Pain and need
Chapter 5 Little Russia
It had been a week since the kiss and Napoleon was a man with a plan. He wanted to know Illya better, they had talked every day since the incident. Talked about their feelings, about work and the future. This finally felt right in Napoleon's heart, if Illya were a girl... Well, this would have been it! He had everything Napoleon wanted in a future wife but Illya is a man and Napoleon never dated a man before. So, he wanted to do this well. His partner had no clue as he drove slowly trough Brighton Beach, Little Odessa the place was named. The streets were packed with Russian merchants and restaurants. Where better to start than here, in New York's biggest Russian community! He knew Illya went here frequently in his day's off. Napoleon never really paid that much attention towards Illya's culture. He didn't mind Illya was a communist. He didn't really care about someone's culture, as long as they are a good person at heart.
The sun shone nicely as he entered the first store, it was a small grocery like store. Nothing fancy…
It looked a bit poor even. The costumers eyes him suspicious, he was to obvious American… Damn it. The words ran through his mind. You look so obvious American, Illya's words. Napoleon gave everyone a warm, charming smile. People were still watching him, … in a not so nice way. Next time, he'll come in a cheap jeans and shirt.
"What you want?" An older man asked in a thick accent.
"Oh, hello Sir. I came for an information."
"Know nothing."
"No no sir. I'm interested in your culture. I've met someone, a Russian person." A silly laugh escaped Napoleon's mouth. "You understand? I'm in love?" He whispered.
"Ah! Zhenshchina!" The man smiled "Zhenit'sya? Marry gher?"
"Yes, I would love to but I need some advice. I know little about her culture."
"You go and buy flowers, shop over there. Russkie love flowers." The man yelled as he pointed to the other side of the street.
"Okay, and what more?"
"No yellow! Bad luck!"
Another man stood closer en pointed his finger at him. "You open door for girl! And pay at restaurant! Give her jewelry!"
"No kissing at the first date! You marry her of course after a month of dating." A young lady advised.
Napoleon raised his eyebrows. No wonder his partner is so reserved. The people kept on giving him advice and dating rules. Relationships were quite complex down here.
In the hospital
Illya was ready to go. His face was still very tender but this wasn't the first time he had broken something in his face. He had tried hard to look on his best, even under these circumstances. He wanted to make an impression on Napoleon. His hair looked nice, his bangs covered some of his head wounds. He had asked his partner two days ago to bring him a white shirt and a light jeans, he knew he looked good in these. He walked nervously out of the bathroom, Napoleon had told him he wanted to know him better and that thought made Illya nervous. The two had talked every day since the accident. It had made their friendship stronger but a hospital wasn't a place to start a romance. He hadn't been able to kiss or touch his friend.
"Are you ready Tovarish?" Napoleon smiled as he noticed Illya was in deep thought. He placed his hand onto his partners lower back. "Hi…? You ready to go?" Illya tensed under Napoleon's hand as he turned his head. Napoleon noticed a shy smile on the blonds sober face. "Haven't slept much, was so excited to get out of this place."
"I bet you are!" He whispered as he stroked his friend's bruised cheek. The blond lowered his gaze, he could be so shy. It made Napoleon's heart beat faster. "Let's get out of this place then."
Once in the car, the mood changed lightly. There hung a silence over Illya. Napoleon glanced sideways as he slowed the car in traffic. Illya looked so nice, even with a taped nose and a thick cheek. He looks so damn cute. "You look nice, Illya."
Illya's cheeks flushed, he kept staring in front of him. "You look nice too." He whispered. The brown eyes gazed down towards the blonds stiff arm which lay uncomfortable over his left upper tight. He could see a noticeable bulge through his pants. Illya was obviously excited. "You're okay?" Napoleon whispered as he placed his hand over his best friends'. He could feel the erection against one of his fingers. It gave a shock wave trough Napoleon's tummy. He never touched a man this way. "We're almost home buddy." He whispered as he stroked the blonds hand. "You must be hungry? Being in the hospital makes a man hungry."
"Yes, it does."
Speaking made Illya feel better, much better. Napoleon had a talent to make people at ease. He could make the most awkward moments look normal. He's such a good friend. The tension dropped as Napoleon made Illya further at ease. Stroking his arm now and than while switching the subject towards tonight's dinner.