ColumbusGuy

Well, I knew it had to come, SD, but I still wasn't prepared for the end. David and Twoey have become part of my life, and their absence is going to leave a big hole in my day. I differ with a few points from other reviewers: first, unanswered questions? Certainly--life doesn't guarantee you every answer you want, and for a story which tries to emulate the teen experience, what else could it do? The man who thinks he has all the answers is a fool. Second, the final chapter not being from David's point of view? It was said that Twoey was only peripheral, being in and out of the story more often than not--to me, this is very fitting as Twoey is the very cause of David having a story to begin with--without that mysterious attraction, David would never have doubted his perception of himself. Through his observations in this last chapter, Twoey IS giving us an insight into David's mind...and doing it as his spiritual guardian now, taking the place of all those others David had relied on for guidance--that's why the two of them thought of Danny when they saw the shooting star...his role is done. Finally, and the hardest for me to comment on, is the 'unreality' of David's 'ninja investigator' and his disconnect from his family...I held similar doubts at many points, and felt that the actions of some of the adults was very inconsistent. In some ways, I still have that sense, but here's a word to combat it: every instance of the professional psychologists' actions can be considered as cautious, but not entirely unrealistic--they are in possession of only the information David gave them, and he was very good at keeping the feelings behind the facts to himself. Another thing which has occurred to me is this: we see these events from David's view, but we already know that he was flawed, and developing symptoms of severe depression and distancing himself from reality--so how much of what he mentions can be relied upon? I'd say that certainly applies to his family, and probably even his friends. So, except for his mother and the evil Pastor and Mr. Birch, who knows how much our view is distorted through David's lenses? Come on SD, don't cut us off permanently from our dysfunctional friends.

Welcome aboard Ivor! The story evolved from a few short pieces into a story that went into my mental state back then, and thus they got longer. Mikey gains friends, some self-confidence, and a relationship as the chapters go on...I hope you'll still like them. Bits and pieces of my real life are scattered throughout, some happened then, and others later but found their way into my fevered imagination. Good luck trying to spot the real events/things...there's one in every chapter. I look forward to hearing more of your reviews!

Wow, I wasn't expecting this to end so soon, and I'm sad to be at the end. Brent was a surprise, but a welcome one. Travis too is only slightly less unsuspected. I'd love to see more of these guys, and see how the dating and GSA thing goes...lots of room for good stories there. I'm a bit disappointed that we've not really seen anything of Zane until this final scene...he and Clint deserve more attention. Clint's quirkiness is fun, and I was looking forward to a lot more time with him...sigh.

I loved this story, though I admit to having no clue about what it might be--but the title sounded intriguing. My narration software made a hash of most of the Netherlandish parts, alas. I could get some of it from the context, and from my familiarity with German and a small bit of Danish via Timothy M. I use some of that in my story, and agree that it's hard to find a good way to insert them--I often try to paraphrase right after for it, either by way of a thought of a character, or a tiny bit of explanatory text worked in. In only one of my Prompts did I use translated notes at the bottom, and that was cumbersome because you could forget the plot looking at them, then going back. I was afraid at one point that Mooey might be a personification of Death, and was vastly relieved to find out otherwise. I too think that people can bond with their surroundings over time, a fact which is lost in these days when people move so many times. I've lived in four places in my 58 years, the first three in Columbus, the next 26 in the country, then an apartment in Columbus for six months, and now in my own house in Columbus for the last 29 years. Beyond that, my heritage is German, and whether it's an affinity due to that heritage or not, I've always felt most at ease in forests, hills and parks rather than urban areas. I'm going to follow this story and the Amsterdam Tales now. An amazingly poetical concept that has worked its way into my heart.

