Timothy M.

Hey, this nice Momma spider was quietly minding her hundreds of babies, and the evil giant poked her - perhaps killed her - and all her defenseless little spider kids ran around in terror. Served him right, he should have left Momma alone. (You may be able to tell I'm not scared of spiders - and I love this topic.)

Closing punctuation with ellipses/suspension points: When the person does not resume their thought or speech, you need to indicate that with closing punctuation. “I can’t believe you….” She turned away, one hand pressed against her mouth. To even think her husband had…. I get those two examples, because you end the sentences with a full stop, so that's why it looks like four dots ie .... But in this case you have the comma as punctuation: “You did that because you were….,” she said. so shouldn't it be: “You did that because you were…,” she said. I can see I need to go back and edit all my chapters and make em dashes instead of normal dashes and remove the spaces on either side.

The part that made me laugh was K saying "I can't think when I can see your penis." But I know exactly when he means. Imagining those two hunky men naked and rubbing against each other distracted me so much I forgot to leave a review for this chapter. Plus all the drool made my keyboard slippery, even with the protective cover. I'm almost worried what will happen, when Michael's knee is fully recovered. The title of the chapter was significant, not just because Deuce saw Ace as his Lucky Charm now, but because Michael has been his rock and his talisman all those years. He and his parents kept him afloat, and K survived stronger and more determined than ever. But I like how Michael pointed out that Kendall suffered unfairly due to those closest to him not doing their duty or understanding what K needed. This included Michael, and I agree he has a lot to make up for - but Ace certainly does is best and that's very good indeed.

Marc's paintings are brilliant, I'd love to see the one he'd do for Zach. And JJ's should be interesting too. Nice to see Darius speak up for himself, and it was probably the best present he could give Will.

My guess would be Alex will be more than happy to escape from ME and whatever sprogs she produces in order to spend time with JJ. And I'm sure he'll organize an army of nannies and tutors to counteract her influence, until the children can be sent off to boarding school at age 11. Involvement in the upbringing of their offspring is not a tradition in the British aristocracy - and I'm not expecting much maternal instinct from ME. But using her kids as assets in ongoing strategies for influence and attention sounds about right.

The way people in Britain do their moving from one house to another all on the 1st of the month at 12 noon always had me shaking my head (over here most people try to overlap by at least two weeks or a month). But that this weirdness also applied to a new house was a nasty surprise. How about treating yourself to a nice hotel or pub stay with all meals included in the middle of the week, to make up for it?

I was very impressed no one batted an eyelid at the head office when Kendall came out to them - oh wait, he did that when he put in the paper work two weeks earlier, right? The shifty eyes incident made me laugh, and I don't blame Michael for liking Kendall's reaction. We are often taught jealousy is an ugly, 'wrong' emotion. Sort of like anger, envy, lust and those other 'mortal sins'. But no one can help feeling such emotions at times, particularly kids. If they are continuously told they are bad or naughty for feeling this way (eg for being envious of another kid), it can eventually destroy their self-worth. Rather, one should acknowledge the emotions and the reasons behind (no matter how spurius) and then explain how to counteract it (rationally or spritually) or control it, so you do not act selfishly or hurt others due to your feelings. It is only when they lead to destructive behavior there should be condemnation. Michael felt jealous of Chet earlier and Kendall did the right thing in helping him deal with it. Now Michael does the same in return on a smaller scale, he does not dismiss Kendall's assertion that the weasel guy was oggling Ace, but uses the opportunity to reinforce his love and attraction to his man: I didn’t notice because the only eyes that matter to me are yours. Beautifully done, Gary - and yes, whatever the odds against them, Ace and Deuce will trumph them all. I loved Michael saying he would have won Kendall no matter what, his knee injury only breached the wall his friend had raised a little faster. But we all knew Ace would have convinced the love of his life to listen and accept. No other outcome was possible.

