ColumbusGuy

Wow, G-Man, you've hit the nail on the head with how I've felt when supposed friends turn against you. It's happened more than once, and the hardest was when it was my best friend from high school. He chose his fiancee's brother as his best man over me, who he'd already asked several weeks earlier. Someone he'd known nearly eight years had less meaning than a boy who was a stranger one year earlier. The next hardest was a friend from college who dropped me when I came out to him. Sigh...it doesn't help to dwell on these people, but it's an awful blow to the heart when it happens. xoxoxo

I enjoyed learning about the weird customs in English schools, and wonder if this is still going on? I'm not quite sure--is an actual slipper used, or is this a term for something other than a piece of footwear? When I was in elementary and high school, paddling was still used, but more sparingly in the higher grades in favor of other disciplinary measures such as detentions or writing things on chalkboards a hundred times. Stories about British boarding schools are full of boys experimenting, and some movies even show it in the old days at universities...I'm assuming all this is dramatic license? One of my favorite movies was 'Another Country', set in a university I think in the 30s? Keep the stories coming, my friend!

Drat, everybody else has said what came into my head while reading this amazingly fateful chapter. I really hope T and K can find other Packs and find mates for Tillie and anyone else who needs them. The only question I have is this: if they are successful in their search, what happens to the other Pack? A pair can't live in two places, so is the searched Pack destined to become even sicker when they lose a member to Morningstar? It might be ideal if other Packs could move to Morningstar's territory, but doesn't that heighten the risks of detection by Hunters such as the younger Resnick? Really great interplay here, my dearest friend! xoxoxoxo

Tons of straight guys, Geron, but who wants to hear about them except as they interact with the main characters? I don't know, I think your boys re awfully sweet too. I wrote cheesy sci-fi and fantasy in high school, and got it all rejected, then in college I was told I had a knack for historical writing, so around 1993 Iwrote at a site where people could do stories interactively set in the ancient world. Part of my Pompeii work is here, but I could only summarize the parts by other writers. Many jobs over the years: call center, Christmas card design, calligraphy artist, file clerk, and my longest was with a restaurant where I worked my way up to shift supervisor. Oh, also edited the local SCA newsletter for a few years--that's a group which re-creates the arts, sciences and fighting styles of the Middle Ages. I was rewarded by the kingdom king and queen with a license to bear an armorial crest, which I never got approved as my friends in it moved, so I quit going. More action ahead--I hope you find it fun, maybe even arousing?

I've always thought being gay was genetic since my nephew is also. Who would choose a hated identity willingly? My view is that some people can hide it better than others, and thus maintain a 'normal' lifestyle at the expense of their happiness. We've seen glimpses of one of the characters coming up in Benny, soon we'll learn more of Calvin. I'm glad you find my boys enjoyable--I've certainly had fun creating them. Surprises? Me? To paraphrase: 'Read on, MacDuff!'

It's getting deeper with each chapter, SD. Sean's attempted suicide lets us know that the evil of a twisted religious leader doesn't end with his demise--his followers are still around to continue the damage he's caused. Martha was strong enough to withstand it, but her younger brother had very little in the way of experience to help him, though I'm sure his sister did what she could. It sounds like he might be considering his sexual identity, which is pretty common for boys his age to do--you want to explore anything at that age which can make your body feel good. Hmm, I wonder if he and Paul are more than best friends yet....

This was a wonderful example of how we ought to appreciate Mother Nature, and give her all the help we can. It was a sad day when the Judeo-Christian tradition of exploiting the Earth gained ascendancy over the older views of living in harmony or at least using her kindly. Monotheism took both the mystery and the respect out of our relationship with our environment, and we will eventually pay the price for that. My only hope is that we will leave enough of the world behind us to renew itself. My heart and spirit are in tune with the old ways rathre than the monotheistic philosophy. I may not believe in my heart that there is a god or spirit in every piece of nature, but I do believe that we are all one and can't exist independent of one another. Blame it on my German ancestry perhaps--I'm only at peace when I'm in a place removed from Man's interference. Give me my trees with their birdsong and hills with their deer...I'll trade the city for that any day of the week.

