The Perfect Present

Sasha wondered through the base, humming to himself. He had been away for a while, and was now taking his time to get reacquainted to the base's layout. He passed by the workshops, pausing when he heard what sounded like an echo to his own tune. The echidna followed the noise, poking his head into one work-bay to see June-La happily fixing one of the base attack bikes. Sensing that she was being watched, June-La looked up, smiling when she saw Sasha.
"Sasha! What are you doing down here?"
Sasha chuckled.
"I am just looking about, Comrade," he replied.
He entered the work-bay, peering at the bike.
"You are to be doing a good job as always, June."
"Thanks, Sasha," June-La said.
The Warrant Officer put down her tools and wandered over to a cabinet, opening a draw.
"You know," she continued, "you have perfect timing, Sasha. I have something here that I was going to give you for Christmas."
Sasha watched, a wide smile spreading across his face when he saw the bottle of vodka in June-La's hands.
"Comrade June! Spasiba!"
He took the bottle and quickly opened it, not realizing the seal had already been broken. Sasha tossed back his head, downing a hefty gulp. Suddenly his eyes went wide, realizing something was wrong. The liquid burned like fire as it flowed down his throat, harsh and raw, and he coughed.
"Dis, dis is not being vodka," he gasped.
June-La chuckled.
"It's actually my rotgut," June-La replied. "Sorry, Sasha, just a little joke. This is actually your vodka."
She took the bottle from Sasha and handed him a fresh one. Sasha opened it and took a swig, sighing in relief as the familiar taste filled his senses. June-La kissed him on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Sasha."
Sasha smiled and hugged June-La before drinking again.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Comrade June."
Together the two echidnas sat down and shared a Christmas drink from their respective bottles. Sasha felt happy and content. It was good to be home...


Sasha belongs to

June-La is my fan/original character