ColumbusGuy

Thanks, Geron. I've always been a romantic, and only had the chance to practice it a few times. My late bf wasn't terribly romantic, but he had moments when he would let his inner self out to play, and I like to think that those were the times I could help him with the stress of his life. I was never one for just casual sex, I had to know the person a good while before it even started to go that far...so I may not win any numbers contests, but I have a lot of fond memories.

Hey Ivor! Still working on the next chapter...been sick and listless for three or four days now, so barely energy to read. With luck, there'll be major progress today. Do you mind if I swipe your 'Miles' comment? I love it!

Interesting...I've read all the R and R stories, so got them and Tyler and Ariel, and was surprised to find mention of Billy Chase, which I'm reading now--Book 5--and am even working through Savage Moon. I can't place Shane or Dean, or Carter, and I'm iffy on Corey and Ben. I'm thinking Charlie is new, as is Zach and Ethan. Need a program listing or something. Where is Justin from?

This chapter left me a bit on edge, Geron. Brian was beginning to be friends with Jeff after their chat earlier, and now that his car lost to Brian's, will that doom any potential connection between them? Brian is coming up on the realization that winning isn't always the most important thing where relationships are concerned, as evidenced by Colin; Brian wanted revenge, then when Colin stood up with him against Mahouskey, that no longer mattered. I'm hoping he won't get an arrogant attitude thanks to his new engine, because he'd wind up like the Kennedy bully if he does. He had a nice warm personality, which was easy to maintain when he could beat only a few cars...but now it's going to take work to maintain that. He's also seeing that a car is more than just transport if you've put all your efforts into it, like Jeff had. In a way, I'm sorry that his dad put all that money into the engine rather than make Brian work for it...it came too easy for it to have that same depth of feeling to match Jeff's. More please, my friend!

Wow, Ivor, you're way ahead of where I'd thought you'd be. One trait the boys seem to have is that they have sympathy with their loved ones...can't go wrong with that. I'm still working on the next chapter, you'll be all caught up before it's ready, but it's in the works.

Wow, Geron, I don't know how you do this time after time, but you've captured the old feeling of Hallowe'en--the one before cheesy monsters and slashers armed with chainsaws and other tools of blood and gore. You started almost imperceptibly, and ratcheted up the dread and fearful anticipation with every passing scene. I wasn't sure if David and Koby would be in this one, and was pleasantly surprised to see them both encountering the Spirit of The City. You've got me anxious for the next Tale, and wondering how the City will manifest itself then...maybe we'll learn the significance of the Girl? Amazing and spooky, and though it's almost 90 degrees here and late afternoon, I was feeling the need to glance over my shoulder more than once.

I missed this when it first posted, and was reminded of it in a note to Ivor's story...man, I had no idea what to expect from the title, but I'm just speechless. There are so many good points in this story that all of us should embrace in our own lives. Forgiveness and love are the two major ones--love can join people together despite class, race or gender, and should be accepted rather than judged. Roy's martial arts training has taught him the need to temper anger with understanding, and try to look for others' better natures. I've got one more story to read, then I'm caught up with your works...so that means you better start sharpening your pencils.

Jim is a cool guy, giving Brian a chance to try out his new car privately. Colin is going to be thoroughly cooked next time he runs against the Bee. Serves him right for being a jerk. So I guess this is the weekend when the others find out about his new power plant? The Kennedy boys are going to be surprised too. Next one please!

Another fun chapter, Geron. There were kids running cars like these when I was in school--and they were under ten years old, but everybody knew they were built for speed. We had mostly narrow country lanes bordered by fields, but a lot of straight sections if you didn't mind the occasional hill or lane coming in on one side. There was a drag strip about fifteen minutes from our school, but I don't know how many kids used it. A lot of pros ran there. Farm country, oh my the pot was often harsh...which is why I didn't really try it until college, and still didn't like it. Beer wasn't my thing either, but in college I tried mixed drinks, and enjoyed vodka and oj, and schnapps mixed with 7-Up. Fond memories, but all off the list now and not hard to give up due to diabetes--chocolate on the other hand? Still a struggle.

I'm a romantic at heart--everything goes better with chocolate. Lots of fun to come, my friend.

Fear not, Geron. Unless this story takes a weird spiritualist tone, we won't lose anyone. Most teens think about it once or twice, as did I, but obviously I didn't do it, despite the odds stacked against me. Having vision problems needing thick glasses back then was a death sentence socially, and being shy didn't help. I could have been angry at my doctors when I was born, but I didn't have a50% chance to live, and they got me through, so what could I do to fight that? Two months premature in '58 was risky at best and all I ended up with was damaged optic nerves...

Strange, I accidentally used 'gaydar' later on, and removed it in favor of 'vibes' as it would be another ten years before that became common usage. I'm glad you like the guys...lots more to come!

