travlbug

Whew! I'm surprised that the phone hasn't melted! Whether he knows it or not, Carter has passed a line of no return. Interesting that big, studly Aron gets off on talk of being dominated. For that matter, Carter gets off on talk of dominating. I think their home life will never be the same! (See, Carter, you should let your dick do the talking for you more often, as you'd make more sense--at least while in Wonderland!)

One usually thinks of a photographer as being on the outside looking in, but Jeremy is suddenly front and center, devastated by the loss of his parents, and starting a new life with a new family. Good luck to the whole clan, but the name of the next chapter (Heartbreak) sounds a bit ominous. 😥

Kudos to the boys for remembering to clean the family room. It has now been proven: Silk briefs lead to upright citizens. 😁 Adam is a good soul, looking for a way to make Kyle more sympathetic. Tom is the big brother of the year! He encourages Adam to shower with Troy, and he gives Troy an enema kit and dildo. If mom asks what he gave Troy for his birthday, he can honestly say an erector set! I agree that Adam's abdominal pain is worrisome. Shame on Adam for keeping it a secret. He should at least tell Troy, as the boyfriends should not have any secrets from each other. (I favor Alien over a baby, but then, I'm a geek!)

Without doubt, Veikko is the most complex character introduced to date. While his brother is easygoing, showing what Veikko might have been, his experiences have diverged vastly from those of his brother, altering his character. At the age of 13, he is brutally beaten by his father, presumably for coming out gay, and is forced to spend time in a hospital to recuperate. In school, partially because he is small (only 5' 2") but also because he is gay, he is mercilessly bullied: Matsuda makes torturing him "an art form," and Veikko's nose is permanently crooked from the time when Matsuda smashes his face against a wall. He has been beaten to the point where Dom has helped him bestow the "kiss of life" at least 4 times. Yet, despite these trials, the "real" Veikko still manages occasionally to shine through: He is outwardly gregarious and even hosts a vlog. Dom (in his own chapter) thinks of Veikko as "witty, funny, and adorable." Vico actually loves the sciences, and we are told that he has an analytic brain - - he is "a bright student, intelligent and motivated." While Veikko has many wonderful traits, his bad experiences color his thought processes, making him prickly - - quick to perceive a slight. He has built a wall between himself and the world. Reima actually says, "I don't see why you have to always be fighting with someone," but as far as Veikko is concerned, someone has always been fighting with him; and his attitude - - at least in his own eyes - - is justified. Much of the action in this chapter is powered by Veikko"s unreasonable hatred of Topher and his refusal to apologize (for telling him to "fuck off" after Dom invites him to sit with their group. While Zack, one of Topher's friends, did indeed beat Veikko, Topher [in his own chapter] agrees that Zach deserves the "kiss of life" that Veikko imposes on him. Unfortunately, Veikko hates Topher by association, and this hatred prevents him from learning that Topher is actually sympathetic to him). He feels boxed in by his own actions, as if his status will somehow be diminished if he were to apologize, and he is incapable of changing those actions despite clearly seeing that he is alienating his own friends. His past dictates how he deals with the future; and with that wall of "protection" he's built around his psyche, he is unable to accept his brother's advice to do what's right and get it over with. When Veikko complains that he never got an apology from Topher, Reima points out, "You might have if you didn't tell him to fuck off." Veikko's actions are also partially motivated by love (or its lack): While we never learn what happens to his father (whether he absconds or is jailed), he is violently repudiated by his sperm donor, and his teen years are bereft of a father's love. There is no love lost between Veikko and most of his peers, many of whom have actually tried to harm him. While he loves Dom, Dom does not return that love, despite their physical displays of affection. (In juxtaposition, Reima and Selena do not appear outwardly affectionate but are in love.) Another reason he finds it so hard to apologize to Topher is that he sees him as a rival - - someone who is trying to steal Dom away from him - - and he has little enough love as it is. At least, he always has his brother's love, as Reima grudgingly agrees. In another juxtaposition or two, Veikko's world is turned upside down when Maverick Matsuda comes out and comes on to him. First, Matsuda acknowledges that he watches Veikko's vlog, showing that he has actually been paying him attention. While Veikko thinks that Matsuda hates him (a reasonable assumption, considering that Matsuda is one of his prime torturers), Maverick admits to being interested in him. While Veikko cannot apologize to Topher, Matsuda apologizes to Veikko. Where Veikko once gave Maverick the kiss of life, Maverick now returns the favor, imposing a kiss on Veikko. I love the tableau at the end of the chapter, where Reima and Dom won't even look at Veikko, "but Maverick sure did." At the end of a horrible day, Veikko tries to patch things up with Dom, only to wind up in a discussion as to why he failed to visit Dom in the hospital. Earlier, he says internally, "Why would Dom ever do that to him? Tried to kill himself? What would I ever do without him?" However, what he actually says to Dom is that "I was pissed at you! ...I couldn't see you because I would have punched you for trying to do that to me!" By making the situation about himself, Veikko shows his selfishness. (Earlier, Reima puts himself into Veikko's place, sarcastically saying "I'm this weird combination of insecure and narcissistic...," and this is a perfect example, even though addressing a different situation.) In contrast, Dom reminds Veikko that he was there for him every day that Veikko was in the hospital. He walks out on Veikko, leaving Veikko thinking that the man he loves hates him instead: Dom really doesn't understand that love and need are the real reasons that Veikko did not visit him. Dom tells Veikko that he has a funny way of showing his love, but it's the only way that Veikko knows how. At the end of the chapter, Reima says, "I love you too, Veik. Just stop being an arsehole": Good advice, yes, but when being an arsehole has been a survival trait, it's easier said then done.

