For The Love

[Meeko]

Just don't use Cialis, or Viagra for that matter. You could end up in a hospital with a permanent keeper-upper!

 

 

Lol, that would be very interesting.....

[C James]

Hello CJ,

 

I just finished reading the chapter. It was really funny, the party and all. And the last scene was...*check the thermometer, 100'C!* So in the next chapters, we'll have Chris celebrating his birthday in the jail and there's also that wall in the bookshop. Surely hides something. Goats?

 

Great Job as usual!

 

Ieshwar

 

P.S Have a nice trip!

 

Thanks Ieshwar!

Goats behind the bricked-up wall? hmmm, you never know.

 

A good chapter -- filled in my lunch break nicely

 

We know have the information to complete a lot of the picture, but there is still the final denoucement to happen. I also noticed a few other possible confusions and confrontations that may occur.

 

1. What is behind that bricked up wall at the book store?

2. What happens to Chris when he turns 18?

3. Are Chad's parents going to cause problems?

4. How will the Peidmont/Thaddeus/Eric situation get resolved? I can't believe that it won't require the boys to do something stupid, dangerous, and maybe even blond....

Thanks Graeme!!

 

I can't answer #1, (though, as a minor spoiler, I could say what isn't behind there? There isn't an aircraft carrier behind there...)

 

#2... When Chris turns eighteen, (forgive me for the spoiler, oh spiney one) he will no longer be 17.

 

Welcome back!!!

i just finished reading the latest chapter, and all i can say is amazing!!! Love your work, keep it up =P

 

Thanks!! And Welcome, L0st Cause!

 

Went for a little old posts digging, and I bet Michael provided CJames with a little cold sweat with such an expert guess.

Michael pegged it, (Congratulations, Michael!!!)

However, a certain Echidna has pegged it on numerous things, including something in the current chapter.

 

Welcome on your return! Saw the show Wicked yesterday in LA/Hollywood. The best line, when one of the characters - a goat - disappears, is said by a guard in the Wizard's court: "A goat is on the lamb".

 

Jack

 

This goat was on the lamb from a bear, does that count?

 

BTW, Chapter 30 is up!

 

Also, I need to apologize for the formatting; I can't figure out how to upload and preserve the formatting with the new eFic software, so until I do, there are no italics in Ch 30: Words that were in italics for emphasis mo longer are. Sorry.

Edited June 19, 2007 by C James

[Graeme]

BTW, Chapter 30 is up!

Why do you always put these things up when I'm just starting work...

 

I'll try to read it at lunchtime.

[C James]

Why do you always put these things up when I'm just starting work...

 

Because I time it carefully to accomplish just that?

 

I'll try to read it at lunchtime.

But Graeme, here is is already past lunchtime.

 

It's not my fault that you insist in operating on that strange Australian time.

[Jack Frost]

(and I didn't become bear chow)

My dream has been utterly shattered.

 

Screw you.

 

Because I time it carefully to accomplish just that?

But Graeme, here is is already past lunchtime.

 

It's not my fault that you insist in operating on that strange Australian time.

He does it worse.

 

He drives on the wrong side of the road too.

[C James]

My dream has been utterly shattered.

 

Screw you.

 

Awww, but I don't wanna become lunch!

 

He does it worse.

 

He drives on the wrong side of the road too.

 

Yes, Graeme does, doesn't he? Hmmm, he also drives upside-down, too...

[Jack Frost]

Yes, Graeme does, doesn't he? Hmmm, he also drives upside-down, too...

And his country currency is made of plastic. O,o

 

And then he has made himself a cult in Australia...like putting his image on a nickel.

 

 

 

 

 

The story. I love Veronica...she's so evil and witty. I just love her...she's so like me.

 

And Hawaii...how stereotypical.

[Jack Scribe]

Hmmm. Two guys dancing and stripping. That theme sounds familiar.

 

Nice chapter. Hawaii will be a nice change of pace. But they must travel to the airport, first. I think we can get a chapter out of that. Chase scene, Speedos only. And Eric must be about ready to reappear.

 

Jack

[Conner]

...

BTW, Chapter 30 is up!

 

Also, I need to apologize for the formatting; I can't figure out how to upload and preserve the formatting with the new eFic software, so until I do, there are no italics in Ch 30: Words that were in italics for emphasis mo longer are. Sorry.