Hmm, maybe this is another cultural difference, but to me Liam's parents are not being fair. If they had discussed the birthday party with Liam at the beginning rather than immediately saying he couldn't go, they would have known all about where the party took place and who were involved. Now when their lack of understanding backfires, they blame and punish Liam, and their choice of action has me shaking my head. No Danish teen would put up with this sort of treatment, and I don't see why they should. In addition, Liam will also be 18 in a couple of month's time, and while they may be justified in demanding he respect their rules while living at home, they need to wake up to the fact their son will not be a minor for much longer and treating him like this might drive him away. They can talk to the Rosewoods about how that feels. If Liam feels or fears the grounding could lose him Neil, he'll take drastic action, just as he did with the party. It paid off, so do they really think, he's gonna accept their silly (unfair)rules and restrictions for long? This includes going to Sydney, Liam will happily drop his own college plans and get a job in order to follow Neil. His parents are being stupid or deliberately ignoring the writing on the wall or maybe they don't know their own son well enough. Another topic they can share with Neil's parents. Who by the way have not come to their senses either, even if they are trying. But at least they no longer have direct influence on Neil's life and they are clever enough to appreciate others taking care of him. At least we can feel happy for Neil and Liam that they have reached some sort of understanding. It will be beyond funny to see the reaction of the other students at school, when they find out Liam and Neil are dating. I have the feeling Clarissa may find plenty of use for her glares and pointed comments to keep attention away from Neil. Poor Paul and Deon, they certainly did get their Hearts badly broken. But at least Deon had a nice time at the party and maybe Clarissa was one of the reasons. I still think they are a potential couple - particularly since she did not flirt with him or look at him as a potential boyfriend right now. More on this in the forum, since I've gone on for long enough here. I just want to finish by saying I found it interesting Paul saw the invitation of Jim for a training session as a ploy. He's right of course, but he hasn't caught on to the real reaon, ie to get a look at Ty. I think we're all hoping the brat will be drafted, but I want them to appreciate Jim too.

Yeah, Linda is partly bossy and partly fussy, a bit more compassion and a dash of kindness to soothe the impatience and she'll probably do well as a wife and mother. But I'd rather see her do a degree and have a career where her sharp mind is used fully. Dennis definitely is in urgent need of a mother, and probably a dad too. I'm not surprised the Beckels sense this and include him in their family as the most natural thing in the world. If the three of them hang out together and preferably with Greg too, it would help Mikey and Jay keep their relationship a secret. Sorry about taking to long to review, I looked forward to this chapter and didn't want to read it before I had time to do it justice. It certainly lived up to my expectations.

Tillykke med fødselsdagen

Tillykke med fødselsdagen from your (at times frustrated) Danish fan.

I can't believe you're caught up either ! I've enjoyed getting your insightful reviews, and they helped push me into writing on the next chapter.Did Evan unleash the monster - or did Jacob ? Very good point about the club and Russ realizing he could be seen as attractive. I'm glad Russ is progressing in your opinion.

Yes they are - fun isn't it ? I'm glad you approve of Chris and his caution, since I find him sensible and clever. Dating a guy almost ten years longer can be difficult and he want Evan to be sure before they commit themselves. Did you somehow read my mind about the night Evan left home ? Evan hates Russ hiding, but on the other hand he does not want to force him and upset him.

You mean I've managed to find a story you haven't read and reviewed already?!

Thanks Val, I'm sure you'll enjoy it and I'm proud the review caught your attention.

Yeah, that's why I want Granger to talk to Lady H. instead. She may be more sensible than Nelson. But of course you're bound by what happened in history, so unless you're making Nelson seem even more infatuated than he really is and then push him the other way via Granger influencing Lady H. there isn't much leeway. Did Hardy get sent home at this point IRL and when did he join Nelson again?

Thanks for commenting on both parts of the chapter, I really wanted to know your thoughts about them. I'm glad the father came across as a 'master manipulator' - it's one thing to say he is Thus, but much harder to show it. I was so relieved my readers thought it worked.LOL, I laughed at the phrase 'indulgent and slightly terrified looks' but you have once again hit bull's eye. The twins apart are a challenge, but together ? Oh my

I'll do my very best to have the mama bears do their bit, if it becomes necessary. And no here, it's simply I haven't gotten this far yet.I simply loved your observation about Russell's life changing moment. I think you're right, it's the moment Russ stepped out of Evan's shadow in his own mind too. Oh, they'll still have the twin bond, but it will be as equals.

Bridge - I loved that title for several reasons and also the chapter description 'Following suit' - you even used it in the text, when Carson's eyes teared up at witnessing Michael and Kendall showing their love. Back to the title: I've wondered when you'd start using Card Game names, and this one is probably one of the easier ones to fit in. And it also made me think of your other story (SaD), since the song Bridge Over Troubled Water immediately came to mind. Because that is what Michael is, isn't it? He is the bridge between Carson and Kendall, helping them connect, spanning the difficult moments, and overcoming the troubles and hurt from the past. He helps Kendall bridge the gap between the bastard of a father he knew for most of his life and the caring dad he sees now. When Carson's revelation of the college money threathens to crumble the foundations of their new father-and-son relationship, Michael enables Kendall to transition from his gut reaction and fear into a healthier understanding of what he feels and why. He's being the bridge between the past and the present, the bridge over the troubled water of the injustice. But it's also Bridge in the sense of the card game, isn't it? Now I've never played this game, but I know it revolves around having a partner who can understand your calls, interpret what you mean to do, and support you in winning from the best of his ability with the cards he holds. And isn't it also about working out from the calls your partner and your opponents make, what is the best way to proceed in order to come up with a winning combination? This is what Ace and Deuce are doing outside the hospital, right? Or am I overinterpreting? Anyway, it was a wonderful chapter including the way it ended with a teasing anticipation of a delightful afternoon. They need that - and so do we - after all of the difficult, emotional drama.

