:) thank you! i know how you feel. i always feel inadequate in comparison when other people are productive. but in a good way! i'm glad you like this story at its scary length, too, since it is totally the reason i did not have fic for you in time for your birthday. :X

i appreciate your comments about characterisation - of course i think about it a lot, but it's always nice to have my opinions reinforced from outside. :)