 

It was indeed a great personal inconvenience reading this chapter without the italics being where they should have been.

However, what you don't all know is that CJ adds the italics for my benefit. I have this bad habit of heading straight for the parts I like best. You know, pool parties and the like. So CJ uses the italics so I'll know what's important.

 

CJ, there's no way that a simple apology cuts it, goat-dude! Accordingly, to clean this matter up, you have to stand in a public place (cause you live in the wilderness) for 30 minutes wearing a speedo. Choose red 'cause it'll go great with your eyes!

 

So, besides the pool party, striptease dancing and a moonlight swim, what happened in that chapter?

 

Conner

[Graeme]

But they must travel to the airport, first.

Good catch! I hadn't spotted that potential issue. Where is the airport located? If it's not in Lonesome Valley county, I'm guessing that it's not in Piedmont's either (they wouldn't be that stupid), but is it in a county where the Piedmont sheriff can call in a favour?

 

I'm still not sure how the story will pan out, but it looks like they are mainly playing for time.

 

One thing that I suspect most people will disagree with me about, but I'm starting to dislike Steve. His manipulation of Chris, even if was originally well-intended, is now at the level where I think it is unhealthy. Veronica is not helping either. While she probably thinks it's just teasing, that jigsaw puzzle, combined with everything else that is going on, runs the risk of pushing Chris too far. Remember, he suffers (present tense -- he's not over it) from self-esteem issues. Continual recalling of mistakes he's made, or embarrassing episodes he's been involved with, is not likely to help him to overcome them.

 

For C James's sake, I'm willing to put up with Steve and Veronica for a bit longer, but the way they are at the moment is turning me off...

 

Note: The excessive use of italics in this post was in an effort to try to be helpful to CJ, since he couldn't use them in the chapter itself.... We don't want him to suffer from italic buildup, after all

[Conner]

...

One thing that I suspect most people will disagree with me about, but I'm starting to dislike Steve. His manipulation of Chris, even if was originally well-intended, is now at the level where I think it is unhealthy. Veronica is not helping either. While she probably thinks it's just teasing, that jigsaw puzzle, combined with everything else that is going on, runs the risk of pushing Chris too far. Remember, he suffers (present tense -- he's not over it) from self-esteem issues. Continual recalling of mistakes he's made, or embarrassing episodes he's been involved with, is not likely to help him to overcome them.

 

I'm one of those most people. I most definitely disagree. Steve's manipulation, as you put it, largely centers around keeping Chris in a speedo. The worst that can be said about Steve is that he's overly playful. I find it to be one of the more attractive aspects of this story. Chris is shy and embarrasses easily. His self-esteem issues, in my view, seem to have diminished substantially. I see the major reason for that as being Steve's love and support. Playing along with his friends and doing a strip/dance thing shows his growing confidence. I don't get what you're saying at all.

 

Veronica is a slightly different story. She does overplay her hand when it comes to her "blondies". However, I chalk that up to the maternal-like role she seems to fulfill in regard to Chris and Steve. I believe she could have been far more harsh than she was when it came to Chris and Steve having sex in her front yard and in the pool. She also has this thing for getting even...that she mention to her therapist.

 

Conner

[Graeme]

I'm one of those most people. I most definitely disagree.

I didn't think that many people (if any) would agree with me.

 

Playing along with his friends and doing a strip/dance thing shows his growing confidence. I don't get what you're saying at all.

There's a difference between playing along because he wants to and being forced by circumstances into playing along. I agree that he's showing confidence and there is absolutely no doubts that his love for Steve is helping him do these things, but I still think Steve is being too manipulative. He's controlling what Chris is doing and I think that it is becoming unhealthy. Please note that I still believe that Steve is doing it for what he believes are the right reasons -- as well as being playful -- but that doesn't necessarily make it right.

 

Both boys expressed shock at learning that pictures of them having sex were available on the internet. Steve seems to no longer mind, but forcing Chris to wear speedoes when he clearly doesn't want to after that incident (and knowing that some of those that have been looking at those pictures were in the room) I think is going a step too far. Steve may feel that it is the best way over the situation, but I don't think Chris does. Steve isn't giving Chris a chance to express his opinion -- to the best of my knowledge the two of them haven't had a good heart-to-heart on the subject, either (though that may have occurred in one of the sections not detailed in the story).

