Hi! I've already left kudos and bookmarked this fic and now that I have time I also wanted to leave a comment because I really enjoyed these two chapters and I wanted you to know! Your fic is kind of my newest obsession right now, actually. The premise looks soooo gooddd I'd love to see where you're planning to take it, if you have the time and motivation to keep writing. If you do continue, I assure you, I'll read everything you gift us with.
I really like lust/passion to love kind of stories, and that is probably the trope that fits Balalaika and Revy the best, in my opinion. So I'm super curious to see how you're going to develop that. And talking about this, I wonder how Balalaika found out about Revy and why she chose her. She didn't really answer Revy's question did she? Also, I wonder what Revy's reaction will be when she finds out who "Vladilena" really is.
The characterization is also really interesting, I like the way you write Revy and Balalaika so much, especially Revy. I think she's pretty vulgar most of the times, yes, but she's also really witty and smart (Dutch is right), in her own crass way at least, so I love it when fic writers know how to balance that, and I think you are one of those writers.
And last but not least, your writing is sOOOO GOOOOD. I find it so beautiful and thought provoking. Like the ending of chapter 2, I loved that so much, so melancholic. Your writing basically succeeds in making you feel things and I think that's great.
I'll be a fan of this fic for as long as you keep it going (and probably beyond because I already hold these two chapters in my heart like a treasure).
Oh my goodness, hello there!! I recognized your name the second it showed up in my notifications! Thank you so much for the sparkling review, I must have read it dozens and dozens of times by now; my heart can hardly handle all your praise! 😭💖💖💖
I will absolutely be continuing!! Everyone has been so kind and encouraging, and I don't intend to leave you in a lurch after all the joy you've given me. I promise that I am slowly but surely chipping away at chapter 3; I've been struggling to climb out of a terrible pit of writer's block over the past month, but my writing fingers have finally come back, and after taking a quick break to finish up the first chapter of a different story set in the Black Lagoon universe, I'm now as determined as ever to finish the next part of this one, because B and Revy's dynamic is one I will absolutely never tire of. I am a bit of a perfectionist, admittedly, and I want the next installment to be the very best it can be before I publish it!
You and me both! It's always fascinating watching the fire turn into a delightful simmer, though the flames are very alive and well with this pairing at whatever stage, as I think we all know. 😉 Ah! That right there is the 100,000-dollar question, isn't it? Why Revy? It's worth mentioning that some of what's already been written does present a couple of clues to help piece together that puzzle, but I can't say much more than that, just that it will definitely satisfy your love of "unexpected bonds" and how they snowball. 💖 As for Revy's reaction to "Vlad's" true identity, that's coming very soon, so please stay tuned!
Ahhh, I'm so glad you're enjoying it, the characterization is the part I strive to grasp above everything else! And I completely agree with your second point; Revy isn't stupid in the slightest. She can be quite charismatic and quippy in way that's a joy to write, but she's been stunted by a horrific life filled with abuse that would rend anyone's soul to tatters. (Her childhood flashbacks absolutely ruin me, her mistreatment was just so brutal and real...) She never really grew up, and has a child's black-and-white mentality about life, the world, and humanity, all while despising— but expressing secret fascination for— the gray area between it all, which is characteristic of younger people. I can't help but think back to her excitement about the Japanese fair, her indignation at the lack of rides; it was such an innocent moment, and I find myself pondering it often, in the same way I think about how she played cowboys with the kids in Rock's old neighborhood. Poor girl, she wants stability so badly, wants out of the dark SO badly, even Balalaika could see it, and in giving Rock a reality check, she dragged Revy back in, too. (Man, that arc really has a grip on me, doesn't it? 😅) In any case, I tried to incorporate that ebb and flow of Roanapur's shadow over our girl as much as possible, especially in this most recent chapter... so much for dreams of Avonlea.
