Timothy M.

Three very different stories from the same prompt.

OK, I'll accept that Sean was charming at first and that Tait ignored all the warnings. And Phil was (and is) an idiot not to tell Taif of his feelings. So please, no more 'happy' memories of that creep, I want to see Tait progress from where he is now. I think he was doing very well and sensibly in what he was saying to himself.

Yeah, so Diving In was a great title for this chapter, since that's what they did. Not only with the sex (which was ) but also with declaring their love and commitment and need for each other. Absolutely perfect But the chapter note had me and may perhaps have contributed to the of your readers at the extent of the plunge Craig and Jared took. Testing the water is probably a tiny bit understated - although if this is the test, then I can't wait to see the real thing. Maybe something in the lines of testing, tasting and drinking would have prepared us, or how about hints of fountains or geysers? Nah, just kidding, I loved that your guys took everyone by surprise.

I loved how the title of the Treading Water was echoed in the chapter note and in Jared's comment about how he has been doing it for so long and barely kept his head above water. He goes on to echo the title of this chapter (Touching Bottom) by telling Craig his help has made all the difference. We can feel the relief in both men as they acknowledge the truth: that their mutual love is the rock they can stand on, and no storm or tsunami or other calamity will rip them apart anymore. Of course, we also share in the at Craig's unintended joke about being Jared's bottom. That was a wonderful moment, which has me chuckling everytime I think of it. And the nest building was - as was Jared's proclamation at the end. But you know that already. Well done, Batman. from your Robin.

You have good instincts too, Reader, and most of your predictions will probably come true - with a bit of There will be more on the families at both sides in future chapters, I hope you'll be mostly pleased. btw Peter didn't mind changing that part of his plan, lol. Thanks for reading and reviewing, it means a lot to me to get this feedback.

Hmm, Mike and the coach seem to have labeled Casey as 'one of them' - is that wishful thinking or excellent gaydar? I'm not too keen on them, either. I expect Rodney and Curtis to pester Casey with being gay from his association with Mike, to which there is only one possible answer: "I can see why you'd think that. After all, you associate with each other and you're both idiots and jerks, same as your other friends. But you know, stupidity and hate really is catching as opposed to being gay." Well done on having Casey make the lunch mistake with Lane, he was almost being too saintly in relation to the boy, but this put him back in the fallible human box. And I loved his reaction to Mike's unthinking name-calling, we all know where that ugly word comes from, Lane's nasty brothers. I look forward to Casey shaming their parents for not curbing their horrid attitude to Lane - but then I guess they're not doing so well themselves, what with the Skipper nickname and not knowing about Lane being molested.

I wonder what Oscar explained to Toph, was it about Steve? It didn't sem to help with the broken heart. I wonder why Toph is suddenly growing, did he have problems eating when living with his parents? I hope he gains some weight too, although I guess we don't know if he was underweight before. I wonder why Steve suddeny gave up on Toph, was it really because he wouldn't introduce him to his family? I was quite with Steve for forcing Toph to say he would do it, and I was relieved, when Toph refused to go at the last minute. I wonder if we will ever know what happened? I wonder if Gary fully understands how badly he behaved and whether he thinks he'll catch Toph eventually if he waits long enough and keeps close. Perhaps Toph has a lot to learn, but so does Mr England junior. If he starts talking about Toph going to his sister's wedding, I'm gonna have a fit. (don't say I didn't warn you, lol) I hope Toph will tell Gary where to stuff his stupid interfering.

I bet you're not surprised about this one: A lot of your characters seem to be driven more by their emotions or feelings than rational or calculated thinking. Are you the same way, or do you have fun letting your characters act in ways you wouldn't?

Awww, right back at you. You're spot on, Drewbear, Peter had it all planned, but he didn't count on falling in love and gaining a partner and a home and a second dad for Michael. I love the trust you have in the story, all I can say is you have good instincts. Thank you for reading and reviewing, I hope you feel better.

Thanks, LL, I'm glad Peter's plans made you happy. I felt a bit smug when people worried about this after the last chapter, since I knew what was coming. But you're quite right about the importance of avoiding that hassle. I love that you can see the importance of Patrick gaining a family which is quite different from his own relatives. Same for your comment about understanding his tears.

Aww, thanks, buddy. I don't mind waiting for your reviews, they're always worth it. I'm glad the talk they had came across as real, dialogue is the hardest part for me to write. Their hearts may have a perfect connection, but they still have lots to work out. This was an attempt to begin that jourbey. Yeah, Patrick's gift comes in handy here, but you have to remember the price he's paid for having it: being lonely and without close friends for most of his life. More on that later. There will be the occasional chapter without Michael present.

Thanks, Def, I love that you get the reasons behind the emotional outburst. Sometimes tears of joy and sorrow can be mixed, but simply letting go of emotions that's been bottled up, may help deal with them, particularly when you have someone to share your feelings with. Both men need that in, fact. I'm many of you are looking forward to meeting the aunt. You'll have to wait a couple of chapters though.

Your instincts are excellent, my Swedish friend. Yes, Peter does seem to have a fairly good sense of what's happening, and luckily he's not afraid to blurt out his emotions and thoughts. Tack så mycket för respons.

Thank you, Mike, I'm delighted to make the beginning of your Sunday a good one. I'll go to bed with a smile on my lips from reading your review - as well as the ones before. I don't know how Patrick and Peter came to this point so fast, but it seemed right to me. Perhaps they simply recognized they were made for each other and to deny it would be futile?

Thanks, Bob, you're very kind to say so, I feel hugged. I hope you'll feel the same as each chapter (meal) is served.

Thanks, Caz. Rest assured there will be plenty more of what you liked in this chapter: reassuring discussions and Danish phrases and stuff happening.

Indeed, Patrick tries not to set himself up for disappointment by wanting something he can't have but the double lure of a Vanlentine and a family is too hard to resist. Thanks, buddy, I love getting your insights and thoughts about this story.

Interesting to see all the worry, I thought David2 was doing rather well with his warfare plans and I'm confident he will win and be able to bring David back. I may be too optimistic, and of course there will be a price to pay - and his brother, Twoey and David's friends are already paying some of it.

LOL, dragon, more Vesterhav than channel, but I know what you mean. I want to you for understanding why Patrick was overwhelmed at the idea of getting a nice, accepting family. The loss of his parents and the rejection of his relatives has been a hard burden to bear. The aunt will arrive in chapter 7. As for what happens until then Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Well, finally. I'm glad Lee realized Marshall was right all along and put his foot down.

LOL, I think they may wait a little longer with the wedding. But yeah, this was one of the emotional chapters, I'm glad you found it sweet. Thanks, mate.

At least the doctor and Donnelly are sensible. But I guess we'll have to wait for Count Rowland to wake up, before this mess is sorted out. Idiots, all of them, but I can see why they took his silence as defiance.

Thank you again to Renee for featuring the review of Team Building and to all of you for leaving such positive comments about the story and the review. Ted and I were both at all the wonderful feedback.

LOL, I like the idea that Fin is attracting unicorns and nightmares who are meant for each other. I look forward to Sy and Quin working it out themselves.

I think Sam made the right decision. He needs a clean break and perhaps Jason might grow up after Sam's gone. Even without saying most of it directly, you clearly showed what was wrong with their relationship. Jason lacked trust, was jealous, insecure, temperamental in the bad way, selfish and didn't appreciate Sam's love or their relationship.