AFriendlyFace

Thanks Kitty, am glad to know I'm not the only one who thought all that research was dreadfully boring, I just hope I'm making the right decision with trying for writing now. Thanks Michael! And I didn't realize adoption was legal in Texas (well gay adoption that is), that's really good news since THAT'S where I'm planning/hoping to move to, and heck who knows I may end up staying there for good Thanks Libbon :-) Hey Eddie! great to hear from you, hope you have been well, glad you liked my first entry :-)

Aww thanks you four, I really appreciate the warm welcome

Well I know I'm REALLY late, but Happy Birthday Sharon! May this year be the best yet, and each subsequent one even better!

LOL I agree Kitty, DD does seem like a big soap opera, and you're right Aaron could end up being the "hero"! And you're right that's not necessarily a bad thing :-) Sorry to hear you've been sick Nate, hope you feel better soon :-) Unfortunately I think you may be right Ramius, though I'd prefer to think Aaron wouldn't do something like that (anymore). Things between Seth and Aaron are definitely complicated, and I think even if on some level Aaron is trying to make Seth jealous, he may still have feelings for Rory, and also there's a good chance he isn't AWARE of the fact that he's using Rory to get at Seth. Often people aren't really cognizant of their underlying motivations, especially the less savory ones. Ok granted Quinn often drove me nuts too, and I'd have to say I think overall he had less excuse for his mistakes than Rory, who's been through alot. But what's wrong with OWEN??? He hardly drove me crazy at all, and he'd had a very tramatic experience too. LOL ok so maybe Owen is one of my favorite characters and I'm a little partial but really I think he handled most of his problems in a very healthy, mature way, and the few mistakes he did make seemed very natural and understandable. Like not wanting to tell Aiden about his mother warning him off, I mean who wants to wreck their boyfriend's relationship with his mom, especially a newly healed relationship. Sure it was a mistake on Owen's part, but a very understandable one.....Ok maybe I did go a little off topic lol. You're quite right James, I know I'm one of the guilty "Rory bashers", but you're right. Rory has been through alot and perhaps he is handling it fairly well. I think I just got into the habit of criticizing Quinn (who had it coming ), but Rory's situation is worse and more tramatic for him. We should cut him some slack. ***takes back his nasty remark about Rory's personality earlier in this thread*** LOL exactly!

