ext_14829 ([identity profile] lazy-neutrino.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] crack_van2005-09-25 01:08 pm

Refuge by Nataliya

FANDOM: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] cousinnat
Author Website: not known

Why this must be read:

The devil is in the detail, they say, and the details in Nataliya's stories are precise and perfect. It's impossible to read her descriptions without being there yourself. Add to that impeccable characterisation, especially where Illya is concerned, and you have a winner.

In 'Refuge', Illya waits in a snowbound mountain lodge for Napoleon to turn up. Waiting with him is a Frenchman, whose partner is making his way with Napoleon through the blizzard, and two Swiss agents, from whose point of view the story is told.

There is almost no dialogue in this short one-shot, and none of what we hear is between Napoleon and Illya. Nataliya doesn't need it. What we get instead is a beautiful look at the interaction between them, and the trust Napoleon has in Illya, and we learn with the Swiss agents just what it is that makes this relationship so special.

The story is listed on File40's slash page, but it could just as well be gen. It works on every level.

The American didn't move for awhile, gathering his strength, trying to quell his shivers. At last he pulled off his ice-encrusted gloves, then with numb fingers he attempted to unzip and unfasten and untie. He eventually managed to shrug off his coat, letting it lay stiffly on the floor where it fell, then tackled his bootlaces. They were frozen and stubbornly refused to give. He crossed one leg over the other and worked at them with frozen fingers.

One of the Swiss murmured to his partner, "Should we help him?"

"Non," the other whispered, glaring at the Russian. "He could order his partner to help him."


Refuge

[identity profile] gilda-elise.livejournal.com 2005-09-25 02:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I love stories where you see the partners from another's perspective. And even if they got it wrong at first, hopefully, they understood in the end. Lovely story.

[identity profile] vysila.livejournal.com 2005-09-25 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't this just a perfect little story? Nat shows us the intelligence, devotion, absolute confidence and trust that powers their partnership. All without either one saying a word.

Excellent rec.

[identity profile] susan-peri.livejournal.com 2005-09-25 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I love this story. I had it on my list of stories to recommend if I ever drove the van again.

I agree with you that it could be classed as Gen. I would like to see it moved on File 40 so that more people would discover it.

Glad you recommended it!

[identity profile] elfinessy.livejournal.com 2005-09-25 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
This is one of the best MFU stories I've read - I remembered it when I read your summary. It is just perfect.

A thousand times yes!

[identity profile] leethet.livejournal.com 2005-09-26 09:13 am (UTC)(link)
This is the god story for me (as Nat well knows). Everything is unsaid -- vibrantly present, but never explicated.

[identity profile] cousinnat.livejournal.com 2005-09-26 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Geez, guys, THANKS! This story has been a fantasy of mine for years and when I discovered fanfic, I just wrote it down.

I don't know you, Laze, but am glad to make your acquaintance. Thanks so much for reccing and for driving the van this month.

Hey, did I use the word "frozen" enough?

Nat