ext_12600 (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
lyrebird.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crack_van2004-02-09 12:36 pm
lyrebird.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2004-02-09 12:36 pm
Entry tags:
The Key by Ariadne (R)
Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: no, dammit. LJ now! LJ now!
Author Website: no more, but her fic can be found here: http://lyrebird.aithine.org/stories.htm
Why this must be read:
Napoleon and Illya are in pursuit of Roger Schuyler, an ex-UNCLE agent who is now working for Thrush. Schuyler is malicious and nasty and likes playing with knives...and, to top it off, he's Napoleon's former superior and lover.
Napoleon must deal with his unresolved feelings of anger, shame and betrayal. Illya has to grapple with his own jealousy and growing suspicion about Napoleon's judgment. The espionage elements further the slashy angst, and the frustrated interpersonal dynamic is reflected in their unravelling working relationship.
I tend to find 'other man' scenarios annoying. But this story works for me because the focus is squarely on the simmering NS/IK tension. The atmosphere is gritty and off-kilter, much like Season 4. And yes, I get a kick out of seeing a Napoleon who's skirting the edge of personal and professional disaster.
This story is a near-perfect fusion of action espionage and tense relationship.
The Key
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: no, dammit. LJ now! LJ now!
Author Website: no more, but her fic can be found here: http://lyrebird.aithine.org/stories.htm
Why this must be read:
Napoleon and Illya are in pursuit of Roger Schuyler, an ex-UNCLE agent who is now working for Thrush. Schuyler is malicious and nasty and likes playing with knives...and, to top it off, he's Napoleon's former superior and lover.
Napoleon must deal with his unresolved feelings of anger, shame and betrayal. Illya has to grapple with his own jealousy and growing suspicion about Napoleon's judgment. The espionage elements further the slashy angst, and the frustrated interpersonal dynamic is reflected in their unravelling working relationship.
I tend to find 'other man' scenarios annoying. But this story works for me because the focus is squarely on the simmering NS/IK tension. The atmosphere is gritty and off-kilter, much like Season 4. And yes, I get a kick out of seeing a Napoleon who's skirting the edge of personal and professional disaster.
This story is a near-perfect fusion of action espionage and tense relationship.
The Key