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The Worldly Treasures Affair Chapter 3
Written By: Solo’s Girl
This story contains references to a character found in "Grounds for Dismissal" (Independent MFU Stories)
Chapter 3
“Till Death Do Us Part.”
Dimitri smiled and shook his head.
"Almost, you are holding that last syllable to long," he said. He quickly demonstrated.
His pupil smiled and admired his vast patients. She tried once more and saw his eyes light up as she pronounced the entire sentence correctly. He cheered. Jessica reached over and gave him a hug. She felt his arms tighten around her more the usual. The young woman sat back at looked at him. He had tears in his eyes.
“Is it really that bad?” she asked smiling. He laughed and wiped his sleeve across his eyes.
“No..I just think it is wonderful you want to do this for Poppa,” he said, “I love you so much..Momma.”
Jessica started to cry. She adored both Illya and Dimitri. She loved the fact that he was so comfortable calling her momma. Only the formalities of marriage and adoption stood between now and making it official. Mr. Waverly had taken care of the paperwork for the latter, and as soon as the vows were exchanged, the papers would be signed and Dimitri would be hers forever.
“What about your outfit?” Jessica said giving his a nudge.
“I like it,” the boy said excitedly, “And Nicki likes her’s too. Poppa said he wanted them because everyone else is going to be wearing normal wedding clothes.”
“Good. To tell you the truth I was a little worried when I saw them,” Jessica said, “I thought maybe me might suspect something.”
Dimitri smiled at her. He took his finger and crossed his heart, then pressed it to his lips. Jessica laughed. The phone rang. She picked it up as he began to pick up their lesson books.
“Hello”
“Hello…Jessica?”
“Yes.” “This is Doctor Kendreth…They’re back from their mission…Can you and Dimitri come to the Infirmary.”
“Of course,” she said smiling. She held her hand to the phone and whispered to the boy. “They’re back.”
“And in the Infirmary, right?” he said smiling.
“Jessica,” the doctor said, “I need you here as soon as possible.”
Her face paled. Dimitri grabbed her hand. She said something that sound like ok in the receiver and hung it up.
Illya squirmed as Martz made one last check of his ears and throat. The wooden tongue depressor nearly gagged him and he pushed the doctor’s hand back.
“I’m starting to have my doubts about you being one of us,” Illya said coughing.
Martz smiled and made his notes. He looked at Waverly.
“This one’s fine,” the doctor said sarcastically.
“Jessica and Dimitri are on their way in,” Waverly said, “Just get some rest.”
They headed over to Solo’s room.
Napoleon was sitting slightly upright in the bed, but seemed rather distant. Where his body may have been at U.N.C.L.E., his mind was someplace far away, at another time. He slowly turned his head as the U.N.C.L.E. Chief and the doctor walked in. The two men looked at the agent. Martz began to check over Solo.
It was always a struggle to get any type of medical procedure done with these two, but for some reason, Napoleon just let go and allowed Martz do what he needed to do. Everything checked out fine. But Solo’s mental condition had the two men concerned.
“Is something wrong, Mr. Solo?” Waverly asked.
“Not really sir,” Solo said with a heavy sigh, “I was just thinking.”
Waverly motioned for Martz to wait outside. The doctor nodded and walked outside the door.
“Crawford?”
Napoleon looked at his boss. Waverly never ceased to amaze him.
“Yes sir..”
Waverly pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down. Napoleon saw something is his Chief’s face he couldn’t quite comprehend. He looked at the elder man’s body language, the one drawn brow, the way his Chief folded his fingers together. Whatever he was about to say was serious. But not a “Lecture-of-your-life” serious.
“Mr. Solo,” Waverly began, “What I am about to tell you is not intended to inflate your ego, or make you feel invincible in any way. THRUSH, it would appear has begun to pull out all the stops as far as you and Mr. Kuryakin are concerned. False Intel reports designed to draw U.N.C.L.E.’s best agents out into increasingly more dangerous field duty have been rolling on the wires. They know that the two of you will be at Field Agent Retirement Age in a few short years. And when that happens they also know that you both will be moving into other positions that could prove much more detrimental to their organization.”
Napoleon saw the seriousness in Waverly’s face. He swallowed the knot in his throat.
“I have no intentions of pulling either of you from field duty early..I do however have to stress that your assignments are going to become increasingly dangerous as THRUSH begins to panic. They are going to use every form of….”
“Torture?” Solo said.
“Persuasion I believe they call it, to break you both…Case in point, staging the mental torment with what you believed were the children…”
“Excuse me, sir,” Napoleon said, “But are the kids okay? We have been here for three days and…haven't....”
He saw a smile cross the old man’s face.
“The children are fine….Napoleon,” Waverly said, “I wanted to wait until you and Mr. Kuryakin were a bit more yourselves before they came in. Electrocution is not something to be taken lightly. But they are on their way in now.”
Waverly stood up and moved the chair back.
“Would you like some ice for your eye?” the elder man asked.
He saw Napoleon shutter.
“Sorry, Mr. Solo,” Waverly said with a small smile. He walked to the door.
“Mr. Waverly,” Solo called.
The Chief turned and looked back at him. He knew what Solo was about to ask.
“Yes, Mr. Solo….Crawford was responsible for the bomb that killed your parents.”
