Reviewer: Calliesky (Signed) · Date: August 31, 2021 09:10 AM · On: Chapter VII
So I'll say it again... this is the one story I would really like to read that last chapter to. You made Brains family human. Just so much beauty in their pain. I'm hoping they can find themselves.
And the vision of Justin layi On the bed with his wings around guys..... that should be a painting.
Reviewer: Jean (Anonymous) · Date: March 24, 2013 10:04 PM · On: Chapter VII
well written and keeps me wondering what's going to happen
Reviewer: JTSecrets (Signed) · Date: March 22, 2013 01:28 PM · On: Chapter II
:)
I try to smile new stories but lately I've been running backwards. Happy to see your work here.
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 20, 2013 08:19 AM · On: Chapter VII
I will stop reading this now. Somehow I missed this was loosely inspired by the “City of Angles” but if it ends the same way I will be shattered. I love that movie but I couldn’t handle that ending for these men. Thank you for the entertainment.
Cheers
Author's Response: Don't stop reading. I promise it will absolutely not end like City of Angels. That movie's little twist was horrible!!!
Reviewer: reiselust161 (Signed) · Date: March 20, 2013 06:25 AM · On: Chapter VII
I totally missed Justin in this one. I am sure you have a perfect explanation, but somehow, something, someone was missing :)
Continue soon, pwetty pwuease!
Reviewer: snow (Anonymous) · Date: March 19, 2013 11:13 PM · On: Chapter VII
anxiously awaiting your next chapter!
Reviewer: Tagsit (Anonymous) · Date: March 19, 2013 11:00 PM · On: Chapter VII
Killer suspence here. What is Justin going to do about how empty he is feeling? Can't wait for your next chapter. TAG
Reviewer: sophie'smom (Anonymous) · Date: March 19, 2013 08:03 PM · On: Chapter VII
Very intense chapter. Seems Brian and Joan have more in common than was known. Handled Jack's death similarly. Brian grieved Justin more than his father, probably because he felt Justin's love and none from Jack.
Molly was a nice interlude to his grieving. He could share something different with someone who wouldn't think he's crazy.
Will Justin come back to him to say goodbye?
Loved this chapter
Reviewer: pacagirl (Signed) · Date: March 19, 2013 07:06 PM · On: Chapter VII
Molly did not find it strange that a 30ish men knew his brother who died when he (brian) was just a child or maybe not even born? Don't know why in my head, Molly is old. Anyway, this chapter was amazing. I love this story. Thank you so much.
Reviewer: Reader (Anonymous) · Date: March 15, 2013 09:11 AM · On: Chapter III
Diner scene - Genius! Love it!
Angel Justin takes charge! Love it!
Brian and Angel Justin! Love it!
Reviewer: Reader (Anonymous) · Date: March 15, 2013 08:44 AM · On: Chapter II
Absolutely love angel Justin....Quite an insight into the Jack's and Joan's relationship. Never gave it much thought but you have made it interesting...
Reviewer: Reader (Anonymous) · Date: March 15, 2013 08:13 AM · On: Chapter I
Jack Kinney is definately not a favourite character of mine but love how Justin is handling him.
Reviewer: pacagirl (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 06:11 PM · On: Chapter VI
Oh that was a very emotional chapter. Thank you
Reviewer: NoChaser (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 05:24 PM · On: Chapter VI
This is such a bittersweet and poignant chapter and the intensely personal nature of the bedside vigil is heartbreaking. A beautiful 'angel' told me many, many years ago: "Some of us are lucky enough to face our abusers before they die and some of us are lucky enough to never have to face them at all." Brian is caught in a watershed moment here, wedged somewhere in between those two 'lucky' possibilities. Never fully facing this abuser, but at least having the opportunity to begin reconciling some of his pain in the presence of one who caused it.
This is a well crafted story and, for my own reasons I'm sure, it has spoken to me in a way few do. Within a very small space you have laid bare so many nerve endings and bleeding souls, only to then begin wrapping them up in the feathery balm of a broken angel.
And I fear for my heart when we return to the graveyard.
Roni
Author's Response: This is precisely what I was aiming for, that exact moment. To me, it's an essential piece of Brian's character that's missing. In canon, we get these glimpses and they are never explored. Brian comes out to his dad, then we get a cryptic scene with that photograph and then Jack's dead. I wanted to give that moment to Brian (and Joan and Claire) and see what they did with it because, at the very least, I don't think Brian would run.
There has been a fair few years between when I was given this plot-challenge and started to write, and when I picked it back up, reshaped it and started to finish it, and I'm really happy I had that time. The essence of the story is the same, the key moments in it that I wanted to capture aren't different, but I had that extra time to mature with this and I think that made some of the key scenes more nuanced than they might have been if I'd finished this story right away, the way it had been started.