Been liking this story all along, Cynus, as well as Fearless. I just had to comment on how wonderful the stars in the pool room were, trying in a heart-felt way Zane's dream of becoming an astronaut. How many people would be sensitive enough to do that for anyone? This entire scene showed us the depth of Clint and Zane's connection is, and love seems a rather limited word to describe it as that word is bandied about rather loosely. Fortunately, all they have to do is look into one another's eyes to see the full extent of their feelings. Wonderfully romantic.

I'm happy that Toph's 'empty' year was anything but--he gained reconciliation with most of his family and found them to be accepting of his new life, and foremost, he found a man who will stand at his side for the rest of his life. Despite his doubts, I wonder if he realizes how many lives he's influenced in his year? He may think he was the one getting all the inspirational support, but as Gary said, he gave him something to live for too. Think of the joy he gave to Naomi in her last years, and the expanded horizons he shared with the Talons...and he brought his family closer together. The loser in this whole thing is Toph's mother, who can't accept him for the independent person he's become...just as she can't accept that those around her are more than just pawns for her games. Gonna miss these guys, SD...who's up next for us to bond with?

If there's one thing Jay and Miles have, it's love--quick by modern standards? Maybe, but small town kids have likely dreamed of it for so long that when it suddenly could be possible, you seize it with both hands. I often wonder if having two, and maybe three gay couples seemed a bit much, but in a school of800, if the 10% figure is right, then there were eighty in my school then...all I want to know is where they were while I spent all those nights alone with my imagination? Greg and Denny are probably thinking that their friends need time alone on such an occasion, as they'd like the same thing, hence the cancellation of studying that night. More fun ahead...stay tuned!

LLoved it Geron.I'm gonna say that I thoroughly agree with the 'moral': things are better the second time around--and deserve the same love as if they were new, because they ARE for someone. My point is that, in 58 years, I've only paid for a pet once, all the others came from friends--and each one was as loved and giving of love as if they cost a million dollars. Duchess, my first puppy when I was three, cost twelve books of trading stamps, and I had her until graduating high schoolfifteen years later. Siamese cats I grew up with were raised by us. I got my first non-Siamese, 58 from my niece who turned out to be allergic. Had her for sixteen years. Elspeth was the only cat I paid for from a shop--smallest and shy in the cage, she put her paw through the bars and I was hers. She died in '01 of a stroke at fourteen. Chula was a classic seal point Siamese I got in '05 from a friend--her birthday was two days before mine, she died in '13 of a non-responsive respiratory infection at age eight. I got my stray lilac Siamese from a neighbor in '88--he was about six, covered in oil, and I had him until he died in '1 at age 21 of kidney failure. Genghis and Bortai, the traditional seal Siamese in my pic, came to me at three months in '01 after their mom had been tossed out at my sister's farm, and the kittens were born there. Both were loving cats and I miss them the most, since they were my most recent. Genghis was stolen in '05 and I hope someone loved him as much as I did--his sister Bortai died Aug. 10th last year at almost fifteen from lung cancer--cats are too good at hiding illness, so by the time the symptoms showed up, the vet's x-rays showed her lungs were full of tumors, and it was do one of two things: eat or breathe. All these pets were cherished and loved, and they returned that a thousand-fold. I would have another cat now--a rescue--but my vision problems now make that impossible. Others might give up on something and feel newer is better, but those of us who know better don't succumb to the latest fashion, and hang onto things until there is absolutely nothing left, and only then will we very reluctantly get rid of them. I think the greatest example of giving something/one another chance was my last boyfriend: his parents tried controlling him and subverting him to their wishes, his cousin had told me he was homophobic, he never talked about his Army service and was on anti-depressants a lot...but when he showed up six months after I met him and asked to go out with me, I saw the person within, and we lasted for ten years until pressures caused him to leave this world far too early. Despite writing angry poetry, I knew he found some happiness with me, and that tempers the loss I still feel to this day. So, look closely at something before you let it slip out of your life--it may be faded, or a diamond in the rough, but it will shine like new if you look at it with the right perspective.

