Timothy M.

Well, that was a rather sad start to my weekend, but hopefully things will get better from now on. Although, with Craig's parents looming in the background, I guess there will be plenty of drama in addition to the strain this may place on Alan and Peter's relationship. At least Lisa is awake and coherent, and the nurse heard her say she wanted her brother to look after the kids.

Well, I get the feeling you're lulling us with romance and a nice parental visit (and hints of a hot night), before dropping the axe on us. There were some ominous hints, I think. The obvious one is what kind of friends will Jason meet and will they respect him being in a serious relationship ? And did Corey suggest him going out with friends as a test? But I'm actually more worried about Jason planning to put in an offer for the cottage without telling Corey. Isn't this something they should decide together? I would be pretty pissed if my SO pulled a surprise like that on me, even if he (or she) only spent their own money. But of course, if Jason is a lot richer than Corey, he might not see it that way.

Interesting. I hope they go to Europe at some point.

Ohh, somehow this got lost in the excitement of Carlos becoming a Promising Author. Hopefully, more people will get here after the weekly wrap-up. I like Mikeal for being a thinker, although he does worry too much at times. But it's not because he lets his emotions get the better of him, he simply needs time to process his feelings and fears. And I laughed so hard at this sentence. He's a bit prejudiced, eh? So he might be gay. Fabulous. Oh God, now he was even starting to sound like them.

I skimmed it as fast as possible. Please get on with the saving now. Don't wait till Monday, I can't take another chapter like this.

So where was Marty when Zac needed him? Oh, he's all for pushing this young runner out of the closet and into the arms of a guy, whose life could be ruined if he's outed. But when Zac is harassed and gay-bashed by his former friend (who Zac finally realized was a nasty piece of shit that he had been enabling for years), there is no coach to stand up for him. Well, fuck you, Marty, for being a shitty advisor. I guess Zac is about to find out what kind of people his parents and track team members are. Do they stand up for him and support him, or will they betray him and leave him to his fate? In that case I predict he'll take a completely different door, and I hope they'll all regret their horrible mistake for the rest of their lives. But let's be optimistic - perhaps his parents will tell the school exactly what they think of them letting a student bully and beat up their son and judge him without hearing his side of the situation. (Did you miss my rants? I've tried to be good and leave this story alone, but I finally caved )

Nassau is so deliciously evil, putting the angel in Kiorl's house. I predict the outcome will be epic.

No matter how many times I read this story I always want to applaud when I get to this sentence: "What part of no is beyond your comprehension?" And I always get totally about Mikeal's Dad admonishing him instead of telling his wife to back off. He may be a good father in other ways, but his inability to curb her manipulative ways and give his son the necessary support really makes me mad. But I like Adam for being patient and kind about Mikeal's inability to come out.

Congratulations, Carlos. I'll never forget reading Solcar and trying to think and cry at the same time. Of course, your Santa story had me laughing and drooling at the same time.

Yeah, Home is where the Heart is, so anyhwere Tobyn is will be home for Kellar. But Tobyn did one better: the cabin where he found the man of his heart will be their home away from home. Of course, they could never get rid of Kellar's first real home. I felt so sad at that story and wanted to curse Karen all over again. What kind of parents would do that to a kid? Anyway, Tobyn's reasoning made perfect sense, but he would have told Kellar to keep the cabin no matter what. It's a place Tobyn will cherish forever too, and how many people get to return home to the place they met their true love? Every time they go from the pack to the cabin and back they'll be acting out the title of this chapter: Leaving Home and Finding Home. Denver's story was devastatingly sad, and tied into the chapter title and note too. His heart was no longer with the home filled with the shades of his deceased wife and children, nor was the Vega pack his home any more. He was about to leave the new place he had made for himself, knowing it was not a home either. But Kellar saved him. Brought his earth mate to him and Denver found a new home. It's where his heart is - with Elinor and the Morningstar pack. I think the earth mother kept him in place long enough for him to get the reward for his suffering, and knowing Tobyn helped avenge Osanna was good too, for both of them. Warren is leaving the home which was never a loving one, and though he does not yet know it, he's travelling to where his heart will find its home. Miss Sybil's special sense tells us Adelin will be leaving home with Kellar and Tobyn to meet the man who will hopefully cherish the gift of her heart, and they'll make their home with the pack and help them as earth mates. We know there's a short while to go before Kellar and Tobyn leaves to help other packs, but it's nice to think about them helping even more people find their earth mates. Those shifters will also be Leaving Home and Finding Home. And I agree with Tobyn about Kellar's idea of leaving him behind was very stupid. He needs Tobyn's skills at talking with people, and of course he can't be away from his earth mate. Wonderful chapter, Gary, and I chuckle every time we get the Mr. Bossy and Mr. Right joke. That will never grow old. Reminds me of Ace and Deuce teasing each other with love.

