This is completely unlike any fanfiction I have ever read before, so I don't really know where to start.
I liked it. Most fanfiction is charming, enchanting, even, but this was simple and plain, seven-in-the-morning-light-with-no-makeup. It was very beautiful, and very well-written.
I don't believe that it takes two people to make one of them have an affair: I don't think the bad behavior of one person, especially a person you've sworn fealty to, somehow robs you of your ability to avoid accidentally having orgasms with people who are not your significant other.
At the same time, though, I found it very interesting, and disturbing, in that way that comes from looking down and realizing that your moral high horse isn't as solid an animal as you had thought-- that I didn't really like Caite. I didn't like her arrogance about love; I didn't like the way she dealt with her relationship with Wilson; I didn't like her poise, or her lack of sense of humor, or her Suzy-together-ness.
It's a great contrast to Wilson, who is a character that most readers, knowing him from the show, find it almost impossible NOT to like. And I continued to like him while reading this story: the fatigue from his job, the sadness, and his love of even prickly people make him pretty cuddly. And yet: WHAT a sleaze.
In that sense, you've written Caite and Wilson very realistically, as people I would not be surprised to see walking down the street; and your excellent characterization has led to a discomfort-causing, but very real, theme: people--even wonderful people-- are sadly, dangerously imperfect. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop them from loving each other.
I look forward to reading further chapters, should you post them. Thanks for writing.
Author's response
Thank you so much for your honest and insightful review. I can tell you've put a lot of thought into it, and I'm so grateful.
The thing about Caite is that she's very flawed. Not in a clear or obvious way, but she still is. Now I certainly don't think she drove Wilson to an affair--that was his own mistake--but she really didn't help her marriage either. When I wrote the character of Caite, I wanted someone that would be a horrible match for Wilson. She's a terrible communicator, and very independent. Wilson, on the other hand, thrives off being needed. Maybe if one of them had brought it up, they could have worked on their issues and gone to marriage counseling or something, but it would be out-of-character for either of them to suggest it and without outside help, the were pretty much doomed.
In Wilson, I wanted to write what he really was: Besides for being a great guy to a complete and total bastard, he cheats. When watching the show, it's hard to remember that his wives are real, three-dimensional people with complex emotions. Wilson is made out to be this super-nice guy, but only because he's compared to House, and blue always looks light next to black.
Thank you so much for putting so much thought into your review. I love getting feedback like yours--it always gives me a different perspective into the characters.