Ron

Some tough imagery and you certainly were not easy on your character. One might actually see a silver lining in the aftermath of what Carver relived during his phone conversation though. Perhaps after the initial reminder of his condition before the accident has faded, the out of body experience will have allowed him to realize the triumphs he has made in his recovery, after seeing the wreckage and then himself so damaged, from the different perspective. Quite a powerful short story, Aaron.

Hello, Astro. You're absolutely right. There are some amazing stories with some equally amazing characters to read and discover. The community is one of the great aspects of GA and one that I greatly appreciate as you do. Glad to have you with us.

"Should I call an exorcist?" That, was extremely funny! I laughed and laughed, even before the further explanation of the movie connection. Picturing Derek as the devil and Reagan as some minor twink demon held back by the collar, by Eli, was funny enough, but then you throw in the Exorcist. Perfect!

Boundaries man, it's all about boundaries!

I read all of the anthology stories yesterday and 'liked' them all. I have my first impressions and I will be diving back in to give considered reviews as time allows. Thank you to everyone who read mine.

Miscommunication can be a problem, especially in new relationships. We do learn that there is somewhat of a reasoning behind David's behavior later in the story, but the ensuing argument during that scene does clear some things up for both of them. Mann said it well. There is a psychological underlining reason to David's choice in men which has been detrimental in the past for him. With Robert, I think, we are looking at the best possible outcome. Thank you, Lisa, for the review and everything else.

David is as complicated and full of contrast as anyone else. On the one hand, he has a submissive nature and we see that immediately when he backs down from Robert, though Robert thought that he was the one who was going to be dismissed. On the other hand, he sticks up for himself and we see that when he is most likely reading the riot act to his friend Douglas in the bar. Robert has surmised that some of David’s behavior is learned behavior from interactions with other men, and rightly so, even before Douglas specifically states that David has been hurt by men who, as Douglas infers, are like Robert. David doesn’t know Robert yet, he reacts instinctively (learned?) to someone who is more powerful than him, even though he is terribly attracted to him. Douglas - might there be something more than just a friend looking out for another friend, some meaning that his behavior might be telling us that isn’t said outright for the cause of his antagonism? Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, Aditus.

We only know, that Douglas knows about the scars, not anyone else. We also know that Robert mentions only two, and one of those being from David's father. Why then does Douglas use the plural when telling Robert about them? Might it be that he was led or allowed to believe they were both from past boyfriends as he said to Robert? Could David have been too ashamed to correct his friend? Only Douglas attacked and the victim was Robert. Might he have had a different reason than protection for the aggressiveness? Perhaps, territorial even?

WHY? Leaving aside Douglas’s reactions for the moment, David’s other friend’s entire experience with Robert consist of: David’s submissive reaction to the unseen interaction with Robert and whatever Douglas said at the time, the witness of the altercation began by Douglas or at least the aftermath of it, and Douglas’s continued attitude toward Robert. First person POV as you know has limits and I can’t go hopping around telling what others are thinking. Robert says that during get-togethers, David’s friends seemed cautious but made attempts to be social, and that he assumed that David had said something to them. He also goes on to say that he felt uneasy during these events because of the age differences. Might that uneasiness also have colored his perceptions? Now, as to Douglas, do you think that there might be more going on than just his desire to be protective of David? Is there something more, there? Otherwise, the aggressiveness doesn’t play out. So yes, I was hinting at something with this particular friend. I don’t find a need for everything to be linear but I understand that some require it. It was my hope that the descriptive (flowery) narrative, somewhat—theatrical scenes and a bit of over-the-top dialogue would mix decently well. I hope that you will find something more to your liking during my journey to become the best writer that I can be. Thank you for reading and reviewing, Cia.

Robert describes David as alive, excited and vibrant and these are the qualities that initially attract him. He is additionally attracted to the contrast between David's submissive nature and willingness to stick up for himself. Jaded doesn't apply to David as much as it could to Robert. As you say, he is an imposing presence. and he is used to getting his way despite his self-described rough appearance. Ultimately, I think he responds to David's insecurity and need to be loved by someone authoritative because it strikes an essential desire he didn't know he had. Robert wants to be needed.

There was deliberate effort made to let readers come to some conclusions on their own without spelling everything out. You've captured one of the bigger facets well. Thank you for reading and reviewing, Mann.

It is nice to see that I was able to capture some of the elements I was reaching for. Thank you for reading and reviewing, Cole.

Thank you and it is appreciated. You have been wonderfully supportive, Thorn.

Last fall was my first antho and besides someone else set the bar pretty high last year. I'm glad you liked the story and thank you for reading, Joann.

I would like to think the same. Thank you for reading, Suvitar.

Robert, a man who recently turned forty, meets a much younger man in a dive bar and in an unusual way. Not one for romance, never been in love, but he is convinced that there is something different about David. Different enough to want to know him instead of taking him straight home to bed.

One young man stood out from among the group, excited and animated. He threw his hands about as he talked and smiled, and laughed among his friends. I wondered if his liveliness extended into the bedroom. The thought had barely passed through my mind when he turned and surveyed the room. His gaze caught mine and went no further, imprisoning me with an intensity I had never experienced. It acquainted me with the impression that he was rooting around in my head. I attempted to repay the impact, bu

Or chicken!

I remove my former opinions. I was too mesmerized by his behavior to pay attention to the time stamp jumps that Graeme has so smartly pointed out. I couldn't make it through two-minutes, let alone four-and-one-half hours of it, so judgement reserved.

I do love a HEA tale, but I appreciate them equally when I am left to my own thoughts. This is a well crafted story throughout and just ambiguous enough at the end, that it allows for different interpretations. When done well, and the ending is well done, it is a beautiful thing.

Marvelous, and a gem of a tale. I noted how you worked 'Once upon a time' into the story, playful and fun, among the more serious elements. As much as I am aware that you say there was a HEA, and I would like to believe you, the ending of the story seems a great tragedy to me.

Ah, but the one in my grill was also the one on my table, and in my freezer. True, it was an inconvenience, at first, but something good came from the collision; I did not have to go traipsing throughout the woods to beat my father to a first deer kill.

You're wonderful for the review, Slytherin. I'm very happy that you liked my tale. Thanks you.

I suppose that is a good thing. Gainfully employed and busy is important nowadays and a much better option than the B side. Although, I suppose a break here and there might be welcome. I do look forward to your finding the time to pursue 'Case Black' once again.

I love a good sci-fi romp. An another note, and not to get on your case, James, but...