Poor Terry, I think Jae was right about him having a crush on Dave. But I'm glad Jae and David both craved the relationship with each other and that it grew into love. As for the gang of baddies, they can hopefully get together with the Petersons and take them out. An ambush and killing them from afar seems the best bet.

Strength in numbers - that title held several implications for me. Of course, Tobyn and Kellar gave each other support while talking to Elinor about stuff, but I also think Tobyn needs to hear more people validate his execution of the hunter. Of course, having his mom react exactly as Kellar predicted was the most important moment, and once more we saw the power of a mother - like when Tobyn asked her about being gay. Anyway, strength in numbers also applies to the situation with the hunter, shifters cannot go out alone as Elinor pointed out. In addition, the importance of having more earth mate couples is once more brought up, and this points to need for Warren to meet Adelin. Somehow I imagine him being overwhelmed by her immediate attraction and soon becoming very determined to protect the first person who will love him and want him unconditionally. He's never had that, and he's not stupid enough to throw it away. The power of mothers can be negative too, and Karen created the bad Warren. But the earth mother is stronger and her choice of Warren will prove to benefit everyone. Finally, the strength in numbers can also apply to all shifter packs. The more who are visited by Tobyn and Kellar and warned about the hunters, told about the cause of the malaise and helped to find earth mates, the greater chance for a better future, not just for the Morningstar pack, but everyone. Kellar's plan to travel around is clever and necessary and Elinor can see it too. She may be Tobyn's birth mother, but the whole pack are her children and she will do everything in her power to make them thrive. As will the earth mother. Another great chapter, and I also chuckled about Elinor pointing out the need to tell Adelin. But my favorite joke was Tobyn being bossy and Kellar being right. I knew at once, this will be a recurring tease.

I think what I liked most about this chapter apart from them taking the next step and moving in together and being happy and hot together, was the talk about their past. They needed to work through this so they would stop having regrets about not getting together back then. It would be too easy to have sad thoughts about years wasted and hurts which could have been avoided, but I think Jason was right about not being ready until now. And having them both say they can almost be grateful to Luc was a nice closure of that chapter in Jason's life. Oh, and I simply love the perfect blend of playful and romantic moments here.

It was a sweet story in spite of the occasional drama.

You know my mother and her sister can remember the first time they tasted an orange and saw a banana after WWII, and for several years oranges were something associated with Christmas. We rarely have these special treats in our affluent civilisation, although some baked goods and a few fruits are still seasonal, I suppose. I also noticed Lorna being a lot more observant than Bet gives her credit for, both in relation to Lawrie, Mr Singer and Glen's interest. And of course we know she's right about the latter at least. His honest face and eyes shows it time and time again. Bettina is a pretty magnet drawing him in, methinks.

I never questioned Bet's idea of introducing Lowell to her family and Alden in particular. I think she has excellent instincts and as Lowell is a gentleman indeed, she knew he would be a good friend for her beloved uncle, if not more. She may have hopes for them, but her matchmaking is straight forward and kind. She introduces them and makes sure they are aware of the potential connection, and Lowell grabs the opportunity with both hands. Perhaps she also wants to pay Alden back a little for the cowboy surprise. All the potential 'scenes' of this story are actually here as seeds waiting to burst forth in all their glory. As always your tales are wonderful at the first read, but even better the second or third time around, when I see all the hidden gems hinting at the future.