 

If you will excuse my taking things to an extreme -- Chris has been sexually abused (I believe having explicit photos taken of him without his consent would qualify). Steve seems to think that continuing the abuse (even if it is in a reduced form) is good for Chris. To put it bluntly, while Steve may be right, he may also be drastically, dangerously wrong.

[Conner]

You haven't read my signature quote, have you?

 

Ok, you do present a well considered viewpoint. In fact, you demonstrate a rather unique sensitivity to their relationship. *I love it when I'm magnaminous.* Unfortunately, I still cannot agree.

 

My main issue is with the word manipulate. In the context you use this word, manipulation is entirely self-serving. That can't be the case here. Steve may want Chris to be more self-confident, even assertive, in his behaviour. Obviously, wanting that for someone is not a bad thing. I cannot buy into Steve's context being "I'm doing this for your own good becase I know what's best for you".

 

Has Steve pushed Chris too far or too fast? Right now, I don't believe he has. But as you point out, we haven't heard from Chris on the subject. I agree that a pow-wow may be necessary, but Chris should make the call. Otherwise we leave Steve in the position of second guessing everything he does and says.

 

On the sexual abuse issue, you may well be correct. I don't know. I hadn't considered that at all. If so, again Chris and Steve seem to diverge in their reactions/response to the incident. It may well be deeply affecting Chris. Chris needs to say something.

 

Conner

[C James]

And his country currency is made of plastic. O,o

 

And then he has made himself a cult in Australia...like putting his image on a nickel.

 

The story. I love Veronica...she's so evil and witty. I just love her...she's so like me.

 

And Hawaii...how stereotypical.

 

LoL! Well, I think Hawaii is better than the jail option? ROFL!

 

Hmmm. Two guys dancing and stripping. That theme sounds familiar.

 

Nice chapter. Hawaii will be a nice change of pace. But they must travel to the airport, first. I think we can get a chapter out of that. Chase scene, Speedos only. And Eric must be about ready to reappear.

 

Jack

 

Thanks!

Don't worry, the airport journey won't be a whole chapter. LoL.

 

It was indeed a great personal inconvenience reading this chapter without the italics being where they should have been.

However, what you don't all know is that CJ adds the italics for my benefit. I have this bad habit of heading straight for the parts I like best. You know, pool parties and the like. So CJ uses the italics so I'll know what's important.

 

CJ, there's no way that a simple apology cuts it, goat-dude! Accordingly, to clean this matter up, you have to stand in a public place (cause you live in the wilderness) for 30 minutes wearing a speedo. Choose red 'cause it'll go great with your eyes!

 

So, besides the pool party, striptease dancing and a moonlight swim, what happened in that chapter?

Conner

 

ROFL!!

Heya goat-buddy!

Well, let's see; Graeme's speculation on the meth lab was largly confirmed. I'm starting to think that Echidna's read minds; the only real clue I intentionally put in the explosion scene was the size and violence of the explosion and the color of the flames. He was right on the smells, but I didn't think anyone would catch that at all.

 

Oh, and Eric is funding their trip... Poor Eric.

 

Good catch! I hadn't spotted that potential issue. Where is the airport located? If it's not in Lonesome Valley county, I'm guessing that it's not in Piedmont's either (they wouldn't be that stupid), but is it in a county where the Piedmont sheriff can call in a favour?

 

I'm still not sure how the story will pan out, but it looks like they are mainly playing for time.

 

One thing that I suspect most people will disagree with me about, but I'm starting to dislike Steve. His manipulation of Chris, even if was originally well-intended, is now at the level where I think it is unhealthy. Veronica is not helping either. While she probably thinks it's just teasing, that jigsaw puzzle, combined with everything else that is going on, runs the risk of pushing Chris too far. Remember, he suffers (present tense -- he's not over it) from self-esteem issues. Continual recalling of mistakes he's made, or embarrassing episodes he's been involved with, is not likely to help him to overcome them.

 

For C James's sake, I'm willing to put up with Steve and Veronica for a bit longer, but the way they are at the moment is turning me off...

