Grienne

My goodness this chapter set up a whole bunch of Christmas crazy. As for JJ, I think ME is going to find a more formidable opponent then she expects. He demonstrated that he can be a bit gullible and he's a bit innocent, but his determination, I think, could make him pretty hard to distract. This is certainly an interesting Christmas for the fam. I suppose yeah, its fair for Will to bust Brad's self-absorbed bubble, but Will is really setting Brad up. Brad is going to have to contend with the ghost of Robbie in the walls and the ghost of Kevin incarnate, and a new but somewhat insecure boyfriend. Also, Will really busted Kevin up there. I wonder why he chose to do this at the holidays - his approach doesn't surprise me, but the timing just seems like he wants to make the biggest splash possible. If it was just about bringing Kevin back into the fold, the massive audience wouldn't be necessary. On the other hand his approach is going to make the holiday CAP-tastic so I'm definitely looking forward to that! Thanks Rachel

Yay. I'm so happy, both for our boys here and to be reading about their exploits I'm really happy Alex isn't being the douche he could easily be in this scenario. Though I'm kinda impressed that Wade is being one. I've got to wonder what's going on there. I know he is naturally protective of his family, but his relationship with ME didn't tingle his protective bone back in paternity, at all. I mean yeah, JJ is bitchy, but that's normal and kinda equal opportunity. Wade seems to be deliberatively callous to him and definitely seems to be baiting him - I wouldn't think Wade would be jealous with regards to Alex, nor see JJ as the other guy in MEs marriage - so what's up there? Clara and Wally are impressing me, so that was really nice to see too. Thanks and I'm really happy you posted, the prospect of going my whole life without knowing whether or not JJ bitch slaps ME in a church is simply too daunting to contemplate. -Rachel

Well, there's a twist. But seriously, if Alex doesn't get it yet, Matt or Wade need to help him. There is no way this isn't going to result in a video tape of the Earl taking it from JJ or something equally less than consistent with his projected image. He had to see that Mary Ellen hadn't been happy about how the conversation went. Why would he think all of a sudden she'd be earnest? Bad news bears man. I loved Darius's response, that was hilarious. Thanks!

Yay, I'm glad Alex went to JJ quickly, I like the two of them together. I think I've always liked JJ a little more than some, so I am enjoying watching everyone digest that Alex really does care about him. If I'm going to weigh in on the probability of nuptials, I can think of one good reason that most persuasion wouldn't work. While Elizabeth is far more devious than Mary Ellen, she is also predictable, often useful and controllable. If you give her what she wants, she'll play her roll in public and work pretty hard to improve their mutual position. Mary Ellen is nothing like that. She is basically a sociopath. Alex could spend his life trying to do what she wants and she'll still create scandal and hurt whomever she is capable of, either for personal gain or entertainment. If I were the Duke, I would have to weigh any pressure applied against the damage Mary Ellen could do over the course of a marriage. She could damage everything from their financial well-being, maintenance of their dukedom, and certainly their family reputation. Not only that, but she could raise a truly screwed-up heir. The downside to refusing the marriage would have to be extreme! I would also think that Elizabeth's ability to project power internationally using her DC base would vary strongly on the target. I have no doubt she could be influential in certain state matters, and easily in business or financial matters. However, when it comes to wielding power within the Aristocracy I would almost think Elizabeth and Mary Ellen would be viewed with more disdain than an otherwise famous or rich American in a similar circumstance; that there would be a bad reaction to American political power being so invasive with something so quintessentially British. Though its not fair, if I were Alex, I would be annoyed with Wade. Of course Alex should have been more careful. But without really acting against their family, either Wade or Matt could have given Alex a heads up that he shouldn't lower his guard with her. I want to be clear; I don't think its Wade or Matt's fault, Alex made a number of bad decisions that were his responsibility. He just seemed to be lulled into relaxing there when it was the worst possible time. Can't wait for more, thank you Mark for another great chapter! Rachel PS Does Lizzie or Mary Ellen know about JJ and Alex? This scene at dinner and sharing a room seem a bit obvious, and they don't really seem like the type of people that should be let in on the secret. I'm not sure Wade is doing anyone any favors mixing his adopted family with the Ladies Danfield.

