Mark Arbour Posted November 20, 2010 Author Posted November 20, 2010 Ch 44: ... You would think that Brian would not be so freaking stupid as to let Cody do him with his current BF in the same house... :wacko: But I was hoping for more of a cat fight Thanks Mark... Can't wait until the next Chapter Cody was playing Brian pretty well, probably lulling him into a false sense of security. One assumes that Brian was pretty desperate for a hot guy after being with David. As for cat fights, it just didn't seem consonant with the Holiday Party of a US Senator in DC (which can be very stuffy) to go to any more extremes.
methodwriter85 Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 (edited) You gotta love Cody. "Hey, I know you and Robbie are making tentative steps in getting back together, but let's screw around because it's about how close it makes OUR friendship feel. It's good for me. Who cares if it's good for you and Robbie or for the three boys that depend on you two for a stable home?" Cody's slowly made his way onto my sh*t-list this story. That was the final push. He's nothing but a cipher pleasure doll for the characters. At this point I really couldn't gave a crap about Kevin or Cody. I want to learn more about Brad's biological family than about an aging circuit boy and his choice f*ck for the moment. Edited November 20, 2010 by methodwriter85 1
mmike1969 Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 Cody's slowly made his way onto my sh*t-list this story. That was the final push. He's nothing but a cipher pleasure doll for the characters. At this point I really couldn't gave a crap about Kevin or Cody. I want to learn more about Brad's biological family than about an aging circuit boy and his choice f*ck for the moment. He's been on my S* List since Bloodlines... It's only now that we are really seeing what Cody is like...
Caedus Posted November 20, 2010 Posted November 20, 2010 This is exactly why I was complaining about Cody during earlier chapters. How can he express love with sex and expect to be taken seriously if his job is to be a giant J/O toy? The only person who would be able to handle that would have to be just as slutty as he is, and here comes Kevin to take up the challenge. Hopefully he won't go bats**t crazy like Brian, because in someways Cody really contributed in screwing him up in Bloodlines, not that it justifies Brian's subsequent actions, but it is what it is. It's annoying too because the whole sex=love thing was supposed to be Stef's shtick at his age and while Cody is supposed to be a secondary character, it's annoying that comparisons would come up between the two of them. Yeah I still really don't like Cody...
centexhairysub Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 :devil: I loved chapter 44... I thought the tone was just right for the type of location the confrontation took place in and the subtle digs worked really well in that respect. I think this is about to get good.... Now to the people bitching about Cody; Brad's behaviour isn't any better yet none of you seem to care about that. I know quite a few people like Cody that grew up in the Hollywood system/area; and yes, it is different from other places. Cody has been there since he was quite young and just really coming to terms with himself. I can promise you that he isn't the only person to express himself through sex. Maybe it is how I am perceiving the comments, but you are all coming off quite holier than thou... Cody is straight up and honest about his position with everyone. Cody has never been vindictive and never appears to try and hurt anyone with his behaviour. He was that way with Brian, and even when he tried to change and couldn't, he tried to explain to Brian why it wasn't going to work. Cody was upfront with Stef in an earlier story, he was upfront with Matt and Alejandro in Bloodlines, and with Brad and Robbie in this story. In actuallity, Stef, Brad, Cody, and Matt are all basically the same person just at different stages of their life. Yes, there are variations but the core of each of them is very close to the same. Cody was not any worse to Brian than Brad and Robbie have been to each other at different points in the more than one story in this series. Now let the bitching begin...
