Man from U.N.C.L.E. Section VII

A/N this is a preamble to a call and response story between myself and Alynwa being posted today called "The Surprise Party." Hope you enjoy~ the big day has arrived.

The phone rang on Napoleon Solo's desk at eight in the morning. Sitting opposite him at his own desk was his partner who was busy reading a sheet of updates on the international activites of T.H.R.U.S.H.

"Solo here, good morning,"

"Napoleon it's Tommy Lopaka," the head of Security spoke. "There's a catering delivery truck in the loading dock, where do you want them to set up for the 'you know what?"

"They're early." Solo tried to sound normal. "Umm I'll be right there." He quickly hung up the phone and looked at his watch. It was seven a.m.

"Who is early?" Illya's eyes peeked over the top of the paper."

"Umm, Mr. Waverly's next appointment, but he's in a meeting right now. I'll escort them upstairs to a waiting room."

"Why you? That is Security's job is it not?"

"Oh, I just feel like stretching my legs. Want some tea from the Commissary?"

"I will come with you. I could use a walk myself," Illya said.

"Just stay put. I'll bring it back and a piece of danish for your birthday."

"I told you no celebration Napoleon." Kuryakin sat up straight in his chair."

"Will you give me a break, a danish and a cup of tea are hardly a celebration. "

Napoleon strolled out the door, but once around the corner he took off at a dead run. He went straight to the Commissary, picked up the pastry and beverages but called Lopaka on the house phone.

"Tom, have the caterers get everything to the gym and post haste. We don't want Illya to suspect a thing."

"Sure Napoleon no problem. How are you going to get Kuryakin to the gymnasium without him suspecting anything is going on? He's pretty sneaky when it comes to sniffing things out brudda," the big Hawaiian said.

"Tom, I'll figure that out with April and Mark. Thanks."

IMG_4067-1024x682

jantojones.livejournal.com

Below the cut you will find the prompts and rules for Short Affair stories due on September 26th. Next week will be a normal posting day.

Today, however, we’re having a special event in honour of Mr David McCallum’s 83rd birthday. You will find everything you need to know for today’s stories just here, but basically, we’re asking for all stories to be themed around Illya Kuryakin’s birthday.

We’re also holding a later party today, the details of which you can find here. I hope you will all join in.

( Under Here )

alynwa.livejournal.com

Special Prompt: Happy Birthday, Illya Kuryakin!

I was sitting in April and Mark’s office bouncing around ideas as we tried to figure out how to get my birthday – ignoring partner to the gym for his surprise party.

“Maybe we’re overthinking it,” Mark said before demolishing what was left of his candy bar. “I mean, the party’s set, everybody knows about it, The Old Man has promised that, unless the world is ending, we’re not being assigned to affairs before Wednesday. All we ’ave to do is get Illya into the gymnasium in a few hours! What is the big bloody deal?”

“Illya is stubborn,” I answer, “Actually, I think rejecting the idea of birthday celebrations is his way of protecting himself.”

“Oh, so you think he cares, but prefers to act like he doesn’t?” April asked.

“Something like that,” I reply, “Remember how we literally had to chase him around the building when we wanted to take him out to dinner?* When Glenna, Marian and some of the other support staff approached me about throwing him a party, I started to say no, but I really think a party might be just what Illya needs. He’s been wound up tight as a drum for the last few days, I have no idea why.”

I watched April reapply her lipstick and check her look in the mirror and for the umpteenth time, felt a twinge of envy that such a beautiful woman found Illya attractive. She’s so good for him. “Do you have an idea, April?”

She smiled mysteriously and said, “Of course, Darling. You and Illya meet Mark and me when I call. Leave it to me.”

“Okay, see you two later.” I left their office and headed back to Illya’ and my office. “Hey, Tovarisch, I thought you were working in the lab this morning.”

“I was just about to leave; I needed to get some notes from my desk. Just then his phone rang. “Kuryakin. Hi, April. What? I see, well, I was planning to eat at my desk…All right. Of course. I will. See you later.” He replaced the handset in its cradle. “April wants to have lunch with us as she and Mark have to fly out to Idaho late this afternoon.”

“That works for me,” I said as I shrugged and pull some reports from my IN box. “Did she say what time?”

“Between noon and twelve – thirty, she will call when they are ready.”

At twelve – fifteen, the office door slid open to reveal my Russian. “She called you?”

“Yes, she and Mark are dancing in the gym in preparation for their mission and want us to critique their routine before we go to the Canteen.”

