AFriendlyFace

oddly enough I don't think I've ever seen the main page. I found the site through a link to one of Dom's stories at Nifty, and then pretty much found everything else from there.......I'm going to check out that main page now!

LOL well personally I've never taken being hit on by anyone as anything but flattering. well actually I was once "propositioned" by a middle-aged scruffy, homeless man, who pretended he was upset and needed someone to talk to, OK yeah THAT was totally freaky, but once I got out of there and was able to laugh about it, I found it a little flattering I suppose. Anyway I'm usually perfectly happy to be hit on, though if I'm not interested I of course don't lead them on (well actually if I know I'll never see them again, I may still flirt back just to make them feel good). But then I am a tad bisexual so perhaps that has something to do with it. Anyway take it as a compliment lol. Oh and glad to hear that cat finally got you trained lol.

Well I certainly hope no one dies either. I dunno I just don't think I'd want to see that in this story, sure it could be moving and momentous, but mostly I think I'd dislike it. LOL I think it's probably already established that I'm pro Aaron as well (and Grandma Alice for that matter), but I do agree that it was very tasteless and downright insensitive to kiss Rory in front of Seth in Seth's own home, and then probably a little stupid to then blithely stroll off to the bathroom leaving them alone together. But I would speculate the reason Aaron didn't come out looking for Rory right away, was that he was having an argument about him with Seth (that or maybe his trip to the bathroom took a sudden, unexpected turn ). Either way I don't think it's fair to dismess Aaron's apparent concern for Rory in this chapter. I mean sure he's not perfect but he does seem to care about Rory, I mean in chapter 8 he let Rory use him and treat him like ****. Aaron doesn't seem like the kinda guy that lets people take advantage of him on a regular basis, so for Rory to get away with it, to me this indicates that he really does have feeling for him. Furthermore there's the way he reacts to Rory, when Rory tell him to go away, or that he never wants to speak to him again. He seems hurt or angry. It seems to me that if he were "evil" he'd be more passionless and in control of his emotions. And finally, as for what happened with Luke, while I definitely take Luke's side, and like him much better than Aaron. I have to say I think Luke's biggest flaw we've seen so far is the way he get's bitter and mean to people who hurt him, and won't let it go (he almost did the same thing to Rory early on in the story). Sure Aaron screwed up really badly, and Luke's well within his rights to have been furious. He's also justified in never trusting Aaron again, or even becoming friends with him again. But Aaron's apologized countless times now, and I really think he's done his part to bring this to some kind of resolution. I think Luke should say something to the effect of "Ok fine you screwed up really bad, and I can't trust you or be friends with you anymore, but lets go our seperate ways". I mean Aaron's pleasent when he sees Luke, Luke could try to be mature and make the same effort, or at the very least he and his friends could quit trashing Aaron over it. I think Luke's behaviour would be justified if Aaron WASN'T sorry and hadn't apologized, but he has, and I think Luke should try to move on. Again though I favour Luke to Aaron, and definitely think Rory's better off with Luke, I just think Luke should work on being more forgiving and less bitter. I also like to think that if something did happen to Aaron (as was suggested in earlier posts), that Luke would have the humanity to feel bad about never having given Aaron the chance to make things right. I don't know though, I just value forgiveness very highly as a character trait, so perhaps this isn't as important to other people.

LOL well I think Trebs may have the right idea. Are we sure Aaron DOESN'T deserve better than Rory? . I dunno though I guess Rory isn't so bad, now that I've read all the chapters twice he's actually growing on me. But I agree, Seth could easily be trying to protect Aaron, or simply scare Rory off for selfish reasons (more likely in my opinion). That said while I already don't care much for Seth, I don't think he's involved in the car thing. For one thing Aaron only RECENTLY broke up with Seth, I think if Seth had had anything to do with the car theft he'd have already been history before that. I agree that it's true that Luke's "out" and Rory isn't, but Rory could obviously trust Luke, and Luke's already demonstrated his ability to keep a secret lol. So for me I don't think that excuse holds much water. As far as the fact that there's now a 4th guy around who's into guys, yes that may help clear up this mixed up love triangle.....Unfortunately I already can't stand Seth, and think Rory, Luke, and Aaron all deserve better.....still we don't know much about Seth, and maybe he's just jealous AND trying to protect Aaron, that wouldn't be as bad, perhaps he'll turn out to be a decent bloke after all. And if he is maybe Rory can date him, and I'll get my wish for Luke and Aaron to reconcile and live happily ever after.

