Timothy M.

Thanks Bucket, I'm glad you think Russ has grown during the story, since this is the main theme of CC. And yes, I agree this chapter was pivotal, because it gave Russ a new insight in his twin and their relationship. It should get better and stronger from now on.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one being a spelling and grammar fanatic. And you realize that headline Blast from the Past was especially funny on October 21st 2015, right ?

Thank you so much, Drew. I love that you took the exact journey I meant for my readers to embark on together with Russell. And even more that your 'heart went out to Russell' since this is what I hoped to achieve. Your review was the perfect cap to all the great comments for this chapter.

Thanks Gary, I'm glad someone liked the mold joke. Yes indeed the twin connection is strong and amazing, and I think you're right about Evan suffering as much or even more from Russell withdrawing from the world due to his illness. As I said to Isaac it was a hard but necessary realization for Russ: Evan needs him - and can you imagine what would have happened, if Evan hadn't had Chris in his life... But then I guess the initial event which set the avalanche rolling, might not have taken place. I'm sure Jacob agrees with you completely and is looking forward to being alone with Russell once more.

Oh the what ifs possibilities are endless. But it's no good dwelling on them, and you're right in saying things have finally turned out for the best. At least when it comes to romance. Yeah, traveling is a good way to broaden your Horizons. LOL, I loved that last prediction. You may well be right.

Thanks Isaac, for pointing to a crucial part of this chapter. Evan did indeed need Russ as much as the other way round, and this was a lesson Russell had to learn. A harsh one, perhaps, and now he has to move beyond it, so he does not wallow in regrets and guilt, but focus on doing better in the future. He may need Jacob's help with that, too. And yes the weight loss was the physical evidence of Evan being lost without Russ in his life. Heaven help yep, those poor guys are not gonna know what hit them, and I doubt they'll have much chance of refusing.

Hey dragon, welcome to CC and thank you so much for leaving a review. It's great to know how the story makes my readers feel, particularly when it's as nice as this. Regrouping was a brilliant word to describe what's going on; I wish I had thought of it. Hmm, I may use it for a later chapter, if that's OK. I'm pleased you think all the events are moving Russell along to where he needs to be, because that is one of my goals. All the steps, sad, happy, painful, strong, they are meant to help him become the man he has the potential to be. And yes you're right, there may be a few more stumbling blocks on the road.

Thank you CG, I'm almost proud I make you cry a little, because that means I managed to convey the pain Russell was feeling. Yes, he hurt Evan, perhaps not so much because Evan didn't get to wait (which would have been almost impossible) but because Russ simply dismissed the idea. It was a sign of him ignoring Evan's needs, but that will not happen again, as you so rightly pointed out. I'm happy Jacob and Chris are growing on you, I do believe they have potential to become fast friends. As for the sharing a house, we'll have to see.

Thanks avid, I'm grateful you haven't given up on me. Yes, lets keep our hopes up that at least some of Russell's relatives are nice. Writing twin interactions is actually the fun part, and something I look forward to. Glad you enjoy it.

Perfect, just perfect. What else can I say...

The best laid plans of mice and men... Oh Merrick may have plans, but did anyone notice Jenson is being sent away on a month long job in two weeks time. So Merrick has better move fast, or Jenson will slip out of his grasp once more. But of course we all hope Jenson will realize he is meant to be in Merrick's arms. Disciplined, hmm. I like the idea.

The afternoon was getting hotter, so Evan, Chris and I changed into shorts. I was glad Jacob had reminded me to bring mine. We all helped clearing the table and carrying things into the kitchen. Benedicte and Kristin stayed there, chatting about girly stuff while they loaded the dishwasher and put away the cakes. Evan and Chris decided to take a walk along the beach. I think they needed to talk and perhaps cuddle for a while. Jens moved one of the patio recliners into the shade of a tree and pro

Welcome to the CC story, Cynus, I'm happy you took the plunge, and I hope you'll keep reading. As I've said to others, please visit the story forum to get more info and a look at the places they visited. But beware of spoilers if you progress too far in the forum. I'm eager to know what you think of the story development, particularly since you can probably relate to the issues of religion and non-acceptance, and also to the journey towards self-esteem and understanding. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

