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Hi there! I’m here for our swap, and since I am all caught up on one of your WIPs, I thought I’d delve into another, except on my way back to peruse Jimmy, I found this. Can’t pass it up. Nope. Gonna stop right here and review!
I’m always interested in fics that humanize Peter. There are too many Peter-bashing, Peter-minimizing stories and not enough stories like this one. I have a Petercentric story somewhere too, and it just feels good to give these characters a little more. You have given him quite a lot more, and judging from this fic, there’s a whole lot more I get to discover about him in your other fics. I’ll have to put that on my list.
Oh gosh, going out with someone to get back at someone else… it’s never a good look, but he’s crying, so there’s definitely something there, maybe it had something to do with the weird, agonizingly irresistible attraction. Goodness, why is Peter questioning the tears again?
I love how this starts out as a reflective thing, where Peter is thinking back on what happened, but we don’t have to be there to get the parts that matter.
“At least have the decency to admit it!”
Leande’s words don’t necessarily mean that he feels the same way or doesn’t. I have no context for this, but I’m guessing that if they’re in an argument in the middle of a public place, he’s got some skin in the game, or maybe he did and now he’s just wanting validation for backing out. Sometimes it’s important to realize when you’re done with something that wasn’t working in the ways you need it to.
But Peter… he’s lost something big here, and it looks like he’s trying to work through what exactly that is. I love how you bring out both his anguish and his confusion over it. He’s not denying what Leander said. He’s just questioning where the pain is coming from. As one does, yeah? It’s never just sex, though.
“Autocommiserating”
What a fantastic word!
And what a horrible time for that cherub to show up! Actually, I needed that. Just for the comic relief. Because Peter’s really going down deep here. You’re doing a fantastic job of pulling All the Feels out of this boy.
And then of course he’s going to cover it up in front of his friends. He’s got to. That would be too embarrassing. Too… painful. And I both love and hate the way that James just goes off being James, stealing the attention.
Ah, all the reminders! That’s the cruel part of a breakup, albeit necessary. It’s not like he can just go about his day and NOT remember all those little things. But then, there’s that realization that those little things were more important than the sex. I love that epiphany moment, where he turns the corner on his sadness and figures it all out.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a fic where lovers-to-friends was as successful as this one. We get just enough of Leander’s inner narrative to know that he misses Peter too, that he valued his time with him, that they had something… and then the note was completely adorable. He finally got what he wanted - validation.
Such a great story, and you absolutely nailed the prompt!
Pix
Hey Chiara! Hoping to catch you in tag and not make a complete mess of it like I did last time :lol:
'Nothing in common apart from this weird, agonisingly irresistible physical attraction' - so quite a bit in common, eh Peter? Especially backfiring, considering this arose as a 'get back at Remus' plan :((( Has it always been 'just sex' for Peter with anyone? I don't think it has; there's been a deeper connection with every partner he's had, it's part of his nature to form those bonds, and most of the reason why it hurts him so much to sever them...
Spectacular timing by the cherub. And I can feel Peter's dilemma here, because he's kinda lost a bit of his heart to Leander, but his heart really belongs with Remus. And that's not the kind of feeling he can process on the spot, just because Leander demands him to 'prove that it's more than just sex'.
It's always the little things that get people after break-ups :( Love this example of one of the things Leander and Peter shared, about the bacon being 'the burnter the better', Hogwarts portraits indulging in private romances behind purple curtains (I SO need you to write more on this, please!), Leander hating sunsets because they remind him of Peter's eyes...and suddenly it's blatantly obvious it was never just about the sex...
WAAAAH, the ending :((( The list from Peter. The wish for them to remain friends. The knowledge that this relationship which was never 'just sex' was definitely over, but they could still salvage something out of it to hold onto...
