Westie

Its kinda worrying that we only have 10 years of the saga left... I mean - it doesnt lend itself to writing into the future becuase of the emphasis on real world events... so the story has to end at some point. Theoretically though, this could mean 10 more stories, plus a couple of stand alone spin offs to fill gaps where characters disappeared from the main plot - but in general we can see a conclusion on the horizon. This is disturbing for me, becuases CAP for so long was my outlet and my anchor. I dont wanna blow smoke up mark's ass, but his story really helped me to define the ort of "gay" I am. It helped me gain the confidence to Join GA, and gradually change my life. So I guess what i'm trying to say is.... we need more HMS belvedera to wean us off our CAP Addictions West

Outed by Cia !!! i'm trying not to bite... honest. PS - thanks to mark arbour for his assumption about width....

I am currently at Prague Airport (though I will probably post this once I get home). The only observation I will make about Paya and I (to ensure you aren

With regard to your comment about gay's being "quaint" - will and grace, brokeback mountain etc. I think there is a difference between the concept of a "non threatening" gay of hollywood, and the "predatory" gay that conservatives project us to be. Nobody talks about ordinary Joe Public, who just so happens to like dick

Well for me... arbourtales was my route to GA... I first found CAP and "on the mark" on nifty.... leading me to your group... When you stopped posting on the group I joined GA (so your laziness lead me to Paya ) i have to say that I much preferred a DOC file... mainly becuase it was easy to save and read on long train journeys etc. Another reason is that personally, I really HATE the design of your GA site (sorry ) and find it awkward to read from. The advantage of being here though is that your discussion forum is as much fun as the story itself.... so... if you start posting stories back at arbour tales, then in truth, that is where i will read them. That doesnt mean i will stop hassling you here (or elsewhere at GA). West

Well... i dont know whether this is defining love... but i feel something for paya that eclipses every emotion i ever felt... When im alone, I feel empty. Together, i feel fulfilled. My heart leaps when I see his name on my phone. My breath catches when i hear his voice. I think of him and smile for no apparent reason. He - and only he - can make me cry. he can make me laugh in the same second. I loose control with him. I literally whimper when he kisses me with passion. At the same time... when i get home i just want to know about his day... his achievements, his woes... I want to know what he had for lunch... I need to know if he slept ok... and how is his family. How are his friends? I know them like i know my own. Every minutae of his life is thrilling for me. Is this Love? YES!!! Im his completely. Just my two cents West

I think there is a place for this sort of rubbish. There are gossip whores who love this sort of thing, and since nobody actually believes it... i dont think it does much harm. And while the gossip whores are indulging in their latest tabloid fueled fantasy, one would hope that they are leaving people alone in their real lives.

just two words. Taylor. Lautner.

well... this may surprise a few people... see... I never really mentioned it much... and nobody really knows... but I really have a think for a Czech boy.... his name is Paya and he is AMAZING :* but after him... i suppose.... Nephy... Emulated... Mark Arbour... as long as he promised to supply the weed afterwards

well... menorain restored the balance, and i gave you a +1 'cos your brilliant

Im not sure there was really any WOW factor to start with

Cia, you were one of the people who made me feel welcome here from the very beginning. When people picked on me... You were my defender. When I was depressed... you were my happy pill. When I was about to take the biggest risk of my life.... You were my biggest cheerleader. Happy Birthday, you wonderful, wonderful woman !!

Again, a spectactular chapter. Well writen, with a well executed storyline. The "lightswitch" moment for Robbie was particularly interesting to read... though I wonder about the dynamic with David the shrink.... Why did Robbie only "get it" when David told him that it was worse than he thought? Why is he seeking David's approval? Im starting to wonder how healthy that relationship might be....

I do not make friends easily. I have many acquaintances. A large group of "social friends"... but people to share my life secrets with? Someone I trust absolutely with my life? There is only one, and I am lucky enough that he is my boyfriend.

Well... apart from Paya... I'm pretty partial to Antonio Banderas

I think this story is getting to the most interesting part. The Amphion stuff is an interesting sub-plot, but for me the real story is definitely Robbie-Brad. I think that this is going to come together to the point that Robbie feels a huge weight of guilt following his soul-searching. He loves Brad. He will come back to him. I think he will give brad permission to be "open", but will remain monogamous himself. I think that having done that, Brad will realise that their love is not something that can be diluted. I am reminded of a time that I lost out on re-election to our Student Council. I was offered the RIGHT to continue attending meetings as an honorary member. It was a right I ACCEPTED, but out of respect, never exercised. In the same way, I think Brad will accept, but never, NEVER stray. The interesting thing is that Brad has become more like Robbie than he realises. When he has sex ONCE - its just sex. The more he has with someone, the more he does seem to equate it with LOVE. Exceptionally well written Mark West

This probably deserves its own thread... but Im liking the way you are treating religion in here... You have introduced a form of Liberation Theology - a South American exxpression of Christianity - that I have a particular soft spot for. Liberation Theology stressed the role of Christ as "Christ Liberator". Not Christ "standing by judging everyone in the hope they might conform", not even Christ "Standing by saying how AWFUL it is to be poor, while sipping champagne"... The idea of Christ as LIBERATOR is that it is not enough to just live by Christian rules, but that every Christian has an obligation expressed as PRAXIS. Prayer... Reflection... ACTION. Liberation Theology is the idea that you cannot just sit idle and pray... you need to take action to change the world. This is what Father Tim seems to have taken to heart. I am particularly pleased that you honoured Oscar Romero with a mention: he is a particular hero of mine. Apologies if I seemed to give a sermon here - but I genuinely believe that Liberationists are the most genuine of Christians. And it does not surprise me that a Gay Minister would be attracted to such beliefs. In all - well researched and well deployed Mark!!!

Well... me and paya are in paris probably in March, so couldnt stretch to another break so near to that one but you guys all have fun !

I particularly liked the last chapter. I always end up getting drawn In And addicted to your stories. I'm constantly amazed by the quality of the writing you produce while completing 2 stories simultaneously - well done.

Well this is an interesting question. for example, who is to say what "real" is. You may only show one facet of your personality on GA. or indeed you might choose to completely re-invent yourself. You say you live in Thailand, when really you're in sweeden. I *DO* have an online persona that I have created over time. I have used it on many sites. I do not use it here, for the simple reason that there are people on here (paya ) who actually know me, and who I am. In fact since i started publishing my story here (shameless plug alert) I would sayb that you guys know the real me better than many who have met me face to face. West

Jeeze guys.... Theres no magic formula - theres no hard and fast rulke... The fact is, if you can attract it - go for it. Lifes too short to worry about numbers. And life is FAR too short to worry about those judgemental people around us think.

screw ages. Get the yougest, sexiest piece of arm candy you can, and have the ride of your life. Life is too short to mess around worrying about age differences. Of course, once they hit their eearly 20's, experience is also a factor

From any other author, probably not. From Mark - i'd read it over. might even enjoy it. PS - brad, Jack, Claire.... works for me

Sorry.... but i think this is an awful modernisation of a classic. shame on the BBC!!

I voted food play.... But that's about all I'm interested in... I'd love to be more adventurous but to be honest, most of the above would make me feel ill. West