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crack_van2011-12-23 11:20 am
stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2011-12-23 11:20 am
Entry tags:
"I Adjust" by Mardy (not rated, but PG at most)
This is, tragically, my last musical theater rec for the month--I'm about to head out of town for the holidays, and Internet access will be sporadic (although I'll see what I can do for the Drive-In next Friday). It's been a pleasure sharing these new and old favorites with all of you this month. Happy holidays!
Fandom: Musical Theater / Chess
Pairing: Freddie/Florence, Anatoly/Florence
Length: 1500 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: At AO3
Why this must be read: "I Adjust" is a sharp-eyed character study of Florence, her flaws and successes, and the way she adapts to restarting her life over and over. Come for the rendering of her relationships with Anatoly and Freddie--each layered and distinct--and stay for the brutally honest look into Florence Vassy. Mardy has a clear understanding of these characters, and it shows.
Nights when she can't sleep (which are often), Anatoly sings her songs in Russian. Lullabies and folk songs about little gray wolves and rustling pines, songs from tv shows about birthdays and puddles and blue wagons, bizarre advertizing jingles that make Florence giggle until she hiccups, and he has to hold her close under the covers and stroke her back until she settles, his chin propped on her head.
"That's all of it," he whispers into her hair. "I don't know any other songs. Why don't you sing me to sleep now, hm?"
"I... can't sing."
Breath puffs against her scalp, almost a chuckle. "And I can?"
She shuts her eyes. "I don't remember any."
"No songs at all?" His voice is gentle, bewildered.
I Adjust
Fandom: Musical Theater / Chess
Pairing: Freddie/Florence, Anatoly/Florence
Length: 1500 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: At AO3
Why this must be read: "I Adjust" is a sharp-eyed character study of Florence, her flaws and successes, and the way she adapts to restarting her life over and over. Come for the rendering of her relationships with Anatoly and Freddie--each layered and distinct--and stay for the brutally honest look into Florence Vassy. Mardy has a clear understanding of these characters, and it shows.
Nights when she can't sleep (which are often), Anatoly sings her songs in Russian. Lullabies and folk songs about little gray wolves and rustling pines, songs from tv shows about birthdays and puddles and blue wagons, bizarre advertizing jingles that make Florence giggle until she hiccups, and he has to hold her close under the covers and stroke her back until she settles, his chin propped on her head.
"That's all of it," he whispers into her hair. "I don't know any other songs. Why don't you sing me to sleep now, hm?"
"I... can't sing."
Breath puffs against her scalp, almost a chuckle. "And I can?"
She shuts her eyes. "I don't remember any."
"No songs at all?" His voice is gentle, bewildered.
I Adjust