Awww. I most definitely have something in my eye now :(
Meera <3
Author's Response:Hi again, Meera! <3
So glad you decided to check out some of my older-ish fics! <3
Ahahah! Yeah, they definitely did have something in common... ;) And no, I don't think it was ever just sex for Peter. Maybe he thought that was what it was with Der, but it is in his nature to form deeper bonds, whether intentionally or not... poor Pete...
Spectacular timing, indeed :P But isn't it how it always happens? (Or maybe I just enjoy overdoing the drama, lol! :P) Anyway, yeah, poor Peter didn't even know his true feelings, and Leander's demand wasn't going to help...
So glad you liked the little things Peter remembered about Leander <3 (You're not the first to mention that you'd like an expansion about the Hogwarts portraits' affairs, lol :P)
So glad you liked the ending, and Peter's list, and how they still want to save their friendship, even if the romance is definitely over! <3
Thank you so much for another great review! <3
Hi Chiara! I have to admit I am not fully up to date on the Jimmy universe, but this little snapshot was a fun, if a little heartbreaking, read. :sparkling_heart: Poor Peter not being the best at showing his emotions to Leander, or hell, even just not recognizing his own feelings for Leander were deeper than just the ones you have with a mostly physical relationship is so sad. The breakup happening in Madam Pudifoots is a big oof and also yikes to it being so public; I’m surprised it wouldn’t have been gossip around the school in the following days and weeks considering how many fellow students probably saw it, and how notorious the marauders are. James completely ignoring that Peter definitely isn’t all right to just wax poetic about Lily fits his character well. I’m glad Peter ends up writing a list of things he misses about Leander to show he does have feelings, and wants to acknowledge it to Leander, but also realizes it doesn’t mean they are going to get back together. How very grown up and mature of them! <3
~Madi
Fairy foxy review event
Author's Response:Hey, Madi! Thank you so much for stopping by here! :D
Poor Peter, indeed... no, he isn't very good in expressing/recognizing his feelings... and that breakup was quite harsh/dramatic... I mean, I suppose there was some gossip around it, but maybe Peter would be too lost in his own head to notice?
James not really noticing his friends' discomfort, especially when he's too busy daydreaming about Lily, is just very James Potter, lol...
So glad you liked the list and how Peter wanted to let Leander know that he truly cares, but not expecting to get back together. It was a very mature moment for him. :)
Thank you so much for the lovely review! <3
Chiara
Hi Chaira, here I am for fairy review event, for Team Snow Fox :)
I was instantly interested in the bold title and then of course wanted to read more about your Peter and see how he's doing in a pre-Jimmy universe or timeline. I'm not entirely sure who Leander is, but you've painted quite an intriguing relationship here.
Of course, what started off as a mostly sexual relationship developed into some genuine feelings, and even if they're not necessarily romantic, there's just something about sharing intimacy with the right person that connects you. I feel that that's what happened in this case - Peter and Leander just clicked, and while Peter still seems to have feelings for Remus, he needs to let a disappointed Leander know that he wasn't just a conquest for him, but someone he experienced great closeness and pleasure with, but also precious time, and it's such a lovely idea to wrap a story around.
I also loved when leander was thinking about how he kinda hates sunsets, but seeing them reflect in peter's eyes makes them worthwile, and i'm so soft for that, poor thing, i feel really bad for him. but peter's gesture is really kind and meaningful, as Leander noted, to prove to him that it most certainly wasn't 'just sex' and that even if that is over now, they can still be friends.
This was such a cool story, Chiara, and very uplifting ! :)
Eli
Author's Response:ELI!!! <3
Ahahah, that's a bit of a bold title, now that you mention it... :P The content is not really, but, yeah... :P Glad you enjoyed the relationship between Peter and Leander in this! :)
I'm glad you liked how their relationship evolved here, and how their mostly sexual relationship evolved into something deeper, even if they didn't really work as a romantic pairing. I'm glad you liked that premise, and how Peter wanted to let Leander know how much he meant to him.
