Challenge Fic: The Last Word (or When You See With My Eyes) (G)

[neevebrody]

Written for the #26 Challenge - Last

Title: The Last Word (or when you see with my eyes)
Author: neevebrody
Characters: John, Rodney, Jennifer
Rating: G
Words: ~3,500
Spoilers: Possible spoilers for Last Man
Beta: velocitygrass beta'd this even though she doesn't usually read this type of fic. Your thoughts and approval really meant a lot to me, hon, thank you so

Comments

[accidentalfan]

Just so gorgeous and heart-breaking. The sheer weight of that missed opportunity is so immense. (And the memory chips are a really interesting premise.) Very well done.

[neevebrody]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I like how you put it, the weight of missed opportunity. That's it exactly for John now. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

[darsynia]

This is a work of art. The thing is, with all the alternate universes we've been shown, we're hardly ever shown one where things go absolutely perfectly--more often, we're shown ones where slight differences change the scope of everyone's lives, and not always for the better. I'm reminded of The Road Not Traveled, here, in your use of the chip. Subtler, but still.

There's a story that's cut a swathe through my heart ever since I read it, a story that was very, very good but still hurt. It's the 'Hundred Words For Snow' story. In an odd way, you've made it all better. Not to give too much away for that story, there are decisions made and not made in both, and ironically, it's the frightening reality of that chip that soothes away the unrequited love-pain that happens in stories like this

[neevebrody]

because he knows there are alternate universes out there, and for the number of times he's snagged himself on indecision (go to John and tell him, or stay where I am and appreciate what I have?) over the years, in each instance there's a reality where he's given in. He's told himself he has to content himself with that knowledge.This is a wonderful premise and would make a lovely long and complex fic. I'm kind of awe-struck at your kind words and I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. I honestly think if more people gave it a look and didn't immediately shy away from "death!fic" they'd see how much love is shown. Yes, it does hurt, and nobody escapes unscathed, with is real. And I know this is supposed to be "escape" stuff, but I honestly could not sit through the Shrine and study over it without thinking how much John and Rodney love and need each other, but at the same time how easily it would be for John to remain stoic (in light of what he learned in Last Man), for Rodney to make a wrong decision based on infatuation, and for

[neevebrody]

In my fanon for this story, Rodney tells himself that it's okay to shy away from the tough decisions, it's okay to deny himself, because he knows there are alternate universes out there, and for the number of times he's snagged himself on indecision (go to John and tell him, or stay where I am and appreciate what I have?) over the years, in each instance there's a reality where he's given in. He's told himself he has to content himself with that knowledge.

I almost want to write a Rodney PoV view to that effect, heh.I keep thinking about this concept. I'm not sure how you feel about co-writing, or if you'd even be interested, but I think the idea of exploring the different universes is fascinating, i.e. showing a succession of alternate realities. If you're interested, maybe we could discuss it sometime. I will say, though, that I have obligations through the end of the year (and maybe beyond if I don't finish the Airport AU in November) so this would be a project for next year for me. Now, if you'd rather not... I understand

[darsynia]

I'd be deeply honored! I as well have a lot of stuff to do, so I'm completely okay with waiting until we have the appropriate amount of creative energy on tap to do this justice :)

*grin so broad it has its own zip code*

[ex_kisa_haw]

This is gorgeous, and so sad, and exactly what I've been looking for in the turmoil of fandom lately.

Lovely and well done.

[neevebrody]

Thank you so much for your comments. I know everyone prefers happy, but actually I've found the fics that stay with me the most are the ones that hurt, especially like here where you have an opportunity that never had a chance to be what the reader knows it could have been. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[gilesbabe]

There is nothing I can say that others haven't already. This is strong, beautiful, and so painful.

To quote a Rupert Holmes song "The saddest words that anyone has ever said are 'what might have been', but no one said you get to win."

[neevebrody]

Oh God, that quote is so true. I'm really glad you enjoyed the story and I thank you very much for reading.

[winter_elf]

*sobs!!* Oh god, Rodney, why, why, why. Heartbreaking for John to find out after, some strong denial going on there! I'm glad they stayed friends, but so much not said. The science was pretty darn creepy.

[neevebrody]

This story is so much about things left unsaid and decisions not made. John satisfies himself with a known quantity - Rodney's friendship, never thinking he could have had more and Rodney made a wrong decision, but never forgot about what he really wanted. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and I thank you for reading.