AFriendlyFace

LOL, so whatja think, Cynical? Awww Thanks, Tiff! And I think you're right, Aaron often "can't see the forest for the trees" LOL, thanks Jess! I have a lot of fun with Jake. That scene in his apartment (and the 2nd half of it which comes in the next chapter) is one of my favourites in the story. Thanks Steve! That sounds like a good assessment of what Aaron *thinks* is going on. LOL, I'm not saying he's wrong but I'm not saying he's right either I'm afraid not; this story does remain from Aaron POV all the way through. LOL, well I confess that was a bit of a cliffhanger. That and the "what's my nick name?" are really the only two cliffhangers in the entire story, and this was definitely 'the big one'. On a side note chapter 10 is the final chapter. Aww thanks Maddy! I think that might tick off a few people though Anyway, seriously guys, chapter 10 is the final chapter of BMAD. It isn't the final chapter in the story of Aaron, Mick, Ben and company. The much longer sequel will follow soon after. The only problem of course is that while the sequel will definitely be much longer, and while I have it pretty well mapped out, I don't have as many chapters as I'd like I've been incredibly busy the last couple of months and I haven't had very much time for writing. If I can get out a couple of more chapters in the next 3 weeks it might not become an issue. My tentative plans are to release the final chapter of BMAD at the scheduled time, then the next week instead of a chapter/story release I *think* the Anniversary Anthology will come online (I'm just speculating based on public comments Graeme made; I don't have insider info on this one ) so I'm hoping you guys will read my entry for that The following week after that I have a short story planned for release which will fit fairly well with the theme and feel of BMAD I think (although I wrote this story A LONG time ago). So that's three weeks (at least, depending on the anthology release date). IF I can have at least two or three more chapters of the sequel (which I'll release the name for right after chapter 10 is released, that's why I keep calling it 'the sequel' ) then I'll probably just start releasing it week by week as planned and hope I can stay ahead. If not I'll have to make some decisions about posting schedule. Anyway, back on topic about chapter 10. The chapter is indeed the final one and it is entitled Breaking Up With My Boyfriend. In honour of the final chapter I'm going to close the current poll and record the final votes 7-4 in favour of Mick having feelings for Aaron. The new poll asks for your projection about chapter 10. I hope you guys enjoy it! Thanks very much for the comments and for making this such a fun story for me to release! I hope you guys and gals all stick around for the sequel! -Kevin

I'm glad you're doing well, Jamie

LOL, well I don't go out and have sex on the rationale that "I really need to finish that scene this week." Actually, I think most people, virgins included, can probably write realistic sex scenes if they know what they're talking about. However, it definitely helps in terms of which positions are possible, common, and enjoyable. Just as none of the events in my stories are directly taken from events in my own life (I just don't tend to write that type of story) none of the sex is taken directly from my own experiences. However, just as the events in the story are formed as a result of my experiences and my ability to imagine what something would be like, so to is the sex. So if you can count general experiences as 'research' my answer would be, 'yes'. If you only count sex specifically had for the sake of writing about it later, or sex scenes directly snatched from my own encounters, then the answer is, 'no'. -Kevin

I think we must be stuck in the same mud hole, Eric! I agree with you Apart from which, Robbie, you'll want to collect your 'post coming out' hug, and it'll be more difficult via the phone

That's wonderful, Martin!! Congrats! It's been a pleasure having you around Hey Lavie! Welcome to the forum! I like Clyde I think right now though you have him set as your profile picture as opposed to your avatar (unless you are indeed working on a new one right now as you said you would be). Let me know if you need help setting up your avatar. I might even be able to help you resize it, and if I can't I bet we can get the tech folks to take a look Take care all and have a great day! Kevin

I hope Benji and everyone in his life is doing well and I look forward to his return. We'll miss ya, Benji! Come back soon! Kevin

Chapter 9 is now up! Let me know what you thought

Utterly adorable! Always take your safety and privacy into consideration, but if you feel it is safe to post the pics then I'm all for it. Especially since they bump the cuteness factor of this thread up even higher!.