Glad you liked the bit about sunsets, too! Leander is super angsty there, admittedly... :P but at least know he knows that Peter truly cared and they can be friends! <3
So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you so much for stopping by! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hello, Chiara, and happy holidays from your Secret Hufflepuff! ♥
You're the only one who's ever really made me feel something for Peter, so naturally, I needed to check out this short, almost bittersweet moment after he and Leander ended things. Truthfully, I didn't realize they meant so much to each other; like Leander, I assumed they were together to make someone else jealous, but it's clear here that those feelings are misguided. Peter very much cares for him, and it's a mature thing, to realize that you don't necessarily miss someone for the sex but for their friendship.
But poor Peter, I really wanted to hug him in this opening scene. Leave it to James to steal the show with his obsession with Lily, which was probably better for him, no doubt. They always seem to overlook him which I never realized could be a good thing for him, and while I'm glad he was able to sort out his feelings for Leander on his own, it sure would've been nice if he had someone to talk about them with, really sort them through.
I also loved your use of flashbacks here, getting glimpses of what happened. It's a little cold, asking Peter to prove he wasn't just using Leander for sex, and the breakup that followed makes a lot of sense. And your descriptions are always so wonderful, especially when talking about Peter and Leander wandering through the halls - I love the thought of Leander coming up with portrait gossip and always having a neverending list of interesting facts.
And aw, the note exchange at the end was really touching. I loved that Peter listed out the things he missed about Leander, and that they agreed to get drinks in the end. I'm hoping they'll be able to make their friendship work; sometimes ex-boyfriends don't always make the best of friends, but I have a feeling they'll be able to.
This was a really wonderful story, Chiara; thank you so much for writing it and sharing it with us! Your writing is as beautiful as ever and I hope you have a warm, cuddly holiday season ♥
Author's Response:Hello, Professor! (Or should I say Jill? :P)
Thank you so much for stopping by this story! <3 I'm so glad I can make you feel a little for Peter, and I'm glad you enjoyed this little spin-off about his relationship with Leander :)
It definitely started as a way to make someone jealous, but sometimes feelings develop unexpectedly, right? And yes, Peter does genuinely care for him, even if he never properly realized it...
Poor Peter, indeed... ahahah, well, that's James! :P But yeah, sometimes not being considered can be a good thing... :P Honestly, I can't see James and Sirius being very good at love counselling... and Peter can't exactly rely on Remus in this particular circumstance, can he? So, yeah, he basically has to figure out things on his own...
So glad you liked the flashbacks! :D Ah, yes, that was a bit pretentious on Leander's part, but also understandable if he felt like Peter was basically using him... I'm so glad you liked the bits about portrait gossip etc, I did have fun coming up with those! :D
So glad you liked the note exchange! I think they can make it work, at least for a little while! ;)
Aww, thank you! You are too sweet! Thank you so much for the lovely review! <3
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Hi Chiara! I'm back with another review on a piece from your Jimmy Portman Universe. :)
I believe in Liar, I commented on how I enjoyed the subtle breakup between Leander and Peter. After reading this first scene I thought, oops I probably spoke too soon hah! But honestly, I like you gave more life to this moment. I like how it is placed in Liar because I think there is so much going on in that story and that story centers more on the changing relationship between Remus and Peter. So I really think having it like you do in that series holds up well. This is just an added bonus scene that we get of that moment.
Another thing I love about this one shot is how it begins so dramatically and fizzles out to a decent friendship in the end. You get the big fight scene with them shouting at one another in the tea house (also how embarassing for Peter to be called out like that in front of other people...I'd probably want to die myself LOL), and then as they kind of have time apart to reflect they are able to find some common ground through friendship.
I love learning more about Leander's quirks and how Peter catalogs them in the middle of studying. This is just such a thing when you're using a mundane, uninteresting task (like studying) to occupy your brain, but your mind keeps wandering off to the thing you are trying to avoid (in this instance, Leander).
Anyway, this was a nice extended scene! You really conjure up the images so vividly with your words. And I felt both boys introspection about the break up to be poignant and to also help them close this particular chapter of their lives to make way for new things. It felt like everything came full circle.
