The Dangling Conversation by Evan Nicholas (PG-13)

[elizabethhelena.livejournal.com]

For my last recommendations, I'll be featuring stories that do an excellent job of exploring the gradual nature of change, especially when it requires a change of heart.

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: evan_nicholas
Author Website: some of his stories are in his lj memories.

Why this must be read:

I fell in love with this delightful story from its opening sentence:

It occurred to Illya, hanging by his ankles, swaddled in chains above a pit of - he could barely believe it - crocodiles, that there was something wrong with his life.

Not surprisingly, Illya decides he needs to make some changes. His attempts to fix his life between missions, and figure out what it all means in an ongoing conversation with his partner emulates the TV show at its very best. The absurdity of their lives as U.N.C.L.E. agents is counterbalanced by the wry seriousness and good humour of both men. Such is Evan's talent, you can easily believe that he's simply showing you what was happening to Napoleon and Illya when the cameras weren't rolling.

The Dangling Conversation

Comments

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

That was absolutely brilliant. Thanks for the rec!

[ashley-pitt.livejournal.com]

This was great!
So much in character for both the boys.

and the wry, dry, sly humour that i love so much is there in plentitude

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

This is one of my favorites of Evan's stories, although it's hard to single out just one :D Lovely rec; it was so much fun to reread this.

[elizabethhelena.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it.

[elizabethhelena.livejournal.com]

I agree! Wry, dry and sly sums up the humour of the show and of this story perfectly.

[elizabethhelena.livejournal.com]

This is my favourite story by him, and I agree, it's hard to choose favourites. Glad you enjoyed re-visiting it.