A New Alliance
by NappiFan

Illya Kuryakin sat up in his hospital bed resting and feeling fully alert for the first time in two days. He had a bit of a concussion from his last assignment, but had been more affected by the latest and greatest Thrush drug used on him in an attempt to induce a deep and permanent state of psychosis. He had an IV attached to his right arm which had been flushing the drugs out of his system for 48 hours. He never ceased to be amazed at how UNCLE's medical section patched and propped up Section II agents. They were an amazing group of people....tough when they needed to be, gentle and soothing at other times, and most importantly, understanding of the complicated nature of Section II agents and their partners.

Napoleon Solo sat in a chair that was pulled up to Kuryakin's bed. His head rested on the bed and he was sleeping deeply. The blankets partially covered up his hand which was comfortably settled on Illya's left forearm. What was not covered at all was the Russian's left hand resting gently on his partner's mussed, dark hair as he slept. Dr. Elizabeth Ray smiled as she entered the room to check on her patient. She was not really surprised to see physical contact between the two men but was surprised that Kuryakin didn't make the typical lame attempt hide it. Illya held up a finger to his lips and softly motioned for quiet.

"Illya, you're looking well." Dr. Ray whispered, pulling up a chair. "How's that tough little noggin of yours?"

"It's good, Liz, thank you." Illya answered. Kuryakin seemed perfectly content to be resting in medical, a far cry from his usual posture. There was softness to him that Elizabeth had not seen before and she hoped to take advantage of the opportunity to deepen her relationship with the mercurial agent.

She nodded towards Solo. "He just about killed himself over this one, Illya. I don't think he's slept in 36 hours and he was absolutely maniacal about getting you back." She paused. "His heart is his weakness, you know." She said smiling.

"There are many worse weaknesses, Liz." Illya responded, smiling down at Napoleon. "And I'm afraid his most glaring weakness is related to me. I worry that I'm endangering him." Kuryakin hesitated and then looked to UNCLE's Chief Medical Officer with a question in his eyes. "Does it bother you?"

"You and Napoleon? Hell, no! Illya, I've never known two finer men than the two of you. You are the epitome of what we all aspire to be. UNCLE has never had a better team, and I've never seen such devotion between partners, no matter what the nature of their relationship." Dr. Ray reassured.

"How long have you known?"

"Illya, you have to remember that things are a little different down here in medical. I've seen both of you ripped up, beaten, tortured, poisoned, brainwashed, with broken bones, crushed lungs, and about anything else you can imagine. I know the two of you inside and out....probably better than you know yourselves. I can't imagine one of you without the other. When you two are in my care, I'm privy to the most vulnerable emotional state that any human being experiences. How could I not see?

"Of course." Illya replied. "The other medical staff........?"

Dr. Ray patted Illya on the leg, smiling. "Are you kidding? This is New York, Kuryakin...not to mention America the Beautiful...besides; they see what you do on behalf of the world......for humanity... and for what is moral and right. They see you putting yourselves at risk every time you go out. They see when you're wheeled in here, mostly closer to death than life. How could they feel anything else but love and respect for you?

Kuryakin laid his head back on the pillow, closed his eyes, and digested this thought. . He sighed deeply as Elizabeth spoke again.

"He's out of the field next year, Illya. What then?" she asked softly.

Illya continued to watch Napoleon sleep. "We've talked about that. There's no way I could take on another partner. He's really the only one I completely trust. Not to mention, he'd worry himself sick over it. He has the ridiculous idea that he protects me somehow." Illya grinned.

Dr. Ray laughed. "I can't imagine where he got that idea!"

"He'll be taking over for Mr. Waverly in 2 years. You know Liz, he's really ready. I'm so proud of him...no one will do the job like he will. God knows, I'd never last a week. Too impatient, too demanding, too....."

"Stubborn!" Liz laughed again.

"That too." Illya acknowledged returning the smile.

"So what does that mean for you, Illya?" Dr. Ray posed.

"When Napoleon comes out of the field, so will I." Kuryakin answered. "I'll work in science and research until Napoleon takes over for Waverly."

"Then what?"

"I've been promised a new post for which I've lobbied extensively." He paused chuckling. "Chief of Security for UNCLE's North American Continental Chief."

"Oh Illya, that's priceless.....not to mention perfect." Liz said enthusiastically. "Seriously though, his life will be in just as much danger, perhaps more, when he takes over for Waverly. He'll be a huge target."

"Yes, and I could use some help convincing him of that. But there's no one better suited than me to protect him, Liz. He trusts me. He'll listen to me." Illya paused. "He damn well better!"

Dr. Elizabeth Ray looked over at UNCLE's sleeping CEA. "You want me to wake him and get him cleaned up? He's got a few nasty cuts and bruises there that need some attention."

Kuryakin shook his head. "No, Liz, that can't wait. Let him rest. He's exhausted."

"He's lucky to have you Illya." Dr. Ray again spoke softly. "And Illya, when he does take over for Waverly, I'll look out for him too."

"How about we do it together, Liz?" Illya said sincerely.

"Even better."

The End