I tried to leave you a wordy, grateful comment at AO3 when I finally finished this story, and my mobile ate it. So I'm having another go here.
I waited until this was finished because I didn't think I could survive another long WiP, and I lost more than two days inhaling it once it was done. It went into my keeper file before I was more than a chapter or so in - it just grabbed me that hard.
This was one of the only stories I've read that approached Steve's possible adaptation to the modern age with such grounded, harsh reality, and an unflinching honesty. It was not an easy read. It was painful and sad, but it allowed the reader to travel with Steve through his terrible fall and his slow recovery, and as such it was hugely rewarding.
Of course, this wasn't just about Steve - it was about the whole team, and everyone around them, and everyone had their place in this story. I want to say something about every single person, but I'd be here all night, so I'll just say that Tony's journey is almost as profound as Steve's - as he slowly comes to know (and like) himself better as he finds himself helping Steve, and making mistakes, but eventually caring for him until it changes his world and self-view.
I reached the end of this story with great emotion - tears of both joy and sorrow. Joy, because it ended so perfectly - exactly how I had wished it to. And sorrow, because I didn't want to leave them and the world you'd built. It's a paradoxical ache, and the best one to have when finishing a story.
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Date: 2014-03-03 09:05 pm (UTC)I waited until this was finished because I didn't think I could survive another long WiP, and I lost more than two days inhaling it once it was done. It went into my keeper file before I was more than a chapter or so in - it just grabbed me that hard.
This was one of the only stories I've read that approached Steve's possible adaptation to the modern age with such grounded, harsh reality, and an unflinching honesty. It was not an easy read. It was painful and sad, but it allowed the reader to travel with Steve through his terrible fall and his slow recovery, and as such it was hugely rewarding.
Of course, this wasn't just about Steve - it was about the whole team, and everyone around them, and everyone had their place in this story. I want to say something about every single person, but I'd be here all night, so I'll just say that Tony's journey is almost as profound as Steve's - as he slowly comes to know (and like) himself better as he finds himself helping Steve, and making mistakes, but eventually caring for him until it changes his world and self-view.
I reached the end of this story with great emotion - tears of both joy and sorrow. Joy, because it ended so perfectly - exactly how I had wished it to. And sorrow, because I didn't want to leave them and the world you'd built. It's a paradoxical ache, and the best one to have when finishing a story.
Thank you!