I've really enjoyed and appreciated each of your reviews. Thanks so much for leaving them for me, and I am really happy that you have been and are enjoying this story. Persevere through the next chapter and the graveyard, because the final chapter will make it better ... I hope.
Lemon
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 02:23 PM · On: Chapter VI
I can’t wait for an update; since Jack is dead we will get to see if Justin was only there for him or whether there is a bigger picture. I have my fingers crossed the white feather does mean he isn’t coming back. Please update soon. I don’t care where; I just want the next chapter NOW. LOL
Cheers
Reviewer: Tagsit (Anonymous) · Date: March 14, 2013 11:40 AM · On: Chapter VI
Wow. . . Intense chapter. Beautifully written. TAG
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 11:20 AM · On: Chapter VI
I can't help but want to know how Justin became an angel and to hope that he's not gone forever.
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 11:03 AM · On: Chapter V
You know, in all the time Justin has spent in Brian's bed, this is the first time they've had sex to my knowledge. It's going to kill Brian once his dad dies and Justin has to leave, so hopefully you've got something planned.
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 10:27 AM · On: Chapter IV
Ouch. Love the part with Justin draping his wings around Gus. Just lovely.
Reviewer: no sleep (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 09:15 AM · On: Chapter VI
Heaven is in desperate need of a rulebook.
"I think faith can be an attitude as much as it is a conviction."
Although this is fiction, I love that you were not afraid to express this.
"I wish him peace wherever he goes, but I can't forgive him. I won't ever forgive him…"
Yes, it’s still difficult to think of Jack being forgiven, but one would think that if we are to truly believe in God…
It seemed that Justin finally figured out how to get his mission accomplished. His revelation was what it took to finally convince Brian to see Jack. I wished I could have learned more about Justin’s human life.
"It's going to be okay, Brian. No matter what happens, or however it feels, you're going to be okay."
Maybe Justin was there more for Brian than for Jack. Justin touched more just Brian. He seemed to have brought some peace to Joan as well.
Brian watches the feather as it floats back down to earth.
Okay, by this time I was near tears again.
This was outstanding!!!!!
Sandra:)
Author's Response: The last thing I wanted with this fic, and really the one thing I was most afraid of, was getting 'preachy'. But at the same time, as I wrote, some things came up and I wasn't going to leave them out just because. So yeah, I went there. lol.
To me, Justin wasn't there for Jack. Not only, anyway. He was there for Joan and Claire and Brian as well. And it's not like he could sit each one down and say: "Okay, here's what you have to do" because that's not the angelic way. At least, it makes for crappy storytelling. But I figure those moments where Claire is remembering and such, Justin had a hand in that. He doesn't have to be straightforward, either (ie the mention of his being able to be a 'clever devil' when he has to be) but he plays things differently when it comes to Brian, I think, because his personal reaction to Brian catches him off-guard. So where Jack goes after his death, to me, is not a foregone conclusion. He gets a cookie for actually trying at the end, but that's a heck of a long time being a douche, I don't see him dancing through the Pearly Gates with a free pass. And as for those who survive him, Justin gave each of them a chance and, in my mind, it's one Brian and Joan accepted, but one Claire keeps shying away from. She dodges the thoughts, avoids confronting her dad. Brian went and told Jack that he was gay, and also about Gus, but Claire just waited for Jack to come and talk to her kids, waited for him to take inititative. Not that I think that she's eternally damned, because to me, this was sort a chance to kickstart some serious (and seriously needed) healing.
Jack's tear at the end? Totally a conscious reference to Dante. Make of it as you will.
The end had you near tears? Mwwhaahaa. Mission accomplished! Also, wait for the next chapter. I'm still recovering. I sat down to write the final chapter today and then went, "mew, no. I still want to feel all tragic".
I'm ridiculously happy that you're enjoying.
Also that you keep leaving long reviews!! *hugs*
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 09:15 AM · On: Chapter III
Is Justin going to tell Brian he's an angel? I love the way this story slips in and out of canon. But I wonder if God has plans for Justin that he's not telling. I mean do angels get hard?
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 08:53 AM · On: Chapter II
What would happen if Jack actually asked Joan why she wears a gown over a gown? Can Justin get through to Jack?
Reviewer: no sleep (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 08:49 AM · On: Chapter V
I had been searching for days for an update on another site not knowing you had them here. I could have been reading and savoring this long before now. Shame on you. I was still ecstatic to finally see another update nevertheless. :)
“….that Justin would blink out of the loft, appear without ceremony right beside Michael and snatch him back here without any explanation whatsoever.”
"For an angel you have a pretty dirty mouth."