Hey everyone!.....I don't know if anyone will actually read this thing, but I figured it might be fun to do one. I like stuff like this, so why not. So let's see what shall I write about? I guess I'll start with a brief description of myself. I'm a 22 year old male senior in college. I should graduate in May with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, great right? Yeah sorta, the only snag is that I've now decided I want to pursue a career in writing instead. I'd ALWAYS planned on writing, I just figured I'd do it on the side, now I'm thinking I want to do it as a full time career (and still write other stuff on the side). What brought about this little ephinay? Well I guess two things really. I'd always planned on going to grad school for psyc. and then trying to do counciling a few days out of the week while also teaching a few classes as a prof. on the other days (yeah education had always been another "top career choice" for me). Well basically I realized that while I really wanted to do that, in order to get there I'd have to go through grad school for a Master's and probably also a PhD, but the thing is, I hate research, and all the quantitave aspects of psychology, and I realized I'd be miserable doing all that. So yeah I could have switched over and just stuck with Sociology (which I was double majoring in, just because I was interested in it), and I still may, but mostly I think I want to write. The other thing that made me realize this was recently when I was writing this boring paper for a sociology class, and I realized halfway through that I was actually having FUN doing it, just because I enjoy the writing process. So I'll probably be applying soon (as in I shoulda started a month ago) to grad. schools in English, possibly with a concentration in creative writing. So that about covers the academic/career aspect of my life. Lets see what else should I include in a "first blog entry"? Well a little about me personally. I'm a rather cheerful, friendly person (in fact in grade school I was voted friendliest in my class lol). I'm usually quite optomistic. I try to take care of myself, I go for long walks (occasionally runs) in my neighborhood 3 or 4 times a week. Which serves the dual purpose of exercise and thinking time. I'm also a pretty contemplative person. I also do boring regular sorts of exercises a few nights a week (push ups, sit ups, etc.). I live on my own, with the exception of my Timmy and Lucky (my cats), and have for the last two years. Before that I lived 2 years with roomates. I really like my apartment, especially my walkin closet (I know it's silly that that's one of my favorite things, but it is)....In fact considering that I'm also "closeted", I get a good little laugh by saying to myself "If I have to be in the closet, at least it's a walkin." Oh yeah on the gay thing.... I've pretty much always known I was attracted to guys, but for most of my life I was also attracted to girls. So I figured "well I guess I'll just go with a girl, it'll be less complicated." The only trouble is the older I've gotten the less and less interested in girls I've become. And I never wanted to lead one on or anything so I pretty much came to the realization I should probably date guys instead. It's complicated though. I've always wanted a traditional "American dream" kinda life. You know the "spouse, kids, dog and white picket fence" thing. Well I'm still planing to have that, just with a guy instead (note my use of the word SPOUSE instead of wife ). Yeah so I guess I really need for them to leagalize gay marriage and make adopting an acceptable occurance, for all this to happen. But hey I'm optomistic (remember?). Anyway I realized I could still have this only fairly recently (like late July), when I read TLW and was inspired by Owen and Aiden's relationship. Ok I know it was FICTION, but I got to thinking about it and realized there's really no reason why that couldn't happen for me. I also read "The Human Condition" more recently was further inspired by Mike and Joe's relationship (again fiction, but hey). So yeah I just need to find Mr.Right and settle down.....I guess that's something else I should mention, I'm not interested in anything casual, if I could somehow know for a fact who the right person for me was, I'd marry him tomorrow if I could. Of course I believe in THOROUGHLY getting to know someone first, but like I said if I could KNOW he was the right one, I wouldn't hesistate. Anyway I guess I'm still "in the closet" because the way I look at it, I'm moving in 6 months anyway, so why deal with the drama, and upset my less close friends that I'll probably lose touch with anyway? Besides I am "being myself" it's not like I'm always pretending to be attracted to girls or be some kinda ultra "tough guy", I just don't verbally say "he's cute!". Besides occasionally I am still attracted to girls. As for my family, well I plan to tell my mom, SOON. As in probably within the next week, when she comes to visit for a few days for Thanksgiving **Gulp**. Well it makes me nervous, but it probably shouldn't. I've always had a really good relationship with my mom (my whole family really). My parents divorced when I was two, after 17 years of marriage, yeah they just waited along time to have kids. My mom explicitly told me I was planned though, so I never felt like an accident anyway....In fact she even told me the day I was concieved (a little odd, but nice to know). Anyway my mom moved back to her home state and moved in with my grandparents. So I basically had three parents growing up, so I definitely didn't miss "having a dad around". when I was a kid I saw my dad every summer and christmas anyway. And he does still call and email on at least a monthly basis, we're just not that close. So anyway I don't feel the need to mention it to him or his side of the family, I like them and get along with them, but we just aren't that close. so also, while I hope it wouldn't be an issue, I'd care alot less if it did bother them. Which, speaking about my dad anyway, I really can't tell, overall he seems like a pretty liberal guy, (he's also a college prof., and alot of them are liberal about that kinda thing anyway). So I guess he wouldn't have too much problem with it, I really don't know though, I don't really know him that well and it's not like gay issues are what we talk about when we do talk. Anyway point is I don't think it really matters much either way. So back to my mom, I really think she'll take it well for the most part. I was talking with her awhile back about a friend of mine from high school who was gay and has ended up in a pretty bad place (drugs etc.), which I blame on how his parents treated him after they found out he was gay. Anyway she was very in agreement with me, and said they should be ashamed for the way they acted. Also just in general I really couldn't imagine her taking it too badly. I know the only thing will be that she wants grandkids and I'm her only child. Of course I want kids too, so I guess it may work out. Funny thing with my family, we all value have a child alot, but only like one or two, so we're a very small family. Anyway as for my grandparents I don't think I'll ever tell them. I mean I'm really really close with them, especially my grandfather, but the thing is they're just from another generation, a different time if you will. And I just don't think they'd really "get it". The thing is I really couldn't ever imagine them like "disowning me" or anything either, I just know it would hurt them. So I don't think I'll ever tell them, I mean they're in their mid 80s anyway, and while they hopefully do have another 20 years or so left, it probably wouldn't be so hard to just avoid the issue with them. I do plan to tell my cousin (yeah I only have two first cousins, one on my mom's side and one on my dad's anyway the one I mean is on my mom's side), we're fairly close, or we were as kids anyway, in fact she's much more like a sister to me than my actual two (much MUCH younger) half-sisters, and I think she'd handle it ok.....Besides sometimes I suspect she and her best friend may be more than just friends anyway. The only other member of my family would be her mom/my aunt and I could go eithe way on telling her, and could see her going either way as far as how she handles it (though I actually suspect not so well,,,,,so yeah if I'm right about my cousin, I'm definitely much luckier, poor thing) Anyway I guess that's along enough "first entry", sorry to bore everyone, but I'm one of those people who likes to "set the stage" so I figured a little background info might be useful. I hope everyone has an excellent day!

