MIllennium

[Conner]

So Brad had no reflections in this chapter vis-a-vis bedding Matt. I find that rather curious seeing that the "veil" will be lifted in the next chapter. The building pressure from chapter 20 wasn't sustained.

 

The only clue I could come up with as to how it will go was Brad taking the "lead" for the family over the Thanksgiving holidays. He knows how to be responsible.

 

Brad gave relationship advice to Nick. So cool. Even better that it worked.

 

Someone should inject Brandon with a good dose of swine flu.

[methodwriter85]

They're in 1999, Conor. Swine flu hasn't hit the rounds yet. Better to give Brandon the more period-correct choice, Mad Cow Disease.

[vami]

Great observations. My comment is that am glad Brandon is going to roast. I am sick of Robbie. He screwed up. Face it and deal with it.

[Mark Arbour]

They're in 1999, Conor. Swine flu hasn't hit the rounds yet. Better to give Brandon the more period-correct choice, Mad Cow Disease.

 

I don't think Conner's reference to the Swine Flu was anachronistic at all. There was a big hubbub about it in 1976, 1988, and then again in 1998, when pigs started to drop dead from it. Seems to be an issue every 10-12 years.

[methodwriter85]

I don't think Conner's reference to the Swine Flu was anachronistic at all. There was a big hubbub about it in 1976, 1988, and then again in 1998, when pigs started to drop dead from it. Seems to be an issue every 10-12 years.

 

Really? I didn't know that. I was thinking Swine Flu was this new superbug that hit in 2009. Interesting. I just remember in the '90's people were more freaked out about the Ebola virus, or Mad Cow Disease. University of Delaware was somewhat famous because we were one of the first schools to have an outbreak. My friend actually got photographed with his mask on by the news.

 

Random tidbit- I am not allowed to give blood to the Red-Cross, because I lived Spain in 1990, and that apparently put me at risk for contracting the Mad Cow Disease.

[JLK9N]

While I really enjoy seeing the drama between Brad and Robbie play out, I really get annoyed when Robbie gets thrown under the bus. He has been almost as 'honorable' as one can be in a situation where his emotions are going six ways to Sunday. He didn't consummate anything until he was honest with his partner. His partner has now boffed a handful of people and is headed for "the big one" with Matt. Which I think (if it happens) will lead to major drama.

 

All great for the story. I've just always been extremely fond of Robbie and while he's nowhere near perfect, I see him as really trying to do the right thing and be a good, honorable man. Brad, not so much.

[Caedus]

Brad's POV or not, I'm starting to get irritated by this drama. Something needs to give because this is all starting to remind me of their spat in Be Rad. It's as if their still teenagers emotionally. Robbie needs to step up and do something, yes everyones judging him (big surprise, despite their loaded closets) but still doesn't seem to get the program. I kinda laughed when JP gave Robbie a dirty look as if he f**kec someone. Really? You all know their business, eveyones on Brad's corner, do you really think someone is going to have sex with him at this point?!

 

It was interesting how there was no mention of Matt at all this chapter.

[Hermetically Sealed]

"While I really enjoy seeing the drama between Brad and Robbie play out, I really get annoyed when Robbie gets thrown under the bus. He has been almost as 'honorable' as one can be in a situation where his emotions are going six ways to Sunday. He didn't consummate anything until he was honest with his partner. His partner has now boffed a handful of people and is headed for "the big one" with Matt. Which I think (if it happens) will lead to major drama.

 

All great for the story. I've just always been extremely fond of Robbie and while he's nowhere near perfect, I see him as really trying to do the right thing and be a good, honorable man. Brad, not so much."

 

Yeah, I agree in full here. One minute Brad sees that Robbie "gets it", then the next Robbie doesn't understand. Robbie does something to take charge, and Brad only acknowledges until he finds an opportunity to milk sympathy. I get that he was hurt in all this, but he's starting to take the "poor me" syndrome beyond what was earned. It'd be nice if he at least once acknowledged that Robbie did finally realize what he'd done(as he saw for himself in David's), or that Robbie is taking his suggestion to "step up" in decision making (like with getting Carson arrested). Really just pointing more and more that Brad is a solipsist.

