See, the weird thing about this fic is that, even when it gets dark and emotional, it always left a warm feeling in my stomach. I don't know why - maybe it was that Shirely was so consistantly sweet, or that Suzaku was trying so hard up to the end, or that Lelouch had lost so much and still managed to keep everything together (up until the end, and even then...).
I'm dearly hoping that you post this on FFN because it deserves a bigger readership.
Alright - I've commented on pretty much every section you posted on the kinkmeme, and on the work as a whole, generally. Now, about this section.
I love that there are mostly dropped hints about Clovis and Lelouch's royal status and his geass and everything. I love that Suzaku is still having the same problem he has in canon with his death wish and lying to himself (while Lelouch seems more focused on hiding within himself). I love Shirley's bright innocence so much - the line "I don’t think you know what hate is", especially coming from Suzaku who's main hate of choice is self-hate is a very powerful line.
I want to know more about certain things that can't be shown because of the POV, but that's... actually kind of nice. You were very honest with the storytelling, building up Shirley as a trusted friend to make her a viable medium, without making her omnicient. I really get that her impressions and feelings coloured this story a lot, and made it a more interesting and unique read.
I knew the ending would break my heart, but I'm oddly at peace with it - with Shirley losing that precious position she spent months and heartache earning, with Suzaku tied to Lelouch and Lelouch tied to Suzaku without reaching a consensus on their ideals, with Suzaku still full of guilt, and Lelouch still full of anger. The ending is still satisfactory, possibly because of the impression that time is continuing to move forward and change is still possible.
/pontification. :p
Overall, this was an amazing fic, and a lovely journey. Thanks for sharing it!
tl;dr - Awesome fic is awesome
I'm dearly hoping that you post this on FFN because it deserves a bigger readership.
Alright - I've commented on pretty much every section you posted on the kinkmeme, and on the work as a whole, generally. Now, about this section.
I love that there are mostly dropped hints about Clovis and Lelouch's royal status and his geass and everything. I love that Suzaku is still having the same problem he has in canon with his death wish and lying to himself (while Lelouch seems more focused on hiding within himself). I love Shirley's bright innocence so much - the line "I don’t think you know what hate is", especially coming from Suzaku who's main hate of choice is self-hate is a very powerful line.
I want to know more about certain things that can't be shown because of the POV, but that's... actually kind of nice. You were very honest with the storytelling, building up Shirley as a trusted friend to make her a viable medium, without making her omnicient. I really get that her impressions and feelings coloured this story a lot, and made it a more interesting and unique read.
I knew the ending would break my heart, but I'm oddly at peace with it - with Shirley losing that precious position she spent months and heartache earning, with Suzaku tied to Lelouch and Lelouch tied to Suzaku without reaching a consensus on their ideals, with Suzaku still full of guilt, and Lelouch still full of anger. The ending is still satisfactory, possibly because of the impression that time is continuing to move forward and change is still possible.
/pontification. :p
Overall, this was an amazing fic, and a lovely journey. Thanks for sharing it!