I've read the whole of this series up to part five, yesterday and now you've posted part six. Quite amazing timing. I absolutely LOVE this story - and I speak as someone who is not a huge slash fan - not for any moral or being squicked reason but just because slash relationships usually move too far from canon for me to believe in them.
This feels utterly believable. I can hear Connor's voice in my head when I read your dialogue and you do a wonderful job of running with the little canon we have of Ryan's character.
I think you've developed Connor and Ryan's relationship with a very sure touch. Connor's insecurities are spot on even when he is, as you have Ryan point out, coping remarkably well. Connor isn't particularly skilled or fit which actually makes the times when he faces up to dangerous situations that much braver. Your Ryan seems aware of the difference between true bravery (doing things even though you're terrified) and over-confidence (his remarks about Stephen ring very true ) and this is something you'd expect from a top soldier.
I like the way you handle the increasing intimacy between the two men and the fact that you show Ryan as actually respecting Connor for his expertise. The physical intimacy between them seems very natural when it does occur. I believed in the progression of the relationship and the sex is certainly not gratuitous. There are emotional consequences which they are dealing with in a realistically blokey way (I can never believe in fics where two guys magically start talking fluently about emotions just because they've shagged!) I also like that this is set in the real world where it's best for Ryan to keep his orientation reasonably private. All of this are reasons that I believe so much in your story.
Connor's idea for contacting Abby is brilliant - wild, imaginative, creative, theatrical: just like Connor. Ryan's doubts about whether it will work just shows the difference between his mental processes and Connor's. Ryan probably couldn't have come up with something like that. For the same reason I like Ryan and Connor's difference of opinion about going public. It demonstrates Ryan'ssense of duty. That Connor defers to him shows how much Connor respects Ryan. This really is a two way relationship.
You are far too good at the evil cliffie... Looking forward to the next part, immensely.
no subject
This feels utterly believable. I can hear Connor's voice in my head when I read your dialogue and you do a wonderful job of running with the little canon we have of Ryan's character.
I think you've developed Connor and Ryan's relationship with a very sure touch. Connor's insecurities are spot on even when he is, as you have Ryan point out, coping remarkably well. Connor isn't particularly skilled or fit which actually makes the times when he faces up to dangerous situations that much braver. Your Ryan seems aware of the difference between true bravery (doing things even though you're terrified) and over-confidence (his remarks about Stephen ring very true ) and this is something you'd expect from a top soldier.
I like the way you handle the increasing intimacy between the two men and the fact that you show Ryan as actually respecting Connor for his expertise. The physical intimacy between them seems very natural when it does occur. I believed in the progression of the relationship and the sex is certainly not gratuitous. There are emotional consequences which they are dealing with in a realistically blokey way (I can never believe in fics where two guys magically start talking fluently about emotions just because they've shagged!) I also like that this is set in the real world where it's best for Ryan to keep his orientation reasonably private. All of this are reasons that I believe so much in your story.
Connor's idea for contacting Abby is brilliant - wild, imaginative, creative, theatrical: just like Connor. Ryan's doubts about whether it will work just shows the difference between his mental processes and Connor's. Ryan probably couldn't have come up with something like that. For the same reason I like Ryan and Connor's difference of opinion about going public. It demonstrates Ryan'ssense of duty. That Connor defers to him shows how much Connor respects Ryan. This really is a two way relationship.
You are far too good at the evil cliffie... Looking forward to the next part, immensely.