methodwriter85 Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 (edited) Eh. I get overzealous sometimes. Edited November 21, 2010 by methodwriter85 1
sat8997 Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 I think my bullshit-o-meter has just pegged so high it broke. Dude, get a grip. 2
KYE Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 (edited) You gotta love Cody. "Hey, I know you and Robbie are making tentative steps in getting back together, but let's screw around because it's about how close it makes OUR friendship feel. It's good for me. Who cares if it's good for you and Robbie or for the three boys that depend on you two for a stable home?" Cody's slowly made his way onto my sh*t-list this story. That was the final push. He's nothing but a cipher pleasure doll for the characters. At this point I really couldn't gave a crap about Kevin or Cody. I want to learn more about Brad's biological family than about an aging circuit boy and his choice f*ck for the moment. I also have come to dislike Cody and this chapter just put the nail in the coffin with him for me. After each chapter there is always one big thing that sticks in my mind about that particular chapter. With this one it is Cody. I could list several things that stuck in my crawl with him but a few are: He does not want to mess around with Robbie and Brad he wants a "relationship" with Brad. It isn't just being F*ck buddies. It actually does remind me of the Brian/Matt thing with Cody in Bloodlines. He gets all offended when Brad brings up safe sex. This even after admitting "If I hadn't been rolling, we wouldn't have done it." when talking about him and Kevin being with Brad and Robbie during the fisting/unprotected sex episode when they were all "rolling" after taking E (that Cody had supplied). When he asked Brad if he trusted him Brad should have said NO! Cody obviously, like many people, lets his guard down during sex when high on drugs. A big problem in the gay party scene that Cody is a big part of in Hollywood. Cody should be the last person to trust with safe sex. He goes on to say Kevin got tested but never mentions the idea of himself getting tested. I am really glad Brad and Robbie are back together but they really need to get their heads out of their asses in the sharing the relationship part. Since getting back together they seem to be more careless. Using E and then sharing their most intimate sex act with others and combining it with unprotected sex. Possibly getting the woman that has helped them raise their kids pregnant after all these years and not even seeming to realize that is a possibility. Jumping back and forth with Cody in their relationship. Not evening thinking about how their involvement with other couples may effect those relationships...Jeanine/Tiffany, Kevin/Cody. Their new Love for each other is becoming like careless teenagers that don't think. It will be interesting to see how these decisions come back to them as their teenage sons get more into sex and relationships as examples. I can hear it now "But dad you and Robbie did...." Edited November 21, 2010 by KYE
Mark Arbour Posted November 21, 2010 Author Posted November 21, 2010 I think my bullshit-o-meter has just pegged so high it broke. Dude, get a grip.
methodwriter85 Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 (edited) *shrugs* Okay. I'll get off the soapbox now. Anyway, we're inching down to the end of 1999. 1999 has been the longest-lived year in the CAP saga- it's spanned three stories. Thank god 1999 is almost done. I've got some 2000 music I want to use. Although I might set aside and for when we get back to a teenaged/college-aged protagonist. Edited November 21, 2010 by methodwriter85
GLH Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 Excellent chapter, Mark! When's Chapter 45 posting?
gjtravel2a Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 :devil: I loved chapter 44... I thought the tone was just right for the type of location the confrontation took place in and the subtle digs worked really well in that respect. I think this is about to get good.... Now to the people bitching about Cody; Brad's behaviour isn't any better yet none of you seem to care about that. I know quite a few people like Cody that grew up in the Hollywood system/area; and yes, it is different from other places. Cody has been there since he was quite young and just really coming to terms with himself. I can promise you that he isn't the only person to express himself through sex. Maybe it is how I am perceiving the comments, but you are all coming off quite holier than thou... Cody is straight up and honest about his position with everyone. Cody has never been vindictive and never appears to try and hurt anyone with his behaviour. He was that way with Brian, and even when he tried to change and couldn't, he tried to explain to Brian why it wasn't going to work. Cody was upfront with Stef in an earlier story, he was upfront with Matt and Alejandro in Bloodlines, and with Brad and Robbie in this story. In actuallity, Stef, Brad, Cody, and Matt are all basically the same person just at different stages of their life. Yes, there are variations but the core of each of them is very close to the same. Cody was not any worse to Brian than Brad and Robbie have been to each other at different points in the more than one story in this series. Now let the bitching begin...