 

Note: The excessive use of italics in this post was in an effort to try to be helpful to CJ, since he couldn't use them in the chapter itself.... We don't want him to suffer from italic buildup, after all

 

Hi Graeme!!

 

I'm italics-deprived!

 

You raise some very interesting points there; Some of these issues are intentional on my part and shall be resolved in 31 and 32, others, frankly, aren't intentional on my part and I need to think about them, and what to do. I'll add more lower down.

 

I'm one of those most people. I most definitely disagree. Steve's manipulation, as you put it, largely centers around keeping Chris in a speedo. The worst that can be said about Steve is that he's overly playful. I find it to be one of the more attractive aspects of this story. Chris is shy and embarrasses easily. His self-esteem issues, in my view, seem to have diminished substantially. I see the major reason for that as being Steve's love and support. Playing along with his friends and doing a strip/dance thing shows his growing confidence. I don't get what you're saying at all.

 

Veronica is a slightly different story. She does overplay her hand when it comes to her "blondies". However, I chalk that up to the maternal-like role she seems to fulfill in regard to Chris and Steve. I believe she could have been far more harsh than she was when it came to Chris and Steve having sex in her front yard and in the pool. She also has this thing for getting even...that she mention to her therapist.

Conner

 

Connor, you pegged one aspect, it was Chris who initiated the strip-tease, and it was also Chris who first had plans for Steve in the pool (the night they ended up in the back seat). Chris doesn't seem to mind much, as he has changed to a large degree.

 

You also pegged Veronica's maternalist role; which I think comes through well in the following quote;

Veronica glared at me, real anger flaring in her eyes,

[Meeko]

Because I time it carefully to accomplish just that?

 

 

But Graeme, here is is already past lunchtime.

 

It's not my fault that you insist in operating on that strange Australian time.

 

 

Lawl, i hope i don't hear any hawaii jokes ><

[Meeko]

And so i'm late agian as always, and just say chapter 30!!! Woo hooo it was such a good read from the day i was having hehe.

 

Can't wait too see whats next with like what others have said, i wonder where the airport is ><

 

And Hawaii Gee there's something i can relate too lol.

 

 

Just remeber there are no hot gay guys in hawaii.... i mean it!!!! lol

[Bob D.]

CJ, there's no way that a simple apology cuts it, goat-dude! Accordingly, to clean this matter up, you have to stand in a public place (cause you live in the wilderness) for 30 minutes wearing a speedo. Choose red 'cause it'll go great with your eyes!

 

 

 

There ya go Cj... I'll be your witness... maybe they'll be nice to ya now. Good to meet ya btw...

 

And yes that is a condom dispenser he's trying to get to work... it took his quarters...

Edited June 20, 2007 by Aillie

[Bondwriter]

I didn't think that many people (if any) would agree with me.

 

There's a difference between playing along because he wants to and being forced by circumstances into playing along. I agree that he's showing confidence and there is absolutely no doubts that his love for Steve is helping him do these things, but I still think Steve is being too manipulative. He's controlling what Chris is doing and I think that it is becoming unhealthy. (...) Steve seems to think that continuing the abuse (even if it is in a reduced form) is good for Chris. To put it bluntly, while Steve may be right, he may also be drastically, dangerously wrong.

Didn't he play the same prank before the webcams were discovered? From Chris' point of view, he's taking it rather well, knowing something's up everytime. I saw these as a humorous way to get some action into the parties, and some playful (though fratboy like) interaction between our two lovers.

 

On the sexual abuse issue, you may well be correct. I don't know. I hadn't considered that at all. If so, again Chris and Steve seem to diverge in their reactions/response to the incident. It may well be deeply affecting Chris. Chris needs to say something.

 

Conner

To me, the beauty of fiction characters is that they can live on after they've gone through peril than their real-life counterparts. They've been threatened to be killed several times, had their privacy invaded and still can have a good laugh about it. And I'm confident they won't need a shrink afterwards.

 

And Hawaii Gee there's something i can relate too lol.

 

 

Just remember there are no hot gay guys in hawaii.... i mean it!!!! lol

There are also servers for illegal porn sites. If the Piedmont clique learns about them going to Hawaii, no doubt they'll use their local contacts to threaten our heroes' peace and quiet once again.