Hey Dom! Well as far as the MM attraction goes, I don't have much to offer one way or another. You got me kinda excited (eager, not aroused) when you mentioned he had blonde hair (blonde guys are my number 1 fetish!), so I googled him (I'd definitely heard of him, but couldn't put the name and face together), anyway when I saw him I remembered who he was. And yeah there were some hot pics of him, but there were also so ho-hum ones, and worst of all, in most of the pics I saw he wasn't even particularly blonde lol . So anyway yeah he's hot, but not sexiest man alive hot in my opinion......you know what male celebrity I think's the hottest, Jesse McCartney! WOWOWOW! Is that kid cute. how old is he anyway? Is he too young for me? Not that'd really ever expect to be with him, but I don't wanna perve on a teenager. Anyway I think I went off topic a bit (darn Jesse!), I can readily identify with how now that EVERYONE thinks he's hot it's more boring. I like to be ahead of trends myself. Like 5 or so years ago Sushi was just starting in my area, so when they opened the first sushi restaurant in the area my friends and I went, and I was hooked from the first bite! And I ate it alot, then it got more and more popular and they opened more and more places, and then it got really trendy. And while I still like it, I guess I thought it was cool when it was just me and a few other people I knew that were into it....Anyway same thing happened with Greek food, I went on a Greek kick when the sushi thing got mainstream, and darn it if a year or so later the newspaper ran a whole article about a developing Greek trend and where to go for good Greek food. So anyway yeah it's definitely more fun being ahead of the trend that just looking like one of the sheep . As far as what you did today that you hadn't done since high school.....I'm gonna guess (and hope I'm wrong) "gave some nerdy guy a wedgie and then knocked off his glasses"? As far as DD goes, I LOVE the story and it may, MAY (but probably not) even have the potential to replace TLW as my favorite. Anyway I think I'd be happy with whomever anyone ends up with. I think the major thing I want to see is a reconcilation (friendship wise not necessarily romantically) between Luke and Aaron (not trying to convince you to do this, just mentioning it), and I think I'd be happy with any coupling from among Rory, Luke, and Aaron. Seth I really don't like right now, but that's probably just because you've done such a good job writing him as the "bad guy" maybe as we learn more about him he'll grow on me. Anyway take care of yourself, Dom, and I hope you have a fantastically, great day!

That's an interesting reaction. Like him or not, Hemmingway wrote some of the most economic, direct prose ever. Often that's what his detractors don't like. LOL well I remember the first time I was reading something by him, I decided I'd just read to the first chapter, I read about a quarter of the stupid book before I realized he didn't HAVE any chapters in this book, just little sections, like you'd usually find within chapters. Anyway it seemed very long-winded at the time, I kept waiting and waiting for the chapter to end. Also as I recall he droned on about things I wasn't particularly interested in (I.E. everything I've read ). I may not be giving him a fair evaluation though, and as I said I'm SURE it really is excellent writing (if fame, reputation, and other people's opinions carry any weight). I just didn't care for his style personally. Also it's been several years since I've read anything by him, so my opinions are based on hazy recollections and not any concrete examples, I just REMEMBER thinking "Is this ever going to end??". Anyway perhaps it was economic, and he just said several short boring things as opposed to one or two long boring things, lol can't really remember. Anyway like I said, he's just not one of my favorites, but I don't dispute his talent, nor mean to detract from other people's opinions of him.

