Zero Sum by Adastra (R)

[callmeri]

Fandom: OZ
Pairing: Beecher/Keller
Author on LJ:fictionbya
Author Website: Cruciality
Why this must be read:

Huzzah! We're back! *pets the pretty van*

So let's jump right back in, shall we? It's an often-discussed (and often-debated) topic in Oz fandom: exactly when did Keller realize that he had fallen in love with Beecher? Canon gives us little to go on, and what little we *do* have isn't too pretty -- it's hard to watch the bone-breaking scene in the gym without believing that Keller was genuinely pleased with the culmination of Operation Toby.

But then we get that one scene. Just that one, and you know which one I mean, don't you? Late at night in Keller and Beecher's pod, as Toby's broken, battered body lies in the infirmary -- and is that remorse that has Keller pacing the room, touching Toby's bed? Could it possibly be?

"Zero Sum," a gorgeous characterization piece, takes that challenge on, fleshing out the details in a way that makes Keller's shift from heartless betrayer to desperate suitor make perfect sense. Because it's all a game, even when suddenly it just isn't -- and man, there's just something so satisfying about watching the hunter get caught in his own trap.

Keller dries his hands and face, steps away from the sink, and turns around. He surveys Beecher's empty bed, touches it. Keller's feelings should be cut and dry. Life's a competition: fuck or be fucked. Well, Keller had won, Beecher had been fucked. Simple, really.

But... not.

Adastra is, simply put, one of the best writers in the fandom. Please feed her well, so she'll write more.

Zero Sum