Oh my god . . . oh my god.

This is simply gorgeous. You captured Mikoto so beautifully; it almost felt like I was reading a snippet from her memoirs. I like the flower motif, and how despite everything, Fugaku and Mikoto understood each other. What I like the most is that Mikoto, despite herself, is bound to tread into murky waters (no pun intended) just like every human being out there. I thought the scene at the sea was very powerful in bringing out the more "weaker" side of her character.

Fugaku is a really complex character to portray, and I think you handled him perfectly. Somewhere beneath all that staunchness, I think he's very loving and caring, but his way of showing it very subtle or in some cases, completely screwed up (in Sasuke's case at least). I'm not sure if he suspects Mikoto of betrayal but judging by the hyacinth he gives her later, he's either forgiving her . . . or is trying to apologize to her for all the tension that's between them or is trying to thank her for all her efforts . . . . Sorry for the dubious interpretation but by giving her that flower, I think he's just trying to smoothen out their relationship in his own silent way.

Their voices were so true to themselves. This really was enjoyable and thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing! (oh, btw, I'm not sure if you still remember me, but I'm citrine59 from LJ. I've deleted my account because I haven't been using it much. Sorry for not mentioning earlier but I was going to email you sometime later. But I'm glad I took time to read this. Hope you had fun at Nepal -- I know, I know, it's been more than a year but it's better late than never, right ^_^)

>sniff

That was amazing.

Just the way everything was subtly repeated, and the flowers (were they specific with their meanings in turn with the situation?) brought everything together in climax. You describe everything wonderfully, especially her feelings toward Itachi, Fugaku and Sasuke, although I think something about her labour and having the baby would have made it even better.

'He is a normal little boy. And that is what seems to disappoint Fugaku the most.' is such a great way to say it. You have this gift of depicting things in other peoples' eyes, the way they would seem different in the mind of everyone else: you really achieve the character's voice. 'Mikoto wishes he had the tact to stop the conveyance of this disappointment around their son. He doesn’t, and Sasuke takes it to heart. She watches her as her baby tries so hard, as he trips and falls while chasing after his brother, as he sits in the tree furthest from her bedroom window to cry.' I couldn't help but love your writing more and more as I read on; everything was beautifully done.

I feel really inadequate in comparison.

And I'm writing you something that I hope you'll like.

...that was beautiful. I don't even know what to say to that, besides it was beautiful.

I love forward to when you get back form your vacation. :) Have fun, and be safe!

Ja, Ita.faa

That was an AMAZING piece of writing. Beautifully written. Wow! Just WOW!

My friend suggested this story to me and I am -SO- glad she did.
Marvelous work, you leave me speechless. It was beautiful.
I really loved the part when Mikoto flirts with betrayal- it's seductive, venomous and gives great insight about the huamn heart and its treachery. One question- did she cheat on her husband? Or was it an innocent kiss?

loving Sasuke

I like, I like :D

You set up the two main characters very, very well. Oddly enough, I think the part by the sea was my favorite--I think you explored a side of Mikoto that is rarely seen, but is definitely plausible. It was just really well-written.

The ONE thing that I'd suggest for you is that you leave Fugaku as a very static character. Everyone thinks that he's just blank and forbidding, but if Mikoto can have a one-night stand with some sailor...anything's possible ^^.

Great story--have fun in Nepal!

Beautiful like orchids. Resilient like rebellious chrysanthemums. Shy like subtle lilies. Bittersweet like enchanting dahlias. Gorgeous like beauteous tulips... with a few lingering sprinkles of betrayal and the cursed humanity.

Aside from exhausting my reserve of floral terms, this story was just enthralling with its flowing sweetness. Beautiful. I'm on a lulling cloud.

~Swooning & Favoriting
(then going back to study)

oh my god. gorgeous, just GORGEOUS. this story was so heart-wrenching. it was beautiful in its simplicity, and your writing just made it all the better.

a TRULY excellent story. as always. :)