ColumbusGuy

Dang, still can't get my points in first, since Apollo covered every one of them. I'll just add that Ginny's excuse of thinking Twoey was happy is pretty lame, especially for a supposed 'psychologist'. She ought to find another field of work...and what happened to that connection she used to have to her son in the first chapters? It was almost psychic. I guess the compartmentalization of David's issues and Twoey's flight response to his are why the two aren't rejoicing about both being single--or even talking about the once strong bond they had. Idiocy strikes again just when the chance is there for them to be open with one another about their feelings. David is doing nothing to try to avert his January deadline by facing things. Will Gary's connections hurt Eric? Hard to say, but he doesn't seem like the type to respond to anything short of violent action. He's going to remain a problem unless a lot of dissuasion is applied--and I wonder if we'll see 'vixere' again.

Just chiming in to echo some of what has already been said...yes, it's good that Bryce has begun to realize that the world isn't the place he thought it was, but I don't think he understands the full impact of his earlier actions. In making the decision to out Devyn, even to a group he thought was safe, he took no account of what his alleged boyfriend felt. His world has been more sheltered, yes, but he hasn't learned that a good relationship is a partnership and not a dictatorship. I grant he's not as bad as Sean by any means, but is this a trend that Devyn is unconsciously following--taking up with domineering boyfriends? Is that one of the reasons things didn't work out with Alex? My experience with campus security is based on a small private college, but I can't picture them doing much by way of investigation, as Devyn hopes. They don't have the resources or incentive to do real detective work. Theirs is to watch, and the university's job is to keep things quietly understated. There will be notices to watch for suspicious persons or activity, and advice not to venture out alone, but not much more. The aim is to attract students, so any events which might detract from that will be kept under the radar. It doesn't help that this was a hate crime against one of the groups many think it is still acceptable to persecute. And now, Devyn has more reason to retain his sense of paranoia--until these guys are found, he could be attacked again, or hear of another victim if they aren't caught soon. It will take him a long time to stop looking over his shoulder, and that fear might linger with him for years if there are more incidents to fuel it. Still not fully a Devyn fan here, but maybe this experience will bring some sense to his treatment of others? And I have to hand it to Vincente--he's a lot different than I first thought he was. Devyn is going to need his support as much as Bryce's--perhaps even more since it comes from a friend rather than a boyfriend.

Thanks AC. Horses are very expressive animals--just look at Mister Ed. We'll have to see about Mikey's dad...he's very quiet and may keep any suspicions to himself, preferring to see the boys as just friends. He could be seeing the way Jay is bringing his son out of himself rather than a budding love match. I didn't have a circle of friends until college, and he treated those friends nicely, so who's to say? If I can get my brain going, we may get to Linda's graduation soon, and Jerry's visit for that...not to mention the adventures in store thanks to Uncle Mikkel's package.

This is set before the visit to Miles' cousin in St. Louis. That occurs in the first week of December 1976..this story is set in the Spring of 1976 when Jay and Miles first meet. Sorry for the confusion. The Out West part is a collaboration with AC Benus and is a companion to his story Katie's Sketchbook where he borrowed my boys as it fit the time period. This story covers the beginning of their relationship and their discovery of other gay boys in their small town.

I love the personal and emotional growth Toph is making in this chapter. He's opening himself up to accept the friendship of those around him, and is returning those feelings even more. It's sad that he's also going to experience the sorrow of his friend Joe when his father succumbs to cancer. I almost hope that the picture of the Texas Boys doesn't sell...it reflects his holiday with Gary, and the burgeoning feelings he was relishing at the same time. He puts a lot of himself in his pictures, but this one is especially dear for him. A warm and fuzzy chapter, my friend...more shivery goosebumps please!

