**slight spoilers**
I've read next to none BBM fanfics because I think the original story and film just don't invite fics. In a way the originals say it all and so perfectly. But I've had a huge, big craving for seeing Jack and Ennis find a happy ending so I've been following a couple of the highly recommended fics that give them that. (Jenna's "Somebody New" and Midwest_girl's "If I asked" among them.)
I can truthfully say that "If I asked" is the best BBM fic I've ever read. It hooked me completely.
Her unique and consistent writing style, her talented and fitting use of imagery, the insightful characterization of both her Jack and her Ennis, the happy ups and very painful downs of the relationship development, the joy and despair and fears.......the way she makes their love and passion virtually blaze from the page....... the smokin' hot sex. ......the wives! I liked the sympathetic and largely compassionate way she portrayed Alma and especially Lureen - Lureen close to how I see her myself. I loved the way she got across time and again that there are no easy solutions, no way that J&E being together after they've both married won't hurt people: Themselves, (ex-)wives and kids - and they have to live with that knowledge and with the consequences. The IMO relatively realistic portrayal of how J&E live at the end - having to take every care to keep their little bubble of happiness invisible, shielded from everyone. The OCs including the Summers are good and interesting or at least not detracting from the story. And on and on and on...
Anyway, some fics get to you and some don't. By the time I got as far as reading -
"Every muscle, every fiber, every bone in Jack’s body screaming out with joy. Emotions Jack’d been sitting on for weeks, holding down tight with both hands and all his will, flooding out." - I had tears of happiness in my own eyes.
I know Amy (Midwest girl) is active over at the DC board. If she ever pops in here to read this thread, I'd like to say: Thank you, Amy.
