ColumbusGuy

Such a wonderful life you portray in this scenario--Clint and Rory clearing the air when the chips are down, and coming up trumps in the clinch. Blizzards--been there, done that, as they say. I imagine you get them more frequently than I do here, but we can get them once or twice every few years. The worst I can remember was in '77 which shut down the interstate and snowed us in for three or four days before a plow could get to us out in the country...small towns are sometimes more used to these things, but farm areas have lots of roads to clear, so it takes time. We cleared our drive with our riding mower's attachment and shovels, but then the power went out. Thank goodness we had a fireplace and plenty of wood in our garage! That was the reason for our school district having a Spring Break the next year--it allowed time to make up school days missed due to snow. Figures, my last year of high school. Merry Christmas, my dear friend--I'll be thinking of you in front of a fire with hot chocolate in your hand--I hope Santa fills your stockings with something warm too.

I'm so glad that Blake managed to listen to Ryan's explanation of why he went to the Gallery...he seemed so dead set against it, and I was very worried that his dream of finding a boy who loved him would never come to pass. Alas, I was never neglected as a youngster--I was over-protected by my mother--the stereotypical gay childhood? My father wasn't inattentive, but by nature he was very stoic and didn't say much, even to my mom. And yet, if I asked for a trip into town to shop at bookstores, or to do other errands, he made time for me. I can empathize with Blake's situation so far as his father, but his mother's dismissiveness was alien to me. I loved the outcome for Ryan and Blake, but I wanted to strangle his mom and tell off his dad--probably nearly as much as Blake did! Every interaction the two had with him just rang so false to my ears, so I had a perfect understanding of why he was so suspect about Ryan's intentions. Can we see more of these guys? Pretty please....

Okay, I won't say I'm a fan of Westerns now, but you brought me durn close, I reckon. I'm glad that Wiley and Cooper found themselves being drawn to each other...and the previously unknown connection had me very worried that that might come between them...but I am happy that it brought Wiley reconciliation with Cletus' actions, and removed the hate he'd been harboring for months. The other added benefit is that Cooper now has no fear of being tracked down, since the men after Cletus and Wiley were the same ones. I envision plenty of healing for both of them now that they're together, and hope Cholo can find his own partner to mosey off into the sunset with.... A big YEE--HAW for this one, my dearest friend.

One of my favorite classes in 10th grade was Photography--I learned to take pictures, develop black and white film, and make my own prints. I got my own enlarger and stuff for Christmas so I could do it at home, only selling the stuff when I moved into Columbus in '87. I always had trouble reading expressions, so maybe I missed some looks which might have told me someone was interested--I like to think that anyway. In this reminiscence/retelling, my boys have no problems with things like that--and Mikey has a boyfriend who will tell him what's what if he doesn't get a clue.

I can't really say anything about this one, Gary. It hits far too close to home for me, only I don't have that person to call, only a few friends who don't fit the role of a lover, alas. Still, I wouldn't trade their friendship for the sexual thrills...for me a friend is rarer to find and almost as close as a belovèd soul-mate. Tears aren't often a nice gift for Christmas, but this poem showed me that there are people out there who still are worthy of them and bring us to realize that thoughts of love aren't gone from the world.

Well, no doubt the mental link in wolf form is getting better--but we could assume the 'sex' word was on both their minds without the bond. As much as I'm glad Kellar has found a real family at last--how much better is it for Warren? I have absolutely no fears of him relapsing into the world of drug addiction--he's found the most healthy and satisfying drug of all: Love. Another wonderful glimpse into the world of lycans from a denizen of the Frozen North!

Sorry I missed this one, Geron--I don't remember getting the notice. I'm glad you like seeing into the guys' families--I think it adds something to their depth, and how their minds work. I know for a fact I missed a lot of what was going on with other kids, mainly because I didn't feel like a part of things...but I'm fairly sure a lot went on that their parents didn't know about--we were teenagers after all. I kept a lot inside myself, some of it for the obvious reasons of not wanting to come out, but the rest was due to my Dad's example--the strong, silent German heritage he learned in the cradle and passed on by example. Lots more action ahead for Cal and Ben!

Well, this one says it all, words written on the Wall; Softly shaped sinewy words skillfully sculpted for all. Like the scop of yore, we attend these lines... Hwaet! We Gar-Dena, or Arma virumque cano.... Not so lofty as Vergil, or as insular as Beowulf, but of high import for those seeking a good laugh and a puzzled path to ponder in an insomniac's nightmare.

Wow, this was a nice surprise to come back to after lunch! Team Rob must be having fits to see him again, and in such a fun/serious conversation with the non-impish Eric. I was laughing already before getting to the line where Rob said he promised their parents Eric would still be a virgin before Prom night--I can just see him yanking Eric's chain with that one. It's so obvious that the two love each other, even without the words of affirmation at the end. Keep 'em coming--the chapters I mean--unless that's coming up soon after the Prom?

