crack_van | Aching Like Birds by DrWorm (PG-13)

Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Illya/Napoleon
Length: ~11,000 words
Author on LJ:

drworm
Author Website: Archive of author's fanfiction on LJ

Why this must be read:

This story is a wonderful blend of genres, mixing suspense and action with unique character insight. The writing style is taut and evocative, and the poem-conversation that provides a framework for the story is lyrical and poignant on its own. The narrative explores a mishap and its aftermath during a mission, and while it centers in a way around Napoleon and the way he relates to and differs from Illya, it's not all there is to the story; the Bombay setting is well-drawn and the original characters (like the French doctor who can feel no pain) fascinating and important in their own right.

Excerpt:

When the girl held out her hand to beckon him, he forced the money into her palm. As she looked down in surprise, he took a great, skipping step backward. She looked up again, confused, and he tossed off a jaunty wave and a wink. He felt a little sick inside, as if he’d just stepped off a roller coaster. The feeling didn’t lessen as he turned away from her.

Napoleon had learned a long time ago that it was impossible to save everyone. He knew that there were more people who needed saving than there was time or energy to save them.

Aching Like Birds