 

As for the rest of the chapter, loved the Tonto dream (read: nightmare). Leave it to Tonto to haunt her scions. lol I so cannot wait for Brandon to get his, and I hope Grace gets a front row seat when he gets it. >

[B1ue]

Slightly dated, but I missed the hullaballoo a couple days ago.

 

I am just curious why so many think it's a huge deal if Matt and Brad sleep together. Or, more to the point, why people think it is such a huge deal that relationships will explode and the hosues will burn down around them all. It would be one thing if Matt grew up as Brad's son, but he didn't. They've known each other for what, 18 months? And it isn't like inscest is a serious taboo to these people in general or Brad in particular. To date, Brad has had sex with:

 

His adopted brother.

His adopted father's half-brother, who bears a striking resemblence to his father.

Two people who look exactly like his other adopted brother, one of whom became his partner. These two people were legally his cousins.

 

Of course, JP can top that by having slept with his actual cousins, including Stef. I don't think Stef and JP will be unduly bothered, beyond Brad going back on his word and knowing it would piss off Frank and Robbie. Jeremy, you're right that JJ and the boys might not care for it, but Brad is currently having sex with all kinds of people. Are they really going to dislike Matt more than, say, Cody? Truly, if JJ is pissed at all, I think it'd be at Brad for beating him to Matt.

 

Wade I doubt will be angry. He's never cared about Matt sleeping around before, why start now? He knows whose bed Matt will wind up in at the end.

 

Now, Robbie would have reason to be pissed. Espcially since he specifically told Brad Matt was off-limits. Not really fair, but Brad would certainly be in the wrong for agreeing, or even just letting Robbie think he'd agreed, to that and then going back on his word. So the impact on their reconcilliation will be interesting.

[centexhairysub]

I don't have an issue with the idea of incest so much if it is a cousin or even an uncle by marriage, been there and done that... but you just do not sleep with one of your partners kids, I don't care if they grew up with you or have been there for fifteen seconds... That is just a line that should not ever be crossed. Even if the relationship is on the rocks and going down for the third time, there are certain lines that you just don't go past. I am not sure that even if the relationship ends do you cross those lines...

 

I am also getting a little tired of Brad's poor me routine. Although I don't think that Robbie has groveled enough to really deserve to be back in Brad's good graces, Brad needs to decide whether he wants Robbie back. I have always wanted Brad and Robbie to stay together, and I still believe in the end they will make it. One minute Brad seems to be accepting that Robbie made a mistake and let's him back in a little and the next Robbie is evil incarnate and must be punished, make up your mind!!!

 

I can completely see Tonto as an avenging ghost, punishing those that besmirch the family honor. Tonto even after she left Claremont worked to better the city and the lives of those that were still there. I have always seen the City of Claremont as a full fledged character in these stories. I grew up in a small town, that I consider to be the center of all known evil in the universe, but it still draws me back from time to time. I think for this family, Claremont will always be something that draws them back.

 

I cannot wait for Grace to show back up and I hope they let her fire Brandon... I cannot wait to find out who put the money up to support Dan/Lark/Brandon/Carson/etc... I have consistently said since the first that this goes back to someone from Claremont and until Mark proves me wrong, I am going to stick to that story.

 

Okay, Mark, I thought we decided that you couldn't have your own life, you are suppose to be just eating, sleeping, and writing to keep up amused... Get to work...

 

 

[mmike1969]

Seriously, I doubt anyone in the office thinks Grace is the disloyal employee. Even Grace knew Brandon is a rat.

 

Besides, that fax went to 'Tri-Partners' and they still managed to lose a bid. Standing outside, looking in it does not add up.

 

And Mark, you need to have a chat with your editors... It was Jack that helped Caleb get a new phone, not John...

