Comment on Have Heart, My Dear

  1. The3Princess12of13darkness on Chapter 2 Sat 02 Aug 2025 07:35AM UTC

    I actually searched for this for more than 20 minutes. I knew there was a chapter two and I really wanted to read it. Thank goodness it was worth every second of desperate searching.
    I love Emma's perspective. How her apartment is too big and hollow, It feels so important. So much deeper than the space. Going way into it (you’ll get used to me doing this) but maybe her hatred of the apartment is because she can't distract herself with mess or clutter. It is also clear she does this often. Chapter one it was briefly mentioned she hops from hospitals a lot.
    This chapter really enforces that it's not about work but her character. I feel like she's defaulted on flight. She never sticks around to form connections and goes to the next chaotic place.
    Even at drinks with everyone she's not looking for any friendship or connection she's not being mean either everything about her is deliciously dismissive.
    “Something jabbed into her spine.” This line makes me automatically think of being stabbed in the back. I dont know if it was on purpose but i loved it for upcoming flashback.
    These flashbacks are going to be the death of me. They are so perfect and sweet it slams the small angst into earthquakes.
    “New rule: anything cute you bring into my room is mine. Especially if it’s purple. Especially if it’s yours.” My favorite line of the chapter, it's absolutely adorable.
    This fic is a gust of fresh air for me. Let me state why (catching on that I state a lot of shit?)
    I absolutely love Regina. I absolutely love it. Most of the time it's yearning for Emma , not that it's a bad thing but you know, variety in life!
    Regina screwed up and ran away, no doubt this was something Cora was involved with but either way in my experience it's Emma who's the one who screwed things up and disappears. Again not a bad thing but I think this might be the first time ive read where its solely Reginas fault and im eating it up
    The way these two can read each other's eyes! Emma finally getting a moment to snap at Regina is just so good Regina you idiot! And my poor babies. The tension ugh.
    I have a second line I actually really like too
    Emma didn’t slow. “Weak cover.”
    It's really simple but so damn powerful. Her not slowing shows how sharp she is and I don't know how to describe it quickly? Season one Emma Swan energy.
    I cannot wait for more Emma/Regina scenes because I know the tension is going to be there and the power balance! Emma isn't like the rest where everyone fears or is strict doctor words with Regina. She knows what she's worth and is fiery. Already pissed off a departement in a day. Regina likes order and Emma is not that.
    Happily awaiting and signing in for your posts.

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    1. cationix on Chapter 2 Mon 04 Aug 2025 11:46AM UTC

      Okay first of all—twenty minutes?? I’m honored and also mildly stressed for you.

      This whole comment is incredible. You picked up on so many things—Emma’s space, the way she holds herself at a distance, and that instinct to keep moving before anything can settle. That bit about how it’s not really about work but about her character? Spot on. That’s exactly what I was going for. She can’t be disappointed in being left if she’s the one who leaves. It gives her a sense of control, like she’s choosing it. I don’t think she consciously frames it that way, but it’s absolutely a defense.

      I didn’t necessarily intend the spine line that way, but I love seeing how people interpret moments in my fics. Even if it wasn’t meant as a direct metaphor, it’s so interesting to see how it lands. I do often tie character and emotion into physical space. That kind of grounding really works for me, so honestly, it lowkey feels like something I might have done on purpose.

      Also, yes to Regina being the one who messed up. That dynamic felt like such a rich one to explore in this AU—Regina carrying the guilt and regret, Emma grappling with abandonment (again), and the way those early wounds shaped who they became. There's so much tension and emotional weight in that foundation.

      I’m absolutely channeling season one Emma here. Confession time: I only just started watching OUAT. My wife and I are almost through season two, so I’m deep in the early energy right now.

      Thank you again for signing in just to say all this. I’m genuinely thrilled you’re enjoying the story. More on the way!

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