PAIN. THERE IS SO MUCH DELICIOUS PAIN. AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN END IT ON A HOPEFUL NOTE TO SOOTHE THE HURT. Bucky's self-loathing and conviction in his worthlessness and dirtiness is so utterly heartbreaking, as is his inability to believe that Steve loves him. But his state of mind after what he's been through is totally plausible; why should he feel any different after what was his reality off and on for the past 70 years?
And the flashbacks -- not just here, but throughout this whole fic -- and the way you worked them in, were horrible and deliciously trashy. I especially loved the way you often had the flashbacks echoing or interspersed with dialogue/thoughts from the present. It was a very effective device, especially in terms of driving home Bucky's self-hate with the recall of past verbal abuse/humiliation. (Which, I'll have you know, is one of my trash songs, especially when Bucky is the target.)
I'll be keeping an eye out for a sequel for sure! And also, I should mention extremely high interest in a prequel of sorts exploring Bucky's time with Hydra, trash party style -- since one of those unfilled prompts may have been mine...
Re: Once Upon a Time [6/6]
And the flashbacks -- not just here, but throughout this whole fic -- and the way you worked them in, were horrible and deliciously trashy. I especially loved the way you often had the flashbacks echoing or interspersed with dialogue/thoughts from the present. It was a very effective device, especially in terms of driving home Bucky's self-hate with the recall of past verbal abuse/humiliation. (Which, I'll have you know, is one of my trash songs, especially when Bucky is the target.)
I'll be keeping an eye out for a sequel for sure! And also, I should mention extremely high interest in a prequel of sorts exploring Bucky's time with Hydra, trash party style -- since one of those unfilled prompts may have been mine...