Fic: The Grain, Part II

[blacktop50]

“So, Finch, you didn’t ask me here to play Julia Child, I guess.”

He braced himself in unease at the direct approach she had chosen.

“The flowers were get well wishes, right? You gonna tell me how you found out about my… my health issues?”

Her voice was small and brittle now.

“That’s what you invited me here for, isn’t it? To gloat about your

Comments

[rose_griffes]

I’m sure that if there was something of substance in that sentence, Harold, you would translate it.
This whole exchange had me grinning.

Finch's sudden panic about the somber decor worked well to set up the question about what has happened. (Although it was tempered by the musings about Danvers the housekeeper. Heh. To amuse myself more, I imagined Danvers as a large, muscular man with a sweet smile--the antithesis of Danvers in Rebecca.)

Ahahaha, oh Finch, rigging the slot machine?! Hee.

I would guess that Carter's mother figured out what had happened, even though she didn't say so.

The temporary breakdown in Carter's self-control--and Harold's (slightly belated) acceptance of that worked very well. I was a bit teary-eyed as I read it. It was very much a catharsis, having the situation explored and the characters open up, however briefly, to discuss it.

(Relatedly, the first time I ever wrote about infant mortality in fanfic, I learned I could make myself cry while writing. I had no idea I could do that to myself.)

[blacktop50]

I'm glad the lighter moments worked as well for you as the more somber scenes

[aprilvalentine]

Very nice. Though you know I don't see Carter and Reese together, it did tug my heartstrings, considering what he said at the end of BabyBlue (that I quoted in my newest story, too). And I love the idea of Finch having Carter over for a dinner like this. He's so sweet in his way.

As soon as I read the name "Danvers" I knew were it was from, and then your explanation of how the one from the novel and her care for her dead employer made it make sense.

Lovely story. Oh,and thanks for that explanation of why you marked it as gen and het at the same time. :)

[blacktop50]

Thank you for your kind comments. Angst was what I was going for here, and so I'm glad it connected for you

[aprilvalentine]

I don't see any babies, or declarations of love, or lasting happiness for these characters. They seem to me too strange, unconventional, extraordinary, and doomed for those outcomes. But that's just me. Hey,it's all of us. One of the main reasons I'm attracted to these characters is they have set themselves apart from the rest of the world. Taking on the irrelevants, Finch and Reese know they can't have a normal life. Fusco and Carter could come closer, but it's not likely. I love characters that are willing to sacrifice their own happiness in order to achieve the greater good

[blacktop50]

Reese spent much of season one coopting Carter and Fusco into his makeshift family, often in direct opposition to Finch's express wishes. This is apparently the way he works best, in a team environment composed of several disparate individuals. Reese is not looking for a one-on- one but a family. Whinch is what he is deliberately putting together, IMO.

It's an intriguing question as to why he wants Carter with him on this mission to recover Finch. He clearly believes he works better in a team rather than solo. He needs back up and she is his preferred choice. Also interesting, Reese brought the dog to Carter's apartment the second time he broke in to ask her to join him on the road trip. He was introducing Carter to Bear, more family-building, IMO.

[radioshack84]

Oh, that was so very sad, but the writing was lovely. I would never have considered this angle to a Reese/Carter fic. Poor Carter...and John for not knowing...and Finch for knowing and not being able to tell John. :'( *hugs them all*

Thanks for sharing this. I really enjoyed it!

[blacktop50]

I appreciate your taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. I like exploring this universe from all angles, in this case, Reese off stage is a critical player in who knows and doesn't know. I'm delighted you enjoyed this story. Thank you for your close reading.