 

Unless my theory that this is all a dream is true

Edited August 24, 2010 by mmike1969

[Hermetically Sealed]

Have to agree that the pseudo-incestuous part isn't the issue, especially with the family. Look at it this way:

 

You find out your father has a son from a previous marriage. He's several years older, and you only find out about him when he shows up one day when you're thirteen. Everyone welcomes him in as part of the family, even your mom. He fits in perfectly in the family and you grow to admire him. Then one day, your parents have a fight, enough to separate, but not divorce. Then you find out your new brother slept with mom. Would you honestly think "Oh well, he's only a half brother, and he does look like dad?"

 

Yeah, the boys are Brad's adopted kids, except for Will, but they were raised with Brad AND Robbie as their dad's. That is their reality, adopted or not. To have your Dad sleep with Pop's son just because things are rough between the two isn't going to be a minor issue to those boys. Darius loves Robbie and as Brad said, is closer to his "pop." JJ for certain looks up to Matt and to have him come between his parents isn't going to endear him. Will is obviously a daddy's boy, but I doubt he would relish something coming between the two fathers he has always known.

[rjo]

A great chapter! Mark has always believed in second chances and redemption. If Nick is really a changed person,( still don't trust him totally) maybe they (him and Brad) can help each other. Both with trouble relationships and young gay sons. Maybe Nick can get Brad to forgive Robbie. So Brad and Robbie can rebuild their life.

 

Did something happen? JP is retiring and Brad becoming the head of the family?

 

As for Brandon, and his crew I am hoping for a special place in hell, honestly I can think of the lot and very painful evil things for them. Maybe just put them for in a cage at the zoo and throw away the key.

 

I could be wrong but I am but I see and new Brad coming out of all this. Not the out of control Brad hitting the car, but Brad in control, powerful and happy. Maybe he will be able to deal with all the ghosts of the past ( his mother and sister) and became what he needs to be, the new head of the family.

 

Personally, only a good writer like Mark can take us on a ride like this. Ups and downs, cliffhangers, and surprises. Why go to Six Flags or Valleyfair when You got it all here and more.

[dan112]

"Personally, only a good writer like Mark can take us on a ride like this. Ups and downs, cliffhangers, and surprises. Why go to Six Flags or Valleyfair when You got it all here and more."

 

God isn't that the truth!!!

 

 

A great chapter! Mark has always believed in second chances and redemption. If Nick is really a changed person,( still don't trust him totally) maybe they (him and Brad) can help each other. Both with trouble relationships and young gay sons. Maybe Nick can get Brad to forgive Robbie. So Brad and Robbie can rebuild their life.

 

Did something happen? JP is retiring and Brad becoming the head of the family?

 

As for Brandon, and his crew I am hoping for a special place in hell, honestly I can think of the lot and very painful evil things for them. Maybe just put them for in a cage at the zoo and throw away the key.

 

I could be wrong but I am but I see and new Brad coming out of all this. Not the out of control Brad hitting the car, but Brad in control, powerful and happy. Maybe he will be able to deal with all the ghosts of the past ( his mother and sister) and became what he needs to be, the new head of the family.

 

Personally, only a good writer like Mark can take us on a ride like this. Ups and downs, cliffhangers, and surprises. Why go to Six Flags or Valleyfair when You got it all here and more.

 

[B1ue]

You find out your father has a son from a previous marriage. He's several years older, and you only find out about him when he shows up one day when you're thirteen. Everyone welcomes him in as part of the family, even your mom. He fits in perfectly in the family and you grow to admire him. Then one day, your parents have a fight, enough to separate, but not divorce. Then you find out your new brother slept with mom. Would you honestly think "Oh well, he's only a half brother, and he does look like dad?"

