Title: The Mirror, Mirror Affair
Author: Nix
Fandom: Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya (Napoleon/OFC)
Categories: drama, hurt/comfort, angst
Length: Epic
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: crimsonquills
Website: CrimsonQuills.com

Review:
Napoleon is known, both in the fandom and the show, for being a ladies man - attractive, charming, debonair, with a different lady on his arm practically per episode. His sex appeal isn't just part of his character, it's a critical component of how he does his work as a spy. Nix puts together a fascinating story where when during an assignment, Napoleon is horribly and visibly scarred.

This is one of my absolute favorite versions of Napoleon. Despite his charm being such an integral part of his character, this is a very strong Napoleon who is so much more. He doesn't lapse into self-pity or hair-tearing angst nor does he allow it to affect his work on the job, but at the same time, it does make an impact on him and he does have to cope with with that personal loss and the changes it brings.

While it does feature a solid Napoleon/Illya relationship - as best friends and partners for the story's majority, and a lovely get-together, The Mirror, Mirror Affair is mostly Napoleon's story. It's about his journey in the aftermath of the scarring, and Nix does a great job of handling the topic with understated sensitivity rather than lurid sensationalism.

The Mirror, Mirror Affair