Thanks for writing!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Hey, Courtney! Thank you for stopping by here, dear! :)
Uhm, yeah, their breakup wasn't quite as subtle as it appears in Liar... I actually had that dramatic scene at Madam Puddifoots already in mind while writing Liar, but it wasn't really important to the plot, so... glad you liked this as an added bonus! ;)
I'm also glad you liked the lovers-to-friends dynamic, and how after the dramatic breakup, they managed to work things out and rebuild a friendship. But yes, poor Peter, how embarrassing... :/
I really enjoyed coming up with the list, and learning a few things I didn't know about Leander in the process! Glad you liked that! :)
Thank you so much for the lovely review!!!
Chiara
Hi Chiara! I saw you looking for review swaps, and honestly I didn't feel any need to get a review on anything specific in return but it didn remind me I haven't been to your page in a while so I came to see if there was anything new since I'd finished reading Liar, and yay, there is!
I really like this idea, how Peter comes to realize the way he feels about Leander after the breakup, but not in a "now I know what I'm missing and I want him back" kind of way. More like, he realizes that maybe while they were together his determination to keep Leander in a little box in his life -- physical only -- was keeping him from recognizing all the stuff he really liked about Leander as a person. And maybe they had to break up -- and Leander to tell him exactly how this was affecting him -- in order for Peter to really acknowledge all of that. And so it's nice to see Peter recognizing it, and telling Leander, but in a way that's meant to validate Leander and right whatever wrongs there were in the way Peter treated him -- not in a self-centered way. And the way that Peter sends the letter without any overt expectations, and sort of leaves it to Leander to be the one to say he wants to establish further contact.
I love, by the way, Leander's theory about the portraits, hahaha!
This was a really nice lovers to friends !!
<3 Melanie
Author's Response:Melanie!!! <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much for stopping by, dear! You have no idea how happy your surprise reviews made me! <3
I'm so glad you liked this idea! I've been meaning to write about the breakup between Peter and Leander for a while and as soon as the lovers-to-friends challenge came up this was the first thing that came to my mind! :P I'm so glad you liked Peter realizing how much he cares about Leander as a person and the way he tells him! <3
So glad you liked Leander's theory about the portraits, btw! I thought it was a funny detail to include! :P
Thank you so much for this lovey review! :D
Snowball hug,
Chiara
hello hello I am here with your requested review!!! (thanks for being patient <3)
So this is definitely not something I would usually pick to read but that's okay!! I like reading things I wouldn't usually choose to and I've heard a lot about your verse and this ship so I'm excited to check it out :')
I like how we jump right into the crux of the issue - there was some kind of miscommunication, MAYBE, what was meant to be used to get at Remus has turned into something more for Peter, and I'm intrigued to find out what the truth of his feelings are going to be!! The breakup flashback was so sad though ;-; especially because it's obvious Peter has feelings, he just didn't have the words in the moment to express them and obviously Leander was upset by that if he cares about him!!
I love how Peter slowly came to the realization that uh, hey, I really care about this boy who was my boyfriend, and this line was so cute: "And so, three weeks after the breakup, Peter found himself alone in the library, with a sheet of parchment in front of him, compiling the list that was probably the stupidest thing he'd ever done in his life." It says a lot about his character, and you're definitely writing him in a way that's different from Peter in the Usual Marauders fics but I like it!!
and !!! I loved the ending, especially because it wasn't just like la-ti-da, everyone's happy and they live happily ever after, but it was just very realistic and like, we still care about each other, and just because we had a bad breakup doesn't mean we can't be friends and then, who knows, maybe something happens in the future, but for the moment, they can just be friends and care and that was really lovely and a nice message/note to end on. <3
Thanks for asking me to read this, it was very sweet!