 

Depending on the circumstances, yes. I wouldn't be thrilled, and the "look like dad" part would be odd, but it'd really be none of my business. No, it really wouldn't. And yes, I've been in a position where I've had to sit on anger and realize that my family members had the right to f**k up their own lives when it only peripherally involved me, and any indignation I felt was not just misplaced but innappropriate. But I don't think in that case I'd get terribly bent out of shape, not to the point of doom and damnation that others have posisted, anyways. I might be odd, I suppose. I never really understood guys that charged in like a bull into their sibling or other family member's love lives when they weren't asked their opinion.

 

The circumstances to Brad and Matt are, as I can see 1) Matt only briefly lived with Brad, Robbie and the rest. They consider him family, yes, but there's a bit of distance for all involved except for Robbie, 2) there are several guys Brad is sleeping around with, some of whom must have grown quite a bit closer to the kids over the years. I think I'd be more angry at Cody especially, and possibly Max, for fishing in troubled waters. And I'd be even more worried that Brad was turning into the village bicycle, rather than fretting over the details of who he was screwing. That worry would loom even more if I had the emotional maturity to realize Brad was acting like he didn't want to get back together with Robbie.

 

Edited to add: What I see as the really big reprecussion if Matt and Brad go through with sleeping together, and they get found out, is that Brad's role as JP's second in command will be shaken. Brad has always been seen as a man of his convictions and word, and going back on a promise to Robbie to not sleep with Matt, even if it was only an implied, crossed-fingers behind the back promise, is going to damage that credibility. It'll be even worse if he tries to defend himself, as everyone from Claire on down will call him on that bull. That, more than anything, has the possiblity to reform Brad and might get him to wake up to what a jerk he's being and how he's treating Robbie.

[Hermetically Sealed]

I have a very difficult time seeing any child, teen or not, being that detached about the situation involving their parents. Children very much think that who their parents sleep with are their business. Even when divorced parents get grief from their children not accepting their new spouses, that's just the nature of the beast that is a family unit. While Brad and Robbie aren't the natural parents for half the kids, they were raised from toddler/baby to now with them as parent figures, so I really can't see them being that analytical and unemotional about. Whether it's right for them to feel that way really isn't an issue, as most children their own age aren't even going to be that rational about it.

[Bob1010]

...

 

not a single paragraph with a sex scene in it! I am disapointed!

 

and Brandon needs to die a slow, painful death..

 

thanks for the chapter Mark

 

I can't agree with your disappointment. I think that it was a great chapter with good movement on the Amphion as well as a peek at what JP has been up to back in Claremont. This is all most interesting! There is more to life than sex. Isn't there? An sex that doesn't help the story move or understand something about characters or relationships as even be a drag. I think that Mark does a great job with hot sex when it serves a purpose in the story.

 

I agree about Brandon and I expect that we will see that come to pass.

[Canuk]

I can't agree with your disappointment. I think that it was a great chapter with good movement on the Amphion as well as a peek at what JP has been up to back in Claremont. This is all most interesting! There is more to life than sex. Isn't there? An sex that doesn't help the story move or understand something about characters or relationships as even be a drag. I think that Mark does a great job with hot sex when it serves a purpose in the story.

 

I agree about Brandon and I expect that we will see that come to pass.

 

while I think MMike69'c comment re sex scenes was ironic, I agree with Bob1010 that in a story (as opposed to real life) sex for sex's sake is rarely satifsying, and Mark is ablways able to make the sex purposeful and interesting.

 

I loved his secretary's comment that she has been "a very naughty girl" - frankly Mark you give me your credit card and I'll be just as naughty - what's more I would even let you punish me..... you could even put on your Grainger voice....

 

Grainger? did I mention Grainger.... how wicked......

[Conner]

Good grief! Here we go again. Sex needs to be purposeful. What absolute bullcrap!

 

Can we just skip it this time???

[Mark Arbour]

Slightly dated, but I missed the hullaballoo a couple days ago.

 

I am just curious why so many think it's a huge deal if Matt and Brad sleep together. Or, more to the point, why people think it is such a huge deal that relationships will explode and the hosues will burn down around them all. It would be one thing if Matt grew up as Brad's son, but he didn't. They've known each other for what, 18 months? And it isn't like inscest is a serious taboo to these people in general or Brad in particular. To date, Brad has had sex with:

 

His adopted brother.

