Hmm. I'm willing to discuss this to any length, since this obviously crosses the line between fandom and psychology, and I have endless interest in both. *g*

One question, though - are we talking about actual *violence*, non-con type of suffering, or the BDSM type of scene where the hurt comes from a mutual understanding?

I write a *lot* of stuff where people get hurt. But I've never written a fic where someone has been hurt against their will. My fics have a tendency for an undercurrent of s/M.

The simplest answer? Some people are just so pretty when they're broken. But there must be more to that.