ColumbusGuy

What a full range of emotions we have in this chapter, both with the characters, and myself! You sent me from humor (the dog collar scene) to anger at Oli (nearly fucking Stuart) to frustrated happines (the end). And in such a short space too! I'm still hoping that there is a way that the two of them can finally get together in the same form...and sign me up for the Anti-Alexander Volkov League!

Thoughts whirled in and out of Philandros' head for the rest of that day, and indeed, every day for months thereafter as events will relate. As he passed his grandfather's study late in the evening, he almost went in...but was stopped by his own sense of pride and confusion, were he to be completely honest with himself. Seeing the stern old man sitting at his work table, staring blankly at the papers piled before him--eyes glistening with unshed tears Philandros thought--was the final reason he

Another great chapter, Krista! I'm eager to see what comes next, so write hard! Why is it that I don't believe that Jenny has moved on? I think she still wants to replace Clinton. Andy and Keith are still a hoot, and I can't wait to see if Corey's dad shows up as threatened.

What!? You stop the story right at that point? A suspenseful moment, yes--but you can't leave us worrying about Oscar that way for more than a few days! Ideally, I'd like to see the post today or tomorrow! We know he can't be dead, but I'm going to have bad thoughts running through my head until you post again! Take pity on us and post very very soon!

What an excellent chapter, Tim! The way you handle Russell's emotional state is great--makes me feel like I'm going through the same thing. I did note, however, that Jacob is catching on to the way Russ can divert atttention from uncomfortable topics--but in this instance, Russ still got away with the change from discussing his BDSM search, unless I mis-read it? I'm now worrying, like Jacob, as to whether Russ has some other health issues--related to the previous TBE or not--it isn't unknown to have such an anxiety attack, but I hope it isn't something worse. Some of the symptoms could refer to diabetes-related issues. Again, your chapter length is no problem--it went quickly with the interaction and observations...even so, you made me upset that it wasn't longer! To break it at just that point--you are an evil bastard! I'm anxious to see what solutions you can come up with for Russell's visa issues, and the wedding also. Next chapter as soon as possible please! Stay off those wonderful beaches and write!!

Another wonderful story, Sasha--you are one of my favorite writers here at GA! I love th characters, and laughed when Jame ends his role the same way it started, kissing Luke! I hope you will bring them back at some point--I get attached to good chracters, and am alway want to see what happens to them later on...that doesn't always happen, but it is a sure sign of excellence!

A wonderful chapter Mark--just wish I had had the 'boot camp' session before I first went to the bars! I went with a feew friends, most of them straight and one bi--but they were all open-minded and had fun. The biggest thing was that I am a terrible dancer, unless you count English Country dancing--this modern free-form stuff is impossible. I can see that Brad's approaching it as a business scenario works for him, he has always been good at that. I hope I see something possible with Dustin since he comes from California also--perhaps not a long-term thing, but at least a new friend for Brad? The snippets about JJ fascinate me--he is growing on me as a person, which seemed unlikely for so long. The fact that he thought of Rosa was a real surprise to see, but it shows that despite appearances he isn't really as self-absorbed as he lets on. Write faster--I need my Streak fix!

Thanks Ron--I wondered about doing it that way, and opted for footnotes, though that made it harder for readers--I wasn't happy with that option entirely, but if it comes up in future, I'll try the other way. On a side note, all the names and relative ages are accurate for my father's family...my dad said he often heard all the relatives speak German, but they didn't teach it to him or his siblings, since that was the time of WWI, I could only assume a reason like the anti-german paranoia of that time.