Napoleon simply nodded his head. He had always suspected it. Now, at least on that matter, he finally had closure.
In minutes, Jessica and Dimitri were in the hallway of the Infirmary. Paula was there with Nicki. The girl was crying, begging to see her daddy. Jessica felt her heart skip a beat. Martz and Waverly came out into the hallway. The Chief was talking low to the doctor.
“What’s wrong?” Jessica asked.
Waverly walked over at took Nicki in his arms. He fingers clipped her chin and he lifted her tear streaked face.
“You’re going to be brave for me aren’t you?” he asked the child.
Jessica felt Dimitri’s hand tighten around hers with so much force her fingers began to hurt. She put her free hand on his shoulder. The small party went across the hall into another room. Nicki climbed down from Waverly’s lap and went to hold Dimitri.
“Something happened to them both while they were gone…”
“What?” Jessica asked.
“When the backup team found them they were both…dead,” Martz said.
Nicki started crying harder. Dimitri held her tight and looked at the two men. Jessica felt her stomach knot and she grabbed both the children in her arms.
“My Poppa is dead?” Dimitri asked thru teary eyes.
“No, no, no, they’re alive,” Waverly added quickly, “Just very weak.”
“They had both been in that state for nearly fifteen minutes,” Martz said, “When the crew found them; they tried everything to revive them. Somehow, and I am at a loss to know how, both Napoleon and Illya came out of it. They are weak, to say the least. Besides the normal wear and tear from THRUSH, then the effects of electrical shock. And save for a few bruises, a black eye and several abrasions to their faces and hands they seem perfectly normal. Well as normal as those two ever get.”
The doctor and Waverly had decided not to tell them that the men had been back and in intensive care for nearly three days. Due to the conditions of their injuries they had decided not to allow any information out about Napoleon and Illya until their conditions were stable.
Waverly picked up Nicki once more. He gave her a light tickle to try and stop her crying.
“Come on young lady,” he said “I think your daddy wants to see you. Jessica, you and Dimitri go see Illya.”
Jessica slowly opened the door and stuck her head in. Dimitri’s popped in just below her. Illya sighed and turned his head towards the door. His face lit up when he saw them. Arms outstretched they ran to him kissing and hugging him.
Dimitri climbed up on one side of the bed; Jessica sat beside Illya on the other. She could see the puncture marks on his hands and on the part of his chest not covered by his pajamas. She shuttered to think what the rest of his poor body looked like beneath.
“You don’t look as bad as Dr. Martz made it sound,” she said kissing his cheek, her fingers tenderly brushed back his blond hair.
“Oh you know Doctor Martz,” Illya said, “You could have a hangnail and by the time he uses all his medical jargon, you’ve got six weeks to live.” His lip trembled slightly.
“I’m just glad to see you vertical,” she said. Her face blushed.
Illya quickly but playfully looked down at the sheets. Jessica gave him a light punch in the arm and nodded towards the boy. Dimitri was looking at the puncture marks on his father’s hand.
Illya took his son in his arms again and held him. He felt him shake. The Russian gave his son a tender kiss on the forehead. He felt Dimitri’s arm slide around his neck, holding tight. The boy held onto his father. Illya gently rubbed his hand against the child’s shoulders and the back of his head.
“All I thought about while I was gone was the two of you. How much I missed seeing your smiles, hearing your voices, holding you both tight.” He took Jessica’s hand. “And it made me start thinking. I know you wanted to wait until our first meeting anniversary in September, but would you mind if we moved the wedding up some?”
“As long as you show up, anytime is fine with me,” Jessica said brushing his cheek with her fingers, “Everything is ready anyway.”
She looked at Dimitri. The child smiled and shook his head. Everything was indeed ready.
Nicki held her daddy tight and cried. He tenderly rubbed her back. Her fingers brushed gently on his bandaged arms and hands.
“Baby, don’t cry, please,” he said whispering to her to calm her, “Daddy’s alright. Sshhhh, now everything is alright. I know what; I’ll sing you a song to make you happy.”
Nicki sat up and looked at him. He saw a spark flash in her eye. That same spark her mother use to get. The child forced a smile.
“I’m happy, Daddy,” she said, “You don’t have to sing now..”
Napoleon raised an eyebrow, gave her a sly glance and grabbed her tiny body.
“Come here you little stinker,” he said, sending her into fits of laughter as he tickled her.
She was getting bigger. He wouldn’t be able to play like this with her much longer. She was almost four years old. He looked at her red face as she lay across his lap trying to catch her breath from their game. He was tired but happy. Solo tried lifting his child in his arms, but was just too weak. Nicki realized he wanted to hold her, so she carefully sat across his lap and pulled his arm tight around her, holding her close. He felt her kiss his cheek.
“You are daddy’s most precious treasure,” Napoleon whispered as he kissed the top of her head.
“I love you Daddy,” she said.
“I love you too,” Lisa said walking in the door, “Both of you.”
She walked over to the bed and gave them both a hug and kiss. She looked at Napoleon’s arms and his swollen eye. Her fingers gently turned his face and she saw the packing in his ear. He saw the expression on her face and reached up wiping the tear from her eye.
“Just a little….singed,” he said moving one arm, “And a busted blood vessel in the ear. Martz says everything will be fine in a few days.”
