section7mfu | ABC Affair 2019

References here are to stories in my House of Vanya series.
The Masquerade

B Is for Back For More

The two of them had been here, in this very spot, ten years earlier. Now, looking back, neither of them could have predicted how life would turn and twist in so many directions as they re-entered the Command.

New Orleans was where the deal had been struck in earnest. Sitting here, watching the awakening revelers pass them by as the UNCLE men passed judgement, both on themselves and the world.

Today the oddness of Mardi Gras was slightly less … odd. Illya Kuryakin had let the decade mellow him ever so slightly; the loss of Marian and the love of his daughter strangely coexisting within the life he now cherished more than in his youth.

Napoleon still strode through life with the confidence of a conquering monarch. Although his hair was a vibrant white, he was still handsome, still charming. He was reading the paper as he sipped on his coffee. An article about parade entries made him laugh out loud.

“There will be a new parade entry in this year’s festivities, an affair called the Krewe’s Barkus.” He looked up at his friend and smiled.

“What is that?” Illya was mellowed, but he still marveled at the antics of people unfettered by reason or, possibly, sufficient intellect.

“It seems that Mardi Gras has gone to the dogs. And this writer is calling them an affair. Of course he had no idea we’d be here to save them, should it be necessary.” It struck both men as funny, and ironic. No one in the world knew of the many affairs each of them had been involved in, the UNCLE designation of an assignment.

“I suppose every dog has its day.” Illya winked through the glasses he now wore.

“Good one. This year Mardi Gras has its own Bow Wow Affair.” Chuckles, the kind friends share when only they are in on a joke.

Illya took another sip of his coffee, wiping away the evidence of a beignet as he allowed his napkin to share in the conspiracy.

“Do you think THRUSH is here? And why did the Chief of UNCLE Northwest find it necessary to come down in person.” Illya had time for it, his days as senior designer for Vanya’s were over. He had trained his daughter well in addition to sending her to Parson’s; she was in charge of the business now, sharing the work with April’s son. Oh how life could turn on the proverbial dime.

Napoleon Solo had been Chief of Operations for the past four years, head of the Northwest Region since Sir John’s assassination eight years ago. Coming back to UNCLE had taken more than just persuasion, the cost was high for both men. Now, each of them were sixty years old, and still doing UNCLE business. Far past the long held number of forty, experience and a seemingly endless supply of derring do had kept the pair busy, and Napoleon in the field more than either of his predecessors. Only recently had he backed away, mostly due to pressure from the other four Chiefs.

In truth, Napoleon needed to feel as though he were actively doing something. He was, as yet, unmarried and without a family.

Napoleon harbored nothing like envy towards his friend of so many years, but sometimes he did wonder what it must be like to have someone call him father. Nicollette was the joy of Illya’s life, the late blooming relationship setting the second half of the man’s life apart as the best years. In addition to that, April had come back into his life and, although they hadn’t married, there was a commitment between them that seemed to suffice.

Illya saw a bit of wistfulness in Napoleon’s expression.

“What do you say Old Man, are we here to do UNCLE business?”

“They’re here. We’re going to meet with someone at noon.” Illya raised an eyebrow, wondering if more information might be forthcoming. Napoleon saw it, debated about how much to share.

“I’ll fill you in when we get there.’ Napoleon paused, shot his cuffs and straightened himself in the seat, a familiar posturing that made the years disappear.

“And please, quit calling me Old Man. I am not Waverly, and I am not yet old.”

Illya took off his glasses and placed them in a case, exchanging them for prescription sunglasses.

“Very well then. How about old friend?”

The Solo smile was the reassuring reply.

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Somewhere there is a story I wrote, set post Return Movie, in which April and Illya meet again and seemingly embark on something... it wasn't clear. I cannot find it, but if anyone remembers it or know where it might be please let me know. It is referenced in this chapter of the ABC Affair.

ABC Affair 2019 - B is for Barkus

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