crack_van | Redefining Friendship by Selyndae (K+)

Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: None
Length: about 4600 words
Author on LJ:

selyndaep
Author Website: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1262920/Selyndae
Why this must be read:

This one isn't a "here is how they met" story. Here they have been paired as field partners for some years. They are U.N.C.L.E.'s top field team and they are already friends. But a mission that presents of ton of obstacles makes them realize it is their very friendship which keeps them at the top of their game, that pushes each of them to be "there and more" for the other.

A hurt/comfort story, this one has a definite impact and yet doesn't run into maudlin territory. And both the guys come off as extremely competent in their jobs, neither one's abilities sacrificed in favor of the other's, something that often happens in fanfic. That equality as partners was something I really appreciated in this tale.

Hearing the almost silent creak on the floorboards alerted Kuryakin to the other enemy agent somewhere in the back room on the other side of the stairs. Uncertain as to the exact location Illya debated which way to sneak around and neutralize the threat.

His hesitation allowed the enemy to get the drop on him.

Looking up just in time to see the triumphant sneer on the Thrush's face, Kuryakin desperately threw himself to one side just as the gun fired. He felt the hot lead slice across his thigh. As he fell he rolled frantically in the other direction.

Another shot was fired!

Vaguely surprised to find himself still alive he looked back up into the enemy's eyes just in time to see him collapse. Behind the falling body, supporting himself heavily against the wall was Napoleon, gun in hand.

"Nice shot, partner," commented Illya sincerely.

Napoleon made a show of blowing across the barrel, "Anytime." He paled suddenly and started to sag.

Redefining Friendship