Fandom: The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Category: gen

Rating: G

Word Count: 195

Notes: Written for the LiveJournal group MFUWSS December 2009 Challenge #23 – “traditions”

 

 

 

“It is all very nice,” Illya said, gesturing to the numerous wrapped packages, “but I’m not sure what to do with them. Gift giving is not so compulsory in Russia. Am I expected to give each of these people a gift in return?”

“Not unless you want to. Giving small, inexpensive gifts are an American tradition — it’s fun! You can always re-wrap them and give them out as gifts next year — just be sure not to give them back to the person who gave it to you!”

Illya shook his head. “As baffling as your inexplicable idioms. It is not a logical system.”

Napoleon clucked at him. “Don’t Russians have any traditions that exist for no logical reason?”

“Yes, we do.” Illya reached under his desk and brought up a bottle or vodka. A dark blue ribbon was tied around the neck.

“Excellent! Distilled Christmas cheer! I have glasses…”

Illya poured. “In Russia, it is tradition is that when you have alcohol, it must be drunk until it is gone.”

Napoleon eyed his glass warily, but raised it to toast his friend. “Ah! the gift that keeps giving… hangovers. Merry Christmas, Illya.”

“Na zdarOv’ya, Napoleon.”