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Fragments | 10: Fortune Favors the Bold
Read it at: LJ | MM.org | FF.net | dA
Pairing: Miroku/Sango
Rating: T
Inspiration:
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mirsan_fics Prompt #24 | Tear (2nd Place)Based upon: “Sometime Around Midnight” © 2008 Mikel Jollett [The Airborne Toxic Event]
This chapter is dedicated to
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aamalie ~ for all that you've done, and continue to do, I honestly can't tell you how much I appreciate it all. Fanart was like icing on the awesome cake, and I wish I could really repay you all the squeeful joy you've sent my way these last few weeks =)On a side note - my mind continues to boggle at the reception of this fic, not only by the pairing ship, but also in general fandom. It was nominated for four awards during the January 2010 term at Eikyuu Kosai, and it placed in all four categories O.O
1st Place, Best Alternate Universe
1st Place, Best Character Portrayal: Miroku
1st Place, Best Multichapter Work
2nd Place, Best Lemon ("Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces")
I...have no words, honestly. The feedback and support I've received for this fic has just been totally out of this world, making working on it a true joy and light in my fandom life. Thank you guys so much!! Now, if only I could find a way to bribe this audience to read the rest of my work as well, LOL... ;)
I've long since known it was time to give Miroku his due in this universe; even though this has very much been Sango's story from the start, I've wanted to make him feel like a true lead in his own story. And that meant finally sitting down and figuring out how to mold the complexities of his canon characterization to fit into this very modern universe, all while trying to sidestep the usual stereotypical fanon cliches.
It certainly wasn't easy - I still have a hard time reconciling all of his behaviors with the character I feel he is deep down - very wise, very thoughtful, driven by his passions and yet, not impulsive. These are things I can "relate" to, at some level; his behavior on the other hand, not so much. He's pretty much a pretty conman with a lecherous reputation who's seeking a woman to bear his child before he succumbs to the familial curse in the manga. He is, at turns, an outrageous liar and flirt, doing whatever he can to further his own aims. I understand why he acts this way, but not necessarily the actual behaviors themselves, so its always been troubling for me to feel like I give the entirety of his character any justice when I attempt to write him.
This was my attempt to kinda touch on all bases, while still propelling the story forward. I haven't used a prompt word explicitly for this serial in a long time, but something about this week's
mirsan_fics prompt finally sparked the flood needed to finally get inside Miroku's head, see the aftermath of the sex and breakup from his point of view, and finally see where he stood in the whole matter, as well as fleshing out some of the background hinted at in previous chapters.One of the things I like to do with my AUs is find some way to parallel the characters' backgrounds to those of the canon story, so that their actions feel more authentic, even when displaced from the original universe. So, I decided that he was a reformed rebel, someone who had struck out from the path his father put him on in order to deal with unexpected tragedy. Rebellion would be a good explanation for all the lechery and sowing of wild oats, and it would also give him a real reason to feel remorse, when he missed his father's death out of some misplaced notion of pride and stubbornness. Even in the canon, I think Miroku's father's death affects him greatly, giving him a peek into his own mortality and sparking the desperation that fuels his quest for an heir.
I'll probably always downplay the flirtatious side of our favorite monk, but even that I tried to work into this installment, if indirectly. Would Miroku turn down a willing woman in canon? I'd say yes. I feel like he grew past these actions as the manga canon moved on, and I think a harsh dose of reality in the form of death would be enough to shake him from an initial horny teenage fantasy in this universe. In some ways, he's forced to grow up before he's ready, but that also shapes the person he has become, and the person Sango was so attracted to.
There is a bit of the original inspiration song weaved into this installment, from the end of the song:
And you're too drunk to notice that everyone is staring at you
You don't care what you look like, the world is falling around you
You just have to see her / You just have to see her / You just have to see her / You just have to see her
You just have to see her / You know that she'll break you in two
This is the angsty climax of the song - and, in some ways, of this fic. Ultimately, Miroku realizes he's not afraid of sharing himself with this girl, but at the same time, he's not willing to make a selfish choice and disregard her feelings in the matter - the mistake he made with his father at the last.
