The weeks that followed saw the Kuryakin men slowly regaining their strength. Illya and Nico had both taken a medical leave of absence from work. April's sister paid the family a visit at Thanksgiving where she met Nico for the first time. She stayed the weekend and the two sisters spent many hours getting caught up. April played the DVD Abby and Nico had made of Anya for her funeral. Mary watched on misty-eyed for the loss of a niece she never met.

The day before her sister arrived for the holiday, April had been dusting the living room. She spotted a picture of Anya and Mrs. Waverly taken after Mrs. Waverly moved in with Illya. Illya must have pulled the picture out, she thought. She picked up the elegant frame and slowly ran the dust cloth along the glass. It was then that she allowed her tears to freely fall for the first time. April was finally able to grieve for her daughter.

Ducky had grown attached to her during her time at home. He followed her all over the house, even while she cleaned. When she began to cry he wandered over to her trying to get her attention. When she didn't respond, he ran in search of Illya, knowing he'd know what to do.

Illya was in the kitchen preparing to make dessert for Thanksgiving when Ducky scampered in. He sized up the human wondering what the best way would be to gain his attention. Deciding what to do, he gently grabbed hold of Illya's pant's cuff and tugged on it.

"What is it boy, where's April?" he asked the dog once Ducky had successfully managed to gain Illya's attention. Ducky gave the older man his best puppy dog eyes, letting out a small whine. Illya became concerned, knowing the dog was never far from April. "Where is she?" he asked and Ducky ran to the living room with Illya close behind.

Illya walked in to find April sitting on the couch, the frame clutched in her hand, crying. He instantly knew what picture it was just by glancing at the frame itself. He had handpicked that frame for that picture. He sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her, comforting her as she wept.

The next day April woke early and began to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Illya woke a couple hours later and made his way down the stairs. He briefly paused outside Nico's room to check on him. A smile crept across his lips remembering all the times he had done the same thing when his son was little. He leaned against the doorframe watching Nico sleep.

April slid her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Amazing how young he looks when he's sleeping isn't it?" she quietly asked. Illya smiled and nodded. "Reminds me of you." She planted a kiss on his cheek. "Come, love, I'll make breakfast," she quietly said.

Later that day the small family sat in the lounge relaxing in front of the television as they waited for their guest to arrive. Dinner stayed warm in the oven while dessert cooled in the refrigerator. It was just going to be the four of them; Mary's family would come for Christmas.

Mid-afternoon the doorbell rang. The dogs scurried to the door barking a warning at the visitor. "I'll get it," Illya offered as he stood from the couch.

Illya shuffled to the door still feeling some lingering pain from his ordeal. "Settle down children, it's all right," Illya said as he peered around the curtain. He smiled at the sight of his sister in-law, opening the door. "Mary, it's good to see you."

"Illya, it's good to see you too," she replied, walking through the door carrying her luggage. She placed her bag on the floor as Illya closed the door. "How are you feeling," she asked, giving him a hug.

"Better," he replied returning her hug. "How are you?"

"Oh, much better now that you're all safe."

"Mary," April said, greeting her sister.

"April," she replied, extracting herself from the hug. Mary threw her arms around her and the sisters hugged each other tightly.

When the hug finally ended they pulled apart wiping tears from their cheeks. "You look great," Mary said. "You both do."

"You look good too, you know," April replied. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Where's Nico?"

"In the lounge," April said, motioning behind her.

"Here, let me take your coat," Illya said.

"Oh yes, thank you," Mary replied, slipping out of the coat.

The dogs watched on curiously as Illya hung the coat of the stranger on the coat tree in the foyer. He glanced down, smiling at the quizzical looks, and said, "It's all right, she's family."

"He looks just like you," Mary said at the sight of her nephew.

Illya gave her a small smile. "Would you like something to drink?"

"A glass of water would be nice."

"I'll get that," April said, rising from her seat.

"That's okay, I'll get it," Illya replied, motioning for her to sit.

