The Reading Room -- Fic: Monopoly by Kitty Fisher

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/5/monopoly.html
or
http://hatstand.slashcity.net/kitty/mono.html

Monopoly by Kitty Fisher hits all of my buttons. It's what I consider gritty BDSM but gritty really makes me happy in this case. I will read almost any BDSM story that is fully consensual and I can take a lot of rough sex between two men. This story gives us two hard men fucking to within an inch of their lives. I fully realise that this isn't a story for everybody. It's definitely an acquired taste. *g*

I think the first few paragraphs nicely set up the scene. It's not love, we're led to believe from the lead in paragraphs. It's dirty sex between two men.

Doyle is waiting:

Doyle straightened, listening to almost silence as the TV clicked off. Without the brash noise the alley seemed to close in. Shadowy, like the molasses his nan had used to make ginger cake; thickly cloying, shiny, sweeter for his own anticipation of the final result. He licked his lips, and plucked at the untucked hem of his T-shirt, wafting air. He was lightly dressed. No gun. No jacket. Nothing to get in the way... of whatever was coming. Whatever Bodie brought. Wanted. Gave...

This paragraph is just about perfect to me. I really like the description of what Doyle thinks of Bodie's confidence anywhere :

A shadow-shift at the edge of his perception, and a figure approached from his left. Unexpected when the road was a dog-leg of alley to his right. Left was... what? Nothing. Something. Somewhere Bodie knew. But then Bodie was at home in the strangest of places. In back alleys. In the secret hours between midnight and dawn.

And this description of Bodie makes me all tingly:

Black polo neck under a black biker's jacket, scratched and dulled with age, black jeans, boots. Unsmiling, his face hollowed and sharpened in the muted streetlight. Doyle knew -- just from the tension in the wide shoulders -- that Bodie was hard. Needy. He felt his sphincter tighten, felt his balls crawl upwards as his cock surged. Hungry Bodie. A dark night and a secluded alleyway. And games as expiation, as benediction. The slow twist of time stopped, here.

The game starts and we're treated to lines like this:

Not fighting. Lost on the cusp of the illusion of helplessness, the reality of submission, Doyle shivered. Hot night air on his skin. Nipples hard, sensitised beyond belief. When Bodie smiled Doyle arched into him, whimpering helplessly, saliva wet on his wide-stretched lips, cooling on his chin.

And just so further emphasise that this is consensual, we're told:

Jesus, he wanted this so much. Wanted Bodie. To fuck him. Hard. Though the tongue was making thought impossible. Making everything impossible, except simple need. Enough to make him sob. Breathlessly, wordlessly begging, the tension rippling in his arms as he held on, stretched and bent, held just as Bodie wanted him.

There is pain and pleasure, and hard fucking and more pain, until Doyle gets what he wants. Until we find out why they picked this night, this alley, this time together to celebrate:

Looking up he (Doyle) caught a smile that showed a flash of white teeth. "I'm alive. I didn't die."

"Just as well." Doyle slid his face between the jacket and Bodie's neck. Snuffled skin. Sweat and animal and scent. Life in the pulse of blood. "Don't scare me, cretin. It's not good for me."

And then the lads toddle off together to head to home and another sort of game and maybe Doyle will now get his turn.

So... Rough story, pain mixed with pleasure, some straight-out painful moments, and by the end, trust and love. I've read almost every story in my three fandoms classified as BDSM and I consider this one the best short story in the genre. I like the timing of the sentences and the way the author constructed them. I like the "textures" we're given of the entire experience: the alley and the clothes and the sex, their reactions and feelings. And for me the complete trust we know exists between Bodie and Doyle is clearly conveyed.

Everything in this story is so easily pictured here for me, so them for me that every time I read it, I'm left with a good feeling that they'll always be there for each other and always cover each other's backs -- in more ways than one.

Comments

[hambelandjemima.livejournal.com]

If this wasn't the first BDSM story that I read, then it was the first that made me think, 'so that's what it's all about!'

I liked the language that was used. I don't really like women being called slappers, but it did set the mood for me. The short, needy sentences helped to convey the way Ray's mind is working, as if that's all he can concentrate on at this time.

Even though it would seem that Bodie is the one in control, it's made perfectly clear that Ray wants and needs it as much as his partner. At no time is he scared of Bodie, and after they've fucked Bodie ensures that Ray is okay before they go on their way. If that's not love, I don't know what is!