Secondary inspiration took hold in the form of another Shinedown song, “If You Only Knew.” The lyrics are a little bit creepy, but the actual song is very melancholy, a perfect fit to the sort of mood I wanted to convey for Miroku here:
I don't regret any days I spent / nights we shared / or letters that I sent
It's 4:03 / and I can't sleep / without you next to me / I toss and turn like the sea
If I drown tonight / Bring me back to life
Breathe your breath in me / The only thing I still believe in is you / If you only knew
I've found myself spinning a lot of Shinedown while I contemplate Miroku's place in this universe...the fact that I've won an award for his portrayal in this fic just blows my mind, because I feel like I have only just scratched the surface.
Because I have been uber-busy this week, I have not had the chance to reply to comments posted for this entry at the contest community. The "official" version has been tweaked slightly, but I wanted to have the chance to respond here, since all of the people who commented are also on my f-list, LOL. So to
landofthekwt, yumi_michiyo, and aamalie...landofthekwt replied: Love the background. Amazing all of the transformations he has gone through. First, he and his father became alienated because of the strictness of his upbringing after his mother died. Then he rebelled when he moved to Mushin. After his father's death he changed again and became the person whom Sango met. He is clearly ready for her. Maybe he should go out and find her instead of waiting for her.Thanks! =) I'm glad you enjoyed the background I crafted for Miroku here. It was important to me (as I said above) to bring in elements of his canonical background, and there's just no separating him from the loveable monk in my mind. I like to think his father chose that sort of extreme life during his own grief response to his wife's death (grief does strange things to people), because he felt he couldn't raise Miroku on his own - so he turned to the only support system he still had - his faith.
He's definitely grown up, through all of the tragic circumstances of his life, but the one thing he's not yet willing to do is make another selfish mistake. He wants Sango for all the right reasons, but realizes he can't force her into a situation for his own comfort - that would defeat the entire point of trying to support her in her time of need. He's content to wait, to make sure its the will of her heart as well as his...at least for the moment.
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yumi_michiyo replied: Wow. This was a fabulously introspective piece - it gave Miroku's character so much more depth and definition within the context of this AU.Thanks! It was beyond time to give him a balance against Sango - in my own mind, I had to outline the reasons they were made for each other, beyond star-crossed lovers/destiny/whatever. Plus, it was time to put everyone out of their misery regarding his secretive, tragic past, LOL :P
The interaction with Mei was beautiful. You brought out Miroku's conflict well and then proceeded to resolve it convincingly <3
Another great installment :D
I'm glad you thought so - I wasn't sure how anyone would react to that particular section. After all, who is Miroku to ever turn down such an offer? :P I debated for a good long time just exactly who I wanted to approach him, and I wrote it that way because of the last bit - where she advises him to seek out and resolve his problems. That one line is what caused him to tumble off the cliff, so to speak, into introspection of his past, his present, and his future. So, I'm glad it struck a chord with someone :P
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aamalie replied: Oh, it's so wonderful to finally get more of Miroku's backstory and to start understanding his side of the connection more. You're very good at handling Miroku's serious and deep side...and using that to totally break my heart!LOL! Well, I'm glad to hear I 'did it right', but my intention was certainly not to break your heart in the process! :-/ I just think this side of him is far more prescient to his character than the flirty, lecherous stuff, but maybe that just speaks to my own bias, LOL.
It's interesting seeing how, even though there's something between them and he empathizes with Sango so well, he doesn't completely know her.
Yes - I'm glad you picked up on that! The connection is there, but he hasn't quite tumbled headlong into mad, passionate love. There are still things that hold him back, including a bit of insecurity about how well the rest of their lives match up, beyond the sexual or cerebral.
Some of his conceived obstacles show that, and even though it may feel right, there's still a lot of ambiguity to deal with. Plus, keeping in mind where they parted ways... That's a lot to process. Of course it would affect his work!
Heh, indeed - but sometimes you are so close to the problem, you don't realize the ways in which it manifests itself. I'm having to play a bit with the timeline to have the segments ordered the way I want, so only a few weeks have passed since their parting - but already, the toll is beginning to show with him. I picture his staff at the bar as being very protective of him as well, though that probably hasn't manifested in the story itself just yet.