Wow, G-Man, a tense dash through the forest for Tobyn, and your readers. When the crunch came, he didn't hesitate to follow his heart...and they beat the poison as a team. I loved the touch of having their bonding partially accomplished through the sharing of saliva via the medicine...I think I liked this method more than the more common rending of flesh and leaving a mark on the mate's neck. I also got a laugh out of the inequality of the amount of saliva and the desire to even it up some. A good way to ease the tension of the moment, and let us know that theirs will be an equal bonding at the same time. I 'howled' at the 'subservient mate' comment...this is going to be one potentially stormy but satisfying relationship for them. I know the Hunter's nephew has to be dealt with--but can we have a couple chapters of contented bonding before that? Still have to wonder how the Hunters can find lycans...it must be a special ability if not everyone has it, and it runs in families...but then, I was wrong in thinking the Malaise was due to some sort of silver contamination. Anxious for the next one, my dear friend! (Had to stick an exclamation point in--it's been a while.)

I read this story on Nifty a few days ago, and emailed Ivor to let him know how much it affected me. I told him about GA and urged him to post it, and his other works, here so he could get more feedback. I'm so glad he joined us here--he's got a real talent for impacting us where an author would most like it: our hearts. Ivor, I wrote you that this made me cry on Nifty, and now that I knew what would happen, I thought it was safer to read it again...happily or sadly, it wasn't...I cried all over again and it was just as wrenching the second time around. It's oddly satisfying to find an author and a story which can pull out that much emotion in me--I've lived a fair amount of time, but that doesn't build up the immune system as much as you'd think...congratulations my friend for writing this awesome story. I am grateful to have had the joy of reading it. Anxiously awaiting more!

I'm relieved at this chapter's events, SD. David has not regretted anything so far, and doesn't seem likely to, but I confess to having a stressful time when Twoey made love to David on their second night--I feared it might trigger some flashback to events with the horrible Mr. Birch. I was a bit surprised that David's grandfather didn't call back after getting that picture, but perhaps David didn't add any explanatory text? The old man didn't strike me as someone who wouldn't react, so it's a 'puzzlement'. I hope he accepts David's gayness. The final scene with Danny is soothingly sweet, but I admit I'm eager to see what those final words meant. Awesome chapter my friend!

I'm glad to see that Devyn got some playing time, even if the team lost. I felt sorry for him giving up a home run, but liked the way Miles tried to ease his mind about it. Only one more chapter? That's gonna suck--I'd like to see how college works out for the two, and the team. Great job, Hunter!

Oh Gary, you have such a gift for expressing the most painful emotions. This one is perhaps the most difficult one, since it falls between the love/hate spectrum. That seemingly endless stage where you teeter on the brink of one or the other, and it changes from second to second, not heeding what logic says you should do. I've been there more than once, and no matter the circumstances which brought it about, it feels like you are stuck in that one spot, your life suspended until some external force nudges you on to a much needed distraction. My last relationship with Kevin had a few rocky moments, and we always managed to get things settled,and that gave me the faculty to hope for the best as it's never too late to try again--until that final time we were together and external forces made him take his last fatal goodbye from me, and his life. What I wouldn't give for that Limbo where he could find his way back.... Another soul-wrenching Truth today, my dear friend. xoxoxoxo

I discovered this on Nifty yesterday, and thought it was over, but decided to check it out here, and am thrilled to find it still going! I couldn't stop and read it all in one sitting, breaking only for dinner. I'm eager for more of Drew and Ethan's story, and am waiting with bated breath.

It's so wonderful to see David and Twoey together at last...and I got a big laugh at Twoey counting their kisses--that was something I thought David would do. I was worried about the visit to Donnie, Twoey could have taken that revelation in an entirely different way, but I think his experience with Eric helped in that regard--they both had things on their minds when they couldn't have what they wanted, and it has brought a closer understanding to them both. Donnie's not the schemer I'd thought, and I hope he finds a boyfriend some day. Well, though this sounded like a concluding chapter, we still have Tommy and David's disconnected family to deal with--Tommy has said he's okay if David's gay, but doesn't that still have to be tested? I very much doubt his father or aunt will care, and certainly not his sister...but 'fuck 'em' if they don't like it--they aren't real family anyhow. It's gonna suck when this story ends, I've enjoyed the rollercoaster ride and the challenges you've given us readers: not always likable characters, much confusion and angst, and horrible glimpses into the depths of hatred, both internal and external. I can only hope, like the Wife of Bath from the Canterbury tales, that 'Amor vincet omnia'.