I always love a good Escorial dinner. Thanks! I'm a bit nervous about the meeting with Wally and Clara for three reasons. The turn around strikes me as too extreme to be honest. They claim they've been open to Zach being gay but that seems hardly consistent, they go from worried about Zach's football career to thinking that maybe he should give up and come out?!? That one through me through a loop. The second reason was while they addressed Wally's issues, but Clara supported him, defended him and had claimed he was just keeping Zach's head from getting too big. Wally says he realizes he was wrong and he was emulating his father... what was Clara's excuse once Zach started to protest? She chose Wally's side over Zach's in this, and didn't really address it. The third is to do with Will. As Will has been helping Zach prepare his case, I would think that if Will knew of Wally's involvement with Robbie's locker room traumas, Zach would know too. Will knows how badly that screwed Robbie up, and how badly in turn that screwed up Brad. He has always raged against anyone who hurts Brad intentionally or not. Given that Robbie and Brad made their peace, I imagine Will would as well, but he didn't seem to react at all to that revelation. Further, Will is not known for stifling his righteous indignation. He had been cast as a predator when Wally actually had been. We didn't see this from Will's POV but I'm sure we'll see the effects. Can't wait for Goodwell drama, thanks for another great chapter, Rachel

Ok, I'd say I'm now on the edge of my seat, but I'm pretty much always eager for the next chapter, so no news there. There was one thing about this chapter and last, which has come up before in these stories, and makes me crazy. The idea that you can't be upset by something that was technically not against the relationship rules. It's like a relationship is an ebay listing. There is no relationship court, and most relationships go beyond the contractual bare minimum. I don't think it's the end of the world that Alex went to Goodwell, but I think it's fair for JJ to wish Alex would rather be at the competition. And of course, with what happened at Goodwell, it goes even beyond what is technically allowed, because Alex is acting with malice aforethought. There is a very clear dynamic in their relationship that Alex is the mature one guiding young and inexperienced JJ. He even acknowledges that he let JJ assume they were monogamous, it sounds like he was fine with that until he was tempted. I think it's also kinda shady that he did this right in JJ's family's faces, it puts them in a crap position too. Maybe it's a cultural thing for him to be used to such incestuous laisons (sorry the dig was just hanging out there) but this is getting nuts: he's slept with JJs brother and his partner, tried to sleep with another brother and now has slept with the final brothers ex, who is also the sister of the first brothers partner. Mary Ellen maybe tempting, but she's slutty not magic. That being said, Alex seems to really care about JJ, prior to this anyways, I'm not sure it's clear whether Alex should confess this little episode. If he wants to keep seeing other people then of course he needs to be upfront about it. But I definitely think it would be cruel before the long program.

Thanks Mark! I got super nervous there for half a second that Alex was going to hit on Will, or vice versa (as some sortof stress test) and then the whole world would explode. JJ deserves to be happy for a couple weeks in a row. I'm very happy everyone was saved that cataclysm - they say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but I'm pretty sure JJ could take out a couple city blocks without much effort. Thanks! Rachel

Aww man, I guess we knew that was coming. I guess I do have to admit that Tony was an asshole. At the same time, his therapist did point out he was not in a position to make any promises. I hope Will cutting him out for a while snaps him out of some of these habits. There have been a number of guys throughout the CAP saga that have a hard time internalizing other people's lines in the sands. Guys dealing with a whole lot less would screw up when the rules weren't drawn in the right place for them to understand. We knew Tony's progress would be in fits and starts. Matt, however, I'm pissed at. He made it his goal to seduce Tony the second he knew Will didn't want him to. Tony is pretty vulnerable, and Matt pretty charming. Of course he got him. But Matt did it to be mean, to both Will and Wade. Tony- I believe- at least did it out of a loss of control on his lust and new found freedom. I can forgive those transgressions far easier than malice. I understand Matt's impulse to push people away, but if he doesn't snap out of it soon he is going to lose a lot of people. Btw, the last chapter...Mark, it was very moving. I'm beginning to feel a bit like a masochist with the amount of time in the last few months I've spent reading this story and sobbing and then rushing back the second I get an email. Thank you, Rachel

