Timothy M.

So I'm officially hooked and will jump into the nest with the other hungry birds. I hope we'll be getting more memories of Merrick seen through Jenson's eyes, as a way of understanding the bond developing between them before Merrick grew up. I liked both of them instantly, and for some reason I think Merrick's mom was worried about something more than her son's loneliness. I bet Jenson insists on seeing Merrick as a boy forever (there's the age difference too, if vampires are long-lived as per tradition), and Merrick will do his best to convince Jenson otherwise. Should make for some interesting confrontations and discussions.

Well, perhaps the parents were on their best behavior too, since they may have wanted to impress their sons' future in-laws? But yet they are perhaps too ideal, but I like to think I would react like them if I had a son who was gay. I don't want to imagine having a son like Rob. though - even as an older brother I'm not sure I could have coped. Did you perhaps want to design more Team Rob T-shirts?

Glad you found the description apt. And considering the cliffies we suffered in RRS, I'm sort delighted to pay you back a little. But don't worry, it's nothing bad, so take the poor dogs for a walk.

Wow, when you said you were going to catch up on Sunday, you really meant it! I'm completely distracted from the work I should be doing, including editing three chapters for JAR. But I'm glad you find the interaction believable, because you write great romance yourself. So thanks for the reviews and the compliments.

Why not indeed? Jasper has been best friend to an out guy for years and Rob's mind is naturally open and tolerant. If more guys were like them, the world would be a better place. (But it's also AC's doing, because every time I let Rob and Jazz step over the line by mistake, I get flayed - kindly, but insistingly, lol.)

Thanks Aditus. I'm having to read the chapters as you review just to make sure I know where we are in the story, and it's fun to revisit those scenes. Glad you liked it for more than the hotness.

LOL, yes, Rob is a bit much at times, so Eric being annoyed with him now and then is quite fair. And you're not allowed to complain about the cliff hanger, when you can go straight on to the next chapters.

I think it's unfair to throw Gathan in Stef's face. As I recall it Gathan had some major anger issues messing him up when having sex, and being with Stef resolved them. It was one of the highlights of Poor Man's Son for me, because we got to see Stef's ability to heal a man's vulnerable mind/body through his exceptional sexual prowess. At least Will owns up immediately and tries to make amends when he has made a mistake.

Just as I thought I had caught up with the reviews... JK, thanks LL for adding your kind thoughts to all the other great comments. It seems to be unanimous amongst Team Rob and Team Jazz that their friendship is a good idea and meant to last. Rob as a dad - hmm let's hope his kids develop a high tolerance for embarassing situations and foot-in-mouth moments. You may be right, but before Rob gets married and has children, he potentially has another 8-10 years of freedom and fun, not least during college. (I don't even want to think about how many chapters this could fill ) Yes, yes I'm writing as fast as I can. Jeez - feed the hungry birds twice in a week and they immediately want more.

LOl, thank Suvitar, you're so right. When Nelson and Eric mess up, Rob and Jazz are happy to set them right - or at least nudge them along. But hopefully they'll soon know each other well enough to need very little help - although that might make the story boring... And make-up sex is supposed to be great.

Dear Gary, feel free to 'go on' in your reviews, I love every word and clever observation. Your insights about Rob are very helpful, because they show me I have managed to convey my feelings about who he is, and what his potential is. Your point about him being open and accepting of the oppotunities life may present him with, rings very true. Even more so the fact that his family is the cornerstone of his life right now. Rob will do anything to make his dad proud, his mom happy and to protect his brother - but within the limits set by his heart and innate sense of right and wrong. If he embraces the GSA as his 'extended' eamily, I think both he and thery would benefit. Thank you for another thought-provoking review.

Thanks Drew, and never worry about late reviews, they are most welcome. Yes, it's easy to forget Nelson and Eric have been boyfriends for less than a week, having spent so much time in their company. And since neither of them are mindreaders or as outspoken as Rob, there are bound to be misunderstandings. But luckily they have Jasper and Rob to 'nudge' them. I'm all that my readers like the friendship developing between the straight boys as much as the relationship of the love birds. Both are fun to write and I think it keeps the story balanced. I'm glad you're enjoying the story, Drew.

