Date: 02/22/13 05:00 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
I have now read this over and over for the better part of a year. I can't seem to let this story go no matter what I do. It seems like there is some kind of message in this I'm supposed to find, but haven't yet. I'm searching for answers I can't find. The last part from Bill's POV is haunting me. Is Tom dead? Did Tom find somewhere else to live? Did Bill leave Tom for good because of the hate towards their living situation? Gosh, there is so many questions.. To say that I'm in love with this story is an understatement, indeed it is. I love the way you wrote it, with a part of Bill's POV and his thoughts and then a part of how their lives were, how they were both struggling coming to terms with what was and what wasn't. If this had been a theater, you would have had a standing ovation for several hours - no doubt. It teared me up every time I read it, and I sometimes made a fool of myself in the train going to school. It makes me want to help some struggling parents, even though I'm only 19 myself, and it specially made me think back to when I was in NYC with my class. In Harlem, I saw a dad, younger than 25 I believe. He was limping, but still managed to pick up and carry his boy in his arms. His boy had been around 4-5 years or so, and it really warmed my heart to see a dad, dressed as a tough gangster in Harlem, to take care of his little boy. I haven't been able to get that picture out of my head while reading this. I really loved how you fit Bill and Tom as son/dad in this, this was insanely well-written.
I don't normally beg, but if you ever - at some point in your life - feel like writing something like this again... Don't hesitate! I think I've said enough for now - Thank you!
Date: 07/06/12 04:57 am Title: Between You & Me
Woa, this is something different. I like it!
Date: 11/16/11 11:43 pm Title: Between You & Me
This was utterly darling~ Tom is the best dad ever. And Bill was totes adorbs~
Author's Response: I know right? :) Thanks for reading!
Date: 09/29/10 09:01 am Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
You should to know: Like many others who've read this, I'm sure, it made me cry. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna want to every time I think about it now... I actually had to wait several minutes for my crying to stop so I could leave you the review you deserve.
Fatherhood is a very sensitive subject for me, and that may be one of the reasons this story touched me so deeply, but it's mainly because of the way you have written Tom and Bill and all that they had to go through throughout the years. The heart-breaking storyline, the realistic look to how it really could have been, and the way you wrote the feelings involved in this fic so powerfully and deeply with a simple but meaningful style touches me to the very core. Your ending, especially. There's something about that last line that finally made the tears in my eyes fall--believe me when I say that it's something difficult to do. The most stories do is tear me up, and even that is hard.
Father-son love is a beautiful thing, and it also chokes me up when I see it in ways like this. That you chose to have the Kaulitz's twins connection this way makes it all the more beautiful.
It's just... wow. This was heart-wrenching, sad, and happy all in a perfect mix that I wouldn't have had any other way, and your writing style is honestly one of the best I've had the fortune to read. I can only dream of being able to achieve a remotely close talent to writing as yours.
Thank you for writing such good piece of literature (:
Man, I'm still crying... I think I might get into a lot of questioning from anyone who sees me now...
Author's Response: T__T Waii~ Really? Like I mentioned before, I had no expectation for it being a tear-jerker. I'm in awe... thank you. You've touched me deeply because it has touched you so. n___n *hands pink kerchief* Please don't cry~ ^^
Yes the final part was rather... I really felt that myself. I think Tom really understands the meaning of being everything to someone at that point, and I'm glad you felt it too. Your praise thereafter, it's honours me so, I don't know if I can accept it but I appreciate it nonetheless. You're much too kind.
Date: 08/20/10 06:42 am Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
Amazing stuff. I'm not a cryer but I can feel when a story is powerful because my heart clenches. This story makes me so pensive. You wrote the plot so brilliantly. The family setting really set the tone. Such a sad experience, but there is so much love and hope. I find it so hard a lot of the time to feel the emotion of characters, but your writing made me want to reach out and comfort them. One of the most powerful stories I have read on this site.