The relationship developed between the two of them was strange and heartwarming and was very comical at times. At times, it was like watching an episode of Bewitched or I Dream of Genie. I loved it. Justin made dinner every day as if it was not unusual for an angel to do, as if it was not out of place. It made it all more comical. They seemed to communicate as if they had known each other for years.
“Brian can't help but notice that the smile his dad is giving his son is the same one as in the photograph that's lying, discarded, on the floor.”
That was a touching scene. I never thought about the significance of the picture.
"You're dad loves you, Brian. Even if he never says it. Even if he doesn't know how to say it."
That is so Brian Kinney. It’s still hard to reconcile the abusive Jack Kinney as a loving father though.
"I don't actually sleep…"
That was a kicker! I never guessed he was faking it. I just thought it was unusual. I thought angels were supposed to be honest. I guess free will applies to them too, LOL.
“It carries within it all the weight and significance of a lifetime”.
“Never slow, never absolute, has never made him feel so thoroughly lost and impossibly found at once.”
That love scene was more than I would have expected. It wasn’t a sex scene as I would have expected. It was everything but. I have never read a more touching love making love scene. “Sweet Agony.”
Beautiful!!!!
I often thought of the first time Brian slept with Justin that although he fought against it, it changed him.
Did I mention how much I love this story?
Sandra:)
Author's Response: LOL I post at my LJ first and always. It has the most current version of any and all of my QAF work, as well as links to other places I post (and fic masterposts with everything pertaining to each fic). I also post at AO3, and here. There, now you won't get lost again. No blaming me!!
This fic was actually a plotbunny/challenge that was issued to me a while ago with some specific parameters, and a lot of leeway for me to connect the dots. As a result, I find myself dancing between the angst inherent in the plot, and the humor/romance. I think a part that isn't explicitly stated within the story, but is definitely happening, is Justin's struggle between his confusing feelings and reactions to Brian, and how his interactions with Brian emphasize what's left in Justin that is human, as opposed to angelic. As hinted at with that scene in Babylon. I'm not purposefully not getting into that explicitly because this is primarily about the Kinneys, but it's there and it's relevant. Also, I mean, there's only so much angst and Jack and Joan that one person can take, right? Then you need some happy B/J moments to make it all better. Well, I do, at least.
As for Jack. I wouldn't classify him as a loving father. He loved his kids, I think, and his wife, but he was an alcoholic and self-centred. I'm not trying to absolve him or have any one member of his family sit back and go: "He loved me! Me really loved me!" or "he didn't know how to say he loved me so he hit me" because, yeah, no. He was abusive and bad and there's no justifying it. However, I think it falls short to realize that and then go, "Jack was evil" because that's as much a diservice to those who survive him as it is to, well, wherever he's heading... I'm probably having more fun playing with the Kinneys than I should. I definitely did not expect to enjoy writing Joan as much as I have...
I'm always so nervous about writing sex scenes, and this one was so totaly blocked, it just didn't want to happen, but I couldn't justify some things that happen later without this, and finally, voila, I had to go and rewrite a chunk of the chapter and then this just happened, easy as you please. Go figure. It's an incredibly relief to hear that it works and was enjoyed, because writing anything for graphic or less, I dunno, meaningful, I guess, wouldn't have fit, but I worried about reader-reaction just the same!
As for Brian's first time with Justin? I am 100% in agreement with you!!!!
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: March 14, 2013 08:25 AM · On: Chapter I
Jack must be feeling a little frustrated right about now. It's amazing how accepting he is of Justin though. I wonder if Joan hadn't been the way she was would Jack be the way he is? or vice versa.
Reviewer: NoChaser (Signed) · Date: March 12, 2013 08:45 AM · On: Chapter V
A beautifully written chapter. The graphing of Jack's growing anger/violence through the tale of Claire's earrings, his desperation to keep her womanly by his own standards is so very, very telling. His demand that Claire - not Brian - clear the table...
I am enjoying this story so very much... Thank you for it.
Roni
Reviewer: sophie'smom (Anonymous) · Date: March 12, 2013 08:41 AM · On: Chapter V
Acceptance, I think that's part of what Justin is striving for with Jack, not necessarily redemption.
With Brian, I don't know but when Jack dies and Justin leaves Brian's going to shatter all over again just like he did when they made love.
This was a great chapter. I love the relationship they're forming.
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 12, 2013 07:05 AM · On: Chapter V
I love the way you got the men together here. I can’t wait to see how you get them together permanently or maybe you won’t. It's intriguing that this fic doesn’t have a predictable ending. Your writing is amazing; please hurry back with the next instalment.
