LJ Mood-Y Challenge Prompt – Bewildered

(This chapter is tied to the LJ mood-y challenge, but the rest of the story won't be.)

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Chapter 1

"Please take a seat Mr Kuryakin."

Illya accepted Mr Waverly's invitation and chose the seat next to the one occupied by Napoleon Solo. The American gave the Russian a reassuring smile which instantly caused Illya's blood to freeze.

"Has something happened Sir?"

"We've received information from our agents in Poland that they've rescued a family from across the border of the Ukraine."

Illya's frozen blood was joined by a large boulder in the pit of his stomach. There was only one family in the Ukraine which Mr Waverly would need to inform him about.

It had been three months since Illya's newly discovered brother had returned home to Russia. Since then, he had been almost constantly worried about Alexey. Even though he younger man had a different family name, there had been too many people looking for a Kuryakin connection. It would only be a matter of time before the authorities noticed.

"Are they okay?"

"Mr Ivanov and the baby are fine." Mr Waverly assured him.

"And Sofiya Petrovna?"

"Please try not to fret Mr Kuryakin," the Old Man said kindly. "Mrs Ivanova was apparently hurt during their escape but, I have been told, her injuries are not life threatening. They are all being brought here."

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Illya spent the next few hours prowling the corridors of HQ. He couldn't settle until his family were safe. Napoleon had tried a few times to rein his partner in but failed each time. He'd even gone so far as to borrow paperwork from the secretarial pool for Illya to type up. It didn't work. Within half an hour he was back to roaming. Several people, who weren't privy to events, even complained to Mr Waverly and Napoleon about the Russian's odd behaviour.

He was watching practice on the rifle range when a loud speaker announcement called him up to medical. There were several near collisions as Illya sprinted through building; taking the stairs two at a time. Arriving at his destination he skidded to a stop when he saw the state of his bedraggled brother. The younger man was filthy and looked as though he hadn't eaten in a while. He held his son in his arms and was looking completely bewildered. Behind them, Illya could see Napoleon deep in conversation with one of the doctors.

"Alyosha?" Illya said, tentatively.

Alexey looked blearily at his brother, seeming not to recognise him. Slowly the light dawned and he smiled wearily. Before either of them could say anything further, the doctor stepped forward and told Alexey he need to check Pyotr over. The young father hugged his son closer to him.

"He's safe here," Illya gently stated.

He held his arms out to take his nephew. Alexey hesitated a little while longer, but knew he could trust his brother. He kissed Pyotr on the forehead and handed him to Illya. The Russian had never had much to do with children, yet he immediately felt a connection to the child. Cradling the infant, Illya looked down into familiar blue eyes.

"Preevyet Petya. (Hello Petya.) I'm your Uncle Illya and I am going to make sure that you and your parents are safe. Over there, is your Uncle Napoleon," he said, pointing to his partner. "He will teach you how to live in America. He has taught me a great deal."

Napoleon smiled to himself. It was going to be difficult for the family to acclimatise, but at least he and Illya were there to guide them through the transition. He watched as Illya handed the child to the medic before inviting Alexey to the commissary; telling him he needed a good meal.

"I can't go anywhere until I see my wife."

Solo caught the attention of a nurse and asked if she could arrange for some food to be brought to them while Illya persuaded Alexey to sit down.

"What happened?" he asked. "Tell me it wasn't because of me."

"It wasn't," Alexey explained, much to Illya's relief. "Another family in the village were harbouring a Kremlin official who was stealing and selling secrets to the highest bidder."

The agents listened as Alexey described how soldiers had arrived and had begun a search of each house. He knew everyone would be 'questioned' and had no desire to risk his family. Even though he had no connection to the Kremlin thief, he couldn't risk the soldiers finding out his ties to Illya.

"So we snuck away," he continued. "The journey was long and risky, and it got harder when Sofushka fell."

"Sofushka?" Napoleon queried.

"Sofushka is the diminutive of Sofiya", Illya informed him.

"She slipped into a shallow ravine in the forest," Alexey continued with his tale. "She was holding the baby but managed to turn herself so he would not be harmed."

Sofiya had landed awkwardly, causing her shoulder to dislocate. A sharp rock pierced her thigh and she hit her head. Despite her injuries and the bleeding, Alexey had no option but to urge her onwards. They were only a mile from the border and had to cross before daylight.

"We met your U.N.C.L.E. comrades by pure chance. When they told me the name of their organisation, I asked them for asylum. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind," Illya said, with a laugh. Then he became serious. "You realise you probably won't see Mother Russia again?"

Alexey nodded dejectedly.

"It isn't easy to be a Russian in America," Illya told him, sadly. "Luckily, New York is a little more tolerant. There are many other Russian immigrants here."

"The younger man smiled. "At least I already have family here."

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A couple of hours later, Alexey had eaten and cleaned up. Sofiya had been successfully treated and was resting with her husband by her side. Outside the room, Illya had been left holding the baby. Pyotr too had been fed and cleaned up and was now sleeping peacefully in his uncle's arms. Alexander Waverly smiled at the sight of one of his toughest agents gently swaying the infant.

"Medical tells me that Mrs Ivanova will make a speedy recovery," he stated quietly. "They are invited to stay here until she is ready to be discharged. Until then, they will all need new clothes and things, especially this little chap."

Mr Waverly explained how U.N.C.L.E. had a fund in place for agents, or their families, who were in difficulty. He told Illya he was to go out and purchase anything the family would need in the immediate term, using the U.N.C.L.E. account.

"In the meantime, I'm given to understand that an apartment in one of the buildings we own is currently empty. It will be made ready."

"That is very generous of you Sir," Illya said, somewhat taken aback. "But, it is too much. I have savings with which to help them, and they can stay at my apartment. I'm rarely there."

"Nonsense Mr Kuryakin. The fund is there precisely for this sort of thing. Now, you and Mr Solo, take your nephew out and get him the things he needs."

To be continued…