With the westering sun, the large porch was finally being shaded by the huge oaks closer to the dirt road. The shrieks of children playing around the side yard had grown louder as the heat waned...to the annoyance of their parents and other assorted relatives; today was a special one: all the cousins and aunts and uncles were gathered at the family home to discuss a very important issue. The older generation was represented by Uncle Lewis-Frederick and my mother, Sarah--my father having passed

It just keeps getting better, Mark. I was unsure of Cam's actions while reading, but after seeing Gary's review, I have to agree with him--given both Cam's and Brad's histories, Cam was being true to himself, attempting to maintain his own dignity and not be Brad's kept boy. I think, if Brad doesn't force it, that they will work out--the only trouble that might arise is how others will view them--we got a hint of that when Cam's friend asked if Brad was his father. JJ is a surprise, but I am beginning to see it is a pleasant one--hee is aware of his faults, and tries to overcome them...I am worried that he seems to be so dependent on Alex--if he thought about it he would see that nothing permanent can come of that--but then, when has attraction ever involved logic? Darius' comments just prove how close the brothers are despite huge differences in temperament...and I have to agree that he is wiser than Brad about relationships--had Brad pegged to a 't'. And the final dig about repeating what he did with Will? Priceless! I don't see JJ burning any cars though...so no need to call the fire department.

A great story Krista! I was really hating Corey's dad until the past two chapters...I wondered if he loved his son, and was sure he didn't, but I'm glad came around. I am glad Clinton stood up for himself at last--not just because of Corey...I was hoping he would turn out to be worth it in the end. I can't wait for the next chapters, and to find out if Corey and Clinton can get to the same college!

Cia, this is the first story of yours I've read--I loved it! Now I have to read the rest of the Cathera tales! It comes at a good time because I'm caught up on all my regular stories, and have to wait for updates...I had no interest in were-stories before now, but finding some here by wolfwriter and Sasha Distan has me hooked. Glad to see there are more to banish my addiction for a time!

More and more interesting! Can't wait to hear the Seth side of their time on Earth.

Nice to see Luke and Erin back together--I was pretty worried about that! Also to see Luke dealing with Greg's death in a healthy way. Bring on the next chapter!

As Maarten said, another great chapter! Nice to see JJ behaving more human and less like a skating machine, though I worry about his attachment to Alex--I don't see that working out with JJ needing to be organized and focussed in competitions...I hope he finds someone other than Alex as a potential partner. As usual, it is so fun to see the family's rattling of each others' cages--seeing how long it takes for them to catch on adds to the fun. I was surprised to see Wade actually doing it a bit--maybe there's hope for him yet? Matt going to Australia--I don't see it no matter what Wade says. Can't wait for the next installment! Marlin

This is my first reading of your work, and I like the story so far...except for the father. I hope, though, that this isn't going to turn into a BDSM story--Russell is just discovering himself and getting his confidence back--I'd hate to see him become merely a means for Jacob to achieve orgasm. I have never gotten into the gay scene's addiction to role-playing and clones--I am myself, and if that isn't enough for a partner, then we aren't right together. I find the entire idea of roles and labels to be too limiting, and often a convenient way to mask or substitute for real feelings. Both our protagonists are shown as caring and sensitive people, let's not devolve into standard BDSM fiction. If that is the track of a story, it would be nice to note it in tags so readers can skip it if they don't like that stuff. That said, I do like this story a lot, and want to continue finding out the futures of our characters!

Still ambivalent about Zach; his attitude toward others was annoying me, but it is partly balanced by the fact that he isn't deluding himself about his own character--except for one thing: he is hiding from the fact that he is still letting other people control his personal life--he will not become a real man untul he sees that and rectifies it. As for his coming out, he doesn't have the courage to do it despite his feelings of rebellion. He needs to realize that he is running a risk of being alone if some injury should abort his football career--Will might not stop being a friend, but he very well may stop being a mate if Zach vacillates too often. I also understand his isolation--I have always had just a few very good friends, rather than a lot of lesser friendships, and those few have lasted through the years where others have fallen by the wayside. Brad and Cam are ready for each other--they seem to mesh very well, and I hope Matt doesn't have a bad reaction. I think it will be okay because Matt has long realized that he isn't in love with Cam, and should be glad he has found someone who values him for himself. The real problem I can see in Boston, is what Brad will do should JJ and Alex get together....