!!! Just thought I'd get those marks out of the way first, since I know you don't like me using them.... I hope the other guys remember to search the body and the truck for any information about more Hunters, since we know there are others out there. It worried me when Resnick mentioned knowing about the copper's effect, but now that the Lycans know, I think they'll be safer even if that knowledge is more widely known. It seems there's no way to counter it thank goodness. I needed that laugh when Warren asked if he'd 'get one of those' when he shifts--just what you'd expect from a brother--and a further cementing of their relationship's new incarnation. Now all we have to hope is that Adelin leaves him what he has so it will be there when he becomes a member of the Pack. Words fail me, my dearest friend...you're a crafty wordsmith, you are. xoxoxoxoxo

I'm torn by this one Gary...it was warm and touching, but it was your note saying you missed your mom that hit me the most. You see, my mom died in 2007, five days after my birthday, and I spent most of that week in her hospital room, along with my three sisters and cousins...and three of those days I was there mostly by myself as the others took turns at the vigil. Mom always thought her heart would be the end of her, and she was taking a lot of pills, mostly for things she didn't really have need of...but it was her diabetese and refusal of dialysis that was the final cause...she'd opted for palliative care alone, which meant no machines except some oxygen, and meds for pain relief. Refusing dialysis was due to a friend of hers having a bad experience with it, so that was all she needed to hear...stubbornness was her hallmark. Anyway, despite being 76 years old, she didn't look it at all--she could have been in her 40s by the color of her hair and lack of major wrinkles...so I could never picture her as an 'old gal', and it just seemed so unfair to lose her that way. Age usually gives some warning, like the woman in your poem...but not for my mom. I've always felt cheated in a way, that age didn't show on her, but I lost her anyway...the hurt is just the same I guess, but to me it hurt more without the obvious signs of advancing years. Thank you for this poem--it reminded me of some fond memories with my mom, and consoled me that the old gal wasn't alone, and neither was my mom at her own end.

Thank you G-Man for giving us such a wonderful Joining! Together, Tobyn's determination and Kellar's methodical nature have to triumph over the Hunters, and bring new hope to shifter communities everywhere. I'm glad Tobyn got to experience the auras Kellar sees--it's one more sign that they are truly one now, and it gives him a fuller understanding of his mate now that they've shared that experience.

Thank goodness for Steve and his partner for being there...the stress is really beginning to tell on Alan, and Peter is doing what he can, although reluctantly. I can't help but wonder if their relationship can endure the current situation. I've got my fingers crossed for everybody, but especially Troy and Bradley.

Hey, SD, I'm still floating in this story, unsure where it might be headed, or whether I even like some of the characters, such as Don...I haven't forged a connection with any of these guys, and with the background presence of those from 18 Weeks, I'm still holding off on things. I like it, but I just don't know what to really say...and throwing in Chuck wanting to change his name to Danny's just makes a connection harder. I can say I'm worried about the return of a relative of one of the guys who tried to kill David. Hanging in there...

Okay, Resnick knows of one lycan for sure, and possibly Denver since the tool wanted was for him, but I hope the copper will prevent him from locating any others. The plan to locate him first sounds good, just hope it works. I had to laugh at the 'modus operandi' byplay between K and T...those two are meant for one another on so many levels--come on guys, finish your joining before you deal with Resnick--it will strengthen your position in regard to him. Sigh, almost a week before the next one....

I used to think that Love is what separates us from other species, but research has shown that this may not be true--there are many species who mate for life, and pine away when their mate dies, and most shockingly surprising of all--there are some humans who don't feel it at all. Perhaps what truly separates us from other species is the Hope that we'll find that One True Love--and continue the search if we don't succeed....I'm dismayed that in our search, we can never be certain that we've found it--all the signs may be there, but since we can't become one with another person's innermost thoughts, there lingers some tiny niggle of doubt? Perhaps only in our dreams can we find that undoubted and eternal love, and that's why romantic fiction exists, to spur us on in our quest?

Just found this after a recommendation from Ivor Slipper...I like it so far, and am eager to find out what happens next! I could see a biological weapon or even a naturally-mutating virus now than an atomic disaster, which was far more likely when I was growing up. Some thing to be thankful for today, eh?

Okay, there's a lot going on here...I'll skip the fun bits of Warren choosing a house with Adelin, and Tobyn saying it's time to consummate his union with Kellar...much as I'd like to, the more dire appearance of Resnick overshadows everything else and focuses our minds on it. How did he find Morningstar in the first place? He suspected werewolves around Kellar's cabin, probably thanks to his uncle, but did the old man have any ideas about the Pack's location? I can't see how else he'd show up there, unless he could track Kellar. Warren has once more shown his worth by figuring out the silver connection...perhaps saving not only this group, but any others out there. And he got the significance of copper right away too. I'd really like to see the Pack go en masse after Resnick, but I bet you've got other plans, eh? Just when you think it's safe to read another chapter....

