The way in which this happens is the interesting part. The narration describes Yoji's conflicting feelings; he cares for Aya and wants to help him out of his misery, but he feels hatred and probably resentment for him too: "Hatred for the beautiful, terrible, ice-cold creature standing there with so much passion in him and so little capacity to demonstrate it as anything but violence and withdrawal." Yoji's desperation is what changes the situation from just a normal argument to something sexual. He wants to force Aya to *feel* something rather than shutting himself off, to remind him of his humanity.

It's a somber story. Yoji and Aya begin it unhappily and end it unhappily, but I liked looking into Yoji's head, and seeing Aya through Yoji's eyes. Their encounter becomes something more than it seems.

The sex is not only symbolic, but delicious to look at too. If you've never seen P.L. Nunn's work before, know that she does absolutely gorgeous nudes. Her art is bold and unblinking, as evidenced in the eyecatching cover of the book: Yoji pressing a nude, bound Aya to his crotch. I liked the many little moments within the story where it was a picture speaking the story rather than a block of text, like Yoji slouching glumly on the windowsill, his unnerving smile as his switchblade springs to life, Aya clutching the shredded remains of his leather coat, the glimpse of his mixed expression of fear and anger as he slams the door shut.

Pictures and text complement and enhance each other perfectly. I even found myself feeling sympathetic towards Aya, whom I normally can't stand. The mild S+M is fun, and fans of angst will certainly like this story.