"So, how was the trip?" April asked.

"The trip was uneventful, but I couldn't wait for you to call back after Anya's funeral."

"I'm sorry, there was just so much going on. I couldn't think while the boys were in the hospital…"

"Don't apologize," Mary said, interrupting her sister. "You have nothing to apologize for. I can't imagine what it must have been like to go through what you did." Mary placed a hand on April's giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"The important thing is I'm here now and the boys are home safe and getting stronger."

"Slowly," Nico smiled.

Ducky waddled over to April and plopped down beside her, sizing up their visitor. The other dogs lounged in front of the fire settling in for the afternoon. Feeling eyes on her, Mary glanced down to find her furry visitor watching her. "Who's this little guy?" she asked.

April looked down and smiled. "This," she said, picking the corgi up, "is Ducky," she answered as he placed him on her lap. "He was Anya's. We brought him home the day Illya found her."

Mary smiled at the corgi, extending a hand for him to smell it. "He's very friendly," April said. "They all are really."

"Just watch out for Tyson," Nico added.

Mary turned to give her nephew a questioning look. "Why's that?"

"He bites," Illya replied walking back into the room. "Don't let that face fool you, he's a temperamental one."

"Just like you," April muttered.

Illya handed the glass to Mary as he walked to sit beside his wife. "What took you?" April asked.

"I checked on the food."

"Checked as in you looked at it, or ate it?"

"Why would you ask a question like that," he asked innocently.

"Because I know you too well," she quipped.

He gave her a small smile. "This time I didn't eat anything."

"Uh huh," she said in jest, not believing him.

"If you don't mind my asking, when were you planning on eating?" Mary asked.

"If I don't mind you asking… Since when are you so formal?" April teased. "We can eat whenever you want. Everything's ready."

"Well then, how does now sound?"

"Sounds good to me," Nico replied, grinning.

April rolled her eyes, that boy and his stomach, she thought. "All right then, we're going to eat in the dining room."

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Mary said.

"All I have to do is pull the food out of the oven and bring it into the dining room," April shrugged.

"At least let me help you with that."

"All right."

"I'll show you to the kitchen," Nico said, rising from the couch.

"I'll be right there," April said as the pair walked out the room.

Ducky jumped off April's lap onto the couch. There he patiently waited until April stood to follow the others.

"So, were you really just looking at the food?" April asked, standing from the couch.

Illya stood from the couch, wrapping his arms around her waist. "There's one way to find out," he said, drawing her to him. April wrapped her arms around his neck as he gave her a long deep kiss enjoying the stolen moment.

When the kiss finally ended April ran her tongue along her lips. "Mmm. So you were telling the truth this time, Kuryakin. Next time I'm going to have to do a more thorough search."

"Promise?" he asked in a husky tone.

She gave him a wicked smile in response.

In the kitchen April and Mary worked at emptying the oven while Illya placed trivets on the dining room table. As the sisters carried the food to the other room April said, "Mary, I'm going to have everyone over for Christmas. I want you, Bruce and the kids to come."

"Are you sure you're up for a house full of people?"

"Yes. I wanted to do this for Thanksgiving but with Illya and Nico, I had to push it back. I've already told the others. Mark's coming; Napoleon will be here with the kids. Illya's friends from NCIS will do everything they can to come. I would love it if you came too."

"Well then, how can I refuse an offer like that?"

"Good. You can stay here too."

"Only if you have enough room. I don't want to put anyone out."

"We have plenty of time to work out the details."

The conversation was filled with stories of the Dancer sisters in the days before April joined U.N.C.L.E. The men enjoyed hearing the stories, Illya especially. He had spent very little time around April's family before the couple went into hiding. Due to the nature of their job, both April and Illya had made sacrifices when it came to spending time with her family. Illya often wished his parents were still alive to introduce them to April. Not having that, Illya spent hours telling his children all about his family when they were growing up. He wanted to be sure they knew what they were like.