That's great Male! I'm really glad for you, hope things continue to go well for you two!

LOL I agree, Dom. Feed the cat, and stay off the cigs. I really loved DD 9 by the way and can't wait for 10! Hope you feel better soon, take care

What an excellent chapter! way to go Dom! Why does everyone suddenly think Aaron is bad news though? I think SETH is bad news, but Aaron doesn't seem to be doing anything particularly despicable. I also really have to say how I wished Rory would have just come out to Luke! Goodness, it seems so hypocritical complaining about all the lies then not mentioning "oh yeah by the way...." But all in all I'd have to say I'm pretty happy with the way this chapter went, and still can't wait to figure out whether Rory ends up with Aaron or Luke (it's looking like Aaron, but even though I like Aaron I think I'm hoping for Luke). Can't wait till chapter 10!

The 9th chapter of DD is up!

Well I've got a few suggestions for what they're worth. First of all it sounds kinda like he's not ready to commit in general. I was troubled by the fact that he didn't consider himself your boyfriend. I think you two should discuss this, and it could quite easily lead to a discussion on fidelity. For example if it were me, I'd sit him down and say that I really liked him and did consider him my boyfriend. Then say that if he truly only has issues with the "label" then fine, but if he also has trouble with the stuff that comes with the territory then there's a problem. I'd express to him how important faithfullness and no kind of messing around is to me. Basically I'd try to spearhead a discussion which lead to a mutural pledge of fidelity. Then I'd trust him, oh I'd probably be a little jealous, but relationships are built on trust so after expressing my feelings and getting his response I'd trust him until I had reason to believe otherwise. (of course that's just my views and feelings I don't know yours). You also mentioned meeting the EX. I think that's a good idea. Maybe you coulda said "oh which movie are you guys going to see? .....Yeah I'd like to see that one myself, mind if I come along?" Sure I know it's shamelessly inviting yourself, but if they're only going together platonically then it shouldn't be that big deal. Obviously that's passed but maybe you could all go out to dinner or another movie or some other activity together. Just to get to know him, then you wouldn't wonder so much if they were alone together. I mean even if they are "just friends", I'd want to meet my all my significant other's good friends, it's important to give people space with their friends, and not be too possessive, but I don't think wanting to meet them a couple times early on is asking too much. As for what gobears was saying about going to the movies being like a date setting...well I'd have to both agree and disagree. I've been to movies alone with many of my friends both male and female, and the majority of the time I was there to watch the movie,,,,on the other hand a few months ago I went out to dinner and a movie alone with a female friend of mine (who happens to even be engaged by the way), we were just going as friends and he fiance' was fine with it. Yet it actually did start to feel like a date about halfway through, we didn't do ANYTHING, but I felt like she was flirting with me and I was probably flirting back subconsciously. I would NEVER do ANYTHING, no matter how mild, with anyone who was in ANY kind of relationship, which is why nothing happened (well actually I'm sure she didn't want it to progress either), but the point is I actually think something would have happened if she'd been single (I'm ALMOST entirely gay, it's about an 80% guys, 20%girls type of thing, but she's kinda my type and the atmosphere was really there). So anyway that kinda proves both points, settings like that can begin to feel romantic, BUT it all really comes down to trust, nothing was going to happen because we didn't want it to. As for the older guy thing, yeah I think that's a little odd too. I've never got why anyone would want to date someone who reminds them of their parents. Sure I think age doesn't matter and if it's an equal kind of relationship then fine, but if it is some kinda father/mother figure I just don't personally understand it. Anyway those are my opinions. I wish you the very best in your relationship, and hope you guys are able to work past it. Take care!

