Work Text:
"May I Have This Dance?"
(AU where Loid and Yor already know each other's identities and are truly married. ✨)
“Listen carefully. We’ve received intel that at 5:30 tonight, members of Blue Carnival will conduct a transaction in the secret basement of Xuecewu Restaurant.”
“The deal concerns the design of a new large-scale weapon. If the exchange succeeds, it will threaten the peace between the East and West.”
“You are to attend the banquet at Xuecewu Restaurant tonight. Monitor Blue Carnival, eliminate all members discreetly, and retrieve the intelligence.”
Sylvia pushed up her round glasses and looked at the newlywed couple standing before her, receiving the mission.
This would be the first mission Loid and Yor—Twilight and Thorn Princess—would execute together after truly becoming husband and wife. It was also the first collaboration between WISE and GARDEN.
“However, we do not have personal information on the individuals involved. Therefore, Thorn Princess…”
Sylvia crossed her legs elegantly and raised her eyes to meet Yor’s bright crimson gaze.
“Y-Yes!”
It was Yor’s first time receiving direct orders from Loid’s superior. She stiffened and stood at attention nervously.
“hey, don’t be nervous.”
Loid gently took Yor’s hand and whispered softly by her ear.
“…Twilight will assist you by providing accurate information on-site. You simply need to eliminate the targets according to his instructions.”
As Sylvia continued explaining the mission, she inwardly complained… This Twilight really has no shame. Openly showing affection in front of his superior… Though, to be fair, she didn’t completely dislike it.
“And as for you, you know what to do, huh?”
Sylvia glanced at the perfect spy she had trained—currently holding hands with his wife.
“Understood. We’ll go prepare.”
Loid nodded and led Yor out of headquarters.
“That man, honestly…”
Sylvia shook her head and sighed with a faint smile.
How ironic. Back then, she believed the existence of the Forger family might become Twilight’s weakness. But now it seemed that Twilight had unexpectedly gained both emotional and physical support.
Yor’s true identity had once made WISE suspicious—was she approaching him intentionally? Only after confirmation did they learn of GARDEN’s true existence and purpose: world peace.
There was no need to worry about his wife being taken hostage as leverage. For Twilight, Yor was unquestionably the most suitable wife. And Loid himself had long since blurred the line between acting and reality.
“…That man is truly fortunate.”
———
“…You’re going to wear that dress?”
Loid watched as Yor took out the black dress she had previously worn to a party.
“Yes. When I go to ‘work,’ I always wear this. You could say it’s my work uniform.”
Seeing Loid’s shocked expression, Yor smiled, changed into the dress, and turned around so he could zip up the back.
“…In weather this cold, won’t that be freezing?”
Loid looked at the off-shoulder design, the exposed back, and the extremely short front hem. He even suspected GARDEN’s superior had deliberately chosen this outfit to showcase her astonishing proportions.
“It won’t. When I’m working, I don’t feel cold. And this dress is very convenient—it doesn’t restrict my movements.”
Yor shook her head and slid her specially crafted golden stilettos into the ringed straps secured around her thigh.
“I see… Let’s head to the venue.”
Loid adjusted his tie. He, too, was wearing his work attire—a dark green suit jacket paired with a striking red tie. Though the colors contrasted sharply, they didn’t clash.
“Right… we have to dance…”
Yor suddenly lowered her head, murmuring shyly.
“Mm… our first time dancing since getting married.”
Loid smiled in agreement.
“If we go early, we can relax a little before those people start causing trouble… Yor, would you be my partner?”
Loid stepped in front of her, bowed, and extended his hand.
“Honestly… why are you so cheesy…”
Yor took his hand, smiling softly.
———
Xuecewu Restaurant was known for combining a luxurious buffet with a garden ballroom.
Upon entering, guests were greeted by grand wooden tables filled with exquisite dishes. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above the hall, while unique artworks lined the walls, allowing guests to enjoy both cuisine and art.
“So huge…”
Yor stepped inside in her black leather red-soled heels, covering her mouth in quiet amazement.
“I’ll take you to check the surroundings.”
Loid took her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.
Exiting through the back doors led to another world entirely. Unlike the golden splendor of the main hall, this felt like a secret garden from a fairy tale.