Anyway, I'm rambling now, I apologize. I just love these characters to death and could discuss them all day if prompted. xD Point is... yes, Revy does "have smarts," as Dutch puts it, it's just that she was never given the tools with which to apply them. I also think my characterization of Revy stems partly from reality: the most important person in my life went through her own Hell as a kid that lasted all through her late teens and into her twenties, and she is the smartest and most wonderful person I know.
AHHHHHHHH THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I was really happy with how I ended chapter 2, actually, from a writing/narrative standpoint. Ebb and flow, baby. Revy's emotional state is like a roller coaster after being compromised like that, which makes it all the more fun for me to play with. Seriously, though, as someone who gets very anxious about whether my writing is "good enough" or not, praise like this really encourages me to keep going. 💖💖💖
Speaking of, I did read Quicksand, and I absolutely loved it! I'll have to read through it a few more times to absorb everything completely, but I must say, I really enjoy your thought process, it's very similar to mine in many ways. Not to be too nosy, but I noticed your laments about not being able to shape your ideas into a congruent narrative, and I feel the need to put it out there that, if you ever had an idea that you wanted to see me realize for this pairing in particular (or any of the Black Lagoon cast, really, I love them all and their dynamics with one another so much), I'd be more than happy to work with you on something! Basically: You provide the foundation, and I write the story, that sort of deal! It would be an honor and a privilege, and my offer stands indefinitely. Just let me know if something ever springs to mind and I'll see about making it happen! <333
The very best wishes to you as well! Cheers! 💖💖💖💖
(P.S., if you ever return to post your write-up on power dynamics, I will be the first in line to read it; sounds promising. 😁)
Hey! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve read your comment and I’m working on a proper reply (yup I take a lot of time even when I write comments lol). I’m super busy these days so I’m making progress with very tiny steps bUt it will come, your reply cheered me up so much you have no idea, I genuinely want to thank you because this kind of happiness boost really helps me with everything I have going on. I just wanted to tell you because I’m still around but I can’t be 100% around so yup, if I take time tu pop up on your notifications again that’s why, but I’m still interested in your story (and I’ll definitely check the new one as soon as I can 👀).
Hello again! Finally, I have the time to sit down and write a proper comment.
Okay so, the first thing I want to say is that I was really surprised that you knew who I was lol. And also you even read my unfinished (attempt of a) work!!!??? Wow, thank you so much!! 😭💖 Now that I started with this, let me say two things: first, I'm so happy that you know about my little contribution to the Balarevy fandom, and thank you so much for the interest, I'd like to keep writing about them, hopefully someday I'll learn how to organize everything I have going on in my life in order to make some room for fanfic writing, just like talented authors like you do :,)
And speaking of that... The second thing is that I'm incredibly honored by your offer, I was absolutely flabbergasted (first time I'm using that word, I've been waiting for the right moment and this is definitely it). I'd also love to work with you on something, because you became one of my favorite authors on this site so seeing you give a proper shape to my ideas with your amazing writing would be literally one of the coolest things ever. However, at the moment I don't have the time to work on a proper solid story but if you want me to share with you some of the ideas I already have written down you can reach me out on tumblr (violet-reiter) or twitter (Violet_Reiter). My ideas are your ideas, so whenever you need someone to chat with about Black Lagoon or Balarevy or if you ever need fresh ideas to get motivated and overcome a writer's block or whatever, I'll be more than happy to help!! :3
As for my comment, I’m so glad you liked it, I would’ve written something lengthier and more developed but I didn’t have much time and I wanted to comment something so bad so even tho I feel like I could have said more, I’m glad I got to add my own drop to that (very well deserved) encouragement you receive from your readers! Aaand I’M SO HAPPY TO KNOW THAT YOU'LL CONTINUE!!! Take aaaallll the time you need, good results take time and patience and I fully trust in your writing, I believe you will truly gift us with something incredible. Also it’s important for you to enjoy and learn from your writing process too so no rush, I I hugely admire people like you who manage to share wonderful stories with the online community despite having their own life and problems. Fics are gifts, not something you’re “owed” or “entitled” to have, that’s how I see it, so I have no problem waiting as long as I have to and, meanwhile, I'll be enjoying what you have already gifted us with (I’ll definitely reread this, you’ve motivated me to do it).
