ColumbusGuy

Glad you liked the recollection, the porn bit just came out as I was writing, wasn't actively planned. There is a small pun in this fragment, if you find it, let me know. Hint: think initials. The Triad Board is not going to be happy granting Two's request, but they really, really want his gene-line...you can imagine what he must have threatened if he didn't get his wish. Especially with a co-mate in a high position in Security. : I have had a scene in my head for ages, but it's set in the future on Earth and i can't fit it in the story....)

It's weird, FB, but going back to find something to read in my list, I hadn't finished this one--I'd stopped at the chopper ride to find Amos. I have no idea why, but I'm done at last, and loved the ending. I thought Ashton would die too, but maybe he's learned a lesson. Eager for more stories in this series, or short tales in the spin-offs.

Well, I'm glad you liked it, I thought a little more explanation of the triad might be needed. Threesomes are great in theory, but not normally workable in our culture. One like the 'thals have might be more workable whose females are in season only once a year. These are fairly easy since they are short, but the JM story needs you because the Checker becomes too unwwieldy. Even this one had some errors I just crossed my fingers and hit ignore or change. Maybe the other boys will talk to me now that this is up?

You're gonna spoil me, with words like this my friend. Gulliver is pretty observant for a horse...but he loves Jay and can tell when he's happy, so anyone who can help that continue is okay in his corral. Once more, we see how great the Beckels are...wonder if Jerry will be the same when he comes home for Linda's graduation? He's only had an indirect role so far, but Linda proved a surprise once we got to know her a bit better. Stay tuned, same GA channel....

“Why are you looking at me that way?” “Do you remember when we first met,” I asked Jakob one night as I lay next to him, stroking his dark hair idly. For my part, I was still marveling over the changes the ‘thals new nano-bots had made in our bodies. It was like we were twenty again…only we had our appreciation of life our long-time bond had given us. So much had changed over the decades and centuries those same bots had gifted us with, but our feelings for one another were undiminished. O

What a wonderful chapter, Tim. It explains a lot of the issues with Peter's family, and I can sympathize with him...it's not guaranteed that you will like a new parent--but I was lucky that the man my mom married after my parents divorces was a nice, funny guy. Sadly he got Alzheimer's a couple years before my mom died, and gradually faded away to a shadow of his former self. The last time I saw him was at mom's funeral, and he didn't really know anyone by then, not even his favorite grandson who'd been his hunting and fishing buddy for years...I thought he wouldn't remember my mom either, but when he was at the coffin, he began to cry. That was so hard for me to see. I am glad to see them leaving the door open for Michael to come in...that shows that Patrick fully includes him as part of his family, and loves him as much as Peter and Grethe do. I'm eager for the next installment, now that there's a schedule...you can expect eager notes now if you don't follow through.

That was quick, Elias! I was just writing Zarek that I was caught up on my reading, and you save the day. I agree that you don't have to tell everyone you're gay--there's far more to me than that, so it isn't pertinent unless the person is one I'm interested in, or having a relationship with. I'm in no way ashamed of it, just a fairly private person. I've gone to gay bars with straight or gay friends, and even by myself, but the bar scene isn't my thing--too much noise and many don't have quiet places to talk if you do manage to meet someone who is interesting and sober. What is this book Frank refers to? Is it real, or just a plot device? If it's real, tell me the name and where to find it! I'm loving story more and more as it goes on...just like Knots. More please, my friend!

Much as I like this story, I'm not fond of Devyn right now. As you said, he's wrapped up in what others think of him, and doesn't seem terribly concerned about how he has treated them. His 'love' for Alex can't have been too deep, as Bryce said, for it to fade so quickly, and that makes me think what Sean did to him has severely damaged him emotionally. I'm afraid that Devyn has fallen into the trap that what Sean did was how a gay relationship ought to go, and not like the tenderness and concern that Alex gave him--could that be why he seemed less concerned about it being over than someone else might have been? I see Brice as another version of Sean, maybe not as rough-edged, but essentially someone out for their own pleasure and no deep attachment. I hope I'm wrong, but that's the way it's looking to me so far, Hunter. Perhaps future chapters will alter that, but either way, Devyn has a lot of maturing to do, and doesn't seem to realize that. I'll wager his father is aware of something wrong with him and Alex, and can probably guess that it isn't primarily Alex' fault, since he's the same guy as before.

