ext_12600 ([identity profile] lyrebird.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] crack_van2004-02-26 04:53 pm

Fair Trade by Theresa Kyle (NC-17)

Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Author on LJ: not that I know of
Author Website: nil

Why this must be read:
It starts with Illya giving Napoleon a blow job.

Unfortunately, all it not as it seems. Illya cares for Napoleon, desires him very much...but insists on initiating all their sexual encounters and refuses to let Napoleon reciprocate. Needless to say, Napoleon does not take this well...but he's too blinded by lust to turn Illya away.

Is it love? Is it lust? Why is Illya so cold?? When an assignment in California goes wrong, Napoleon has to face up to these burning questions.

The highlight of this story is the dialogue. There's this sense of intimacy in their conversation that hints at their growing emotional closeness. They open up about their previous sexual experiences, their past histories...and argue about their issues with each other. And yeah, they still run and jump and shoot and do all those other espionage-type things. Napoleon is typically portrayed as suave and charming, but he spends much of his time off-kilter, angry and confused...and human. When he's almost tearing his hair out over Illya's coolness, it's hard not to sympathise. For all his toughness, he's really a sweetie.

Fair Trade

[identity profile] ardent-muses.livejournal.com 2004-03-04 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Chiming in late on this one, but I read it very recently and really enjoyed it. Napoleon's longing and confusion are delicious, and the uncertainty about how they're going to resolve their relationship kept me spellbound. Very enjoyable.