Ahhhhh!! I'm so excited to see how it all develops!!! And I'll definitely pay more attention to the details when I reread this 👀.
What you say about how Revy never really got to grow up is so true, and so heartbreaking (even your comments are so interesting omg). When things like these happen to people, when they lose their innocence so soon and in such a brutal way, it leaves a deep wound in them that is very hard to heal, especially if you always keep it open, just like Revy does in Roanapur. You eventually become a slave of that very pain that broke you, or you even start to cause it to others as well because it's all you know. Like the Black Lagoon opening song says "I have a big gun, I took it from my lord". I think that means how Revy took the gun, a symbol of violence and power, from those that used it against her (her father, for example), and started using it herself as a means of protection and power, in a way. Kill or be killed. Can you survive in hell as a saint? I don't think so. It makes so much sense that she wants out, even despite her façade that seems to tell us that she's perfectly fine with her life in the darkness. I find Revy so fascinating because of that, she's a criminal because she has to be, because it's all she knows and it's all she can be, after all, what place is there in the world for such a broken girl?
I'm rambling too lol sorry I got excited, it's been a long time since I wrote anything about Revy, I just love her character so much she's got to be one of my favorites. And you can rumble all you want, I love reading everything you write, even your comments inspire me and they remind me why I love Black Lagoon so much! As for that special person in your life, I hope she's having a better life now. And I understand how powerful inspirations based of reality can be, you can understand and write things deeply if you know something similar from your own life experience.
Trust me, your writing is a gEM!!! You have that capacity to move and twist and twirl emotions with your words, that's something I value and enjoy hugely. I also learn a lot from reading talented people like you so you're doing a great job!
P.S.: I'll go and read your other Black Lagoon fic as soon as I send this comment hehe I'm so excited I'm sure it's great, I'll let you know my thoughts!
Hello!! I apologize for the extraordinarily late reply, I hope you can forgive my silence! 😅💖💖 I suppose I tend to wait until I am in the perfect mood to respond, only to forget or wind up entrenched in work. For that, you have my profound apologies.
Of course I knew!! I think I've read every publication under the Balalaika/Revy tag at LEAST three times (hence a couple of this story's obscure inspirations, haha), excluding maybe some of the longer examples, so your name was instantly recognizable to me. I did indeed!! Full transparency, I actually went to reread it just a minute ago to reaquaint myself with the material before responding. Of course, you're very much welcome!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us all! 🤗💖💖 Unfinished or otherwise, I hold both your contribution and your opinion in high regard, and you can trust that I'm very much looking forward to the continuation of Quicksand if and when you should return to it. I promise I'll try not to badger you about it any longer, my excitement escapes me! Oh, you flatter me greatly: I was barely able to squeeze in writing these past six or so months, I still don't know how I managed it at all, let alone in this abysmal timeframe! 😅
I'm delighted to hear it! I feared, at the time of making that offer, that you may be put off by my forwardness— but I'm relieved that I did not overstep or offend you, very little would upset me more, as I admire you greatly. On one of those occasions when the rat race hasn't overwhelmed me completely, I will definitely be getting in touch about a collaboration, or at least the opportunity to expand upon any unrealized concepts you may have! I'm always looking for new ideas to explore! (I will admit, I nearly reached out to you several times as I was attempting to finish up Chapter 3 of Violet Collar, but I felt some apprehension about burdening you with my creative struggles, which I now realize is a bit silly, as you were kind enough to offer in the first place. 😅)
I adored it! It was an absolute treat to read, and I did so over and over again (just as I've done with this one, I'll gladly admit). Please, and I know this is hypocritical of me to say considering my perfectionism, but don't feel pressured to comment anything of a particular length/granularity; I'll devour anything you have to say, however brief!