I knew that everyone who was attending had been instructed to be inside no later than noon and I was hoping there weren’t any stragglers. We got to the door and, as I knew he would, Illya opened the door to allow me to go through first. I put my hand on the door and indicated that he go ahead of me.

He stepped in and froze in his tracks when he saw everyone in the place looking at him.

“Happy Birthday, Illya!” we all yelled before bursting in applause.

Current Location: Queens, NY

Supplied by Boris’ Best caterers from over in Brighton Beach:
Along with foods prepared by the ladies of UNCLE, and by Cookie
in the Commissary...

( Food, glorious food! )

As soon as I stepped into the gymnasium, I knew something was wrong, Illya told himself.

The lights were out, and I thought that odd.

“Surprise! Happy Birthday Illya!”

My heart went up into my throat. Why did he do this when I specifically asked...no told Napoleon that I did not want any birthday nonsense?

As I looked around at the decorations, saw all the smiling faces and smelled the aroma of food. I knew a lot of trouble had been taken to do this for me. I looked over at Napoleon who merely shrugged.

He handed me a shot of vodka, wishing me happy birthday.

“S dnem rozhdeniya, moy drug.” Solo flashed me one of his charming smiles.

“What could I do? Now was not the time or the place for an argument, much less a fist fight which was something I could easily start with the way I was feeling at the moment.

“Spasibo,” I raised my glass to him. “I will get even with you later my friend.”

“Moi?” Napoleon said.”This actually wasn’t my doing, but now’s not the time. You have your adoring fans who await you with good wishes and gifts.”

I put on my best face, nodding as people came up to me, shaking my hand, kissing me on the cheek and handing me small gift boxes...though some were not. I eyed them suspiciously, hoping they were not any of those loud ski sweaters that a few of the ladies in the secretarial pool insist upon knitting for me. There was card after card...

Napoleon took each from my hands one by one and placed them on a nearby table as the music began to play. At first there was wonderful Russian music being played, it was balalaikas...Kalinka! Then came Russian gypsy music. Such memories!

The mirror ball, used for special celebrations at headquarters was lowered down, illuminated by spotlights of varying colors. It filled the room with a thousand points of light as people began to dance.

April came up to me, positively glowing with exuberance and planted a kiss on my lips.

“Happy birthday you mad Russian...well don’t be mad at me. Everyone deserves to have a happy birthday. Now come on and dance with me?”

I begged off, trying to be as gracious as possible, instead choosing to head toward the buffet that had been set up. I was hungry, after all we were supposed to have been having lunch, though that was now obviously part of the ruse to get me here.

The food I had to admit, was enticing. Whoever had done the catering had all sorts of Russian foods here along with plenty of American ones. There was lamb-kebab Shashlik, something I had not had in very long time, as well as blini, borscht, creamed potatoes, golubtsy and so much more!

For a moment, being surrounded by all this Russian food made me feel a bit homesick, though home never had such plenty as this. I suddenly found myself missing people, my people and speaking my native language on a daily basis. Who was I kidding, that would never be my life again?

Still, no matter how acclimated I had become to living here in the United States, I was still a stranger in a strange land. Yet here I was surrounded by people who were wishing only good things for me, people who thought of themselves as my friends. That was something I did not want to admit, except when it came to my partner.

I was being rude to them all and I decided it was time to fake it for their sakes, not mine.

I smiled.

“That’s more like it darling,” April came up to me just as I just stuffed a pelmeni into my mouth.

“Don’t try to talk, eat. Enjoy yourself. It’s your birthday.”

I nodded my thanks; that was the least I could do...

spikesgirl58.livejournal.com

May the following year bring you nothing but health and happiness.

ssclassof56.livejournal.com

Prompt: Happy Birthday, Illya Kuryakin
Word Count: Approx. 1000

Illya picked himself up from the stone floor, muttering Russian invectives about the retreating guards.

“Are you all right?” Napoleon asked, as he considered a tear in the shoulder of his dress shirt.

“No thanks to you.” Illya brushed dirt from his pajama pants. “Couldn’t you turn it off for one night?”

“Hey, pal, she snuck into my room, not vice versa.”

“What did you expect after oozing Solo charm at her all evening?”

( Read more... )

threecee.livejournal.com

A birthday present for Illya. Hope you don't already have a complete recording of this Romani jazz musician's works.

alynwa.livejournal.com

I had moved closer to speak to Mark when Illya went to look at the buffet. I watched as Illya popped a pelmeni into his mouth and smiled briefly. He and April moved down the table looking at the choices before both picked up plates and helping themselves to food.