I had a good laugh at the breakfast scene, and the guys letting Helena see them in the buff...it was a surprise that Neil went with it...good for him. I'm glad Roscoe has finally come out to his mom and Wu...I was fairly sure she already knew, and had no idea his friends suspected. Wu came through in the clench. I understand his fear though...I never really came out to my parents. My dad found out by accident just before we moved to separate houses when I was 28--until then, I'd lived with him after my parents divorced my sophomore year in college. Sex was never discussed during my childhood, and since I was single, it didn't matter. Once we moved, I never heard from him again. My mother, several years after I moved to Columbus, asked me, but I didn't say, despite her assurance that it didn't matter since I was her 'baby'. I didn't have a boyfriend until a couple years later, so it didn't matter--what sealed it was that she met my later boyfriend at my house one day and didn't like him. When he did later become my bf, there was no way I'd tell her...she had no clue he was bi, just disliked him anyway. Despite no confirmation, she probably knew, otherwise she'd never have asked...maybe mom's do always know? I hope things stay cool and Stuart stays away...Roscoe doesn't need any more stress like Jim outlined would happen. More please!

I've not read the other reviews, but for me, even though Alex has let his emotions rule his head more than he ought, he has pegged Devyn for what he is: a self-centered user, just like Sean was when he blackmailed Devyn. From Devyn's view, he's just being practical knowing that a long distance relationship wouldn't work, but he's also blind to the fact that he put no effort into trying to work things out. It's all about what he wants with no thought for his partner. I don't see him and Bryce being much better as he continues to live in the shadow of Sean. Yes, Devyn is developing into just the sort of guy he supposedly despised at the start of the story. Good luck with finding happiness under that cloud.

Okay, this was a bit short...but action-packed. I hope Twoey has gotten the message Mike, Gary and Allen were trying to get through to him, but I can see him backsliding unless his mother is more vigilant. He's used to letting Eric rule him, despite what happened, and with no one to act as a love interest, he might settle for what's available. As for David, I hope he can open those doors before they slam open on their own, and likely all at once. Come on, call your grandpa for someone who is really interested in you. More please, my friend!

Miss Sibyl is a wonderful woman, and Kellar has learned a lot about his heritage, and about the concept of finding his mate...but it's breaking my heart that he's unable to revel in that as he ought by Tobyn's determination to sacrifice himself for his Pack. That's a worthy thought, but one man won't be able to save it because the inbreeding is so acute. The only hope is to bring in outsiders, and not just find a cure for the Malaise. I just want to shake Tobyn and tell him to wise up. An awesome and yet sad chapter, my dear friend.

Wow, the family is huge--and I'm so glad Ethan found a way to get the younger kids to like his lunis form as well. Maybe he'll make a little snow or flowers for them sometime. It would be fun for Aiden and Ethan to become parents some day...but isn't that a bit impossible the natural way? Love it, and eager for more, my friend!

Thanks a lot, SD--I was doing all that? I hoped people would like the JM dialogue at the beginning...it just seemed that it was like a lot of the talking I heard and engaged in as a teen. I try to show how the couples are taking different approaches to their guys, and right now, though Cal and Ben seem farther along, they are still finding out about one another. All three have a large amount of love, though Cal and Ben's is momentarily swamped by pent up hormones from the early part of the school year. Did the advancing of the pace work for you?

Well, I hope Stuart finally gets the message. I was glad that Dave took the lead in the ending scene--he's one scary person, and with his past, has a need to get some of that anger out of his system. I'm sorry for Warwick...and a little angry at Kevin for wanting to play around to test things out without any sort of entanglements. I thought he was better than that. At the moment I hope Warwick finds someone deserving of his love. It would be nice if it were Kevin, but he has a lot of work to do before he's right for Warwick. Lets hope that Julie gets the job now...Henry would fit better at another club, I think. More please, Graeme!

