ooh once again i think i see the flicker of an utena reference in your umineko fic, and this one is more indirect because it's an image instead of a phrase but the 'uninhabited dress' is such a vivid image, and battler shutting his eyes to see it is such a character note. and the question he asks! is a good question! this whole thing is just so beautifully written and layered, and also don't think i missed the reference in the title, either.