"The Picture of Dorian Gray" for the Short Affair Challenge

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Challenge: The Short Affair

-Prompt Word 1 - Portrait

-Prompt Word 2 – Reckless

-Prompt Colour – Grey

Author: mrua7

Title:“The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Word count: Approx. 820

Napoleon sat on a bench in the gym wearing a grey sweatsuit, slightly damp with perspiration. He’d removed his leather padded headgear and set it down beside him. After finished a sparring match with another agent name Max King, Napoleon decided to take a bit of a breather until he moved onto working out with the weights.

Max was a bit taller than Solo and had a longer reach, that required more dodging and ducking on Napoleon’s part; he had move quickly to manage getting in a punch or two.

Still, it came to no surprise to him that King won the match; winning didn’t matter to Napoleon in this case as he was merely doing it for a workout. 

It did however serve a purpose, making him rethink strategies and moves to overcome a larger opponent, but that would be another workout for another day.

Looking up at the boxing ring, he saw his partner climbing up through the ropes; it was Illya’s turn to box. He was sparring with Joe Magnatelli who was a monster of a man.

He was with Section V Security as the big guys always seemed to be assigned there. Probably because they would be difficult to work in the field since they’d stand out a bit too much; not good for undercover work.

Napoleon watched as Illya warmed up, bouncing a bit on balls of his feet while throwing a few quick punches.

The Russian was dressed only in a pair of black shorts, foregoing a sweatsuit, and Solo couldn’t help but admire his partner’s physique.

The man was thin, but muscular; there wasn’t an ounce of fat on this body, and he could move fast, very fast.

He supposed Illya was more his opposite when he came to physical exertion.

Napoleon was more laid back, and relaxed, and his partner was like a tightly wound spring, ready to let loose at the blink of an eye.

They’d been working together for years now but it suddenly dawned on Solo that his partner never seemed to have aged.

Despite his numerous injuries, and sometime reckless behavior that in the end saved the day, Illya pretty much looked the same. Granted there were a few extra scars, but his face still maintained a boyish quality after all this time.

For a split second he wondered if Illya had a portrait in the attic, like Dorian Gray.

Suddenly Napoleon realized other things that tied into that possibility.  Things that Illya said about himself not wanting’ to be at the mercy of his emotions’...was that a quote from Oscar Wilde. "Hmmm?"

He watched as Kuryakin did a number on his opponent, moving quickly in and out while getting in those jabs, ducking King’s punches every time. Finally Illya got in a mighty uppercut that sent King reeling back against the ropes. 

“Ding.” The bell rang, signalling the sparring match was over.

Illya and Joe’s gloves met in a sort of a handshake and both climbed out of the ring.

As Kuryakin approached his partner, Napoleon tossed him a fresh towel, though the Russian had barely broken a sweat.

“Good experience enh Mister Gray?’

Illya’s head shot round as he looked at his partner.“What was that you called me?”

“Oh a slip of the tongue, I was thinking about a book. Match was a good experience today?”

“Experience is merely the name men give to their mistakes.” Illya deadpanned

“Really?” Napoleon remained nonchalant.

“It is a quote from ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray” surely you know the work, as that is what you were thinking of, am I correct?”

“Yes I do, it’s by Oscar Wilde.”

“And why is that on your mind, may I ask?’

“No particular reason, but hey Illya you don’t happen to have a portrait of yourself hiding in an attic somewhere?” Napoleon sort of chucked, trying to make it seem like a joke, though deep down inside he was just a little curious.

“Do not be ridiculous,” Illya frowned as he threw his towel over his shoulder, spun on his heels and headed for the showers.

Minutes later an announcement came over the PA.” Mister Solo, Mister Kuryakin please report to Mister Waverly’s office.”

The message repeated once more until Napoleon made it to the black house phone located o the wall located by the gym entrance.

“Solo here. We’ll be there shortly, have to shower and dress as we’re in the gymnasium”

Waverly’s voice suddenly spoke. “Just throw on clean sweat suits and come straight to my office. You and Mister Kuryakin can shower and change later. "Click".

Illya came straight from the locker room already dressed in his black suit and tie. His hair was damp as he’d obviously been in the shower.

“I heard,” he said.

“How’d you get ready so fast?”

“Ahhh, the gift of youth, to be able to move quickly and decisively.”

“More Oscar Wilde?” Solo asked.

“No, my grandmother.”

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Oh that we all would have such a portrait in our closets! And I’m beginning that DMC must really be hiding one. I always thought Napoleon looked older than his supposed age and that Illya looked younger... and the actors aged the same way as well.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I think the title betrays what we're all thinking with these prompts. Nicely done :D

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I haven't written anything again (I've been packing, lol). I did have half an idea in mind, but you've beaten me to it, and done it better, LOL. I suppose with those prompts it was fairly likely :-)

I'm still fully convinced that David has a portrait in his attic.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you cuz! The prompts defnitely leaned towards it. I'd still like to read your 'take' on them, even if it's a similar scenario!

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

I thought the same thing about the title myself, and had a feeling others would be thinking the same things about the prompts themselves. That's why I didn't bother changing the title to something less obvious. lol!

[gevr.livejournal.com]

ah, Illya's mistery grandmother and her quotes :-D

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much, glad you appreciated that line!

[pactnmmt.livejournal.com]

Oh that we all would have such a portrait in our closets! And I’m beginning that DMC must really be hiding one. I always thought Napoleon looked older than his supposed age and that Illya looked younger... and the actors aged the same way as well.

[rosywonder.livejournal.com]

Very enjoyable story. Of course, there are some great quotes from Oscar, aren't there? Along with everyone else, I wonder what his secret is. Impeccable Scottish genes?

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

A solid scene, and well thought. As were the oc bits.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much Rosemary! Great to hear from you. I agree with your estimate, must be impeccable Scottish genes. "D

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! Really glad you liked the story. :D

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

You're not alone in that belief about DMC hiding a portrait. He doesn't look his age at all. As Roseywonder said, it must be his impeccable Scottish genes. Some of which I have, so maybe I won't look my age in the years to come.

When I was in my late 20's I was always mistaken for a teenager. When I turned 30 I went to a bar with my fellow coworkers to celebrate and I was 'carded.' Had to show my ID to prove that I was olde enough to drink. lol!