Slow Dance by Raven (PG-13, not rated by author)

[elmey.livejournal.com]

Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: none-ish
Length: 2875 words
Author on LJ: loneraven
Author Website: Raven at AO3
Why this must be read:

There's something about malfunctioning Thrush machines and time travel... in Slow Dance Illya runs into another one, and he's thrown (or does he jump?) into the time stream.

This is lovely writing, the fluid nature of time, as Illya drifts back and forth along his own timeline, echoed by the fluid prose; our awareness heightened by a constant sense that there are mysteries the words just touch on. We're on the trip with Illya, both inside and outside events; we're waiting along with Napoleon, all hope and cryptic clues; and we feel the thread that ties them together, strong and true. Slow Dance is a mood piece; an unusual and satisfying read.

Napoleon takes the envelope, wonderingly. It's large, probably the largest available standard size, and "Napoleon Solo" is written in the corner in bland, even letters, disguising someone's handwriting.

Illya says, "Why would a letter to you be hidden in Mr. Waverly's desk?"

Napoleon slits it open with a fingernail and another, smaller envelope drops out, and a piece of paper flutters to the floor. "Do not open until necessary," he reads.

Illya reaches down for the paper and holds it up for them both to see.

On July 8th, 1965, Illya Kuryakin will disappear.

Slow Dance

Because AO3 seems to be having problems today, you can also find Slow Dance here.