Yeah, I liked this one. Thanks for the re-read :)

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thank you for taking the time to read the story and comment. Of course, there are things that I might not care for as well, but overall this story works for me in a big way.

[heliophile-oxon.livejournal.com]

For me this is a story where I have to exercise some separation of content and execution in order to try and appreciate it, as while I think it's skilfully done I don't like reading actual pain (as opposed to discomfort or just restraint) deliberately planned and inflicted, even when wholly consensual (though I am all over a bit of rough, up to and including a little pain, when the context supports getting carried away; otherwise I'm more into e.g. Courtney Grey's Object of Desire or Josey's No Place Like Home). (Actual pain also has the effect of making me see paraphernalia as gadgety and narratively clunky, tending to break me out of a story rather than reading smoothly.) So yes, it's in the context of a narrow escape, but ... and the characterisation is internally consistent, but .... and the descriptive writing is beautifully done, with vivid smells and tastes and sights and sensations all complete, but ... I suppose I admire the skill with which the china has been shaped and exquisitely decorated and the leaves have been harvested, dried, brewed and served but it's not really my cup of tea. I'll watch with interest to see what others think!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I totally understand how it's not your cup of tea. There are things in every story that I don't find sexy or interesting. I'm not much for spanking but I know people love it. I can read it, but it doesn't add to the story for me.


Thank you for reading the story. To me, that's a big thing that you even tried it.

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

Not my cup of tea either.
I need some kind of romance and trust in a story and not punishment, dominance, anger, exasperation or enragement, brutality and pain. That would be the end of any trust (for me).
And I don’t need any SM equipment in a story(except maybe soft handcuffs… :-))!

But nonetheless I like the writing style! I think the created atmospere is very well done.

2:2 up until now... ;-)

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thank you for giving it a try!

For me, there is total trust in this story, even more than a "normal" couple might exercise. Doyle literally puts his life, his very sanity into Bodie's hands, and Bodie does as Doyle has obviously asked. The idea that the nipple clamps were already in Bodie's pocket during the debrief earlier in the day tells me that this was planned long before execution.

I also didn't see any anger, exasperation or enragement, or even brutality, but I understand that you did. I sincerely appreciate your comments.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

But this is all about romance and trust! See my comment way below... *g*

[constant-muse.livejournal.com]

I'm very much with heliophile on the pain aspect. Which means I should also like those two recs, thank you ma'am. Rough is fine, discomfort and restraint (consensually) is fine, but I didn't enjoy the 'gadgets' and the real pain (Doyles' poor nipples).

But apart from that, this was great. Well-crafted PWP, hot as anything. Dark Bodie in an alley is definitely good. And I loved the game aspect. I'd love a sequel to see what happened when they got to Mayfair -would the liaison have to be something posh and sophisticated in contrast with rentboy-in-alleyway?

Like hambelandjemima, I didn't see this as just fulfilling a need for sexual satisfaction. Love, or at least a very affectionate bond, was there beneath. Bodie wanted this as much as Doyle, occasionally he would let slip a remark or gesture that was reassuring or considerate. And his behaviour at the end was loving too.

One thing this conveyed to me was the sense that the lads' lives are so extreme that they have come to need quite extreme situations to feel arousal and fulfilment. But there is a hint that this isn't essential, it's a game they play for kicks, at least, for more intense kicks than usual.

Doyle's thought that he would fuck Bodie soon was ambiguous to me. Did that mean in the next round of the game, at Mayfair? Or when they went home that night, after a bath, when their relationship and sex would be 'normal' again.

Eep, short of time, I look forward to returning to the discussion later.

[hambelandjemima.livejournal.com]

Mayfair was a reference to one of the places on the Monopoly board - the game they were going to play when they got home.

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading and dropping in to comment.

Doyle's thought that he would fuck Bodie soon was ambiguous to me. Did that mean in the next round of the game, at Mayfair? Or when they went home that night, after a bath, when their relationship and sex would be 'normal' again.

I get the feeling that this game is something that doesn't happen often, and that after that bath, sex would be regular old shagging. Of course, I'm just guessing, which is the fun thing about the end. What else did they do?

[ronitr.livejournal.com]

Well, I thought it was an interesting rec.

The fic is very well written, and manages (for me) to create the right "ambiance". It's also quite hot. But I also found it a little disturbing.

