Aditus

Sometimes you just have to do what you think is right and bear the consequences. Rush is brave and selfless, on the other hand, without knowing more about him and Ben, there couldn't be everything all right between them, if it ended like this IMHO. The conversation at the end of the story cleared what happened between them. This is a piece to think about, it makes me curious and I want to know more, so there, if you wanted to accomplish that, well done, lol. Great work, Cole.

I liked your story when I first read it. Now I love it. Especially the Jimmy part touched me, he gave him hope with an angle feather! Perfect.

Aww come on, you're not that nervous anymore about writing reviews, lol. Yes, I thought that some readers might be expecting 'THE QUESTION', but to be honest, in my opinion the decision to move in together is much more important, combine your respective quirks and all that, at least if you think he is your one. And I might have channeled some inner aditus with/in (?)Julian, lol. Oh...and this is Europe. Everyone has some antiques somewhere on their grandma's attic. Doesn't mean it has to be Louis-quinze or something, haha. And it was Bauhaus style...although he might totally want one of these cool lamps or a Mies van der Rohe chair or two... *dreamy eyes* er yes...channeling inner adi, lol. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, AC. It's very much appreciated. And I'm sure you pressed the review button with a sure finger. JK.

Thank you for this wonderful comment, Wayne. You're right, the simplest, smallest things can make it or break it. I saw this so many times, and like to point it out in my stories, you got me,lol. You will see them again in winter, or maybe next year too, I'm not sure yet if I should expend their story to next year's anthologies.

Yes! The cake is a good metaphor. Usually Romeo's field of work, maybe that's why he reacted so well to Julian's professional romantic. Thank you, Peter!

Good. It means a lot that you love it. I think Julian planned this to be perfectly choreographed, only it didn't work all that well. Okay, it did work, with a partner like Romeo, who probably loves him for his quirks, among other things... Thank you, Gary, for your comment!

I have to thank you for reminding me of the Ghazal form. I had forgotten all about it, just the name has been somewhat familiar. The first (Smile) is a summary, the second (Freedom) an interpretation and as Gary already said, the third is a love letter. I'm intrigued by this form, especially the strict version. It's more forceful, focusing ah well... I won't write an essay here, lol. I'm really glad you like it, that you found something you could rely on, and yes this time my signature is red. Normally it's blue.

Surprise! Very nice surprise. Thank you, to everyone who worked hard to realize the anthology. And I really like the banner.

An A for effort...lol. You're so mean Val, haha. He tried to hide behind professionalism, I guess. I even worked...kinda. Thank you, Val! So glad you like them, they'll come back at least one more time.

Thank you, Lisa! This is why they work so well, Romeo picks up when Julian flounders, lol. Also thanks for all your help.

I'm always happy when readers say things like 'I recognized Julian's nervousness', then I feel I did something right. Thank you, Puppilull! Well, I guess it's romance a la Julian.

Well, I had an excellent beta reader... Thank you, Cole. I'm glad you like this last version. I was really nervous it would be too much. *hug*

Thank you, Peter. I had to try the Ghazal for my 'Black Poems' in my language as required. There are only a few, who actually understand it though, and the translation is never as good as the original poem. This is the reason, why there probably won't be any more poems in German. I'm glad you like it and even honor it by comparing it with the St. Matthew Passion. Is Bach your favorite composer? Ah, now this is a challenge I like. A 'rainbow' poem... Danke, Peter.

9:05 PM BLUR: something vaguely or indistinctly perceived. (Merriam Webster) Julian watched the high rises on the other side of the street. A few bright rectangles here and there showed some people still at work. Or they'd forgotten to turn off the lights. It was Friday night. Everyone should be at home with family or at some bar with friends or at an expensive Italian restaurant celebrating their one-year anniversary… No, no, not going there. Lights…right. The cleaning crew going throug

It's their first year anniversary and Julian surprises Romeo with a candlelight dinner at his office. He's about to give the most important presentation of his life.

Jamel

Yes! You know these picture stories... Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. 'a real talent'...I'm honored.

Thank you, Gary. A love letter, yes. Ha, I had to look up 'grimmest', see if it's actually a word, lol. So glad it worked for you. I won't write anymore poems in German, just this one in my 'Black Series'.

Awww...I'm trying. I did some poetry years ago and then AC and Irri started the poetry prompts and I got hooked or maybe reminded. So many ways to express black...so happy you felt it.

Thank you, Lisa! Sometimes you want this, sometimes you better not, lol. Beautiful...I'm glad.

This poem was inspired by Nina Simone’s song ‘Black is the color of my true love’s hair’ Du fragst nach meiner Lieblingsfarbe. Schwarz. und ich sehe in deine Augen. Schwarz. Du umhüllst mich mit deinem Sternenmantel, glänzende Flut auf meinem Kissen. Schwarz. Du trägst mich auf deinen Schuppenflügeln, Bildergeschichten auf deiner Haut. Schwarz. Du atmest mich durch deine Küsse ein, leise Hände wispern in der Nacht. Schwarz. Und dein Feuer brennt für immer in mir, ich

Yes, the scene was very powerful, heartbreaking, sad, happy, tragic and a thousand other words. I can understand that you couldn't let go easily, especially if you watch it many times because you are writing a poem. This really was a hard challenge. Anyway, Gary, this is an evolution to your first poem, the last two lines almost made me cry. When you, like me, had to read many stories, had to watch many movies and documentations about this time, because, justifiably, they want to hammer it into the following generation's head: NEVER AGAIN! and still learn something new, it has to be powerful. Your poem showed this.

You managed to be forceful and calm at the same time. I especially liked: das Wort/ ein Wort/ sein Wort and as Peter, the last two lines.

Thanks, Lisa! A real nightmare, huh? *hug*

You said it yourself: It's much closer in your native language. You took the weekend and the result is impressive. You have mastered the challenge.