After dinner the men shooed the ladies into the other room as they cleared the table. April used the time to give Mary a tour of the house. "You know," Mary said as they walked through the upstairs hall to her room, "This house is not what I'd have pictured you and Illya living in. It's more extravagant."

"I know what you mean; I guess this is the only good thing to come out of the Ducky façade. This house is the complete opposite of what Illya would normally buy. It's very Ducky. Here's your room," April said flipping the light switch on.

Mary plopped her bag on the bed and began to unpack. "How are you and Illya doing?"

"Why do you ask?"

Mary shrugged, "You've been through a lot. This kind of stress can strain even the best of marriages."

"We're good."

"You're not just saying that are you?"

"No."

"Good, I only ask because I'm worried about you."

"You can stop worrying; our marriage is as strong as ever. It'll be nice living under the same roof again on a regular basis."

"I'm sure you two have a lot of time to make up," Mary replied with a wicked grin. April merely grinned in reply.

Once she was unpacked, Mary and April made their way back downstairs. They wandered into the kitchen wondering how Illya and Nico were doing. "Illya, your house is beautiful."

"Thank you," he replied, placing a slice of pie on a dessert plate.

Once all desserts and coffee were doled out the small group made their way to the living room, where they settled in for the night getting caught up with each other.

The weeks that followed found the Kuryakin family preparing the house for Christmas. Even when the family was separated, Christmas still had managed to be a happy time. They were safe and, on rare occasions, were able to spend the holiday together as a family. Things were different this year. The losses and stress of the past few weeks weighed down on them. Little things like going out to find the perfect Christmas tree weren't the same.

One day April and Illya assigned themselves the mission of finding the right tree. Walking around the tree yard that darkened afternoon, they found they were just going through the motions. Deciding they needed to clear their heads, they went for a drive. Illya drove to DC hoping the change of scenery would help.

He parked along a side street and the couple unfolded themselves from the Morgan. They aimlessly walked the streets near the mall, side-by-side, saying very little. The couple paused at a coffee shop, deciding to stop in for a minute. April found a table near the window as Illya walked to the counter to place their order. Out of habit, he scanned the crowd as he waited for their drinks. The sounds of Bing Crosby dreaming of a white Christmas floated around the room. When the drinks were ready he thanked the clerk and wove his way to the table his wife had chosen.

April thanked her husband as he placed her drink in front of her. "Thank you," she murmured, sparing him a glance.

He sat down across from her placing his cup on the table. He watched as she took a sip from her cup. She briefly glanced at him as she placed the cup back on the saucer before turning to stare out of the window again.

Illya watched her closely, she was withdrawing. He remembered the last time that happened. During her recovery from the rape she had rough patches; times she'd withdraw from all. He, Mark and Napoleon worried about her during those times. On one such occasion, they decided a break from the city would do her good.

Cape Cod, MD 1966

Napoleon rented a beach house and the friends spent two weeks there. Deciding to make it a family vacation, Napoleon brought his wife and children along. The time was much needed not only for April but for the men as well. They had all been working hard at taking down Thrush since April was back on active duty.

Before the end of the first week April was her old self. The combination of fresh air and lazy days helped to melt the stress away and bring her out of her funk. One day Illya disappeared into town on a secret mission. He returned a few short hours later, successful. Despite their best efforts, Illya refused to tell his friends where he'd gone. That night before dinner Illya went for a walk along the beach with April. Not wanting to be disturbed by their friends, Illya led her several yards down the beach. Illya stopped walking and turned to face April, never letting go of her hand. He looked deep into her soul as he spoke from the heart. He couldn't think of the last time he was this nervous.

He got down on one knee, digging the small box out of his pocket on his way down. He opened the box, holding it in both hands and asked her to marry him. With tears stinging her eyes she threw her arms around him and said 'yes'. Relief flooded him as he held her, never letting go of the velvet box.

