Book Club: Back in action!
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Welcome (back) to the Person of Interest Book Club! It's a new and hopefully better year. Your mods are
st_aurafina and livenudebigfoot and we're hoping to read all of the 2018 Big Bang fics. This is the reading and discussion post for February 2021. This month's fic is a Firefly fusion, which is a surprisingly good fit for these characters!
Remember, the discussion post will be here. I'll link back here on the 21st. You don't have to wait till the 21st to comment, though. Have at, if you're done early.
All fics are linked by permission of the authors, and the same goes for the art. (Thank you, creators!)
Our fic for February is An Alluring Companion by
An Alluring Companion. (22070 words) by Michaelssw0rd
Chapters: 4/4
Fandom: Person of Interest (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Harold Finch/John Reese, Harold Finch & Nathan Ingram
Characters: Harold Finch, John Reese, Logan Pierce, Nathan Ingram, Zoe Morgan, Carl Elias, Anthony Marconi
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Firefly AU, Fluff, Massage, Hair Washing, Companions, Logan Pierce being an asshole I'm sorry, Slow Dancing, Alternate Universe - Escorts, Idiots in Love, Implied/Referenced Torture, Harold Egret also makes an appearance :P
Summary:
Harold is a genius, loner programmer, belonging to the elite and prestigious society. He gets invited to a party he can't get out of-- not without drawing too much attention to himself-- and Nathan encourages him to hire a Companion as a social buffer. Harold ends up hiring the services of John Reese.
It goes exceptionally well.
So well that Harold hires him again, and again, learning John's secrets and sharing his own, until he inevitably falls in love with the person he is paying to keep him company.
(Set in Firefly Universe, but the knowledge of Firefly is not compulsory)
Go forth and read! Here are some questions to bear in mind while you read:
1. What was your initial reaction to the fic? Were you immediately hooked, or did it take you a while to get into it?
2. What themes or style choices did you notice as you were reading the fic?
3. In what ways does the fic feel like canon? In what ways does it differ?
4. What was your favourite scene?
5. Which character did you relate to most and what was it about them that you connected to?
6. Did the fic change your perspective on an aspect of canon or a character?
7. Share a favourite quote or excerpt.
8. What did you think of the ending?
9. How did the art affect or enhance your reading of the fic?
10. What are some questions you have for the author?
I'll check back in on the 14th with a reminder, then again on the 21st to start some discussion. Then on the 1st of March, all going according to plan, we'll do it again with a new big bang fic.
Go forth, read and enjoy.
Here's a handy-dandy box where you can cut and paste the questions. And don't forget to comment on the fic itself to let the author know you enjoyed it.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-04 04:11 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-22 08:41 am (UTC)I had already watched Firefly to better appreciate another PoI fusion fic, so I was delighted to see this one. Plus, it's Tee, whose works I really admire.
2. What themes or style choices did you notice as you were reading the fic?
Guilt and secrecy, maybe? Harold is still trying to stay out of the limelight as much as possible. John is still a spy and would prefer not to be. I was very impressed with the worldbuilding. Thanks to the author's skill at weaving them together, Firefly's universe accounts amazingly well for the PoI characters.
3. In what ways does the fic feel like canon? In what ways does it differ?
There are more differences than similarities, since it's AU, set in space, and Nathan is alive. Harold and John feel very much like the same people, with some necessary adjustments for their AU circumstances.
4. What was your favourite scene?
It has to be that final confrontation with Pierce where Reese walks away with Harold instead. It's very satisfying for a Rinch shipper. :)
5. Which character did you relate to most and what was it about them that you connected to?
I had a lot of empathy for Harold from the first scene, because of the cold, and throughout, because of his anxiety. The way he relies on Nathan to handle social situations he's afraid of, and then handling himself really well once he actually gets out there.
6. Did the fic change your perspective on an aspect of canon or a character?
Not really? It's not dealing with canon directly enough for that to happen. The characters are all adapted to the setting in ways that preserve their canon personalities.
7. Share a favourite quote or excerpt.
This, from my second favourite scene:
Harold closed his eyes against the spray of water, as it wetted his hair. When John’s fingers caressed his scalp, the sigh of contentment was as involuntary as his proceeding blush. Fortunately, John didn’t comment on it.
8. What did you think of the ending?
It's so cute! They resolve the misunderstanding between them and I'm hopeful that they're both going to start feeling better in general from now on.
9. How did the art affect or enhance your reading of the fic?
The art is so well suited to the fic, it blew me away. Really appreciate getting to see Rinch walking out together arm in arm <333
10. What are some questions you have for the author?
How did you go about deciding which secondary characters would appear in this fic and where they would find themselves?
And this is a cheeky one, but...Might you someday still get around to writing more in this verse? (Please, please.)
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-24 06:22 am (UTC)Right? I didn't think this was going to work half as well as it did!
Guilt and secrecy, maybe?