A cautious 'Yay' here...it would be a full-throated one if Will's grandparents had done this before, but now I'm sure it's dependent on him remaining 'straight'. I only hope they don't insists he goes to some Bible-thumping hell-hole of a college. Got my fingers crossed, and am hoping he gets to go where he wants and to study what he wants. Thinking of being a teacher is a surprise...it's not an easy career--I tried student teaching in my last semester of college, and quickly realized it wasn't for me. The senior class was good, but the ninth graders were mostly uninterested, having no choice in being there...and I'm not good in front of a crowd anyway. Eager for more, my friend!

I don't know how you keep doing it, my friend...once again you hit so many of my musings on the head...yet I can't express them as vividly as you do in so few words--not even in one of my lengthy chapters could I do the same thing. How many of us achieve our dreams, young or old? I didn't, but writing here has gotten me nearer than before. So many regrets, so many lost chances ungrasped through a lack of boldness or courage...it may be the gods who decide what dreams we have, or how they might be achieved...I certainly never knew. When I began writing in sixth grade, I never envisioned a day when people would read my scribblings from so many different places without ever boying a book. No rich reward from my efforts save the satisfaction of knowing it is appreciated through reviews and emails. How different from the old days of printer's ink and reams of paper as tall as a man! Is happiness as ethereal as those dreams of old? It seems so, for the young don't often grasp the love of family until they are gone, seeking the charms of the outside world. Only as we age do we recognize the folly of those years. How many with worldy goods are truly happy--they spend their days worrying about getting more, or fearing the loss of what they have. True happiness comes from the simpler things: a friend's smile, the laugh of delight at a new discovery, or the embrace of a loved one, sadly diminishing as we grow older. I would give up everything if I could go back and relive those lost chances, give hugs to those now gone who meant more to me than I understood at the time...especially those whose lives were too short either through accident or design. Sorry, I'll go now, my maudlin musings snuck out....

Okay, that's the first time erotic poetry has made me want to take a cold shower. Fiction, yes...movies, yes...but a poem? Now I can add that to my list thanks to your amazing use of words and imagery. *fans face with cd case*

Oh, Elias, you've left me wondering what's happening. Shame on you, but I guess the chapter has to end somewhere. The Kipling poem is one of my favorites, so I was glad to see it here. Now if Will can only take it to heart. He's found an amazing mentor in Frank, and I hope they can finally meet at some point in the story. I also love the way Knots has worked to bring the two of them together...yet one more example of Matt's 'knots' at work. Enjoying the flashbacks to the story when you mention some of what happened in the latest part...it all comes back to me. Isn't the next book supposed to start soon? One of those persistent pesky readers here.

This is such a sad chapter, Hunter...it seems that Devyn is turning out to be more like Sean than I thought he'd be. I know he's angry that Alex didn't let him explain the day before, but he's acting very childish. Alex has every right to be angry about his cheating, but he tried to give him a chance to explain now. I really think you should continue occasional chapters or sections from Alex' point of view...unless you are writing him out of the story, it's important to have both sides of a relationship now that we know the participants so well. Alex' story is part of Devyn's make-up, and should remain here rathr than as a separate work, unless you intend to have him develop in a direction away from Devyn...in that case, go for it. More please, and I hope Devyn comes to his senses...I'd hate to see him try to act straight--that would be an even more marked betrayal of his nature than cheating on Alex was.

I'm not as certain as some others that David knows what really went on...it's still shrouded in imagery he isn't entirely aware of...I don't think he's going to see anyone yet. He's too sure he can do it on his own, with his 'helpers' like Putin and Danny. Maybe he's beginning to see Alex isn't his mate, but he's nowhere near giving up being with a girl in favor of his true self...Twoey is the only one he's had deep feelings for, but realizing that and becoming his real boyfriend is far different. Still burying his head in the sand...probably will do that until he's really lost control of himself...this was just a small hint of the turmoil inside.