I must say I have to agree with Michael 100%, Awesome job Dom! and I think it really would make a fantastic movie! On a side note, and I really do hate to get personal, but think I will. I found that the story (especially the part about Quinn's coming out to his mom) hit very close to home. I'm not "out" to my mom yet and was quite quite anxious with the whole chapter and seeing how she would deal with it. I really must say that I think it might be the best chapter of the story! (of course I think that when I read every chapter, but seriously ;-)). And I have to say I found the part about Bree being so shocked she spit on Brad to be one of the funniest in the whole story! All in all a truly fantastic and moving story. Oh and since I got personal anyway, it actually inspired me to "feel out" my mom for how she might react, and while I was always pretty much positive it would be fine, and never for a minute thought she'd really break ties or anything like that. I'm now pretty much 100% sure she'll be ok with it and even very supportive about it (I probably woulda even told her then except that we were on the phone and I think it's more of a face to face thing). LOL I know slaveboy and I have already debated this in a different thread but I have to say that personally speaking I totally disagree! LOL I think of all the characters in all the stories JUDE is by far the hottest! (not only does he have the blonde hair but it sounds like he has it in a really sexy style, I love the shagy in the face look). LOL I really think his only competition for "hottest Dom character" would be Luke or Owen. That said though I think I mighta been hoping Quinn would top too, but that was before I read it, while I was reading it I have to agree it worked perfectly and was an awesome scene. I must say however that I really don't think it's the best sex scene. Really really really awesome, but I'd say the best was hands down Owen and Aiden's first time! I mean it was SO perfect. I think what made it so much better for me though was the emotional connection. But anyway this one was still really beautiful, and the whole story was just so wonderful and moving. And this chapter really did seem like the perfect grand finale'. PERFECT JOB DOM!!! WTG!

Awww, that rocks, go you! lol As for me,,,,,no don't think I want to go there lol

You might have a point there slaveboy, I have naturally darker hair (though I've kept it blonde or red the last couple years), and often thought that perhaps the reason I liked lighter haired people was it was something different.....on the other hand I have light eyes and go for the same, so no telling really lol As for who Rory will really end up with. Well I get the feeling it might be Aaron too, but I think I'd prefer it to be Luke (yeah even though I'm always defending Aaron). I still think Aaron's becoming a better person, it's just that Luke's already an angel lol. I don't know, I guess it doesn't really make sense for Rory not to end up with one of them either, but I still think it would be cool if Luke and Aaron got together.....Shoot if I didn't believe so strongly in monogomy I'd say they should all three just date (J/k I'd HATE that outcome). Dom's definitely succeeded in writing a good love triangle (well I don't know maybe Luke isn't even interested in either one, but I don't see that).

Hey everyone. Well first I don't think Owen belongs in the same category as Quinn and Rory at all! (LOL ok so he is my favorite, but still). I mean I found Owen twice as mature as the other two, and facing more real problems than Quinn, and depending on how you look at it, nearly as much as Rory. Owen had one really great quality that the other two have so far mostly lacked, he's not COMPLETELY self-absorbed. He makes it a point to be there for Aiden, he's almost saintly in his support of Denis (who treats him lousy and rejects his help most of the time), he's very much there for his brothers (the birthday party) and helps Tony (in steering him and Jake together, and later telling him it's ok for them to move in together), and all in all he seems like a really good friend to the rest of the characters too. Sure he has a few bad reactions and does a few things that make you want to snap at him, but mostly that seems normal and human enough. And sure he was wrong to not give Nicky the benefit of the doubt, but I think he handled it pretty well (for the most part) when he realized he was wrong. and yes he did treat Dan badly, but the fact that he feels so guilty about it, and dwells on it so much, and makes it a point not to do that again, is very compelling. I think the key thing is that Owen's faults and major flaws develop right before the story starts, or right at the beginning of it (and for good reason with all that trama and abuse). The story itself, to me, seems to almost always show consistant growth and improvement on his part. Quinn on the other hand starts out with a pretty good life, and then handles things horribly, it's just painful to watch (not that I don't love the story at least as much if not more than TLW, it even rings very true, it's just more painful to watch lol). At least he seems to be handling things better in the end though. As for Rory, well he can catch some break because of all he's been through that's beyond his control, and the fact that so many important people in his life are lying to him. But nevertheless, he does still strike me as immature, and annoying much of the time. And he does seem totally self-absorbed, he just never seems to think of anyone elses feelings, or try to figure out what other people are going through. I guess for me what it comes down to, is that if I put myself in the other character's shoes, it would be harder to see Quinn and Rory as people you'd want around in your life, I'm sure the other characters do want them around because, they're family/really old friends who in the past have "been there"/ they just plain care about them/the other characters are really noble and want to help them. But for Owen I wouldn't think twice about what he's got to offer as a friend, he's simply just not as selfish, more caring, and seems to have a better since of right and wrong. (Plus as a bonus he sounds much cuter than the other two :-P) LOL ok sorry about my rant about the main characters, I love comparing them. Hope you feel better soon Dom, actually I think your strategy is a good one if you're not THAT sick. I tend to be a hypochondriac and an all around big baby when it comes to being sick or hurt, I'm also highly suggestable. I find that I feel alot better and get well much sooner if I can convince myself I'm not dying and move on with my day to day life. Just DO take care of yourself, get at least 8 or 9 hours of sleep, plenty of fluids, healthy food etc. But if you feel up to I'd say try to live as normally as possible too. It'll take your mind of it, just take care and get well soon :-D

