Timothy M.

Toph may have found a new outlook on his father and an explanation for Clarence's behavior, but the fact that his parents never stopped the bullying at dinner says a lot about their lack of parenting skills. I don't believe Toph's mother manipulated Clarence into pestering his younger brother, but when she and her husband condoned the way he behaved by not stopping it, why would he ever get an idea he was wrong? I'm sure Toph's mother sees herself as a caring parent and will say that Toph was the one to tense up and push her away when she tried to be affectionate, so she was simply respecting his wishes by keeping her distance. It may be true that her actions after he left should not make him fear her, but he is quite right to resent her and keep his distance. I noticed Gary's Moms didn't suggest Toph getting in touch with his mother or that he should be more interested in reconciling with his family. Wise woman - and she also showed this in her advice to Gary when he was trying too hard with Toph. I have to admit I'm tending to believe Gary rather than Toph in relation to his interview, but in any case talking about it was a better idea than hiding it. I also chuckled at the idea of Gary even becoming fed up with caring for Toph, he loves being able to do so.

I loved this chapter, it explained Dimitri's story so well, and I understood perfectly how he got trapped by the evil guy. I'm glad Dimitri was strong enough to escape via the audition, and of course I love Arnar and Karen for rescuing him / giving him the chance to rescue himself. The media who slanders him as a 'Russian whore' should be even more ashamed of themselves when their own countryman was so much worse.

I'm glad Ross and Warwick are back on track. Interesting to see Warwick do what I had expected him to consider in relation to Kevin: look for job opportunities to be able to move with Ross if necessary. But let's hope Richmond gets Ross or he makes a better impression on Julie than he has managed so far. I was even more pleased to see two of my wishes / predictions come true. Kevin's talk with Alistair about Daphne and Ross was to the point and interesting. Great that Alistair is ready to take on Ross, even if he doesn't think he'll be drafted. I hope Deon signs up with him, too. He might even get Ty if the brat should think he'll need an agent. I still hope the Blues get him even if I feel a little sorry for Peter. But his credibility will still skyrocket because he insisted Ty was a top draft prospect. Did Luke really ask about Paul and Todd? Poor Leopards, we don't want them to be decimated even if we'll be happy for the guys. I'm guessing we'll have one more chapter before we get to draft night. Ross needs a chance to impress Julie and Alistair, as well as Richmond. I'd like to see Kevin and Daphne meets up with Deon, Clarissa, Neil and Liam. I'm not sure how much help Neil and Liam can be in uni if someone hassles Daphne, but hopefully they can all benefit from having someone they know to share lunches with etc. We haven't seen much of Dave for a while and I'd like to revisit him and Charlie before the draft. Perhaps we can also have one more peek at Padrick and the Blues gettting all uptight about getting hold of Ty? And don't worry, I know you can't comment.

I have to admit I wasn't sure what to say about the events in this chapter. I think I'll simply say that I'm glad things worked out for Kevin and that Andrew was more or less OK and able to go back home to stay.

We can ask AC whether limericks qualify as poetry. If yes, then I guess I can write poetry.

Our Val is a signature author and all GA members applaud her. Her cat licks his fur with a nonchalant purr 'Penguin stories are top of the order.'

It was very interesting to get Shane's take on his romance with Thomas, but I do feel he's being a bit harsh on his first boyfriend. Thomas got a rough deal and I hope he hates his father more than he hates Jason. I wonder what Nicholas' dad will think of that evaluation from Shane. Oh and if Jason's former girlfriend turns up I'd love to see her reaction to the cosy home.

Noel already has a blue triangle tattooed on his face, and now he has to have another one done? Are they only visible to Serai? If not, how does he hide them / explain them to Kristof and other humans? I'm glad Noel snubbed Laird perfectly and told the coucil he loved the King but didn't see anything left worth fighting for. Wearing Kristof's hoodie was perfect too. I look forward to reading about Noel and Kristof gradually falling in love and I hope they'll be happy together. I wish D every pain and regret possible.

Yay! Penguin in red. Tillykke !

I guess the fact Gary has nice parents makes me trust him more, or at least trust that he is basically a nice guy who does love Toph. However, it also makes it obvious why Gary refuses to believe Toph's reactions to his mother are reasonable. Gary simply cannot understand the concept of horrible, emotionally stunted and stunting parents. He thinks there must be something wrong and Toph needs therapy to solve the problem and after that he can fall into his mothers arms and all will be well. While I agree that therapy might be a good idea, I wonder what will happen if this reveals that Toph is quite right about his need to stay away from most of his family, and his mother in particular. Will Gary be supportive of that? Will he then take Toph's side and tell Toph's mother she needs therapy for the sake of her children? Somehow I very much doubt it. It was also interesting to see Toph sucessfully conceal his anxiety about the way his interview went, but not being able to hide the party conpletely. I think his method of ignoring the bad stuff and focusing on the positive aspects in his life is a great idea and a huge step forward in dealing with life. And that's where I appreciate Gary, who seems to make an effort to fill Toph's life with good memories and love. For that I'm prepared to forgive him his blind eye when it comes to Toph's family. But he had better act the protective and loyal boyfriend at the wedding, or else...

