[unrecoverable text]

The author has really worked hard to get inside RI's head, catching him in a rare moment of sentimentality and regret. In canon, you have to wonder if he truly is regretful of his actions, rather than merely accepting. This fic clearly comes down on the side of regretful, and of all of the consequences that accompany such emotion.

I really liked this. We see RI being his usual narky self - even when alone - and then also see inside to his heart and loss. The author has done a great job on this, making us look at RI in a different light.

Very moving and poignant, and sad, imagining Red Impulse alone at Christmas with only photographs of Ken and his own thoughts of what he wished he could do and say, and his insecurites too, wondering how he would be as a father if he really had the chance. I wish there had been more insights into his thoughts and feelings, like this, in the series itself!

I agree with Iborgia that it would have been nice to see more in depth feeling for RI in the series. This story defintely grabs at your gut and makes you just want to reach out to him and give him a hug. Amazing story!

Heart wrenching- even with RI's tough exterior you've shown his softer side and his many regrets. It's a shame that he never just decided to reveal himself to Ken once Ken was older and could defend himself.

It's good to see such a character being also given a gift for Christmas ... that of revealing his softer side, even if his other side might still predominate! I agree ... I would also have wished to see a deeper examination of RI's self in the series.

Thank you, whoever wrote this!!!!!!! Red Impulse so rarely gets sympathetic treatment that it's great to see it when it happens.

Oooo, another story that gets inside RI's head. I find it interesting that even in his thoughts he is snide and sarcastic. and yet when he really looks into his heart he feels remorse and love for the one(s) he truly loves - and perhaps failed.

UW Prompt: Fanfic, essay, or fanart (not disgusting), on either Gatch or BotP. Essay can be on any theme. Fanfic/Fanart: Would prefer one about/concerning lesser-used characters, such as Nambu/Anderson, RI/Cronus, or one of the team who doesn't get a lot of 'screen time', or much time outside the G1/G2 orbit. Gift: What I Wish for Christmas by Gatchmarie