Brass in Pocket

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Fanfiction
Title: Brass in Pocket
Author(s): Lainie Stone
Date(s): 1985 or earlier circuit story[1]
Length: 35 typewritten pages
Genre(s): slash, undercover as gay
Fandom(s): The Professionals
Relationship(s): Bodie/Doyle
External Links: available only on the ProsLib CD

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Brass in Pocket is a Professionals slash story by Lainie Stone.

Its title comes from the song by The Pretenders. The story appeared on many fan's early Top Ten lists and won a 1986 Huggy Award for Best Short Circuit Story. At the same time the story was written American vidder Jean C also created a Pros vid using the Pretenders song. It is unclear if the vid influenced the song or vice versa.

In a 1990 interview in The Hatstand Express #30 the author explained the source of inspiration for the story: "Karen B. had this vision of Doyle in a gold silk caftan."

It is a story on The 1985 Hatstand Express Top Ten Lists.

Summaries

In 2000, two fans Cassie Ingaben and Dagger compiled an index of many of the circuit stories. They also wrote brief summaries:

  • Dagger: Doyle's gone undercover in the moneyed gay community to discover the source of a recent influx of cocaine. Both Cowley and Bodie are concerned about how this case will affect him psychologically.
  • Cassie: D is undercover seducing a rich gay man to find out his drug supplier. B is enraged at D's apparent distance and at the ease with which he whores to get things: but D is in love with B and, thinking himself unrequited, throws himself at anyone. B, who is not straight (finding this out makes D feel even more rejected, personally), is also in love, but misinterprets D's behaviour and keeps away, wanting it all or nothing. They reach boiling rage point as the operation triggers jealousy and pain, they quarrel and finally confess their feelings. All ends well, relationship and op. "

Another summary: "Doyle goes undercover as a gay man for an operation and not only does it cause problems between him and his partner, but old emotional wounds are opened up for Doyle as well."[2]

Reactions and Reviews

Unknown Date

This is an interesting story. I can't say that I really think this Doyle fits my view of canonical Doyle - the author is rather too inclined to enthuse about Doyle's beauty - but he's very interesting to read about. Those who enjoy FuckedUp!Doyle, or even RentBoy!Doyle, will like this one and even though I'm not usually a fan of either of these characterisations, I did enjoy this story for the actual plot it contains, as well as the interesting take on our guys' relationship.[3]

1985

Absolutely one of the best characterizations of Doyle I've seen to date, and probably the best thing this author has written. The characters of Charlie and Jamie are well-drawn and believable; one of the hallmarks of a good story is interesting secondary characters and this one qualifies. Love this one.[4]

BRASS IN POCKET Absolutely one of the best characterizations of Doyle I've seen to date, and probably the best thing this author has written. The characters of Charlie and Jamie are well-drawn and believable; one of the hallmarks of a good story is interesting secondary characters and this one qualifies. Love this one.[5]

"Brass in Pocket"—one of those I would likely have enjoyed if it had been less work to struggle through, and guess at all those missing words.[6]

"Brass In Pocket" and "The Portrait" are my favourite soaps. They show how Bodie or Doyle can suffer so well by not being understood by their other, or rather believed unloved by his lover, suffering the pangs of unrequited love. Exquisite torture.[7]

Brass In Pocket—I'd have to agree with [K] that it's one of the best characterisations of Ray Doyle I've read to date. And it has a plot! And good secondary characters! And good sex!![8]

"Brass In Pocket" and "The Portrait" are my favourite soaps. They show how Bodie or Doyle can suffer so well by not being understood by their other, or rather believed unloved by his lover, suffering the pangs of unrequited love. Exquisite torture.[9]

1989

Many of the stories written by Lanie Stone are among the best in fandom. She has a knack for crafting real characters and poignant moments in a short space. "Jon," "Secrets," and "The Watcher" all tell their tales in strong, clear language that holds the reader in its spell. "Apprentice to a Journeyman", one of the hottest few pages in fan lit, and "Brass in Pocket" contain some of the most memorable moments. Who could forget Doyle in the gold silk robe pondering the matter of his appearance.[10]

1992

A story of misunderstandings and crossed wires. Bodie cruises, because he thinks no way would Doyle want him for a lover. Meanwhile Doyle plays the whore for Cowley while working on a drugs case# hurt and longing eating away at him. Bodie breaks the stalemate by kissing Doyle, who responds# only to be insulted by Bodie.

There is a happy ending for all concerned# though# even for Charlie and Jamie# the other two men that Doyle is involved with in the drugs case. [11]

References

  1. ^ The story was listed in the 1985 issue of The Hatstand Express #6.
  2. ^ Madrigal's FanFic Recs.
  3. ^ Madrigal's FanFic Recs
  4. ^ In The Hatstand Express #6 from a fan listing what was supposed to be her top 10 Pros stories; the list turned out to be 50 stories long
  5. ^ review in The Hatstand Express #6
  6. ^ review in The Hatstand Express #7 possibly referring to the poor photocopying quality of these types of circuit stories
  7. ^ review in The Hatstand Express #7
  8. ^ review in The Hatstand Express #7
  9. ^ review in The Hatstand Express #7
  10. ^ review in The Hatstand Express #20
  11. ^ from Be Gentle With Us #5