While BDSM is not my kink, I can certainly enjoy a well written story (as long as its not over the top pain, or humiliation). I read most of "the Administration" series (original slash, not Pros-related) , and thought it was fantastic. But in that series, the characters were portrayed in a way that made clear the reason they needed BDSM, as an outlet and also as a means to communicate.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I haven't noticed in canon B & D anything that would make me think either one of them is attracted to, or needs, BDSM. And out on the street, no less… IMVHO, I thought this story lacked an exploration of B & D's attraction to BDSM, its' origins, or any explanation as to why they would choose this unusual method as a means to "wind down" after a difficult op.

I'm seriously not complaining – I'm glad I read it. I'm just not sure, despite the very good writing, whether it's anything more than a kinky hot PWP....

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I agree there isn't anything in Pros (or in S&H or TS, my other fandoms) that give us the slightest inclination that the lads are "into" BDSM. It's no different than any other story where the writer makes stuff up. *g*

I don't feel Bodie and Doyle are doing this because it's the only way they can have sex or be with each other or communicate. I feel it's a once in a while release after an especially harrowing experience.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I'm just not sure, despite the very good writing, whether it's anything more than a kinky hot PWP....
Oh, I find it much more than that - and I find lots of reasons given in the story for the way they use sex to deal with their emotions too. I've mentioned it down below in my comment, actually, if you're interested (I won't repeat it here, cos - well, I said it there!)... *g*

And I think there are enough gaps in the canon eps for us to be able to fit in all sorts of things. I mean, Doyle's artistry is only mentioned a couple of times, but look what fandom makes of it! And Bodie's merc days, of course - he always ends up in fic as a real jungle fighter, but from what's said in the eps he could well have been a be-suited money-man, like Marty Martell... I kind of like the idea that the reason Doyle didn't match well with Ann was that she really couldn't match up with what he needed from a partner in order to cope with the job, for example!

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your introduction and for the choice of story. I think it’s an interesting one (partly) because my feelings towards it are mixed and I really can’t make up my mind about it. On the one hand I love parts of it, some of which you’ve already pointed out: perfect ‘unsmiling’ Bodie in black, enigmatic, hard, brooding, needy Bodie – one of a kind Bodie - and a Doyle in perfect harmony with him. And I love the atmosphere the writer manages to conjure up so well – the city at night, the grittiness, the seediness of the alleyway, the 'tick tock' of the clock in tandem with the click of their heels, the forbidden nature of what they’re about to do, the very erotic atmosphere which pervades the whole story (I’m never sure how to define the term ‘erotic’ or exactly what the distinction is between ‘erotic’ and ‘sexy’, but I know what *I* mean by it, when to use it - the correct context for me – and when to apply it and in this comment I think I’d use eroticism to mean sex and chemistry is everywhere, in the very air they breathe, much like gas in the air before someone strikes a match - I feel at any moment they’re both about to explode with sexual desire). And the scene reminds me of other scenes from stories when they *have* to have rough sex in order to come down from a particularly hard job, sex which only they can understand and provide for each other and not the sort of sex they’d get from a female. E.g. Back Alley by L.A. Scotian and there’s also a scene in a Sebastian story (can’t remember the title) which takes place in a railway carriage just after Ojuka (might be Wonderful Tonight). Anyway, I love all those aspects of the story but what I can’t understand (I’m not opposed to it, I just can’t understand it) is the sexual high (or the attraction) derived from what Bodie does to Doyle with the ball – at least I think it’s a ball - (and I agree with helio’s comment that Actual pain also has the effect of making me see paraphernalia as gadgety and narratively clunky, tending to break me out of a story rather than reading smoothly). I can just about – at a pinch – understand people who get off on a master/slave type situation with whipping etc. and the humiliation which goes with that, but I cannot understand what sexual enjoyment has to do with sticking a ball into someone's mouth, a ball which is so big that their jaw cracks and they must look and feel ridiculous and lose all sense of dignity. It just seems funny to me, like sticking a silly hat on someone, why would anyone want to do that or get a sexual kick from it? Or is it purely a physical thing like asphyxiation prolonging orgasm? And this brings me back to eroticism. Up until the ball section I thought the story was very erotic but from then on I felt the spell was broken and the eroticism seemed to descend into something which I found very hard to understand the attraction of, something which puzzled me and which I found hard to take seriously (and it's not a criticism, it's *my* problem!). But having said all that, I did enjoy the other bits of the story which I’ve already mentioned and I thought it was an excellent choice. Thanks!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your well-thought out comments. I certainly understand how aspects of the story didn't work for you. I'm not a big ball gag person myself, although I'm definitely into bondage up to and including gagging and sensory deprivation. I just prefer other types of items to be used. Like I said, I don't get into spanking or asphyxiation or blood play, but I know plenty of people who do.

