Hugs for everyone. Seriously, this is perfect.

I LOVED the parallel you brought in here between Rusty and Lacey with the tactile (or non-tactile) and Sharon’s consideration and awareness of it. I also love that we get a look into Sharon’s head and how she’s such the “mom” – knowing that he was going to react badly to upcoming conversation but going for it anyway because it would be better for him in the long run, and her recognitions the small steps and progress they’ve made in being comfortable in each other’s spaces and lives and learning to trust one another.

And of course, the entire comfort foods scene was spot on and adorable! (As is watching OUAT! LOL) I WOULD like to argue that strawberries and peanut butter aren’t exactly standard “junk” food and DO possess at least a few health benefits. ;D

Nice story, even if it wasn't a fluffy, cheerful one.

Twice in one week is awesome, and you should continue with that ;)! You write these things really well. I love the episode-scenes-combined-with-Sharon's-thoughts-and-flashbacks structure - and then the little Sharon/Rusty add-ons at the end. Great all around. As usual, the way you write Sharon's thoughts is spot on! And the flashback is soo interesting and heartbreaking and I love how you give us these little insights into her past.

Strawberries and peanut butter, Sharon, really? *snicker* But I love that Rusty just started eating it :D oh those two. And such a cute happier note to end it on.

Thank you for sharing!

Oh god, you're going to kill me with these.

The analysis of what was going on in that scene with Kris's mom is painfully spot-on, I think. Even if Rusty hadn't been playing up the "I'm a foster child under police protection because there have been threats against my life because I helped catch a serial killer" card (oh, Rusty), I don't think Kris's parents were going to be impressed with him - it's been awhile since I watched the episode all the way through, but the threats were only part of her concern, right? And the rest was about how he'd spent too much time on his own with the implication that he was full of problems that Sharon was a saint for taking on? The "personal sacrifice" quote was a great one to include, too. How was that an appropriate thing to say?! *sigh* End rant.

I love how you highlight how purposeful Sharon's actions are. She puts so much thought into everything she does here, from her strategy with Kris's mom to deciding the best way to approach Rusty to taking the time to wonder if she pushed Rusty too hard to talk. That deliberateness is just so very her.

Her "you don't need to apologize" and really, that entire scene with her friend, is very reminiscent of that episode of The Closer where she thinks her detective is being abused. She just reaches out, tells them it wasn't their fault, and lets them speak.

And then I love how you always end these on a sweet, hopeful moment with Rusty and Sharon. Your insight into their mini-fight even turned that into sort of a nice moment, because Sharon's proud of him for being willing to stay and have it out with her instead of running away. Aww. And then Rusty's confusion at the idea of Sharon comfort eating, and his complete and total non-reaction to her "my other children" slip.

Everything you're doing with them is great, and please continue to do it.

I really like your stories. Love how you fit it all into the episode. I'm not good with the music part bu this sounds like Mary people can save, they can kill, they can defend. And there was something wonderful in that unpredictability. Something to be cherished in defending the law for all those unpredictable, human, people. And well, she liked that too.