Okay G-Man, you've wrenched my emotions so much with this one, that it's difficult to think of what to write. I felt Kellar's pain at Tobyn's reaction, and yet was glad when he left Morningstar...it's not ideal, but there's no point in staying in a relationship when only one of the members wants it to work. In time, it might have become a reality, but not until Tobyn faced up to it. Now you bring the two guys together, and toss in a poison? Tension abounds, but we know that one of the heroes can't die--it's just not done. I can't figure out how the Hunter can find the lycans--unless it has something to do with a mental ability, or the peculiar staff this maniac carried? The guys need to take it back to Morningstar, or another place to examine it more closely; perhaps Kellar's abilities can tell something about it? You better have the next one up soon, or we'll find our own Hunter to track you down. xoxoxo my dear friend!

Thanks J.T. I wasn't sure if four view points was too much, but it didn't feel right not to see Jay and Mikey in this one. For the Nifty post, I added the names before the chapter began, as one or two readers there asked about it. I try to make it clear in the first sentence or two, but perhaps I should say who's speaking at the start of the chapter? It wasn't so vital at the start, when there were only a couple possibilities. I'll try to do better.

A great chapter Hunter. I hope Devyn's attackers get convicted, but his doubts about how the defense questioned him are nothing more than worries...the legal system doesn't always do the right thing, and in this case, it could go either way. If no other victims came forward, it could be difficult to prove Devyn's story, so thank god for Vincente's testimony. I really hope the Coach knew about the trial, otherwise things could be even worse on the baseball field. More please!

Lots of potential trouble looming, Graeme, but there are paths out of it if the right choices are made. My biggest worry here is Ross' draft prospects--I'd rather see him with the Leopards than at an AFL venue where he finds himself alone. Looks like Daphne's siblings are at least willing to give Kevin a chance, so it's not too bad...except for the fact that Warwick is still holding on to forlorn hopes, and that could very well hurt Ross. He's had enough problems, so I hope they can become boyfriends. More please!

Thanks SD. Like a lot of people, Linda's actions were taken in the heat of the moment...she tends to plan things out, but can slip up if an unpleasant surprise comes up...the question is, will she change her mind under cooler circumstances, or stick with her decision? I had a feeling that Denny was perhaps one of the least heard-from guys, and I'm glad you liked his exposition. So many kids then had working parents, and there wasn't a mold for how to deal with that...the Cleavers' were always a mythical family, but were considered an ideal to strive for...It wasn't my family, that's for sure. Kids tended to group together for support, and that could lead to trouble--so the question here is: will a group of gay kids keep their noses clean?

You know you make this possible, G-Man, and I'm just glad that you think enough of the boys to keep them going. You steered me away from a mistake by setting me straight on the Prom idea, and forced me to come up with another working of it. Sometimes it takes a different POV to see what's really important. I'm always thrilled to see what struck you, and it makes me see things I hadn't even thought of a lot of times. I hadn't thought of Linda and Bobby seeing one another again, but it sure seems like a good thing with the reworking of the Prom idea. Jay's awfully good with bananas, but what else can you expect from a Partridge Family fan?

Tusind tak, Tim. I think you're right that Denny is getting the most out of this group except for Mikey...but all of them are profiting from it to one extent or another. The bonding of them is just the most obvious result so far. Well, Greg did almost walk into Jay's room when he was working on Mikey. And we know how observant he is. We'll have to see about the Prom...my first idea was Jay thinking of going, but the boys would draw attention if they went stag, and none really know any girls. Leave it to Jay to worry about making Mikey feel loved...sigh...envy.