They've got a long way to go from here, I imagine, but I'm looking forward to seeing how (and when!) they start bridging the gap. I confess I'm torn - I really want to see them get back together soon, but considering Miroku seems to be leaving the choice up to Sango...
There are a couple of reasons he's leaving the ball in her court - he doesn't want to pressure her, as he witnessed Karanousuke doing during that last encounter, because he knows the way to support someone in their grief is to give them a wide berth, not try to box them into a corner. He also doesn't know what he can offer her, beyond a shoulder to cry on, which is all well and good but has little practical value. You can see by his last thoughts there he has given quite a bit of brainspace over to thinking of creating a life with her, and yet, he's not willing to admit he loves her...because of the absolute disparity in their personal knowledge of each other. He senses that he may be ready, but she's certainly not. He knows so much more about her than she knows about him - and yet, this doesn't bother him, the idea that he has more left to confess than she does, which was very powerful for me. I'd think someone who's lived with the sort of tragedy he has would be fearful of opening up to someone new, if only to lose them again in some form or fashion. But, he trusts his instincts - and now, he has to trust hers.
Judging by the last installment, she needs to go through the process of resolving some of her past and rediscovering who she is and what she wants before she can move forward. But can she - just maybe - do both at the same time? Hmm.
You are certainly correct in that regard - there is still much she has to work through, and after all - the last she heard from Miroku, he'd just left her without much beyond a harsh pronouncement. It would hardly seem fair to push her that far and then not force her to make her own decisions. Here, we see that Miroku is still supporting her, albeit from afar, so the reader is assured of his stance, even as it stays off Sango's radar. Ultimately, she will be the deciding factor, because pretty much all of her decisions from here on out will affect more lives than just her own. Is she ready for that responsibility? We're about to find out...
This series makes me think and wonder so much, LOL. I loved this piece and am already dying for more! ;)
Well, yay for the first part!! You know I love to hear everyone's speculation, and sometimes it helps focus my ideas for forthcoming chapters. As to the latter...well, sorry to keep you in suspense, but alas, I am but a slave to my muses - fickle, flighty creatures though they may be... :P
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Good luck yourself, sir! =)
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PFFFFFFFFFFF WELL THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO START! You seriously made me squirm with utter happy when I read this. :D I'm not quite sure what I did (aside from the fanart, lol) but omg you make me want to keep doing it.
I pretty much love all of your reasoning for Miroku's characterization. It's interesting how he reflects a lot more of late-canon!Miroku, as opposed to early-canon. It's like he's already done all the growing up he did through canon, only before ever actually meeting Sango - which is unusual, since a lot of that growing up was due to Sango. He was already mature internally, but it doesn't take root externally until much, much later. The change makes for an different take, a different "what if?" than is normally seen.
There is a bit of the original inspiration song weaved into this installment, from the end of the song:
I think I decided not to mention it in my original review for whatever reason - but I totally thought of this song when I was reading it, and was pretty sure this was where it tied in. (You only showed it to me, uh... forever ago, when we had our first massive Fragments conversation over ff.net, lol.) I love the visuals of it, both in the lyrics and in the story itself. It just gets my heart all twisted up so good~!
I just think this side of him is far more prescient to his character than the flirty, lecherous stuff, but maybe that just speaks to my own bias, LOL.
I think you're totally right. I've always thought that the fun, flirty side of Miroku is definitely part of his personality, and I think he enjoys being that way. However, to assume that's all there is to him is to basically ignore his almost entire character, his motivations, everything. When you do a little digging, you find there's tons more to Miroku than he lets on. :)
There are still things that hold him back, including a bit of insecurity about how well the rest of their lives match up, beyond the sexual or cerebral.
And I love you for including it in his characterization. Miroku would definitely consider that, and it's nice to see him not just falling head over heels and brushing aside any consideration of what may hinder their relationship. That just wouldn't be him, and it would feel childish besides. (Yay for grownup fic!)
I picture his staff at the bar as being very protective of him as well, though that probably hasn't manifested in the story itself just yet.
This makes me worry for Sango a little...or maybe Kuranosuke. Hm.
the last she heard from Miroku, he'd just left her without much beyond a harsh pronouncement.
