section7mfu | Keeping Up Appearances - A Little (Double) Drabble Do Ya!

As it was a pleasant day, Illya decided to get off the subway two stops earlier than necessary in order to walk to the office. He couldn’t help but smile at how relaxed he felt. New York had only been his home for a few months, but the feeling of freedom he had was intoxicating. Of course, his life still wasn’t his own but, when he was off duty, he could live it as his own.

During the walk, Illya called in to a deli he often frequented, and picked up something for his lunch. He spent several minutes enjoying a bit of small-talk with the proprietor before continuing on. The warm sun on his face once again brought a smile to his face and he found himself whistling a cheery tune.

The closer he got to HQ, the more his expression changed to his usual aloofness. All signs of the relaxed, happy Kuryakin faded entirely. Stepping into Del Floria’s, he gave the tailor a terse nod before heading through the changing room into reception. Barely acknowledging Janine, he took his badge and went to start his day.

“I wish he wasn’t such a misery,” the receptionist muttered to herself.