Author's Response: Whoa, I was just about checking my reviews this morning, surprised to find a new one posted on 'Superman', which is long complete... I'm so happy! Ecstatic, actually, because this story will always be a little special for me.
To be honest, I'm a closet sucker for drama, but not actually much a cry-er myself. I was surprised to find a lot of people became tearful and moved by this, but really glad the emotion came across the way I wanted it too. I did pour a lot of work and hope into this story, so it means so much. Your praise is too wonderful, it is an honour, thank you. ♥
Date: 07/06/10 08:55 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
Alright, so it took me awhile to read this story because I have so many tabs open... I read a lot, but finally, today I decided to read this. The emotion in this story is amazing. You've captured something so beautiful and pure. And I'm literally crying because it's true that a father works and does his best for his family. There have been many times where I have blamed my father, like Bill, for some of the things he has done, but now when I look back on it, I understand exactly why he did the things he did; and I'm completely grateful for it all.
One thing I've always felt about fatherhood, is that it isn't credited much. So many men bail when they find they're to be a father and it makes me completely sad. This is one story of a father who stepped up to the plate, who did right, and tried the best that he could. It was true, realistic and hit home for me in more ways than one.
Now, I know you mentioned on your profile that you don't like country music, but this story reminded me of the song "Love Without End, Amen" by George Strait. Maybe if you look up the lyrics (I won’t force you to go and listen to it XD), you'll see why I thought of this song while reading your story.
Anyway, thank you for posting this. I really needed a good cry. :)
Author's Response: I'm ever so glad you decided to read. :) Oh dear, as I mentioned before, I'm really astounded by all the tears I've been told about. It's really humbling. An honour. *hands another pink kerchief out to wipe your tears* Your compliments are too lovely, and I'm truly appreciative, but more so overjoyed that my story has spoken to you. rn
Fatherhood is hmm, what is the word... underrated? It's no understatement. Yet, there are men who stick around, men who genuinely strive to make things work, to work day in and out for their family's happiness, and those are the stories untold, the ones we seem blind to. I'm really happy I wrote this, and was able to connect with not only my own self and emotions, but with others as well.
*hides* My word, you read my profile? It's a monstrous profile isn't it? I'm self-conscious of it, and yet I love it so. :> I really don't like country, it's true, I'm sorry - but perhaps I will look up this song. I wouldn't be me, if I brushed off this recommendation. I'm sure it has a lovely story to tell, even if the melody won't likely be my taste. (XD)
Thank you for reading, and for sharing your thoughts with me. I couldn't feel more joyed. *gives hugs*
Date: 07/03/10 09:20 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
This was the most perfect ending and omg, my heart almost broke for them here yet I am glad that they managed to pull through and Tom continued to try his best. Even as Bill tried to find his own way in this world, but he always had Tom to guide him through.
Beautiful really. I can't thank you enough for writing this!
Author's Response: No, thank you for reading. A story only means so much without someone to share it with. Thank you very much~ ♥
Date: 07/02/10 05:54 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
Oh man I'm crying =( How could you even ask if it was bad?
I don't really like women in general (too much trouble for nothing lol) and it bugs me how motherhood is considered so important while fatherhood is taken for granted most of the times. Of course I love my mom and she's very important to me but I'd never be who I am without my father's determination and hard work and there are times that I'm mad at him for the same things as your Bill - that he was too busy working and didn't have the time for me - and I've said some awful thing to him while arguing with him. But then I remember how all he did was for us, just to provide the best he could and I can see how my stupid mouth must have hurt him in the past.