A Blues Singing Cowboy ! And of course Alden would remember such a fine specimen. Are we seeing love at first sight here? Perhaps not, but attraction from both sides is obvious as the reaction of Bettina's father shows. And this time I noticed the hint of his attitude during the terrible singing act too. Nice to know Lowell was the guy ogling the troupe and Alden in particular. I had a hard time muffling my laughter at the visit to the stuck-up store. No surprise the economy went bust with excesses like this. And have we learned? No, spending and wasting resources are as common today as then.

So, I'm finally back to read this amazing tale again. A little early for Christmas this year, perhaps, but that means I can take my time to enjoy the unfolding of the story. I'm not normally a fan of flash backs lke this, but I have to say I was very grateful for the initial train scene the further I read. Oh and I can understand Bet's anger at the treatment of her, but I guess her father was also at fault for not pointing out at once how she was in charge of the business end. Youth and gender are against her then, and somehow I guess it might occur today too. I liked the hints of her casual acceptance of Alden's disposition, and she has a keen eye for those showing the same interest. Now I need to find out what Alden's idea for finding a Santa is, I've quite forgotten.

I'm so impressed with Dylan, his sensibility and courage and honesty. Crispin did well too, especially pointing out his parents' hypocrisy and ignorance. Like Dylan I'm finally comfortable with Todd who obviously cares about his nephew and is a good guy with a few quirks. Oh and I loved the calm way Nate dumped the skank. Telling her exactly what the problem was. She probably won't learn from it, but it did Dylan a lot of good.

If Emm is so smart he should sit down and make a list. He dreams about Jian day and night. He wants to bring Jian home to meet his family. Jian and he have more in common than anyone else he knows, including a love of books, cooking and snow. He puts his parka on Jian so it will carry his scent. Jian is doing mate stuff, like cooking for Emm and giving him a pet name with meaning. He admits to himself Jian is the only thing in Toronto he truly cares about. Apart from all the evidence pointing to them being, if not mates, then at least a much better fit as a couple, Emmet is being completely unfair to Zeke too with this refusal to admit the truth. So much for the smartness part of his Wue name. If Emmett does not break off his relationship with Zeke when he returns, he's not the person I assumed him to be, but a stupid, inconsiderate coward, who doesn't deserve a sweet guy like Jian loving him utterly and selflessly. But of course I know you, Sasha, you'd never let us and Jian suffer like that for too long. Oh, and I loved the glimpse of your Mush! story.

In some ways I can understand Thomas' reaction. If he can't have Shane's love, he'll settle for revenge for all his suffering. It might work if he was only up against Shane and Jason, but hopefully Shane's protector will save the day.

Ohhhh - I want to use this for my Anthology story !

I know I’m being juvenile about everything with him. Really? I'd never have guessed... LOL, that scene in the weight room was priceless. For once I have a bit of sympathy for Bobby, who is probably trying to work up courage to talk to St. John, but it goes completely wrong every time. I had the same sort of reaction to the karaoke bar visit. On one hand it's good that he spends time with friends and have a fun night, but he's not doing himself any good with the drinking, especially so soon after a major concussion.

So last chapter to review, it's been a great journey and you've made us feel part of the Leopard family. I hope Julie, Will and Henry have managed to find some good midfielders to replace Paul and Dave. I'm still chuckling over Henry yelling for Julie in disbelief in the previous chapter. Anyway, it was nice to see the guys reunited and catching up, in typical Leopard fashion with Ty being his usual irrepressible self. I'm quite impressed with Jim agreeing to share accomodations once more, but I think he's willing to do a lot for the brat. Hopefully, there will be space for Tony too. Deon and Kevin's plans to share may tale a little longer to work out, but they have time. It's better to find the perfect place on the first try, than compromising too much. Good to know Ross is doing well and will have his week with Richmond. Hopefully, they'll draft him, when he's matured and developed as a footballer. Fingers crossed for him and Warwick too. Great news about Todd, I think he'll be happy to stay a Leopard for the remains of his career and he'll do well as vice-captain and helping the new players settle in. The ending was a wonderful surprise, Ty when he's best and showing the kind of leadership which he's capable off. It was the perfect lead-up to Jim giving his personal view of what it's like to be gay in a sport with plenty of unthinking homophobia. There should be at least one or two players in the group who could take courage from listening. Thank you once more for this Leopard Trilogy, I'm now a Aussie football fan and a firm Lilydale Leopard supporter.

