ColumbusGuy

I like this one a lot, as it further develops the love between Toph and Gary. As in Toph's room, so too in his mind; the clutter has been cleared away and space made for growth and creativity. Finding a perfect place to paint Gary's portrait is very much a part of how he feels toward him. Oscar's depth and insight mirror the colors Toph sees for his models, and will surely enhance both his life and his emotional stability. I'm eager not only to hear the story created for the Texas boys, but to 'see' the picture he creates to go with it. Toph seems to sense very deep things in his sitters, and brings positive things out in creating the works. It would be great if the two boys could find out what he's done to/for them in real life--I hoope they will contact him and he can share photos or something with them. New Glory sounds like a great little town, and it has preserved its charm as the surroundings grew, while my own little town has become sordid and unnurturing. You couldn't leave your doors unlocked there now like you could when I was growing up there.

I'm not reassured, Elias. My worst fear that Frank had died is in abeyance, but now Will's journal has been found, and I'd bet his texts have been read too. At the very least, I think his parents will ban him from all internet contact and perhaps no cell phone usage. I'll hold off on panicking about the college, but I bet his life will be almost as bad as before. Will has grown a lot, but I hope he does turn out okay, and gets to meet Frank when he is out of high school. More please, my friend.

Hm, never been to the baths, and I would have been too shy to do so even in college in the late 70s. By the time I moved into Columbus, AIDS was in full swing and I was glad I never had such free sex. It may have meant a more limited sex life, but I knew my fellow lovers and survived without getting HIV when I lost other friends to it more than once. I think the Club Baths is still around in Columbus--I saw a couple pics of a newly remodelled space with a gym and everything. Can't wait to read Vladuc's story!

A lot going on here, SD, but I'm glad that David finally started with what is the root of all his troubles...even if he wasted a lot of his time being angry and silent. Donny definitely needs to become a therapist...he's going to make someone an amazing boyfriend some day. I am entirely in agreement with the sentiments expressed by the earlier reviewers. Nothing to add there since they covered my major concerns with how things went here, and I wouldn't doubt that the abuse of Twoey by Eric has already begun. I don't think he's going to be safe until the weekend--and I bet Eric will assault him for suggesting the trip. Sad and Disturbing, SD...not the happy Song and Dance of another great story.

Sure, I spend the day reading a story elsewhere, and you sneak in a post. The dessert tryst was wonderfully romantic, and the boys got to settle some things about just how far they would go. I love when the relationship builds to a crescendo rather than jumping straight into bed--yes, that happens all too often in real life and fiction--but where's the romance and caring in that sort of thing? No prompt again? Do I need to come over there and check your temperature? Just kidding--I know it is a hard task to find just the right one; some are close, but the feel is wrong, or it just isn't posted yet. Some even hint at darker aspects of relationships, and that isn't the right direction most times. Mehr bitte, mein Freund!

Yay, a new chapter! I'm so glad you are posting again, I've missed your story and got right back into it. I'm eager to see how things go with Joey and Andy, and Sam and whoever his 'intended' is going to be--Mikey maybe? More please!

Elias, I'm scared...I'm expecting bad news and don't want to hear it because I know I'm going to cry. Will has gotten his true friends back, and they know his truth, and it's looking like he's going to lose the mentor he has come to look on as a father figure. I hope I'm wrong, and the cessation of emails is for another reason...but I'm already on the verge of tearing up just thinking about what is to come. You are so good at making characters we can empathise with, and come to love as if they were real people. That's talent, my dear friend. I've got my fingers crossed, but it's not sounding good for Frank and Will.