Well, I haven't decided yet if/when Mikey's dad will figure things out...my real dad found out by accident much later.He was always busy working and never said a lot, but we did talk when I wanted to, and he always took me to bookstores and shopping when I asked. I got my quiet genes from him. Denny's parents are an enigma; I have an idea in my head about them, but I'm not sure about it...gotta run it past my beta. Greg's parents want their kids to be happy and are close to them, as the musical evenings show--and the boys at least all are encouraged to follow any of their interests. What can be said about Lisbet other than she's the ideal grandma? I'm glad you liked it, and I guess it's time to start the next one.

Gotta love it--World Trade Federation indeed! Nothing to add to what's been said already, except to increase the outrage at both Dr. Keating and David's dad--AND Ginny the In(s)ane psychologist. David needs to get on the phone with his grandfather right away--his dad is utterly incompetent and has no concept of what's going on with his son. Where are the oversight committees for doctors and other 'experts' dealing with children?!

POV: Jay, Greg “Now what do we do?” I asked Mikey, showing my frustration…I’d been trying for five minutes without success, and I was no closer to my goal than I’d been before we started. “Put some WD-40 on it to lube it up?” I was sweaty from all the exertion, and the incipient mugginess of an April shower wasn’t helping matters at all. Not to mention the wool of the blanket under me, and the heat from the silver-caged trouble light Mikey was holding just made my tee-shirt cling even mo

A great chapter G-Man! The underlying mystery of the Malaise is driving me crazy...Tobyn had tumors in his stomach, and Adelin had cancer...is this the Malaise or just a symptom of something else? Kellar has been able to heal both wolves, but apparently didn't see anything else wrong with their auras. Curiouser and curiouser. Looks like Tobyn is going to forego a true mate for his Pack, and Kellar is going to depart for his own reasons of self-sacrifice. I wonder what Eleanor would think of her son's behavior? More please, my dear friend!

I loved the way Mr. Archibald stood up to the wicked Mrs. Hawthorn. I was equally glad when most of the parishioners stood by him and moster against them. Still, I'm not running out to join any organized religious group. I hope the meeting with Fiona turns out well, and can't wait to read about Michael's visit to the hospital. I can't be sure due to my narrator, but I think the bit after the sex scene says 'grabled' rather than 'garbled'. That didn't affect the enjoyment of their love-making though...and I'm sorry to admit that things happened pretty quick during my first experiences too. Eager for more, min ven!

Such a great ending to an amazing ceremony! I hope this gathering of different species is only the beginning of a new era. I loved all the gifts, I have a statue of a chinese dragon in various colors I've had for years, and a small Egyptian cat statue of Bast. Even though I'm 58, about six or seven years ago I discovered the animated series about Sagwa the Chinese Siamese cat and her family. I've loved the cultural info that series gives, and I've seen dragon dances on television several times, and loved them. Eager for more, my friend...especially finding out who is trying to poison Dorian, and how Sebastian will fare with his pack.

Elias, how to say this? Short but sweet. Will has gotten the parents and family he deserves at last, with them knowing his true self. I wish they would let him contact Frank, but once he's graduated, he can do what he wants. It's sad that they can't see all the good his counselling has done for their son--much more than their idiotic pastor ever did. Will is an amazing young man, finally at peace with his inner self and proud of who he is, and understands that there are many ways to look at what life throws at us, and he can pick which one he wants for himself for his inner peace of mind...it all doesn't have to be black or white, but a whole range of colors in between. I'm eager for Knots VI to start, but I'll have the patience of Job since any attempts to speed things along could endanger your health--then we would wait in vain. Please, my friend, take care of yourself for me and your other fans. Thank you for this wonderful story and all your other works...they've provided many days of enjoyment, angst and turmoil as we tead of your protagonists' adventures. Love and hugs, my dear friend.

Once again, my points have been covered. David's fate hinges on the ancient Greek axiom: Know Thyself. Two little words which seem so simple separately, but of enormous impact when placed together...and oh so difficult to do in practice. David is a master of self-deception, as we well know...and he's complicating things even more by tossing in new elements all the time like Donny. Time is fleeting, as they say, my friend. Some astounding scenes coming up for sure, and I still don't have a clue who David will wind up with.

