crack_van | Alternate Endings by Patricia J. Foley (G)

Fandom: MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: None - gen
Author on LJ: not known.
Author Website: none known. Her works are found on File40, at http://file40.net/file40g.html.
Why this must be read:

Yes, I'm recc'ing a Christmas story in October! So shoot me - it's one of my favorites and a lovely illustration of how well humor can be incorporated into a fanfic story. Only a few paragraphs into this story and you'll recognize the theme, but the enjoyment lies in the zest and liveliness with which it is carried out. And the level of snark from Illya is wonderful, for those who enjoy a sarcastic Russian!

Ivashutin fixed him with a ponderous stare. “I suppose that must do for the present. You will be visited by three ghosts.”

“One was more than sufficient for my lifetime,” Kuryakin said. “But thanks anyway.”

“The first will appear tonight when the bell tolls one,” the Ghost stated.

“What bell?”

The Spirit looked around and noticed the small electric travel alarm Kuryakin had set up. “Well, when that clock strikes one.”

“It doesn’t strike--”

“When it buzzes,” the Spirit said, and tore a little at his insubstantial hair in frustration. The second when the bell— the clock — strikes two.” He forestalled Kuryakin when the Soviet agent drew breath. “And the third when the clock buzzes three.” The Spirit looked drained. “I must go now. I am doomed to wander the world in everlasting repentence.” He approached the door, whose locks instantly opened. “Farewell, Illya Nickovetch..” The chain slithered out the door after the Spirit, catching a little on the doorknob. Then it pulled free and was gone.

Kuryakin instantly pounced on the door, looking up and down the hallway.

“Huh,” he said, skeptically. “Neat trick.”

Alternate Endings