I'm eager to find out what Will's first day back at school is like, and hope the new church works out too. Not really religious myself, except in a heathen way where I feel close to Nature and a bond with all living things. Went to Lutheran services until I was twelve, then my parents got too busy, and I didn't miss it. I've been to a few retreats when I was in college, read most of the major religious texts, but I don't hold with any sort which seeks to control how I think and act in non-religious matters. Been to some Quaker meetings, and a friend's dad is a Presbyterian minister. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of gay marriage--seeing it as a needless thing when civil unions are there. I don't want or need any recognition through a piece of paper from a group who won't accept my lifestyle at any other time. The Deity knows who feels true love and who doesn't, so the paper is only good for tax purposes. I don't plan on any religious service when I go, wanting a gathering of friends to remember me rather than some preacher who never knew me. I am planning to be buried in the plot my great-great grandfather has in a small rural cemetery; he is the first of my line to come over from Germany in 1840, and I'm the last of my direct line, so it seems fitting. Only a small fee to put my ashes in, and a small plaque. Sorry, the religious theme here just brought this on, not directly related to the chapter. One tiny thing: where you mention Gary's possible cook-out, you wrote 'patents' rather than 'parents'. On to the next one, my friend!

There's a lot here, SD, and as usual not all of it is good. I was surprised at Alex' reaction and offer to help get David and Twoey together--that didn't seem to fit her emotional character...but she already has one gay friend, so maybe she unconsciously knew the signs to look for? It's a shame that Randy got hurt, but he has a boyfriend in the scene if they can work it out. I'm not sure Donny is as bad as others seem to think--he's willing to wait and see what the result of the therapy session will be, which is a good thing. I hope his wish to be friends if nothing else develops is genuine--David needs those in plenty. I laughed at Mike's threat about Eric, but perhaps Gary could make it work? I think the trip to see Mike may happen, but it's probably going to be too late--Eric has his clutches so deep into Twoey that I think even an outright declaration of love from David might not bring Twoey around to sanity again. I'm glad Mike got Ginny clued in to how badly her son has been isolated by Eric, though she should have seen it herself. All the adults are pretty clueless about things normal people would notice, let alone trained professionals like her. Well, as to the therapy session: I don't think it's going to do much good since David is throwing up so much irrelevant stuff rather than coming to the central issue of his dreamsof Burch and the fishes. Those are the key to all his confusion and assertions that he can't be gay--but Dr. Keating can only treat what he knows, and David is expert at hiding himself from the world and his own inner self. More please....

I love the beginning of the date, Tim! The only problem I had was my narration software making a hash of the Italian, just as it does with Danish...so I don't know what was ordered by the boys, and only got the cider when it was mentioned later. I had to laugh about the rationale behind the price-less menus, and Eric's thinking he was the wife. Such a tender and romantic setting for their first date. Now that they are spending the night together, I hope they don't rush into consummating their union, so to speak. I loved the idea of it occurring after the Prom...tonight could be exploring the tender side of their relationship, either by passionate making-out, or at most, oral sex, but who knows where their hormones will lead them? Hm, no prompt eh? And I'm using one for my next chapter--the world's gone mad--mad, I say!

Hmm, so Dorian is being poisoned? There are a lot of possible suspects, from a Pack official, to a family member...or someone from the outside who wants revenge on him. I'm eager to find out what is going on. A great end to the Council meeting and restructuring...but we are far from hearing all there is about our two Alphas-in-training. I haven't thought about Trevor in a long time, and indeed, forgot about him...I guess Casey has been wrapped up in his two mates and his charges to think about his friend. I'd like to see Trevor get more space--maybe he finds a mate at college, or perhaps one of a different species, male or female? Anxious for more, my friend!

Oh well, the boys aren't able to read one another as well as they think. Tobyn doesn't seem to be able to read the depth of feeling Kellar has, or not admit it if he does, and Kellar seems to not get beyond the Cause Tobyn feels obligated to solve. Stupid boys indeed, as lux said. Further, it is crazy for Tobyn to limit himself to Tilly alone, as the Pack will die out if the available genes aren't sufficient to forestall inbreeding. I wonder if that could be part of the problem already? The saddest thing for me is that Kellar, being used to isolation, will pass up his mate if he thinks it is best...a mistake for sure, but his world-view has already shown him that it is risky to rely on others. Very sad, G-Man. I hope things will work out for them. Hugs for this one, and sad tears, my dear friend.