LOL excellent chapter! And I was actually thinking during the day "it's about time Dom put out the next chapter, I bet it's there when I get home." and look it was! (he did say he was going to try to put out two a week for awhile, so one every 3 or 4 days is about right, and it had been 4 days. I think this is awesome and amazing, and I'm sure not complaining . I think like Rory I'm growing to like Seth less and less by the minute. Maybe I'm just in a goofy mood but I found this chapter to contain so many rich, imaginative mental images and funny situations. I love the way Dom writes! LOL like the part

Also you may take note that it's going to be called "The Log Way", not "The Long way". I think when Dom submitted the first chapter long ago, he'd had a typo and it stuck or something. Anyway the link Kitty gave you will take you to Dom's main page, it's the Third name plate thing down, in blue, right below "Desert Dropping" and above "The Ordinary Us". And in case you'd prefer to just jump right to it. Here's the link to the first chapter, you can then find the rest at the bottom of the page. http://domluka.gayauthors.org/logway/log-way-01.php

Wait Aaron doesn't exist?? Does that mean Luke used his made up friend/boyfriend to get out of trouble with Jase and Eddie with the car thing?

I think you're story is excellent Nick, am looking forward to your next posting. Sorry I don't have anything constructive to say, but I actually try not to be too critical when I read or watch something (I'm always the guy saying "it wasn't THAT bad" after any unpopular movie). I usually just let the experience of viewing any art, movie, or book just take me. And should I happen to not like something I always just figure its "not my taste".....like I thought Hemmingway was long-winded, opaque, and just plan boring, but clearly not everyone agreed. Anyway in the case of your story, I really do like it, and can't wait to read more. I never argue "politics" from a straightforward party point of view (and consider myself neither Dem nor Repub., though I guess I'm a little more liberal), but I will state my opinions about specific issues that come up.....As far as religion goes, I'm happy to share my views, but I try to refrain from getting too "preachy",

LOL that thought never crossed my mind, but goodness I found that funny! Goodness! LOL doesn't scream romance to me either, but sometimes guys (even gay guys) tend to just go with the practical. Heck, I consider myself pretty romantic, but frankly I've never seen the allure of flowers. I mean actually I'd probably be HAPPY to get them from someone special, just because I KNOW they're a romantic, sweet gesture. But as far as personally liking them, I kinda don't. Now Chocolate! If someone wanted to get me chocolate, I sure wouldn't complain! Dom, I'm afraid I can't help you much with mother gift ideas, my mom's actually about the easiest person for me to shop for, now my dad . Yikes! no idea, EVER about what to get him. As far as catnapping goes, don't take it personally. Cat's are wonderful, but odd animals. They like to roam around and it doesn't occur to them that if they get too friendly with someone they may get kept. LOL which is why I never let my Timmy or Lucky out, but if I did and someone took them in, I'd blame them, not the person (they are irresistible anyway). I've been thinking of getting them a dog, but I don't know if they're up to training him . I'm so excited to hear that DD might end up being quite long! Excellent job with it by the way! Can't wait till the next chapter, take care and good luck with monday ;-)

Well said Shadows, it's not that I don't like the "smut", in fact I do . But it has to be very tasteful and "feel" right, I wouldn't like it if the characters were just casually hooking up. I mean we can all find other places to read that kinda thing anyway, I think Dom's writing is so good because it's not really about the sex, it's about the people. My general feeling is that I would HATE to see the characters mixed around. Especially breaking up Owen/Aiden or Quinn/Jude. The whole story (to me) made their relationships so central and important, I wouldn't like to imagine them with other people. And I wouldn't like Ryan getting with any of the guys because he's supposed to be straight, don't get me wrong, he sounded really hot and totally cool, but one of his best qualities was that he was a STRAIGHT guy who was so supportive of his gay friends. A spin off that stays true to the original story would always be fun though! Also I know someone said we could just not read it if we thought it would bother us, and that's probably very good reasoning, and in itself a sound enough excuse to do it if you want, but speaking for myself I know I'd end up reading it anyway, and then being ticked off because "I can't believe Owen did that!". LOL Ok I would HATE the idea of Quinn being killed off, and even hate the idea that Jude would rapidly get over it, and go sleep with someone else. But on a purely physical level WOW Jude and Luke would be SO hot! LOL but I promise I don't REALLY want it That sounds like an excellent novel Lucy, I'd love to read it if you do remember the name of it Anyway great job on chapter 11 Dom, I can't wait for 12 (but I will). Take care all and be safe!

LOL sounds like fun, Xander. I don't eat pork or margerine either. Also give "preps" (and every other "group") a shot. You'd be surprised, there's good people in every crowd.

