How does this only have four reviews so far?! I really suck at reviewing stories but I want to leave one anyway because it deserves more.

I really enjoyed this story, Nicole. I think you captured the beauty of Crash's relationship so well! I really adored the scene when they were talking photography, as you would of probably guessed. Although, I did enjoy the final part of the story a lot as well. And you get so many bonus points for all the dumb parent Joey in this fic. I LOVE IT!

This was a great story! My heart was leaping in goodness from your story and just the Craig and Ashley action!

Please keep writing!

M. Extravaganza

Nicole you are an excellent writer. I am ashamed in admitting this is the first piece I've read of yours all the way through. Anyway, I enjoyed the innocence of Crash's crushes. It was very in character and sweet.

This story also gave me an entirely different perspective on the scene in the woods. So in that you achieved the title of the story by showing the "behind the scenes" of the Dressed in Black storyline.

Also, I really wish Ashley currently had the realization you gave her at the end, as it still holds merit. All in all, excellent one shot!

"She felt she was alive around him". Before I get into the actual story, this story just reminds me of why CrAsh is being revisited this year. It's always seemed, since their first interacitons, that Craig and Ashley are always in search of new identities, and they stumble along the way. I feel that's SO honest. It's kind of like they need each other as guides or reminders that it's okay to keep looking for yourself.

But the story itself was wonderful in highlighting other things. I liked the simplicity of the interactions, because of course, they're only 14 at the time and haven't been through his illness or the cheating. CrAsh was very beautiful and natural back then, kind of a dark innocence. I loved how Ashley noticed all these things about Craig, like what he does during lunchtime and the photos and how his camera is always around his neck. Then, with Craig, he's concerned with how Ashley sees him, which is believable since he's insecure and hurt post-abuse. Great interaction between CrAsh when they're discussing how Albert/Craig mirrors the Shrew scene. You always do a good job emphasizing how that's shaped Craig as a character.

Wait. Joey doesn't hit on Ashley in this story? ;)

Great ending, because it's really THE beginning of CrAsh too, if that makes sense. Anyway, I liked the chronology.

Sorry I'm a day or two late. Favoriting, Nikki

i love it!!