Though winter flowers were absent, strings of small lights wrapped around the plants, casting a soft glow and romantic illumination.
At the center was a small dance floor. Deeper within lay a secret basement—dim, soundproofed.
Perfect for assassination.
Loid and Yor exchanged a glance. Confirmation without words.
———
They returned to the garden center. Several couples were already dancing to the waltz.
“This beautiful lady— may I have this dance?”
As the music reached its final bars, Loid extended his hand.
“With pleasure.”
Yor intertwined her fingers with his.
They stepped into the center. The previous waltz ended. The chatter settled into silence.
A new melody began.
Loid wrapped an arm around her waist; Yor rested her hand against his firm shoulder. Close, but not cloying.
He stepped forward; she stepped back.
He turned; she spun.
He supported; she trusted.
Her skirt traced elegant arcs in the soft glow. His gaze never left her.
They savored the distance between them, their understanding, their overflowing emotions.
As if guided by fate, near the end of the piece, a suspicious shadow moved swiftly through the crowd.
Their instincts sounded the alarm.
Loid subtly adjusted direction, bringing the suspect into view. He locked onto the target in his peripheral vision.
The music ended.
“My apologies, madam... I must excuse myself. I have urgent business to attend to.”
He bowed and kissed the back of her hand.
“I wish you success.”
Yor smiled and watched him disappear into the hall.
———
“Sir, are you looking for something?”
A waiter with brown curly hair and square-framed glasses carefully approached a slightly overweight middle-aged man with an exaggerated curled crimson beard. Five companions followed behind him.
“No. We’re here to meet an acquaintance.”
The man sized the waiter up and down.
“If you’d like, you may tell me the surname. I can announce your arrival on your behalf,” the waiter replied with a polite smile.
“…I’m looking for ‘a friend I met on the Ferris wheel.’ The surname is White.”
After a brief pause, the man slowly revealed the name.
“Understood. Sir—and the guests behind you—please follow me.”
The waiter bowed, his expression turning serious.
They exited through a concealed side door of the main hall. A hidden path led directly to the meeting location.
……
“Damn it… are those people coming or not… Picking a time like this, when it’s crowded—they’re practically walking into a trap.”
“Are the idiots from Blue Carnival brain-dead? How do you conduct something this confidential in a place like this?”
“They’re just a bunch of senile fools. But thanks to them, the pathetic illusion of peace between East and West can finally be shattered!”
In the secret basement deep within the garden, three intelligence traitors discussed the ‘justice’ they believed in, waiting for the arrival of Blue Carnival’s members.
Knock, knock… knock knock———
“Excuse the interruption. ‘The friend from the Ferris wheel’ hopes to share a pleasant evening with you.”
The waiter’s voice came from behind the hidden door.
“Send them in.”
The traitors opened the concealed door.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Seeing the guests delivered to their ‘friend,’ the waiter smiled politely, closed the heavy door behind him, and departed.
———
“Forgive the intrusion. Might I offer you a glass of champagne, madam?”
“E-Eh?”
Yor stiffened at the sudden appearance of a waiter beside her. She wasn’t good with alcohol, and she knew very well—drinking during a mission was absolutely forbidden.
“N-No, thank you! I'm not very good with alcohol, haha...” she declined awkwardly.
The waiter calmly picked up a glass from his tray and offered it to her anyway.
“A little is fine. My wife isn’t good with alcohol either,” he said with a smile.
“B-But…”
Yor waved her hands nervously.
“And besides——”
The waiter lightly took her hand and placed the glass into it. A familiar presence leaned close to her ear.
“It’s non-alcoholic, Yor.”
“The target has been confirmed.”
———
Knock, knock… knock knock———
The same pattern echoed against the thick wooden door of the basement.
“Who is it? Everyone’s already here…”
“My apologies for the intrusion…”
A calm female voice filtered through the door.
“Hey— you didn’t call for a woman, did you?”
“May I ask… are you members of Blue Carnival?”
The woman’s voice slowly spoke the secret they refused to acknowledge.
“What…? No— wait— why won’t the door open!? Damn it… it’s that waiter from earlier!”
The woman did not respond.
After a brief silence—
The sharp scrape of metal.