I love the air of urgency created in this chapter. The tension is palpable, and we have only a partial explanation as to what is going on. The fact that "they" come north faster than expected, with gunfire at the children's heels, shows that they reach the bunker just in time. The kids have been too terrified to ask the adults for an explanation, and the adults' reticence in giving one suggests that the truth is so terrible that the kids are better off not knowing--at least for now. I love the mention of horror films and zombies as Alex and Tobi descend further into the bunker, as it sets the mood for Tobi"s "look of horror" and subsequent scream. Kudos to Westarcher for such an atmospheric buildup and a tantalizing tale!

Amazing! With Chris and Eric gone , Bailey has become more confident, Declan and Bailey have been able to build on their relationship, Justin and Ben have been able to start a relationship, the entire football team has become more relaxed, and the gymnastics and football teams have developed a friendly alliance: It's amazing how one or two bad apples can actually poison the atmosphere for so many others, and it becomes obvious only after the rotten fruit has been culled. I love the sleepover scene: Declan's growing empathy allows him greater insight into Bailey's feelings in response to the nightmare. The nightmare serves another purpose, acting as the perfect plot device to throw Bailey into Declan's arms! (I knew he'd get there somehow!) And they're both "exactly where [they] want to be"--with each other. (Sigh.) 💖

Let sleeping Kohens lie! 😁😂

Josh is so painful to watch that I'm reading with only one eye! 😉 Still, he's goofy and sweet, and I can't help but root for him. And as for Kells--there's no doubt he's smitten (and that's gospel!).

So Deke found out the hard way that Kohen remains hair-triggered. I wonder how long it will take to deprogram Kohen or if it's even possible. The enemy crew turns out to be unhelpful, but the ship is a veritable treasure trove of data just sitting there for the taking. I smell a rat.

Very well said. The question is, who is doing the crafting? And at this point, everyone's a suspect, even the people we've already met!

I agree with Chris 191070 and JeffreyL: The jury's still out on Ben. He has survived three years as Amara's "bitch": It wouldn't surprise me to find him Amara's henchman as opposed to just his guard. Or perhaps, after 3 years of abuse, he has gone in the opposite direction and is plotting the death of his evil overseer. I love the possibilities! I guess that time will tell! 😄

I love the "Stranger in a Strange Land" feel to the story. Drew finds the house surreal in its opulent austerity: It is actually intimidating --the lifestyle "obscene." He's sure the boys are playing him, and we have already seen them testing him once. We have also been warned by the author that the boys are "complex little bunnies" who "surprise at every turn," so we have no idea at this point what they may be plotting. Ben has survived the twins' hijinks for 3 years, so Drew would be well advised to hear him out. Interestingly, the design of the house, as discussed so far, does not lend itself to security, but I'll reserve judgment on that score until after Ben takes Drew on his tour. One good thing about his meeting the twins: Drew now wishes to spend more time with his own family. On the other hand, Aria has introduced the idea that there may be some sort of strain between him and his parents, who so "clearly" adore him that it turns Aria's voice "hard," "cold," and "wistful" to speak of it. If the boys trust only themselves, then--by inference--they do not even trust their parents. And the plot thickens....

