Fic: Unity (3b/?)

[ryeloza]

Title: Unity (3b/?)
Pairing: Ben/Leslie
Word Count: 3400 (this part)
Rating: PG (this part)
Setting: Somewhere around “Meet ‘n’ Greet.”
Summary: Loosely, this is series of moments that make up Leslie’s ideas for the unity quilt.  Somewhere along the way it’s morphed into a lot more.
A/n: So tonight I learned the very important lesson that I am

Comments

[shornt]

Oh goodness. I still find it amazing how, even though you're typically known for emotionally fulfilling fluff, you pull this angst out of yourself and its so sharp and biting and it hurts so much, but like it's so GOOD. I feel like this is one of the most honest versions of break-up Leslie I've seen anyone write. I often see it veer either too melodramatic or too flippant, but this strikes a good chord - how of course Leslie's hurting, of course it's hard as shit, but you still have those notes of her hope shining through here. And her stubbornness. And this makes logical sense, how her selfish notion of keeping a part of him for herself could bloom, because she thinks they began on the same page and refuses to flip the switch when she realizes he was never on her page to begin with. But ohh, it hurts.

However, you write the LOVELIEST Leslie/Marlene things, and I appreciate them so much. I find their relationship to be so compelling and interesting and you explore it in a way that I really, really love. Thank you for that.

[ryeloza]

This comment means so much to me. I haven't written much angst for this fandom, so to hear that it works here and seems believable and in character--ugh, THANK YOU.

[levondrious]

This chapter was so beautiful and heartbreaking but filled with just the right amount of hope. I'm so choked up right now. You fill in these moments in such a lovely way and it always feels just like an extension of the show. The entire Marlene scene really got to me. I feel like even with how little we know about Leslie's dad you've got such a great grasp on him and how he contributed to who Leslie is today.

[ryeloza]

Thank you so much!! It makes me ridiculously happy to read this, and I so appreciate the feedback.

[tbhf]

I absolutely adore this fic!! When I saw the update, I was so excited! This chapter continues to be amazing. The way you're writing Leslie dealing with the break up seems just spot on to me. The same goes for Ben's reactions, as well. One thing that always hits me when I re-watch these episodes is the way that both Ben and Leslie were clearly hit hard by their break up, but they dealt with it in very different ways which, mostly because they just have different ways of dealing with things in general. I think you have shown that so well here, and you've managed to do it in a way that made me very emotional by the end. As always, your writing is amazing, and I can't wait to see where you go next with this!

[ryeloza]

This was such a hard chapter to write, so I'm so glad that it clicked emotionally. It's really nice to hear that you liked it. Thank you!

[edeainfj]

OUCH. This story is such a good idea, and I love when you update it.

[ryeloza]

Thanks!!

[k8_26_2]

I am really embarrassed because I thought I was caught up with this story and somehow I missed the part you posted in November? Well, now that I've rectified that, I can tell you that I am loving this fic so much. The title "Unity Quilt" is appropriate because even though it is bittersweet,I just want to wrap myself up in it like a blanket. It is just the most comforting kind of fic. I love the way you've written Leslie and Ann's deep friendship, because I don't think their friendship is a topic that is explored enough in fic and you get their dynamic so well. I just watched "I'm Leslie Knope" the other day so with that in mind I read these chapters, and their heartbreak over this situation is really palpable here. I can't wait to see where this is going.

[ryeloza]

Thank you so much! I love writing Leslie and Ann, though I know it got a little off focus from my original intention with this fic; I'm glad to hear you liked it!