Lisa reached up and pushed her handsome agent’s hair back from his forehead. She smiled as Nicki slowly began to fall asleep. What she wouldn’t give to fall asleep in Napoleon’s arms herself. His fingers brushed the side of her cheek.
“How is your dad holding up?” Solo asked her.
“He’s fine. He and Jackson are getting use to life in New Jersey.”
“And what about you?”
“I’m fine Napoleon. Dad said she went peacefully. I miss her to be sure….”
“Jack must love being so much closer to his big sister now…What is he eleven, twelve…?"
“Twelve and a half….Napoleon, I need to talk to you about Jack…..I’m not…..I’m not his…”
Napoleon looked at her. Almost instinctively he knew what she was going to say. He had always thought it odd that her parents would have had another child so late in life. He gave her hand a tug and she sat on the bed next to him. Nicki had fallen asleep and Lisa carefully took his child in her arms to give Napoleon a rest.
She told him the whole story of Jack’s conception, why it had been hidden from everyone. She started to cry. Lisa felt a hole in the pit of her stomach. Napoleon would hate her for keeping something so dark from him. But when she looked at him, she saw a smile on his face. He clipped her chin with his fingers and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Lisa leaned back in his arms. She and Napoleon held each other and Nicki.
All was right in the world once more.
The next few weeks were hectic. Even though everything was ready, the small group of guest had to be re-invited. Living arrangement had to be finalized. Illya and Jessica had found a large brownstone, perfect for a new family starting out together. Illya forwent the usual Bachelor party and he, Dimitri, Napoleon, Waverly and Del Floria just went out for a quiet meal together.
Jessica woke the next morning; her stomach was in a knot. What if she messed up? What if she forgot something? She was in the throes of a panic attack. But when she picked up the photo of Illya and Dimitri from the bedside table, all of hers fears vanished. She kissed the tips of her fingers pressing them to the glass of the frame.
The music started.
Nicki and Dimitri made their way side-by-side down the aisle. Their traditional Russian costumes a stark contrast to the normal formal wear of the rest of the wedding party. Illya smiled at his son.
Dimitri was dressed in an off white silk shirt, the sleeves full and laying in folds. His vest was black and the embroidered trim was intricately inlaid with small Russian folk designs. He worn knee length black silk trousers, tucked neatly into his light lambskin boots, the trouser tassels draped over each side. His blond hair poked out from beneath his light black lambskin hat. His blue eyes sparked as he approached them.
Nicki was dressed in a beautiful off white silk dress that fell just below her knees. Traditional socks embroidered with colorful Russian flowers rose above her knees under the dress. Her small ankle high Lambskin boots tied with colorful ribbons that flopped about as she walked. Over her dress a colorful silk pinafore and bodice adorned with colorful trim and more ribbons threaded the bodice. Her thick black hair was pulled back, a crown of bright flowers sitting atop her head the ribbons flowing down her back.
Jessica held the flowers tightly in her trembling hand. He father gave her arm a pat to calm her. As they followed the children up the aisle, she could see her mother and brother watching her with pride in their faces. She could see Mr. Waverly and Madeline smiling at her. Bill Del Floria gave her a nod as they passed. Her gown was full but simple. The lace sleeves tapered to her wrist, her silky brown hair lay in small waves around her face and brushed against the lace collar of the gown. The overlap of the gown’s skirt made a simple, short train behind her.
They had decided to do things a bit differently from traditional weddings. Even traditional Russian weddings. They had a few other surprises for their guest. The first thing the guest noticed was Illya’s unusual stance.
Napoleon and Illya were waiting at the front. Their cutaway tuxedos showing off the brightly colored Russian waistcoats beneath. Illya had had his original wedding band removed and was keeping it for his son. The Russian stood facing the alter with his back to his approaching bride.
Lisa stood on the other side of the aisle, her long silk dress a soft robin’s egg blue trimmed in traditional Russian ribbon like trim. She too wore a beautiful crown of flowers on her dark brown hair. He shoes a simple black ballet styled flat made of lamb.
Jessica stepped up to the alter and turned to her father. He helped her take a few steps back. Dimitri took his father’s hand and helped him take the steps back to his bride. The bride and groom were now standing back to back. After all, was it not bad luck to see one another before the ceremony?
The minister smiled. The young couple had come up with all this themselves and he was enjoying every moment of it. He watched as the woman’s father stepped up and turned to those assembled. Then the young boy did the same.
“Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?” the Minister said.
Mr. Williams took his daughters hand and held it out.
“I do,” he said.
“And who gives this man to be wed to this woman?”
“I do,” Dimitri said taking his father’s hand.
Mr. Williams and Dimitri joined the two hands together and bride and groom turned to face the minister. He said a quick blessing over the joined hands. Mr. Williams looked at them and smiled then went to his seat. Dimitri smiled at them also then took his place next to Napoleon.
“The couple has decided to forgo the normal ceremony and instead will recite the tradition vows unto each other now.”
He stepped back.
Illya held her hand. He felt a knot form in his throat, but her beautiful smile melted it away. He felt a tear fall down his cheek. Dimitri held up the gold silk handkerchief with their rings inside.
