"A sense of style" for the Short Affair challenge

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Challenge: The Short Affair

-Prompt Word #1 - Sock

-Prompt Colour – Red

Title: A sense of style

Author: mrua7

Word count: Approximately 1000

Napoleon Solo wasn’t what you would call vane, he merely took pride in his appearance.  He was taught at an early age to take care with his looks and to appreciate the female of the species; all by his Aunt Amy. Thanks to her he became acquainted with expensive clothes, and developed a penchant for the finer things in life. But as the saying went, he had ‘champagne tastes and a beer pocketbook.’

He was from a wealthy background, and would have come into a nice trust fund set up by his father...who was a dedicated military man. The man wanted to make sure his children were taken care of if in the event he died in the service of his country. There were stipulations though. Napoleon was to remain in the army, as was his younger brother Hannibal; neither one complied with the demand made by their strict father.

Napoleon joined the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, his brother chose the diplomatic corp and moved up quickly in the ranks...it helped having had a grandfather who was an ambassador.

Subsequently, dad cut them off…

That didn’t stop Napoleon in developing his post Korean war lifestyle. He managed to buy the clothing he preferred, turning his nose up at off the rack suits. No, his had to be custom made suits. Nothing but the best, much to the eventual regret of the Accounting department at U.N.C.L.E.
.

So here Napoleon was standing in front of the full length mirror, admiring his profile in his new grey suit. He’d accessorized it with a red silk tie, and matching pocket square; he had yet to put on his socks and shoes.

His partner was sitting on the edge of Solo’s bed, watching the American as he fussed with his hair. Everything had to be just so for his date with Helga, the airline stewardess he’d met on their flight to Sweden.

A platinum blonde, with an hourglass figure, flirtatious blue eyes and full, pouting, kissable lips.

Illya held up a red sock. “Are you not overdoing it a bit with this color?”

“I thought you liked red?”

“I do but not so much of it.”

“Hey they have panache and style.” Napoleon snatched the sock from the Russian’s hand. “If is was good enough for Van Johnson, then it’s good enough for me.”

“Who is Van Johnson?”

“I can’t believe you’ve never heard of him.”

Illya crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Enlighten me.”

“Van Johnson was the well-mannered nice guy in big screen movies who you wanted your daughter to marry. He was a classy song-and-dance star of the 1940’s and a box office favorite, second only to Frank Sinatra, and he always wore red socks...it was his trademark.”

“So you are going to now always wear red socks?” Illya chuckled. “A little bright for undercover work.”

“Not always, just for tonight with this suit. I want to make a dashing impression with Helga. You’ve got to admit, I make this look good.” Napoleon finished putting on his socks and shoes, stoos up and gave a little turn.

Kuryakin shook his head. “And how much do you need to borrow for tonight?” He pulled out his wallet.

“Well this ensemble did set me back a tidy sum, so I’ll go easy on you….how about thirty dollars?”

Illya handed over the money without further comment. He’d become accustomed to this as his partner’s routine. Napoleon was forever broke, as he spent his money on his lavish lifestyle. He was at least honest enough not to abuse is expense account for the most part, and borrowing from his partner solved that issue. He always paid Illya back, eventually.

Solo's apartment was decorated with only the best furnishings, Persian rugs, several oil paintings by some lesser name artists of the 19th century, and of course the closets were bursting with his suits.

“Just be careful Napoleon, do not damage your suit this evening. The accounting department has expressed more displeasure than ever at your expense account.”

“And how would you know that?”

“I had a date with Mary from accounting. I was turning in my own report and we had a nice conversation. She is quite a pleasant woman, as well as being attractive. I asked her out and she accepted."

“You went out with scary Mary? The witch of accounting?” Solo blurted out.

“She is very nice and I had a lovely evening with her.”

“Oh please don’t tell me you slept with her?”

“A gentleman does not say,” Illya winked. “Now why did you call her scary Mary?”

“Because of the face she makes at me when I turn in my reports. She looks like she’d rip me to shreds with those sharp red nails of hers if she got the chance.”

“Hmm, I find that hard to believe...she gives very good back rubs by the way,” Illya hid his smile.

Napoleon scrunched up his face as he turned. heading to the door.

“Tovarisch, I bid you goodnight. Don’t wait up for me.”

“I was not planning on it.”

“You’re not going out? I mean, Illya there’s so many gorgeous Swedish women trolling the bar downstairs, surely…”

“No, I am going to bed alone, as we have an early flight out in the morning. Make sure you do not miss it please? Mr. Waverly would not be happy if you do.”

“Don’t worry your blond Russian head. I’ll be there, but could you bring my suitcase with you to the airport just in case. I’m sure it’s going to be a long good bye with Helga...several good byes if you know what I mean?”

“Tsk. I suppose I could.” Illya pulled off his shoes revealing he was wearing a pair of red socks.

“And what’s the deal with those may I ask? Wearing them to honor your Bolshevik background?”

Kuryakin blushed. “No, I forgot to pack an extra pair of socks so I borrowed a pair of yours. Do not worry, I will wash them before I return them to you.”

It was Solo’s turn to shake his head. “Keep them, you need a sense of style. Good night partner.”

“Good night Napoleon” Illya responded in a sing-song voice. “You are incorrigible…”

“Thanks for noticing,” he grinned before disappearing out the door.

Comments

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I love the imagery of that last line. Nicely done, and the red socks for his date, a good choice.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Silly me I forgot I scheduled this! Thank you, yes that 'impish' image is what I have of Solo. Gotta love him!

[ssclassof56.livejournal.com]

Love the Van Johnson reference. He's delightfully crabby in Brigadoon (not unlike a certain Russian). I thought of that movie when I saw the prompt, as Gene Kelly wears red socks in it.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! Welcome to Section VII by the way!

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I love how Illya automatically asks Napoleon how much money he needs :-) I also enjoyed their very different impressions of scary Mary, LOL

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

He's resigned himself to a few things in life when it comes to his partner, I think. Glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for the comment cuz!

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for letting us see this scene. And I was glad to learn about Van Johnson, and very glad to learn Napoleon repaid - eventually.

I'm worried there might be a streak of Thrush in me. I enjoyed the idea of Napoleon facing up to accountant Mary, and I bet they would, too.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Hmmm maybe you've found your niche, writing stories from a THRUSH POV? Van Johnson was a memorable actor. :D

So glad you enjoyed the story, and thanks for the comment.

[lindafishes8.livejournal.com]

Napoleon borrows money; Illya borrows socks. It all equals out in the end.;D Loved this.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you! True it all equals out in the end.