(Untitled)

[blkandwhtcat]

It's a busy season, but I've still managed to find time to read - or reread - some of my favorite Christmas stories, in RL and in the fanfic world. I think my favorite "fanfic" Christmas story is msmoat 's "Ringing in the Changes, " which can be found here :

www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/13/ringingin.html

The story traces the developing

Comments

[elaere]

I wonder if Pros is a show that's been on air here and if I've watched it. It's always hard to get into a fanfic if you don't know the original.

It's good to see your post, it's been awhile. Happy Christmas, Cat!

[blkandwhtcat]

Hi Elaere! Nice to see you, too. Hope you are having a most excellent Christmas season!

The Professionals aired in the UK in the late 70s and early 80s, and I don't know where else it was on. Never in the US (but then, you aren't in the US anyway).

I started reading these stories when someone on my LJ friend's list posted their favorite Pros stories. I'd never even heard of the show, much less seen it or the actors. After reading a few of the very well-written stories, and liking the show's premise, I decided to find out more. So I read a "manifesto" about the show and characters, checked out photographs, watched some vids, and read a few transcripts of some of the key episodes that kept popping up in stories. I'd been reading the fanfic for at least a year before I finally saw the show. So, while it's unusual, I don't think you HAVE to have seen the show to enjoy the stories, although I'd certainly suggest reading some background info, like justacat's manifesto here -Reply

[elaere]

Thanks for the link; now I know which show you're talking about. Actually, I've seen a number of the episodes, but the show wasn't one of my favorites, and back then, I didn't find the characters sexy either. I was a young girl, and in my opinion, all those men were old! LOL

Since the first time, the show has been aired a few times, but still, the show or its characters didn't hook me. I'll give a try to the fic you recced, though. It wouldn't be the first time I like to read about something that doesn't interest me as a tv-show.

[kiwisue]

Hey there - hope you are well!

I love "Ringing in the Changes" and I agree, it's a great introduction to Pros (although I suspect many new readers will still need "Doyle with the coils/Bodie with the body" to work out who's who - I know I did).

[blkandwhtcat]

Hi there - hope you're enjoying the holidays!

Yes, this is one of my favorite Pros stories. You know I started reading Pros fic without ever even having HEARD of the series, so it's possible. I admit that I did stop after about 10 stories and read some background info and look at some pics (the clothes! the hair! lol!! Definitely took some getting used to). I remember I had a very hard time with stories that referenced very specific events in episodes, but it was fairly easy to figure out things like Ann Holly and how Doyle got shot after those incidents were mentioned in so many stories.

[arwensong]

Sounds great, thanks for the rec!

You've been very quiet this season.

[blkandwhtcat]

Hi there - how are you? You've been kind of quiet, too, haven't you? I suspect that, like me, you've been insanely busy between work, family and holiday stuff. Plus, we're getting ready to leave for the family's annual Xmas trip. Can't wait to hit the slopes!

Did you write an O'Keefe/QAF Christmas story this year? Of course your story about Danny's first Christmas after his mother died is my favorite QAF Christmas story.

[arwensong]

Sounds like you have a great Christmas lined up! I love your icons...and I WANT them! LOL

[arwensong]

I gabbed so much in my reply I didn't say how much a LOVED that rec! I stayed up way too late last night to read it straight through--and even turned down hot BR sex. He is so totally annoyed with you.

[constant_muse]

You are entirely to blame for me spending most of the (working) day reading this by instalments. *vbg*

It's brilliant, a bit angsty for my taste in places, but realistic - they are arrogant, proud, independent characters after all.

Thanks for the rec! When I get our Christmas tree on the weekend and decorate it I'll have this fic to think of.

[blkandwhtcat]

lol! (or should I say ho ho ho? Humm, maybe not. Could be misunderstood as casting aspirsions on your character!)

To me, this story has exactly the right amount of angst, and not one bit more. Just enough to make the story interesting and compelling, but not so much that you wonder how these two ever tolerated each other enough to hook up in the first place. I liked the way each year showed movement in the relationship, even if we didn't always see it right away. And it's also interesting in that it's really all from Bodie's POV, and that while we, the readers, realize fairly early on that Doyle wants more, he never comes across as weak or pathetic, just as Bodie never comes across as being deliberately cruel or uncaring. Just a bit clueless for quite a few years!

Hope you have a great Christmas!

[sc_fossil]

I love this story. It is a great example of a Pros story that gives me everything I need. Thanks!

[blkandwhtcat]

Yes, it is kind of perfectly balanced between angst and joy, isn't it? Very satisfying.

Hope you get all you want from Santa!

[sc_fossil]

Two well-oiled pool boys? Nah... LOL! Merry Christmas to you!