The Angel of Mercy Affair by Lee the T (R)

[elmey.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/Illya Kuryakin
Length: ~6000 words
Author on LJ: leethet
Author Website: Gen stories at File 40, Slash stories at File Forty and other Slash stories at C&GM

Why this must be read:

This van seems to have a bit of the timey wimey in it because today we suddenly find ourselves in December. And leethet makes you feel the cold and the damp and the hopelessness of being on the run in a snow storm, right along with the bruised and battered and desperate Napoleon. But this is also a Christmas story of sorts, and succor comes in unexpected guises at a down at the heels soup kitchen at the edge of town-- from a surprising Santa and then from Napoleon's personal blond and blue eyed Angel of Mercy.

What I like about this fic is not just the clear, strong writing, the visceral sense of place; but the way Napoleon and Illya understand each other, the understated emotions that finally demand expression--the way their relationship deepens without sentimentality. And I , uh, like the baby blue pyjamas too :)

Illya maneuvered around a corner with minimal sliding. “How badly are you injured.” It was not a question, but a demand for itemization of a bill that would assuredly be paid.

“General cuts and bruises, mostly,” Napoleon said. “Dehydrated and hungry enough that I actually ate the soup you no doubt smelled coming in –”

“Bozhe moi.”

“—and incipient frost bite.”

Illya said nothing. Napoleon breathed in and breathed out the truest truth. “I’m very tired, Illya.”

The Angel of Mercy Affair

Comments

[saki101.livejournal.com]

Another terrific rec. I definitely felt like I'd been given a bonus Christmas present when I read it this winter. I hope many other readers will have that wonderful experience courtesy of the van!

[elmey.livejournal.com]

It was like getting an extra Christmas present last year, wasn't it? She's such an assured, strong writer.