Thanks Geron, everybody's life is different, though a lot of things overlap...you just have to find the right connections. Has Miles found one, or is it a wrong number?

Ah yes--no caller ID, no call waiting...total anonymity if you wanted it. I got such a call in high school and admit to having had fun with it...but other than it was a kid my own age, and likely attending my own school, I had no idea who it was other than the name 'Rick' which might have been real, or not. God forbid you had a party line, shared with other houses on your street--anyone could pick up and listen to what was going on, and only good manners could make them hang up to let you finish your conversation.

I'm glad to see that some of the Kennedy boys are nice...sharing a brand of car is a good way to start things off. Colin was pretty mean to Marianne, and it was nice for Brian and Ed to give her a ride home. It's too bad she's hung up on Colin, otherwise Ed would be a nicer boyfriend. Eager for more!

Another good one, Geron. I'm glad Brian had a boy like Chris to start figuring things out...and sad that Fate broke them up. Not too clear on all the car engine jargon, but watching BBC's Wheeler Dealers has helped me visualize some of it. I was more into body work than engines, which were a mystery to me beyond the basic principles. Eager for more!

This is an excellent start Cynus...then we got to the worm in the apple...Zane's father is an obvious prick who cares only for his perfect daughter. I hope his sisters are a little more involved with him, but if he's always feeling oppressed there, I doubt it. Any sort of party for Zane? Not if it's left up to his father. Three cheers for Clint's family!

Such a great chapter, G-Man...I'm sorry to be so late, but I've been under the weather and just wasted the last day and a half. Dane and Mase, eh? Seriously cool--and I laughed my butt off when Kellar said Tobyn might have a little brother soon. I can just picture his reaction. I assume it's back to Morningstar now? Fuzzies all the way, my dear friend.

Well, Ivor, you've done another great story, which comes as no surprise after the first one you put up here. It's sad that Texas isn't the only state here where parents would do the same thing, or worse. It ought to be easier for teens today, but thanks to the enduring prejudice and 'macho' bullshit parents teach, it's not much better than it was when I was a teen. More gems, please!

I love this chapter, SD. I'm so glad that Gary's parents bought Texas Boys, now he and Gary will have it as a reminder of their first holiday together. I hope Toph can eventually find a better bond with his parents, but I doubt it will be soon. Teddy was a great surprise, and maybe he can turn Clarissa into a gentler person rather than a clone of their mother. She's found the guy to do it, I think. Keep it up, my friend.

Hey Geron! I missed this one just now--it snuck by me in Notifications...Jay and Miles is my most personal work here, besides the Prompts, so you've picked the right one to start. The Pompeii story is only part of a long interactive storyline elsewhere...I summarized the parts by others, so it feels rough. That site got hacked and the host went under, but the files for the site were all saved, and last I heard was looking for a new home, so there won't be any more chapters there for now. Don't read the Jay and Miles Out West until you've caught up with this--it's set seven months ahead of the current latest chapter...it's a collaboration with AC Benus, who used my boys in one of his works, so I decided to tell it from my own viewpoint. Lots of spoilers in it for newbies, but once you're caught up, it'll be safe to read. Off to catch up on new chapters, including yours...I was sick yesterday and did almost nothing.

Thanks Geron! I love answering reviews, so keep on reading. Don't read reviews of the rest until you get to that chapter--it'll let out information you shouldn't have yet. It looks like Jay's confidence could be a complement to Miles' lack...let's hope they can find common ground on their pizza date.

Man, talk about coincidences--I came across this story on Nifty last week, and it's great to find it here so I can comment. Back in high school, when I thought I could get my license, I bought an old car--a '55 Pontiac--no muscle car, but she was cool with her turquoise and cream paint scheme. I had her for nearly twenty years before selling her as I was moving, and didn't have anyone who would drive her. It's cool that you wrote this as well as the Amsterdam Tales...I won't give anything away here, other than to say that this is a great story!

I'll just add my agreement to the appropriateness of the rainstorm for the ending of this story...a perfect reflection of the emotional and physical turmoil of Devyn's life right now. I know he has a lot to resolve in his mind, but I also see the other side of the storm...'April showers bring May flowers'. I see hope for them next year, and perhaps they can meet over the summer a time or two? Eager to read more about these two, Hunter!

Well the stage is set for some tense encounters...we can guess that Kevin's and Daphne's will be fine, but what of Andrew? Is this another Neil one, or will it turn out better? Ross has a potential club position in Melbourne, but it could lead to him playing in a VFL team for a year rather than the AFL...I'd have loved to see him play for the Leopards, but now we'll have to wait for the Draft results. I have to wonder just how much Doug has buried inside about his feelings for Liam--I could see him being Liam-sexual rather than gay...and that would explain a lot of his hostility toward Neil. Did we learn something about him through the conversation with Andrew? Eager for more, my friend.