Early the next morning, Illya stared at his wardrobe,
wondering what to wear.  He had a couple of black
suits.  Those seemed a little somber for a day
of--lunch? Could Solo possibly be planning on having
lunch all day?  Whatever the man planned, Illya was
certain a black suit would be inappropriate.  A black
turtleneck, black trousers and charcoal sportcoat were
much more cheery.

With a smile, he gathered the appropriate articles and
laid them out on his bed.  He took a quick shower and
shaved, then returned and donned the clothing.  He'd
just finished tying his shoes when a knock sounded on
his apartment door.  He glanced at the clock.  The man
was not only prompt, but a little early!  It spoke
well for Solo.  Illya liked a punctual person.  He
went to open the door, slight grin on his face.  The
grin disappeared, replaced by his normal scowl when,
instead of Solo, he saw the man who'd passed him the
note the day before.

"You are up and ready early this morning, Comrade
Kuryakin.  Where are you going in such a hurry?"  the
bear of a man said as he rudely shoved his way into
the apartment.  Illya put up no resistance, but
stepped aside.  No point in trying to deny him
entrance.  It would only cause him trouble.  Trouble
he did not need today.  Any other day, either, for
that matter.

With an inner sigh, he closed the door after the man.
"And you are?"
The man turned and smiled, a mere slitting of the
mouth which did nothing to brighten the rigid features
of his face.  "Thirsty.  I will take some tea."  He
removed his overcoat and gloves, draping them over
Illya's shoulder.

//You are NOT staying.//  KGB watchdog or not--and
Illya knew with certainty that the man WAS--he was not
going to stand and take abuse from the man.  He was
supposed to be on detached duty.  Agents from neither
the GRU, which was the organization he belonged to,
nor the KGB were supposed to have any contact with
him.  It was part of the agreement the Soviet Union
had with the U.N.C.L.E.  "I am expecting Solo any
minute, Comrade.  It might not be a good idea for you
to stay. After all, you are breaking the agreement
with the Command by being here."  Not terribly subtle,
but he didn't have much time. He didn't need Solo
thinking he was spying on U.N.C.L.E. for the KGB.
The man's smile tightened into a thin line.  "Are you
threatening me, Illya Nicovetch?"
Illya didn't even bother with a smile.  "Merely a
reminder."

"Our agreement is to not ask you to spy on U.N.C.L.E.
for us.  We never said we wouldn't keep an eye on our
countryman."  He snatched his coat and gloves off
Illya's shoulder and put them on with angry
efficiency. He stepped so close, the man's two black
eyes coalesced into one.  "I'll be watching you,"  he
snarled.  He stalked to the door, flung it open and
left the apartment.

Illya closed the door and leaned his forehead against
it.  What had started out promising to be a good day
was now ruined.

---

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