Cheers
Reviewer: pacagirl (Signed) · Date: March 12, 2013 07:04 AM · On: Chapter V
Thank you for this chapter :)
Reviewer: Tagsit (Anonymous) · Date: March 12, 2013 03:14 AM · On: Chapter V
Unique perspective on the same old story. And, so incredibly well written. I'm really enjoying this. TAG
Reviewer: pacagirl (Signed) · Date: March 10, 2013 03:58 PM · On: Chapter IV
Thabk you for this story. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Reviewer: Tagsit (Anonymous) · Date: March 10, 2013 10:53 AM · On: Chapter IV
Intriguing story. I'm really enjoying it. More please. TAG
Reviewer: pacagirl (Signed) · Date: March 09, 2013 03:27 PM · On: Chapter I
It's a real pleasure to read you.
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 08, 2013 07:40 AM · On: Chapter IV
I love the bed scene in this chapter; it’s like cuddling but with wings. I adore how you have the men together and I am curious to see how that will eventuate. I’m pleased Brian has finally come out to his father. Most of all I love the originality of this fic; it is so refreshing to read something new.
Cheers
Reviewer: sophie'smom (Anonymous) · Date: March 08, 2013 06:37 AM · On: Chapter I
Jack hooked with Justin is priceless.
Seems to be at one time Jack loved Joan. Shame he choose to stop.
Really interested to see where you're taking this. Now that I think about the first chapter, maybe it wasn't Jack's funeral he was attending. Looking at the head stone, seeing the name on it made him remember his father.
Reviewer: snow (Signed) · Date: March 08, 2013 05:05 AM · On: Chapter IV
I love this story.
Reviewer: NoChaser (Signed) · Date: March 08, 2013 04:25 AM · On: Chapter IV
Sometimes, if one is lucky, one runs upon a story like this -- on that has just the perfect blend of the believable and the unbelievable, of dark humor ("Shit. I can't believe my mother was actually right about this crap. I'm going hell."), and evocative prose (The use of that name, one she hasn't heard in years and has almost entirely forgotten, makes her choke down a wild ripping thing that tries to climb up out of her throat.)
Christ, LB... this is such a gothic piece. Every nuance of weather, lighting... even the freaking placement of a pair of shoes lends to the emotional atmosphere. So understated and so totally well done all at the same time. I can't wait to get to Justin's backstory. I'm picking up a few hints. (Why do I get the feeling that I'm gonna be waiting for a few chapters for the big reveal?)
Roni
Reviewer: sophie'smom (Anonymous) · Date: March 08, 2013 04:24 AM · On: Chapter I
Interesting story so far. Love how you hooked Jack to Justin. Can't wait to see where the other chapters go.
Reviewer: NoChaser (Signed) · Date: March 07, 2013 11:07 PM · On: Chapter III
Oh, shit... He's not... He is!
Well, I'm on pins and freakin' needles!
;0
Roni
Reviewer: judi (Anonymous) · Date: March 07, 2013 04:11 AM · On: Chapter III
Hi,
I like this. It's different and interesting. Wish you had posted the next chapter already but I'll just have to be patient. Is he really going to tell Brian that he's dead?
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 05, 2013 02:17 PM · On: Chapter III
"My dad's special friend." LOL This is such a Brian answer. I also liked Brian’s response to his dad's announcement; "You want a drink?" as I’m sure you are correct as Jack probably want five or six stiff drinks. Please update soon.
Cheers
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 04, 2013 09:40 AM · On: Chapter II
I love this update. I think Claire has always tried to make a situation about her and not the real issue. I sometimes feel sorry for Joan as I think because for the era and circumstances her choices would have been limited. You are giving so much more life to these characters and doing a wonderful job. Please keep it coming.
Cheers
Reviewer: Snow (Anonymous) · Date: March 03, 2013 09:27 AM · On: Chapter I
I am completely mesmorized by this...I can't wait for your next chapter.
Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: March 02, 2013 07:50 PM · On: Chapter I
I love this update; I love the way it is written and where it leads. I just read chapter four and when you post them here I read them again. Thanks.
Cheers
Author's Response: I do a little final editing before I post here, :) Thanks so much for commenting, I always appreciate it!
Reviewer: yvonnereid (Signed) · Date: March 02, 2013 07:56 AM · On: Chapter I
Amazing writing hon - Yvonne xx
Author's Response: Thanks for commenting here (and everywhere ;) )!!!!
Reviewer: TheWickedStepmother (Signed) · Date: March 02, 2013 05:09 AM · On: Chapter I
Hi,
I need some help here. What is Justin? An angel? An imagination?
I like your idea to learn more about Brian's father
:)
Author's Response: Justin is an angel. This will be made even more clear in subsequent chapters, but there are strong hints here. Glad you're enjoying.
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