YESSSSSS I PROMISE I AM! There's a ways to go yet, and I can't wait to translate all the ideas I have for this story into a digestible narrative. My brain is overflowing with them at the moment... so much to write, so little time! Haha, well, I hope to be worthy of all your trust and encouragement; it's an absolute honor to provide for this community, and I want to do right by you all!
Nice!!!! I share in your excitement, especially since I still have plenty more to develop! Lots of fun little interactions are brewing as we speak. 👀 (There's even more hints as to the overarching narrative in the next chapter, for those inclined to pick it apart!)
It genuinely hurts my heart to think about all she went through; I've known many people throughout my life with a similar upbringing. I know what drives folks to abuse the vulnerable, but I will never understand it... it sickens me to no end. (Aaaaaah, you're far too kind!! >///////////<) What's worse is that, in an environment like Roanapur, one is surrounded by similarly lost and brutalized souls, who are so immersed in the world of pain and suffering that they seem content to perpetuate their own agony rather than commiserate with one another and attempt to move forward. Vulnerability will only invite more abuse, more deceit and distrust, so why heal when you can supplement your own dripping blood with that of other broken people? It's easy. It's encouraged. "That's all I know how to do!" There's no climbing out of that pit, not unless you want to scrape your knees to Hell— but hey, it's better to embrace the nightmare you know and love than kiss the unknown, isn't it?
I have a lot of thoughts about the music of Black Lagoon, actually! You just unlocked my obsession-within-the-obsession, so pardon me while I make like Pandora's Box and unleash myself upon you. It's something I've always wanted to write an essay about. Combined, it tells a story about innocence lost: the opening, Red Fraction is the outrage, the intensity of feeling, which is reflected in the lyrics as much as the instrumental; the ending theme, Don't Look Behind, is quiet suffering, the subtle weariness beneath it all, the longing for sleep at the end of another miserable day; finally, there's "World of Midnight," which if I'm remembering correctly, plays exactly twice over the course of Black Lagoon: once immediately following Hansel's death, and again while Balalaika and Boris are reminiscing on their service/the fallout of said service. This one, to me, is the quintessential theme of lost innocence, but unlike the ending theme, which offers no reassurance and is musically bleak, World of Midnight is a soothing lullaby; it sounds like something you might hear in your head moments prior to death. It's the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, the endless blue sky, and an old soldier's final charge into the fray. If Don't Look Behind is the march with no end, then World of Midnight is the final stop.
To address your observation, however, I absolutely interpret that line to represent Revy's headspace. If even Gods can fall, the hunter become the quarry, then Revy would turn upon them their own bullets. It's her own sliver of power in a world dominated by those who are bloated with it, her sole method of reclaiming what was stolen from her at such a young age. Pain is her only anchor, and so she clings to it. The guns may as well be extensions of her arms anymore... perhaps that was why Rock taking her by the hand directly was such a shock. Without the barrier of steel to protect her, it may as well be her father's knuckles or the cop's bootheel all over again.
Indeed! She's of course pretend to be unaffected, that the violence makes every second in the shadows worth it, but that just isn't true, and I would go so far as to say that Revy isn't very adept at hiding it, either. Her mask is paper-thin. The second someone calls her out, her defensiveness gives her away. Under it all, she's still that terrified child, acting on instinct and lashing out at anything that moves, all the while treating her own suffering like a game.
I'm so happy to have inspired you! As a writer, nothing makes me happier than to know that you've gotten something of value out of my work— I've gotten tons out of yours! 🥹💖💖💖 I'd like to think she's doing very well! We've been married for a year, now, and intend to be for the rest of our days. Thank you so much again, I really am undeserving! 😭💖💖💖 I'm so happy that you enjoy my writing this much. I hope I will continue to impress you and fuel your creativity as much as you've fueled mine with your lovely comments! You're so very kind!
P.S. I hope you enjoyed them! TSI and Metamorphosis are a bit of a departure from my usual style, but I'm still pleased with them in my own way; they were terrific exercises in character exploration, if nothing else.
