Comment on The Family We Choose for Ourselves

  1. Souls_Skein Tue 13 Feb 2018 12:59PM UTC

    This was a wonderful fic. It's so well written and the found family love just so very clear. There are just so many moments that are great.

    Phillip working to not think about fire in case he has an episode makes so much sense. He's probably got PTSD from that, and you manage to work in that whole event withe one short line about it, it's amazing. Though I am curious now if the rest of the circus knows about his episodes.

    The fact that Anne, WD, and Lettie include Phillip in drinking Clancy's vodka! They wouldn't have done that early on in the movie at all. It's so clear that he is now one of them and their reactions to him being hurt, even while they're very drunk, are just so touching.

    Barnum's circus dadness is adorable and I love it. His reaction to what Phillip considers "normal" stuff is so on point.

    I love the description of Lettie's poster!

    Phillip thinking on how things will be in the morning, with the Anne and Lettie mother henning him and WD acting protective is just ...wonderful.

    I cannot wait to read anything else you write in this fandom, because this fic seriously takes the cake.

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    1. The_Girl_Who_Got_Tired_of_Waiting Tue 13 Feb 2018 07:24PM UTC

      Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your comment really is much too kind.

      Phillip has issues around fire for sure. I couldn't leave that out but didn't want it to be the main focus of this story. Maybe another time! Perhaps the rest of the circus wouldn't say anything if they did know, not wanting to hurt his pride. But they'd support him anyhow.

      I think by the end of the film it's clear Phillip has been accepted in as a key part of the circus fam. He stuck with them when PT was away, after all! And Lettie, WD and Anne bonding with him just seems natural after that.

      Phineas as a circus dad, and particularly to Phillip, is just too appealing to me to miss. I wanted to strike a balance between Phineas being firm in how not okay this is and Phillip, with the ideas of what was acceptable parenting at the time in his head, sure that it's nothing to get worked up about even if he is hurt. I hope I managed to strike a balance there.

      As I said in response to some of the previous comments I am half debating writing a sequel/part two where we get to see the reactions of the rest of the circus (and the rest of the Barnum troupe) the next day. But tbat may have to wait a bit!

      Thank you again and I'm sorry for my lengthy reply. Long comments just make my day.

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