When I read a BDSM story, I generally figure there are a few things in it I won't like or don't find a turn on, so I tend to read through those. Much like a case story where I might find one of the guys shagging a woman or something I consider OCC.

And the scene reminds me of other scenes from stories when they *have* to have rough sex in order to come down from a particularly hard job, sex which only they can understand and provide for each other and not the sort of sex they’d get from a female.

This sums up an aspect of what I like in a BDSM story also.

[greengerbil.livejournal.com]

I'm not a huge fan of BDSM... unless it's a Kitty Fisher. I don't know how she does it, but when I'm reading a Kitty Fisher I enjoy the BDSM elements! This is, for me, almost the perfect PWP - it is intensely atmospheric (the reader is right there in that alley with Doyle, from the very first sentence) - and hot as hell, but it also reveals the lads' relationship in almost every line.

It is clear that this is not just about kinky sex - they both need it that way, and both also find almost as much fulfilment in giving the other what he needs as in fulfilling his own. There is love and caring in Bodie's careful freeing of Doyle afterwards, and there is love implicit in Doyle burying his head in Bodie's neck, breathing in his partner's scent to convince himself that Bodie was still alive.

Oh yeah... and did I mention that it was hot? *g*

Definitely one of my favourites - thanks for the rec!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Funny how a good writer can drag you into a story you might not normally like when executed by someone else.

You're so right. It's not just about kinky sex. It's about what each needs from the other at that particular moment.

Thank you for coming in and commenting. I appreciate that. I was afraid I'd be all alone in here.

[angel-ci5.livejournal.com]

I adore this one, it was one of the earliest fics I read and it's a firm favourite. I've never thought about its labels before (PWP, BDSM etc), for me it's a relationship piece, and despite being just a snapshot of their lives KF cleverly conveys a lot about them.

It's absolutely beautifully written; the first part right up to Bodie's arrival is just gorgeous, almost poetic with the rhythm of time ticking, the atmosphere, and the tension building...
And of course it's incredibly erotic! This is how they exorcise the demons of the job, and it's an affirmation that they're alive and together... they both want and need it, need each other.

And like you, it leaves me with a good feeling. I find it a very reassuring read, I'm totally assured of their togetherness, equality and passion, and they're so in tune with one another, it's emotionally satisfying.
And I agree it's very "them", I can totally see them in this.
A great rec, thank you!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool. I'm so happy you like the story as much as I do. Like I said, in three fandoms, this story does it for me as my top favourite. There are a few other favourites, one in TS and one in S&H. It's hard finding what hits all of my buttons and stories in this genre that I'd read again and again are few and far between. This one definitely works for me.

Thanks for dropping in!

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I suppose with human nature we'll never understand exactly why some people find certain things sexy or a turn on or desirable.

Yeah, I agree. It's just that no-one else seems puzzled so I think it must be me who's missing out on something obvious! Maybe I should go and stick a ball in my mouth and see what happens....

I don't want to be flogged but I do find reading about one man doing it to another a turn on. Go figure!

God knows why but I think I can understand that a bit more. Maybe I'm thinking of that picture of Bodie on stage, on his knees, looking as if he's about to be flogged or the scene from In The Public Interest...

And what was with the programme on BBC-A last night about people actually wanting to fuck their cars?

I'm in the UK and I didn't see that though a while back we did have an American programme on people (ok, men) who have a carnal interest in their animals (one of which included a horse). Very interesting, that was......And something else which tickled me from that programme: they gave out a figure that so many states in the union had bestiality an an offence, which made me think that in the rest it must be legal?

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

"It's just that no-one else seems puzzled..."
I'm not sure I know what you mean... If you mean puzzled by SM in this story, then you are not right! :-)
I stopped following the discussion because I stopped reading a story I don't like... so maybe you mean something else...?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Late, late, late to the party, and I adore this story! It was one of the first Pros stories I read, since Kitty Fisher was my original introduction to Pros fandom and slash (!) and it doesn't seem to matter how many times I read it, it's wonderful...