I'm surprised at how heartless the characters are being towards Ethan. There appears to be no argument that yes he is rude and un cultured. But as far as I have seen, no one has sat him down and said they understand his anger, pain and resentment, no one has asked if he wants to be a Danfield. He wasn't raised, he was dealt with. The only family he's had for a decade only saw him once a year, and he recently died. I think they are very lucky he is acting out in such obvious ways, because if not, I'd be concerned he was lacing the food with arsenic. Table manners are important but compassion seems to be a much greater indicator of ones worth and these guys are doing a crap job of that. In comparison - before Gathans first mean with everyone - even though he was raised by two well-mannered and loving parents, Brad made sure he knew what he needed to in order to dine at the club. Nana publicly redicules this kid when he was raised in cafeterias. The Crampton/Schlutter/Hayes crew has always shown so much generosity it is truly shocking that the sins of being a bad sportsman, and having poor table manners are enough to completely shut down that instinct. Has Wade even explained his roll in this? He just summons this kid to perform for him, so he can judge whether he is worthy of his family's largess. Ethan has to be terrified of what Wade could do to him. I have not seen a single reason for Ethan to have the slightest amount of affection for anyone here. Even that soccer game, not only was Ethan not a captain, he wasn't chosen first, and the guys were super competitive trying to score on him when they know how tough he is on himself. What the hell? They couldn't have made him feel good about one thing the entire weekend. They put him in situations where he has to impress people, be graceful and magnanimous? This situation would tax JPs or Wade's patience, but they expect a teenager who has been abandoned, stuck with his nose pressed to the window his entire life, to pull it off without a hitch. As bad as JPs noblesse oblige speech with Stef was, this is a million times worse. Nana has always been so insightful, and she knows what her daughter has done, and how much that would have hurt the boy, I'm gobsmacked by her cold heartedness. In other news, it really seems like Matt is crying out for some help. If he doesn't get it soon I worry what he'll get up to. Even if will isn't a brother... Is it really some great sin for a friend to ask another friend to lay off someone who means a lot to them and is particularly vulnerable? What am I missing with Matt and Tony?

Ha, I was wondering when QAF would make an appearance. Obviously excepting for their business prowess, I've always sensed a strong similarity between Emmett and Stef. So how did gay get worked in with Arab and Indian? There certainly have been cases were gays have been singled out .. But when there were three categories? Also, what's Matt's deal? He and Will never really got on, but it was usually in the form of Matt siding with whomever was fighting Will, not engaging himself. It seems like it should go without saying that the people in relationships with your brother are probably off limits to ones philandering. Looks like we're brewing up for some exciting drama, can't wait!

Wow, I laughed so hard at this. I think the thing I'm most impressed with is Will's restraint in not sticking his tongue out and blowing a raspberry at Gathan and Brad. I imagine this whole thing isn't cut and dry. There is a precarious relationship between brad and Gathan and Wally and Clara, and Will seemed to have no problem screwing with that. But the whole chapter was infused with wills excitement over his control, it was absolutely hilarious and a joy to read. Thanks.

Alright, covering the last couple chapters, I have to say that Danfield drama is like a warm fuzzy blanket. I can't wait to meet Ethan. I'm looking forward to whatever crazy shit Elizabeth comes up with as well. It was almost surreal, they were all making jokes about being enemies, it was interesting to see how much they know and understand each other. It's like no matter what else happens, and how much they hate each other, above it all they are still family. Kinda comforting in a truly bizarre kinda way. I loved Matt's comment when he asked if Carullo knew Will was 15, it was like you could the da-da-da-dum in the background. JP gave some great advice, I think, and it was interesting to go through the litany of his partners. However, on the topic of his partners, it has been a while since we've seen much from his or Stef's point of view (prior to 9-11) it seems like they aren't overly affectionate with each other. I'm hoping nothing is wrong there. And now Will. It took Will like 5 min to go from not sure he'd talk to Tony to fucking him. It also seems we're back to Will sleeping with people whose partners would object. I wonder if Will is going to regret this. At some point he's going to have to see that he isn't being terribly honest with himself - considering how much he values that in others, I was impressed by how quickly he was turned around here.