gjtravel2a Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 I think your comments, Centex, regarding both the Excellent Chap 44 and the rather sympathetic remarks regarding Cody are quite on target. The tone of some of the comments, to me, does get a bit 'sanctimonious' at times for the 'anti-Cody/kevin negativity' does seem to bleed over from negative feelings some have for Brad. Personally, (and I hope without getting bitchy myself!), I find Cody and Kevin fun characters. In their own way, they are honest about themselves and their sexual motivations and are realistic in matching many people in our own daily life (gay/straight/bisexual/etc) across the board and not just 'Hollywood' types. There would be a deep sadness about both of them if it were not their ability to desire more than sex and to seek some form of deeper relationship with both each other and with Brad, and to some extent Robbie. This desire, to me, lifts them from vapid sex-addicts of most gay-writing, to gay-men struggling to understand how to live day-to-day without clearly defined role-models. Their looks could push them into strictly living for the next lay, but they are written with a hunger and some ability for loyalty and a desire for deeper relationship(s). Is it really so different from may straight men, especially physically attractive or those gifted with talents in Sports? I, for one, hope Kevin and Cody stick around for they are not just hot, but interesting reflections of society and examples of gay men struggling on how to make their desire to be loved fit in a society that is broadly unaccepting of their relationship. Kevin may never fully take on the role of being Mrs. Beaver for Cody, but they do have a chance to work through relationship issues and grow. I have to admit, I like them as characters and hope they stick around for the coming series. 1999 was a very eventful year, but one I enjoyed sharing with this fascinating family. Thanks Mark for exploring so many issues that could so easily slip by or treated tritely.....However, my own vote, risking sounding really, really shallow here, is that you don't need to ever listen to a woman or a fat man as your story voice!! Though I am sure you would find someway to make it interesting, I find it hard to believe I would be as anxiously awaiting each Chapter as I do for Millinneum or Belvederia! 1
Hermetically Sealed Posted November 21, 2010 Posted November 21, 2010 I think one thing to keep in mind with Cody is, he come into the adult world as being nothing but a sex object to others. It's all he knew for many years. People didn't care about the mind, or personality he had to offer; they just wanted his body. Even Stefan wanted him for sex, though he later came to see beneath the surface. Then what does he do? He gets farmed out to Jackie as an agent to the stars, using his sexuality as part of his services/modus operandi. Cody's very existence as an adult has been so intrinsically tied to his sexuality, it's no wonder that even his emotions are caught up in the mess. He's never had a time when he could process the world without sex being factored into his interactions with others. In this respect, i think Kevin is very good for him. It's obvious that they are both beginning to reach a point where sex is holding a higher meaning for them. Yes they still want sex with certain others, but rather than just being casual experiences, it's growing more limited to those they have strong connections with on an emotional level. 1
mmike1969 Posted November 22, 2010 Posted November 22, 2010 you know, this story has brougt up HIV several times and barebacking from just about everyone, I am wondering if Mark is going dark on this story? Say Brian was infected... And Cody didn't use a condom again... Just tossing this out there. I mean Brian did not act the way I'd expected him too. He was downright calm. 1
Tiger Posted November 22, 2010 Posted November 22, 2010 you know, this story has brougt up HIV several times and barebacking from just about everyone, I am wondering if Mark is going dark on this story? Say Brian was infected... And Cody didn't use a condom again... Just tossing this out there. I mean Brian did not act the way I'd expected him too. He was downright calm. Luckily, bottoms are much more likely to contract the disease, meaning that Cody wouldn't likely be in any trouble.
methodwriter85 Posted November 22, 2010 Posted November 22, 2010 I think Brian is like JP in that they appear to be ice-cold calm.
mmike1969 Posted November 22, 2010 Posted November 22, 2010 I think Brian is like JP in that they appear to be ice-cold calm. And hopefully he didn't just play Cody like 'his' plan almost worked on Stef and Brad...
