Hi! I'm a tad frustrated by "Normal;" the new (at least on AO3) addition to the Purpose series. God's a pretty deadbeat dad. The "I can finally forgive him" trope is outplayed and frankly, overdone, especially considering abuse survivors (like myself) aren't just going to understand and move on. Your story is amazing, the build and structure and plot is awesome, but this small part hits me on a rough note. It takes work to accept an abusive parent, and it takes a ton of work (1/?)
I know that I haven't been on Tumblr in months, but I feel that I must address these comments recently left in my inbox. (Spoilers for the 'Purpose' series are probably ahead.)
Dear Slightly Frustrated Anon,
Hello! :) Thank you so much for taking the time to read my fics! This issue sounds very important to you, so I will try to reply in the best way that I can. I know that in 'Normal,' in the scene where Chuck, Gabriel, and Cas all have their conversation, it seems as though I am letting Chuck “get away with” being a deadbeat dad – but this is not the case. At least, that's not my intention. In the Author's Note for that chapter, I even mention that I changed Chuck a bit because I dislike how the show characterized God. I personally think that Supernatural's version of 'God' is kind of offensive. God – the real God – is almost the polar opposite of Chuck Shurley. God cares, Chuck does not. At least, on the show. Whereas in my fiction, I changed him into a more classical, loving type of father.
That being said, you mentioned that Chuck was abusive? I think that SPN's Chuck was neglectful rather than flat out abusive. John Winchester seems to have physically, mentally, and emotionally abused his sons, causing them issues even in their adult life. Chuck simply disappeared when his children needed him. It was very cruel thing to do and it did alter everything about his children and their lives, of course. But Cas and Gabriel still have happy memories of home before God left. Cas and Gabriel are angry with their father. Dean and Sam are afraid of their father. That's the big difference.
Also, you noted the 'Forgiveness Trope'? I can see where it seems as though I allowed Cas and Gabriel forgive their father too easily. But I'm sure that it's something that each of them has been struggling with in their own way through the course of their whole lives. Do you remember how much Castiel defended God in Season 5? How even when Dean said offensive things about him, Castiel still took up for him? That was the spark of unyielding love that I was trying to reawaken in this story. Gabriel, of course, has a more difficult time. He knows Chuck better than anyone, apart from Lucifer. He's one of the oldest archangels in existence and he's been pissed at Chuck forever – but there is a part of him that always wants to rekindle that affection he had with his dad all those years ago. Gabe loves his dad and, on some level, he still wants a relationship with him. So he reluctantly forgives him.
With all of this being said, I would also like to mention that this story is not over. And I have plans for Chuck's character. *This is where the Spoiler Alert comes in* I don't know if you've made it all the way through to the last chapter of Normal yet, but the very last scene is between Dean and Chuck. They talk about how nephilim were banned in biblical times because they were almost as strong as God. Well, there is a reason that Chuck allowed – and helped – Jude and Jessica to come into existence. And this is going to cause a bit of a stir later in the story. (I can't give too much away yet. Lol) ;)
I sincerely hope that this was a reasonable response, anon. I'm sorry if this story hurt you/upset you in anyway. That is definitely not my intention. In fact, that's the opposite. Lol. :) Thank you very much for voicing your concerns, and I hope that you will continue to follow this story in the future. <3
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