"Superstitious mumbo jumbo" for the Groundhog Day Impromptu Challenge

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

It had snowed in the wee hours of the morning while Solo and Kuryakin were on stakeout.  They were unfortunately out in the open, behind tree cover of course, observing a THRUSH satrapy for activity.

So far there was none.

They were too close to have parked the car nearby and were forced to wrap themselves in blankets for warmth.

Unfortunately the temperature had dropped dramatically and even extra layers of clothing and long johns were not helping all that much.

Napoleon was shivering and as he glance over at his partner who seemed quite comfortable; Illya’s head was covered with a fur ushanka, making him look quite Russian.  His heavy wool coat also had a fur collar that was turned up to protect his neck, a knit scarf was wrapped tightly around his face allowing only his eyes to peek through.

“Say are those hats really warm Illya?” Napoleon was wearing his black and red checkered hunter’s cap, this time with the ear flaps tied down; he too was wearing a scarf and heavy woolen coat similar to his partner’s. Yet the cold was getting to him.

“Yes it is particularly warm. This helps,” Kuryakin lifted his hat revealing a hot water bottle sitting atop his head.

“Smart Russian,” Napoleon mumbled.

“Yes I know, as you have told me many’s the time,” Illya quipped.

“Smart-ass Russian.”

Kuryakin chuckled, “Yes you have said that before as well.”

Solo drew a flask from within his coat and after opening it, he took a swig before offering it to his partner.

“No thank you. I have the flask that you gave me for my birthday, filled with vodka but I feel no need for it at the moment.”

“Yeah, you and that Slavic blood of yours.”

Illya was going to say something but Napoleon cut him off…”Yeah yeah I know, I’ve said that before.”

The sky was becoming lighter, finally.

“Guess we can hope the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, if he does there’ll six more weeks of winter,” the American said.

“Superstitious nonsense. Look, there is some activity.” Illya pointed as a door to the building opened once it was daylight, unfortunately it wasn’t very bright.

Someone was standing there with a few others behind him, looking like observers.

“They’re up to something,” Napoleon said.

“What is that he is holding up?” Illya’s eyes strained to identify it.

“Awww Geeze,” Napoleon almost swore. “It’s a groundhog! They’re doing the groundhog thing to see if ...well you know.”

“And this is what we stayed out all night long to observe? Kuryakin complained. “Even THRUSH is swallowing this superstitious mumbo jumbo? I think we can leave now, please?”

“No wait,” Solo whispered. “I want to know if it sees its shadow?”

“Really Napoleon?”Illya shook his head. “I am going back to the car.”

“Suit yourself. I'll be there in a few minutes.”

Kuryakin was waiting in the car, impatiently sitting in the driver’s seat. The engine was running and the heat was on. Illya had removed his hat, hot water bottle, coat and gloves. Finally Napoleon arrived and got into the front passenger side.

“Well?”

“Well what? Ohhhh, no shadow so I guess that means an early spring tovarisch. Mmm, heat feels good, let’s get going.”

Illya huffed. “And are you going to include that in your report to Mister Waverly?”

“I’m thinking about it.” Napoleon let loose a sly smile.

Illya could only shake his head as he was tired of rolling his eyes. “Well I am quite hungry, may we go find some breakfast?”

“That's no surprise,” Napoleon smiled in earnest this time. “I’ll buy.”

“Why the generosity? I did not ask you to do so?”

“Because...because spring is coming.”

“Of course it is you blockhead, spring always follows winter.”

“I meant spring is coming early, now just drive please. There’s a diner about a half hour from here.”

Kuryakin put the car in gear and hit the gas pedal, speeding off down the road…

“Early spring?” He thought to himself. Seeing was believing but he hoped to be pleasantly surprised...

Comments

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for a very pleasant and solid fic with fine dialogue. Well done, having the Thrushies doing that. And I love the gif!

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thrushie's will believe in just about anything...I suspect Napoleon might too or maybe it's a bit of wishful thinking. (just like IK)

Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed!