ColumbusGuy

Miles had more options than I did then--I'd have gone for the phone sex because it was safe--I had no 'Jay' to fall back on. Will this version of Miles make the right choice? It is all so new to him, it's going to be tense times ahead.

I admit to total amateur status here--it was my first written phone sex. I tried to put in things I remembered from my experiences, just glad it worked.If it isn't Jay, does Miles have a hard choice ahead?

This is bringing back so many memories for me too--even the bed scene! Only difference was that my mom actually found my 'story' in one of my textbooks--I said it wasn't mine. I wonder if, years later, that helped her ask if I was gay?

Jay is a nice guy--and that makes him somewhat popular--but he is grounded and not one to let it affect him--he doesn't see himself as anything special.

What a time to break! I'm so glad that Darwin has finally stopped fighting his inner desires, but am so worried about what Carl will do. I hope they can save Harry in time. Please hurry up with the next chapter!

A very good chapter, Mark! I loved the party for Brad, and that he had Cam to spend it with--if Brad cn come to grips with the age issue, I think they have a very good chance to be a long-term couple. For the very first time, I have to disagree with part of what Gary wrote. JJ is calculating, yes, but not cold to his family or Alex. He does love them, but is uncomfortable with displays of emotion--which makes sense given his molestation as a young teen. As Will noted, before that, he was happy, and is just getting some of that back--it takes trust to open up to anyone, and he is beginning to get that back thanks to Alex. I agree that he is manipulating Alex, but it is because he wants a real relationship with him rather than the schizophrenic one Wade and Matt had with him. Who in this world doesn't attempt to stack the deck in their favor? JJ is maturing, growing into a person who is more open, but he isn't ready yet to risk letting too many people see that in such a fragile stage--in being with Alex he is consciously or unconsciously changing himself at the same time. Eager for the next developments, Mark!

Thank you so muich Gary. I tried to portray how I felt back then...and I'm grateful that you think I managed it pretty well. Miles is trying to make something happen whereas I didn't have the guts. Onliy in that regard are we different.I'll try not to disappoint you as the story continues.

Like Kitt, I just finished reading this all at once. Damn it Sasha, you've got to stop making me cry! When Jesse left, I felt just like Maxie did...I am so glad they got back together, and that they are both resolving their issues. The other stories you mentioned would be great to read...as well as a sequel for Jesse and Maxie.

Thanks, AC. Miles pretty much has to let other people start things, he isn't assured enough to do it. With two options now, what will he do? We still have the question of whether Kurt knew who he was calling--the answer seems to be yes.Word prompts are the hardest, trying to fit them all in--I have about 20 listed, but getting them to work is nearly impossible since my story is set in April.

Back when access to gay magazines was more difficult, you often had to 'make do'--I did it by writing a few stories...then I found a book store I could get to (not an adult one)--and I'd slip a copy of Stars or Torso into my purchases since I went in alone--just had to make sure no one found them! It took three more years before I had another person to experience intimacy with.

In addition to the normal teen angst over being 'emotional', I wasn't raised with it--my parents tried not to show emotioin, even my mom--and the only time I ever saw my dad cry was when his oldest brother died.I had two phone calls happen that way...being alone with a disembodied voice provided a security which meant I could respond--impossible for me in the flesh, so to speak.

What a great chapter, pm! I am so glad that Scott and Jay are starting their adventure together! Now we just have to figure out Devon's problem--does he remember? Does he drink to hide away from some inner confusion? Sure sounds like he's more than a little interested in Jay.

When you get hit by the prompt bug, Tim, it really hits! I'm far from complaining about it--I love all the actors and the well-meaning friends who should really think things through before acting. I feel so sorry for Rob...a man of action with a heart of gold..Why can't more sport types be as thoughtful and supportive of their brothers? I'm looking forward to the insights and drama to come in the next chapter--what will Rob do next?!

Excellent as usual Tim! In a way I feel sorry for Eric, but Carlos has a good point. Thank the gods I was blessed with older sisters, who all moved out before I hit high school!!

I just discovered this story today, and I've enjoyed it a lot--just wish the chapters were longer. You captured Jake's essence perfectly! Can't wait for the next chapter!

Miles' self-esteem is pretty fragile as we'll find out. For a boy trying to figure things out, it doesn't take much to tip you one way or the other.Actually, I loved Old Spice then, and still do now--just read an article on old aftershaves, and that was one in it. I began using what my dad used..except for the Brylcreem. Closest I ever got to something like that was a one-time purchase of 'Dippity-Do' an early styling gel-blue-green and bubbly.

Saturday's date might be a big deal for them...I'm hoping they are beginning to feel comfortable enough to talk about what they have going...Miles is difficult to get open, but he's started...and Jay? Does he think it needs to be said, or is it obvious?

POV: Jay I’m going to give him a piece of my mind! I kept telling myself that, but every time I looked at Mikey, I couldn’t do it; I couldn’t add to the hurt I’d already caused him even if it had been unwittingly. With my arm around his shoulders, I led him gently past the end of the giant car, stopping to look inside as we got to the open driver’s door. I saw a bottle of pills lying on the seat, and my right hand clenched into a fist as it held my soaked and dirty shirt. My left arm

I think perhaps Jay thought he'd be late if he stopped to call...and he didn't realize he was going to be late no matter what until it was--too late. Linda is so self-centered that I wonder if she even remembers what she said...or even cares. I'd say she views it as a bit of teasing to her baby brother. Next chapter is nearly done--writing it now. It will be up in a couple hours.

A wonderful chapter James! I hope we get to see Siggi become less tormented, and wish that he and Dmitri could become the partners I think they both want to be. I am also grateful for Arnar's presence when Siggi really needed im at the rehearsal. Can't wait for the next one, even though I know it's unavoidable.

A fun chapter Mark! I was seriously concerned about the 'arrest' right up until they took off their clothes--and what a nice way for Brad to begin to feel he is actually still attractive since the sex was free. I hope JJ will see everyone being at his competition as the gesture of caring it is...he's had problems with feeling ignored for so long. I really hope the others do make an effort to include him from now on. As for Mr. Parnell--he is toast one way or another whatever his plans may be...but I am concerned that JP is not the right person to investigate him--he has a record of hesitating too long where the family is concerned, despite having ample proof that Brian was evil. I'd much rather have Brad do it--I think since this involves Zach, he'd include Will, who can temper his immediate reactions with own ideas. The question is: how far will Mark let Parnell go before he gets smacked? And therein lies the suspense and mystery he does so well. The usual anxiety attack until the next time, Mark!

For a while I was into model rockets--went with my sci-fi addiction--actual rocket kits from a company called Estes with real eengines you got to work via electric ignition from a battery. With luck, you could find them once they came down and re-use them!

I didn't have a microscope, but used one in school...but I loved my chemistry set--so many fun things to do! I grew some crystals and made a 'volcano' erupt...and lots of smells! Wood shop was a let down to me--I didn't get any real interest until about 30 when I bought my current house--a 1908 foursquare with almost entirely original interiors. Then, I built my own kitchen cabinets using the original doors I found in the garage!

Hm, not heard of those Irri, but then my cat doesn't do toys. Those fuse things look a lot like the things we used to bake in the oven--now called Shrinky Dinks? Did kids get dumber in the last 4o years or is it because parents don't communicate with kids these days--I had dangerous toys by todays standards, and never hurt myself with them--now anything remotely dangerous is illegal. My worst injury as a kid was having the front wheel come off my bike going down a steep hill, and going over the handlebars on my face and hands, picked up lots of gravel in my hands from that, but a session with tweezers and mercurochrome and iodine fixed that.

Rustle, you told Fairview so well that it moved me greatly--I am glad to hear that it was fiction--but my reaction was still cathartic for me. There is a color picture of me in my gallery now taken in 6th grade--geeky glasses and all--and propr 70s fashion being bright orange with huge double-breasted buttons--I wore that shirt until I outgrew it--thankfully the platform shoes were discarded first--they were hell on ankles! I''ve been dressing more sensibly since then, but that was 'in' back then. Ignore the one of me taken when I was 7 in a dress--my older sisters ganged up on me!