[Ieshwar]

Finally, a nice ending of a chapter and no cliff-hangers. Something tell me these two weeks wouldn't be so calm. Will we have a glimpse of what is behind that wall?

 

I saw this discussion going on here and decided to pipe in. I do agree with Graeme. There're a few parts where I just feel... wrong. I mean, Chris doesn't like around being nude or in speedos. Right? He does so much to be able to get his boardies back and always plans well to have his shorts (yet he fails). I felt a little bit wrong during that beer contest. Steve did knew what Joe and Rob was doing. He could have informed Chris before taking a decision. Yet he did that. Okay for fun but he did make Chris lose. I somehow feel like... they are 'bullying?' (don't know if it's the proper word) Chris. I'm saying that coz when reading FTL, I place myself in Chris place. And gets in the role. Personall, I wouldn't have seen myself doing all this things (feel a bit exposed). Perhaps, that's why I feel wrong. Just my thoughts.

 

BTW,

 

Connor, you pegged one aspect, it was Chris who initiated the strip-tease, and it was also Chris who first had plans for Steve in the pool (the night they ended up in the back seat). Chris doesn't seem to mind much, as he has changed to a large degree.

 

He was drunk, guys! As for the second part, it shows the easiness in front of Steve but not, in front of others!

 

But I still say that FTL is GREAT!!!

 

Ieshwar

[Endless Skies]

Hehe, I am so glad this is all turning out well. Eric is busted, those two are happy and it seems that all is coming together well. Now all we have to wait for is the eventual bombshell that bigoted pastor is going to drop. I really can't wait to see how this story ends.

[C James]

And so i'm late agian as always, and just say chapter 30!!! Woo hooo it was such a good read from the day i was having hehe.

 

Can't wait too see whats next with like what others have said, i wonder where the airport is ><

 

And Hawaii Gee there's something i can relate too lol.

Just remeber there are no hot gay guys in hawaii.... i mean it!!!! lol

 

Thanks!!!

 

Are you by any chance on Maui?

Hawaii is beautiful; I've been there a few times, and love it.

 

And no hot gay guys?!?!? Given the spectacular eye candy I've seen in Hawaii (though I have no clue if any were gay or not) You must be kidding? LoL

 

 

There ya go Cj... I'll be your witness... maybe they'll be nice to ya now. Good to meet ya btw...

 

And yes that is a condom dispenser he's trying to get to work... it took his quarters...

 

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hey now, no candid pictures of me on the internet!

 

Didn't he play the same prank before the webcams were discovered? From Chris' point of view, he's taking it rather well, knowing something's up everytime. I saw these as a humorous way to get some action into the parties, and some playful (though fratboy like) interaction between our two lovers.

To me, the beauty of fiction characters is that they can live on after they've gone through peril than their real-life counterparts. They've been threatened to be killed several times, had their privacy invaded and still can have a good laugh about it. And I'm confident they won't need a shrink afterwards.

There are also servers for illegal porn sites. If the Piedmont clique learns about them going to Hawaii, no doubt they'll use their local contacts to threaten our heroes' peace and quiet once again.

 

Steve played that prank at the first pool party, long before the webcam incident. He also played it on Chad (mentioned at the first pool party) before Chris was around, so he's an equal opportunity prankster.

 

Finally, a nice ending of a chapter and no cliff-hangers. Something tell me these two weeks wouldn't be so calm. Will we have a glimpse of what is behind that wall?

 

I saw this discussion going on here and decided to pipe in. I do agree with Graeme. There're a few parts where I just feel... wrong. I mean, Chris doesn't like around being nude or in speedos. Right? He does so much to be able to get his boardies back and always plans well to have his shorts (yet he fails). I felt a little bit wrong during that beer contest. Steve did knew what Joe and Rob was doing. He could have informed Chris before taking a decision. Yet he did that. Okay for fun but he did make Chris lose. I somehow feel like... they are 'bullying?' (don't know if it's the proper word) Chris. I'm saying that coz when reading FTL, I place myself in Chris place. And gets in the role. Personall, I wouldn't have seen myself doing all this things (feel a bit exposed). Perhaps, that's why I feel wrong. Just my thoughts.

 

BTW,

He was drunk, guys! As for the second part, it shows the easiness in front of Steve but not, in front of others!