Nice characterization as usual Mark! In just a few words you bring to life the entire image of a person such as JJ--only two complaints, but I'd say the shelving being too high is justified as he's not a tall person...but the shower handle is hilarious. Will's conversation with Zach is not mean-spirited in my opinion...he is being open and honest as they agreed; Will still loves him, but he is also being practical about it--he knows Zach can't/won't be true to himself in public, so he is maintaining that distance until they are together, and perhaps getting it through to Zach that his decisions regarding Will need to be mutual rather than one-sided as he has been making them lately. For Zach to maintain his 'straight' image, he must realize that it will come with a price in the public arena. It is up to him if he is willing to continue to pay it in the long term. I hope for the best for Zach, but he really is bringing this onto himself--at least he has told Brent--that was something I didn't think he'd do. Brad and Cam? I can see it--and the age difference isn't so great--my own parents were fourteen years apart, and we know Brad has no problems since he has slept with Matt and Wade already. I can see both of them finding what they need in the other, but I wonder what Matt will think of it?

Some interesting developments from the start--and they are ones which cause me many misgivings; I can see trouble ahead for Wade and Matt already--and this time I think it will be Wade who could potentially damage things with his control issues. I understand his need for organization thanks to OCD, but if he can't get in touch with his emotional situation in a more normal manner, he could cause Matt a great deal of hurt. It is nice to see JJ coming into himself as a person, but Alex?! Our skater has had enough damage done to his psyche without getting involved with Alex' attitudes. However Alex treats JJ, either princess or whore, it is going to be nothing but disastrous in the end. I understand the rationale you have for Alex being the way he is...but that doesn't excuse the fact that he's still a user and a generally bad person to entrust with your innermost feelings. Let's get him packed for a trip to Afghanistan as quickly as possible! Yes, I know, bitching about characters already--but as you said, I am already invested in them, so you asked for it.

Great to see the new story begin! I am not yet ready to move Zach out of my virtual dumpster, but the lid is open and there is a step-ladder for him to use to climb out.

A wonderful chapter, Sasha! I love your were stories a lot, only wish there were sequels to some of them!

Just found your stories a couple days ago after reading wolfwriter's stories. I loved this one, and only wish it would have a sequel! The same goes for Summer Camp--please do some more featuring these great characters!

Thanks, comicfan...that means a lot coming from the creator of the prompt! It's bad enough growing up gay in any town, but in a rural one back in the 70s--dang that was hard. I've enjoyed writing since 7th grade, and tried to get published with some sci-fi/fantasy but with no luck. Why did it take thirty more years for the world to invent internet sites like G.A.? My nephew had no such problems growing up in the 80s...lucky bastard.

Mark, Mark, Mark...I check several times a day just on the off chance that you've posted early...and while I'm gone to a doctor's appointment, you do! Just what I needed to cheer myself up! If several of my favorite authors post on the same day, your entries are the first I read, and I have never yet regretted that decision. Words fail me; I have bitched about Matt, Wade, Zach, probably even Brad and Robbie in the past, and yet, you still make me want to read on and really worry about what is going to happen to them. I have been picking on Wade most often lately, but you pull him out of my 'Recycle Bin' at the last moment and re-instate him in my good graces...the only ones left in there now are Barry, and to an extent, Zach. Streak, huh? Many possible interpretations of that and who it might refer to come to mind, and I'm glad I only have to wait four days to see the start! I would like to see it involve Will/Zach and Matt/Wade, but you never leave out any of the major characters, and often bring in more--and since there are no qualifiers, it could be either a winning- or losing-streak. You realize, I'm gong to be completely bonkers by Friday? In the past week or so, I've finally started writing here...two prompts and an excerpt from some off-site historical role-play I have done for ten years...your work has inspired me to try longer things, but the standard for such works you set is just too high--I may as well toss out my keyboard! I anxiously await your next book and will not even attempt to second-guess you on who or what it will concern...it will be a cracking good read regardless!

That's exactly right, Ron--and the main reason I didn't have my first experience until I was in college...back then, small towns were no place to try to be different.