Well I think that's the most awesome thing I've heard all day. And I very much WANTED to hear something like that. As a gay Christian myself I know it's not always easy to comfortably live both roles, often times each lifestyle can seem negatively inclined to the other. But in my heart I feel that God created us the way we are, and loves us the way we are. In fact I think I even found your post pretty inspirational, just today a few hours ago I was thinking I"d been "drifting away" a bit and needed to work on that. And hearing you talking about moving forward in your relationship by growing in the Holy Spirit, was definitely inspiring. You seem like a very lucky person, Nick, as well as a very good person. I wish you the best and am glad for you in that you seem to have a very healthy relationship with your boyfriend, and with God. Who could ask for more? :-). Take care and be happy.

It looks like it could be a really good movie, the character profiles were really interesting. Personally I love science fiction and actually tend to try to AVOID it because I get addicted so easily. But yeah I'll go check this movie out. Speaking of great sci-fi. Has anyone ever seen a British Science Fiction series from the late 70s early 80s called, Blake's 7. It was AWESOME! I have practically every episode, I thought of it when I read about the woman in the movie with psycic powers (OK I probably woulda thought about it anyway ), because in Blake's 7 one of the main characters, Cally, has similar gifts (in her case telepathy, the odd telechanesis, and just being all around highly intuitive). Anyway if you want a realistic, pragmatic, and often bleak series with EXCELLENT characterization I highly recommend it!

Dude! that's like the funniest thing I've heard all night, and I've had a pretty "laughy" night! Also an excellent joke! :-) As far as my personal opinion on it goes, I really don't care. I, like virtually everyone else in my area, am circumcized. I think there was only one guy in my whole high school who wasn't, and I didn't even "see for myself", it's was just "so unusual" that EVERYONE found out. Also a girl I work with recently started dating a guy who isn't, and one day, after a little giggling, she came right out and asked me "what do I do with it?". So I guess based on those two instances it's just as well that I am. I mean since I don't really care either way, it's just as well that I "fit in". But I do think it's sad how shocked people are to see one "as nature intended". Speaking for myself though, and I know it'll sound odd, but I'm not really that interested in what's between a guy's legs. Oh I'll look, and it can be sexy, but it's just not one of my top 5 areas of interest. I notice stuff from the neck up first. Hair, eyes, smile, general facial features. I'd say about 55% of my interest in a guy is what he's got from the neck up. About 15% for his chest and stomach, another 15% for his Butt. 5% for arms. 5% for legs. And then the final 5% for EVERYTHING else, including penis.

