Short Affair - Room Service

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'm back - anyone miss me? I unexpectedly found my desire to write this afternoon. Believe me, I hadn't seen it in a long time, so I figured I'd come back to the community and see if there were any challenges that could help me remember how words work - only to discover that we're taking a break from challenges. This is my typical timing. Anyway, here's a story.

Prompt - Protest/Red
Words - 469
Title - Room Service

On AO3 or

The hard shove in the small of his back sent Napoleon stumbling forwards into the small cell, falling against the narrow window. The sun was just setting over the compound, bathing everything in a dull, sickly glow. “I really must protest,” he said mildly, turning to smile at the guard. “I'm sure I asked for a room with a view.”

“Oh, you'll get a view alright,” the guard scoffed. “The gallows are just in the courtyard there. That window will give you a fine view of your execution tomorrow morning.”

Napoleon blinked. “Well, I suppose I look forward to seeing it. At least that means I won't have to attend.”

Taking a step forwards, the guard shook his finger towards the cell. “Laugh while you can, funnyman. Soon you'll be laughing in your grave.”

“Again, I think you're not quite getting this. Full marks for effort though.”

The guard was already walking away, but he turned back to make an – allegedly – menacing gesture, running his finger across his throat.

Napoleon turned back into the cell. “Well, the entertainment's something, but it doesn't quite make up for the accommodation. I certainly won't be giving this place five stars.”

Illya hadn't moved from where he'd been slumped on the floor, not that Napoleon was surprised. By the looks of him his three days in THRUSH hands hadn't treated him well. He looked round, hoping that he might have missed some water or something that would help. Nothing. Damn.

“Good evening, Napoleon,” Illya croaked, not raising his head. “Did you come here with a plan, or are you just continuing your career as the Michelin man of THRUSH prisons?”

“You know the tyre mascot doesn't actually write the guidebooks, right?” With a groan he sat down beside Illya, letting the cool stone wall soothe his burning back. The forced march through the desert hadn't exactly been fun even before the rest of it. He didn't want to think about how sunburnt he must be – he could already see it on Illya's normally pale skin, now blistered and red. “And, of course I have a plan. I plan to rescue you and destroy the plans.”

“That's really more of a concept than a plan,” Illya told him, eyes closed. “Honestly, I might even call it a whim.”

He huffed theatrically. “Well, I'm sorry if my whims aren't good enough for you, pal. If you'd rather stay here I can set these charges myself.”

Illya's eyes flew open andin spite of the obvious pain he sat bolt upright. “You have explosives?” he demanded, holding out his hands in the internationally recognised symbol of 'gimmee'.

He smiled as he pulled them out of the hidden compartment on his belt. “See? Room service. This place is looking up.”

Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Yes you were very much missed. Welcome back to Section VII! Excellent writing as always! I'm in a bit of a lull right now, too many distractions in life right now but once things calm down I hope my muse will come back from where ever she is. Hope she's having a good time!

I look forward to reading more from you!!!!

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm hoping to stick around - I missed this. And I really hope to see more stories from you soon.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

We're not completely without challenges, just a breather. I intend to drop some prompts, and any storytelling is welcome, with or without a prompt or challenge.
Thanks for thinking of us when you decided to write, I'm looking forward to reading this one.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Nice, and the final exchange is full of expectation for a gloriously big finish ;)

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, an explosive finish, one might say.

Yeah, I actually have a few plans for things I might write beside challenges -but Im definitely looking forward to any and all prompts. :)

[redqueen88.livejournal.com]

Welcome back! I have a small confession for you - it was one of your stories (alas, unfinished when RL got in the way and/or your muse fled) that drew me into this fandom and led me to AO3 and here. I can totally hear their voices and picture their gestures and movements in your stories. Thank you.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you, that's lovely of you to say. And what fic, might I ask? Reluctant Traitor? Because no promises but I WAS rereading that at the weekend with a mind to continuing.

[redqueen88.livejournal.com]

Yup - Reluctant Traitor. But I didn't want to put any pressure on you or your muse by hounding you about it. If it's to be - great. If not, well it still brought me to this great fandom.

[lindafishes8.livejournal.com]

A very nice piece! Where have you been hiding out? Missed you!and have been patiently waiting for the end of your "The Reluctant Traitor."

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And I am definitely thinking about finishing it. Fortunately I still remember most of the details I'd wanted to include. :)