"If she waits, then everything will unwind" is the summary and the crux of this short story. "Slowly, Real Slowly" is a story from Sam's POV, set immediately following the events of "Meridian", as both she and Jack struggle to deal with the guilt and pain they feel at their friend's death. Rich in description and light on dialogue, this story fits in with how I've seen the two characters deal with their emotions over the past five years. Both of them want to - need to - say more, and yet they don't. Instead, they try to hide their real feelings behind a façade of normalcy and nonchalance. As the author acknowledges, this story is propelled into AU land after witnessing how the characters deal with Daniel's ascension in "Revelations", yet that doesn't detract at all from the image of pain and loneliness she's trying to convey. If I hadn't already seen "Revelations", I could see these two characters acting in this way in canon: dancing around each other until one of them finally takes the first step into some sort of relationship. The story is a very understated look at two characters reaching through their pain to seek comfort in each other. Anyone looking for mushy declarations of undying love are sure to be disappointed. However, if you're in the mood for a nice angst fest, "Slowly, Real Slowly" is a nice short story that should fit the bill. |
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