AFriendlyFace

Hi all, Sorry about this, but I have to run out for the evening and I haven't had time all day to post this in eFiction (which takes me a LONG time), so I'm posting it here for now and will get to eFiction later. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Please let me know what you think! -Kevin ************************* Worth A Shot Chapter 3: Awash with Information

I'm with Drew and Gene on this one, Jamie; you should just tell him how you like it. Personally speaking, it sounds like we have very different ideas about what makes a good kisser! I love guys that use a lot of tongue, and I think the tongue wrestling is HOT. Actually, the last guy I made out with was way too tentative and I did tell him. I feel a bit bad about him in general because he was very shy and our entire relationship (even though we were never technically 'in' a relationship) consisted of me suggesting things and him going along with it. So it didn't seem weird for me to tell him how to kiss. Although the main reason I decide to stop seeing him was because everything was my decision. Which was nice, I'm not going to lie, I like getting my own way, but it drove me crazy that he never told me what he wanted and I felt like a dictator. Anyway, still on the kissing thing, I think it just depends on the style of the people involved. As I said I like guys that are more aggressive with their tongues and I tend to be too. One of my ex's told me I was the best kisser he was ever with, and now every time he kisses someone new I get a text saying "you're still the best kisser". LOL, but yeah I think the kissing is pretty important too. I really think it's about communication. On the other hand maybe you're just not compatible orally. You should talk to him about it. How would you feel about giving him a lot of tongue, if he kept his to himself? It might be the perfect solution. Apart from that, yay for you staying away from the drugs and stick at it!!! Avoid the people that use you! Stick with your non-user friend. Be careful with the roomie, definitely plead ignorance on the job thing, and all around try to relax and be healthy so that you can focus on school You're the bestest!! -Kevin

That's a good point So's that! I think a lot depend on whether or not you see it coming and how firm the touch is. I'm a bit ticklish, but not excessively.

Wow! That's amazing!

Well now you do! Congrats and I hope you hang around well after you make the next 5

How inconsiderate of the storm to rain on your parade! Looks like we were pretty lucky with this one! Most of Louisiana sustained less damage than was anticipated

Hi all Just wanted to let everyone know that the next chapter would be entitled: Awash with Information It should be online within the next 5-30 hours (weird time frame I know, but it should be accurate).

Happy Birthday Drew Have a fantastic day and a really awesome year! -Kevin

A few comments on that. First, I've heard of lots of instances of one person in a straight marriage cheating, picking up STDs (including HIV) and bringing it home to their spouse. So honestly who's to say it is a good idea? I'll butt out if it's a married couple, but I'm disinclined to ever advise them against condom use (unless they are specifically trying to conceive, but that should be pretty obvious). Anyway, you said 'monogamous couple', referring to gays, in your first statement, and then 'straight married couple' in your second. Sorry, but there's a difference. Just as there's a difference between a 'monogamous straight couple' and a married straight couple. I would VERY MUCH and VERY STRONGLY encourage a straight, monogamous couple to use condoms. Sorry but simply 'committed' and 'monogamous' don't cut it for me, whether you're gay or straight I still think it's stupid to have unsafe sex. Now, if you want to compare apples to apples, if it's a gay 'married' couple who have done it somewhere in which marriage is legal, or they've entered a domestic partnership, civil union, or at least had a commitment ceremony - and assuming that a closed, monogamous relationship is a part of their partnership (which is the same requirement I would have for married straights to engage in unsafe sex) - then sure, I don't object at all and don't consider their behaviour foolish. If they've been faithful to each other for years and intend to remain partnered and monogamous for the duration of their lives, then of course I don't care if they've had any ceremony or legal arrangement (as I don't with straight couples). But I'm sorry this 'oh I love him and we're going to be together forever' nonsense that so many couples (gay and straight) pull as an excuse to have unsafe sex isn't going to float with me. Just because it's your steady boyfriend/girlfriend - regardless of whether it's a gay or straight relationship - does not mean you should be having unprotected sex with them. Give it a year or two, minimum, and then talk to me about commitment and monogamy.