LOL well I gotta say that guy's a new one on me but good choice! If we're talking about people from old tv shows I guess I could name a few myself. I definitely thought Richie (Ron Howard) was cute on Happy Days (and when I was younger I watched The Andy Griffith show and thought he was cute as Opie too, it makes me sound like a perv I know since he was a little kid, but I was like 7 or 8 at the time, so we were the same age in one sense). Actually I thought almost all the main characters on Happy Days were cute, Potsy and Ralph definitely were, Chatzy (or however you spell his name) was really cute, and actually I thought Joannie and Mrs. Cunningham were babes too! Really the only two I didn't find that attractive were Mr. Cunningham and "The Fonz". But that was just people I thought were cute, if you want a real honest to goodness crush I guess that would have to be Danny from "The Partrige Family", again I was like 9 or 10 at the oldest ok! OH Yeah and someone mentioned Robin from the first Batman series, Yeah totally! Whew, that was one cheesy show (well actually again I was a little kid at the time so it didn't seem quite as cheesy), but Robin made it worth watching (also does anyone remember the girl that used to help them sometimes, I think she was called "bat girl" but I could be wrong, she looked good in leather too lol). I'd also agree with some of the other mentions, like Jeff from Donna Reed (Actually kinda Donna from Donna Reed too), and Beaver's older brother. (I'm not old enough to have seen these shows the first time around by the way, but my family was watching them on "nick at night" in my formative years lol) As far as real people crushes go, there was the girl in front of me alphabetically in 1st grade (Kourtney). My best friend in 2nd grade (Ryan). And my 3rd grade teacher. (I could go on from there but they wouldn't really be "first crushes" anymore).

Thank you all so much for the support and advice, It really means alot to me. But unfortunately I don't really have anything new to report, we had a test last time (which on another note I think I mighta done pretty good on), so I didn't get to talk to him AT ALL. Anyway thanks again everyone and I'll keep ya posted

My thought exactly Jota! I thought this was a great chapter, and while I'm glad that there will be another one afterwards to tie up a few more loose ends. I think I actually could have been satisfied with this as the conclusion. The last two paragraphs did sum everything up nicely, and for the most part the major loose ends are tied up. Quinn and Jude are together, and Quinn's finally saying how important the relationship is to him, and how he'll do what it takes to keep it. And the whole final scene with them getting into bed, gives you the idea that everything's going to ok there. Things definitely seem like they're going to be ok with Brad, though I still get the feeling Brad's doing most of the work, but Quinn's finally letting him at least, and actually showing signs of wanting to help work things out. So I think they'll definitely be fine too. I was already thinking everything was going to be OK with Mar after chapter 23, though again I wish Quinn would take more of an active role, but also again at least he seems to finally be letting Mar patch things up. As for his mother, I'd have to say I agree with Brad, I think she'll handle Quinn's being gay ok in the long-run too. I can't really see things getting THAT bad with Quinn and his mom over that point. Especially with Bree there to keep them both in check . Besides now we do know that Quinn could get some support from Brad's family if he needed it, and I dare say Jude might let him stay a couple of nights while things cool off (or maybe heat up hehehe ) Everything's definitely ok with Bree, and it looks like Quinn's fallen into a nice cozy friendship with Taylor and Trina too. Also Trina was last heard talking about getting her life in order, so perhaps we can dismiss that problem as well. Jude's life is looking like picking up too. He's going back to school, where he always said he'd done well in the past. His parents are going to help him financially, he'll still be able to work and keep his apartment, he's got a great boyfriend (OK I know I'm hard on Quinn, but now that he finally seems to be coming to his senses, I actually do think Jude's lucky to have him), and a excellent relationship with his future mother and sister in law I'd say the only real big loose-end left is what exactly is going on with Brad's family, so maybe that'll be one of the things resoloved in the final chapter. Either way I'm definitely glad there will be one more chapter, and I have to say again what an excellent story this has been and how much I've enjoyed it!

