Fic
Title: The Foreign Legion Affair was Just the Beginning of the Affair
Author: aneuhaus
Rating: G
Pairing: NS/IK
Warnings: Nope
I have had to be careful not to let anyone, least of all you, know what goes on inside my head and my heart. That’s why, every time you came to my rescue, I have held myself apart with stony looks and verbal barbs that were just beyond the edge of humor. I have often wondered if you knew, because you always accepted them with such calm equanimity.
You have even begun to practice the same tactic when the tables are turned. We each know that both of us would, and have, defied THRUSH, death, Waverly, and the hounds of Hell to keep the other close and safe; and, yet, we refuse to acknowledge that fact, one to the other. I can only guess at your reasoning; but, as for me, it is because I knew that once I allowed myself to openly admit the feelings that have plagued me for the past three years, it would destroy me to find that they were not reciprocated.
Today, however, was different. You found me in the defunct Foreign Legion fort with that French, soon to be, ex-stewardess. Even with the awful, slanderous words we threw at each other, I knew you would be back for me. I knew, because, despite what you said - what we both said - I saw the joy on your face when you discovered that I was, for once, not drugged, shot, or broken. I know that you, similarly, could not help but see the complete and utter relief behind my eyes; to know that you had, once again, come for me.
In Marrakesh, we finally had an opportunity to be alone for a few moments. Your face was calm, but your mouth tense, as you spoke.
“So, this - Barbara, is it? - is very lovely; and seems to be extremely fond of you. She made a point of telling me how good you look in your very form fitting underwear.”
Seemingly of their own accord, your eyes dropped, momentarily, and caressed my body; moving up from my knees and back to my face, lingering on my mouth. My words were stuck behind the lump that formed in my throat, and all I could do was shake my head.
“So you have nothing to say?” you queried, in that ‘I’m-your-friend-and-you-can-tell-me’ interrogation way of yours.
I finally found my voice. “I’m not quite certain what you want me to say, Napoleon. Yes, Barbara is lovely. Yes, I couldn’t help the fact that she saw me in my underwear, which I like form fitting so it does not wrinkle underneath my clothing. Is there a question I am not hearing?” I demanded, testily.
Truthfully, I had heard the question, but didn’t dare to hope at the reason for your asking it.
“Well,” you responded, “you, uh, spent the night… in the desert… with her. From what I saw, she wouldn’t have been averse to a little canoodling.”
“If you have something to say, Napoleon,” I fairly shouted, “then say it and stop playing games!”
“Alright, I will,” you answered, a bit too calmly. “After spending two days with a gorgeous woman who was, obviously, more than willing; the look on your face when you saw me in that half-track was one of pure, unadulterated rapture. I mean, I know the place wasn’t exactly the Ritz, but you have spent much longer in far worse places. And it had nothing to do with the situation you were in. By the time I arrived, you and the inhabitants of the fort had become buddies and the bad guys had been subdued, so you weren’t in any danger.”
I felt irritation transform my features into a scowl. “So far,” I announced, “you have only succeeded in stating the obvious. Will you, at any time in the near future, be coming to the point?”
“Yes,” you replied emphatically, and kissed me. The imminent arrival of our flight home halted any further verbal - or, should I say, oral - exchange at that particular moment.
We have been in New York two days, now, but our time has not been our own. A few hours ago, Mr. Waverly promised us tomorrow off, barring unforeseen interference by T.H.R.U.S.H.
I cannot tell you, but that kiss has been much on my mind; and my initial reaction was to hope that you may want to spend our short vacation together, showing me what it signified. I have seen you give out kisses like candy on Halloween; but I can’t completely give up on the belief that this one meant… something. However, I quickly tempered my expectancy. Although I love you above all others, I know you well enough not to allow my emotional future to hinge upon one kiss.
Since then, I have been in the lab, checking on the progress of the new truth drug; and you have been meeting with the latest crop of junior agents. I have just returned to my desk to find a note slipped under my blotter. It reads:
Illya,
I have left early to make preparations for tonight. Be at my place at seven, and bring whatever you will need for tomorrow. We will have dinner; dance a little, if you want, and then let nature take its course.
All My Love,
Napoleon
Tonight, I shall storm the fort.