 

But I still say that FTL is GREAT!!!

 

Ieshwar

 

Thanks Ieshwar!!

 

I'm glad the issue of Steve and the "wrongness" came up, because it is something I was unaware of. I probably shouldn't say this, but there is, as of an hour ago, a new scene in Ch 32 that I hope both fixes the problem and explains it in a way I hope is agreeable.

It's not a plot change, it just explains something that I have failed to be clear on.

 

Basically, what I think happened here is that I haven't been showing clearly what Chris is thinking. That's bad at any time, but especially so in first-person. I'll be more careful of that in future, and also more mindful of how different people might interpret words or actions.

 

The issue of the puzzle picture and the photographs taken by Rob and Joe are NOT part of the changes; they will play out (also in 32)

as written (and those bits were indeed intended by me to be a bit incongruous or objectionable, for a minor reason that will become apparent in 32).

 

Hehe, I am so glad this is all turning out well. Eric is busted, those two are happy and it seems that all is coming together well. Now all we have to wait for is the eventual bombshell that bigoted pastor is going to drop. I really can't wait to see how this story ends.

 

Eric isn't busted quite yet... He's presently on the run, hiding out somewhere. However, I hope it's not too much of a spoiler to say that Eric will be in the story again.

[Conner]

Well, Graeme, you have yourself a disciple in Ieshwar. No man should stand alone!

 

Geez, all this fuss and change brought on by a four-footed, prickly, bug eater who walks upside down!

 

The goat pic a la speedo is just hilarious! I love creative people. Thanks, Aillie! I especially liked the way his butt tail comes through. Attention to detail!!! It's grand!

 

Conner

[C James]

Well, Graeme, you have yourself a disciple in Ieshwar. No man should stand alone!

 

Geez, all this fuss and change brought on by a four-footed, prickly, bug eater who walks upside down!

 

The goat pic a la speedo is just hilarious! I love creative people. Thanks, Aillie! I especially liked the way his butt tail comes through. Attention to detail!!! It's grand!

 

Conner

 

It's an Antipodean Conspiracy! (Isehwar is from south of the equator, too).

 

That pic was hilarious....

 

Oh, BTW, I'll announce the title of the next chapter of FTL: Six Feet Under

[Ieshwar]

Well, Graeme, you have yourself a disciple in Ieshwar.

(You're just jealous)

 

BTW, glad to note that even goats are practicing safe sex! Nice speedo, CJ!

 

Ieshwar

 

P.S - why the title tells me that we are going to know what's behind that wall? Tombs? Skeletons? That 'meth lab'?

[Meeko]

Thanks!!!

 

Are you by any chance on Maui?

Hawaii is beautiful; I've been there a few times, and love it.

 

And no hot gay guys?!?!? Given the spectacular eye candy I've seen in Hawaii (though I have no clue if any were gay or not) You must be kidding? LoL

 

 

 

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hey now, no candid pictures of me on the internet!

 

 

 

Steve played that prank at the first pool party, long before the webcam incident. He also played it on Chad (mentioned at the first pool party) before Chris was around, so he's an equal opportunity prankster.

 

 

 

Thanks Ieshwar!!

 

I'm glad the issue of Steve and the "wrongness" came up, because it is something I was unaware of. I probably shouldn't say this, but there is, as of an hour ago, a new scene in Ch 32 that I hope both fixes the problem and explains it in a way I hope is agreeable.

It's not a plot change, it just explains something that I have failed to be clear on.

 

Basically, what I think happened here is that I haven't been showing clearly what Chris is thinking. That's bad at any time, but especially so in first-person. I'll be more careful of that in future, and also more mindful of how different people might interpret words or actions.

 

The issue of the puzzle picture and the photographs taken by Rob and Joe are NOT part of the changes; they will play out (also in 32)

as written (and those bits were indeed intended by me to be a bit incongruous or objectionable, for a minor reason that will become apparent in 32).

 

 

 

Eric isn't busted quite yet... He's presently on the run, hiding out somewhere. However, I hope it's not too much of a spoiler to say that Eric will be in the story again.

 

Nope i don't live on maui, i live in ohau, the wonderful town of honolulu.... Ugh and i can't wait to get out of here, if i ever do hehe =D