Timothy M.

First Rule: Never annoy the Mistress ! Second Rule: Apologize - and be ready for a spanking (mental or otherwise).

Ahh, that's right, but in this case I was thinking of Mark being silent, so that's why I used the Danish phrase.

Okayyy, so the hot as fuck shower scene is the obvious climax, but actually my favorite part is Preston bursting in on Cory and his roommates and friend and telling them about the Indie incident. I laughed till I cried.

Along comes Indie and who could have guess he would become another awesome addition to this story. I guess Cory learned the hard way not to insist on saying he's bi every fucking time. There's a time and place for everything. Plus he didn't catch on to the very important thing Indie was saying about a gay team mate.

So I guess this could also be called Garza and Card having a few clashes, only Cory doesn't actually catch on to the fact Efrain is pissed off. I didn't get the Column A Column B remark until later, either.

You know, it's almost like we got three chapters in one: Leaving home, arriving at college, and the Preston incident. Cory is great, love his humor, but Preston has him beat: 'the mass accumulation of every brotastic dumb jock'. After than, I knew he would become a favorite.

After having read the subsequent chapters, this prologue is even funnier.

I can see this is another story where I'll have the pleasure of commenting on your brilliant titles as well as the story itself. Treading Water is of course perfect for a story which starts out with two men who have been just surviving for the past year (or perhaps longer in the case of Jared?). Treading water but not getting anywhere, just trying to keep from going under. Apparently, Jared kept Craig from succumbing to depression, so it's natural Craig want to help him in return. But from that kiss we all know what Jared needs, and the question they and we ask ourselves is; Is Craig ready for that? Oh and the chapter title Murky Depths is perfect too. Carly's soul is full of it, drowning her sense and heart and proper behavior - although from their mother's reaction that bitter woman has never had either. OK, of course it's difficult to realize your husband is in love with your brother, particularly when you have always felt you stood in his shadow and everyone likes him better. But perhaps she should ask herself whether she is the cause of people not liking her - even her own mother doesn't seem particularly fond of her right now. But I guess Murky Depths also describes what Craig is feeling. The threat of depression, the loss of Harlan, the secret Jared has been hiding, the unexpected hatred of his sister rising up and him being unable to see the reasons why. Let's hope the next chapters will bring some clarity and understanding. Another fabulous start gripping us by the balls or whatever and squeezing, hard.

Whew, thanks tim, I'm relieved you like it. And to be honest the first two or three chapter are probably the worst, so if you like this one, the chances are you'll like the rest. Gaydar, lol, no I don't have that either, but then I'm not terribly good at figuring out people altogether.

We have an expression in Danish: Stilhed for stormen. It means the silence or quiet before the storm (hits). The last couple of chapters were fairly drama free and things got sorted out, but I'm dreading the next chapter. Will it be a tsunami sneaking up on us and suddenly becoming a wall of disaster? (or maybe I shouldn't eat heavy foods before sleeping... )

I'm glad you got the chapter sorted out. Although, I must admit the story has taken an unexpected turn.

I would have liked to find out whether his new understanding of things ever got back to his brother. I really hated the fate of the twin sisters, what a terrible waste.

Joel is so innocent and oblivious. Good thing Peter is clever and observant and that Joel tells him everything. Poor Sam, now we know part of why he was struggling in college. Phillip should be good for him (as a father) and I bet he enjoys have the house full of fun young guys. I hope the circle of friends will expand and include someone for Sam. But knowing you it should.

Yes, that's exactly right, Russ is growing into a better brother and boyfriend, and the best thing is it makes him happier too. Writing the twins together is the best, usually fun but sometimes sad. About the horny? Ya ain't seen nothing yet.

LOL, tim, I can imagine your nephew's face but kudos to you for giving him the advice he needed. Just another example of your thoughtful, caring personality. Russ always had Evan to turn to - and the other way round, but they haven't really had the chance of that for a while. Will they make it to the wedding? I assume you mean with waiting for full-on sex. I really want to answer but Keep on reading though. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter too.

My main thought while reading this was how much more a man you are than DD. A better, kinder man for giving him the chance of reconciliation. A stronger man for surviving things he could never have coped with. A more loving and lovable man as witnessed by the words and acts of you and your real family (in which I include your brother and step-mother, and of course your mum most of all). They appreciate you for who you are, as do we. A more honest and upright man for telling the truth and being able to deal with it. A braver man - by far, because his acts show him as a bully who is scared of owning up to his mistakes and become a proper human being. I want to hope for your sake that three years in jail will make a different man out of DD, but if not then I hope you will tell yourself that you gave him every chance (more than he ever did for you) and you owe him nothing. He's made his bed and now he must lie in it. Feel no guilt nor regrets (or as little as possible), but look at your husband and tell him you love him and appreciate the family he has given you.

what I admire most about this, apart from Paul being there for you, is the fact that you kicked the drug habit and got your life together and moved on. You did that before you met Michael, and you did it for yourself. That, my friend, takes amazing strength and courage.

I remember reading this a while ago and not being able to say anything coherent. You mum was right, tim, You are strong and amazing and unique, and we're lucky to know you.

somehow i feel more anger towards those cops who couldn't see what Jeff saw, a runaway kid who needed help. Why did they not notice or care that a boy got picked up right in front of their noses? Shameful. Jeff knew no other way to help than to teach the way he survived himself, awful as it might be. and in the end you survived, tim, not unharmed or unscarred, but you made it. and you finally found a cop who could see the worth and need and beauty in you and can appreciate the love you are capable of. Give Michael a hug from me and tell him he's what I always thought policemen would be about.

Isabella saw another book lover, We recognize each other no matter what. Books have always been my escape, comfort and joy too, and I can appreciate your determination to get hold of them. I'm glad you had someone who understood that need.

Yikes, awkward isn't word enough to describe the MJ encounter, but I loved that Peter called Wade his boyfriend. And Wade topping Peter was aweome and fucking sexy as Hell. Those boys rock.

There was mention of Marine Corps in two out of the three prompts.

Thanks, buddy, I'm glad you approve of the tease. I hope the next chapter delivers. Yeah Tony and Maria are great friends for Eric - and now Nelson too. The copy cat thing had me smiling when I wrote it, so I'm delighted it made you laugh.

Thanks LL, I'm glad to get another review, and you have a good point. I hadn't thought about it, but it's true that Eric and Nelson are being quite relaxed and matter-of-fact about being a couple. I wanted them to have a good experience with their peers in the drama group, but this was a bonus. Thanks for pointing it out. The scene with Maria and Tony was a sudden inspiration and turned out to work well IMO, so I'm thrilled to get good response on that. And I'm delighted you like Nelson, he doesn't have as many fans as the others. You'll enjoy the next chapter.

I already have that, but I still don't like to give my 'public' email out to all and sundry. Yeah, I'm weird, I know that.