Title: Looking at You, I’m Home
Fandom: Bandom
Pairing: Jon/Ryan, Jon/OFC, Brendon/Shane, Spencer/Hallie
Categories: angst, AU, family, harlequin, kid
Length: Long (~31,000 words)
Warnings: non-safe sex, drug and alcohol use

Author on LJ: lyo
Author Website: Master list!

Review:
Ryan sometimes thought about having children one day, but never like this. But Ryan and Christopher are getting by just fine, at least, Ryan thinks they are. Only, after a homework assignment gone wrong and a bit too much internet exploration, Christopher manages to find his biological father. And even that wouldn’t be much of a problem if Jon Walker wasn’t so terribly nice.

This is one of those kid fics that really get it right. Christopher is a main part of the plot, but he never becomes unbelievable, still acting out and becoming emotional during times that really would be stressful for an eight-year-old.

Jon and Ryan are both perfectly believable in their respective occupations. It’s always interesting to read a fic where Ryan’s not a total jerk (nice Ryan is far more rare than prick Ryan in fandom), and I think parenthood is a great way to show off Ryan’s softer side. Also interesting, Jon’s relationship with his parents.

The split POV works really well for this. Often split POV takes away from a story; not knowing one person’s motivations can really work well. But seeing both boys’ conclusions actually works better for this one. It makes Jon into a more sympathetic character than if his POV wasn’t included. This one could use a bit of a spelling edit, but factually everything seems fairly sound, the plot doesn’t have any real loopholes, and characterization is great. All in all, this is a fun read with less angst than you usually find in harlequin.

Looking at You, I’m Home