I really liked this chapter! It was excellent. I was yelling at Rory "No NO, don't try pull out of a parallel parking spot your first time at bat!" I can pull out of anything, but I still don't parallel park and I've been driving for about 10 years now.......Actually I did do it once recently, I was running very late for something and desperately looking for a spot, and I found one, but it was a parallel, and lo and behold all of a sudden I knew how to parallel park!,,,,,It was an isolated incident though, they still intimidate me :wacko: . Actually driving in general freaks me out, especially the idea of people I care about on the road. The last words I say to anyone when they're leaving is "drive safely!"....So I think if Rory were my son I woulda covered Arizona in the stuff they make Nurf footballs out of before I'd have let him anywhere near a motor vehicle LOL loved the part about him leaving his phone AS SOON as he gets it. I can really identify with that, although for me it's usually my keys. I have a saying "If I've been somewhere, I've probably left my keys there." Have definitely lost my phone and wallet a fair few times too though. Anyway in this chapter I thought Rory and Aaron's interaction was just adorable. I still think Luke and Rory would be better, but I get the impression Rory and Aaron really are into each other so perhaps that's for the best after all. Also this chapter had me once again firmly convinced that Aaron's on the road to becoming a good person. It also has me convinced that I was right about Seth,,,,,He's just bad news! Taking poor Dave's love interest, when he's not even into girls! (ok maybe he is, but I don't think so). One thing though, I think Rory needs to be honest with Aaron about what's going on with Seth. He needs to point out that Seth made that stuff about what he supposedly said up. He should also mention how messed up it is for Seth to date Angela, when Dave clearly had dibbs on her . Anyway have a great weekend everyone and DRIVE SAFELY!

Well that seems to be the thing people keep coming back to (understandably). But while I must confess I don't know any more about the legal system than the average person (probably less). Are we sure it's so clear cut that Luke will have the splotch on his record forever and Aaron COULD fix it? First off yes Luke says "but it's still on my record that I'm a thief". Or something to that effect. But it's only been a year and Luke is 17. Correct me if I'm wrong, but for some reason I was thinking it was often that case that for minors (or maybe people in general???) who get probation (which it says Luke got) the crime was taken off the record after 2 (or maybe 5 years)? I'm not sure about that I was just thinking that for some reason. Further, I was pretty sure for some reason that if I minor had only one instance of a crime on his/her record it was expunged when he/she turned 18? And besides all that I'm pretty sure it varies from state to state and largely up to the judge's discretion? I don't pretend to know any of that for sure, but that is what I what I thought. However, I certainly don't know ANYTHING about laws specific to Arizona. All that aside however, is it really feasible for Aaron to now take the blame? I mean isn't the case closed? And wouldn't that also depend on how Luke pleaded in the first place (probably not guilty, but perhaps no contest or something for that sentence reduction)? Anyway I may be totally wrong, but I doubt reading the story on my own, it would ever have occured to me that Aaron could "take it back" nor would I necessarily have thought that Luke's criminal record was permanent (in fact I'd have probably thought the opposite, that it would be expunged in a year when he turned 18). I'd like to hear some of this from the characters themselves, Luke saying it was permenant, or that he'd only forgive Aaron if he confessed and fixed it. Heck even if it is possible to do that and Aaron WANTED to it may not have occured to him that he could. It probably wouldn't have occured to me unless someone mentioned it (of course I wouldn't have stolen a car in the first place, and CERTAINLY wouldn't have blamed my boyfried!,,,but assuming I had done that and regretted a few months later, I wouldn't have known I could "fix it" legally). My personal suspicion is that Dom never intended any of us to analyize that particular detail this much. And as such it may not have a definitive answer, and always be up to our interpretation, unless/until he decides to go into more detail about it. But again, I could very easily be way off base. I readily admit I haven't had any encounters with the law myself, and have never even been interested enough to find out more than what one would naturally pick up. Also I tend to be rather naive about these sorts of things. Anyway take care all :-)