Later the couple walked back to the house hand-in-hand. Mark and Napoleon were lounging on the deck enjoying a drink, waiting for the couple to return. Mark nudged Napoleon when he spotted their wayward partners. That night the friends celebrated the engagement with dinner and drinks at the house. Two days later the group packed up and went back to their regular lives.

The music penetrated Illya's thoughts as he watched his wife. Judy Garland sang of faithful friends gathering near to them once more. He placed a hand on April's, giving it a gentle squeeze. She turned away from the window, looking at him. She wiped an errant tear from her cheek with her free hand. After nearly forty years of marriage, he didn't need to ask his wife what the tear was for, he knew. The couple finished their drinks in companionable silence.

The fresh air added to April's refreshed mood. She urged her husband to go for a walk before making their way back to the tree lot. With renewed vigor, they walked through the tree lot looking for their perfect tree. Once the tree was found and paid for, it was wrapped and strapped to the car.

The day of the gathering the house was full of warmth. Old friends and family gathered together, some meeting for the first time. The dogs were on their best behavior, even Tyson. Ducky found it difficult to follow April around so he contented himself with staying by the fireplace where it was warm. Outside was a picturesque winter wonderland.

The NCIS team had arrived as promised, Abby and Ziva both contributing to the food by bringing a dish. Illya took care of the desserts, providing a variety of sweets from around the world. Mary and April were busy with everything else. When the doorbell rang, Nico offered to open it. He pushed the curtain aside to see who it was before opening the door. Finding Napoleon and two others outside, he quickly opened the door, giving the older man a big smile. "Uncle Napoleon, it's good to see you," he said, standing aside to allow the guests to walk in.

"Nico, you're looking much better than the last time I saw you," he replied, stepping over the threshold. A young man and woman followed him into the house; the man carried shopping bags full of presents. "Nico, these are my kids, Jason and Shannon. Kids, this is Nico."

The kids exchanged hellos as Nico closed the door. "Where are Illya and April?" Napoleon asked as he shed his coat and scarf.

"Last time I saw them they were in the kitchen," he replied, taking Napoleon's coat. The twins followed their father's example and quickly shed their outerwear and shoes. With his arms loaded with coats and scarves, Nico disappeared up the stairs while Napoleon led his children on a tour of the house, stopping just long enough to make introductions along the way.

Their first stop was the lounge where Jason deposited the presents beside the tree. From there they made their way to the kitchen. "It never fails, you want to find Illya, just look for the food," Napoleon joked, walking into the kitchen.

Illya looked up at the sound of his old friend's voice. "Napoleon, who did you blackmail to get in here?" he shot back.

The friends smiled at the playful banter. April gave Napoleon a warm hug, "I'm so glad you came," she said.

"It's good to be here," he replied, returning her hug.

When the hug ended, April pulled back, taking a good look at Napoleon's shadows. "My babies are all grown up," she teased. April pulled the twins into a hug one at a time.

As Illya moved in to hug the twins, April pulled Napoleon aside and said, "She's beautiful, and he isn't so bad looking either."

Napoleon smiled. "It feels good. Being free and being with the kids again."

"It does feel good," April confirmed, giving her old friend a smile. "Did you bring Angelique?"

"Ah, no. We're not together anymore. You were right, I was using her."

"I'm sorry," April quietly replied.

"Don't be, I'm the one that was out of line. Michelle was the only woman I loved; when Romanov killed her I couldn't bring myself to move on."

"I know," April murmured placing a comforting hand on his back.

"How are you doing?"

"I'm getting there. Some days are worse than others."

Napoleon wrapped his arms around April, pulling her into a hug. "If you ever want to talk…"

"Thank you," she murmured.

When the hug ended the pair pulled apart. April said, "So Solo, are you ever going to retire?"

"And what would I do if I retired?" he teased.

"Oh I don't know, spend time with your children for starters," she teased back.

"I'm working on it. I have a lot of paperwork to deal with. Some of it will depend on what you and Illya decide to do. Have you given any more thought into what I asked?"

"I don't know Napoleon; I've been out of the business for years. I don't know what I can teach the new recruits."

