Something Right

[bratanimus]

Title: Something Right
Author: bratanimus
Ratings/Warnings: PG-13 for language, and slightly Scrooge-like tendencies. ;)
Prompts: Candy canes, and
“So here it is, Merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun”
- Merry Christmas Everybody, by Slade
Word Count: 3,840
Summary: It’s all Kenny Kringle’s fault that

Comments

[sasher_copy]

Ah! That. Was. Wonderful.

I love the idea of Tonks needing some cheering around the holidays, because you can't be bright and happy all the time.

I, somehow, can't see Sirius in bed with some photos of Lily and James. I think it could happen, just can't see it.

You have a way of depicting a great awkward-meets-humour type of writing that just makes me want to hug my computer.

(Though I have saved my hugs for animate objects and reserved looking like a complete weirdo in front of my family.)

Thank you :D

[bratanimus]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it, and very pleased that you almost hugged your computer, lol. :D

You know, Christmas brings up all kinds of weirdness in people sometimes, and I figure Tonks and Remus would be no exception, particularly considering the losses they both know they may have to bear soon with the war and all. Somehow those Christmas programs don't reflect anyone's reality, and yet we still watch or listen to them because we long for something simpler.

Thanks again for reading. :)

[mrstater]

I wasn't able to check LJ while I was out of town, but I did get the email alert that you'd posted, and it was really very torturous to know for three whole days that there was a fic of yours I couldn't read! But it was such a treat to come home to, m'dear

[bratanimus]

Really? One of your favorites?? Thank you!!! :D *is all smiles*

I'm really glad that you liked my quasi-Grinch take on the holidays. I remember watching Christmas specials when I was a kid and wondering, "Why isn't MY family like that?" It made me want it so desperately, and yet hate it a little, too, for making me want it, because no one's life is like that, really. It stuck with me, and when I was older I heard an actor do a monologue about the Kenny Rogers Christmas TV special, which bemoaned the same thing. And that was sort of the inspiration for this fic

[duck_or_rabbit]

* wiping away tears of laughter *

Um, I think Remus should be indeterminately drunk. I mean, the wizard gets-his-Geek-on easily enough sober, but inebriatied, it's effortless, like second nature, and it just magnifies everything about him we adore!

You completely capture the dichotomy we love and hate about Christmas. We cringe at the means our families follow to arrive at the embarrassing end of becoming the Osmond Family, while we love them for shamelessly trying. And, with that said, we count on the reliable, dependable spectacle that is Christmas. Tonks, despite her innocent protests, means no malice. She is absolutely wonderful in this story. The adage of "show don't tell" is clearly at work in her.

A curious quirk, and I think totally effective detail, is that they kiss during their first night alone together. (The booze being no excuse, Werewolf!) It makes sense, I think. They have been on each others' imaginations forever so intimacy is imminent, if the conditions are ripe

[bratanimus]

YES! You got my Osmond family reference! (I totally saw "Doug and Delilah" as Donny and Marie.) YAY!

Thank you. I'm really pleased that you liked this. And you're right, Tonks means no malice. She doesn't mean to be angry about Christmas; but with all the ideal family crap being flaunted in her face, she can't help but feel a little defensive, since her career choice and involvement in the Order have all but eliminated her options for home and family, or at least any safe version of that.

I think the reason this is their first kiss is because Remus hasn't allowed himself to be drunk around her before now. He's needed to keep control of himself, and tonight he thought she'd be elsewhere with her OWN Osmond family, lol. But then she shows up when he's finally wallowing indulging himself, and he can't fight his feelings for her any longer. And I love that Remus gets sloppier when he's drunk, while Tonks gets steadier. I may have to play with that some more in future fics

[bookish_brownie]

I love it! It's so hilarious. I especially like the beginning and the image of Moody in footed pajamas. I love the names of the singers on the show, too. Overall, great job!

[bratanimus]

Thank you! I'm glad the image of Moody in footy pajamas gave you a chuckle! I had fun coming up with the names of the radio guests, lol. I'm pleased that you thought the humor worked, and that you liked the beginning as Tonks bemoans the ever-present wireless. Thanks for reading! :)

[katyscarlett76]

There's so much that I liked about this and could relate to, from the silly Christmas programme that you love to hate (haven't we all had one of those!), to the Mum desperately trying to fix up her single daughter (with my it's my Nan, my Mum's not too bothered as long as I'm happy), to being awkward with a guy you fancy and think is out of our league (gods knows I've been there!). Also..
It’s odd how quiet I can be when I’m just a little sloshed; it’s almost as if the alcohol lubricates my path somehow.
My friends at Uni always used to say that I could walk straighter when drunk than when sober (course I never do anything so irresponsible as get drunk these days ;) )

I really liked the moment between them in the kitchen, with Remus becoming clumsy!Remus and Tonks being stealthy :) And the sharing of the crap taste in programmes! I also really liked the idea of the candy cane in the firewhiskey and wonder whether it works as well with muggle whiskey ;)

[bratanimus]

I have not tried the candy-cane-in-whiskey thing, so I make no promises as to taste if you do try it, lol! ;)

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm very glad you enjoyed this fic and found so many things to relate to. Yes, goodness knows we've all had our share of schmaltzy Christmas shows that paint family time as perfect in every way, though the holidays seldom are as perfect as we'd like them to be.

I'm pleased, too, that you liked Clumsy!Remus in this. I certainly had fun writing him. :) And I somehow really like the idea of calm, cool, collected drunk!Tonks.

Thanks again for your lovely review! :)