This was quite the journey! I adore angst, so I really appreciated the piling on of the agony and raking of the coals, but even more than that I adore hurt/comfort, particularly good hurt/comfort. For me there can be no hurt without unstinting comfort in a fic. You gave that in plenty here, with steaming helpings of UST, and I just love that. :) Very deftly done, and it was wonderful to see our two heroes come through their trials to bask in joy and sex love. Brava! Brava!