I just wanted to wish a very special and happy birthday to Redlightfeeling I hope you have an awesome day, Jared, and a fantastic year! -Kevin

Hey dude, Cool first chapter! I really like the way you introduced the characters and showed us their dynamic. T'Luk had a great introduction as well and it certainly seems like one of those romantic movie type meetings. I seldom read Sci-Fi and I haven't seen very many episodes of Star Trek, but I was still able to easily follow what was going on, so well done! -Kevin

As long as people have freewill both monogamy and infidelity will always be possible. People will always have the chance, at one point or another, to cheat on their partner; however, they'll also always have the simple option of saying 'no'. It really just depends on the people involved and what their priorities and values are. I'm not even saying that someone who cheats doesn't love their partner or value their relationship. Perhaps they just don't particularly value the monogamy part of it. Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that they could and it doesn't change the fact that some people won't stray.

Well, I'm not addressing you specifically, Jamie, because you said you don't usually do that, but I just can't fathom why anyone would want to be with someone who could be 'led astray'. Oh I guess if you just want to get in their pants and move on, I could see - though not agree with - the motivation. But I can't imagine 'stealing someone' for yourself for an actual relationship. Whether or not what you did was wrong (which personally I happen to think it would be), you basically just proved that the person could be 'stolen' or 'led astray' or whatever you want to call it...why be with someone like that?

New Orleans and Baton Rouge! That's my old stomping ground I hope you can help them out! Be safe though, James

Congrats on the new name, dude

Tim, I'm pretty sure this is just basic 'projection'. You're projecting your anger, frustration, and sadness on other people who have nothing to do with the situation. It's an almost universal part of the human experience. It's the classic "man's boss gives him a hard time so he comes home and kicks the dog' scenario. It makes you feel better because it gives you a feeling of power. It makes you feel guilty because you're sensible and compassionate enough to see the error in your ways. The solution of course is to be mindful of what the actual problem is. If I'm tired and stressed out about work I need to do something about that. I need to figure out a way to take a break, clear my workload, or at least decompress a bit. It's unfair for me to make sarcastic remarks at my friends. There usually is a degree of passive aggressive behaviour involved as well. If you could openly express your frustration you'd be less likely to get in the situation in the first place so you probably are handling it in passive aggressive ways as well. As I said, the key is to be mindful of what the actual problem and frustration is and to avoid taking it out on others or taking out the 'wrong problem' on the 'right person.' It's never easy, but being aware of the situation is definitely the first step Good luck -Kevin

My opinion, no, that's ridiculous. Obviously it all depends on how you define 'sex', but any definition which doesn't include both gay and straight intercourse is obviously very limited and bias.

Hi all, So I was working on this new short story and I noticed something. I seem to have a disproportionately high number of scenes in my stories that take place in bed! For example The Long Goodnight takes place entirely in bed. Apart from a few flashbacks so does Giving Up. The last scene in BMAD also takes place in a bed, and there are scenes with beds in Indefensible and my upcoming fall anthology. This new story would also take place almost exclusively in bed....LOL, I really hadn't noticed this fixation until today! Do you guys think I need to get my characters out and doing other things besides laying in bed? My excuse is that my stories are on a limited budget and I can't afford a lot of fancy scenery -Kevin

Chicken Parmesan Awesome epilogue, Dion! I really enjoyed that a great day! It was extremely sweet and I'm just so happy for Joe and Adam Fantastic story and great job! -Kevin

I dunno, I didn't think it was unrealistic or overly emo. That's how I act with my friends and boyfriends....oh wait....I'm kinda emo *shrug* What a beautiful chapter, Tiff! I'm so thoroughly enjoying this story! I sure hope Pete is able to stay away from Charles! I'm wondering about Dean. Evidently he must have been a boyfriend Pete walked out on. LOL, and no he's a manager Pete walked out on. I wish I could come up with something clever or insightful to say, but unfortunately I'm really tired and about as drunk as Pete was, so I think I'll have to leave it with awesome job! -Kevin

Interesting little clip. Thanks for the link, J.Ross

Awww I'm sorry you've been glum recently, Robbie

I think these are both excellent ideas! Apart from that all I can really suggest is to create a fun, non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome

Good pic!