“Wait—!? Hey, were you followed? You idiots——”
BOOM———
The center of the thick wooden door caved inward under a tremendous impact. A fist punched straight through the heavy wood, splintering it open. At the same instant, the lights inside the basement went out.
The only illumination came from the faint light filtering through the jagged hole in the door—
and the cold gleam reflected off a long golden blade.
“…Allow me to relieve you of your lives.”
In an instant, a shadow slipped through the opening.
Cries.
Pleading.
Then silence.
Click———
The broken door was pushed open.
A figure stood at the entrance.
“Good work, Thorn Princess.”
“You as well, Twilight.”
———
“…Are you hurt?”
After finishing the cleanup in the dark and securing the retrieved intelligence, Loid restored the power he had cut earlier. Only then did he notice faint bloodstains still lingering on his wife’s face.
“No, I’m fine. That’s all someone else’s blood,” Yor replied with a smile.
“Here. Let me wipe that off.”
Loid took out a handkerchief from his breast pocket. Gently brushing aside her long hair, he carefully wiped away the stains on her cheek.
“You worked hard… Are you tired? Do you want me to carry you home? Ah— here, put this on. Don’t catch a cold.”
He removed his dark green suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
“Did your dress get stained? I’ll wash it for you when we get back… And make sure you rest properly tonight, alright?”
His eyes flicked to the hem of her dress, where traces of blood had splattered.
“Loid… You don’t have to worry so much. I’m strong, you know.”
Yor nodded, offering him a confident smile.
“It’s just… this is the first time I’ve really seen it…how incredible you actually are…”
Loid averted his gaze.
After cutting the power earlier, he had remained by the doorway, watching her “clean up.”
Watching—
though in truth, there had been far more awe than observation in it.
It wasn’t the act of “elimination” itself—if given the choice, neither of them would wish to partake in such necessary evils—
It was the overwhelming presence she exuded while working.
The focus in her eyes.
The clean, decisive movements.
The composure with which she responded to sudden attacks.
Though the sounds during the cleanup were far from pleasant, witnessing this hidden, powerful side of his wife only drew him in further.
And yet, no matter how strong she was, he—who lived just as dangerous a profession—knew she was not invulnerable.
What he could do was minimize the “occupational hazards” her work brought her, and afterward, be more attentive, more considerate—so that next time, she could face her duties in the best possible condition.
“……”
Seeing him lost in thought, Yor’s smile deepened slightly.
“Anyway… what would you like for dinner? We can pick up some food on the way ho—”
As he spoke, Loid adjusted her collar, pulling his jacket closer around her shoulders to cover the exposed skin of her dress.
“Loid.”
Yor suddenly lifted her head and softly called his name.
“Hm—!?”
Soft lips brushed against his.
His eyes widened. The intimacy was unexpected and fleeting. Before his mind could even process what had happened, she had already stepped back.
“You worked hard too. Thank you for always worrying so much.”
———
“Papa and Mama went dancing?”
“Yes. Dancing with Loid was lovely.”
“Anya can dance too! Bond, let’s show them!”
“Woof!”
“Hehe, Mr. Bond looks happy to dance.”
“La~ la la~ Spin, Bond!”
“Woof…!”
“Hehehe… adorable.”
“La~ la la~ Papa, look! Anya can dance!”
“Spinning in circles doesn’t count as dancing. Dinner’s ready. Go wash your hands.”
