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

Wait

As per usual, you continue to show up at the bakery every morning with flowers. However, you don't ask her on a second date.

At least, not right away. Not until shifts from looking expectant as you place another bouquet on the counter to bashful greetings, then finally to looking disappointed. Not until she wonders if she perhaps did something wrong. Not until she guesses it's because of how she acted in front of you.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, darling," you tell her when she finally apologizes in hopes of another afternoon spent arm in arm. "I've just been busy with work the last few weeks."

To a certain extent, this is true. You have been absorbed in a crucial assignment, but you also could have pulled a few extra all-nighters here and there to see her on the weekends.

Tucking a stray bit of hair away from her face you ask if she's free this Saturday for dinner. The smile that rounds her features is charming, and the way her eyes glitter at the prospect of being with you makes it hard to breathe.

Only moments ago she looked like a little lop-eared bunny about to cry. Knowing that only you have such sway over her emotions is deeply satisfying, but you also know you haven't caught her quite yet.

Wanting both to make up for the month you neglected her and coax her closer, you opt for dinner at a lavish hotel restaurant. In spite of being at ease in your presence now, her skittish nature reveals itself in full as the two of you are escorted to your table.

The windows that line the wall stand two storeys tall, inlaid with wrought iron and stain glass to catch the glittering of the chandeliers that dot the ceiling. More silverware than you could possibly need lay strewn across the table, as do a number of crystal glasses.

Naturally, the server will remove whatever is not required after you place your order. However, your cottontail girl seems unaware of this as she glances shakily at the spread while you pull out her seat for her. The ribbons that frame her face flutter with her nervous fidgeting.

You hadn't Intended to make her feel uncomfortable, rather only to spoil her a little. Though, you don't hold back the smile that steals across your features at how adorably anxious she is. A giggle slips past as you watch her eyes scan the menu warily, entirely overwhelmed by the selection.

Her enchanting eyes find yours the moment your laughter rings in her ears. She looks like she might cry. As fond as you are of those tears, this is not the reaction you wanted from her tonight.

Quickly rising from your seat, you kneel down beside her to meet her watery gaze. Tugging her clenched fist in your palm, you stroke the back of her hand gently.

"Darling, do you not like it here? We can go somewhere else."

She pouts and avoids looking at you, shaking her head all the while.

"Tell me what's wrong, please?"

She doesn't.

"Look at me," you demand and pinch her chin to pull her back to you.

Pretty crystals brim at the corners of her eyes.

"Yuri... I... I don't... I don't belong here... I'm not good enough for a place like this..." Her voice cracks as she voices through her fears.

Cupping her cheek you smile up at her. "Darling, you really are just like a little rabbit - so easily frightened, so wary, so stressed by new environments. I know my baby bunny is nervous here, but will you trust me?" you hum.

From the downturn of her eyebrows, you can tell she isn't yet convinced.

"I promise I'll look after you. I wouldn't intentionally take my bunny anywhere she wouldn't be happy. I brought you here to be spoilt. You've been such a good girl. How can you say you don't belong in a place like this, darling? There's nothing to be scared of when you're with me. You belong by my side; wherever I go, you belong there too."

With a sniffle she leans into your palm and nods softly. Her little fist unfurls and links into your hand for comfort.

"That's my girl," you whisper against her forehead with a kiss when you stand. Once you're seated again, she meekly asks you to order for her. Delighted that she's chosen to rely on you, you run through a list of modified interrogation questions to draw out her preferences before ordering the most expensive items you think she'll enjoy.

With each dish that is presented, she relaxes a little more. The table settings gradually diminish, opening up enough space to hold hands across the table. By the time dessert is served, she's a little tipsy and that endearing smile has replaced any sign of tears.

Swaying a gently in her chair, she beams at you and squeaks, "Yu~ri~, bunny wants more cake and champagne!"

"Do you, now?" you query, amused at how she's taken to the new pet name. "What else does my bunny want?"

She hums, finger on her chin, before whispering quite loudly, "Pets!"

"Like a puppy?" you reply in confusion.

She shakes her head a little too hard, dizzying herself enough to make to jump up and steady her.

"You want a kitten then?" you continue, hand on her shoulder.

"No~ Pets! Like this," she squeaks and moves your hand atop her hair.

Oh.

It takes every last drop of your willpower not to pass out in a fit of joy. The adrenaline racing through your veins as she guides your hand to caress her is on par with eating your sister's cooking.

Unfortunately, the approach of the waiter wrenches you from your high. Crimson eyes shine clear with loathing when you meet his over your shoulder. "More cake," is all you tell him, and continue to stand by her side to pet her until the trembling young man returns to drop off the plates.

You won't be neglecting your darling again no matter how much work you have or how many all-nighters you need to pull. You'll be beside your little lop-eared girl as many hours in the week as she'll let you from now on. You'll give your baby bunny anything and everything she could ever ask of you. She will want for nothing.