Ooh, I hadn't really considered that - how Sango might have taken the words he left her with. I could almost see it being scary for her to approach him again, with those words echoing in her head.
Is she ready for that responsibility? We're about to find out...
*itching to read the next chapter, liek NAO*
You know I love to hear everyone's speculation, and sometimes it helps focus my ideas for forthcoming chapters.
I'm glad to hear it, considering how much speculation you inspire in me! And then you go and encourage it by replying to my rambling...
alas, I am but a slave to my muses - fickle, flighty creatures though they may be
You and me both. Mine have got 'fickle' down to an art, let me tell ya... Still - I shall wait
semi-patiently nevertheless! :D(And it's not Fragments if my responses aren't EPICALLY long. Obviously.)
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:D Just keep on keepin' on ~ I don't quite know what you did, either. But I knew I had to dedicate this chapter to you after jotting all my notes for it down on the back of one of the sketches you did for me - that's only fitting, no? :P
It's like he's already done all the growing up he did through canon, only before ever actually meeting Sango - which is unusual, since a lot of that growing up was due to Sango.
Hmm. I've not quite looked at it like that, but it *does* make sense. I had a devil of a time trying to align and space everything I wanted to put into his past, because he is older than her - by about eight years - which is what makes his experience so precious, in this regard. I think him having the patience to wait her out is what's going to be important here, and that comes directly from his own experience - he knows how long it took him to go through all this, so he has a better idea - better than anybody else - of how much time she needs, how wide a berth to give her.
Yeah, its kinda a copout to have him relying on a spiritual connection instead of actually confronting her, but I tried to take into account what another meeting between them would entail, and how it would effect the dynamics of their relationship, as it stands.
I think I decided not to mention it in my original review for whatever reason - but I totally thought of this song when I was reading it, and was pretty sure this was where it tied in. (You only showed it to me, uh... forever ago, when we had our first massive Fragments conversation over ff.net, lol.) I love the visuals of it, both in the lyrics and in the story itself. It just gets my heart all twisted up so good~!
You should have said something!! This song is still the core of this fic, though I have moved on to other musical inspirations that are more directly related to characters or events. I <3 it so much, because I only have to hear the first strains of it before I'm put back into the mood of the universe, and my mind is in tune with what I need/want to write.
When you do a little digging, you find there's tons more to Miroku than he lets on. :)
Indeed - but I am finding it very hard to ignore his surface behaviors. I don't want to ignore the way he acts, because its just as important in the manifestation of his character. So...instead, I reflect on it indirectly, and perhaps inaccurately, but I'm counting on everyone to give credence to the emotional upheaval he's suffered, as to why he'd turn down a willing woman who propositioned him, for a change o.O
What's under the surface of Miroku is what makes him so compelling to me.
And I love you for including it in his characterization. Miroku would definitely consider that, and it's nice to see him not just falling head over heels and brushing aside any consideration of what may hinder their relationship. That just wouldn't be him, and it would feel childish besides. (Yay for grownup fic!)
=) Honestly, I wasn't sure how anyone would take this Grand Revelation of his character/motivations/actions...but for all that he's lecherous or hentai in canon, he's also quite practical. He is a conman, after all, concerned first and foremost with filling his stomach and having a roof over his head. That sort of pragmatism is easy to parallel in modern day life. That it makes him hesitant is perhaps not as true to his nature, but again - this is unlike anything he's ever felt/done before, so caution is warranted, even if its cautious optimism.
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LOL! :P Well, what I meant by that was, when I was thinking about this chapter and who it was who would confront him, I had several different ideas in mind - it could be:
- the waitress from a couple chapters before, the one who was teasing him about Sango's absence the night her brother died
- a completely random bar patron, who stuck around to pick him up after the place closed
- a "new" person, at the bar scene with some understanding of how the other employees felt about him
I chose the last one, because it combined the best of both worlds of the first two possibilities. The staff feel protective of him because they've stuck with him through Mushin's death and the ebbs and flows of business. He's their leader, the glue that holds them all together, and to see him suddenly distracted/preoccupied and even a touch morose has to be concerning to them. Having a waitress try to pick him up and then get down to serious conversation, when that pickup attempt failed? Is the scenario I scrawled all over your sketches, heh heh.