“My dearest Jessica, I promise to love you, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, keeping only unto you, till death do us part,” Illya said, his voice firm, filled with love. He raised her hand. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He slipped the golden band on her finger.
Lisa tried not to let her crying be heard. She looked at Napoleon. Her lip quivered.
Jessica felt her tears fall as she felt him kiss her ringed hand. She looked over at Dimitri. The boy smiled and gave her a reassuring nod. The young woman took a deep breath and repeated his exact words.
“Мой дорогой Illyusha,” she began.
Illya looked at her. His heart pounding in his chest, his eyes wide and filling with tears. He clutched her hand tightly. Napoleon leaned his head back slightly to try and hide his own tears as a wide smile crossed his face. Lisa raised her hand to her throat as she joined the others in hearing the beautiful words.
“Я обещаю любить тебя, для лучше или хуже, для богаче, для бедных в болезни и в области здравоохранения и все остальные, бросив хранить только к вам, до смерти нам части,” Jessica said taking his hand. She slipped the new ring over his finger and kissed it. “С этой кольцо, я тебя СР.”
There was not a dry eye in the chapel. Even Mr. Del Floria was crying. Dimitri reached up and handed his father the handkerchief. The boy looked at Jessica and smiled.
She had spoken it flawlessly.
Illya wiped his eyes and looked at her. Jessica had always been beautiful to him. But what she had just done, the words she had spoken to him in his native Russian, was a beauty he had never experienced in his entire life. He had always known how much she loved him. But to hear those words as she had spoken them, he felt more love then he ever knew was possible.
For the first time in his life, Illya Nickovetch Kuryakin’s soul was at complete peace.
“You may kiss your bride,” the Minister said. He wiped a tear from his eye.
They savored the moment as did all assembled. They turned to their friends.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Illya Nickovetch Kuryakin."
Dimitri hugged his father and mother. Illya put him down and the boy went over to Nicki.
Napoleon and Lisa hugged them both as well. Then they hugged each other and walked off to the side of the chapel to be alone for a moment. They walked into a small prayer room. She watched Napoleon kneel down and quickly say a prayer for his partner’s happiness.
Lisa leaned against the doorframe. She wondered if she and Napoleon would ever be standing together like that. Side by side, as husband and wife, bound together in love and happiness. He stood up and took her arm. She felt his arm tighten around hers. The woman looked into his large sparkling brown eyes. Then she saw him slip his hand into his pocket and take something out. He gently kissed her cheek.
“I love you Lisa,” he whispered, “And deep down, I believe we have both loved each other from the day we met…” He choked on his words, and then smiled. “Just both too stubborn to admit it.”
Lisa smiled and simply nodded her head. It had taken far too long for her and Napoleon to get to this point. He had changed so much since becoming a father. And it was a change she had watched with open eyes and an open heart.
Napoleon saw her smile; a light laugh passed her lips. She nodded towards the front of the church. He looked out of the door to see what was going on.
The Minister was sitting on the top step of the alter, Dimitri and Nicki standing in front of him. The boy was talking and asking questions, telling the man he and Nicki would be there someday. The Minister was blown away by the boy’s intelligence, but even more so by the child’s deep commitment to the little girl.
Napoleon saw his daughter hold Dimitri’s arm, her head against his shoulder. He made a heavy sigh. He looked over at Mr. Waverly and Madeline, Illya and Jessica. He felt a knot form in his throat. A voice in the back of his head kept pushing him. Come on Napoleon, he thought, don’t you deserve to happy? Doesn’t Lisa deserve to be happy? He turned and looked into her soulful grey eyes.
Napoleon took her hand and kissed it. Lisa felt her heart pound as Napoleon went down on one knee.
“Lisa……”
Del Floria was the only other one who heard the small cry of joy. He was the only other one who saw the woman throw her arms tight around Napoleon’s neck, kissing him passionately. The elder U.N.C.L.E. man pressed his hand to his chest as he saw the small but still beautiful diamond sparkle on her finger.
Alexander and Madeline walked up next to him.
“Something wrong Bill?” Alexander asked.
Waverly felt his wife’s hand tighten on his arm. She nodded towards the room.
He smiled as he saw the young couple in their embrace. The Chief saw the ring sparkle.
Even in the faint glow of the candlelight.
Alexander Waverly turned to his wife.
He gently brushed the tear from her cheek.
Then gave his own blushing bride a kiss.
Next Story: The Boy Next Door
This story contains references to a character found in "Grounds for Dismissal" (Independent MFU Stories)
Chapter 3
“Till Death Do Us Part.”
Dimitri smiled and shook his head.
"Almost, you are holding that last syllable to long," he said. He quickly demonstrated.
His pupil smiled and admired his vast patients. She tried once more and saw his eyes light up as she pronounced the entire sentence correctly. He cheered. Jessica reached over and gave him a hug. She felt his arms tighten around her more the usual. The young woman sat back at looked at him. He had tears in his eyes.
“Is it really that bad?” she asked smiling. He laughed and wiped his sleeve across his eyes.
“No..I just think it is wonderful you want to do this for Poppa,” he said, “I love you so much..Momma.”
Jessica started to cry. She adored both Illya and Dimitri. She loved the fact that he was so comfortable calling her momma. Only the formalities of marriage and adoption stood between now and making it official. Mr. Waverly had taken care of the paperwork for the latter, and as soon as the vows were exchanged, the papers would be signed and Dimitri would be hers forever.