Bob1010 Posted November 23, 2010 Posted November 23, 2010 (edited) :devil: Now to the people bitching about Cody; Brad's behaviour isn't any better yet none of you seem to care about that. I know quite a few people like Cody that grew up in the Hollywood system/area; and yes, it is different from other places. Cody has been there since he was quite young and just really coming to terms with himself. I can promise you that he isn't the only person to express himself through sex. Maybe it is how I am perceiving the comments, but you are all coming off quite holier than thou... Cody is straight up and honest about his position with everyone. Cody has never been vindictive and never appears to try and hurt anyone with his behaviour. He was that way with Brian, and even when he tried to change and couldn't, he tried to explain to Brian why it wasn't going to work. Cody was upfront with Stef in an earlier story, he was upfront with Matt and Alejandro in Bloodlines, and with Brad and Robbie in this story. In actuallity, Stef, Brad, Cody, and Matt are all basically the same person just at different stages of their life. Yes, there are variations but the core of each of them is very close to the same. Cody was not any worse to Brian than Brad and Robbie have been to each other at different points in the more than one story in this series. You certainly have a point. I hadn't really considered how much alike they all were, but you are right on here. There have been comments along the way about one or another of them being alike. Sometimes we are more prone to disliking a quality in others that we are uncomfortable in ourselves if we are willing to look deep enough. Edited November 23, 2010 by Bob1010
Mark Arbour Posted November 23, 2010 Author Posted November 23, 2010 In actuallity, Stef, Brad, Cody, and Matt are all basically the same person just at different stages of their life. Yes, there are variations but the core of each of them is very close to the same. I think there are distinct similarities between Brad and Matt. I don't see that with Stefan, or even Cody for that matter. Is Cody like Stef was when Stef was 30? No. Was Cody like Stef when Stef was in his 20's? No.
methodwriter85 Posted November 23, 2010 Posted November 23, 2010 I think Cody is still technically in his 20's(although he could have already turned 30 since If It Fits was set in spring/summer 1995- he was defnitely on the edge of it), but yeah. I don't really see Cody as being like Stefan, except that they're both rent boys who could only express themselves through sex. So for that, I can understand why Cody is the way he is. (See, I can be emphathetic when I decide to get off my soap box.) Cody seems a lot more laidback than Stefan is, and not really about being charming or witty. He's just...there. A hot-looking guy who molds into whatever the needs are of the moment. I think a lot of us can forgive Brad and Stefan for their sh*tty behavior because they've got interesting personalities, we care about them, and we understand their motives. We've seen Cody through three or four stories at this point, and the character has remained a secondary character with a stagnant growth, and I think at some point along the way I just lost interest in him. I'd rather see what's going on with characters that I actually care about, like Brad and his quest to find out what was going on with his biological family. I think when Mark uses a supporting character in the right way, it's pretty good- I loved Lou's little cameo in Bloodlines, and I think the use of Max has been good as well. But with Cody, I feel like there's an overload of his character, and I frankly don't think his character warrants it because it's the same pattern with him every.single.time. Your mileage may vary, but yeah. In thinking this over in a calmly rational way, I've come up with the reason why I'm having this reaction to him, and there it is. I hope I came off as a little bit less of a whiny bitch in this one.
Mark Arbour Posted November 24, 2010 Author Posted November 24, 2010 I think Cody is still technically in his 20's(although he could have already turned 30 since If It Fits was set in spring/summer 1995- he was defnitely on the edge of it), but yeah. I don't really see Cody as being like Stefan, except that they're both rent boys who could only express themselves through sex. So for that, I can understand why Cody is the way he is. (See, I can be emphathetic when I decide to get off my soap box.) Cody seems a lot more laidback than Stefan is, and not really about being charming or witty. He's just...there. A hot-looking guy who molds into whatever the needs are of the moment. I think a lot of us can forgive Brad and Stefan for their sh*tty behavior because they've got interesting personalities, we care about them, and we understand their motives. We've seen Cody through three or four stories at this point, and the character has remained a secondary character with a stagnant growth, and I think at some point along the way I just lost interest in him. I'd rather see what's going on with characters that I actually care about, like Brad and his quest to find out what was going on with his biological family. I think when Mark uses a supporting character in the right way, it's pretty good- I loved Lou's little cameo in Bloodlines, and I think the use of Max has been good as well. But with Cody, I feel like there's an overload of his character, and I frankly don't think his character warrants it because it's the same pattern with him every.single.time. Your mileage may vary, but yeah. In thinking this over in a calmly rational way, I've come up with the reason why I'm having this reaction to him, and there it is. I hope I came off as a little bit less of a whiny bitch in this one. A little.
methodwriter85 Posted November 24, 2010 Posted November 24, 2010 A little. I always figured calmly reasoned postings work better than whining.
sat8997 Posted November 24, 2010 Posted November 24, 2010 I always figured calmly reasoned postings work better than whining. Who are you and what have you done with Jeremy?
Recommended Posts