I don't think this should really be a factor. I mean let's say you are someone with homicidal or violent tendencies but you do a very good job of keeping them suppressed and under control. Isn't that a good and even laudable thing? Granted, under those circumstances perhaps as a person with a predisposition to violence the person in question should be extra careful to avoid 'loosing control', but should they be held more accountable than someone with benign tendencies who, for whatever reason, commits the same act? Here's an example. I'm a remarkably pleasant drunk. Everyone says so. I'm cheery, I never get angry or sad, and at worst I just get a little too flirtatious and sexual (but I don't try to force myself on people). As such, I have no reason to believe that it's a risk for me to get completely drunk (in a suitably safe setting) and interact with others. What if for some bizarre reason something does set me off and I do hurt someone? Am I less culpable than someone who does the same action who knowingly put him/herself in the situation of becoming drunk when they knew they might have a tendency toward violence or aggression when drunk?

Woo HOOO!! Yay for Procyon's birthday!! I can truthfully say that I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of your posts (well the ones I've read anyway) and it's a great pleasure to have you around. You're super-nifty and I hope your day is absolutely fantastic! -Kevin

Well, as long as no one invades Poland I suppose that doesn't hurt. Now you're going to have us all clamouring for more posts from your hot self! Welcome to the world of forum posting, sphen! -Kevin

His abs are definitely well-sculpted! Anyway, he may have a great body, but I suspect he's quite cold in person

Yay for Mike!!!! SOOOOO, what's he like? And of course you won't screw it up. You'll both live happily ever after

He definitely has a well-sculpted body

Thanks Niels "Proactive" is a brand name. It's an acne medication MAC is also a brand name make up. A "bff" is a "best friend forever" Abercrombie & Hollister are of course chain clothing stores.

LOL, what's with the girl in the back doing the Hitler impersonation?

Thanks Dravenn! I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter enough to get a few good laughs! I already sort of commented on the hand out thing, but you've definitely got a good point in that Mick feels protective of Aaron. No comment regarding which, if either of them, likes the other. That's a pretty sensible analysis, IMO. Again, not saying whether it's right or not though Thanks very much for the comments everyone! I really enjoyed them, and I really enjoyed explaining what I had in mind with the chapter title!! Speaking of chapter titles, chapter 9 is due for release late tonight, and it's title will be: I can't even think straight hehe, let's see if you guys can figure out what it might reference

Great point! As a sociology major, I have to say I agree with this analysis about what can happen! I think it's also always a bit easier watching something when you're detached from it. Hey Steve Thanks for the comments. Well, I guess the main purpose is just to give the readers a little something extra that I don't want to have read as part of the chapters. I agree that it does slow down the action and I don't really want to see it in the story. I thought it might be a nice little extra that some people would enjoy though. LOL, evidently these people are relatively few and far between though Aww thanks! This is me speculating as a reader/general person and not as the author. I would think that much of it has to do with the dynamics of the relationship involved and 'role' you see each person fitting. For example if I were Aaron I wouldn't let Mick take care of me the way he does. However, if Mick were my boyfriend, and it was a fairly temporary arrangement, then I might. I think Aaron sees it differently because he views the roles of 'best friend' and 'boyfriend' differently. There's also his higher comfort level with Mick and the fairly understandable goal he might have of trying to "impress" Ben (or at least hold his own) as his new boyfriend which he might not feel with comfortable, familiar old Mick. I also think there's a big difference in Mick and Ben's personalities which might make it seem a bit more acceptable from Mick. You're completely correct in your analysis. The change was indeed because Aaron was first beginning to question Mick's sexuality. He never considered it before until he had to verbally explain it to Ben. Once he did that and though "wait, does that really make sense?" he became doubtful and did indeed want to gauge Mick's reaction. Good observation, I hope it was fairly clear from the text. Thanks Steve! I'm so glad you asked that! I was indeed aware of the interpretation of the song. However, that line at the end was just added because of the title name and the speculation about the song. The title was just to reference the Japanese Garden scene and sushi. Incidentally, I also threw in a reference to Nintendo to keep with the theme, but as I said that and the line about masturbation were just extraneous 'they fit and they tie in nicely' lines and not major plot themes like the Garden scene and the sushi. Incidentally though, none of that was the most major shade of meaning I was going for. The obvious, face-value interpretation of the song is that it's about the Japanese, hence the garden, sushi, and Nintendo. The 'supposed' interpretation of the song is that it's about masturbation, hence the line at the end. The actual meaning of the song is that it's about obsession. Obsession is a more casual, but ultimately more significant, theme of the chapter. Aaron's fixation on Ben: "No, Mick I'm stalking him. I found out that's what he was having for dinner and I thought eating the same thing would make me feel closer to him" (paraphrasing here) But most significantly Aaron's questioning about Mick's possible obsession with him. Lastly, the lyrics themselves have some significance: No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women No fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark Everyone around me is a total stranger No sex (in that chapter at least), drugs and alcohol (wine) play a significant part of the story in the future (I don't feel like that's a spoiler since it's common knowledge if you've read the story description), no women (well it's a gay male driven story, but I'm not discriminating ). The second line I won't address because it might give away spoilers The third "everyone around me is a total stranger"...Aaron's very much the 'fish out of water' in this new relationship.