“What about your outfit?” Jessica said giving his a nudge.
“I like it,” the boy said excitedly, “And Nicki likes her’s too. Poppa said he wanted them because everyone else is going to be wearing normal wedding clothes.”
“Good. To tell you the truth I was a little worried when I saw them,” Jessica said, “I thought maybe me might suspect something.”
Dimitri smiled at her. He took his finger and crossed his heart, then pressed it to his lips. Jessica laughed. The phone rang. She picked it up as he began to pick up their lesson books.
“Hello”
“Hello…Jessica?”
“Yes.” “This is Doctor Kendreth…They’re back from their mission…Can you and Dimitri come to the Infirmary.”
“Of course,” she said smiling. She held her hand to the phone and whispered to the boy. “They’re back.”
“And in the Infirmary, right?” he said smiling.
“Jessica,” the doctor said, “I need you here as soon as possible.”
Her face paled. Dimitri grabbed her hand. She said something that sound like ok in the receiver and hung it up.
Illya squirmed as Martz made one last check of his ears and throat. The wooden tongue depressor nearly gagged him and he pushed the doctor’s hand back.
“I’m starting to have my doubts about you being one of us,” Illya said coughing.
Martz smiled and made his notes. He looked at Waverly.
“This one’s fine,” the doctor said sarcastically.
“Jessica and Dimitri are on their way in,” Waverly said, “Just get some rest.”
They headed over to Solo’s room.
Napoleon was sitting slightly upright in the bed, but seemed rather distant. Where his body may have been at U.N.C.L.E., his mind was someplace far away, at another time. He slowly turned his head as the U.N.C.L.E. Chief and the doctor walked in. The two men looked at the agent. Martz began to check over Solo.
It was always a struggle to get any type of medical procedure done with these two, but for some reason, Napoleon just let go and allowed Martz do what he needed to do. Everything checked out fine. But Solo’s mental condition had the two men concerned.
“Is something wrong, Mr. Solo?” Waverly asked.
“Not really sir,” Solo said with a heavy sigh, “I was just thinking.”
Waverly motioned for Martz to wait outside. The doctor nodded and walked outside the door.
“Crawford?”
Napoleon looked at his boss. Waverly never ceased to amaze him.
“Yes sir..”
Waverly pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down. Napoleon saw something is his Chief’s face he couldn’t quite comprehend. He looked at the elder man’s body language, the one drawn brow, the way his Chief folded his fingers together. Whatever he was about to say was serious. But not a “Lecture-of-your-life” serious.
“Mr. Solo,” Waverly began, “What I am about to tell you is not intended to inflate your ego, or make you feel invincible in any way. THRUSH, it would appear has begun to pull out all the stops as far as you and Mr. Kuryakin are concerned. False Intel reports designed to draw U.N.C.L.E.’s best agents out into increasingly more dangerous field duty have been rolling on the wires. They know that the two of you will be at Field Agent Retirement Age in a few short years. And when that happens they also know that you both will be moving into other positions that could prove much more detrimental to their organization.”
Napoleon saw the seriousness in Waverly’s face. He swallowed the knot in his throat.
“I have no intentions of pulling either of you from field duty early..I do however have to stress that your assignments are going to become increasingly dangerous as THRUSH begins to panic. They are going to use every form of….”
“Torture?” Solo said.
“Persuasion I believe they call it, to break you both…Case in point, staging the mental torment with what you believed were the children…”
“Excuse me, sir,” Napoleon said, “But are the kids okay? We have been here for three days and…haven't....”
He saw a smile cross the old man’s face.
“The children are fine….Napoleon,” Waverly said, “I wanted to wait until you and Mr. Kuryakin were a bit more yourselves before they came in. Electrocution is not something to be taken lightly. But they are on their way in now.”
Waverly stood up and moved the chair back.
“Would you like some ice for your eye?” the elder man asked.
He saw Napoleon shutter.
“Sorry, Mr. Solo,” Waverly said with a small smile. He walked to the door.
“Mr. Waverly,” Solo called.
The Chief turned and looked back at him. He knew what Solo was about to ask.
“Yes, Mr. Solo….Crawford was responsible for the bomb that killed your parents.”
Napoleon simply nodded his head. He had always suspected it. Now, at least on that matter, he finally had closure.
In minutes, Jessica and Dimitri were in the hallway of the Infirmary. Paula was there with Nicki. The girl was crying, begging to see her daddy. Jessica felt her heart skip a beat. Martz and Waverly came out into the hallway. The Chief was talking low to the doctor.
“What’s wrong?” Jessica asked.
Waverly walked over at took Nicki in his arms. He fingers clipped her chin and he lifted her tear streaked face.
“You’re going to be brave for me aren’t you?” he asked the child.
Jessica felt Dimitri’s hand tighten around hers with so much force her fingers began to hurt. She put her free hand on his shoulder. The small party went across the hall into another room. Nicki climbed down from Waverly’s lap and went to hold Dimitri.
“Something happened to them both while they were gone…”
“What?” Jessica asked.
“When the backup team found them they were both…dead,” Martz said.
Nicki started crying harder. Dimitri held her tight and looked at the two men. Jessica felt her stomach knot and she grabbed both the children in her arms.
