Great story Faye. You write the characters so very well.

A wonderful, thought-provoking look at team dynamics, and how hard it is to be a leader. I knew Billy would forgive Michael - glad that Rick and Casey came around as well.

You write so well, I'd love to see you tackle a story putting Michael out of commission and have the other three realize just how difficult his job is. But, of course, you must write what the muse dictates. Whatever you choose to post, the results are outstanding. Thanks for keeping Chaos alive in fanfiction.

' Michael doesn't hesitate. He nods again. "Billy's my responsibility," he says. '

Didja hear that shattering noise? That was my heart. Breaking.

Bravo.

Poor Michael. I think he made the right choice, though. Your characterization is perfect. And I think you're right about Rick. He would be able to get over it faster than Billy would, though with a considerable amount of survivor's guilt.

I would love to see a story from you that involved Rick and Michael trying to survive together and Billy and Casey trying to find them. It would be an interesting change in dynamics and I find the Michael/Rick relationship intriguing, especially if there's Rick whump. ;) Just a thought. :)

Whenever I see your name on a "Chaos" story and that Michael and Rick are the main characters, I know that I'm in for a treat. You never fail with your characterizations of these two - heck, all four of them, and no matter how slightly depressing the plot might be (or how non-depressing, either), the story is always a good one.

Thanks for sharing.

As always, fantastic story! It's wild how bang-on you are with the characters. Their dialogue and actions seem so fitting to me. And honestly, I agree with how you depicted Michael's choice; how he managed the consequence also felt true to form. But oh, man. What a choice! You captured the turmoil amongst the team as well as Michael's personal struggle PERFECTLY. Well done! I am in awe of your never-ending creativity. You are like a fountain of fanfic! I will probably be reading this at least once more before I go to bed. I am already eager for what you have for us next :)

And thank you so much for writing and sharing!

Faye, as always lovely Billy-whump and much angst for Michael.

We are our choices but more we are how we react to the choices we make. I liked this story a lot. Bravo.

hehehe on the ending.

To anyone but you this would sound strange, but thank you SO MUCH for cheering me up with this lovely h/c of Billy and angst by Michael. You made my week and totally made me giddy happy over Billy suffering! You made me cry with this and the catharsis was welcome!

Fave part:

Of all of them, Billy will forgive him for this. Even if he dies, Michael knows Billy won't hold it against him. That's just the way Billy is. He's never valued his own life over those of his friends, of those who are innocent. If he had been there with Michael, he would have told Michael that his choice was right and good.

- this describes Billy perfectly and so heroically!

Casey is not swayed. "Soon," he orders. "You tell him soon or I will. And I promise you, I will not be sentimental or forgiving in my rendition."

- I love Casey's protective nature here.

Billy collects a breath; he seems tired but not quite weary. "If it helps," he says. "I hold no ill will. If you had gotten me first and the mark had escaped, I don't know if I could have forgiven you so easily."

-*sigh!

Michael suspects Billy may have had words with his teammates. He wouldn't put it past the Scot to force amends between them all. Rick spends a few days looking dolefully apologetic and starts using deference in their interactions, and Casey stops making him drink his coffee alone in the hall. Since Michael has made no attempt to defend himself, he can only assume that Billy's done it for him. Normally, Michael doesn't like anyone meddling in his affairs, but it's easier when Casey and Rick trust him, so he's inclined to let Billy take the lead on that one as only Billy can.

- And this Billy a lovely nutshell!