Official Description: Attrition Warfare: a strategic concept which states that to win a war, one’s enemy must be gradually worn down to the point of collapse. The race for Senior Class President brings Bella and Rosalie’s own war to a head. AH/AU B/R femmeslash.
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Femmeslash: the “F” word of the Twific fandom.
As someone who identifies as gay, I was immediately skeptical about reading Dee12’s “Election.” Oftentimes in fic, the purposes for lesbianism are murky, and full of ulterior motives. It’s for casual fun, shock value, or inserted as a collegiate rite of passage. Perhaps it’s Bella’s gateway to end up with Edward, or maybe someone just likes to watch – usually some dude who ends up banging everyone in the end. If I see “scissoring” mentioned in a fic one more time, I’m going to scream bloody murder. There’s an overall lack of spark, no oomph. I feel no real emotional connection with the women presented. It’s a titillating spectacle, a minor fling on the quick jaunt over to Heteroville. My poor little gay heart couldn’t take much more.
“Election” was different. It wooed me, drawing me in with intelligent dialogue and an immediate chemistry so fiery it felt like my computer screen would catch fire. After the first chapter, I stopped and just stared off into space. I was completely shaken. Here was someone who understood my life – what it meant to be young and full of hormones and just incredibly confused about the weird things going on in your brain and your pants. Dee12 writes with a fluidity that underscores the emotional depth of her characters (both Bella and Rosalie here are infinitely likable), yet the tale remains true to their age and maturity. It’s high school fic with a kick.
Bella and Rosalie have known each other for years and have fought for just as long. The sparks flaring between them are present from the very first paragraph. When they both decide to run for senior class president, their feelings are forced to the surface in a way that is simultaneously scary and exhilarating. The story itself discusses the interplay between two strong-willed characters, a kind of push-and-shove that ultimately leads to an exceptional climax – and this climax is lovely:
“There’s a foreign emotion playing across Rosalie’s features when she says, “You were supposed to be my constant” one that Bella can’t place and lacks time to process because Rose’s lips are on her own with all of the force of a fist to the face.”
This story doesn’t try for sappy and it doesn’t do Lilith Fair, and I love that about these characters. Dee12 has broken out of the rigid gender/sex roles that so many Sapphic stories seem to fall into. There doesn’t have to be cuddling all the time, and it’s not a porno. This is the beginnings of love – of real friendship, bloody, messy, true – of that fluttery feeling in your stomach when you can’t decide whether you want to kill someone or kiss them like crazy.
“Election” is breathtaking, fast-paced, and has all the makings of a fandom favorite. I will be forever grateful to Dee12 for putting out a story about a relationship that all people can relate to, whether they’re straight or gay. This is a must-read.
If I’m being honest, I had no intentions of reading Election at all. So what changed my mind? When Kass told me that she had read, and *gasp* actually liked it, I knew I didn’t stand a chance of resisting. I couldn’t help but be curious about Dee12′s story.
As scary as it is to say, I actually enjoyed it.
Rose and Bella are so different in this fic, and have such a destructive dynamic that I couldn’t help but be sucked in.
Their “interactions” are never graphic, and the writing is hilarious and witty.
Alice Brandon is like a Gummi Bear. She probably farts rainbows.
How could you resist inner dialogue like that?
So. I’ve seen this rec’d on ADF and on twitter and I bet I’ve clicked on the link a hundred times.
And promptly closed it.
And shuddered.
Because Rosalie and Bella? Ew.
Then a few days ago, EchoesofTwilight started a breakup post on Edwardville and htothem said, “I’m really happy for you, and Imma let you finish, but Election has the best B/E break up OF ALL TIME!” Apparently, I’m a glutton for punishment because I couldn’t not read it after that.
And guess what? It’s utterly brilliant.
Why do I love it? Well. I’ll just list some of my favorite quotes:
Replacing “Rosalie” with “Cuntalie” is already set in stone, but she’s having trouble deciding between giving her a handlebar mustache or a goatee.
“Well, Mike what I’ve got for you involves your dick…and my blender. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an anywhere else to be.”
“I don’t think you’ve got the guts, Fella.”
“That’s my liver”
This story is perfect for a femmeslash-fearing wussperv like me. It’s real. It’s fucking hilarious. There’s cupcakes. And just enough citrus to make the point without squicking me out. Not to mention, it’s short–there’s only one chapter left (for a total of seven). Oh yeah, and what about the breakup? Totally awesome. Trust me. If you don’t read this fic, you are seriously missing out. Read it nao.
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