“My Poppa is dead?” Dimitri asked thru teary eyes.
“No, no, no, they’re alive,” Waverly added quickly, “Just very weak.”
“They had both been in that state for nearly fifteen minutes,” Martz said, “When the crew found them; they tried everything to revive them. Somehow, and I am at a loss to know how, both Napoleon and Illya came out of it. They are weak, to say the least. Besides the normal wear and tear from THRUSH, then the effects of electrical shock. And save for a few bruises, a black eye and several abrasions to their faces and hands they seem perfectly normal. Well as normal as those two ever get.”
The doctor and Waverly had decided not to tell them that the men had been back and in intensive care for nearly three days. Due to the conditions of their injuries they had decided not to allow any information out about Napoleon and Illya until their conditions were stable.
Waverly picked up Nicki once more. He gave her a light tickle to try and stop her crying.
“Come on young lady,” he said “I think your daddy wants to see you. Jessica, you and Dimitri go see Illya.”
Jessica slowly opened the door and stuck her head in. Dimitri’s popped in just below her. Illya sighed and turned his head towards the door. His face lit up when he saw them. Arms outstretched they ran to him kissing and hugging him.
Dimitri climbed up on one side of the bed; Jessica sat beside Illya on the other. She could see the puncture marks on his hands and on the part of his chest not covered by his pajamas. She shuttered to think what the rest of his poor body looked like beneath.
“You don’t look as bad as Dr. Martz made it sound,” she said kissing his cheek, her fingers tenderly brushed back his blond hair.
“Oh you know Doctor Martz,” Illya said, “You could have a hangnail and by the time he uses all his medical jargon, you’ve got six weeks to live.” His lip trembled slightly.
“I’m just glad to see you vertical,” she said. Her face blushed.
Illya quickly but playfully looked down at the sheets. Jessica gave him a light punch in the arm and nodded towards the boy. Dimitri was looking at the puncture marks on his father’s hand.
Illya took his son in his arms again and held him. He felt him shake. The Russian gave his son a tender kiss on the forehead. He felt Dimitri’s arm slide around his neck, holding tight. The boy held onto his father. Illya gently rubbed his hand against the child’s shoulders and the back of his head.
“All I thought about while I was gone was the two of you. How much I missed seeing your smiles, hearing your voices, holding you both tight.” He took Jessica’s hand. “And it made me start thinking. I know you wanted to wait until our first meeting anniversary in September, but would you mind if we moved the wedding up some?”
“As long as you show up, anytime is fine with me,” Jessica said brushing his cheek with her fingers, “Everything is ready anyway.”
She looked at Dimitri. The child smiled and shook his head. Everything was indeed ready.
Nicki held her daddy tight and cried. He tenderly rubbed her back. Her fingers brushed gently on his bandaged arms and hands.
“Baby, don’t cry, please,” he said whispering to her to calm her, “Daddy’s alright. Sshhhh, now everything is alright. I know what; I’ll sing you a song to make you happy.”
Nicki sat up and looked at him. He saw a spark flash in her eye. That same spark her mother use to get. The child forced a smile.
“I’m happy, Daddy,” she said, “You don’t have to sing now..”
Napoleon raised an eyebrow, gave her a sly glance and grabbed her tiny body.
“Come here you little stinker,” he said, sending her into fits of laughter as he tickled her.
She was getting bigger. He wouldn’t be able to play like this with her much longer. She was almost four years old. He looked at her red face as she lay across his lap trying to catch her breath from their game. He was tired but happy. Solo tried lifting his child in his arms, but was just too weak. Nicki realized he wanted to hold her, so she carefully sat across his lap and pulled his arm tight around her, holding her close. He felt her kiss his cheek.
“You are daddy’s most precious treasure,” Napoleon whispered as he kissed the top of her head.
“I love you Daddy,” she said.
“I love you too,” Lisa said walking in the door, “Both of you.”
She walked over to the bed and gave them both a hug and kiss. She looked at Napoleon’s arms and his swollen eye. Her fingers gently turned his face and she saw the packing in his ear. He saw the expression on her face and reached up wiping the tear from her eye.
“Just a little….singed,” he said moving one arm, “And a busted blood vessel in the ear. Martz says everything will be fine in a few days.”
Lisa reached up and pushed her handsome agent’s hair back from his forehead. She smiled as Nicki slowly began to fall asleep. What she wouldn’t give to fall asleep in Napoleon’s arms herself. His fingers brushed the side of her cheek.
“How is your dad holding up?” Solo asked her.
“He’s fine. He and Jackson are getting use to life in New Jersey.”
“And what about you?”
“I’m fine Napoleon. Dad said she went peacefully. I miss her to be sure….”
“Jack must love being so much closer to his big sister now…What is he eleven, twelve…?"
“Twelve and a half….Napoleon, I need to talk to you about Jack…..I’m not…..I’m not his…”
Napoleon looked at her. Almost instinctively he knew what she was going to say. He had always thought it odd that her parents would have had another child so late in life. He gave her hand a tug and she sat on the bed next to him. Nicki had fallen asleep and Lisa carefully took his child in her arms to give Napoleon a rest.