I clapped Mark’s shoulder in triumph. “I think this is a success! He told me he’s going to get me, but he’ll find out that I didn’t have anything to do with this, not at all.”

“It doesn’t ‘urt either, Mate, that my partner is over there smoothing things over and that the girls in the secretarial pool insisted that authentic Russian food be served along with American favorites. Speaking of which, let’s eat before it’s gone, eh?”

When Illya and April had gotten their food and gone to find a table that was everyone else’s signal to eat. We walked over, grabbed plates and got in line. Marian was right in front of me and I tapped her shoulder to get her attention. “Great idea you and Glenna had about using Boris’ Best Catering, this food looks great! In fact, I’m going to eat the Russian stuff because no one’s lasagna is better than mine!”

Marian grinned from ear to ear when I complimented her and Glenna’s idea. “Why, thank you, Napoleon!” She leaned in closer and when I bent down, she whispered in my ear, “Don’t tell anyone, but I broke my diet wide open by tasting everything as we set it up; it’s all good, but definitely make sure you get some beef Stroganoff, the cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and beef, the black bread and some blini and caviar. Oh, and the soups! Oh, who am I kidding? Just get everything!”

I had to laugh at her enthusiasm. I turned around to tell Mark and realized I was too late. He had two plates, one with salads and one with hot foods. “Wow, Mark! Leave some for someone else!”

“Everyman for ‘imself, Mate! I’m starving!”

I glanced around to see that the food was indeed popular, so I piled my plate high and went in search of April and Illya. As I expected, they were sitting at a table by the wall. April had a glass of sbiten in her hand sipping delicately while my partner was demolishing several lamb kababs. “Mind if Mark and I join you guys?” Without waiting for an answer, we sat down and I have to admit: My first forkful of food was so good, I inhaled everything. When I finally stopped to take a breath, I wiped my mouth and asked, “So, Partner Mine, what do you think of your party?”

Current Location: Queens, NY

kat bybee

After all, what's an U.N.C.L.E. gathering without THRUSH?!

Happy Birthday, Dear Illya!!!

rose-of-pollux.livejournal.com

Short Affair 9/19
Prompt: Happy Birthday, Illya Kuryakin!

Title: Bits and Birthdays
Author: Rose of Pollux
Word Count: ~1000

This version is slightly abridged; I went slightly over the word limit in the original draft, which you can read on my personal journal or tumblr/AO3. Also, the reference to the cufflinks is from this previous short affair piece.

( Bits and Birthdays )

I slowly leaned closer to my partner, pausing for a moment. Should I tell him how I really feel? No now was not the right time. Perhaps tomorrow. At the moment I was enjoying the music of Django Reinhardt that was playing on the phonograph.

( Read more... )

jantojones.livejournal.com

I've got a job interview tomorrow so I have to prepare for it today. I'll be around for the party properly this evening (UK time). In the mean time, here are a few Russian/Ukrainian snacks.

We have pampushki, varenyky, vatrushka, and syrniki.

kat bybee

"Tequila is...how you say most intereshting of drinks. But why does one eat worm???"
"Trust me, my friend, you will celebrate a most interesting of Sunrises..."

Current Mood: drunk
Current Location: United States, California, San Diego
Current Music: Tequila Sunrise by The Eagles

sidhe-uaine42.livejournal.com

http://goodmorningkitten.com/

There might be more of these "guests" popping in off and on throughout the day.

Let's take a walk...er, rather we can 'do the stroll... to one of my favorite videos, Exotic Dancing by

vysila

helga-olenius.livejournal.com

Hello everyone! ^_^
I'd like to join the party with an U.N.C.L.E. card set I made. You can print it on photopaper )) The set contains of 72 cards + back cover + two emblems for storage boxes (I ordered mine here). Hope you like it =^.^=

- card size is 8.4x5.4cm for 200dpi
- emblems should be printed with 300dpi to have the correct size

download link: https://yadi.sk/d/fT-ceHsYvNg4j
there will be "Скачать" button on the right ;)

Sincerely, .White Fawn.

P.S. for the party table )))

photo borsh_zpsyzbcos7s.jpg

kat bybee

https://youtu.be/y3KEhWTnWvE

Illya is getting a bit melancholy...switching from tequila to vodka may help? Old memories of past friends?

Current Mood: melancholy
Current Location: United States, California, San Diego
Current Music: Those Were the Days...

Who stole the glitter ball? Mr. Waverly will be very upset if it's damaged...again!
Please, just put it back!