Good morning Mark, I'm sure we'll see in the upcoming chapters, but it seems one of two things must be true. Either I've misunderstood brad and Robbie's relationship or Brad is trying to ease his pain by re-writing that relationship to make it easier to live without. I don't blame him if he is, the way I've always viewed their relationship it would be damn near impossible for brad to get out of bed if he let all his emotions loose. I hope at some point he can get to the point where he can feel love for Robbie without either pushing it away or feeling crippling pain. I loved seeing JJs point of view. I'm very curious about him. Thanks, Rachel

Hey Mark, Here's my quick catch-up: On the 9-11 chapters, it's weird but I really didn't feel ready to comment for a long time (now) after them. I can't decide if its because you're that awesome, or I'm that big of a freak. Either way they were amazing and respectful, and brought back a lot the feelings of displacement and shock that were felt that day. On Alex Danvers, I have no idea what to do with that. Brad and Robbie must have been going through something fierce because flings don't work well with these two. And Robbie doesn't see them casually. Robbie was sleeping at Mr. Danvers's place! I mean even if these guys miraculously turned a new leaf on the attachment/jealousy/possessiveness issues that bounce between them, Robbie wasn't just screwing him in the broom closet, and people (Cody) knew about it. That information took me from a deep melancholy about Robbie's loss to a searing pain for Brad. I don't get these two sometimes. They spent decades just together then had a couple turbulent years backed up against a lot of trouble in their nuclear family, and Robbie thought this was a good time to add casual laisons into the midst? Robbie seems like he is this crazy dedicated guy to Brad, with this deep and abiding love, but he keeps being the guy to look elsewhere. Brad would have been fine sleeping with no one but Robbie for the rest of his days. Now, onto Marie. Well, that was quite the surprise. I have no idea what's going to come from it, at all. It's also seems like Will might be showing some of the early signs of PTSD but these guys seem pretty comfortable with psychiatric help, so I doubt he'll go off the deep end. One thing though, on the homo vs. heterosexual cousin pairing issues. I don't think it's fair to say that it's because women don't see sex as recreational as mentioned in comments. Plenty of women have casual sex, that would be like saying men feel no attachment to their sexual partners, I think we all know there is a greater range within each sex than between them. I think one reason it is slightly more problematic is one of the possible consequences of heterosexual sex that is highly unlikely with same sex partners. I think two female cousins doesn't quite ick people out as much either (assuming same sex sex doesn't ick them out in the first place). Finally I'd like to say I really like how after the trauma of 9-11 you've got these shockers in here - they are great medicine for what ails us!! Thanks, Rachel

Hey, I'm sorry to hear about this, I know how tough having ill relatives can be. I love your work, so I'll happily read them when you get the chance to post. I wish you the best. Rachel

Mark, it goes with out saying that I'm sitting at the edge of my seat, of course. This may sound impolite, but I was nervous that the situation was going to be contrived to get them involved, but having them in the two towers, separated, but each with family - it actually feels like a good analogy tithe situation. I am very impressed with your ability to set this up in a way where the struggles will be very human and amplify the themes of the story thus far. I really can't wait to find out what has been going on with the other couples. I am surprised that JP is as annoyed with Stef as he is. Sure he thinks he's wrong, but these guys are built for each other - I'm surprised it has effected their relationship so globally. I also want to know what is going on with Robbie and Brad, they must have other issues going on as well - it's like you're teasing us with the outside point of view. Thank you for the great chapter, Rachel