⸻
END HOTKUO 26.2/14
✨Chinese version ⬇️✨
《願意和我舞一曲嗎？》
（設定：洛伊德跟約兒已經知道對方身分，而且成為真正的夫妻了🥳✨）
「聽著，我們收到情報，在今晚5:30《藍色遊樂園》的成員會在薛策烏胡餐館的秘密地下室進行交易，內容是新型大型武器的設計，要是交易成功將威脅東西二國的和平」
「你們要參加今晚薛策烏胡餐館的舞會，伺機監視《藍色遊樂園》，最後暗中擊殺所有成員並將情報帶回」希爾維亞推了推圓框眼鏡，看著前方正在接取任務的新婚夫妻
這是自從洛伊德跟約兒——也就是《黃昏》與《睡美人》——真正結婚後，第一次一同執行任務，也是WISE跟GARDEN第一次合作
「不過我們並沒有相關人員的個人情報，所以《睡美人》…」希爾維亞優雅的翹著腳，抬眼對上約兒亮紅色的雙瞳
「是、是的！」約兒第一次從洛伊德的上司接到指令，緊張的立正站好
「別緊張」洛伊德輕輕牽起約兒的手，小聲在約兒耳邊低語
「…《黃昏》會協助你在當下提供正確資訊，只要依照《黃昏》的指示擊殺對方即可」希爾維亞一邊說明任務內容一邊在內心吐槽…這個《黃昏》怎麼完全不害躁，竟然在上司面前公然秀起恩愛…雖然她也不是完全討厭
「至於你，知道你要做什麼了吧？」希爾維亞看了眼自己培養出的完美間諜，現在正與自己妻子牽著小手
「了解，那我們先去準備了」洛伊德點點頭，牽著約兒就往據點外走去
「這傢伙真的是…」希爾維亞搖搖頭，笑著嘆了口氣
說來也諷刺，當時認為佛傑一家的存在可能成為間諜《黃昏》的弱點，但現在看來，《黃昏》反而是在意外中得到了心靈上與物理上的寄託，約兒的真實身份曾讓WISE懷疑是否是為了接近《黃昏》，在確認後才得知GARDEN的真實存在和目標——為了世界和平
妻子被綁架當籌碼這種事完全不需要擔心，對《黃昏》來說約兒絕對是最適合他的妻子，而洛伊德也早在任務階段就假戲真做
「…只能說那傢伙可真幸運」
———
「…你要穿那件禮服嗎？」洛伊德見約兒拿出那件她之前穿去參加派對的黑色禮服
「對啊，我去『工作』的時候都是穿這件喔，算是工作服吧」約兒看見洛伊德震驚的眼神後笑了笑，換上禮服，並轉身讓洛伊德替她拉上背後的拉鍊
「…這麼冷的天氣，穿這個不冷嗎？」洛伊德看了看那件禮服的露肩及裸背、前側裙擺極短的設計，他甚至懷疑是不是GARDEN的上司故意讓約兒這樣穿，好讓她展現驚人的身材比例
「不會喔，在工作的時候不會冷，而且這件禮服工作的時候很方便，不會礙手礙腳的」約兒搖搖頭，將金色的特製匕首穿入大腿側邊的環形帶子結構
「我知道了…我們先去舞會現場吧」洛伊德拉了拉領帶，他也穿著工作服，那件墨綠色的西裝外套配上一條顯眼的紅領帶，雖然顏色對比強烈卻不違和
「對耶，要跳舞……」約兒突然低下頭，有些羞赧的低語
「嗯…結婚後第一次」洛伊德笑著附和
「早點去，在那群人來搗亂前可以稍微放鬆一下…約兒，你願意當我的舞伴嗎？」洛伊德走到約兒面前，彎下腰行了一個禮，伸出手邀請她
「真的是…怎麼這麼肉麻啦……」約兒牽起洛伊德的手，微笑著小聲喃喃
———
薛策烏胡餐館，是一間結合豪華自助式吃到飽和花園舞會為特色的餐館，進入餐廳首先印入眼簾的便是一桌桌氣派的大長木桌，上面擺滿了各式精緻美食，大廳上方掛著閃閃發亮的水晶吊燈，牆壁側邊則是一些特殊的畫作，供賓客們享受美食的同時也浸在藝術的薰陶中
「好大…」約兒踩著黑色皮革的紅底高跟鞋進入餐館，不由得摀著嘴小聲驚嘆
「我帶你去確認周遭環境吧」洛伊德拉起約兒的手，給她一個安心的微笑