Okay G-Man, looks like we're moving closer to the meeting with Warren. Maybe it'll come before Thanksgiving? I had to laugh at Adelin's actions on derailing Kellar's plan, and she was right to let him know that whether they became mates was her decision alone. I didn't think she had such determination, but then, she's a wolf too. Go get 'em Addy! The bond between K and T grows deeper--it's going to be amazing when their joining is complete. Too bad you can't make the intervals between chapters shorter...sigh. xoxoxo my dearest friend.

Oh gosh, I've been caught showing my romantic side! Greg and Denny seem to have cleared up some issues, but we can expect more from the New Englander thanks to his bastard roommate and his cohorts. Will Greg have the patience to deal with them? Benny and Linda--just friends since Benny came out to her, they're lucky to have parted as friends. It's hard to avoid someone in a small school. I think you'll like Jay's surprise.

Geron, all I can say is that the world of pet names for a partner can be weirdly illogical. Do you get the impression that the only kid in our little group who has had a relatively normal childhood is Jay? Everyone else has had issues of one sort or another, but was Jay immune to that? He was unusually close to his brother, and who knows what his leaving did to our hero--is his reputed lack of focus due to Jerry's absence, or the fact that he took on the role of Jerry's shadow? Don't worry too much, plenty of chapters to go, and something happens in almost every one.

Ivor, I loved the way you worked all those words into such a short piece...I usually did it with longer pieces, but then I guess I don't know when to stop myself. I was more fond of ancient or medieval history until about fifteen years ago, and got into the Victorian era when I moved into Columbus and started researching old houses. Before that, I wanted to own one, but didn't know when or how it would happen. Mine's more Edwardian, but it has lots of Greek Revival touches, and that was popular at the time of the Civil War. The South has always fascinated me, probably because that's the area I vacationed in with my parents growing up. Those shorts sound truly tacky--all I can picture is a Union Jack gone mad. Keep up the good work, my friend!

Oh my god, Geron, I laughed so hard at the title, but then I'm a child of the 60s who loved all the animated specials produced then. I had no idea where this was going with it, but I had a lot of laughs, warm feelings and fond memories of my times going trick or treating. The descriptions of the costumes, not only of Charlie and Kip, but of Ricky and Adrian as well were wonderfully erotic and funny at the same time. It was nice the way Greg had a party for all the gay kids, and it was a relief to see a bunch of them all feeling safe enough to be themselves. I can't tell you how happy I felt when Ricky showed his first signs of being even more part of C and K's world...he's a truly amazing friend, and I'm glad that he's found someone he can feel close to in his own right. Just so many heart-warming things to comment on, my friend...I'll just say I felt a warm glow in my heart and had a smile on my lips throughout. To paraphrase from a different holiday special: it feels like my 'heart grew three sizes that day...'

Thanks Geron. The importance of the family giving confidence to their kids is often overlooked in gay fiction in preference to showing a traumatic experience. I don't know the percentage of gay kids who get bad treatment in comparison to those who are accepted, but I hope the latter is more common. It was harder, I hink for kids to open up to one another then due to less social awareness; you learned how to act from television and your elders with almost no one else to talk to except ministers who likely would say, any sex is wrong--go play Monopoly or go on retreats with the Youth Groups. As a sophomore in college, I went on one of those because I thought one of the guys was hot, but of course, nothing came of it except some fevered dreams. Who is tolerant and who isn't can surprise you, likewise who is amenable to advances. My first experience of sex was with a friend I thought was straight, and as I said below, one friend who I thought would be accepting cut off contact with me after I came out to him. Not all smooth sailing ahead, but no shipwrecks of Titanic proportions either.

I love these characters, Ivor! Schools still did paddling when I went, and I only had it done once in elementary, but that was in the 60s. I'd love to hear more of these guys, not only for the impending relationship between Jake and Cal, but of the humorous interactions among the whole group. Cal particularly had me laughing more than once as he interacted with the Vice Principal. The usage of some British terms I could overlook because the story itself was so fun...and you ARE British, so those are natural for you. Perhaps Cal's family was from Britain originally? I would have reviewed this morning when I read it, but I was so tired that a note I sent to Geron was full of errors, and I didn't want to appear even more stupid. I hope for more, but am content if this is all we hear from this wild crew. Keep up the great work, my friend!