I love the way it starts - the author slows down time so that we're right with Doyle for every breath, really bringing us into the story, the place, the atmosphere. I can feel not just the crumbling brickwork, but London itself, with all it's history and its future (the holidaymakers leaving on the jet) and then perfectly what is now for Doyle - him and Bodie, there in the alley. I'm sure I actually find myself breathing more slowly as I read, more deeply in time with the rhythm of the words - right there with Doyle. And we stay with him all the way too, because everything's so perfectly described - not just what's happening, but the way it looks, and sounds and feels - and his anticipation and thoughts. It's all a mish-mash of experience, just as things really are, so it pulls you even further into the story.

And of course the sex between them... *vbg* I think Fisher's done a brilliant job of showing what BDSM is - it's not pain and humiliation at all, it's what's behind that that's important. Doyle feels pain from the gag and the nipple clamps, but he wants to feel the pain because it means something to him - it means that he's giving himself to Bodie totally. When they risk their lives for each other, they're not really doing it for each other, they're doing it for Cowley, for CI5, for "the greater good". Bodie risked his life and was nearly killed today - now Doyle's giving him something in return, he's giving his submission, his own promise that Bodie isn't alone in anything, no matter what Bodie wants. It's not conscious, it's something that's coming out in the very basic instinct for sex, but its no less meaningful for all that...

And Bodie - Bodie's reaffirming his own life, that he's not at the mercy of bullets and death (though of course he is), that he has power, he has control, and that power means something because it's shared with someone who knows exactly how he feels about what happens to him every day, exactly what he needs and can give it to him.

I love that everything they are in the job comes out here too - their strength, the way they work together so well, the way their wants and needs fit perfectly. That they're creative and imaginative and can surprise each other - that Doyle is so affected by the idea that Bodie has planned around him, has risked bringing the gag and nipple clamps to work in his pocket, that Bodie doesn't hesitate for a second in knowing that Doyle will accept his need for control, and his inventive ways of making it enjoyable for Doyle too...

Oh, and at the end we see even more how it's not just sex to them at all, it's not just lust and getting off in an alley - they're soft with each other, they're able to deal in just a few words with their real fears because they've tamed them through sex. Bodie knows that what he did nearly got him killed, and he knows how that affected Doyle as well - he knows that he took it out through the sex, but Doyle tells him that's okay as well. And we know that they're equal, that Doyle will get his turn at fucking Bodie, and that they've still got their edge of competition as they wander off talking about Monopoly (which of course takes us back to the history of London, again... *g*). They know that tomorrow things might be different, because that's the job they've chosen for themselves - tomorrow Bodie might be dead, or Doyle and there'll be no more sex-to-make-it-better in the alleyways... Doyle takes his happiness "on the fly" - they're living their lives, and it's a kind of feeling of immortality there too...

And okay, I've rambled on quite enough! *g* Did I mention that I liked it? *vbg*

[constant-muse.livejournal.com]

[I just replied at greater length, but the comment wouldn't post and got deleted, harrumph. Computer must be getting tired, time for bed.]

In short, this is a wonderful analysis.

It would have been helpful (to me) to know from the beginning that Bodie had nearly died that day, it would have indicated that it was an occasion, a celebration, not just the end of an ordinary day. But to have introduced that would have spoiled the atmosphere of the beginning of the story.

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

Even later to the party, but I did want to drop by and read people's thoughts and comment. I'm with greengerbil on this one. BDSM is not my kink in fic, but dammit if Kitty Fisher doesn't sell it to me and make it work - and make it HOT.*g*

Rereading it for this, I was trying to think about how and why it works for me, and the only thing I can come up with, is what others have mentioned - the consensual nature of it, for one. The emotion and what lies behind it, for another. And for me, I think it's in Bodie's reaction once the sex is over- his tenderness with Doyle, and also the matter of fact way each eases the other back into the day-to-day of their lives - the Monopoly exchange is a grounding touch of genius, I think.

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

You aren't late! LOL! Really, I'm happy you dropped in. *pours tea* It's even more interesting that several folks mentioned that BDSM isn't their kink (as you said, my sweet) yet this story works. I think that says even more for the writer. She did a fabulous job keeping the lads in character so I think you can see how this could have happened off screen.

Thanks!

[blkandwhtcat.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed this story, and find it well written and erotic. Love the description of Bodie in black.

