I love "what happened after the happy ending" stories, because life is never as easy as that. This was painful and poignent, and the bond between Ianto and Stephen is very believable.
So messy and broken, all the way through, yet what's so startling to me is the simplicity of the last scene contrasting with the rich details. Good God, you broke me with that!
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects to this ending is that everything is not all fixed. With as emotionally heavy as this story has (rightly) been, the complex and disquieted ending really matches the mood of the piece. Things are not alright, but they're all finding ways to cope to make it a little better, day by day. It's so hard and hurtful to think about, but it's also incredibly truthful and makes this story all the more wonderful
( ... )
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects to this ending is that everything is not all fixed. With as emotionally heavy as this story has (rightly) been, the complex and disquieted ending really matches the mood of the piece. Things are not alright, but they're all finding ways to cope to make it a little better, day by day. It's so hard and hurtful to think about, but it's also incredibly truthful and makes this story all the more wonderful.
That was one of the things I knew had to happen here. Everybody had been through too much to get the "wedding and unicorn farm" treatment. In this story, all they have is trying to make it another day.
My heart was breaking (if it hadn't completely broken already) with the scene between Ianto and Steven in the library.
Sorry, and cool? That was the cornerpiece scene for the whole fic, and the image of the two of them there together that formed the rest of it. Everything else had to lead to the library. (Just like River had to go to the Library.)
His reluctant willingness to give up being with
( ... )
Heartbreak is totally cool by me! I’m an admitted “angst-aholic”, so this was totally like crack to me. :o)
Wow, the contrast in sacrifice was something I didn’t consciously see, but somehow felt and picked up on. It’s so intrinsic in this fic, and that makes it so amazing in my book. I love the idea that both Jack and Ianto sacrifice in some way and for some reason(s), and it really matches their personalities and characterizations. (And I agree that Ianto would be the better parent, though I think Jack’s anguish at what he had to do and his struggle with his guilt shows that he isn’t completely heartless with the decisions he is forced to make.)
I’ve had your masterlist tabbed for a while to read through, to be honest, since I’m new-ish to Torchwood fandom. It’s getting priority once I’ve finished with some personal obligations that must take precedent. I can’t wait to dive into all your other fics. I’ve seen them rec’d a lot, and I’ve no doubt they’ll be just as engrossing and as wonderful as this one!
(And I agree that Ianto would be the better parent, though I think Jack’s anguish at what he had to do and his struggle with his guilt shows that he isn’t completely heartless with the decisions he is forced to make.)
I don't think he's heartless at all, I think he's both been put into positions, and has chosen to be the one in the position, where he has to make the call on who lives and who dies. He'll put that on his conscience, and he'll be the one to give the child to the faeries. Even back in Cyberwoman and Countrycide, Ianto was more willing to sacrifice himself rather than the other person. It's a fascinating contrast. :)
I’ve had your masterlist tabbed for a while to read through, to be honest, since I’m new-ish to Torchwood fandom. It’s getting priority once I’ve finished with some personal obligations that must take precedent. I can’t wait to dive into all your other fics. I’ve seen them rec’d a lot, and I’ve no doubt they’ll be just as engrossing and as wonderful as this one!:D Well, feel free to ask if you've got any
( ... )
Perfect. My favourite bit was when you used words to make magic pictures and feelings in my brain. So good. Seriously though, after having raced through the other chapters I had to stop several times through this last part to allow myself to process before continuing. Your ability to create emotionally connected visuals (for both character and setting) and super-charged subtext are second to none.
I hope you never tire of writing Torchwood stories. Thanks for this one. :)
Did racing through make the story better? No. Not in the least. The story is brilliant whether doled out in parts or posted all at once. The fault is my own; I'm still the kid who had to be reminded not to eat the whole package of cookies at once and so sustain the pleasure of the treat. I still eat too many cookies at once but I'm an adult now so I can buy another package. ;) I'll just read it again and notice things I may have missed the first time
( ... )
Not only useful data, but also incredibly sweet. Thank you!
I'm actually quite content to read completed stories doled out by chapters knowing I won't be left hanging for days - or worse, months or even forever - at some crucial point in the story.
This is also me. I won't read WIPs but I will read fics I know are done and being posted on a schedule. There has to be some guarantee of an ending.
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Glad that all came through, and thanks for coming along for the (kind of) depressing ride.
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Thank-you
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That was one of the things I knew had to happen here. Everybody had been through too much to get the "wedding and unicorn farm" treatment. In this story, all they have is trying to make it another day.
My heart was breaking (if it hadn't completely broken already) with the scene between Ianto and Steven in the library.
Sorry, and cool? That was the cornerpiece scene for the whole fic, and the image of the two of them there together that formed the rest of it. Everything else had to lead to the library. (Just like River had to go to the Library.)
His reluctant willingness to give up being with ( ... )
Reply
Wow, the contrast in sacrifice was something I didn’t consciously see, but somehow felt and picked up on. It’s so intrinsic in this fic, and that makes it so amazing in my book. I love the idea that both Jack and Ianto sacrifice in some way and for some reason(s), and it really matches their personalities and characterizations. (And I agree that Ianto would be the better parent, though I think Jack’s anguish at what he had to do and his struggle with his guilt shows that he isn’t completely heartless with the decisions he is forced to make.)
I’ve had your masterlist tabbed for a while to read through, to be honest, since I’m new-ish to Torchwood fandom. It’s getting priority once I’ve finished with some personal obligations that must take precedent. I can’t wait to dive into all your other fics. I’ve seen them rec’d a lot, and I’ve no doubt they’ll be just as engrossing and as wonderful as this one!
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I don't think he's heartless at all, I think he's both been put into positions, and has chosen to be the one in the position, where he has to make the call on who lives and who dies. He'll put that on his conscience, and he'll be the one to give the child to the faeries. Even back in Cyberwoman and Countrycide, Ianto was more willing to sacrifice himself rather than the other person. It's a fascinating contrast. :)
I’ve had your masterlist tabbed for a while to read through, to be honest, since I’m new-ish to Torchwood fandom. It’s getting priority once I’ve finished with some personal obligations that must take precedent. I can’t wait to dive into all your other fics. I’ve seen them rec’d a lot, and I’ve no doubt they’ll be just as engrossing and as wonderful as this one!:D Well, feel free to ask if you've got any ( ... )
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I hope you never tire of writing Torchwood stories. Thanks for this one. :)
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Thanks for reading, and I'm glad you liked the pictures in your brain!
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I'm actually quite content to read completed stories doled out by chapters knowing I won't be left hanging for days - or worse, months or even forever - at some crucial point in the story.
This is also me. I won't read WIPs but I will read fics I know are done and being posted on a schedule. There has to be some guarantee of an ending.
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