I was all smug and yelling 'Ha I knew it!' after reading this chapter. Of course, Nate would end up living with M&K and going to school with Bodie. But I must admit I was surprised and impressed at Mark's determination to go all out in order to salvage his relationship with his son and keep his Family intact. That took guts and I now know why Megan married Mark in the first place. He is basically a good guy, and I guess that's why his reaction to Nate being gay was so devastating in the first place. Moving to Ontario and settling close to Mike and Colleen and M&K was a clever decision, but also the one that is hardest on Mark. He'll be on probation and under constant scrutiny to see if he measures up. I wonder if he sees it as both a fit punishment for his actions and a way of being kept on his best behavior. Did you chose the title Redraw and the description 'back in the game' to illustrate Mark's suggestions for a solution to the problem he created? Or was it an allusion to the end of the chapter, where Kendall drew a new card from the pile and surprised everyone? I'm sure they have no idea what they've gotten into with this game of being stand-in dads for a teenage boy, but I have no doubt they are fully capable. For Nate it's the best possible outcome of this mess.

Well, the best thing about modern hotel doors is they are automatically locked from the outside unless you have a key card. But you have a good point, Rob's 18 so he can easily get them a hotel room, and if he tells the parents he'll pick the boys up, they won't worry. Much... Let's see whether Eric is desperate enough to ask Rob. The pillow was my spontaneous reaction to your beta comment on Rob's cuddle teasing: 'If I were Eric this would raise my blood pressure! Rob!! Lol.' I thought 'he's right, what would I do?' So I'm delighted you like it.

Damn, if Jenson has blue eyes, the brown-eyed guy can't be his twin brother. There goes my theory down the drain. And for a moment I thought Merrick and Jenson were going to connect (hot !), but no. I wonder if this is why Merrick had one of those Heltarians as a lover, because it reminds him of his perhaps only entanglement with Jenson. Great chapter, LL. I enjoy getting to know Merrick and Jenson.

Thanks, eagle-eyes. Pushy with a big Heart describes Rob perfectly for this chapter, as several people noted. I liked the idea of chess pawns, because Rob needs to learn that he's dealing with real people with feelings when he tries to 'manipulate' them - even when it's for their own good. Rob ususally has great instincts about what Eric needs and wants, but asking first is still a damn good idea. Particularly as they are both becoming adults who should have a more equal relationship as brothers and friends.

Ha, ha, LL, I like the way you think. You may be right about Rob being interested, but it could also be he has found a new way of teasing his brother. Yes, some people simply do not like to be the center of attention. I'm channeling myself here, and while Rob might find this idea hard to grasp, I'm sure he'll do his best to respect Eric's wishes. We'll keep our fingers crossed for them having a great time at the prom - and afterwards.

Thanks CG, I love knowing you thought it's cool. I agree with your conclusion about the Prom (see my reply to Drew). About the college: funny you should say that, my avid researcher friend, because AC encouraged me to look into what form of GSA if any was present at US universities / colleges, so now I have a major task ahead of me. You may get several PMs on the subject. After I've dealt with the twins...

Thank you, Drewboy, I'm you enjoyed it. Yes, Rob did his best to reassure Eric about the Prom, and together with Eric's determination to fulfill all Nelson's dreams, I'm sure he'll forget his worries. After all, he's proud and happy to be boyfriends with Nel.

Thanks Gary, I'm proud you think I'm doing well with the Brotherly Thing, it's a fun challenge. Yes, for once Rob was being pushy in a mostly useful way, lol. I think he views Eric and Nelson as sort of 'his (pet) project' and he wants to make sure it's a success. But as long as he respects their limits, it'll be OK.

Tillykke med fødselsdagen waves Danish birthday flags at you

Yep, that worked, thanks. Loved the story.

Ohh, I liked this one a lot. I love characters who face adversity with determination and get their rewards in the end. This story is about Held i uheld as we say in Danish - I suppose the similar saying in English is the one about the silver lining? Brice is the hot silver lining here.

“So, tell me all the details.” Eric sighed and wished he didn’t love his brother too much to strangle him. After they had said goodbye to Nelson, his parents and Jasper, Rob had more or less dragged Eric upstairs, saying ‘we need to talk.’ Once they got to Eric’s room, Rob had back-flopped on the end of the bed as usual, and demanded to be updated. “Rob, even though you’re welcome to take credit for getting Nelson and me together – and I admit being grateful, even if I don’t approve of