HOWEVER, heavy BDSM just doesn't work for Bodie and Doyle IMO. I don't see their relationship that way at all. Rough, hard adrenaline-fueled sex, sure. It works in Wonderful Tonight, or in a story I can't remember the name of, where Bodie watches Doyle wearing those jeans with the patch on the ass, and at the end of a long day, pushes him against the wall, puts his fingers in the hole and rips the jeans, and fucks the hell out of him. (good story). And playful bondage, with handcuffs and scarves, some sex toys, slaps on the ass, sure. That's pretty vanilla, and what you'd expect most couples to do. There's a story somewhere, again I can't remmember the name of it, where Bodie and Doyle are on a job and come across a kid who's hanging in suspension chains in a nicely equipped dungeon, the kid develops a fixation on tough Bodie, who says he'd had a little experience in the past. He and Doyle play with it a bit, but never too seriously, IIRC. Just for fun.

But this? As how they primarily relate to one another sexually? Nope, not Bodie and Doyle. Doesn't work at all for me. I enjoy BDSM erotica, and I like fiction that has these elements, when it's well written, and with the right characters. For example, Toreth and Warrick in Manna Francis's The Administration Series are fabulous, and that's the best original fic I've ever read on line, and I'm buying the novels as they are published. And it's hands down the best story I've ever read as far as showing the psychological factors that go into the intense BDSM relationship of two equally independent, self-confident and powerful men. But this just isn't where Bodie and Doyle's relationship goes for me, and I don't buy the psychology behind why this encounter happens (although I understand what the author has offered as the psychological basis). I just don't buy them getting into the more serious stuff. So, despite the fact that this is very well written, and erotic, and has moments of brilliance in describing how Bodie and Doyle look physically, this only works as OOC erotica for me, not as a Bodie/Doyle story. YMMV.

BTW, if you haven't read TAS, you should, immediately. You will LOVE it.

http://www.mannazone.org/zone/admin/index.html

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your comments on this story. And a big thank you for the story link. I read original fic and I'm definitely checking this out. I'm always looking for good stuff.

I'll rec Hot Cargo for you in return. *g*

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/novels.htm

[smirra.livejournal.com]

I usually find BDSM stories interesting and enjoyed even very explicit stories like those from MFea Glasgow but I have problems to enjoy this one.
Like ronitr commented I miss a hint or reason (even the tiniest would be fine with me- end of an op or pent up tention, whatever) why they are doing it this way. But there isn't anything. The start is very rough- Bodie has the 'slapper' and Doyle will have Bodie after that. Hm. Not only the relation towards the girls are very cold blooded (where's the prosy gentlemen's attitude, even if the girls are just for foreplay) but towards each other it feels pretty cold to me, too.
After atleast half of the story the tone get's more affectionate but unfortunately by that time I couldn't buy it anymore.
You usually make up your mind pretty early in a story, some can change my mind if I don't like them early on but not quite this one.
That said I can see that the story is very well written and also hot, but I need a bit more soul to it or drama, as in tales like "The blue Figurine" so that a cold mood makes sense to me.
Reading blkandwhtcat 's comment above my babbling seconds what he commented that I find the BDSM too heavy in this setting.
It was my first Kitty Fisher read (though I know her stories are classic pros stories). So despite my comments thank you for the rec. I look forward to try other stories by the author. So thank you for an interesting discussion!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I appreciate your stopping in and taking the time to comment. Thank you!

[moth2fic.livejournal.com]

Totally missed the party (away)but felt I had to post a comment thanking you for reccing the fic. It's the first seriously BDSM Pros-fic I've read. I felt torn, because I thought the writing was totally brilliant and of a much higher standard than a lot of fanfic, but at the same time, though I like some BDSM I get personally thrown out of the story by nipple clamps... not a criticism, just a problem for me in this particular tale!!! Also, despite BSL's wonderful analysis I just can't see Bodie and Doyle in this situation so I had to read it as original fic pretending to be fanfic... However, I am amazed by Kitty Fisher's writing ability (story structure, sentence style, descriptive powers, character development by implication, etc.)and am truly grateful for having been pointed to this because without the rec and the reading room thing I might have passed it by. I know I'm not supposed to 'join in' this late but I wanted to say thanks!!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thanks for commenting in spite of it being a few weeks ago. It's nice hearing that you enjoyed the fic. Reading as original works for me a lot of the time when a story is well written and I've enjoyed it, but didn't see the boys as I picture them. The writing is great, which helps immensely.