Oh, yes, of course!! That's so obvious!
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-02 03:44 am (UTC)This is such a wonderful analysis omg. Guilt and secrecy, yes. I can see how they are overarching themes of these characters, and this story.
About what secondary characters I thought would appear in the story... I definitely knew Nathan would NOT be dead. I wanted him there. I thought of Zoe being a companion early on too. Also Pierce and the final confrontation was driving the fic. But other characters just... appeared as the story went along. SPECIALLY the Elias part. I genuinely considered not writing that cause it would increase the story length so much, but I am glad I did.
And, well.... yes. I want to get around writing a PWP for it cause WE GET A COMPANION!JOHN WITH ALL THE TEASING and no followthrough? But like... I find myself wanting to READ it more than write it :P. So yeah, someday if inspiration strikes... i will!
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-24 03:12 am (UTC)2. What themes or style choices did you notice as you were reading the fic? I felt like this story had undercurrents. John's and Harold's backstory add real depth to the story. It was handled well and realistic within the Firefly 'Verse.
4. What was your favourite scene? I like Harold's hesitancy in the first part. It felt very authentic.
5. Which character did you relate to most and what was it about them that you connected to? I'm always in love with John, and this John was both more open and the same snarly fellow I love.
7. Share a favourite quote or excerpt.He looked away then, staring at his clasped hands in his lap. “And it’s not fair to me,” he said, his voice small, as if he wasn’t sure he was allowed to say that. - John is being very vulnerable here. Love it.
8. What did you think of the ending? It was great, but it left me wanting 50k more!
9. How did the art affect or enhance your reading of the fic? I thought the art went well with the fic, set in the same tone.
10. What are some questions you have for the author? Were you tempted to make this take place on the ship? How did you resist?
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-24 06:25 am (UTC)Ohhh, I love this idea!! Can you imagine? Harold would make a great uptight doctor. Extra bonus for him smuggling Root along in a box.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-02 03:50 am (UTC)Along with the question in the end.
I wanted to write a firefly AU. But basically a lot of this story stemmed from me having a conversation with someone (I think it was Sky) about how I wanted to write John in silk robes of companion. So yeah, when companion!john was the driving factor for the fic, it didnt seem to work in the setting of the ship for me. Like... I am sure it CAN work, but the story didn't originate from being a ship!verse to this. Also Harold just... felt more like the guy who would work in/with/against the Alliance, than the rogue pirates that were firefly crew, for this story at least.
That being said, i would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to read a firefly AU with captain Harold and Muscle!john :P. (someone please write it)
Also there is a BRILLIANT firefly AU written by mnemonicmadness that happens on ship/reaver ship and its EPIC.
Thank you so much for sharing so many lovely details <3. THEY MELT MY HEART
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-24 06:20 am (UTC)1. What was your initial reaction to the fic? Were you immediately hooked, or did it take you a while to get into it?
I was really excited to read it – I couldn't imagine how the two fandoms were going to mesh and I was looking forward to seeing what the author did to make it work.
I was grabbed immediately by the image of Harold as a core-world elite, because it makes so much sense. And even in canon, he kind of presents as one. Especially in the flashback scenes where things are very cold and grey.
2. What themes or style choices did you notice as you were reading the fic?
So much yearning. Everyone yearning for everyone in this fic. It's wonderful!
Also, there was a great sense of place – we were provided with great visual descriptions of furniture, of clothes. It gave a very luxurious feel to the story. Rich in sensory details.
3. In what ways does the fic feel like canon? In what ways does it differ?
The canon relationships are similar on an emotional level – Harold is withdrawn and finds it difficult or unsafe to express affection. John is filled with secrets but cannot resist teasing any Harold in any universe. Logan Pierce is 100% an asshole always. ALWAYS.
4. What was your favourite scene?
I have to say, it's the scene in the last chapter when Harold speaks up for John, then John comes to Harold's rescue too. It's wonderfully satisfying!
5. Which character did you relate to most and what was it about them that you connected to?
Harold, I think. He's socialy awkward, but he loves beautiful things (and people!) And you can only push him so far before he snaps.
6. Did the fic change your perspective on an aspect of canon or a character?
It definitely made me think of Logan Pierce in a different, more scathing way. Creep.
Also, I liked the idea of John luxuriating in all those gorgeous fabrics – I know we normally think of Harold as the dandy, but after reading this, I can imagine canon John really enjoying his new suits and surroundings too.
7. Share a favourite quote or excerpt.
This was adorable and a little bit heart stopping. From the last section:
John looked away from Harold, out into the darkness of Persephone. Then he let out a humorless chuckle. “You know the first rule they teach us in the Guild? One before they begin teaching us how to even read or write; one on which the rest of a Companion’s training is built.”
John quieted down, and Harold didn’t know whether he was expected to give an answer. He was spared figuring it out when John spoke again, quietly, as if he was speaking to the night rather than to Harold. “It is to never fall for your client. Never.”