Okay, SD, you just shorted out my crystal ball and burned my pack of Tarot cards. I haven't got a clue what David will do, except screw things up more than they already are since he's now kissed Donny. The simplest solution is for him to fully explore the fish dreams and what Burch did to ihm, which may give him space to be his real self as a gay teen. As for the relationship question, he was happiest with Twoey, and ought to kick Eric's ass and claim the boy who he truly loves, and who truly loves him. Eric was just a consolation prize for not being able to have David. So, Alex--fuck off and go chase some other boy, all you other guys, gang up on Eric to put him in his place--which is out in the cold.

Nice tense chapter, Graeme. I thought Stuart was too much of a slime-ball to just disappear...it's time he got his ass kicked, either by the Leopards or the police. I'm hoping Kevin and Warwick can find themselves in a relationship, since the girls didn't seem to work out for him. I think Warwick is a better deal for him. If they work out, maybe he could share a place with Kevin, so he can have his privacy? More please, my friend! I'm gonna try catching up on the AFL games on my dvr this weekend.

Well, this is an interesting turn of events--I am almost positive that the pastor is going to get around the problem with a mealy-mouthed pseudo apology and hope the incident will go away. The man needs to be fired, or the church sued for trying to hide the story. Glad Will is reunited with Max at last. Woof! Take care of yourself, Elias, please!

I should have known that lux Apollo would say the things I was going to--but I was hoping to be the first review. It bothers me that I didn't see the 'outing' angle Mike mentioned...at least I got the rest of the Twoey situation right, alas. In my opinion, the only thing that could save Twoey now would be for David to become his boyfriend, and that is even farther away than Mike's visit. I can easily see the outing occurring sooner than that. David is at least starting to be annoyed with Alex, but I have doubts about whether he will have the courage to break up with her--this is all part of his self-denial, and if he does that, he is one step closer to admitting his gayness...not gonna happen anytime soon. At least Chuck's life is going well--somebody in this town has to have a healthy mental attitude toward their boyfriend. Many thanks for keeping the A-quotient low, SD!

Wow, the Smith family is full of surprises, but in a good way--except for the mom. I love the way Peter's problem was handled--with him following up Ronnie's efforts, the twins could be fathered by either of the brothers, so they will be loved where another family might not be so tolerant. I'm eager to see what the event in Cleveland is...and don't mind skipping the rearing of the children so long as we get a scene or two along the way to endear them to us...it will also show us how Peter, Tom, Anne and Louise are doing as parents. More please!

Well, this is going to be fun...Kellar is already being sized up as new stock to improve the Pack. All he wants is to improve Tobyn, and now we have Tilly seeing them in a compromising position. What a great start to a new phase of Kellar's life. It's interesting that the Malaise doesn't appear in the victiom's aura...if it's not a disease, then that may limit what our Healer can do. If it's environmental, how could that be passed on to distant Packs? Eager for more, my dear friend!

AARRGGHH!! It's like one of those award shows--lots of buildup, we get the envelope--and then there's a commercial break. I was very impressed with Ethan in this whole chapter...he has all the traits that a Luna needs for a nurturing role at his Alpha's side, or to take over as Alpha should circumstances require. His compassion should be a beacon to all the lycan leaders. I'm not happy with he and Aidan travelling to other packs for healing ferals, mainly because accidents can occur more frequently than outright treachery...far better if the sick can be brought to him, at Council expense if the money isn't available. A beautiful chapter, particularly Ethan's display with the underground river and the caverns.

I was struck with only one thought reading this: hate is easier to express and understand than love because it is so rare in the real world. Many couples might have once felt love, but it has since decayed into complacency or familiarity, with no divine spark to it. How many couples had it to begin with, mistaking love for what was actually fondness and convenience? Those who teach hate from their pulpits to infect yet another generation have never felt this emotion--if they had, they would teach it instead of bogotry. It was clearly stated that Christ's testament replaced the Old Teachings,but embracing the new is hard when the old ways are so much easier with their familiar tag lines. Any person who has true love in his/her hear will recognize it in whatever guise, and be happy someone else shares it. You have only to look at the world around you to see how rare a gift this is, and perhaps always has been since the species began. Kudos G-Man, for asking the very important question of 'Why?'t