Yay, I'm always happy when I see a new chapter posting when m up working late. Just quickly, I totally get that Brad's motivations are less than ideal, but he's not wrong that a 14 year old who sleeps with that many people, some complete strangers, and drinks is asking for a world of hurt. Not to mention there are good cognitive development reasons that 14 year olds can hurt themselves more with narcotics the an adult whose brain has completely developed. Regardless of maturity levels, there are basic physiological problems. As an academic, it seems odd to me that JP and Jack just accept those arguments. Im just not sure about the hypocrisy arguments with this group as a whole. If you apply their rules to the whole family, Jack, Claire and even JP are far from innocent. Assuming the adults don't know that Marie is doing anything to really hurt Will - beyond being loose lipped, then Marie is guilty of wanting privacy, not to be controlled by her family and to choose her own associates - but Claire needs to shut her down. John can be grounded for sleeping around, even though we don't know about any otherwise harmful behavior. I'm not saying Claire and Jack are wrong, but they are as guilty as Brad by their definition of hypocrisy. Furthermore, I still haven't forgiven Jack for being a douche when Robbie was having his JJ related issues. I'm just not sold on their definition of hypocrisy that seems to ignore context as a factor in the situation. Stef slept with people to survive, it's kinda absurd for Will to compare his willingness to sleep around with hisown, it shows his immaturity, i think. I love the drama this round robin creates, certainly, as its been said before, dinner at Escorial is never boring. It also adds an interesting aspect with the varying view point over the years, since each of them have some good points and some bad or illogical. Also, Will seems at times a bit too powerful. Anyone who has tried to ban someone from Escorial without acting with JPs blessing has been put right in the past. JP may have said the words, but Will kicked Brad out of Escorial, something JP never let Brad do to Will. In the past Stef, isadore and others have all been denied that priveledge. Brad may have a point that JP grants Will a bit more power and independence than even the most mature 14 year old should reasonably wield. I worry if this is good for him. Thanks Mark for the great and thought provoking chapter, Rachel

I'm glad JP saw the reasonableness of Isadore's request. He could have internalized it as a rejection, or condemnation. Isadore occupies a strange role in JP's life and JP practically made her point for her when he called Frank, her partner of 15+ years a companion. I find it a bit odd that Stef's reaction almost seemed negative at first. Can he really prefer to have JP married, if only as convenience, than in a position to at least recognize Stef as Robbie and Brad recognize each other? As for Will's realization, I fear he may not see otherwise for a while. While there are some people you are immediately compatible with, I doubt any initial flame can be better than what comes when someone knows every inch of you and what makes you tick. Sure that takes time, so if Kai and him were in a position to be together for long enough time, I'm sure it would be better than what he has with Tony. I worry more that it is less about how good Tony is, but an idolized image in his head that nothing will touch, because he won't let it. Thanks Mark, I loved the chapter, Rachel

While I imagine Isadore is up to no good, I don't think a divorce in and of itself is a bad thing. In fact, I think JP should have offered her one on his, probably around the time he came out, that would have been the gentlemanly thing to do. I donthaveany great love for Isadore, lets face it, this isn't a story about the women in this family's unless they are currently pregnant, insane or both, but that's fine. However, as much as JP did former, she also has done a lot for him. She did a lot of the raising of the kids, she was happy to be his beard during a time he probably needed it dearly. She has also been successful in her own right, a great host and lady of his house. I think JP has been great to her, and she has been very good to him as well. I think it would be very easy to grow resentful in a marriage of convenience especially when her husband is such a commanding figure. Her life partner Is merely a guest in their home, and she has been unseated basically as lady of the house when Stef took over as JP's partner. He took over that roll with far more strength than the previous occupants, and further they are publicly together so she really has no roll there anymore. Its not Stef's fault, hes JP's partner, he shouldhave that position, but they really didntseem to care at all about effect it would have on Isadore. I would certainly be bitter after being relegated as out lived their usefulness and easily ignored, withoutso much as a discussion or an offer to leave gracefully. Not saying she's perfect or anything, but I just an understand where she may be coming from. It seems to me that she has a lot of resentfulness built up within her, so I imagine she is going to be a bit of a bitch about this. Not going to defend that type of behavior, it's sad after all they've been through, but it could have been avoided by acknowledging when JP came out with Stef, or once it was clear it would last, that her place would be altered and if they made sure she still felt appreciated. Everyone deserves that. I loved this, I think this is going to be fun. It's human nature, shes hurt, and has a lot of itall built up in her. I imagine this will be contentious and drive people to their corners, but it will be realistic- good people can do horrible things when they are hurt or they feel like they've gotten the short end of the stick. Btw, I can't believe brad would stick Janine on will, not cool. But really, a sling at 15... C'mon. Thanks! R