Another great insight from you, Eagle-eyes, thank you. I think you're right about Rob and how his empathy starts out from what he knows, but hopefully as he matures, he'll be able to take a broader view. Leading on a guy or a girl would be no-no, but a mutual agreement with benefits to both parties is another story (most businessmen and politicians like win-win deals). Only sometimes friends with benefits and high school girlfriends end up wanting or expecting more. I expect to devote the next chapter to Eric and Nelson, so you'll get your wish. Hopefully an honest talk and a cuddle will solve the matter. PS to dugh: I meant to say Jazz is as GSA member, lol

Thanks for reviewing, dugh and sorry I'm late replying. Yes, Jazz is a member of the GA, but not a very active one, particularly since he started dating Carolyn. But I have no doubt he (they) will join in college too. You're right about Rob and Jasper developing a closer friendship, as they find out more things they have in common apart from baseball. It was not somethng I had planned from the start (who am I kidding, I had NOTHING planned when I began this story), but as the story has developed it sort of came about naturally. Yes, Eric and Nelson need to work on their new relationship, which means more chapters are needed. Any objections?

OK, maybe I should have made it clearer that JAR asked me to post for him in the topic, because he was traveling. But it's not very important, since all his prompts are related to the MetaVerse, and his readers will find it anyway.

Thanks for the highlight, I'm glad I managed to use a current prompt for once. If you meant to include all the Prompt 448 stories, you missed JAR's usual MetaPrompt chapter: http://www.gayauthors.org/story/johnar/metaprompts/37

Yeah, I'm loving it - and you did include the population explosion Definitely keep going and I want the story from before they met, please. This is going to be a new favorite !

Ohh, sounds interesting. You forgot overpopulation, though. The main probem of mankind: we're too succesful and breed too much.

Aww thanks CG, another wonderful review. I'll have to find a gay redhead for you, because unfortunately Jasper is terminally straight. Now Rob on the other hand... your assessment is very valid, and although Rob is probably 95% straight, there is perhaps leeway for a bit of exploration if the opportunity presents itself. I'm not promising anything, but I won't close the door on the possibility either. Oh and the pressure to date is of course much less in college than in high school, right? I love your rallying cry for Eric and will do my best to get the next chapter on the road soon. But the CC twins are getting pissed with me...

“What did he just say?” “Nothing.” “Come on, bro.” “That’s all he said. I asked him what was wrong, and he said ‘Nothing’ and ran off to the bathroom.” “And you let him?” “Well, I could hardly stop him, if he really needed to go.” “Why didn’t you follow him?” “I don’t know, do you think I should have?” Eric started pacing in front of the door. “Jasper, what do you think?” “If he’s not back soon, I’ll check up on him.” “So you agree something’s wrong?

I love it when my readers are in tune with what I want to convey. Your comments about Rob mirror my purpose and thoughts so well, it's almost uncanny (did you read my mind?). Eric's trepidation is understandable, yes, but what he may be forgetting is that the prom is several weeks in the future, and he may feel differently by then. Nelson knows he has to be patient and understanding, but what your mind and your heart feel can be two diffent matters. More on this in the next chapter. Thanks for a great review, Eagle-eyes.

Thanks CG, I'm guessing Rob can borrow lots of science fiction from Eric, lol. So he only has those books which are personal belongings (gifts). you're spot on about Jasper - and he does have an advantage as Nelson's best friend. More on this in the coming chapter. Your insights on Eric and Nelson are amazing, yes we forget the relative innocence and inexperience of Eric when he takes charge, and in any case he is a lot more confident in familiar (safe) surroundings. Nelson has just gotten the boy of his dreams, he certainly does not want to do anything which might scare Eric (off). But I'm also holding on to the hope of a prom with dances and kisses.

Oh, I'm sure Eric wants to dance with Nelson, but he may not be too keen about everyone staring at them. Perhaps the Drama Club experience can help, since Eric has been on the stage. Or we can hope them being a couple is old news by then or that noone cares, since Trevor took Nelson to the prom last year. Stay tuned for more, lol.

Thanks AC, you'll get the next chapter soon. I like your take on Rob, but we actually don't know how tidy his room is, since Nelson mainly focused on the books. But I have the feeling you are right. Yes, Nelson knows what to expect, and he's looking forward to dance with his boyfriend - assuming Eric still wants to go to the prom...

thanks Victor, I'm glad you're hungry for more. I can't take credit for the chapter title, since the prompt decides that. But I'll take it that you liked the prompt I chose. When you and Drew tell me you understand how Nelson and Eric feels I'm always since you are much closer to their age and situation than I am. I think Eric is justified in worrying, particularly about the prom, even if he has told and shown Nelson he is fine with them being a couple in public. As you say he's only fifteen and has just come out. He has no idea what this entails. Nelson knows and he can understand Eric, but he can't help feeling upset (more on this in ch. 37) and I think it's understandable too. As I said, I'm thrilled you feel the same. Thanks for the review and the picture in the forum