Gifts of the Season by Veronica (NC-17)

[vysila.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya
Length: 7,400 words, one-shot
Author on LJ: veronicaluv
Author Website: ooooh, shiny
Why this must be read:

Simply put, Veronica is one of my favorite authors in this fandom, because she offers sterling characterization, whimsical humor, non-shmoopy romance and intelligent plotting. It's a real shame that we only get one story a year from her these days, but oh am I ever grateful we do get that one story!

This particular story starts off with that whimsical humor as Illya and Napoleon must deal with a surreal office Christmas celebration. From the absurdities of dueling conga lines and Mr. Waverly in elf costume, Veronica segues our heroes into the unofficial dilemma du jour – a young family with an impending birth and no room at the inn. Never fear, however, we are in good hands and the plot never descends into trite cliché.

As always in a Veronica story, Illya and Napoleon are compassionate, resourceful men with a strong sense of justice and morality; their complex, committed relationship – to each other and to the ideals they serve – is the foundation upon which this story rests.


"I only kissed one girl," Napoleon eventually murmured against Illya's mouth. "It was Mrs. Sweeny from the accounting department."

"Still trying to get her to approve your travel expenses?"

"Are you accusing me of an ulterior motive?"

"Mrs. Sweeny is one year away from retirement and has thirteen grandchildren."

"Fourteen, and my expenses have been cleared."

"It must have been some kiss. You certainly have unique powers of persuasion."

"What I have," Napoleon said on a sigh, "is a problem."

"Yes, I've seen your tie. It is uglier than mine, so I won't trade you."

You can find this thoroughly delightful story here:
Gifts of the Season

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Comments

[magician113.livejournal.com]

Veronica is a favorite author of mine in The Sentinel fandom as well. I find her stories are always so lush. This was really sweet. Thanks for the rec.

[vysila.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so glad you decided to read the story. I've read V's fic in other fandoms too, and she's consistently good regardless of fandom. Her stories are comfort fic for me, to be read and re-read.

[elijahwildchild.livejournal.com]

Nice rec. I'm with you all the way on the comfort-fic thingy. I'd forgotten about this one and thanks to you I've rediscovered it *beams*. Thank you.

[vysila.livejournal.com]

It is a comfort read, and I certainly come away from reading it with a smile on a my face. Sure wish we could persuade Veronica to dabble a bit more in this fandom.