Julie
Author's Response:Hey, Julie! :D
Thank you so much for stopping by here! <3
Ahahah! Yeah, I realize Peter Pettigrew is not everyone's cup of tea... :P I'm glad you are willing to give this a try anyway! <3 (I agree, btw, it's nice to read things you wouldn't normally pick on your own... it's one of the things that makes review requests funny! :D)
I'm glad you liked jumping right into the issue. There was definitely a lot of miscommunication, but also I guess Peter didn't really realize his own feelings till that point (which is kind of the point of the story, actually... :P) The breakup was very sad, yes... and very painful for both boys... :(
I'm glad you liked how Peter comes to the realization that he truly cares for Leander. And that you could get a sense of his character, too. As you can imagine, I have A LOT of thoughts about Peter as a character, and I think he's much more complex than how he's often portrayed in fanfic... I'm glad you liked my portrayal of him, anyway ;)
Ah, I'm so glad you liked the ending! That's exactly what I was going for, not the perfect happy ending, but they still have a chance to be friends and maybe one day... I'm so glad you liked it! <3
Thank you so much for this super sweet review! <3
Snowball hug,
Chiara
--- for the battleship event ---
Hey Chiara! Ahh I'm so excited about this and there's already so much I know I'm going to love about it! Peter and Leander's relationship sounds perfect for the two challenges you've entered into!
I already love this story and I've only read the first few lines :P I just love Peter and Leander's complicated and passionate relationship so much. It kind of reminds me of Cathy and Heathcliff's relationship from Wuthering Heights haha. Like all they kind of know how to do is hurt each other, if that makes sense.
Also, it is never ever 'just sex' so I'm excited to see where this story goes! It's been a little while since I read Liar so I don't remember the outburst at Madam Puddifoot's, but I love that it's reminiscient of Harry and Cho, haha.
Oof, I'm really feeling for Peter here and all the post-break up shit you have to deal with, like the way everything reminds him of Leander. I think it's fitting perfectly with the way you've summarised it as needing a break up before you appreciate someone. I love the tiny mention of portrait gossip! That's so brilliant and something I've never thought of, haha. If I was at Hogwarts I'd love to come up with all these stories for the portraits I'd pass!
Ahh, this! - And with a start, he realized that it was those little things he missed the most about Leander. I love that we get to learn these things about who Peter is and how he feels about Leander. That Leander got it wrong but Peter never knew how to express it otherwise!
This was a sentence I felt in my soul - when all they represented for him was how another day had gone by, without anything significant coming out of it.
Peter's list of things were soooo sweet. How swoon-worthy! I know you said this isn't some of your best writing but it didn't come across to me like that at all. I thought it was beautifully written and packed in so much emotional depth even though it was a relatively short piece. As for it being a standalone, I think it works! Like I said, my memory is a bit hazy on what happened between them in Liar and I still really enjoyed this piece and the insight it gives into Peter's character and his relationships.
Really loved this, Chi! <3
Author's Response:B!!! <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much for this lovely review, I'm so glad you enjoyed this! <3 And yes, I agree that Peter/Leander was the perfect pairing for these challenges! :P
Ahahah! Yeah, that makes total sense! They have this very passionate but also messy relationship! I love the parallel you make to Wuthering Heights! :)
The outburst in Madam Puddifoot's wasn't actually shown in Liar... but I've had that scene in my head for a long time... :P sort of reminiscent of Harry and Cho, yes! :P
I'm not an expert of relationships and breakups, but I think that's how it would go? With all the tiny reminders of the other person, etc? I'm glad you liked the bit about portrait gossip in particular... I totally think Hogwarts students would do that! :P
At the end of the day, it's all a matter of bad communication, isn't it? :P Glad you liked Peter and his feelings for Leander here! <3
I must admit, I feel that way often, too... but I still love sunsets, unlike Der... :P
I'm so glad you liked Peter's list! <3 And that you thought the story in general worked well and was very emotional! <3 Thank you so much for taking the time to check this out and for this lovely review!!! <3
Snowball hug,
your little Chi
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