This is my first review here - this fic really drew my attention and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it.
I have finally done it! I'm so happy that this is done at last! I spent several months perfecting this one, making sure it would touch readers, and I think this one is the best I've done.
I think that the effort you've put in on this is definitely reflected in the quality of the work. It's nice to see an NC-17 fic that conveys the emotion and the love of the pair so well, and moreover, the sexual scenes are written superbly too. It doesn't fall down in any category, I don't think.
Going into more detail:
Inside a small yet fitting apartment, a young woman gently sighed in longing. Her slim body was set on a light caramel couch feeling quite comfortable, and yet had a sense of loneliness. The walls were a cool tint of a warm delicate coffee mix, each side decorated with either a bookshelf or wondrous paintings of great fortune. Her suite was high, close to the hazy sky due to being in a building of over one hundred floors. Regardless of the great height, she cherished the spot more than anywhere in the world.
This paragraph tells you from the get-go that you're in for something special. There is extremely rich detail and it paints a very clear picture of the apartment; this talent for description you continue to reflect throughout the story. Unlike some works of fiction where it can be hard to visualise the scenario, yours makes it very clear. (And given that I was reading this very late in the evening and my eyes and mind were exhausted as well, and it
still succeeded in drawing everything clearly, I think it's even better.)
The sweet aroma traveled to his nose, then floated close to hers as well, causing the young woman to close her eyes gently and breathe the warm scent.
Ditto. How often does one find a sensation so well described?
Score! Ash cheered in his thoughts, jamming the last of the treat into his mouth. He gulped it down, and then sighed with relief. I guess Mom was right; sharing is caring.
Here, you have humour counterpointed with a more romantic thought. I liked the way the two were offset against each other.
His chest was the tone of a light tan, showing more signs of maturity than before. She shuddered at the sight of such magnificence… such beauty. His eyes had not changed, still consisting of kindness and fierce determination. Strands of his raven hair were in front of his brown eyes. It was messy as always, but that was the way she liked it. The tiny zigzags remained but were barely seen due to his maturing. His height was greater than hers at last after who knows how many years.
More superb description. I could quote a pile more sections on that. Well, really, I could quote the entire fic.
His foot kicked the door open, but found himself going a tad off balance, nearly dropping her.
"Ash, you better not drop me!"
I like how humour is peppered in. There are a few points which made me smile, and, I thought, about the right amount - the overall romantic feel prevails whilst allowing for a smile too.
The sexual scenes also played out very nicely. Again on the note of balance, I think the sexuality and their love played well together, which, in my experience, isn't well done in many fics, NC-17 or otherwise; I didn't think there was too much sexuality, and that which was present was tastefully done.
Ash and Misty were left asleep next to each other, the two wrapping their arms around like a precious china doll that could not be forgotten.
I agree with chelc on this. That really is a special line.
So yeah - overall, a rather special piece of writing and I think you should definitely be proud of it. It's impressive stuff.