Well, I've been struggling to juggle, this was a pretty complex plot. I think I'll probably keep the plotty plot more straightforward in the sequel so I can let it spin out more as you say. Shorter fics I tend to let go their own way, and I think I do need to learn to do that with hte longer one.

Some of it was more spontaneous - the main villain and his unpleasant spidery ways got dreamed up part way through - when he turned up in Chapter 2 I didn't yet know who he was. I'm quite fond of him now.

I'll try to have a look at the chapter breaks over the next couple of days but in general I'm wanting to read on because I like the gradual unfolding of the story and the characters/relationships. I mean, it doesn't have to be a cliffhanger to keep you going, I feel like the plot's definitely in motion.

I want Mel and Placid to do the do, btw. She can cure him of his poor body image with sexytiems!