LOL RK, that is why I'd NEVER put them on the furniture! I've got an odd system for shoes. I have a wide array of shoes to wear outdoors/out in general. Then I've got a seperate pair of "flip-flops" I only wear indoors. Then I've got my bedroom slippers which I only wear after I've showered or bathed, and am in bed for the night (like to get up and go to the bathroom or something). I pretty much never go barefoot outdoors, and almost never indoors, walking that is though. Whenever I sit or lie down I remove my shoes. But to actually walk without shoes on is rare for me.....in fact I had this horrible nightmare once....The nightmare was that I was walking around outdoors barefoot! :wacko: It's interesting the way people get all hung up with shoes/feet etc. I can say this as someone who's all hung up about shoes and feet . I mean I know quite a few people who can't stand shoes (almost up to a strange level), and rush to take them off and get barefoot. Then I know some other people (like myself) who are obsessive about NOT going barefoot. Then there are all the people who find feet disgusting (I know several of those!), they get totally turned off by seeing people's feet, and won't show their own. Then there are all the people with a fetish for feet (I wouldn't say I have a fetish but I think they're pretty sexy!), and then all the people with a shoe/footwear fetish (like me with boys in socks or girls in boots). It's crazy really. Quite delightful though

LOL Dom! Well if we're allowed to vote, my vote is for Friday :-P. I agree with the general idea that your stories do seem really romantic (which is one of the main reasons I love them so much!). Maybe you do write them that way to get a different perspective or something. I say I'm going to be a writer eventually (I've got a million ideas but I'm too scattered and unfocused to actually sit down and write them out), and I find myself often running through plot lines that involve something dreadful happening in someone's relationship, something they've either got to overcome, or that proves it's just so horrible it can't be overcome.......But I'm about the MOST romantic person I know, as well as generally optomistic about life.....Perhaps it's just fun to do something DIFFERENT. That said though, don't give up on the fairy tale lol! Anyway have a great weekend and I can't wait to read the next installment of DD!

Hey Xander, sorry to just intrude on your blog, but I saw your post about just starting it on the main page. And what can I say I'm nosey. Anyway it's a pleasure to meet you and I hope everything works out. I had/have a friend, and in fact we were probably right around your age when all this was going on (ok I think that's the first time I've used the "when I was your age..." line ,,,scary.....anyway). So I guess I do have a little jealous streak running through me, and I was really close with my best friend in High School (though I was never really in love with him, maybe mildly infaturated in like 7th and 8th grade, but I'd lost interest in him like THAT by high school). Anyway I didn't see much of him for like a week or so, but I didn't really make anything of it, until one day we're standing in line in the cafeteria, and all of a sudden another guy suddenly makes some remark about my friends girlfriend. I'm like "what! Girlfriend?? when did this happen" (more or less, it's been along time I can't remember word for word), anyway he kinda smiled and laughed nervously saying something to the effect of "I thought I told you" or "I meant to tell you". Anyway I was thrown for quite a loop. And at first when I got to know her, and we all (some of her friends and his other friends) started hanging out....I kinda didn't like how fast they were moving, or how he was suddenly drinking alot more, and actually spending the night quite often at her house, in her bed (which just seemed so scandalous to me at the time), but the truth is, while deep down I still kinda thought she was a bad influence, and that he was "better", I actually had alot of fun with the new little group we had. And I really grew to like her, and while I did spend less time with him, I made a few new friends as a result. and I really couldn't complain anymore about him staying over at her house, when we'd ALL sometimes stay over at her house after we'd been drinking a little (maybe a lot) too much. Anyway I ended up making the best of it, and wouldn't you know after like 3 maybe 4 months, she cheated on (which really hurt him), and they broke up. Then suddenly I was very much the "important best friend" who helped pick up the pieces. Of course I'd rather he hadn't gotten hurt in the first place, but at least we were still close enough that I could be there for him when he did. Anyway I know your situation is different, like you don't like the girl, whereas I always kinda did, and would still be pleasent to her today if I ran into her. But maybe you can make the best of it. Like others suggested, if you just give them their space one of two things will happen. It'll work out, in which case you'll have to learn to interact pleasently with her if you want to continue the friendship. Or it won't, in which case he'll probably naturally turn to you for support in the break up period. Either way all you can do is be there for him. Good Luck!

Hey Bao! I hope you had an excellent birthday, and I hope you have an awesome year!

