Passing Time
Neither of them were looking behind them. They were simply running as fast as their bodies would allow, ignoring all current injuries in the interest of avoiding new ones. Just over the scraggy rise ahead of them lay the beach - and enough distance between the imminent blast and themselves. The blond half of the team was counting down. It was pre-agreed that when his count reached two that they'd make a dive for the beach and hope for the best.
"Five . . . four . . . three . . . two"
Their unison was near perfect as was their timing. The satrap roared as explosives went off just as they touched the sands. They remained down, panting to catch their breath as the debris settled. Then, again in unison, they both turned and looked at the flaming ruin behind them.
"Impressive as I find your demolition skills, I think that next time I'd prefer to see them demonstrated from slightly further away."
"I am willing to accommodate your request if THRUSH is, Napoleon. So . . . now what?"
Napoleon made a sweeping gesture over the water to the west where the setting sun was reflected.
"We take the boat and ride off into the sunset, of course."
"One problem."
"What's that, Illya?"
"They blew up our boat on our way in, remember?"
"Oh yes. Well, what about one of theirs - wait. We blew theirs up, didn't we?"
"We did indeed. It was only fair."
"Well, I suppose we'll just have to wait for HQ to send a retrieval team for us."
"And in the meantime?"
Still riding on the adrenaline high that had recently been pumping through his system, Napoleon reached over and casually brushed some of the sand out of his partner's tousled hair. "Oh, I've got a few ideas on how to pass the time."
The look in the blue eyes turning toward him was partly amused, partly exasperated, but mostly (he was pleased to see) expectant.
"Do you ever consider there might be other ways to pass the time?"
The sly grin on Napoleon's face as he reached for the slender Russian was as much of an answer as his words. "If it's not broke, why fix it?"
It was an hour later that Illya cast a lazy glance over the darkened water.
"You know, Napoleon? I do not recall you actually calling for a retrieval team."
"Oops. Guess I better do that now. Looks like we'll have some more time to kill. Any ideas?"
Running a finger down Napoleon's sternum, Illya smirked slightly. "One."
"Can't think of any others yourself, partner?"
"Well, if you are bored with this option, we could discuss quantum physics instead."
Chuckling, Napoleon just laid back as Illya's other hand joined the first.
"No, not bored. Not in the least."
"If you plan on me continuing, call for the retrieval team first."
"Spoilsport."