Gotta admit that the plan was ill-considered when you factor in the craziness of this group--Don could have wound up like David--and he still might if the unknown guy turns out to be one of the pastor's devotees. He was running a school to brainwash kids for who knows how long. I'm a bit confused if Chuck has access to funds to fly to Florida for the weekend, but had to buy Eric's car rather than look around more...surely another Mustang could have been found--or he could have this one painted another color? More questions than answers here, but then, isn't that what drives a story?

A great eco-poem, reminds us all of what our true priorities ought to be. I recycle, buy most everything second-hand, and combine errands since I depend on friends for transport now. When I was younger and lived in the country, I walked or rode my bike everywhere, but can't do that in a city with almost no bike lanes and insane drivers...sigh.

Thanks so much for giving me the link for this--I never would have found it otherwise. Relationships are so fragile at the best of times, and if you mix in misunderstanding, lack of communication and lying 'friends', then it doesn't stand much of a chance. Other friends can try to tell you things aren't right, but if you've placed your trust in the wrong person, it's hard to change your mind--foolish pride at work. Thank god Duncan and Leon had true friends who put themselves on the line to keep them together. I was despairing of a good resolution in the face of Duncan's anger, but when he found out about Carl's duplicity, then he could begin to see 'his' Leon again rather than the construct Carl had planted in his mind. Little Danny is going to be one lucky boy as long as Duncan and Leon remember to keep the lines of communication open. Wonderful, my dearest friend...I came up to read it right after our talk.

How you manage to capture what's inside me, I have no idea...but you do it anyway. Some might say that we are all destined to die alone, for that is a journey where you cannot and would not want to take others with you...but to me, it seems that those in the gay community face that prospect more often than others. Many people have the solace of relatives at their side, but for gay men, there is a good chance that older ones lost their families on coming out, and with little chance to adopt or bring their own children into the world, they are bereft of family. This is true in my case, at least. And how sad is it to out-live one's lover/mate...dreams of a common future ahead, but in the end, one of you will go first into the Eternal Dark, leaving only memories. Again, just like me. Even, or despite all this, there is some spark which refuses to give up, to lay down one's burdens...the new dawn could bring something to change our lives, and we won't know what, or who might trigger that change. Keep dreaming for us, my dearest friend!

Dang, not the first reviewer again, but I'm closer, and have a reason this time beyond laziness. Didn't get home until after 8pm. Most of that was at the hospital, but the last hour and half was spent at my favorite pizza place with Mike. You get hungry not having eaten since before midnight. This was a great chapter, and I liked how earnest Warren is about being useful for the Pack, and worthy of Adelin. I had to laugh at Warren being told he better let his mate pick their new house! *I heard only one error, when Denver and Warren meet, you refer to Kellar as Kendall--got those boys on the brain, G?* I hate airing your dirty laundry this way, but I'm taking the easy way rather than send a pm or email...lack of sleep and the pain from my surgery is doing me in right now. Follow up appointment tomorrow at 3pm, so I don't know anything right now except that the doctor told Mike the op went well. Don't know anything they did except replacing the fluid, but there was other stuff. G-Man, call me tomorrow evening when I'll have more info. Your message made me smile my face off, and I was sad because I missed talking to you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Amazing chapter, min ven! You know, not much to add after all the other comments, but I do have a speculation regarding Evan and his parting words to the Grosseltern: his remark may appear childish and less mature than the way Russ handled things, but consider this--Evan had to spend a lot of time under their control while Russ was sick, and then, he's not had much time being responsible for his own actions; he went straight from a controlling father to being under the benign protection of Chris, who places him in a subservient role in their relationship. So when has Evan had time to mature? Russ isolated himself after his illness which at least got him in touch with some of his inner self, and then he finds Jakob, who is determined to heal Russ' inner doubts by showing him rational approach to his life. Evan is great, but more sheltered than Russ, so he needs to catch up with his twin, and Russ I think is beginning to see that he can help Evan develop too. Just an opinion, love the whole installment!a

Tim, this was a wonderful surprise when I came onsite earlier--and devilishly clever how these two 'perfect' beings have grown together during their work. The alternate pronouns were confusing, never encountered them before. It's hard to tell that they changed toward the end with my narrator, so I'll have to go back and re-read. I loved how you made their current assignment to be Patrick and Peter...and I can't wait for the sequel where they find their own spirits linked as soul mates. I had all sorts of warm feelings at the final scene of the tendrils forging our heroes love...I can't picture either being punished, as I think Imp is right that the higher ups are manipulating things for a purpose...at least I hope not. Sequel soon please, min ven.