POV: Denny, Greg, Linda, Mikey I couldn’t help thinking about what happened Saturday in Mikey’s backyard; I hadn’t had such an experience before; certainly not since I’d been packed off to Maine when I was thirteen and starting 7th Grade. I knew what friends were in theory, and I thought I’d had one until last year until my room-mate had gotten drunk and made me suck him off. It wasn’t that I was small or weak, but I was quiet and preferred the more non-violent forms of sports like running

Man, that was close, SD. I can't help wondering what David would have done if Alex and Ricky hadn't shown up...he'd decided against suicide for Tommy's sake, but I'm sure wasn't in any real shape to handle things yet. I'd forgotten about her brother, so it was a surprise when she pulled him out of her hat. His talk with David has brought much needed clarity to our hero, but the work isn't done, there's still the disconnect from his family to deal with--not that I think they are worth it, except for Tommy. I'm thrilled that he's decided Twoey is his other half, just like their two half dollars...if they keep the lines of communication open, they'll work everything out. I had a big smile on my face when David took Twoey into his arms and made his proclamation. Several days to go...I hope David has found that his anchor is enough to keep him safe in his mental recovery still to come. Big hugs, my friend!

Things were going so well in this chapter...then it falls apart with the 'outing' of our guys' status as earth mates. I can understand Tobyn being upset, but here's the thing: he can't have been clueless as he's had the same symptoms and feelings as Kellar, however much he tried to avoid them. The only change now is that it has been confirmed through the example of Eleanor and Denver. Your dream of helping the Pack through breeding with Tillie wouldn't have succeeded even if you were straight--just not enough children to offset natural attrition, apart from any additional mortality from the Malaise. You need more members, not just breeding of those already present. Poor Kellar, he's found a mate who refuses the connection, and now feels betrayed that it was hidden by the man he wouldn't admit to loving anyway. Grow up Tobyn...this wasn't Kellar's fault, he's been holding back for your sake and that of the Pack, putting his own interests last. Aggravating and angstful, but I'm hanging in there, G-Man.

Such a nice chapter, until Toph's mother shows up. We've hardly seen her, but I don't like her attitude toward her children. Granted, we don't know how much this view of her is biased through our hero's eyes, but he is more than sensitive enough to be aware of a person's bad qualities. I sincerely hope she's not going to ruin things for him, but what would the story be without a villain(ess)?

Fluff? I didn't see it that way--it's a step in Devyn's development, hopefully toward being a better person. I was a tad confused when D said Bryce had made the right call on the second slider--I thought D had said the call was wrong, and the guy hit it just like he predicted? The only thing that saved it was Devyn's catching it. More please!

I have to agree with a lot of the points above, except that David's friends did check in with him. Yes, they should have followed up in person the next day, like Twoey did, but aren't kids today conditioned to the instantaneous communications of cell phones? So why walk when you can call? That could be the only excuse I see for none of them coming over...and though Twoey tried, he is at fault for not hanging around until David got home, and dragging him to his house. Where's his love for this boy he knows is so troubled? Tommy is very much at fault for walking out and leaving David alone...and for not calling their Dad--but then, he hasn't had the example of an involved parent to rely on in times of trouble....The one parent he thought reliable just said to have him drink fluids and eat saltines, so what was he to do? And so, he reaps the blame for leaving him alone. Sunday will be the telling moment--who will intervene to save David? The prospects are looking pretty slim at the moment. Anxiously waiting for more, SD.

A very pre-eventful chapter Graeme. Several things have happened between chapters, and I had to read the first part over again to figure out that Julie was the new coach rather than Henry. From what we thought the Board was planning, that was a huge surprise. Ross and Warwick are in for a tough ride, neither being sure of the desire to be boyfriends...and now Kevin has met Daphne, , but Warwick is still hung up on him. I wonder what Trevor's game is? He seems a bit out of the loop to be any sort of scout--one should have known Julie was the new Head Coach. More please, my friend.