Fear of Flying by Elmey (PG13)

[periwinkle27.livejournal.com]

Fandom:  The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Solo/Kuryakin
Length: 6,000 words
Author on LJ: elmey
Author Website: Her stories are in various locations, including Archive of Their Own
Why this must be read:
A beautifully complex and angsty story. Illya has been in the Soviet Union for a number of years. Napoleon did not take their separation well; he had retired from the field and was being posted to Los Angeles, fully expecting his partner to follow. When Illya refused, Napoleon retreated into himself, furious. But now it is 1975 and Waverly is trying to bring Illya back to U.N.C.L.E.. Napoleon has been given a second chance, but how will Illya react?

In the end it had been easy.

Illya came out of the tunnel and stood in front of him. "Napoleon," he said and everything else dropped away.

His tie was askew, the way it always was, and Napoleon reached out to straighten it, his hand shaking, needing to touch. "I could swear Illya, that's the same tie you were wearing the last time I saw you."

"They don't wear out you know, Napoleon." Illya's attempt to scowl was completely unsuccessful. His eyes were shining and he grabbed Napoleon's arms and kissed him on both cheeks, then pulled him into a bear hug. Napoleon reciprocated; he could feel Illya's heart hammering against his chest, just as Illya must have been feeling his.

The only hard thing was letting go.

With regret he delivered Illya to UNCLE first, to Mr. Waverly for a private audience. "We talked about you of course," Illya answered Napoleon's inquisitive glance with a smirk.

Fear of Flying

Comments

[magician113.livejournal.com]

I left a comment for Elmey but didn't leave one for you! I very much enjoyed this story. Thanks for recommending it.