A great observation, Gabe! So folks, it's getting about time for a new chapter, who's going to tempt me with pics of cute guys? That's an excellent and well thought-out evaluation! Of course I won't say whether it's correct or not Thanks, Tiff, I'm glad you're enjoying the more concentrated focus Thanks, I was concerned about this actually. As you all may have noticed the scene was described and retold but not lived. I did that for several reasons, on the one hand it was just easier and it wasn't a particularly important scene. Also it was to help keep the story flowing quickly in the direction I wanted to go. In any case, I was concerned that it might not 'work' given the way the rest of the story was told. I'm glad it did Ben's definitely the kind of guy that gets treated to dinner, at least if he goes on a date. In my mind, although not written into the story (at least not yet ) he would likely get treated if he went with Giorgio or Cosmo as well. With Daisy I expect they would take it in turn. Just the way I imagine it though, as I said it's not written into the story. Thanks, Cynical! Great point, Steph. I would personally tend to think that - at this point at least - this would be more Aaron's issue than Ben's as well. Of course that's just what I would think up until now, who knows what I have in store MWAHAHAHAHA (only kidding )

Hi all, So many of the stories around here deal with the gay romance of fictional characters. Yet, I know that many people around here have personal, true stories of very positive and inspiring romance. If not, I also know that many people around here at least have a friend or family member that might have a real life story of a happy, successful gay romance. In any case, I was thinking it might be inspiring to many of our members, especially the ones who are either young and/or closeted, to hear about these positive, successful relationships. I also think they're lovely to hear in general, and it makes sense to have them all in one place So, who has one they want to tell us about? -Kevin

Excellent points! I think there's also a distinction between responsibility for an action and responsibility for an outcome. For example, you're right; the person who delivered the hateful speech certainly isn't technically responsible for the beatings as an action, in a direct sort of way (he didn't go out and beat anyone). On the other hand, I would most definitely say that he's very culpable for the outcome, in other words the beaten people.

OH I know all about decadence

Hmmm, I don't remember it moving!! I wonder if I had the wrong settings or something. I know we've had cases around here of people not being able to see the animation because of the wrong ('Flash' I think) settings. I distinctly recall it being stationary. On the other hand maybe I'm just crazy, unobservant, or forgetful

Yay for Anthony's birthday!! I hope you have a fantastic day and a truly amazing and unbelievably delightful year!!

Oh no!! I missed Jamie's birthday *wails and goes about feeling like a terrible friend* I hope it was about a quarter as awesome as you are (which would still make it unspeakably wonderful), and I hope the coming year brings you all the joy and happiness that a million well-behaved pre-schoolers would deserve (which would almost equal what you deserve, my friend )