. I didn't bring him up sooner because I didn't want to overwhelm you. I wanted to make sure things were settled here before I introduced him into our lives."

Yor's eyes softened. "That makes sense. It must have been difficult for him, too, not being with his father."

Loid nodded, allowing a hint of fake guilt to show on his face. "It hasn't been easy for him, no. But I think now is the right time. Anya has been asking about a sibling, and I believe it would be good for both of them to have each other."

Yor tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful but concerned. "I want to help, Loid, but... won't this be a big change for everyone? I mean, Anya... how do you think she'll react to suddenly having a brother?"

At this, Anya couldn't hold back. "I'll be happy, Mama! I want a brother!" she chimed in, her face lighting up. "We can play together, and he'll help me with school! It'll be fun!"

Yor chuckled softly, her worry easing a little as she looked at Anya's excitement. "Well, if Anya's happy with the idea..."

Loid seized the moment, pushing just a little further. "Yor, I know this is a lot to take in. I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't think it was important. But I trust you, and I believe together, we can make this work. He's my son, and he needs us—he needs you, too."

Yor's expression shifted to one of quiet determination. She nodded slowly. "Of course, Loid. If your son needs a home, we'll make sure he has one. I want to help however I can."

Loid felt a wave of relief wash over him. The hardest part was over, and Yor had taken the bait perfectly. "Thank you, Yor. I knew I could count on you. This means a lot, not just to me, but to him, too."

Yor smiled warmly. "I'm glad you told me. We'll make sure he feels welcome here."

As the conversation shifted back to normal topics, Loid's mind continued to calculate. The story had been sold, but now came the tricky part—integrating this "son" into their lives in a way that would hold up to any scrutiny. There would be questions from others, maybe even suspicion from Yor as time passed, but for now, he had bought himself the time he needed.

One step closer to Donovan Desmond. 

But oh crap.

Where would he find a child willing to lie?