"You could teach them about undercover work. Think about it, you successfully lived in hiding for over thirty years. You and Illya both."

"How successful were we if our daughter was killed and our son poisoned, also nearly dying?"

"Why don't you and Illya talk about it? I think you both could be a great resource at Survival School. The basics of intelligence work will always be the same. The only thing that changes is technology. We could work around that. You could study up on what you'd need, or we could bring someone in to tag team with you."

"What are you trying to talk my wife into now?" Illya asked, walking up to the pair.

"Teaching at Survival School," she replied.

"Ah, yes, he asked me to teach."

"Well, will you?"

"Napoleon," he sighed, "let's talk about this later. Right now is not the time to talk about this."

"He's right, let's not talk shop. I just want to spend a night with my family," April added.

"Dad, can you just relax for one night?" Shannon said, placing a hand on his arm.

"I think you should listen to your daughter," Nico said, walking up to the group.

"Sounds like you're outnumbered," April smirked.

"Okay fine, you win," Napoleon replied in defeat.

"Kids, make yourselves at home. Our house is your house," April said.

"Thank you," Shannon replied.

"Have you met the dogs yet?" Nico asked.

"No, but I've heard about them," Shannon said.

"Come on. Let's see if we can find them."

"Ducky might be hiding out upstairs," April called after the retreating backs of the children.

"He's still having problems?" Napoleon asked.

"I think he likes to keep me company more than anything. This might be a bit too much too soon though."

Napoleon nodded in agreement.

Later that night the group lingered in the lounge relaxing and enjoying each others' company. Most of the NCIS agents had left having other places to be. April watched as Nico and Abby chatted with Jason and Shannon. Mark slid next to April, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Penny for your thoughts, luv," he said.

She smiled sadly and replied, "I was thinking about the children. Imagining all of them growing up together."

"Not just the kids, but us as well. I too wish things were different," he replied sadly.

On the other side of the room Gibbs, Illya and Napoleon sat on the couch, three old war horses telling tall tales. Gibbs enjoyed hearing about another side of his old friend. The more he'd gotten to know Illya, the more he could picture the stories he was hearing.

"So Illya, have you decided what you're going to do? Now that you're not in hiding anymore, are you going to go back to U.N.C.L.E. or NCIS?" Gibbs asked.

Illya wrapped the question around his brain a moment. To be honest he hadn't given it much, if any, thought at all. He was too busy recuperating from his wounds and enjoying the relaxed time with his wife and son. Feeling eyes on him, he looked at his partner to find Napoleon anxiously waiting the answer. He glanced at his wife across the room; she glanced at him and gave him an encouraging smile. Taking a deep breath he said, "I'm going to retire from U.N.C.L.E. Romanov's dead, there's no reason for me to return to U.N.C.L.E. I've sacrificed so much, my family is safe now."

"And NCIS?" Napoleon asked.

"He's going to need something to keep him from getting bored," April teased, walking over to the group.

Napoleon slid over, making room for her on the couch. April sat in between the partners, wrapping her arm around her husband.

"So who's going be working for NCIS? Ducky or Illya?" Abby asked joining the group.

"To make things easier I'm going to remain Ducky."

"You'll always be Illya to us," Mark said, joining the group.

As the agents regrouped the rest of the party joined them, bringing chairs, pillows, ottomans, or even sitting on the floor. The party, it seemed, had started winding down finally. With the smaller group, the family, Nico decided it was time to give his father his present. "Dad," he began.

The group turned to face the young blond eager to hear what he was going to say. "I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I want to change my name. Now that we're free I think this is a great time."

"Change it to what?" April asked, wondering where her son was going with this.

"Well, my last name actually. I'm going to change it to Kuryakin."

It was at that announcement that Napoleon decided to hand out his presents. "Shannon, honey, could you give me the presents we brought?"