Harold held his breath at the dismay in John’s voice, waiting for something he dared not hope for. Then John turned towards Harold again, his expressions wide open and vulnerable. “I guess I have always been a terrible student.”
The air rushed into Harold’s lungs at the gasp. He saw John’s lips turned into a self-deprecating smile.
8. What did you think of the ending?
I love a happy ending, always. Also, the very satisfying take-down of Logan Pierce really propels us to a happy place at the end.
9. How did the art affect or enhance your reading of the fic?
How can John in beautiful robes not enhance my reading? It was lovely art and it really fitted in with the story well.
10. What are some questions you have for the author?
How on earth did this concept come to you? I could not imagine two more different canons, and yet you merged them so well.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-02 03:56 am (UTC)Your mention of the cold, grey flashbacks and the inner planets feeling definitely inspired it too. But also, well, I wanted Harold to be someone who would hire a companion :P. But yeah, once I had John's character set... the rest just fell in place? I LOVE firefly and it was SO FUN to mesh the two together.
I am surprised by how many people like the Logan last scene. Cause while I knew that scene was coming from the moment i started writing this fic, i felt the WORST about it. It was a scene i took weeks long break before writing. Cause I just didnt want to write Pierce saying all that terrible things. Because I think a part of me really LIKES Logan's characters, with his quirks and all, and after writing that scene, he was irredeemable at least in this 'verse and i didn't want to do that :P. But I am glad its a satisfying read.
ALSO YOU MENTIONED THE "I AM A TERRIBLE STUDENT" scene... I AM SOFFTT!
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-25 03:50 pm (UTC)I am a fan of Firefly, so I was intrigued to see how these two ‘verses would be woven together. Much of this story focused on what was going on in the core planets. Since Firefly focused mostly on the fringe planets, this quickly proved to be an interesting fleshing out of the Firefly ‘verse.
2. What themes or style choices did you notice as you were reading the fic?
Both series have a central theme that you can’t trust what the government is doing, which makes for a good crossover story.
3. In what ways does the fic feel like canon? In what ways does it differ?
I thought that the relationship between Nathan and Harold was the same one that we saw in the series. And Harold’s difficulty with “social interaction” is drawn from the series (although I think he was actually better than what he gave himself credit for), and provided the justification that the story needed to bring a Companion into the picture. In both settings, Elias wanted to lay claim to John. In terms of differing from canon, this Harold had to go farther into the dark side in order to do good, functioning as crime lord Mr. Egret.
4. What was your favourite scene?
I would say the massage scene. What I enjoyed most about it was how the situation was used for the two characters to tell truths about themselves, especially so for Harold. And Harold’s truth-telling won John’s respect in this scene.
5. Which character did you relate to most and what was it about them that you connected to?
I would have to say Nathan, as he’s the rare character who is merely mortal in the story, as opposed to heroic or villainous. (I guess Zoe is too, but I certainly don’t feel as intriguing as her!)
6. Did the fic change your perspective on an aspect of canon or a character?
Not exactly. I do find it interesting that many POI fanfic authors paint such a negative picture of Logan Pierce, as the character we saw in the series was definitely annoying, but (to my mind, anyway) not blackhearted. Of course, that made him very useful as the villain of this piece.
7. Share a favourite quote or excerpt.
When John is first interviewing Harold as a potential client, he tells him “You know everything you need to know about me, Mr. Crane.” I found that an interesting reversal of Harold’s line in the pilot: “I know exactly everything about you, Mr. Reese.”
8. What did you think of the ending?
I would say that it was how the story needed to end. After all, by the end of Serenity, it certainly seemed that Mal and Inara were finally getting their act together!
9. How did the art affect or enhance your reading of the fic?
My brain is not especially clever at turning words into pictures, so I appreciated the illustrations of John in his robes.
10. What are some questions you have for the author?
It has been a while since I have watched any Firefly episodes. Were all of the planets your own invention, or were some of these planets that were identified in the series?
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-02 04:01 am (UTC)I did a bit of a deep dive into firefly canon verse for this fic, so I can absolutely say ALL of the planets were identified in the series. Including like, the moons and their details and positioning. It was a fun research.
I do find it interesting that many POI fanfic authors paint such a negative picture of Logan Pierce, as the character we saw in the series was definitely annoying, but (to my mind, anyway) not blackhearted.
I feel you about this. Because as it is, i actually LIKE logan pierce as a character. I am kinda, exhasperatedly FOND of him. And as it is, I HATED writing that scene cause I was like "this is irredeemable act from a character you don't think would do that" but it was a necessary character plot? But yeah, I definitely enjoy reading annoying but good Pierce and see him as such!
this quickly proved to be an interesting fleshing out of the Firefly ‘verse.
THIS IS SUCH A COMPLIMENT> Thank you <3. I am so glad it felt like that.
Thank you for giving me so many feels with your discussion!