Snow Gardens by elfin (NC-17)

[periwinkle27.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: elfinessy
Author Website: http://www.sundive.co.uk/

Do you ever read a story, finish it, and then it starts to grow on you the more you think about it? Eventually you find yourself reading and rereading it until you've practically memorized it.  I had that sort of reaction to "Snow Gardens."  The first time I read the tale I enjoyed it, then I discovered myself thinking about it more and more until now it's one of my favorites.

I find it hauntingly beautiful, especially in the way Elfin's writing evokes Illya's dignity when Napoleon wants to take him to bed for the first time, just hours after Illya has survived a bad time with Thrush.   There is an equal partnership here with real caring and desire for each other.


"You owe me a bottle of vodka."

Napoleon hesitated before throwing in, "There's a well-stocked bar in my room."

Cool blue eyes assessed him for just a moment before Illya threw back his head and laughed.

Solo was stunned.  He tried to recall a time when he'd seen such open delight on his partner's usually stoic features and found that he couldn't.

"Does this ever work?" Illya asked when he was able.

"Does what ever work?" Solo responded, unsure whether or not to be offended.

"This strategy, that pick up line."  He shook his head, snow falling from his hair.  "If you want to take me to bed, Napoleon, just say so.  You don't need to seduce me."

Illya's quiet grace had always been able to succeed where his boisterous charm failed.

Napoleon swallowed and stepped forward.  "I want to take you to bed."

His partner's reply was a smile.  "Let's go back to the house."


Snow Gardens