Reviewer: aglaja5 Signed [Report This]
Date: Dec 14, 2019 9:40 am Title: Chapter 25: Checking My Pulse

I often had the feeling that Lindsay was enjoying her position between Mel and Brian and also liked Mel‘s jealousy of Brian. She didn‘t do anything against it. Not a nice character trait ... I like stories in which Mel and Brian overcome their differences and become some kind of real friends, they have the same kind of sarcasm.

This chapter. First of all, thanks for ending the story! I think I wrote it before... It‘s always hard to read an unfinished story when the story touches you so much. I also don‘t like these series where one season ends and then you‘ve to wait a year or longer. It ends at some exciting point, you can‘t stop to think about it for days or weeks, and then after one year, when you maybe have forgotten about it, not having this feeling any longer, they continue, and either you have to start over and get involved again, or you just don't have that feeling anymore. That's too bad. I think it's best when a story is finished and the author publishes a chapter from time to time, maybe once a week. but of course everyone has to know how to handle this. So, thanks for finishing!!!

One question... Did I understand this right? After Justin woked up for a few minutes, he fell again in this catatonic state and therefore they had to use ECT? Fortunately, it went reasonably well... I can‘t imagine how it feels not to remember things... I mean, we all forget over the years many many things, but something which happened only half a year ago or so...

„You sneezed your IV out." - haha - Although I've been working in the hospital for a long time, I've never seen anything like it. Only Justin can do that!

You - you called me sweetheart!" - Oh, a cute moment! Reminds me so much of this „You kissed me... in front of everybody?" You have this talent, to evake the same feelings in me which I get by watching the show, with just a few words. Incredible!

"It's just... you were so happy. When you found out, you were just so happy." - Oh, Jeez! That could refer to both the show and prom. But Justin knows there are enough other important, wonderful moments in his life that he can be thankful for! And maybe it is more important to cherish them and not to grieve after the forgotten moments. What a beautifful end!

I like this last chapter. Okay, it's described from Justin's point of view and therefore a bit more serious, melancholic than it might have been if you had written it from Brian's point of view. But I find that very appropriate at this point. All in all, a wonderful, loving story that doesn't change the characters, that is just perfectly written and has everything a story about Brian and Justin should have. A bit of fear and drama, but just as many sarcastic and hilarious ans also many beautiful and cute moments and a lot of love between the two! Thanks so much for sharing this story and I so hope to read something from you again sometime! I'll really miss our exchange! For now, all the best for you and your family!

Author's Response:

Yes, you understood correctly. The first course of treatment didn't work permanently so they had to use ECT. I wanted something that would interfere with Justin's memory just a little for exactly the reason you stated. Sure there are some happy memories he only gets to hear as stories (and also a lot of bad memories he doesn't remember too, so that's not so bad) but he gets more happy memories and he is still able to live a happy life. That's also why I had him say "this was the best night of my life" like he did at prom and Brian says "me too" rather than be sad. Brian is happy in the end too, despite or maybe because of all they have been through. 

Sneezing the IV out actually happened to my wife (she wasn't catatonic, she just had to have an IV) and it was so funny I couldn't help but include it. 

I too have been disappointed by WIPs that never finish. From the writing perspective, it's hard for me to write and not post while I'm in process. Some of it is my excitement to see what the reaction will be - a strong reaction motivates me - and the other part is that sometimes interactions with readers help shape what I'm writing. I'm writing in another fandom for now (I'll return to QAF, it's my first love) and I have everything outlined but as I'm writing, the characters, the readers shape the path. I'm still going to wind up in the same place but writing is a living thing and I think that's what makes fanfic different from purchasing a book. I love to read and the ability to interact with a writer WHILE they're writing a favorite book is like a dream come true. So I post WIPs and I read them and sometimes I'm disappointed (I hope never to disappoint others but you never know) but more often I get to live out what's a real fantasy for a bookworm. LOL I have voyeuristic tendencies when it comes to my favorite writers! 

Thank you so much for all your comments! It's been amazing getting to reread what I wrote along with you! Have a wonderful holiday season 

Reviewer: mamab Signed [Report This]
Date: Nov 24, 2019 8:57 pm Title: Chapter 25: Checking My Pulse

Think it is a perfect ending.  Justin is remembering the important things so that is what counts.  Hope you are feeling much better.  Take care of yourself and maybe your muse will decide to return at an unexpected time.  Wonderful writing.  If you celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving.

Author's Response:

Thank you! I'm glad the ending feels fitting. 

I expect I'll return to writing in this fandom - it's my first love. Happy Thanksgiving to you, if you celebrate. I do, so thank you!