Reading Time: 2 Minutes
Title: The Strength of Responsibility
Series: The Weight of Actions
Series Order: 2
Author: Bythia
Fandom: 9-1-1
Genre: Contemporary, Family
Relationship(s): Maddie Buckley & Howard “Chimney” Han
Content Rating: PG-13
Warnings: canon typical violence, discussion of canon domestic violence, discussion of Postpartum Depression, discussion of past suicidal thoughts, in parts not Chimney friendly
Beta: starlitenite
Word Count: 93000
Summary: When Maddie left to get help for her PPD, she didn’t expect to find her family in shambles once she eventually returned. It is a struggle to deal with the consequences of her and Chimney’s actions, but in the end, there is only strength to be found in taking responsibility for her life and the future she intends to build for her daughter.
Artist: Twigen
Artist Appreciation: It has been great working with you again, Twigen! Your art has made me fall in love with my own story after it was sometimes a real fight to write it.
Story
Notes
This is a post-breakup story about Maddie and Chimney very soon after their breakup, so their past relationship is a topic throughout the whole story. While Chimney has a very difficult arc in this story that might be read as bashing, he also gets a redemption arc. Personally, I view this story as a character study, not as bashing.
I wrote this story for the most part in November of last year, so I had long chosen a name for Albert’s and Chimney’s father when we got a canon name. For various reasons, I’ve decided to keep the name I have chosen (Han Chul-Min).
Additionally to my beta and artist, I would like to thank EphemeronID for answering all my questions while researching anything Korean.
Cast Pictures
Glossary
Appa – Dad
Umma – Mom
Halmoni – Grandmother
Halabeoji – Grandfather
Seonbea-nim – honorific title, in this context: Master
Doljanchi – traditional Korean celebration of a child’s first birthday
Doljabi – A game during the Doljanchi, where the child chooses an item from a display. Guests usually bet on the choice.
Dolbok – traditional dress for the Doljanchi
Dolsang – a table decorated with a number of items and food during the Doljanchi, which traditionally is intended to wish the child the best life
Of all the stories this year, I think I am the most excited by this one. I loved the first story in this series and I have read it a few times since it was published. I am looking forward to reading it.
… I feel like I have a better understanding of Chimney, and of his past and his family dynamics. And it all made me hate him more. Poor Maddie dealing with this! I adore the Lees and Albert, but gosh, Chimney seems irredeemable at this point.