Darling Little Creature [Yuri Briar x f.Reader - SPY x FAMILY]

Bait

She’s been there for years. Three years to be exact. You had caught glimpses of her running around the back of the bakery now and then, but never paid her, or anyone else for that matter, much mind. No women ever hold up against your sister - most of them don't even catch your eye - so you don't waste your energy looking anymore.

But today is different.

Maybe it’s the way the ribbons in her hair frame her face in a manner that reminds you of Yor.

Maybe it’s the round shape of her cheeks or the black depths of her pupils.

Maybe it’s the white, frilly apron and full petticoat under her dress.

Maybe it’s her timid nature.

Maybe it’s all of it.

As she stands before you, taking the order of the customer ahead in line, only one thought crosses your mind.

She's like a baby bunny!!! Like a little lop-eared rabbit!! Sooooooooo cuuuuuuuute!! I just want to take her homeeee!

You manage to pull yourself out of your fantasies a second before she greets you. Upon ordering your usual morning coffee and pastry, you watch keenly as she scurries around behind the counter throwing together your request. She bounces here and there to fetch a paper cup, then a lid, then parchment and so on. She lays the items out before you skittishly, warily glancing up into your eyes as she sets down each one.

Her nervous demeanor is just like a sweet little cottontail!! If I gave her a treat she likes, would she be less frightened? Like giving a rabbit apples or carrots? She’s just so cuteeee!

Out of pure habit, you pay for your food and walk out of the store without a word, only realizing your mistake when you're halfway down the boulevard. Thoughts of what you could do to coax her into trusting you hop around your head until you reach headquarters.

You find work a little more satisfying than usual today. The thought that a darling little creature like her needs a safe world to live in just as much as Yor does makes extracting confessions that much sweeter.

By the time you wash your hands of the latest traitor, you know the little shop will already be closed. You also know that there's a good chance she'll still be there working the back to prep for tomorrow but cornering her at night risks leaving a bad first impression. Better to approach her in public where it would be more uncomfortable for her to make a scene.

With a quick stop by the florist on your way home, you pick out a frilly bouquet that reminds you of her outfit this morning. Nothing quite as ostentatious as what your sister deserves. Just a little something to entice interest. All that's left is the difficult part - waiting until tomorrow.

Visions of the days spent hunting wild hares in the mountains with Yor jump around your fuzzy mind as you drift off to sleep. Feeding yourselves was a challenge after your parents passed away, but Yor always worked hard to look after you. Those hours lying in wait together all turned into precious memories.

The minutes wasted waiting in line the next morning aggravate you. Knowing she's so near and yet so far makes you impatient. The effort it takes to keep yourself from eliminating those standing in your way is almost exhausting. Only her gentle smile when she asks what you'd like makes it worth the self-restraint.

You leave the bouquet on the counter after receiving your order. Just like yesterday, the way she scurries around in a tizzy leaves her blind to the little things. She only notices the flowers once you leave the store and the next client points it out. You anticipated as much yet are still relieved when she runs out of the store to return them and takes the bait.

“Excuse me, sir! You forgot these when you paid for your order.”

When you turn around, you realise she's even more enchanting up close. Merely smiling you correct her, “I didn't forget them, darling. They're for you.” Leaving her no chance to reject them, you turn on your heel and carry on your way to work.

Again, that evening you pick up another collection of delicate blossoms, and again the next morning you make your way to the bakery. She's visibly nervous when you show up and doesn't say anything at all beyond what's required to complete her job. But you're not discouraged – rather more enticed by the challenge.

So, you repeat the gesture, and the next time she smiles a little. The day after that, she whispers her first thank you. After a few more bouquets, she murmurs that you don't have to keep bringing them. With a gentle hum, you ask if she doesn't want them, but she bashfully admits she does.

“Then, what kind would you like, darling? I hate to keep bringing you anything less than your favourite.”

When you pop in the next morning with a lavish handful of her preference, she rewards you with a brighter smile than you've seen yet. The happy glitter in the apples of her eyes has your heart racing, and you know you need to see it again. Experimenting with bouquets of various sizes, styles, and mixes - all centering around her favourite - yields more and more satisfying reactions.

After a week of this routine, she begins throwing a few extras into your order now and then. As you continue, she starts to look expectant when you step through the door. It takes less than a month of luring her out of her shy ways to earn her trust.

The shift from being a skittish little thing that was easily frightened to an affectionate creature - unwary and curious - was gradual. But it was worth the wait. For the moment you asked her if she'd like to meet on her day off, you knew from the sparkle in her eyes and the giddy bounce of her heels that she would soon be yours.