ABC Affair II challenge. I – Istanbul’s book bazaar

[hypatia-66.livejournal.com]

Istanbul sahaflar

The streets around Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar were an inevitable draw, lined as they were with second-hand bookshops and bookstalls – books in all languages, books on all subjects – but the Sahaflar Çarşısı was an Aladdin’s cave for a bibliophile. Illya was delighted and, even though the books were often dusty and dog-eared, he would have been happy to spend the entire day picking up and reading his way through them. His conscience, however, in the form of his partner, prevented such an extravagant use of the day.

“There isn’t time, Illya. We’ll come back another day,” said Napoleon.

“We won’t have another day,” Illya growled.

“Another time, then. There’s bound to be one.” 

“But the books will be different.”

“They’ll be just as interesting, come on.” And Illya finally allowed himself to be dragged away still complaining. Napoleon continued to hold onto him until Illya snatched his hand away. 

“Haven’t you noticed,” said Napoleon, “men hold each other’s hands here.”

“Well, you’re not holding mine. I’m not a child.”

“We’re friends – aren’t we?”

For a moment Napoleon wondered if Illya was going to answer that one positively. He turned his eyes to Napoleon’s, frowning, then he smiled. “But I’m still not going to have my hand held,” he said.

Comments

[duckys-lady.livejournal.com]

I love this! Napoleon should probably keep a hold on Illya until they are well away (or they find food). :-)

[hypatia-66.livejournal.com]

Well, I certainly would...

Thanks!

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

A charming fic: such a good idea and so well written. I must quote His conscience, however, in the form of his partner. Hope that sometime Illya got at least one long browse. (*is jealous*)

[hypatia-66.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Nice to be quoted.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Brilliant! I can almost see him putting.

I'm exactly the same as Illya when I'm in a second-hand bookshop. I can spend hours in one.

[hypatia-66.livejournal.com]

I daren't go into one these days. My house is full of books - I'm trying to get rid of them rather than buy more.

Glad you liked the little episode.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

I'm like Illya, I could spend my days happily in and old bookshop! Enjoyable chapter.

[hypatia-66.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

One of the few things I liked about living in Cambridge was the high class of books on the bookstalls in the market. It was a great temptation. Now I have too many and I feel I ought to have mercy on any future executor who has to clear the house.

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

Oh he isn't happy about the books is he.

[hypatia-66.livejournal.com]

It's a different form of torture, being dragged away.