Subject: [OTL]: Feedback: "Any Kinda Breath"

Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999: from 'rith

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I was privileged to read this as a work in progress, and the final version still hit hard.

I am not a Remy fan. Not in the least. KJ writes him so that I *do* like him, usually--at the very least, her version of Gambit doesn't set my teeth on edge. In *this* particular story he is acting more than a bit of the jerk, though it's well rationalized. Even so, you really want to slap him for being *angry* with Bobby's concern....

It's interesting; if the situation wasn't what it is here, you could see this turning into an almost-abusive relationship. Remy is manipulative by nature, and he admits this: "It would take a lot more to convince Bobby to risk really offending his lover, which was a fact Remy took little pleasure in using as a convenient manipulation tool." He says he doesn't enjoy it, but...he does it so often, and so easily, you can't help but wonder.

I'd love to see Bobby really come into his own in the course of this story. He puts up with far too much, and we all know why: The idea of Bobby's low self-esteem is so ingrained to fanfic it feels natural. This situation will be a test for Bobby more than anyone else, I think. It'll be intriguing to see the man who emerges in the end, regardless of the outcome.

Logan is one of Kaylee's favorites, and it shows. All the stuff about his senses--from his "tact" at not mentioning personal details to the stethoscope scene--is really terrific. (And the dream about the redhead, priceless. That's the kind of detail that'll stick with you!)

And Hank. I love Hank. Solid, dependable, endlessly *there.* And thank God he's there, because I have no doubt Bobby would utterly fall apart without him. And here's another of those great lines: "'Atlas,' Hank murmured. 'I empathize.'" Yes.

This is only the beginning, I *don't* know how it's going to end, and I can't wait to find out.

'rith

 

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