HEYYY! It’s LOVELY to hear from you. Honestly, no worries about the late reply. Actually, I’m kind of happy you responded now because I’ve been quite busy and stressed out because of uni these last couple of months, but now summer break is finally here so I’m fresh and ready for Ao3 once again. You can reply whenever you want to, I totally get you, I too like to reply when I’m feeling in the proper mood for it, specially if I appreciate the comments I receive.
WoW really? Thaaanksss :,) I’m so happy you see my attempt of a work as something useful. I’m not sure I’ll continue the original idea I had for Quicksand, if I ever continue I’ll probably change some things to adapt the work to my new mindset, but I’m definitely planning on going back to writing for Balarevy. I came up with another one of my weird idea sharing works, but this time I’d like to try to actually write down some specific scenes. I’m thinking of an AU, where Revy and Balalaika can be a little less miserable and connect over their love for music lol. It’s kind of a random AU but I just really like the concept. I’d like to try writing it this summer.
OFFEND ME!? You gotta be kidding! Your offer fLATTERED the hell out of me!!! It actually made me juMP, a writer I appreciate so much being interested in collaborating with mE??? Insane. You can reach me out whenever you want , I’d be blessed to help you create something. And “burden” me all you want!!! I have no problem with helping you out with this work or whatever you need, I’d be honored to. I have a tumblr (@violet-reiter) and twitter account (@Violet_Reiter), you can reach me out over there if you ever want to :3
AAAAGH you’re so sweet thank you so much shdggsg And worry not, now that I know you too are of my massive commenter kind, I will write my lengthy comments with no fear lol
I’m SO EXCITED to see what you’re working onnnn. I’ll be patient and wait for your updates as long as it takes, fic writing is something you should be able to enjoy so no rush, no pressure. Write whenever you have the time, energy and enthusiasm for it!!
Yup, totally agree with what you say here. That’s like… the inertia of misery.
oHHHH REALLY??? Well if you ever write that essay I’d be more than interested in absolutely devouring it hxvdgdhh And in regards of your thoughts on the Black Lagoon OST, 1) thank you for sharing! 2) I love the way you analyze them, you seem like a very thoughtful and sensible person. I’ll definitely give these themes a listen once again as I try to understand your takes because I find them so interesting.
SEE WHAT I MEAN!! Ahhhh bsgdggd I love the way you write and express your thoughts so much, I find even your comments to be inspiring! I share your thoughts about Revy, she truly is that terrified child deep within. When you don’t have the proper environment to grow, that’s what happens. What grows is a shell, some sort of armor, but in the inside the wound is still open. So it’s like shielding a wound rather than a person? There’s more hurt than anything inside of the shield.
That’s lovely, I hope you guys are happy together, my best wishes for you!!!
I’ll reread Violet Collar before going for the new chapter (sO EXCITED!!!) because it’s been a while since I’ve last read it and I want to refresh things a bit and enjoy it once again. I’ll definitely let you know my thoughts! I also have to reread Metamorphosis and TSI because I read them but I did it like super quickly in between everything I had to do, so I want to give them a try again and savor them slowly now that I have more free time. I guess your fics will get me back into the Black Lagoon universe once again. That will be great motivation for me to write that idea I mentioned :3
Anyways, as I said, it’s great to hear from you, I hope you’re doing fine and thanks for continuing this work, I'll read every single new chapter. <3
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VioletReiter on Chapter 2 Mon 04 Nov 2024 08:53PM UTC
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ClockworkPorcupine on Chapter 2 Wed 27 Nov 2024 06:54PM UTC
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VioletReiter on Chapter 2 Sat 30 Nov 2024 10:52PM UTC
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ClockworkPorcupine on Chapter 2 Mon 09 Jun 2025 04:44PM UTC
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VioletReiter on Chapter 2 Tue 10 Jun 2025 08:54PM UTC
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