That One Pros Fic

[tinturtle]

Sometimes I poke around on the fanfic subs on Reddit. Yesterday, someone posted the following question:

What is that one DEFINING Fanfic of your Fandom?

As the title states, what is that one fanfic of your fandom that is either always recommended, became the benchmark for any fanfic writer, influenced the discourse/discussion among the fans, or all of the above?

I replied, citing Consequences by Tarot and AN Other as such a fic for Professionals fandom. That fic introduced the idea of the Game, which appears in many later fics, spawned a fleet of sequels by other authors, and led to controversy within the fandom. It was also an early fic, released around 1980, which gave it a greater influence.

It seems to me that there could be a lot of other fics that fit the criteria in the Reddit post, though. Consequences was influential and received a lot of attention, but I wouldn't say it is "always recommended" or "became a benchmark." So I'm asking: what fic would you choose as "that one defining fanfic" in Pros fandom?

Comments

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I can't promote a fic that I hate, such as Consequences. To me, it leaves such a bad taste in my mouth I couldn't really tell anybody to read it. It's a horrible fic that leaves me hating both characters. Sorry!

I would promote a fic that I like, that shows the caring (or love) they have for one another. Catch a Fallen Star by Rosemary ranks up there with me, if I have to pick one fic.

[tinturtle]

I am not a fan of Consequences, either. It's definitely part of the canon, though, and influenced a lot of other fics, including Catch a Fallen Star.

[tinturtle]

That's "the canon" as in "the Western canon," not as in the broadcast episodes.

[krisserci5.livejournal.com]

Catch A Fallen Star is truly one of the fab.

I do think that Harlequin Airs gets recced a lot.. . Even though it is an AU.

Trail Run by Ellis Ward and Another Turn of the Rack by Meg Lewtan rank high.

As for a benchmark . . . in a large fandom as Pros (even though it isn't what it once was) that has such a broad scope of fic I think it's difficult to pinpoint that. At one time Consequences might have started a conversation. . or . argument, but never make the must read list. To me benchmark means . . . you gotta read. . . . so along with Catch a Fallen Star and Harlequin Airs I would add Injured Innocents by O'Yardley, Tea for Two by Alexandra and Suitable Gravity by DVS.

But everyone's mileage will vary

[tinturtle]

I would call Suitable Gravity a benchmark for AU world building. I have been wondering if I should reread it to get pointers for my BB fic, which is also an AU.

[krisserci5.livejournal.com]

The simplistic approach she used to create the world was perfect.

and oooh AU. . . .I can't wait!

[merentha13.livejournal.com]

Not sure it would qualify as "that one defining fanfic" in Pros fandom", but my first ever read fic is still my favorite — Calibre by JGL. It checks all the boxes I look for in Pro's stories: a bit of tension between the lads, hurt/comfort, plot driven story, my take on the lads and great writing.

I'll also cast a vote for Catch a Fallen Star :-)

[f-m-parkinson.livejournal.com]

I wonder whether people are influenced by what stories were around (and that they read) when they first became aware of Professionals fandom.

I agree with all the comments about Consequences, and while it kick-started story-writing in the fandom, I wouldn't recommend it. And AU stories, which abound in Professionals fandom, cover a huge range within that genre.

Perhaps for me, defining stories would be Masquerade, and, Of Tethered Goats and Tigers, by Tarot/Chris Quinton, and Cause For Concern, by Stuartsky (or whichever pen-name it's currently under). I read them back in the very early 1980s and they still work for me.