由後門離開大廳，會步入另一座世外桃源，與金碧輝煌的豪華大廳不同，這裡更像童話故事裡的秘密花園，花園中並沒有以冬天為花期的耐寒植物，但餐館用許多小燈泡組成的串燈纏繞在一些植物的軀幹上，使得花園閃著微光，也順帶給花園提供浪漫的照明，溫和而不刺眼
花園中央是一個小型舞池，而花園的深處有個秘密地下室，這個地點幽暗且能隔絕大部分的聲音——適合暗殺
洛伊德和約兒相視而笑，像是在確認情報，卻因默契而不必口述
———
兩人走回花園中央，已經有幾對男女正拉著手、扶著肩，隨著那節奏清晰的圓舞曲滑步、轉圈
「這位美麗的女士，願意和我舞一曲嗎？」在舞池側邊，圓舞曲的樂譜步入尾聲，洛伊德伸出手，邀請約兒步入舞池
「請多指教」約兒笑著牽上他的手，兩人將十指相扣，對上彼此熟悉且依戀的眼神，緩慢步入舞池中央
而他們站到中央的時刻，上一首圓舞曲也告以段落，彈指間，花園內賓客們的喧譁聲沉澱為一片寧靜，像是在為他們備置新的篇章
新的樂章響起，洛伊德紳士的用另一隻手環住約兒的腰，而她搭著他結實的臂膀，配合著他的腳步，兩人維持著親近卻不甜膩的距離，隨著音符的節奏
洛伊德踩著規律的舞步，約兒只需依著洛伊德的引導——就如這次任務一般——他前進，她後退；他轉向，她轉圈；他支撐著她，她信任著他
隨著音樂的旋律，約兒的裙擺在閃閃微光中劃出優雅的弧線，而洛伊德的視線始終落在他美麗的舞伴身上，他能享受被妻子注視的溫柔、欣賞妻子滿足的笑容，順帶露出些許真實的微笑
兩人隨者圓舞曲的高潮迭起，享受著彼此間這方寸內的距離、默契以及溢出的情感
如命運安排一般，在曲子的尾聲，一道可疑的影子迅速穿過人群，兩人的職業習慣立刻便響了警報
不過他們並沒有因此停下，洛伊德稍稍轉了方向，讓可疑人士可以一同出現在兩人視線中，他在餘光中鎖定了目標，優雅的結束了這曲工作前的放鬆時刻
「抱歉，這位女士…我得先失陪一下，我有要務需要先去處理」洛伊德鞠躬，在約兒手背輕吻
「祝您順利」約兒微笑著點點頭，便目送他進入大廳
———
「先生，您在找路嗎？」一位咖啡色捲髮、帶著方匡眼睛的服務生拿著托盤小心翼翼的靠近一位中年微胖，有著一臉浮誇的捲曲赤色鬍子男人，而他的身後還跟著五位同伴
「不，我們來找熟人」男子上下打量打量服務生
「如果需要，能告訴我對方的姓氏，我能幫助您代位」服務生微笑著道
「…我在找『我在摩天輪上遇到的朋友』，姓懷特」男子沈默半刻，緩緩道出朋友的姓氏
「了解，這位先生及其身後的客人們請跟我走」服務生對男子鞠了一個躬，換上嚴肅的表情
他們從大廳隱密的側門走出，有一條秘密小徑可以直接通往會面處
……
「可惡…那些人要不要來啊…偏偏挑這種人多的時間，根本是自投羅網」
「《藍色遊樂園》那群傢伙是笨蛋吧？這麼機密的事怎麼會在這種地方進行」
「我看他們就是一群笨蛋老人，不過也因為他們，東西國那可悲的和平假象終於可以被打破了！」
三個情報外洩者在花園深處的秘密地下室討論著他們所嚮往的「正義」，等著《藍色遊樂園》成員的到來
叩、叩…叩叩———
「打擾了，『摩天輪上的朋友』希望能與您共享愉悅的時光」地下室的密室門口，傳來一位服務生的報告
「請進吧」幾位情報外洩者打開了密室的門
「那我就先告辭了」服務生見客人們被送達他們的「朋友」身邊，笑著行禮，帶上門關上密室門，轉身離去
———
「女士，來一杯香檳嗎？」
「欸、欸？」
約兒面對突然出現在身旁邊服務生感到驚慌，不善喝酒的她知道，在任務中喝酒絕對是大忌
「不、不用了，我酒量不好啊哈哈……」約兒緊張又尷尬的推辭
而服務生只是自顧自的拿起托盤中的一杯香檳，主動遞給約兒
