Russian Holiday 3:4

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

Both men felt a little uncomfortable being so honest with their feelings. Each knew what the other meant to him, but verbalizing it was difficult.

To cover the awkwardness Napoleon grabbed his 1968 calendar. "Wait a second; I'll need a pencil."

"What for?" Illya was happy to move on from his strong feelings.

"If the Ukrainians are redesigning the holiday calendar, I need to make note of it so I don't forget."

"Napoleon, we are not changing the dates; these customs are old and honored."

"But confusing to the rest of the world."

The comfort of their banter began.