I love the surprise when 12 extra students show up to ride with the gymnastics team and give their support! Declan's subsequent epiphany that the gymnasts have never received the recognition they deserve, let alone been celebrated for their extraordinary performances, shows his own growth of character, as does his resolve to remedy this situation the future. Declan's idea to have Bailey stay in the dorm overnight is brilliant, meeting Mrs. Mcintyre's every objection to Bailey's going to the football game and celebrating with his peers. Kudos to Bailey as well for shaking Daniel's hand and giving him a smile when he receives Daniel's congratulations. Only Declan, aside from Bailey himself, realizes the effort it takes for Bailey to remain civil, when it "should have been" his father standing there instead. While Bailey takes overall first place at the meet, I think that Declan's mental gymnastics this chapter are good enough to earn him gold.

I love that that this chapter is all about family--both the family you're born with and the family you create. Artie is in a truly good place: As he says at the party, he feels "nothing but love" from the people who now surround him. In contrast, his grandparents called him a bastard and his mother a whore, slapping Artie for coming to his mother's defense. They spew hate, not love: They may be Artie's blood, but they are no true "family" to Artie in any way. If they try to take Artie, I have a feeling that they'll find out the hard way what a real family will do for its members--what true family really means.

A pact with himself to eat only one hamburger a day? I don't know, Carter, that may be too strict! 😅 Don't worry, Carter, giving Aron a blow job makes perfect sense, and gay porn is merely instructional. Not ready for that? Well, thinking of Aron sucking you off is a better way get a hard-on anyway! And sucking on a banana? (A unicorn horn by any other name!) Carter, sorry to hear that your parents haven't even bothered to visit your body. This is the saddest moment in the chapter. Hey, Carter of the raccoon eyes and interview-dodging nature, "You're not fashion dead. Just a little fashion disabled...." (I like Yolanda!) Yes, Laura, all of Aron's love has to go somewhere, and I love where Carter envisions it all going up his ass! (You didn't quite word it that way, but that's how I read it. 😂) No wonder he breaks out in a cold sweat! Thanks for a fun chapter!

Meteors, a strange new virus, a zombie-like killer with red-stained teeth and a penchant for throats, and an officer with ministerial-level clearance citing national security--wow! I have a feeling that Alex was very lucky in his accidental killing of his attacker. Alex may be an intelligent guy, but he seems clueless about how Tobi feels about him; and we'll have to see what happens with Alex and Noah going forward. Hmmm. One phone having difficulties I can understand, but two? I wonder if anyone else is having phone troubles? Lots going on. Can't wait to read more!

I love the idea of a camera as the eye of the heart and an eye to the heart. Thank you for a lovely story.

Poor Adam--so many bad things have happened to him. Jason remains a threat, and I hope he spills to Mr. C. Hmmm. Troy likes spanking, and the colors of the underwear? Black and blue! Adam, I think that Troy is trying to tell you something! 😂

Drew is introduced as having healing scars on his thighs. The wounds aren't mentioned again, but they show that Drew is a man of action--that he leads a dangerous life--and that it takes more to sideline him than a few healing scars. (I will not even ask how his thighs got into that condition. 🤗) Why would Drew's bosses deceive him into accepting a "babysitting" job? (They risk losing an excellent operative if he feels he cannot trust them, and to do so over a "cushy" job just doesn't seem reasonable.) Maybe Jeff knows him well enough to realize that he'll accept the situation anyway; or maybe the bosses have a hidden agenda--perhaps there's a good reason to "plant" a highly trained operative who looks like a boy-toy into this particular post. Only time will tell. So Aria's bi, and Drew has glossy hair, soulful eyes, and a bubble butt. A recipe for trouble? 😉

Wow! Axel puts a new spin on the phrase "love 'em and leave em!" Did the band members know of Axel's little penchant for murder? Hot sex, but with a twist! And I don't think Axel liked their second date.... Neat story. Thanks!

Bailey finally said the "F" word to Daniel. (I was wondering if he would. 😏) Daniel really has it bad: He sits on the sofa all night so that he doesn't disturb Michelle. It must be love! 😊 Bailey's relief is palpable when he hears that Chris and Eric have been expelled. He actually sits up straighter. Sad that he expects them to exact revenge off campus; and despite their living fairly far away, they may yet cause trouble. I love Droughtquake's observation that the Mcintyre's might want to pursue restraining orders (well, Daniel, why didn't you come up with that solution?), but knowing Chris in particular, I doubt if this would stop him. The lunchroom scene is intense: Eddie strikes just when Bailey starts to relax (good one, Mom!), but Declan and friends don't let the situation escalate. Eddie vanishes with Dr. Lansing, and once again all is right with the world--at least, for now. 😅