She told him the whole story of Jack’s conception, why it had been hidden from everyone. She started to cry. Lisa felt a hole in the pit of her stomach. Napoleon would hate her for keeping something so dark from him. But when she looked at him, she saw a smile on his face. He clipped her chin with his fingers and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Lisa leaned back in his arms. She and Napoleon held each other and Nicki.
All was right in the world once more.
The next few weeks were hectic. Even though everything was ready, the small group of guest had to be re-invited. Living arrangement had to be finalized. Illya and Jessica had found a large brownstone, perfect for a new family starting out together. Illya forwent the usual Bachelor party and he, Dimitri, Napoleon, Waverly and Del Floria just went out for a quiet meal together.
Jessica woke the next morning; her stomach was in a knot. What if she messed up? What if she forgot something? She was in the throes of a panic attack. But when she picked up the photo of Illya and Dimitri from the bedside table, all of hers fears vanished. She kissed the tips of her fingers pressing them to the glass of the frame.
The music started.
Nicki and Dimitri made their way side-by-side down the aisle. Their traditional Russian costumes a stark contrast to the normal formal wear of the rest of the wedding party. Illya smiled at his son.
Dimitri was dressed in an off white silk shirt, the sleeves full and laying in folds. His vest was black and the embroidered trim was intricately inlaid with small Russian folk designs. He worn knee length black silk trousers, tucked neatly into his light lambskin boots, the trouser tassels draped over each side. His blond hair poked out from beneath his light black lambskin hat. His blue eyes sparked as he approached them.
Nicki was dressed in a beautiful off white silk dress that fell just below her knees. Traditional socks embroidered with colorful Russian flowers rose above her knees under the dress. Her small ankle high Lambskin boots tied with colorful ribbons that flopped about as she walked. Over her dress a colorful silk pinafore and bodice adorned with colorful trim and more ribbons threaded the bodice. Her thick black hair was pulled back, a crown of bright flowers sitting atop her head the ribbons flowing down her back.
Jessica held the flowers tightly in her trembling hand. He father gave her arm a pat to calm her. As they followed the children up the aisle, she could see her mother and brother watching her with pride in their faces. She could see Mr. Waverly and Madeline smiling at her. Bill Del Floria gave her a nod as they passed. Her gown was full but simple. The lace sleeves tapered to her wrist, her silky brown hair lay in small waves around her face and brushed against the lace collar of the gown. The overlap of the gown’s skirt made a simple, short train behind her.
They had decided to do things a bit differently from traditional weddings. Even traditional Russian weddings. They had a few other surprises for their guest. The first thing the guest noticed was Illya’s unusual stance.
Napoleon and Illya were waiting at the front. Their cutaway tuxedos showing off the brightly colored Russian waistcoats beneath. Illya had had his original wedding band removed and was keeping it for his son. The Russian stood facing the alter with his back to his approaching bride.
Lisa stood on the other side of the aisle, her long silk dress a soft robin’s egg blue trimmed in traditional Russian ribbon like trim. She too wore a beautiful crown of flowers on her dark brown hair. He shoes a simple black ballet styled flat made of lamb.
Jessica stepped up to the alter and turned to her father. He helped her take a few steps back. Dimitri took his father’s hand and helped him take the steps back to his bride. The bride and groom were now standing back to back. After all, was it not bad luck to see one another before the ceremony?
The minister smiled. The young couple had come up with all this themselves and he was enjoying every moment of it. He watched as the woman’s father stepped up and turned to those assembled. Then the young boy did the same.
“Who gives this woman to be wed to this man?” the Minister said.
Mr. Williams took his daughters hand and held it out.
“I do,” he said.
“And who gives this man to be wed to this woman?”
“I do,” Dimitri said taking his father’s hand.
Mr. Williams and Dimitri joined the two hands together and bride and groom turned to face the minister. He said a quick blessing over the joined hands. Mr. Williams looked at them and smiled then went to his seat. Dimitri smiled at them also then took his place next to Napoleon.
“The couple has decided to forgo the normal ceremony and instead will recite the tradition vows unto each other now.”
He stepped back.
Illya held her hand. He felt a knot form in his throat, but her beautiful smile melted it away. He felt a tear fall down his cheek. Dimitri held up the gold silk handkerchief with their rings inside.
“My dearest Jessica, I promise to love you, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, keeping only unto you, till death do us part,” Illya said, his voice firm, filled with love. He raised her hand. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He slipped the golden band on her finger.
Lisa tried not to let her crying be heard. She looked at Napoleon. Her lip quivered.
Jessica felt her tears fall as she felt him kiss her ringed hand. She looked over at Dimitri. The boy smiled and gave her a reassuring nod. The young woman took a deep breath and repeated his exact words.
“Мой дорогой Illyusha,” she began.
Illya looked at her. His heart pounding in his chest, his eyes wide and filling with tears. He clutched her hand tightly. Napoleon leaned his head back slightly to try and hide his own tears as a wide smile crossed his face. Lisa raised her hand to her throat as she joined the others in hearing the beautiful words.
“Я обещаю любить тебя, для лучше или хуже, для богаче, для бедных в болезни и в области здравоохранения и все остальные, бросив хранить только к вам, до смерти нам части,” Jessica said taking his hand. She slipped the new ring over his finger and kissed it. “С этой кольцо, я тебя СР.”