LOL - well he is a teenager, what more can I say? The image you evoked in my mind was that of a champagne bottle being uncorked, and his sexuality isn't the only thing Russ has kept bottled up for years. More on that in the next chapters.Oh and your Q: How long has his self-deprecation been going on? A: Pretty much his whole life. Jacob has a lot of work to do before Russ reaches his full potential, and your comment about his caring nature had me smiling with satisfaction. Spot on, my friend.

Aaaw thanks, I'm glad you took the plunge. I'm thrilled you've enjoyed the story so far, and I'm finally getting started on a new chapter. I keep being distracted by this guy Rob shouting in my ear, and Batman (aka Gary aka Headstall) pouring out chapters to edit, and various other happenings Yeah, this story wouldn't exist without the villain, so you're quite right. I'll do my best to make you hate him without hating me for damaging the twins. Fortunately they have a couple of clever protectors hovering over them.

Yes, Russ is an expert at ignoring uncomfortable stuff, even on his own ! The mind is a curious thing, and I think the only way Russell could cope with various issues, was to bury them deep and avoid thinking about it. More on this later.Anxiety attack is probably the best description of what caused Russ to faint. Can we really blame him for freaking out ? Even if his fears are unfounded. You'll soon find out what Plan B is.

Once again I'm impressed with your ability to point out exactly what I wanted to convey. Yes, they do have some traits which could develop in that direcetion or be explored in role play. But on the other hand Russell will hopefully get more assertive as he gains confidence, and Jacob seems more scared than excited by the idea. Plus you're absolutely right about him being protective. The cafe scene was important and fun, and I'm glad you liked the cryptic proposal. As for your predictions about the twins together I wanted to use the but I guess you deserve to know you're spot on here too.

I felt awkward realizing that Nick had seriously crushed on me for over a year and I was just now putting the dots together. OH really ?! Why on earth would you feel bad about ignoring the hottest guy on campus wanting to be with you for months, while you chased around after unavailable guys? Why would you feel stupid to realize you could have had a funny, intelligent, considerate, adoring, hot-as-hell and brilliant-in-bed boyfriend, if you hadn't let your own securities and the idea you can suss out whether a man is straight or not, interested in you or not, good for you or not, FUCKING BLIND you to the opportunity of a life time. DUH ! How are you any better than PEP (Pete the English Penishead) ? You've flirted with Nick and given him hope, only to be completely oblivious to how he felt / feels about you. AND NOW YOU'RE DOING IT AGAIN !! Fair enough that you will drop Mike for Pete, since MAC (= Mike the Asshat Cadet) did not come out and commit to you. Even though I still think MAC is a hundred times better than PEP - although both of them needs to pull their heads out of their asses. But Corbs, if you start dating Nick, you had better mean it. Or his term for you will be true: “You’re a heartbreaker, Crowley.” And since you know the empty sound of a heart breaking, do you want to be the cause of that ? I don't know if Nick is the right man for you and the other way round, but he's a sweet guy, who does not deserved being fucked around. Being fucked, yes (and boy do I want to see that !) But not having his heart broken, so behave ! OR ELSE Oh and what's with telling Nick your password instead of asking him to look away while you typed it? But I guess it wasn't such a big deal then. I'm not even going to start writing what I think of I-don't-know Pete and his stupid texts and even more stupid talks - or else my laptop might spontaneously combust.

Chapter 44 certainly got (some of) the Will haters and lovers out of the closet. I bet you're loving that, Mark. I wasn't going to review, but I was inspired by some of the comments from other readers. After I posted the review I recalled a very important conversation between Brad and Steph (and JP?) after the shoe/clothes/car wrecking incident of Will running away. As far as I remember, Steph pointed out how Brad's business method of WIN-whatever-the-costs spilled over into his personal life, particularly with regard to his son. With epic disasterous results Steph also tried to teach Brad his own approach which was to create win-win solutions rather than win-lose situations. OK the immediate business gain might be less, but in the long run Steph's method paid off. I can't recall whether Brad ever really understood or agreed or changed his ways. Maybe they need to have the same conversation again in this new context? I mean, we can all understand and sympathize with Brad's pursuit of happiness - his own as well as Marc's, but does it have to come at a cost to his family? If Brad is too embarrassed to emulate Will's behavior regarding Zach, he should at least be able to look at JP and Steph, who most of the time manage to do a great job of balancing their own personal happiness with that of their partner and their family (Steph had a small set-back with the war investments, but he got it sorted - I shall forego mentioning who forced him to, LOL) Anyway, I'll stop rambling, but I would be interested to know if anyone else saw a parallel ? Edit - oops forgot it was Marc and not Mark, spelled it wrong in the review too. but no editing there.