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crack_van2013-12-10 08:59 pm
aralias.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2013-12-10 08:59 pm
Cats Cradle I and II by Sebastian (NC-17)
Fandom: BLAKE'S 7
Pairing: Blake/Avon
Length: Long-ish
Author Website: Quite a lot more on Oblique Publications
Why this must be read: It's 1991 and here's some slash and some smut at last! That's not to say there wasn't any written before this point, although gen zines hav always massively predominated in Blake fandom and slash only began to be more popular than het in the late 1980s.
This fic was published as part of the zine series 'Oblaque', which focused on dark and psychologically intense slash. The publishers have kindly put all their zines online to read in PDF form, so if you want to get the 'reading a zine experience' without venturing out of the comfort of your own internet, this is the place to start.
As for 'Cats Cradle' itself - it is both dark and psychologically intense. That's not usually my bag, but this fic most definitely is. The way they treat each other in this fic (Avon suggests reciprocation therapy to get back at Blake for his behaviour on the flight deck) is genuinely nasty, but there's also definite, explicit, (grudging) affection/Love, which seems to me to be a very accurate representation of their relationship. There's a lot of bondage and D/s in this pairing (and in this fandom, to some extent), but this is easily my favourite. The constant battle between our heroes is as compelling as it is exhausting - and I like the way it seems like either of them could win at almost any time. Often in B/A (it seems to me, although it is debatable) and certainly in canon, it's fairly clear that Blake is going to win, but Avon really holds his own here all the way through and very credibly. Sebastian's also a great dialogue writer and writes both characters excellently - I also thoroughly recommend 'Bittersweet' (online), 'Interjunction' and 'Melancholy'.
Excerpt:
Links: Cat's Cradle I and Cat's Cradle II
Pairing: Blake/Avon
Length: Long-ish
Author Website: Quite a lot more on Oblique Publications
Why this must be read: It's 1991 and here's some slash and some smut at last! That's not to say there wasn't any written before this point, although gen zines hav always massively predominated in Blake fandom and slash only began to be more popular than het in the late 1980s.
This fic was published as part of the zine series 'Oblaque', which focused on dark and psychologically intense slash. The publishers have kindly put all their zines online to read in PDF form, so if you want to get the 'reading a zine experience' without venturing out of the comfort of your own internet, this is the place to start.
As for 'Cats Cradle' itself - it is both dark and psychologically intense. That's not usually my bag, but this fic most definitely is. The way they treat each other in this fic (Avon suggests reciprocation therapy to get back at Blake for his behaviour on the flight deck) is genuinely nasty, but there's also definite, explicit, (grudging) affection/Love, which seems to me to be a very accurate representation of their relationship. There's a lot of bondage and D/s in this pairing (and in this fandom, to some extent), but this is easily my favourite. The constant battle between our heroes is as compelling as it is exhausting - and I like the way it seems like either of them could win at almost any time. Often in B/A (it seems to me, although it is debatable) and certainly in canon, it's fairly clear that Blake is going to win, but Avon really holds his own here all the way through and very credibly. Sebastian's also a great dialogue writer and writes both characters excellently - I also thoroughly recommend 'Bittersweet' (online), 'Interjunction' and 'Melancholy'.
Excerpt:
"There's no other way, Blake," Avon said as coolly as if this weird deal were credible, even possible: "I can't live with your unashamed manipulations and your derisory bullying by day and by night without some return of my own. It's not pyschologically viable - even you can see that. You won't give me reasoned discussion and mutual decisions and a sharing of responsibility. So you must give me something else."
Blake thought of his glorious cause, a universe wide, a bigger concern than personal vanity; the ambitious plans he would need every scrap of help to have a chance of carrying out. He thought of Avon's brilliance and Avon's knowledge like a storehouse of invaluable treasures there for his rifling: all lost to him should Avon leave.
He took a deep breath. "All right."
Avon's expression gained a little satisfaction. "Very sensible of you."
"Childish though it is," Blake bit back.
Avon's half-smile deepend, darkened. "Oh, don't worry. It won't be childish."
Links: Cat's Cradle I and Cat's Cradle II