Hey Tempus! I too would like to welcome you to the forum, it'll be nice to perhaps have another ally on the Aaron debate . By the way I love your name! Time is a continual theme in all of my screen names and email addresses (with this one as pretty much the sole exception.....I felt like something new when I joined lol). And I know a bit of Latin, though not that much, fugit means "he/she flees or runs away" doesn't it? So basically your name is something like "Time Runner" or "running away from time"?? Anyway I didn't see your first post right away, I think you were writing yours while I was writing mine. It's ashame I bothered to write one at all, I agreed with you first post almost word for word. Especially the following bits: I think you've got it entirely right there! For once thing I think pretty much EVERYONE and EVERYTHING is in shades of gray, I don't think too many people or situations are ever black and white. I also agree with you it's nice to think that perhaps Aaron and Rory will balence each other out. Exactly Michael! I think Luke's trying to take his time with Rory too.....especially since he knows about the very confusing relationship Rory's getting in with Aaron. LOL Vic, Well first off I think Luke's face sounds much prettier than Aaron's, and I've always prefered the idea of Luke and Rory to Aaron and Rory (I'd just originally hoped for Luke and Aaron instead). Secondly I'm not a recovering Catholic, I'm just a current Catholic. Ok my relgious beliefs are very complicated actually. I'm an extremly liberal Catholic who actually leans non-denominational evangelical (NOT FUNDAMENTALIST) Christian in most regards. Basically it seems the biggest beef most other Christian religions have with Catholics is that they DON'T just follow the Bible, and base alot of stuff on church tradition etc. As well as being too institutionalized. Well the latter I definitely agree with, but think that people SHOULD interpret the Bible, and remember the context etc. Catholics for example don't have a problem with evolution/age of the earth and all that junk that hangs up many other Christians. They always taught us (I went to Catholic school from kindergarden - senior year of high school.....and BTW Catholic school girls aren't the only ones with sexy uniforms ) that the creation account was more figurative than litteral, and said that the Chruchs stance was that alot of the things which don't seem to make too much sense in today's context, like the prohibitions against shellfish, and the eleborate cleansing rituals (and I always add homosexuality, though the church itself does have a problem with that) made sense and were logical at the time, but more outdated now. Meanwhile many Christian groups, have a problem with the Church's rigidity and the fact that all the institional aspects etc. serve to keep people more in the Chruch's pocket than directly in touch with God, this too I agree with (among alot of other popular beliefs). So basically in constructing my own spirituality I've merged everything together, and removed the aspects I didn't agree with, and kept the ones I like. Weird I know but it works for me and allows me to be both happy with my faith, and my sexuality (though my reasons aren't even MOSTLY about sexuality, I just have a problem with anyone telling me EXACTLY what I need to believe, and what's right and wrong, I think it's worth more if you figure it out yourself). That said sorry I went off topic, and very sorry if I offended anyone's religious beliefs. And also I won't agrue religion (or politics), and my only stance about what I said is that it's right for ME, I no longer presume to tell other people what they should or shouldn't believe, I'm very accepting of everyone's beliefs. Anyway that said, and getting back on topic. Yes I hold forgiveness paramount in life, and agree with the idea that no one is entirely unredeemable. Exactly what I was thinking Tempus, I too prefer to see the good in people. And to clarify my current (more nuanced) stance on Aaron. Having heard what Luke had to say in the last chapter about he and Aaron's relationship, I no longer think THEY should be together. I'd orginally hoped for some sort of Luke/Aaron reconciliation, and while I do hope they reconcile, I no longer want it to be in a romantic/couples kinda way. I think Luke is well within his rights to no longer be friends with Aaron (though I'd KINDA like if they could even somewhat become friends again), but I still think he needs to forgive Aaron. Also I definitely think Rory's making a mistake getting involved romantically with Aaron (regardless of whether or not he's changed), if there's any hope of something with Luke developing. Luke just seems like an all around better choice. From everything to being hotter (IMO), to being more convenient (I mean he lives with him already!). He's also obviously a less conflicted, complicated person. All I'm saying is that Aaron isn't pure evil, and still deserves to have friends who care, and a terrific boyfriend (even if that boyfriend isn't Luke or Rory). I just don't think he (or anyone) should never be given a 2nd chance (in life, not necessarily with the same person/people). However, having said that I do admit I'm a little suspicous of his most recent behavior, so I'm eagerly waiting to see what happens. Anyway I know I went insanely long, sorry all. Also very sorry if anyone disagrees and is offended by what I've said, I meant no offense. Anyway take care all and have a great day!

