Just a Number - Short Affair - Sept 5th

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Prompts - Stress/Orange
Words (Approx.) - 400

September had barely begun, yet the trees which the two U.N.C.L.E. were passing were already starting to show the orange hues of autumn. From the passenger seat of the car came an audible sigh. Illya Kuryakin glanced over at his partner, who was staring wistfully at the trees.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked. “We completed the assignment with no injuries, no loss of life, and no destruction of property. You are usually in an insufferably jovial mood in situations such as this.”

Napoleon sighed again.

“Fall is upon us once again,” he stated. “The years seem to zip by these days.”

Illya frowned. There was something about Napoleon’s tone which told of something deeper than the changing seasons.

“What is really troubling you, my friend?” he urged.

“Did you see the age of some of those agents at the Boston Office?” he began. “They looked like they were barely out of kindergarten. I’m only thirty-five, but I felt absolutely ancient around them.”

“You’re not exactly old,” Illya stressed. “And given our line of work, you should be thankful to have reached thirty-five at all.”

“I know,” Solo replied, waving away his partner’s words. “But it sometimes feels like I only just graduated from Survival School myself.”

Illya smiled slightly. He actually understood what Napoleon was talking about. He had managed to fit an extraordinary amount into his thirty-four years, yet there were days he could swear he’d only just finished his stint in the Soviet navy.

“I wonder if this is what Waverly feels like,” Napoleon continued. “He’s called us young whippersnappers on more than on occasion.”

“What exactly is a whippersnapper?” queried Kuryakin. His English was excellent but there were still many words and phrases which bamboozled him.

“To be honest, Tovarisch, I have no idea of its origin. Still, as long as I’m still considered as one, maybe I’m not so old yet. Hey, don’t you have a birthday coming up?”

Illya tried to ignore the question, but Solo pressed on.

“Isn’t it in two weeks?”

“You know very well that it is,” the blond snapped. “And I am requesting now that you do not make any fuss. In fact, I think I will arrange to be in a different country from you around that date. I also have no wish to be reminded of my age.”

“Spoilsport,” Napoleon huffed. “Besides, age is just a number.”

.

Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Amen to that, "age is just a number. However, our bodies insist on reminding us otherwise.

Excellent story and segue to Illya's birthday. Should we surprise him with a party this year?

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Tell me about it! Ask my left knee about the slightly damp weather today, lol.

I think we should definitely surprise Illya with a party. I realised earlier today, when I was making an appointment for Monday 19th, that it was David's birthday on that day, and it happily coincided with the Short Affair. I occasionally suggest possible themes but, I was thinking of maybe asking for birthday stories for that day.

Of course, if we throw a party for Illya, then Napoleon will want one for his, LOL. (RV's birthday falls on a Tuesday this year.)

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Let's do it. Let Glenna know. Perfect timing for both birthdays! Yay!

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this pleasant little autumn - no, still summer! - scene.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)
Summer is trying to hold on, but I noticed the trees changing when I was out this morning.

[ssclassof56.livejournal.com]

I know how Napoleon feels. Students I taught are now parents or returning to join our faculty. Whippersnappers.

Bring on more Autumn stories! We don't get one in Florida, so I'll have to live it through fiction. :)

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I love autumn. It has always been my favourite season, so I'll have to see if my muse takes me that way :-)

[lilidelafield.livejournal.com]

I know how Napoleon feels! I once was camping with some relatives and two young 14 year old girls who treated me as their best friend...until they learned that I was 35, the same age as their' mothers. Suddenly they were treating me the same as my 55 year old aunt. Made me feel really ancient! Great tale. Thanks for posting!

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I know the feeling too. My 25 year old nephew made me a great-aunt at the beginning of the year. I'm only 41 and, to my mind, great-aunts are supposed to be ancient and feeble.

Thanks for enjoying the story :-)

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

Age is JUST a number, it's how you live that counts

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

That's it exactly :-)

[lindafishes8.livejournal.com]

I like how Illya planned to be anywhere but with Napoleon for his BD. Planning a births=day party? Count me in!

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

We're definitely planning a party for him, but don't tell him ;-)

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Illya can't escape his birthday, we'll see to it ;) A welcome introduction to the fall, now if only the weather will follow suit.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

He's going to enjoy his birthday, whether he wants to or not :-D

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

As you age, birthdays take on one of two forms, either it IS just a number and enjoy yourself with your friends or it's a day to mourn your youth and be miserable. I very much recommend the first one to Illya.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

He should take the third option, which is the one I attempt every year. Ignore it :-)

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes. I remember the first time I encountered a doctor younger than me it was quite a shock!

Loved the mood in this one - and the more upbeat ending. Looking forward to seeing what Napoleon (and you) have planned.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you, that was exactly the mood I was going for :-) I wanted it to start out melancholy, then pick up.

They used to say that you know you were getting old when the policemen look younger. A few years ago, a scumbag tried to break into our house. The Detective Sergeant that came looked about 4!