Ooh, I hadn't really considered that - how Sango might have taken the words he left her with. I could almost see it being scary for her to approach him again, with those words echoing in her head.
And if he tried to approach her again, at this raw and vulnerable time? Only bad things can come of that, I fear - she throws up defenses like a pro.
Ultimately, it has to be her choice, because this is what she needs to do in order to regain control of her life and conquer the grief she's lived with for so long. Taking the bull by the horns, and all that.
*itching to read the next chapter, liek NAO*
*wishes I had someone to tease you with* D:
I'm glad to hear it, considering how much speculation you inspire in me! And then you go and encourage it by replying to my rambling...
Mwahahaha!! You've groked my ebil, ebil ulterior motives :P
I really enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts, because they tend to go off in a bunch of different directions. You guys save me from having to explore every angle on my own, and sometimes even point me in directions I hadn't even considered - so believe me, this is win-win for everyone!
You and me both. Mine have got 'fickle' down to an art, let me tell ya... Still - I shall wait
semi-patiently nevertheless! :DHeh, thanks =) For the commiseration and the patience, because I'm in need of a bit of both, at the moment. I tend to cycle through love and hate with my WIPs, so it can be a frustrating row to hoe at times - but its oh, so worth it when my readers get everything I want them to, and are kind enough to tell me!
(And it's not Fragments if my responses aren't EPICALLY long. Obviously.)
Do you see me complaining?
...
I didn't think so :P
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Works for me! Now I must sit here and contemplate the pros and cons of making more sketches, if only for the scant possibility of this happening again... (And then I remember I'm somehow still working on coloring the other sketch, LOL.)
Hmm. I've not quite looked at it like that, but it *does* make sense.
Err, well, facing impending death had a lot to do with it too, but Sango definitely had a significant role, lol.
Yeah, its kinda a copout to have him relying on a spiritual connection instead of actually confronting her, but I tried to take into account what another meeting between them would entail, and how it would effect the dynamics of their relationship, as it stands.
Well, no, I don't think it's necessarily a copout. I think he's done all of the confrontation he would do at this point - in canon Miroku usually is her comfort, and he gives her plenty of space when she wants it. If she needs confrontation, Inuyasha usually steps up to that plate, oddly enough. Probably because she'll only listen if it's THAT blunt, lol.
I <3 it so much, because I only have to hear the first strains of it before I'm put back into the mood of the universe, and my mind is in tune with what I need/want to write.
Clearly, I need to start finding songs like this. Even so, I love the way the mood of the song visibly impacts the story. So awesome.
Indeed - but I am finding it very hard to ignore his surface behaviors. I don't want to ignore the way he acts, because its just as important in the manifestation of his character. So...instead, I reflect on it indirectly, and perhaps inaccurately, but I'm counting on everyone to give credence to the emotional upheaval he's suffered, as to why he'd turn down a willing woman who propositioned him, for a change o.O
Honestly, I don't think him turning Mei down is that far of a stretch, given his current relationship with Sango, but I think I also seem to have a higher opinion of Miroku's balance between 'lecher' and 'decent guy' than most of fandom. I could see him still joking around and still being flirty (especially when on the job, and even off it) but as far as sleeping around when he's obviously very set on Sango? Ehh... In this fic, he's channeling too much of late-canon!Miroku to be acting like pre-proposal!Miroku, I think.
I make him sound like he has a split personality problem or something. XD
Having a waitress try to pick him up and then get down to serious conversation, when that pickup attempt failed? Is the scenario I scrawled all over your sketches, heh heh.
I don't know why, but this totally made me crack up. Oh, the irony~
And if he tried to approach her again, at this raw and vulnerable time? Only bad things can come of that, I fear - she throws up defenses like a pro.
For some reason, this puts me in mind of the Fiancee/Nushi-sama story in canon - it's like:
Sango: Don't follow me!
Kagome: Why aren't you following her?
Miroku: She doesn't want me to, and now's not the right time.
Sango: He didn't follow me. D: D: D:
*everyone shows up because Shima's been kidnapped*
Sango: He only followed because of her. v_v
Oh, Sango... ♥
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Can I just tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing her do this? Sango is very resilient - the fact that she's been so consumed by grief for so long without moving on kind of makes me wonder. Of course, she hasn't had very good support up until recently, and that makes a difference. But I'm looking forward to seeing her adaptability and strength as she takes back her control and confidence.