Well, not as late as usual, but I see my comments have already been made by Lit. I loved the romantic setting for the guys' lovemaking, and think it would be ideal for the time when they complete their joining. With this being so wonderful, I guess I can't complain about not getting the talk with Adelin yet, or the trip to see Warren.... You seem to be in a romantic mood with this one, and your last Reflection of the wedding. Not a darn thing wrong with that though...I love it when romance is fulfilled so I can find it by proxy if not in reality. I may be a recluse, and yet I won't be one to shout at people to stay out of my yard, because most of them around here are college guys. Maybe I could lure them in the summer with iced tea.... More please, my dearest friend. xoxoxo

The stall doors end about two feet above the floor, so it was risky, but they were too preoccupied to care--thank god for Denny keeping watch. There are certainly a lot of possibilities opening up, so at least our little group has some excitement--the town life is only slightly less boring than farm life; at least your friends live closer. Set a pace which works for you, the boys can be in limbo until you read their story...you're just over half-way right now, so there's lots to encounter yet. Maybe some surprises too.

I like the characters, and it's nice to see glimpses of David and Twoey. I'm still a bit disconnected from Chuck and Don though--we have no idea of their past and how it developed as yet. I'm sure this will change as the story goes on--a good story never shows its hand all at once. It took time to become attached to David.... So Chuck has Eric's old car--man, that's a blow to the head! I can't figure out why Don is so adamant that they will be over, and not want to attend the same school--makes me wonder how deep his attachment to Chuck really is, but this could be because we don't know their history. Sorry SD, a lot of questions here, and more than a little disquiet about it all...I know the ride is far from over, so keep us abreast of the situation.

Thank you for the amazing compliment, Geron. I'm trying not to overwhelm my readers with too many people, but each fits into the story in his own way. I loved comics, Magnus, and one called Lost In Space--not based on the tv show, but similar--it had a space station wandering around, with a set of parents and their twin teens, Tim and Tam. I was already heavily into sci-fi books, so the comics got lost over the years, while the books are still with me. If I remember right, my first book was The Runaway Robot, put out by Scholastic Book Services--you got to buy them from a catalogue in elementary school, and I racked up quite a few like Hans Brinker and another set in old New Amsterdam before it became New York. One of the main guys was Peter Stuyvesant. Plenty of more events to come, and you can relax now as you've at least heard about most of the cast.

I loved this chapter, Ivor--Mark seems to be just what Brandon needs, and is taking the right path in letting him set the pace. Both boys have had rough times, and I can see them healing one another. I'm not sure why, but when I clicked on the link in the queue, I got an error message about not finding the chapter...I had to find it by going to the title page for the story. Well worth getting to, my friend! I didn't notice, is this the end, or another chapter in a longer story? I'm hoping for the latter, but if not, this gives us a rosier picture for Brandon's future. Such a nice surprise to round out my day!

I'm so glad that Toph came to terms with his brothers, and that he found a connection with his nephews. Clarissa's wedding turned out so nice, I hope Toph's father is going to be a support for him, rather than a foil for his mother. Speaking of--lets hope the bitch has been put in her place. I doubt it will be permanent though--once a controlling bitch, always a controlling bitch. Toph has found peace for now, and I hope it will last now that the pressure is off him about school and his family. a commitment ceremony with Gary would seal the deal, until they can marry properly. Eager for more, SD!

Just one comment, G-Man: AAARRRGGGHHH! This was an enlightening chapter, and the story of Denver's wife's death was wrenching, but he now has some peace after so much uncertainty. We have a lead for another Pack, and I hope they are still around and yet, the story of the obnoxious son worries me--what if he's now in charge? He may be very resistant to the idea of earth mates, especially from two men. As much as this is all vital and intrinsic to the plot, I want to meet the adult Warren and see what develops from that. Bad author, teasing us so much...no one tells a story like you do, my dearest friend. Keep it up! (one to egg you on) xoxoxo