Anyway, TMI I guess. The fic was very beautiful and bittersweet. Thanks for writing it ♥
Author's Response: *hands a fresh kerchief* Another teary one. I don't know whether to be worried or pleased, but I can't help but feel totally accomplished when reading it moved someone so deeply. Is it selfish? D:
It is not TMI at all, not to worry. Everyone has their pain and their regrets, and it's good to reflect and understand yourself now and again, something that I think writing and reading help us connect and do. Motherhood is a very powerful thing, and without undermining it, I wanted to emphasise the beauty of fatherhood. I really have always found it particularly special, something I can't really explain, but that I've always found most endearing. Women can be a pain, it's true. While I identify more with men than with women (in terms of psyche, I like to think), men can be just as much a mystery. I think something is only complex when you don't put the effort into seeing past your own inhibitions. Complexity is to poor judgement - many aren't looking well enough. Men appear simpler, women appear complex, men take the world on their shoulder and women fret over the minutiae, and in the end it's all the same to me. Ah, but I'm ranting, and not making much sense. ^-^;;;
Anyhoo, it is I, who would like to thank you for reading and leaving a meaningful review. Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts with me, and I'm glad my story touched you.
Date: 07/02/10 05:19 pm Title: Between You & Me
This is so beautiful! Their relationship is mostly friendly instead of parent-child which is how I imagine Tom would be if he was a parent, and little Bill is adorable! The last paragraphs were a bit painful to read, but Tom is such a great parent even if he can't see it ♥
I love it!
Author's Response: I too, imagine Tom to be this way! I think much of it has to do with the fact Tom is a young parent, as well. Painful, I hope in a way that it is emotional, and not painful as in it's completely written in a terrible manner, aha. Thanks for loving it, and thanks so much for reading!
Date: 07/02/10 04:14 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
This story was really really sweet to read! I've been sitting up in the middle of the night, reading the first chapter, then I fell asleep and decided to read the chapter over again, and I loved it both times! This story reminds me a bit of the movie 'The pursuit of happyness' and it IS spelled Happyness on the dvd cover^^ But it was a really really sweet story about how a father struggles to keep his child happy. So amazing and I loved every bit of it!
It's very well written too. You go into details, care about every single word you write and make them sound amazing together. That's what I loved about it too! Such amazing story filled with so much love to give. Really amazing!
I have one question though, it might just be me, being slow, but the story in italic, is that Bill thinking? And in the last bit, was it him who grew up? And what about Tom? Where did he end up?
I would so love to know!
Thank you so much for writing this sweet little story! Thank you so so so much!
Author's Response: Ah, yes, I have seen this movie too, many years ago when it came out. Truly moving movie, really. I do know why it is spelled 'happyness', and I love the symbolism behind it, don't you? :) Thank you for all your kind words, it fills me with so much joy. ♥
You are not slow at all! I simply left a lot of gaps purposely, to give the reader a part to play, in a sense. The italic chunks of writing are, indeed, Bill reflecting on his childhood and what Tom means to him. Bill did grow up, I estimated to have him around his early 20s in the final bit, finally achieving a happy life. I didn't go into detail about where Tom went, and though I made up my own conclusions, I'd like if you could make up yours. It ends they way you feel it should end, where Tom should be, or have ended up in his life, should he have made it through at all.
Thank you once again for reading, reviewing and sharing your thoughts. It means a great deal, and I'm really happy you enjoyed this story.
Date: 07/02/10 02:46 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!! That was wonderful and the end were he found the card i was nearly crying, it was so touching. Brillant
Author's Response: Thank you so very much! It joys me that you liked it! :)
Date: 07/02/10 06:05 am Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
OMG shut up woman, it's not bad!!! Absolutely NOT bad. Gaaaaaaaahhhdd...
It's definitely a meaningful, heartwarming story you've written here. And the sensitive person that I am, this story brought me to tears. I can just see and really feel Tom's desire to provide everything for Bill, and that's what real parents do. This story reminded me of my own parents - all the hardships and everything they go through for me and for the whole family - and damn it, do I feel guilty right now hahahahaha..XD
Thank you for sharing this story. I'll definitely favorite this one.^^
Author's Response: ^---^ So truly glad it isn't bad. I'm really overwhelmed at the amount of people who claim they've cried by this story. (.___.) I feel, no I am, speechless. Thank you so much for reading, reviewing and sharing your feelings and thoughts with me. I'm infinitely appreciative. Thank you, so very much. ♥
Date: 07/02/10 04:52 am Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
;___; /crying right now.
