section7mfu | Dream On - Short Affair (Reply)

Prompts- Herd, Loop, Black

Word Count: 654

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“Okay, just keep me in the loop on everything. And, I do mean everything.”

The phone receiver banged down with a flourish as Damon Ruttles finished his conversation with a stern warning to his floundering assistant. If he had his way the guy would get his walking papers today, and nothing in the way of a severence check. Stupid foreigner…

Illya Kuryakin put down the phone and smiled, his work was done and the downfall of yet another THRUSH chief was, as he had heard it phrased, in the bag. It didn’t entirely make sense to him, but living in America had taught him to just accept the idioms of the culture, much as he had done in England.

Napoleon Solo was seated on the new sofa in their shared office, the black leather a rare exception to the Command’s otherwise spartan budget.

“You know, it almost grieves me to think that a herd of cows somewhere lost a comrade in order to provide me with this sofa.’ He looked at his partner for a response but received only a glare.

“Okay, fine… What did Ruttles say?”

In a flawless Irish brogue, Illya recounted the conversation, including the obvious irritation coming over the phone. He had managed to be obnoxious and slightly inefficient; a clever ruse that drove Ruttles to distraction, and to making multiple phone calls to his henchmen that outlined the plan currently being thwarted by UNCLE.

The grin on the Russian’s face seemed in character with the role he had played. Napoleon thought that his partner enjoyed these little gambits more than a good meal. Well, maybe not that.

The loop in question was likely to be one wrapped around the neck of Damon Ruttles. His plan to heist a payroll destined for a government facility in New Jersey was now in action, but destined for failure. It was now an FBI operation, which owed its success to UNCLE, and grudging thanks to the Soviet operative who drove it to their door.

Napoleon swung his legs around and stretched out on the sofa, satisfied with a job well done. He had constructed the plan, after all, even if Illya had made it a success with another stellar performance. Still, the spoils were shared between them, as in all good partnerships.

“You know Illya, I think we deserve a night on the town. You know, a nice meal and maybe some nice girls…’ Napoleon stole a glance at the blond before closing his eyes in anticipation of a little nap.

“... And yes, I’ve already made our plans. I noticed you chatting up Miss Durbin the other day, so I invited her and Gretchen Federer to join us. You can thank me later.”

Illya smiled at his partner’s audaciousness. He did enjoy his conversation with Lily Durbin, and since they were finished with this assignment…

The phone rang, interrupting both agents’ thoughts on the evening. Illya reached for it, allowing Napoleon to remain in his resting position on the sofa.

“Kuryakin… Oh, yes sir… Immediately, yes sir.” He looked at the phone and said something under his breath that Napoleon didn’t quite catch.

“Don’t tell me… Now?” Illya nodded, reaching into the small closet that held their go bags, already packed for the next assignment.

“We’re leaving immediately for Johannesburg, some sort of trouble brewing and possible THRUSH activity. I guess we won’t be enjoying that meal, sorry.”

Napoleon sat upright and sighed, his evening now a thing of his imagination. Oh well, there were lovely women in Johannesburg, and stewardesses on the flight there…

“Napoleon…” When he said it like that, drawn out with a disapproving look on his face, Illya was reading his partner’s mind.

“Fine, just… fine. A man can dream.”

Walking out of Headquarters, bags in hand, each one of the men from UNCLE hoped dreams were all they were going to have on this mission, and not nightmares.