Really beautiful work! This was such a irresistible read, I went through it when I only had a few minutes to spare but just kept thinking about it later. You did a such a nice job fleshing out the world of Epitaph One (<3) and the complications of V/S there. I loved your take on that, cynicism outwardly tearing them apart but the real obstacle being grasping that sort of hope. That's just what I would want to see if the show ever got to explore this version of them again. You nailed it!

Stylistically, your use of parentheses works really well with Victor accepting the different parts of himself as I'd imagine for the former Dolls. And as others have said, I didn't even notice you were working around the name!

But really, I just love the strength they find in each other and that they may just get to some better times together. Angst that ends on an up note is always welcome with me! Thanks so much for sharing, I really enjoyed the story! ♥