I get not trashing Kai for rumors, but its not like some crazy amount of hypocrisy to be concerned about your son/grandson hanging out with a hustler you don't know. I mean stef's time as hustler probably proved that some were dangerous, and their affiliation with the shelter got will the drugs and fake id he needed. I'm not sure its wrong to want your kid safe, even when you weren't always. I'm looking forward to Will as a father, see how that goes when his 13 year old starts rebelling. I love how well Stef and will understand each other and play. They are great pair. Thanks, Rachel

I like getting an update on Brad and Robbie. I've generally been a Robbie fan, glad things are at least kinda ok with him. I feel like so far Brad and Robbie haven't spent much time together, it feels like something is going on, it's interesting in this series where we each of the relationships are known pretty intimately at one timeor another to watch just the outside fringes for a while and wonder what is going on in their heads. I also thought it was interesting to hear Will say that he though "Marie or her parents" could screw things up with John. That was such a loaded sentence. Claire has been so close to him, but she's just referred to one of the parents, it's not like his father is going to have much to say one way or another. That and he seems concerned that John will end up siding with his immediate fam against him. Given how close they've been and the nature of high school drama that seems like a pretty harsh critique on their relationship. Yay, more Brad and Robbie. Thanks! Rachel

Damn, when Stef throws a party! I love it. Also, Nana should travel with a little speaker system that makes that back-hand noise <<whippahhh>> that would have been a fun little cap to her little speech. :-) it certainly ended that way in my head. I'm surprised by Claire and Isidore's actions in the context of the family loyalty concerns this family specifically has. Certainly they have to know there would be some repercussions -even if they hadn't expected Stefan's bash - but really who expected the Spanish Inquisition. Also, is Lark actively trying to see if brad will kill him with this flirty stuff with Will, or does he simply haveno instinct for self-preservation? As always, I loved it, Mark, thanks!! Rachel

As always, I loved the latest installment. I've been waiting for whatever disaster was going to transpire with Dana, and I agree with Tim that it sounds like you're setting it up nicely. I'm wondering how much she's actually going to be around when Will is in STL. I had two silly nit-picky type questions, 1. Didn't marcel give max the club? 2. I'm not 100% sure, but I think Meigs was closed by this point. If not we're quickly coming upon it. I think it was closed in anticipation of the new navy pier, which would have been mid-90s, but if not it has certainly been closed for a while. Thanks and i can't wait for the drama to unfold in old St. Louis.

I'm loving the new story so far! I'm in constant fear of when the other shoe will drop with Tony though. I thought it was interesting that Will thought Tony's issues would about his family not approving. I seem to remember the thrust of Tony's concerns being how he interpreted his father's sexuality, and the deceit that went along with that. I also am torn between thinking Will's opinion about whether beans Tony could being committed relationship will save him some pain, or is really quite sad. It's like his previous experiences have set his expectations so low, he won't go after a harder relationship. He says its what he wants too, so I hope it is just him being realistic and nit fatalistic. Thanks! Rachel

Ok, here's my working theory: Instead of hag meaning angry old lady, Arnold meant it like beard. Arnold Bellevue was gay, in a relationship with the first among equals, who wants to start this war because he thinks he'll win - but is in a bind because he can't really leak the tape himself. They came up with this thinking Arnold could run away from Bridget and all the cartels would be after her so they would be rid of her. Any takers?