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.
My heart was breaking (if it hadn't completely broken already) with the scene between Ianto and Steven in the library. Oh god, the pain and despair was palpable, and the conflicting thoughts about what was the best method to face the situation they faced really resonated. That Ianto also was tempted to stop trying to fit into a life that didn't really accept him was a powerful revelation, but also so understandable. I adored that his solution to his and Steven's struggle was to take things one day at a time, and to maintain a presence in each other's lives. His reluctant willingness to give up being with Jack, who buoys his own struggle in readjusting to life, to help Steven shows just how deep their bond is and how much Ianto is a father-figure in Steven's life.
You write all these broken characters so well, but your handling of Jack in this story was absolutely remarkable. You give attention to the little details, the ways in which he tries to hide just how broken he is, and it really enriches the story. Jack's constant fear and anguish at the thought of Ianto leaving him--in whatever manner that might be--was so visceral in such a subtle way. Like an underlying tension that just breaks the surface water when Ianto can provoke it out of him. It's a very enthralling look into the character, and brings out new levels of empathy in the reader.
This was quite the amazing story, from start to finish. I love stories that have a resounding impact on my emotions, and this definitely did. I commend you on this piece, and I'm memory'ing it because I know I will want to re-read it and rec it in the future. Truly, remarkable job. Bravo!
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 Jack, who buoys his own struggle in readjusting to life, to help Steven shows just how deep their bond is and how much Ianto is a father-figure in Steven's life.
Ianto is very sacrificial in this storyverse. In the previous fic, he gave up everything to keep Steven safe, and I think he'd continue that pattern given the chance. It's his way of being a dad, and the opposite of what happened with Jack: Jack's mistakes led him to sacrificing a child (okay, on multiple occasions) in Biblical patriarchy terms but Ianto will sacrifice everything for a child which I think makes him a better parent.
Thank you for reading along, and thanks so much for the thoughtful comments!
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 questions. All the TW fics are here on this journal. If you PM me, I can also steer you towards the bulk of the DC fic.
My heart was breaking (if it hadn't completely broken already) with the scene between Ianto and Steven in the library. Oh god, the pain and despair was palpable, and the conflicting thoughts about what was the best method to face the situation they faced really resonated. That Ianto also was tempted to stop trying to fit into a life that didn't really accept him was a powerful revelation, but also so understandable. I adored that his solution to his and Steven's struggle was to take things one day at a time, and to maintain a presence in each other's lives. His reluctant willingness to give up being with Jack, who buoys his own struggle in readjusting to life, to help Steven shows just how deep their bond is and how much Ianto is a father-figure in Steven's life.
You write all these broken characters so well, but your handling of Jack in this story was absolutely remarkable. You give attention to the little details, the ways in which he tries to hide just how broken he is, and it really enriches the story. Jack's constant fear and anguish at the thought of Ianto leaving him--in whatever manner that might be--was so visceral in such a subtle way. Like an underlying tension that just breaks the surface water when Ianto can provoke it out of him. It's a very enthralling look into the character, and brings out new levels of empathy in the reader.
This was quite the amazing story, from start to finish. I love stories that have a resounding impact on my emotions, and this definitely did. I commend you on this piece, and I'm memory'ing it because I know I will want to re-read it and rec it in the future. Truly, remarkable job. Bravo!
Reply
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 Jack, who buoys his own struggle in readjusting to life, to help Steven shows just how deep their bond is and how much Ianto is a father-figure in Steven's life.
Ianto is very sacrificial in this storyverse. In the previous fic, he gave up everything to keep Steven safe, and I think he'd continue that pattern given the chance. It's his way of being a dad, and the opposite of what happened with Jack: Jack's mistakes led him to sacrificing a child (okay, on multiple occasions) in Biblical patriarchy terms but Ianto will sacrifice everything for a child which I think makes him a better parent.
Thank you for reading along, and thanks so much for the thoughtful comments!
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!
Reply
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 questions. All the TW fics are here on this journal. If you PM me, I can also steer you towards the bulk of the DC fic.
Reply
Leave a comment