"Yes, Dad," she replied, moving to unearth the presents. She placed the presents on the floor in front of him, placing Nico's present on top. She didn't know what was in it, but she had a feeling her father wanted to give it to him now.

"Thank you," he said as she sat on the floor next to him. "Nico here, this is for you," he said holding the present out for the young man.

Nico looked at the present oddly; he didn't know why the older man suddenly decided to pass out presents. "Just open it," Napoleon gently instructed. Deciding to listen, he tore the paper off. He opened the box and stared at the contents. He looked up at Napoleon confused. "What is this?" he asked.

"Your birth certificate," the older man replied.

"I can see it's a birth certificate, but I don't get it. The name on here…."

"That is your real name," Napoleon replied.

"When you were born we wanted to give you your father's last name but because we were in hiding we knew we couldn't. So officially, you were Nick Thompson. Unofficially, you were Nickolai Illyich Kuryakin," April said.

"Technically, it's the other way around," Napoleon said. "Mr. Waverly told me about filing Anya's birth certificate and burying it deeply. I did the same thing with Nico's."

Nico looked at his parents, surprised. "Did you know about this?" he asked.

"No," Illya replied, after tackling his emotions.

"Thank you," Nico said, turning to Napoleon.

"You're welcome," he replied. Napoleon rummaged through the pile in front of him for a particular package. Finding it, he handed the package to April.

"What is this?" she asked.

"Open it," he prompted with a smile.

She glanced at her husband for any sign of knowledge of the contents. He shrugged in response to her unasked question. She tore off the paper and opened the box. April held her breath as she cradled the frame in her hands. Illya wrapped his arm around her and placed his right hand on the gift. Inside the frame were Anya's birth certificate on one side and two pictures. One was Anya's newborn picture and the one below it was of the proud parents holding their newborn baby girl.

April and Illya stared at the pictures. The young couple staring back brought back a flood of memories. Tears stung their eyes, and they were speechless. "Napoleon," April quietly began.

"Thank Shannon, it was her idea," he replied.

April reached down and pulled the young woman into a hug. "Thank you," she murmured.

"You're welcome, Aunt April," she replied, returning the hug.

"What is it?" Nico asked his father. Illya passed the frame to his son. Nico stared at the picture; it was hard to believe his parents were so young, and happy. He couldn't think of a time when he'd seen or heard them fight. They were happy despite having to live in hiding and then live apart for so many years. But that picture of them with Anya was different. He wondered what it would have been like if they hadn't had to live in hiding.

Nico was jolted from his thoughts when Abby wrapped her arm around his shoulders, hearing her say, "That's from us."

Once again April and Illya were the spotlight as they opened another present. Illya fished through the large box, pulled out tissue paper. Finding the prize, he held the DVDs in his hands staring at them. "We thought it was about time the old videos were put on DVD," he heard Nico say.

"Thank you," Illya said, barely audibly.

April pulled Nico into a hug, holding on tight. "You're welcome, Mom," he murmured.

When the hug ended, April wrapped her arms around Abby.

"You guys are so welcome," she replied, returning the hug.

"Well since you've started why don't we open the rest of the presents," Mary said.

"Sounds great to me," Nico quipped.

"I second that," Shannon smirked, winking at Nico.

"No doubt about it, they would have been trouble if they grew up together," Mark teased. The U.N.C.L.E. agents laughed, they were enjoying their renewed freedom.

Later that night Mark, Napoleon and the twins had left with promises to come back for Christmas dinner the next day. Nico and Abby had fallen asleep on the couches with Tyson close by. Mary, Bruce and their children were snuggled in their beds. April and Illya wearily climbed the stairs making their way to the master bedroom. "That was fun," April said.

"Yes it was. Thank you for planning the party," Illya said, taking her hand in his. "It was nice seeing everyone."

"Yes it was," she smiled. "I needed it."

"We all did."

As the couple stepped into the master suite, April closed and locked the door. "So tell me, just who am I going to bed with? Illya or Ducky," she asked in a husky voice.

Illya smiled. "You tell me."