Missing: one multi-faceted mirror gitter ball.

disco ball

( Read more... )

There's an ongoing Call and Response story by

mrua7 and

alynwa, don't miss it. I'm waiting for the next chapter girls.
Our hostess,

jantojones did a great job getting this together to coincide with short_affair, and I'm sure Illya would want to thank everyone personally (I'm sure we'd all like that ;), but Section VII thanks everyone who has participated and contributed to the food and fun of this day.
Okay, carry on. It ain't over 'til it's over!

fate056

Memo: From Alexander Waverly

The missing glitter ball is not missing. I have confiscated it
for safe keeping. The last one was damaged while being
used for a volleball at a previous party and therefore I have
erred on the side of caution.

It has also come to my attention that several members of
T.H.R.U.S.H. managed to infiltrate headquarters with the
express purpose of attending Mr. Kuryakin's birthday party.

Job, well done darting them Messers. Solo, Slate et. al.

The head of Section V is to report to my office immediately.

A. Waverly

alynwa.livejournal.com

I was watching Illya from the dance floor where I was doing what I thought was a respectable Monkey with Mandy from Translations. I saw him politely, but firmly turn down several offers to dance, leaving several very disappointed women in his wake. He made small talk as people approached him, but barely slowed down until he found a table at the very edge of the party.

I didn’t want people to feel miffed, so I pushed the Solo Charm into maximum overdrive. Every woman I danced with I thanked profusely on my partner’s behalf for helping to plan and/or participating in Illya’s party. I smoothed a lot of ruffled feathers. Yes, he loved the food, of course he appreciates the effort, he’s just feeling a little overwhelmed by this outpouring of affection. I almost started to believe it myself. Almost.

Something was bothering him and it was more than just having a party thrown for him that he had said he didn’t want. From the moment he had walked into the gym, his mood had changed. He wasn’t angry, it was more like he was…sad. Tovarisch, what’s wrong? I thought at him. I was willing him to look in my direction and he actually did. I signaled him What’s wrong? and he gave his head a slight shake that only I could see and averted his eyes. I went to where April and Mark were dancing and asked, “Mind if I cut in?”

Mark said, “I don’t mind. I’ll get us some drinks, Luv.”

April began to do her best Jerk when I took hold of her hands and placed one on my back and held the other and began to lead her in a sultry Salsa. “Did Illya say anything to you about…anything?”

Her red hair flipped as she shook her head no. “I was actually going to ask you the same question, Darling. He seems distracted and dejected, somehow. I almost want to cry.”

“I know what you mean. I’ve been doing my best to deflect attention from him, not an easy task since it’s his party. It’s a good thing the food and the music’s so good; some people I’m sure aren’t even focused on him.”

“Napoleon Darling, I think you’re right. Look, everyone’s grabbing leftovers to take back to their offices. It’s a good thing this was a lunchtime event. Mark and I have a meeting with Accounting this afternoon. Apparently, Mark and I have to explain why we ruined two cars and three hotel rooms during our last affair. Are you going to ask Illya about his mood?”

“Of course, I am,” I answered before I kissed her cheek and released her. “Good luck with Accounting.” I watched her rejoin her partner before they exited the gym. Others were leaving too and I watched as people made a point of stopping first to wish Illya well. I waited until only the janitorial staff was left cleaning before I approached him. “Illya? Are you heading back to the lab?”

He nodded and then seemed to decide a verbal answer was better. “Yes. I will probably be there the rest of the day.”

“I thought so. Listen. Dinner. My place. Seven sharp.” I held up my right index finger when he opened his mouth. “I’m not accepting ‘no’ for an answer.” To his credit, he shrugged and left. I knew he’d come. “Hey!” I yelled at the cleaners, “I’m taking one of those honey cakes! Don’t you dare cut it!”

Current Location: Queens, NY

rose-of-pollux.livejournal.com

My other present for David's birthday...

Title: Nocturne of Shadow
Rating: PG13
Word count: ~4400
Author: Rose of Pollux

(Cross-posted to fanfiction.net and AO3, if you prefer reading there. This is an "early days" fic, the sequel to the "Serenade of Water" I posted last month--and a continuation of the "Baron of THRUSH" arc.

( Nocturne of Shadow )

Current Music: "Nocturne of Shadow" -- Koji Kondo

( Open it, Illya! )

Perhaps we should have given this to your partner? He's the one who'll be using it on you.

bkkbjy.livejournal.com

Translation: Wonderful moments of our life

jantojones.livejournal.com

. . . So I sent out for some more vodka.