Vodka by akane42me (G)

[elmey.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: none
Length: 2,567 words
Author on LJ: akane42me
Author Website: Memories on her LJ
Why this must be read:

Several of akane42me's stories have been recced here, but there are more, and you should read all of them. They were written as responses to challenges on mfuwss, and she has an unfailingly original take on the prompts; sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, sometimes downright scary. She's particularly good at making you see through her character's eyes and feeling what they feel.

Vodka is a beautifully nuanced look at the passing of time, and of the struggle to make sense of your life and who you are. We all remember Illya's words in Terbuf : We will allow my friend the luxury of an occasional weakness. Here Napoleon returns the favor, and it's a lovely portrait of abiding friendship. I particularly like its reticence, and the way deep feelings are conveyed by what isn't said. That seems very true to the characters to me.

The silver metal was cold. He’d taken only a few sips, but already the world had taken on a crisp, clear edge. The snow sparkled in the sun. The black tree branches cut sharp lines in the blue sky. Vodka. Crisp and clear. Maybe he should stop thinking, and just sit and enjoy the view. Another swallow or two and the world would make sense for a while. But too much vodka, he thought, and before you know it, you think you know it all, that you can speak with clever veracity, applying just the right touch of self-deprecation. Then you hear yourself unleash an abomination of hard words, sardonic stones, you’ve picked the ones with the sharpest edges, and your aim, in spite of the drink, or perhaps because of it, is deadly.

Vodka