I could really feel them here.
I love it. So much. I can't anything other than that... *is speechless* but I love it, and you.
Author's Response: And I, you! Please don't cry~ *hands pink kerchief* I'm entirely warm that it moved you, and you felt for my characters. It's an honest blessing, really. Thank you, a million times thank you.
Date: 07/02/10 04:21 am Title: Between You & Me
Oh, God. I'm in love. Gonna be quick here, as I haven't seen the second half yet.
Author's Response: ♥ Love is beautiful, in any form it seems. (Haha~)
Date: 07/02/10 03:28 am Title: Between You & Me
It is very, very, very, very hard to get me to cry for a story. I have the emotional response time of a rock. But you managed to make me grab the towel sitting nearby and wipe my eyes with it. You have a truly beautiful story here, and I want everyone in the world to read it. It's so... real. Tom is a struggling single parent, and he wouldn't be rolling in money in some band in a penthouse apartment. You've hit the nail head-on with their constant brushes of poverty, and Tom's desire to make Bill's life as perfect as he can that he's willing to go without food to make him happy. This story is going directly to my favorites, and I hope to see something else as heartwarming and touching as this from you again. xoxo
Author's Response: Rocks can be feeling creatures too. (.__.) Haha~ Thank you, a million times thank you. I'm not sure how to respond properly to you, so I hope you can forgive me, and know that my heart is swelling with my utmost gratitude for your reading and reviewing. It's satisfying to know, that I have accomplished something meaningful. Thank you! ♥
Date: 07/02/10 02:55 am Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
If it was bad? Woman, it was amazing. I'm in awe. Truthfully, I'm sitting here with tears welling up in my eyes and I'm completely in awe. Wonderful, wonderful job.
Author's Response: *smiles* I'm glad you found it worthy yet still. Your being moved by my fic overwhelms me. Thank you, kindly - truly. *hugs*
Date: 07/02/10 12:11 am Title: Between You & Me
this was so wonderful, loved every moment of it, even when it made me cry lol
Author's Response: Thank you, very, very much! *hands kerchief*
Date: 07/01/10 10:46 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
This story is simply heart warming. It's written with so much emotion, I can actually feel like I'm living this story. My heart goes out to Tom, he takes great care of Bill :) And single fathers imo are rare, but they have it harder too.
I'll give you a million stars for this fic. Sacrifice is something major, but the results are always sweet.
Author's Response: Single father are a rarity, at least when in comparison to single mothers. (In the situation, I know plenty of single father from families that have broken apart later on.) Though still a reality, for sure, it definitely happens.
Thank you so much for reading, and I capture your stars and put them in my pocket appreciatively. ♥
Date: 07/01/10 10:16 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
I don't know if I've reviewed before, but no matter. I could tell you again, how much I love this fic: very, very much. I'm in tears right now, thinking how much I miss my dad, who has sadly passed two years ago. This has some similarities to the Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith and his boy Jayden, which is another story that always brings me to tears. God, how I miss mi querido viejo.
Author's Response: *wipes your tears* My condolences for your loss. I'm sure he was very, very special, and he's watching over you always. =) Ah, actually I have seen that movie, back in 2006 or some time ago, and I remember crying as well. Perhaps it was a sub-conscious inspiration for this, who knows? Beautiful story it was, I should watch it again now that I'm older. Thanks for reading and reviewing, you've made my day a little bit brighter.
Date: 07/01/10 09:44 pm Title: You're the Reason I Hold On
You made me cry, but it was a good kind of cry. You made me feel and care for Tom and Bill so much I couldn't not cry at that last part. This was fantastic and I absolutely loved it!
Author's Response: T__T Aigu~ Did you really? Thanks for reading and loving it, darling. ♥ My appreciation, as always.