My sentiment exactly slaveboy, only I was going to say "I think Luke sounds hotter than Aaron. Maybe it's the hair. I like BLONDES." I think I actually prefer straight to curly, but the blonde hair is definitely the clincher. LOL it's almost a fetish really, I could see the most unattractive person (male or female), and if they had blonde (or red, but not to the extent of blonde) hair, I'm still likely to say "...but he/she did have nice hair at least.". LOL I'm really not as shallow as all that though, that's my preference, and what I'm most likely to notice, but I truly am more interested in what's on the inside. Which actually brings me to the next point, that I think I actually slightly favor Aaron to Luke (LOL despite the hair), it's not that I don't think Luke's a good person too, it's just that there's something very compelling about Aaron, and also I'm probably taking his side because for the most part everyone seems to be against him, and I do like to think that people can learn from their mistakes and grow, and get better. I definitely don't think Aaron totally deserves the bad reputation he's got. OK he definitely earned it at first, but I think it might be time to look again, and re-evaluate him. Still Luke sounds totally hot, and really great all around as well, which is why I think I kinda favor him and Aaron together over Rory and either of them. LOL of the three of them Rory's the only one I'm not crazy about. (But perhaps he'll grow on me). LOL reading DD and (the early part of) TOU really makes me realize how much of a stronger, nicer, less self-centered person Owen is than either Quinn or Rory. (and no I'm not just saying that because he was blonde! ). It's not that I don't think Quinn and Rory aren't good people too, they also seem nice and caring enough, it's just that they seem more like your typical teenagers (I'm not bashing teenagers though, people can and are self centered at every age), whereas Owen (and Jude, Aiden, Ryan, and Luke) seem almost too good to be true! (they aren't though, they're still really believable, just amazingly nice, supportive, wise, and sensible). As for Luke and Aaron's past, yeah I think there must have been something there too. I was just allowing for the possibility that there might not have been. I dunno maybe they weren't boyfriends, but I do hope they weren't just "F.B.s" either. It'll be interesting to find out their past. I'm really excited about DD starting up again. Anyway take care everyone and have a great day!

My goodness Mutt, that sounds awfully dangerous. Please be careful! lol I know I'm a "young old man", but I think if you were my son, I'd first hug you so hard you start to sufficate, then give you the longest lecture on earth about safety, then freak out about the hole in the counter, then apologize for freaking out, then repeat the whole process 5 or 6 times with a gradual lessening of intensity. LOL but then I am cronically uptight, and virtually devoid of a "wild streak". As far as the end of TOU goes, I'm not happy to have to say goodbye to Quinn, Jude and the rest either, but as long as they get their "happily ever after" I think I"ll be ok. Besides we can always revisit them anytime we want. Actually TOU was the first story I ever read on this forum, so it holds and even more special spot in my affections. But it will be good to read more DD (actually I think I need to reread the whole thing before we get anymore new chapters), and of course TLW sequal is pretty exciting too. Anyway best of luck and warmest wishes to all. (warmest, but not actually flamming pumpkin hot )

LOL I still think Luke and Aaron ought to get together, Rory's got too many other issues to deal with right now, and besides Luke and Aaron have some history (even if it isn't romantic). LOL of course I guess it is a bit unlikely that the main character won't end up with someone.

LOL Slaveboy, I have a story about "cox" myself. In my area (and apparently much of the South) there's a very prevelant cable company called Cox Communication, anyway a couple of years ago a friend of mine was talking about how her boyfriend, who was from the north, "had never heard of cox", so we all start giggling, but she still doesn't realize what she's said and goes on to say "What? They don't have cox up north.".....I thought "huh, finally a reason to be happy about being a southern boy" (well that and the food and friendliness)

Hey Dom, I'm so sorry to hear that something has you down. I don't know if this will cheer you up or not, but just yesterday I was thinking about how TLW and TOU were probably the two most meaningful and inspirational stories I've read in years if not ever. Funny it hadn't actually occured to me to mention how much I'd enjoyed and been moved by them until now. I'd gotten a cynical about the idea of finding true love, but reading about Jude and Quinn and Especially Owen and Aiden, I thought maybe it really was out there. Anyway hope you feel better. As for halloween unfortunately I don't think I'll be getting into the spirit of it much. I live alone and I think I'd find it a little sad to decorate if no one's going to see and enjoy it but me (and perhaps a friend or two who drops in), NOT that I think that's how other people should feel, I think it's really great for other people to decorate and get in the spirit of it even if they do live alone, it's just the kinda thing that make me focus on loneliness so I don't do it. Also Halloween is in many ways a kid's holiday, which also is likely to get me down in several ways if I'm not careful. Like 1) I really really want kids and don't see that happening soon if ever. 2) No kids are even very likely to knock on my door for trick or treating (I live in a big apartment complex in a college town) and 3) I know it's silly and I'm really not that old, but it'll likely remind me of when I used to trick or treat, and the fact that I"m too old now (Plus I'll already be feeling like an old man since I didn't decorate or anything lol), Oh goodness I meant to cheer you up, but instead I ended up whining. Don't get me wrong I'm really not down on Halloween and in fact I've been in a remarkably good mood the last couple of weeks. Anyway take care