You guys save me from having to explore every angle on my own, and sometimes even point me in directions I hadn't even considered - so believe me, this is win-win for everyone!
I think this is the best part of sharing WIPs - feedback is just so much fun! And while you get insight on what we're thinking, we totally get insight on what you're thinking as you write it. :D It's fun to look back on past conversations and see how little bits of info and characterization meta come into play later, haha.
I tend to cycle through love and hate with my WIPs, so it can be a frustrating row to hoe at times - but its oh, so worth it when my readers get everything I want them to, and are kind enough to tell me!
THIS x100000000000000. However much that is.
Do you see me complaining?...I didn't think so :P
LOL, do you ever? :)
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Considering I don't keep my writing notebook at work anymore *sigh*, there is a good chance it would happen again. I write on whatever paper's handy when the inspiration hits :P
Err, well, facing impending death had a lot to do with it too, but Sango definitely had a significant role, lol.
LOL - no, I meant the disparity of him meeting her at this point on his life in this universe, as opposed to their meeting point in canon. It does feel odd, but for me...it works. He's always seemed a little bit more mature, or maybe just more wordly, to me *shrug*
Clearly, I need to start finding songs like this.
Total crapshoot - but I mine where I can. Internet radio is the best; I don't have a good terrestrial radio station where I am anymore, hence the sudden uptick in Top 40 songs inspiring my work, to varying degrees of success :P
I think I also seem to have a higher opinion of Miroku's balance between 'lecher' and 'decent guy' than most of fandom.
*shrug* What I worry about is how much I'm twisting him to fit into my own ideas of what's acceptable or unacceptable behavior. In trying to be aware of my biases, I feel like I am trapped by them. And when it comes to a character as unfamiliar to me as Miroku (relatively speaking), I feel like I trip up all the time.
Seriously - you have no idea how much I am boggling over the idea of being rewarded for my characterization of him in this fic (especially prior to this installment). It feels like the first, awkward, too-close-to-canon-for-comfort baby steps to be something I feel confident in o.O
But who am I to argue with popular opinion? (See: raging against the S/K machine)
Can I just tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing her do this? Sango is very resilient - the fact that she's been so consumed by grief for so long without moving on kind of makes me wonder. Of course, she hasn't had very good support up until recently, and that makes a difference. But I'm looking forward to seeing her adaptability and strength as she takes back her control and confidence.
I wouldn't say that it's worrying the way she's acting, because she has been going it alone for about as long as she's been under the veil of hurt and grief. She believes its her fault Kohaku was kidnapped, and she's stubborn in her belief that she has to pay penance for it. Fading family, a loving but misplaced fiance, and a complete change in life situation - a situation that has just been jerked around another corner, no less - is a lot to deal with. And, for me at least, Sango is a character that holds a lot of herself in. That's what makes her resilience impressive. Making herself vulnerable is going to be hard, because she's spent most of her life doing the exact opposite.
...
And now you can probably see the clear link between Sango and Sesshoumaru that exists in my head, LOL.
I think this is the best part of sharing WIPs - feedback is just so much fun!
Feedback is fun, but only when it's useful. I like an ego-stroke just as much as the next fangirl, but what I really enjoy about this is that people are willing to give me more. I'm a little wary that I haven't received as much criticism as I think some of these entries warrant, but then again - I'm waiting for the person who's willing to challenge my premise without the side order of WTFery. Mercifully, its been a long wait :P
It's fun to look back on past conversations and see how little bits of info and characterization meta come into play later, haha.
What is WIP feedback for, if not to help shape perception of the forthcoming work? Granted, I don't take everyone's suggestions, and I stick to my own planned plots and challenges, but I also try to acknowledge when someone else comes up with an awesome idea.
LOL, do you ever? :)
>.>
<.<
This journal doesn't have fifty million custom locks for nothing, ya know...