They didn't show THAT on Star Trek.... 😏

This chapter proves a fascinating introduction to Dom and his world: At first, Dom seems almost lazy, staying in bed an extra 40 minutes to watch a friend's vlog. However, he then berates himself, thinking that he "should have just gotten out of bed instead of spending nearly 40 minutes trying to decide whether or not it was worth the effort": Ultimately, we find out that he has a diagnosis of depression, and this is the first bit of evidence that he may still be experiencing this issue. His life is certainly suboptimal: There is no mention of his having a mother. With his underlying New Zealand accent, and his father's thicker one, he is clearly an immigrant, and one wonders what drove his father and him to seek a better life outside of New Zealand. His home is substandard: There is no air conditioning. The shower barely allows him to get wet under a "weak, dribbling shower head." He changes the sheets on his bed so that his father doesn't have to sleep in his sweat, indicating that he shares a single bed with his father, though they use it in shifts. However, Dom's hardships are not limited to his home life: In addition to going to school, he works 40 hours a week but retains only 20% of his pay, donating the rest to the household. He has no time just to be a kid, and the contrast between his friends' horseplay in the video and his own barren life is heartbreaking. His father is an interesting study: He works hard on the night shift, such that he "deserved to rest through the day on some nice clean sheets...." However, the state of their home demonstrates that the father is poorly paid, and the night shift suggests an unappealing job--a dead end rather than the fulfillment of an immigrant's dreams. The situation is even more poignant in that the father is working hard, at least in part, to assure that his son can go to Peatsland; but he is so exhausted that he can't remember when the school year is supposed to start. He doesn't even remember to buy Dom food, though he doesn't mean to be neglectful: His kiss to Dom's forehead shows that he loves his son--he obviously intends to be a good father--but his work and exhaustion prevent him from being the supportive father he needs to be. The most difficult portion of the chapter for me to read involves the interactions between Dom and his father over the lunch money: Dom has eaten only bread for the prior evening's meal, and he has completely skipped breakfast, as the refrigerator is bare. When his father refuses to give him lunch money, he finally becomes angry, especially when his father tells him to use his own money to purchase lunch. Dom points out that he has already used his money to buy them their last set of groceries. His father, in shame and guilt, then tries to give his son the lunch money, but Dom is so upset that he refuses--he is willing to go hungry to prove a point. The chapter never tells us the motivation behind Dom's suicide attempt, and we don't even know how he attempted to take his own life (though the locked-up medicine suggests a drug overdose). He feels alienated from his friends, as they do not even visit him during his hospital confinement (they may not have been allowed to), and he is obviously hurt by their apparent indifference. When Dom throws away his Lexapro, I am not sure if he is rebelling against his circumstances, his psychiatrist, or his father, or if he really feels that he does not require the anti-depressant. However, in view of his recent suicide attempt, his decision represents poor judgment and may lead to a relapse. I think it's cute that Dom takes the diminutive for Veli--i.e., Veikko--and makes a diminutive out of the diminutive, calling him Koko: It is clear that they are old friends. Sadly, while Veikko is enamored of Dom, Dom does not return his feelings. (Perhaps, if he had, the suicide attempt could have been avoided.) When Topher walks into the classroom, Dom sees "an angel from heaven": At least we know whom Dom likes instead! Shyness is not one of his issues, and he takes it upon himself to sit with Topher and to make a friend of him. Dom can certainly use a little good in his life, and with Topher as a friend, his life may have suddenly become a whole lot better!

Jon is caught between a rock and a hard place. While he is not condoning his wife's actions, he is at least enabling them. While I don't mean to defend Jon in any way, he has few alternatives: If Gwen will never improve, he can 1.) ask Topher to understand the situation (which is what he did), though this approach fails to protect Topher going forward; 2.) split up the family and board Topher away from home, possibly at school or with a friend/relative; or 3.) have Gwen bound over to a secure facility (for patients with violent tendencies), though it is probably still too soon for that, as she remains functional (he still may be forced to do so at some point). Also, if he institutionalizes Gwen, he may feel that, as her husband and as a man of the cloth, he is abandoning her at her time of greatest need. None of his options are good, but I agree that his first duty should be to protect his son, even at the cost of splitting up the family. If he cannot afford to board Topher at school or to pay for institutionalizing Gwen, and if there is no relative to take Topher in, then and only then does his approach make sense. Otherwise, he is allowing his concern for his wife to blind him to the needs of his son, and the future consequences may be dire.

We've gone from Alice in Wonderland to Sleeping Beauty, but the "princess" didn't wake up when kissed. (What if he had!) Carter is right to get his new body tested, and it's a shame that Aron is mad at him for his effort at trying to keep Aron safe. (After all, Carter, you would have had sex with him otherwise, right! 😏)