「喝一點沒關係的，我妻子的酒量也不好」服務生笑著答道
「可、可是……」約兒慌張的擺擺手，想拒絕服務生的好意
「而且———」服務生輕拉住約兒的手，將酒杯放入她的手中，一股熟悉的氣息突然靠在約兒耳邊
「這是無酒精的香檳喔，約兒」
「目標已經確認完畢」
———
叩、叩…叩叩———
密室厚重的木門再次響起與剛才相同的敲門聲
「誰啊？我們已經全到了啊……」
「不好意思，冒昧打擾……」沉穩的女聲透過木門傳來
「欸，你們沒叫女人來吧？」
「請問閣下是…《藍色遊樂園》的成員嗎？」女聲緩緩道出幾人不願被承認的秘密
「什麼…？不是吧…門怎麼打不開！？可惡…是剛剛那個服務生！」
女人沒有再回話，短暫的沈默後是金屬銳利的摩擦聲
「等等…！？？喂、你們行蹤外露了嗎？一群白癡———」
碰———
木門中央突然受到重擊，那十幾公分的木門竟被一記拳頭打出一個大洞，而在巨響後，密室內的燈突然熄滅，唯一的光線只剩那詭異的拳頭打穿木門後竄進室內的些許微光，以及某種長型金色匕首反射的冷光
「…請容我，取下你們的性命」
霎時，一道黑影從大洞中迅速穿入
一時間，密室內的人們傳出幾聲哀嚎與哭求，再過幾秒，室內只剩一片寂靜和一雙染紅的雙手
喀噠———
破損的門被敞開，一個人影出現在密室門口
「辛苦了，《睡美人》」
「你也是，《黃昏》」
———
「…你有沒有受傷？」洛伊德和約兒在黑暗中清理完現場、確認收回情報後，他將剛剛切掉的電源再次接上電，才發覺妻子的臉上仍有些血跡
「沒有喔，那都是別人的血」約兒笑著回答
「來，我幫你擦擦臉」洛伊德從胸前掏出手帕，細心的撥開約兒的長髮，將臉上沾到的污漬輕輕擦去
「辛苦你了…會不會累？要背你回家嗎？啊…這個披著，可別著涼了」洛伊德將墨綠色的西裝外套脫下給約兒披上
「衣服髒了嗎？我回去幫你洗…今天回家要好好休息知道嗎？」洛伊德撇了一眼約兒沾到血跡的裙角
「知道了，洛伊德…不用太擔心喔，我很強的」約兒邊點頭邊露出自信的微笑
「只是…第一次見識到，原來妳這麼厲害……」洛伊德別開眼神，剛剛切掉電源後，他便待在門口觀察約兒的「清理工作」
說是觀察，實際上有更多的成分是在驚嘆
不是因為「清除」本身的行為——如果能選擇，他們當然不想參與這些「必要之惡」——而是她工作時震懾人心的壓迫感、專注認真的神情、乾淨俐落的姿態、冷靜應對突襲的機智……雖然清理過程的音效不好入耳，但看見自己妻子不為人知且強大的一面，使他更為之入迷
不過即使她如此強大，同樣有著危險職業的他深知，她並不是完全不會受傷，而他能做的便是降低這份工作帶給她的「職業傷害」，以及善後時更加體貼、細心，讓她下次工作時能保持良好的狀態
「……」約兒見他若有所思，嘴角的笑容更深了
「總之…晚餐想吃什麼？我們回去的路上可以買食——」洛伊德為她拉了拉領口，將那件禮服設計露出的肌膚被他的西裝外套包裹的更嚴實
「…洛伊德」約兒突然抬頭輕喚他的名字
「唔…！？」
柔軟的唇觸到他的，他睜大雙眼，親密來的意外且短暫，在他腦中一片空白時，約兒已經退開
「你也辛苦了，謝謝你總是操心這麼多」
———
「父親跟母親今天去跳舞了？」
「對呀，跟洛伊德跳舞很開心呢」
「安妮亞也會跳舞，彭德！我們來跳舞給父親和母親看！」
「汪嗚！」
「呵呵呵…彭德先生很樂意跟安妮亞跳舞呢」
「啦～啦啦啦～彭德，轉圈！」
「汪…！」
「呵呵呵…好可愛，安妮亞真厲害呢」
「啦～啦啦～～父親你看！安妮亞跟彭德會跳舞！」
「不是在原地亂晃轉圈就叫跳舞好嗎？好了，晚餐煮好了，去洗洗手吧」
———
END HOTKUO 26.2.14