A lot to think about here, Graeme. I'm glad Liam and Neil are connecting with some of the other kids at school, and maybe he'll get a new friend out of it. I'm also glad that Dave is going to be considering Hawthorn's offer. I worry about Warwick's feelings on Kevin's night with Geraldine--not to mention Kevin's agreeing to go along with it--it's hare-brained at best, and I don't like how it could affect him and Warwick. I know Kevin won't intentionally hurt Geraldine, but it's just not a good plan as I'll wager G becomes caught up in thinking Kevin is going to be more than a temporary lover. I can identify with the Aborigine's feelings of cultural isolation; back in the 70s when I was in high school in a rural farm town, there were no gay people to share ideas with, and only negative stereotypes on television for the most part. Hence, I do not identify with some aspects of the gay subculture--if it weren't for my wide ranging interests in reading, art and history, I most likely would have been a narrow-minded closet case. I've come to have a 'live and let live' philosophy for others in the community, but that doesn't make me feel comfortable around the more 'visible' sectors. Being gay to me means liking guys rather than guys who want to look like or even be girls. I've known some very nice transvestitish guys, but had no desire to be more than friends...and the same goes for the more flamboyant guys too. I'd say my ideal sort of guy is still the 'boy next door' type , and while I've read about transgendered people, I don't get it beyond an intellectual level. Small town upbringings are hard to break free of, but I've always thought outside the box and tended to be leery of people who try to impose their views on me--I've got a brain, so I use it.How does the old saying go--I may not agree with your view, but I'll defend your right to express it? A worried waiting for the next one...hoping Warwick and Kevin will not find themselves pushed apart by this experience.

Well said, my dear friend. I had a good laugh at the 'hungry vultures' line, knowing that your fans in the COTT forum are the birds awaiting your morselfs. As usual, you make poesy look so easy, and distill your wisdom down to a few drops for us eager to drink from your font. Kudos, cheers, and big hugs, my dear friend!

Well, Dr. Keating sure seems involved with his patients. Yes, he told David some of the things he could expect, but nothing really that he hadn't already figured out...he'd better have more plans about getting David to see someone else regularly, rather than just saying 'Call Ginny' should he need to talk. WFT? He is pretty hopeless if he thinks David won't need a real person on a regular basis to help him. And now, the physical abuse starts. Maybe it's Twoey's wake up call, but I think he's in for a lot more before it's over. He may be more watchful, but he's going to find excuses to explain it away. As for David's dad...what a loser he still is. Even now, he's still not really concerned about his son's experiences, and Aunt Sally seems to be an almost identical copy of him. Sigh. Seems to be a depressing week so far--in another story I'm reading, one of the two lovers was killed in an accident, and his boyfriend is going through hell. Alas, I know about that all too well, though it was suicide rather than an accident in my case.

Okay, Wolf, this has to be one of the best chapters so far. A wonderful way for an Elemental to celebrate, letting the plants give their own gifts to the wedding. It deeply satisfies my Germanic soul, that Nature has such a huge role in this, and I only wish such things could be really possible in our mundane world. A far more romantic and touching celebration than the stilted and tired words of Christian platitudes. A truly welcoming and encompassing feeling of inclusion of the entire biosphere, and not just the formal order and division symbolic of Western ceremonials. More please!

I'm very glad Kellar was able to help Adelin, and that Tobyn was part of it. I was thinking his being able to supply energy was something anyone might do, but if they are intended mates, now I'm not so sure. I know Kellar has finally said what his feelings are, and Tobyn knows, but I don't believe he's said he shares them--but I may be wrong. Is he still equating it with intense friendship, or realizing what it truly is? Well, it looks like Kellar will be moving on once he's helped as much as he can....As to whether Tobyn's mom has a hint, or Tilly, I don't know, but I'll wager Tilly is oblivious. Yowls and yips of excitement, my Alpha friend.