Very nice story.

So lovely!

So I absolutely loved this. Just wanted you to know that.

I must start by confessing that I am a lurker and often bad at commenting, but I feel like the least I can do is take a few minutes to express my continued admiration. I have read almost all of your stories in the OC-verse and you are one of the few authors whose stories I have read more than once. I am constantly surprised that the level of writing ability that you have can be found on this site. You are so good at finding just the right wording to convey such complexity and depth. Far beyond the ability of many writers in stores today. You have really found the perfect way of describing emotions in a raw yet subtle way. I am grateful that you have made your stories available here and of all the trillions of stories I have read over the course of more than a decade at this site - you are definitely one of the best authors I have come across.

This was so beautiful. I loved the way you traced the development of Kirsten's relationship with Ryan over time. I liked that every chapter told its own story. Though Marissa was a bit of a bitch in the one chapter we got to see her in- clearly you don't like her very much. What a lovely OC fic...though I can't believe I still go looking for new ones after all these years.

It's so sad to realize Ryan's never had that before. I also love your hate for Marissa. I never understood why everyone thought the two were "perfect". She's just like his MOTHER! Maybe worse!

This was really a great series. I really enjoy stories showing Kirsten's mothering of both Seth and Ryan, and Ryan's willing acceptance of her in that capacity.

It was great seeing Kirsten protect Ryan from Julie in the hospital in chapter 1. Ryan's acceptance of both Kirsten's and, later, Sandy's signs of affection were really nice to see.

The epilogue was great; I loved the whole pool scene, with Ryan returning some of Kirsten's protection of him by saving her from Sandy/Seth's devious plan of sending her into the pool.

I also appreciated your description of both journey's taken by Seth and Ryan; Seth's away from his parents and Ryan's towards them.

The final scene in the epilogue was very touching, with Ryan seeking out Kirsten because of the bad dream he had and accepting her motherly ministrations towards him.

Thanks again for the story.

Adore it.

Especially the way a wary youth's hopes and dreams are described, not wanton or needy, but 'there' and longing for what many do take for granted.

i think this is a gorgeous, gorgeous story

i love mommy kirsten

fathers and sons is another fav

thanks!

Sweet :)

I love this precious Ryan & Kirsten scenes!

Wow, this is exactly how I see Marissa!

Really nice! I love the way you read Ryan. Perfect!

I love all your RyanKirsten-bonding fics! They're just so sweet, and I just wished the show had given us some more moments between teh two. :)

Okay so I discovered this story because I just love all your other fan fics. I just wanted to say that I really loved "Protection" - it's everything that I've always wanted The OC to feature more of - Kirsten and Ryan's relationship. I've always thought that Seth was cut out of Sandy's mold. And with Ryan there - I just felt a natural gravitation towards Kirsten. And I loved the little moments between them and I wanted there to be more once Kirsten's alcoholism hit and everything, but the show just never delivered on it. If they had, maybe I'd still be watching The OC instead of finally turning away from it in Season 3. So it was very satisfying to read your story - I loved it so much. Loved that you were down on Marissa (cause I am too). Great job!