OH, and special thanks to @beastdance.bsky.social, @motoyuuri.bsky.social, @oblativelamb.bsky.social, @zinzrinz.bsky.social, @corpsefaggot.bsky.social and @bonetower.bsky.social for their feedback and encouragement. this story came a very long way in just the last few days with their help!
aaaAA. was chomping at the bit to read this through my MtG night tbh, and it really, really delivered. it's such a brutally efficient piece of writing, it does SO much so quickly. the sense of malaise and disaffection between Marina and Jelena is so thick and oppressive, even the beating feels like-
-an unrealized scream, any potential catharsis completely poisioned by the simple fact that this has happened before and will happen again, endlessly, meaninglessly. in that sense, the UC-inspired worldbuilding is perfect, and I think it's worked into the story incredibly well. even the names!!
Gods, that hurt to read. Feeling Jelena’s hopelessness through every word. Feeling disgusted to imagine the situation as I read, but unable to stop reading. Brilliant work. I need to go find a wholesome handler story now though.
This was amazing. Such a fantastic depiction of how isolating and lonely existence can be after a lost war, and all the awful ways in which people try to cope with the trauma.
Jfc this was intense! I don't have smart words to for it but I'll be thinking about the lingering quiet disdain and anticipation in the refueling station scene for a WHILE
Comments
Good job!
painful to read, absolutely brutal
10/10, no notes
marvelously done and finely crafted, without a doubt; but oh, it *hurts* to read.
it's oh so painful to read, but i couldn't stop.
masterfully done, thank you so much for sharing
I was left wanting to cry.
I loved it.
(dw i loved it. but i want them to be ok.)
10/10 story, but damn, I need to stare at a wall
Fantastic work!