There was not a dry eye in the chapel. Even Mr. Del Floria was crying. Dimitri reached up and handed his father the handkerchief. The boy looked at Jessica and smiled.
She had spoken it flawlessly.
Illya wiped his eyes and looked at her. Jessica had always been beautiful to him. But what she had just done, the words she had spoken to him in his native Russian, was a beauty he had never experienced in his entire life. He had always known how much she loved him. But to hear those words as she had spoken them, he felt more love then he ever knew was possible.
For the first time in his life, Illya Nickovetch Kuryakin’s soul was at complete peace.
“You may kiss your bride,” the Minister said. He wiped a tear from his eye.
They savored the moment as did all assembled. They turned to their friends.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Illya Nickovetch Kuryakin."
Dimitri hugged his father and mother. Illya put him down and the boy went over to Nicki.
Napoleon and Lisa hugged them both as well. Then they hugged each other and walked off to the side of the chapel to be alone for a moment. They walked into a small prayer room. She watched Napoleon kneel down and quickly say a prayer for his partner’s happiness.
Lisa leaned against the doorframe. She wondered if she and Napoleon would ever be standing together like that. Side by side, as husband and wife, bound together in love and happiness. He stood up and took her arm. She felt his arm tighten around hers. The woman looked into his large sparkling brown eyes. Then she saw him slip his hand into his pocket and take something out. He gently kissed her cheek.
“I love you Lisa,” he whispered, “And deep down, I believe we have both loved each other from the day we met…” He choked on his words, and then smiled. “Just both too stubborn to admit it.”
Lisa smiled and simply nodded her head. It had taken far too long for her and Napoleon to get to this point. He had changed so much since becoming a father. And it was a change she had watched with open eyes and an open heart.
Napoleon saw her smile; a light laugh passed her lips. She nodded towards the front of the church. He looked out of the door to see what was going on.
The Minister was sitting on the top step of the alter, Dimitri and Nicki standing in front of him. The boy was talking and asking questions, telling the man he and Nicki would be there someday. The Minister was blown away by the boy’s intelligence, but even more so by the child’s deep commitment to the little girl.
Napoleon saw his daughter hold Dimitri’s arm, her head against his shoulder. He made a heavy sigh. He looked over at Mr. Waverly and Madeline, Illya and Jessica. He felt a knot form in his throat. A voice in the back of his head kept pushing him. Come on Napoleon, he thought, don’t you deserve to happy? Doesn’t Lisa deserve to be happy? He turned and looked into her soulful grey eyes.
Napoleon took her hand and kissed it. Lisa felt her heart pound as Napoleon went down on one knee.
“Lisa……”
Del Floria was the only other one who heard the small cry of joy. He was the only other one who saw the woman throw her arms tight around Napoleon’s neck, kissing him passionately. The elder U.N.C.L.E. man pressed his hand to his chest as he saw the small but still beautiful diamond sparkle on her finger.
Alexander and Madeline walked up next to him.
“Something wrong Bill?” Alexander asked.
Waverly felt his wife’s hand tighten on his arm. She nodded towards the room.
He smiled as he saw the young couple in their embrace. The Chief saw the ring sparkle.
Even in the faint glow of the candlelight.
Alexander Waverly turned to his wife.
He gently brushed the tear from her cheek.
Then gave his own blushing bride a kiss.
Next Story: The Boy Next Door
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, Nov 19 2011, 10:36 PM EST
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| MeaghanM | Worldly Treasures 3 | 0 | Apr 23 2011, 6:14 PM EDT by MeaghanM | ||
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Thread started: Apr 23 2011, 6:14 PM EDT
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Illya's MARRIED!!!!!! Aaaauuuuuugggghhhhh! (sobbing and crying) Well we can still dream can't we? I loved the fact that Jessica loved him enough to learn the vows in Russian. sniff, sniff. Your decription of their clothes and the ceremony was so well done. I could actually picture the kids and everything.
Hope you have a wonderful Easter and thank you for a beautiful story! 5/2 PS. Do you realize the dress you descibed Jessica wearing is almost identical to one worn by Kate at the Royal wedding?That is just to awesome! |
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| Anonymous | WT3 Till Death Do Us Part | 0 | Apr 22 2011, 8:47 AM EDT by Anonymous | ||
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Thread started: Apr 22 2011, 8:47 AM EDT
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~~Siff~~Sniff Oh what the heck (Crying loudly) WONDERFUL! I loved every minute of this. You really have a grasp on the characters and your original characters are so endearing. I have always enjoyed reading about the children and this takes us all a step closer to happiness for them all. THUMBS UP Napoleon! On One knee! CLassy man.
Did feel a shutter when Waverly talked about THRUSH's motives. Boo THRUSH!!! Can't wait to read more about Lisa's son also. Always great when a new charater comes in. Thank you for another superb adventure! Rosemary UK |
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| jkkitty | World Treasurer | 1 | Apr 21 2011, 5:41 PM EDT by TinaP22 | ||
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Thread started: Apr 21 2011, 11:53 AM EDT
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Wonderful. Happiness even if only monentary for our guys is wonderful. I do have to say I had tears throught the wedding and Napoleon proposal. Can't wait to see where that will lead. Waiting for the next step. Jkkitty
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