I very much doubt Cory's parents will bother to throw out his stuff, at least not while his brothers are there. I fully expect Connor to turn up with everything which was left. After having told his parents exactly what he thinks of their stuped behavior. It's good to see Efrain instinctively knowing what he needs to do about Cory's kitty cravings, even if he didn't know the back story like we did. I bet this stunt will get him laid for months. Of course I also loved the fact Efrain admitted to himself how he felt and that there was no way back. Now he just needs to admit it to Cory too, but I think Cory may beat him to the L word.

Cats get my vote, but I like dogs too. Maybe you should add a proper voting choice: Cats only Cats but dogs are OK Both Dogs but cats are OK Dogs only Neither

The article seems to say the guy is gay himself. Maybe someone hacked his Facebook account. Weird... But good to see it's taken seriously by the media and authorities.

LOL, I rather see it as being part of the team and taking pressure of me. But of course there may be a tiny bit of competition too.

Just so you know: aditus wrote this review almost a month ago. http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/blog/635/entry-16428-featured-story-napowrimo/ I.e. long before you wrote this blog. But it concurs with all the other messages here.

Poetry is not my thing, but my awesome namesake's poems - those few I have dared to read - gripped me where it hurts but at the same time he makes me smile through tears.

This may be my favorite chapter so far. Bobby fucked up royally and got his ass chewed out by the boss lady, the doctor lady, and John. And of course we (and probably his friends) suspect Bobby is in love with John and probably doing all this shit because he's suffering from a broken heart. I can't wait to see Johnny's face when he figures it out. But Bobby still deserved the female tongue lashing and the vomiting. I could see that coming a mile away. Of course, we still want to see those stupid students taught a lesson about respect etc. And I wonder how those two fighting students will be punished.

Sigh, why do you always stop your short stories right at the best moment, leaving us craving more...

Review Redo I'm with spikey here, I don't blame Cory for running back home the way he did. But it worries me that he's hiding from his friends and brothers and not eating. There are some clear signs of depression here. It was interesting to see how Efrain's natural reaction of anger-after-relief got washed away immediately by Cory's broken voice. He really knows his boyfriend well, and his protective instincts kicks in at once. Hopefully, Cory will get better soon after several bouts of sexual therapy, a rabid terrier attack telling him his friends have his back, and some cutting Iceman comments about guilt trips. Not that I'm surprised Keenan and Preston feel guilty now about having put pressure on Cory to come out to his family. But it shows Cory wasn't the only one to get if wrong how his parents would react, after all Keenan knows them too. I hope this more or less covers what I wrote before. Uhm wait, I think there was something about Efrain asking his parents to visit to tell Cory he's part of the Garza clan now, so he has a (new) family who loves him and accepts him unconditionally.

I did worry a bit about Barry and Dave being in a place where photos are being taken for the media, so I was glad to see Barry hiding a bit. The flight was cool including the explanation to his friends and their reaction. I can totally relate to Ryan, I would hate to be the center of attention like this.

Lots of Healing here both physical and mental Every word, look and touch soothed hurts and bad memories, brought them closer and affirmed their bond. Of course there are still many things to discuss and puzzles to solve (like where is the crazy hunter's car), but at least they'll it face together. They'll have a date in bed every night from now on, sleeping together and more... But they also have dates with whatever Fate has in store for them, including the hunter's nephew and any other members of his clan of haters. LOL I could easily imagine Adelin giving Tobyn accusingly sad looks while Tilly put him through the wringer, and I'm sure Miss Sybil and Elinor roasted him over slow fires. I almost feel sorry for him. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the pack when they return. I bet they'll be very relieved to have their healer back. I hope Sybil has made sure there will be no grumbling about same-sex earth mates - and this will benefit Dane and Mace too.

Interesting that Pierre was so worried and protective of Corey, put his issues with trust in a much more serious light. Corey definitely needs someone to take care of him and Jason seems more than happy to fill the role. I think this holiday will be good for both of them, and also for the friendship of the whole group. I also look forward to Jason taking Corey home to his parents.

Damn it, Corey! You're lucky Jase called you on that stunt and that it happened at his house, or he might have turned around and left. Although, I guess he would never do that without confronting Corey about what he's doing. I couldn't believe Corey would lie about them when asked directly. Therapy is a good idea, and Jase gave his lover the proper award for that decision as well as for calling his mom back and telling her about them being together. I'm glad the chapter ended with them finally saying the L word, it's about time.

Reading this poem I almost wondered if Michael wrote it. Somehow, I can imagine him cradling you when you are in pain; caring and desperate for you to be there for him always, and yet suffering that small pin prick of doubt: 'am I being selfish?' And then I thought it could to a lesser degree be about many of us, your friends, since we wish for your presence in our lives so much that we resent the pain and sadness which sometimes makes you falter and retreat to regroup. Yet, even if somewhat selfish, the well-wishing for you is genuine, and I for one am grateful you (and we) have Michael to be the caretaker of this wonderful person who is my namesake.

I couldn't agree more.