Thanks AC. I'm glad you liked Benny's recalling of his evening with Cal--it may seem rushed, but they aren't strangers, and have had months of thinking about what they would do if they got their differences sorted out. The question arises: when Ben lost to Cal let himself be taken, was that a genuine loss, or did he want it to happen that way? Although he hadn't done any anal sex with Greg, he was the more experienced of the two...so was that his way of increasing Cal's confidence in himself? What will be the result of Jay and Miles opening Mikkel's box? They have proclaimed their devotion and commitment, but this puts their relationship on a whole new plane--and each has his own vision of how their first real love-making will occur. Will this become a bone of contention between them? I'm not sure how much to include Finn and Lee, or where it will go...glimpses of them in passing will likely be all there is, as has been the case so far. Ideas?

Oh Elias! Please don't over-do things--take it easy and slow down until you can gradually increase your activities. My dad had a small heart attack around age 54, and the paramedics wanted him to go to the hospital, but he didn't. He rested up, took a few days off work, then went on with things. He lived for 29 more years, the last two spent in a nursing home due to a stroke--and that's probably what finished him off since he had always been active. He was a product of the Depression, and could never sit around doing nothing, always having to do something whether it was work, gardening, or the sports they had down in Florida where he retired. Sadly, he also was of the generation which didn't show their emotions easily or talk about them...so he almost never said he loved me--but I was fairly sure he did--until he found out I was gay when I turned 30. That was the last time we ever talked, since he moved to Florida a few months later. Will and Frank have such a nice relationship going, and I laughed at Will's comment to his grandpa! He's found an awesome mentor in Frank, who can give him invaluable advice if he does become a teacher. Tale care, my friend...pace yourself and write when you feel up to it, but don't push! Hugs.

A nice warm Sunday for the family, and Michael ias the best combination of parents now. I hoope Peter will start listening to the calls farmor makes to Michael--the woman has great potential to damage him mentally and emotionally--and he doesn't know how to guard against her since he is so trusting. I'd say she isn't allowed to talk to him at all unless moster or Peter or Patrick are listening, to end the call if she starts her evil talk. I can't wait to hear about the neighbor's run-in with moster--that should be very funny. I can't see Grethe letting evil comments pass unremarked. There's a Team Michael? Sign me up! Eager for more, min ven!

Well, this certainly isn't the way I thought Bryce and Devyn's meeting would go...they actually talked. Bryce made a lot of good points, similar to those Devyn had been toying with...but I'm not ready to trust him yet as a proper boyfriend. His out-going personality and confidence could be a bad thing for long-term relationships. He could grow bored quickly with someone who wasn't ready to be as open, and he can easily find someone who will better suit his needs. Devyn certainly isn't a leader, not in the realm of sexual activity...he's been slightly or totally subservient in all his relationships so far, Sean by necessity, but that having been his first, it may have molded his view of the way he is. More please!

Seemed a little short, but maybe that was due to no real bits with Alex? The next chapter will be very long, at least subjectively since she'll be all over it. So David thinks there'll be more kissing with Randy? He seems to be at least looking at the prospect of being gay, rather than denying it...but it's going to take a big meltdown for him to break through the mental blocks he put up to get Burch out of his head--I think it's memories of that pedophile rather than religious indoctrination at fault here. The recurring fishes seem to indicate the worst trauma may have happened in the bath, a pool or the lake. I liked him naming the gull Sigmund--shows his perverse humor is still intact--perhaps a touch of Johnathan Livingston Seagull hear? I don't think David's friends noticed his absence yet, ism't it just past school ending now? Sam at least ought to be inquiring. I would have dismissed David's worries about Timmy not liking him if he's gay...but Tommy has shown he is far more accepting of the straight David over the potential gay one. He's slipped in my eyes since that revelation some chapters back. I hope it's only appearance rather than fact, since Tommy has been the only real family David has on an emotional level. If there's anyway to keep Alex' parts in Syracuse short, go for it, my friend!