Fic: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

[laughter_now]

Title: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Author: laughter_now
Rating: R, to err on the side of caution. Mentions of violence, though no depiction of it.
Wordcount: 7636 words
Warnings: Talk about and depiction of mental disorders
Disclaimer: I don't own anything recognizable in this, I just play in other people's sandbox.
Summary: Every family has its

Comments

[just_jane_doe]

I wasn't sure what Iw as going to find in this fic - but I always have faith that whatever subject or situation you put these two in, the results will be inevitably amazing. This fic is so heartfelt and there's a serenity within it - Jim's difficulty with making the acknowledgement about his family's 'secret' and Bones' easy acceptance are so well written. There's a rhythm.... an undercurrent that relays between these characters when you write them, too. Interesting expression of this affliction - I actually hope there's a follow-up that might bring Sam back to Jim in a way that only you can capture!

[laughter_now]

That is really an awesome vote of confidence, thank you so much! I was a bit unsure on how to tackle this prompt at first myself, so to hear that the way the story came out worked out for you.
I don't know yet if there will ever be a follow-up to this, maybe another of the prompts will lend itself to telling more about that story.
Thank you so much for the awesome comment, I'm really thrilled that you enjoyed the story.

[abigail89]

For such a serious topic, you handled it extremely well. Jim's reticence to mention Sam is typical of families who have a member in a 'mental institution'. It is the dirty secret no one wants to talk about, except I've never been able to figure out why, since it is an 'illness', something they had absolutely no control over. From what little I know about multiple personalities, you described it well.

I love that Leonard gives Jim space and the opportunity to talk to him. Usually he's relentless about getting information, but here he's quite sensitive to Jim's hesitancy. Lovely. But he's very much Bones in taking care of him, making sure he eats right and gets sleep. And then his declaration of loyalty and commitment--*sigh* Leonard is the guy who doesn't walk away when the going gets tough, and that's what I love about him.

A very touching, moving story. Well done!

[laughter_now]

You know, I think for all the devil may care attitude that nu!Trek Jim shows, I always pictured him as someone who plays his cards close to his chest where it really counts. Admitting to Sam in this case isn't so much about admitting to the family's dirty little secret as it is about revealing a vulnerability, and giving someone else potential power through that knowledge. I don't see that this is something Jim would do lightly, and he'd probably never allow that with someone he doesn't trust as much as Bones.
And no, I'm definitely not overthinking the inner workings of fictional characters, not at all. ;-)

Thanks so much for the wonderful comment. It's always the greatest reward to see that a story made someone think about it and reflect on it. So thank you so much for that.

[secretsolitaire]

I really liked this. Sam's illness was interesting and seemed to be depicted realistically (though I don't know much about it), and I thought Jim's shame and defensiveness about it were quite believable, though they also made me sad. (It would be nice to think that sometime in the future there will be less shame surrounding this sort of thing.) I loved Leonard's calm, supportive response to Jim.

[laughter_now]

Thanks so much. I didn't know how to approach the prompt at first (but I really wanted to do that column on my bingo card). It's really good to hear that you enjoyed the result, and thought it was somewhat credible. Thanks a lot.

[rhiannon_flying]

So, yes, everything everybody else said, about how sensitively you approached this. Well done.

Also, Tyler? as in Durden?

[laughter_now]

Also, Tyler? as in Durden?

Lol, kudos for picking up on that. I thought it was fitting for the character.

And thanks a lot, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the story.

[easilymused1956]

Apparently someone mean and insensitive had caused Jim to feel ashamed of Sam. And fearful that he himself might have or come to have MPD.

That is one 'social' disease that truly needs to be eradicated.

Beautiful story. I would have expected nothing less from Bones than compassion and support for both Jim and Sam. You showed that so well.

Renee

[laughter_now]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you liked the story.