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Well, I'm off to Alaska in two weeks, so I'm out of this for a few months at least.

I thought you said there was sexual relations in here? Hm? Anyway, I found it interesting how Mattie thought through and went back and forth in his decision. It was very realistic in wanting to please his partner and yet stand by his principles.

I have on occasion worn long underwear to bed. I was camping in Alaska in sub-zero weather!

That sounds like an allergic reaction. Can you wear gloves to do your job? and have you talked to your doctor?

Thanks for the kind review. I'm glad I had a chance to brighten your day!

Hello and pardon me for not replying sooner; somehow, I didn't realize this was here. I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between the characters. Keeping those age-appropriate was interesting during the writing.

Happy Birthday!

I heard it once said this way and it makes sense to me: what's on the outside gets you a date; what's on the inside gets you a second. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for.

That is so appropriate! I'll have to remember that.

This is really cool and a great first step.

*bows* Thank you.

Is that the dress you showed us in chat? You look very happy for a wedding you weren't too happy to attend...

I agree that the storyline is important; however, since I don't buy and play everything that comes out, what puts me off even when the story is good is the gameplay. I don't want to spend hours at the beginning of the game figuring out how to make my character(s) run, jump, or whatever. For instance, I loved watching other people play the Prince of Persia games, but I never got the hang of it.

Happy Birthday!!!

Cute is what I saw with my image prompt, so it's gratifying to see I managed to depict that in the story.

Thank you! You're at such a great spot in the story, too, with so much to come!

Thank you. I'm glad that the second reading was as good as the first.

Ouch! Evil cat. Glad you liked it, Ele.

That's very good!

Hello GA! As many of you know, we've recently lost one of our own. Nathan89 was a valuable and special friend who touched many people's hearts. In chat, we were thinking of a way to remember him and do something in his memory. Making a donation in his name was suggested. To that end, I'm creating this thread to memorialize not only Nathan, but for all of the special people in our lives. For example, I recently lost my grandfather, a man who had inspired me throughout my life. He, like Nathan, had an especially large heart. Another loss to my life this year was a young, closeted man I knew in college. He recently lost his fight with depression. There was another man who helped save my life in 2002. I wish I could have done the same for him. So what I'd like to suggest is that we remember these special people by posting a few sentences about what they mean/meant to us and include a link to the charity which received the donation in their name(s). Here's mine: Donation to GLADD 07/07/12: For my grandfather and my friends, may you continue to inspire me! For those not certain which charities to donate to, I'll include a list of ones I've found. If you have one to suggest, please PM me and I'll happily add it. I'll especially need help with international organizations. Currently, we cannot donate directly to GA. Myr tells me there's some issues with that, but I'll add directions for that if the chance arises. Don't forget that a subscription to GA's premium services helps the site and is only $8 (approximately). I do not ask you to state how much you donated, as that is private. Some of us can afford to donate a hundred bucks or more and some of us only a dollar. Please do not use this thread as a way to guilt or shame others. This is merely to remind ourselves of our loved ones in a positive way. Some suggested GLBT-friendly charities: Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice -- addressing "the lack of funding for women-specifically lesbians and women of color." Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute -- tracking and training the future gay leaders of tomorrow. GLAAD -- by ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. Gay-Straight Alliance Network -- a youth leadership organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources to support young people. The Point Foundation -- providing financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The Trevor Project -- the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

Chapter 6 THE applause clung to Dee’s skin like sweat as he retreated off the stage. The heat was cloying and sticky even with the air conditioner working at maximum. The members of his band were likewise exhausted, dropping into chairs around him and groaning or cursing. “Yo,” grumbled the drummer, yanking off her boots and poking Dee with a painted toe. “Snap out of it.” He just looked at her. Her eyebrows rose and she waggled a finger at him. “Oh, honey, you don’t go giving me that

Chapter 5 SOMEONE had seen them. Gus supposed he wasn’t all that surprised. While Power kept the press outside their doors, they couldn’t stop reporters and paparazzi from camping out on their doorstep or prowling the streets. It hadn’t taken them long to recognize famous pop star Little D or the dark-skinned offworlder in his arms. The picture had made the morning news, but Gus hadn’t seen because he’d been too busy with the strangely compelling man in his bed. He shivered as he recall

Chapter 4 There was a certain way to go about seeking an audience with Kane no Sato, Gus's uncle, but Dee didn't care. He took a transport straight to the Administration District. The great buildings towered over the rest of the city, rising to within meters of the arching dome overhead. A clever arrangement of buttresses and spires enabled airborne transports to land such that there were several entrances and exits for each building. Given the balance of power on Mars, each of the found

Chapter 3 Dee didn’t want to wake; the dream was too good. His body hummed from head to toe in delicious pleasure. His mind was trying to satisfy his body’s craving by filling his nose with the scent of sweat and shampoo and his arms with a shape only his dreams remembered. Dee was used to wanting, used to the heartbreak morning brought, and he fought it down. He wanted one more minute in this moment. Just one more minute to immerse himself in memories. A soft, gravelly growl intruded

Chapter 2 Daiki no Mori, known to his friends as Dee, watched Gus from his usual spot across the dance floor. Even though being around Gus made his chest ache, he couldn't stop himself. Every Friday he could he was here, at Power Nightclub, feasting his eyes on the unequivocally changed face of his lover. Angus McKenna no Sato had been one of the most promising young musicians in Martian history. His small band had quickly climbed to the top of the charts and had been poised to break-out ac