His adopted father's half-brother, who bears a striking resemblence to his father.

Two people who look exactly like his other adopted brother, one of whom became his partner. These two people were legally his cousins.

 

Of course, JP can top that by having slept with his actual cousins, including Stef. I don't think Stef and JP will be unduly bothered, beyond Brad going back on his word and knowing it would piss off Frank and Robbie. Jeremy, you're right that JJ and the boys might not care for it, but Brad is currently having sex with all kinds of people. Are they really going to dislike Matt more than, say, Cody? Truly, if JJ is pissed at all, I think it'd be at Brad for beating him to Matt.

 

Wade I doubt will be angry. He's never cared about Matt sleeping around before, why start now? He knows whose bed Matt will wind up in at the end.

 

Now, Robbie would have reason to be pissed. Espcially since he specifically told Brad Matt was off-limits. Not really fair, but Brad would certainly be in the wrong for agreeing, or even just letting Robbie think he'd agreed, to that and then going back on his word. So the impact on their reconcilliation will be interesting.

 

 

I don't get what you're talking about with this. Who did Brad sleep with that fits those description?

 

Seriously, I doubt anyone in the office thinks Grace is the disloyal employee. Even Grace knew Brandon is a rat.

 

Besides, that fax went to 'Tri-Partners' and they still managed to lose a bid. Standing outside, looking in it does not add up.

 

And Mark, you need to have a chat with your editors... It was Jack that helped Caleb get a new phone, not John...

 

Unless my theory that this is all a dream is true

 

 

John is the formal version of Jack. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

"Personally, only a good writer like Mark can take us on a ride like this. Ups and downs, cliffhangers, and surprises. Why go to Six Flags or Valleyfair when You got it all here and more."

 

God isn't that the truth!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Why thank you.

 

Good grief! Here we go again. Sex needs to be purposeful. What absolute bullcrap!

 

Can we just skip it this time???

 

I have to agree with you on this one. Completely. Totally completely.

[Caedus]

I don't get what you're talking about with this. Who did Brad sleep with that fits those description?

 

Does he mean Brian, Marcel, and Robbie? Marcel and Robbie do look an awful lot like Billy (RIP).

 

 

 

[Mark Arbour]

Does he mean Brian, Marcel, and Robbie? Marcel and Robbie do look an awful lot like Billy (RIP).

 

 

 

 

When did Brad sleep with Brian?

[Caedus]

He didn't, Matt did. Yeah he has that mixed up. Brian was too busy pissing Brad off and screwing other guys to do that.

[methodwriter85]

I have a very difficult time seeing any child, teen or not, being that detached about the situation involving their parents. Children very much think that who their parents sleep with are their business. Even when divorced parents get grief from their children not accepting their new spouses, that's just the nature of the beast that is a family unit. While Brad and Robbie aren't the natural parents for half the kids, they were raised from toddler/baby to now with them as parent figures, so I really can't see them being that analytical and unemotional about. Whether it's right for them to feel that way really isn't an issue, as most children their own age aren't even going to be that rational about it.

 

 

Thank you- you really put into words why JJ and the other boys would be really bothered by this. It might not be rational, but we are talking about 13-year old boys here. There is no way, and i mean no way, I can see JJ, Will, and Darius finding out, and then just shrugging their shoulders. They'd be really hurt, especially JJ, who does seem like he's the most sensitive of the boys and also is the one that's closest to Matt.

[Canuk]

Good grief! Here we go again. Sex needs to be purposeful. What absolute bullcrap!

 

Can we just skip it this time???

 

 

???? don't understand the "here we go again" comment..... is there some discussion I missed?

 

and I think you misunderstand, my comment was about a previous comment. As far as I am concerned the sex can be for any and all the reasons people have sex. the "purposeful" in my comment referred to the story, not the reason(s) people have sex......