Seth Green, yes that's a very good idea! He would make an excellent Taylor. Hadn't occured to me though. I agree TOU and TLW are both really excellent. I started reading TOU and read up until about chapter 15 or so, when suddenly to my horror I realized the story was incomplete and I'd have to WAIT to see how it ended LOL it was worth the wait though! In the meantime I wanted more and realized that TLW was (by this time) complete. So I figured even if it were only half as good as TOU it would be worth it! At the time I really didn't see how it could be nearly as good as TOU. But then I started reading it, and by about chapter 10 "This is a date!", I realized I liked it BETTER. It was a truly amazing story, and I have to say it only got better and better the further we got into Aiden and Owen's relationship. Probably the main reason I ultimately came to prefer TLW though, is because it's more romantic than TOU, and because right from the start I found Owen more likable than Quinn (or Rory). So while I also love TOU and DD very much and am basically equally obsessed with each, it's just more fun being in Owen's head .......On the other hand I find Jude and Luke hotter than Aiden (physically anyway), so I guess it's more fun to see them . On yet another hand though (yes I realize I've got three hands now) I still think Aiden and Owen's first time is the best sex scene I've ever read anywhere. Just because it seemed so meaningful (as well as hot).

After reading this in DD 10:

Well I thought this was an EXCELLENT chapter. And I suppose it will please some of you (**cough** Vic) to find out that THIS is the chapter that really made me wonder if perhaps Aaron is still messed up and conflicted. Hearing about Luke describe his past relationship with Aaron really did tick me off. I find it quite distasteful that Aaron would just use Luke, break up with him, then repeat the cycle again. And when I got to the part about Aaron (sort of) cheating on Luke (I mean ok they were "on a break" but I think Friends already did a pretty good job pointing out that that excuse doesn't really work). I was really fuming. I can't stand infidelity or people playing with their S.O.'s emotions. And to think that Aaron pulled that car junk, the night of Luke's birthday, when he'd JUST been apologizing for messing up. Also I orginally had the impression that Luke and Aaron were really good friends (and I wasn't sure if there was anything more to it than that), and that Aaron had messed up and Luke was unwilling to forgive him, and has consequently made Aaron's life tough, by alienating him with everyone else. But apparently that wasn't really the case. Aaron messed up in more than one way, and also it seems he had a few other relationships since Luke, so he must not have been THAT lonely and isolated. Also, actually the first thing I thought of when Aaron was telling Rory about what "Seth said" was that he was making the whole thing up knowing that Seth and Rory didn't like each other, and that the truth likely wouldn't come to light, and that the idea of Seth trying to push them apart coupled with Aaron appearing vulnerable, might work to get Rory interested. I of course normally wouldn't be so suspicous but the conversation with Luke finally succeeded in making me doubt Aaron's "new and improved changed behavior". Also worth noting is that the one little line " "Maybe I’m tired of hating him," Luke admitted. " made me like and respect Luke about 100% more, and seriously I already thought he was a great guy and I really liked him, my biggest beef with him was how bitter and unwilling to move on he seemed, take that away and he may very well BE perfect. Also now that I know how Aaron treated Luke in the past (the breaking up, making him take him back thing), I no longer want the two of them to get back together. Luke's better off, and since Aaron messed up in the context of a relationship, he may well NOT deserve for Luke to trust him again (he deserves to be forgiven, but trusted is another story), and no romantic relationship should occur without trust. Even if he HAS changed, which now I'm wondering about, the fact that he messed up so badly, while dating Luke (and I'm talking as much about the sorta cheating/break up cycle as I am about the car) means that Luke has every reason not to ever take him back (but he SHOULD forgive him). But on the other hand if he truly has changed, and isn't making up the stuff about what Seth said, then I won't object too strongly to seeing him date Rory (though again, especially now I'd prefer to see Rory end up with Luke). I thought CHEY had some very funny parts in this chapter. I can just imagine her looking at Rory, wandering around calling Luke, wanting to say to him "he already left!". Then later the idea of her looking at Rory like he'd just ruined her day when he called Aaron back, really is priceless. Anyway Loved the chapter, can't wait until the next one, and I agree, I don't think this was much of a cliffhanger either. I also loved how it seemed to end with Rory in more a position of power. Making Aaron figure out what he's thinking. Anyway take care all.

Well personally speaking I've often flirted casually with someone, and while the majority of those times I was interested and did find the person attractive, I wouldn't really have just hopped into bed with them if they'd offered......at least I don't think I would have