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I usually have one everywhere I go, because I am apparently incapable of going anywhere without a book, notebook, pen, and nowadays, my laptop. In addition to things like my purse, wallet, and phone. I... like to be ready for everything? :D
He's always seemed a little bit more mature, or maybe just more worldly, to me *shrug*
I'd probably go with worldly on this one. Sango is pretty mature, at least given her age and circumstances. However, Miroku definitely has her on world experience - he's been out and about, and has done a lot more, in all senses of the word. I'd say the disparity isn't unreasonable - with the world you've built, the grope-slap routine definitely wouldn't work here, as much as I love the lighter side of their relationship. I'd like seeing it, but I don't think it has a place in the story as it is now.
What I worry about is how much I'm twisting him to fit into my own ideas of what's acceptable or unacceptable behavior. In trying to be aware of my biases, I feel like I am trapped by them. And when it comes to a character as unfamiliar to me as Miroku (relatively speaking), I feel like I trip up all the time.
I think I feel you there, at least to some extent. Though it's all good and funny in fictional form, it's hard to justify some of Miroku's behaviors and actions if you're looking to be realistic. Sometimes I wonder if he's actually more of a jerk than I usually see and write him as, lol. XD I'm not sure what your biases are, but it doesn't seem like you're tripping up too bad!
But who am I to argue with popular opinion? (See: raging against the S/K machine)
LOL would you be you if you didn't argue with popular opinion? ;D
I'm waiting for the person who's willing to challenge my premise without the side order of WTFery. Mercifully, its been a long wait :P
Well, that's what you get for writing such a refreshingly awesome piece. :) Personally, I feel like I'm bad at giving great criticism in the middle of a WIP - I'm such a big picture kinda girl, I guess I want to see the whole thing before I make any judgments. So I make up for it by meta'ing at you. Either way, I've yet to be disappointed with what you've done so far.
Granted, I don't take everyone's suggestions, and I stick to my own planned plots and challenges, but I also try to acknowledge when someone else comes up with an awesome idea.
A++++
This journal doesn't have fifty million custom locks for nothing, ya know...
LOL. Well, that wasn't QUITE what I meant... but you do have a point there. :)
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I carry as little as possible, LOL. And my work bag is stuffed enough as it is, without putting another A4 notebook in on top of everything.
Sometimes I wonder if he's actually more of a jerk than I usually see and write him as, lol. XD I'm not sure what your biases are, but it doesn't seem like you're tripping up too bad!
Well, he's pretty much the character I find least relateable, so that's always a reach, trying to write something that feels absolutely foreign *shrug*
LOL would you be you if you didn't argue with popular opinion? ;D
o.O I don't try to be contrarian...I just can't always keep my big mouth shut, LOL. And, well, I'm very much in "rage against the machine" mode from my days in full-time S/K fandom - once you get into that sort of habit, it's hard to break. And it's been like bouncing from one extreme to another, coming over here.
Well, that's what you get for writing such a refreshingly awesome piece. :) Personally, I feel like I'm bad at giving great criticism in the middle of a WIP - I'm such a big picture kinda girl, I guess I want to see the whole thing before I make any judgments. So I make up for it by meta'ing at you. Either way, I've yet to be disappointed with what you've done so far.
LOL, I'm just glad you find my efforts refreshing instead of annoying ;) And - I trust you guys will tell me if I cross the line into WTFery. I'm not afraid of criticism...usually because I heap it on my work myself before I ever let anyone else see it :P
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The name of the band "Airborne Toxic Event" comes from one of my top three favorite novels of all time, White Noise by Don DeLillo. (It shares top three based on my mood with Kurt Vonnegut's Timequake and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.)
It's awesome that one of my favorite books inspired a band's name who, in turn, wrote a song that inspired a chapter in a fanfic that I've just started following and enjoying.
Layers upon layers of awesomeness.
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O.O
Whoa, the trifecta has been reached! Dude...I love it when things come together like this!
I totally heard this song on internet radio while I was still studying in the Netherlands, and my first thought was, here is the inspiration I've been searching for, to try my hand at Mir/San lemonfic. It appears I've done more than I ever thought possible with said inspiration, and I at this point, can only hope it lasts...
I hope you enjoy the fic! As you can see, it tends to spawn meta-commentary of awesome, which is why I enjoy it so much :P