First of all thank you for making everyone's wish for Jim come true. Sometimes fiction is way better than real life. I particularly liked the way you strung Jim and us along with the whole Ty game. I can totally imagine Ty being delighted at playing this trick on his beloved Dad. He and Patrick have the same kind of humor, viz Paddy's joke to Shane. I also loved all the other ways you wrapped up a lot of the story lines. You've indicated you don't mind me rambling on, and since everyone else seems to have jumped to the epilogue to comment, I feel free to do my best here. Deon: So the way he managed to bring up Sam and Mark in the conversation and his three new teammates were great too. The question about Jim was respectful, and Deon answered well, focusing on Jim being a good guy - not just a good footballer. I'm glad Deon is not forgetting about Clarissa in all the exceitement of being in the AFL and settling in Sydney. He's trying to balance his priorities, but I'm sure the club likes to see their new forward in a stable relationship with a girl who is supportive of his dreams. Dave: This whole section was awesome, the Hawks deserved to get Dave, and it was interesting how the Blues (or at lest Paddy) rated him very highly, and Geelong obviously had him on their list too. It shows he earned his place in the AFL square and fair. His conviction that the clubs would help him deal with his issues was good to see. And btw Roger did well on telling Ross what he needed to know at the time. I'm actually glad the story ended before any trial was due. If you return to the Leopard family later, I think it would be fine if you simply mentioned the outcome in passing. None of us wants to know the details, except for Dave being OK afterwards - or at least able to deal with it and protected from too much media hassle. Oh, and by the way, him and the brat being drafted is the perfect revenge in relation to the cockroach. Apart from slamming him bodily, I'm sure all the Leopards will take great pleasure in slamming him metally too, by rubbing his nose in the fact. Ross: I think he's in a good place now, as he deserves to be. Julie will help him develop as a footballer, and the whole team will give him the support he needs to be comfortable with his new status as a VFL player, who happens to be gay. It was cool of Ty to invite him over, and I hope Ross will take part in the LGBT festival together with Warwick. It won't hurt his AFL chances to be seen with Jim and Ty, since other clubs might wonder if the Blues are watching Ross, trying to do another steal of a hidden talent, lol. Oh, and I liked how Julie tied him into the celebrations, because being welcomed and congratulated by everyone was the best way to wipe away the last vestiges of disappointment over not being drafted. Kevin: He and Daphne are obviously a settled couple now, and I hope for her sake, she gets her wish about Neil, Liam and Clarissa attending her university. Especially Clarissa, as I would love to see her sharp tongue in action towards anyone who tried to bully or harass Daphne. I can so see them going to the ladies' room together and Clarissa ripping mental chunks out of any idiots trying to object. Charlie and the other Leopards: Of course, they are disappointed for themselves, but for the Leopards' sake I'm glad they retain some of the good players too. They will have to up their game to make up for the draft losses. And of course there will be new players too, and with five footballers drafted I bet the coaches will be able to sign some of the best undrafted players. They'll see the Leopards as a great chance of making it to the AFL one day, not just the young guys, but the older ones too. Finally, I was actually wondering whether Ross would come out on radio at the Pride FM. It seemed such a logical and clever way to do it, including them sponsoring him (especially if Jim got drafted), and I'm glad I was right. And no, you don't need to become less predictable, because even though we may guess what will happen, I still enjoy to watch it play out, and it's always in a much better way than I've imagined. So no need to spoil the happy endings to become inscrutable. OK, on to the epilogue now, but thanks again for a great chapter.