I may crack, but I'll never shatter by noblealice (PG-13)

[jupirock.livejournal.com]

Fandom: PUSHING DAISIES
Pairing: gen (Vivian & Lily, background Vivian/Charles Charles)
Length: 852
Author on LJ: noblealice
Author Website: lilies_pad
Why this must be read:

There's not a lot of fic about the Charles sisters, but this character study of Vivian goes a ways toward filling the void. It does a great job exploring a life which has quietly imploded on itself, but also a woman with the strength necessary to keep going and, eventually, rebuild.

The power-struggle of their relationship did not consists of any epic battles, but rather, the smallest of tugs and slips that slowly accumulated until one day, Vivian woke up to find that she was powerless.

She asked Lily what they wanted for breakfast and what they wanted to wear and where they wanted to go. She could only talk about topics that Lily approved of and avoided all mentions of subjects that would upset her.

Vivian knows that Lily has never truly forgiven her, not since she read the letter that never should have been sent. She senses the shiver of repulsion that arrives whenever she thinks about her old beau and forces herself to forget and move on.

As usual, it takes effort.

I may crack, but I'll never shatter