Just read this story last night, all the way through. Devyn has been through a lot of turmoil, but had Alex to help him deal with it. I'm glad his father supported him, and am surprised at Principal Barrett's words...but given the town's attitudes, she went as far as she could. I really hope Parker and Annabelle wind up in psycho wards, rather than out among normal people, spreading their hatred...especially hope neither goes to the same college as Devyn. Will start the next story today, but I'm apprehensive about that from the description...sounds like more trouble ahead, and like he may lose Alex.

So Benny is one of your favorites? I wonder why.... You have to wonder if the Beckels knew Benny was gay all along since it didn't seem to be much of a surprise. I think Jay made a mistake mentioning 'Ben' rather than just letting the two new guys be anonymous. I'm glad you liked it, I just wish I'd had such a support group when I was living those years the first time. It wasn't until college that I felt at ease enough to come out to anyone...first to one of my English profs, then to my best friend.

Thanks, G-Man. I'm always eager to see what drew your attention the most, and am never disappointed, though it isn't always what I expect. We got a little taste of everybody in this one, and I figured the other guys needed some play time since the Easter weekend was all JM...not that that was a bad thing. Cal has found people to help him deal with his family issues, and Benny will be a big part of that, as Greg will be for Denny. It seems the town's gay kids all have issues, but what teen doesn't? No idea yet for the next chapter, so you can rest a bit.

Dang, gotta review before spikey...he's asked all my questions. I wonder if the Malaise might be a side-effect of inbreeding? I really hope Fendral's kids weren't killed, but their continued silence is not a good sign...I really hope they didn't bring the disease to other packs. So much to digest, and all of it so sad...I'm glad Tobin had some fun romping with Kellar, like a normal shifter ought. Earth mates? I hope so! Kudos, G-Man...another glimpse into that fertile brain of yours, and nothing in there ever comes out as we expect...a sure sign of genius.

You've come a long way, Tim...all this conversation moved the plot along, and sounds so natural I could see it happening in real life. Managing conversation is hard, and the fact that you do it in a foreign language just shows the depth of your talent. Team Rob is more than happy--we're over the moon! I'm glad Eric has decided to step up to the plate and take on the GSA post...I'll wager no one else comes forward, mysteriously. I think Trevor may have a hand in seeing that the job goes to him rather than someone else. So is Rob going to scratch an itch he didn't know he had, or just be his normal self and be a gentleman? Of course, he could do both, which would also fit with his attitude of easy-going acceptance. Wonderful chapter, min ven...sorry if I'm gushing here.

Not sure what you mean about the truck, so here's how it's going to happen: Jay doesn't have the tools or know how to weld, and the school can't let anyone not in the program use them...but they work on cars people donate or bring in for the training course in Auto Shop. It can take a while to do but Jay brought it up just beforea test period, so the teacher made a concession for them to do the work free, but he has to do the prep work like disassembly since they don't have time during the exam itself. Welding tools aren't cheap, so that's why Mikey's dad doesn't have them--he just wouldn't use them enough to make it economical. This way, Jay gets the wor on the holes done properly at no cost to himself, and fairly soon...then he can go on and do the easier parts of fixing it up before painting. Not sure how pretending to own Mikey's car fits in.... Calvin has fallen into a wonderful group of friends, as he will come to realize pretty quickly...and maybe the Beckels are getting a surrogate grandmother out of the deal. Off to read your story now, min ven!

Seems a little short, SD...is that my imagination, or lack of sleep? No real new things here...just more glimpses into how sick Twoey and Eric's relationship is, and how leech-like Alex is (shudder). The only positive thing I feel about her, and that is faint, is that she appears concerned about Twoey. Waiting for her to latch onto someone else. We're running out of weeks, my friend!

POV: Benny, Mikey, Jay, Calvin When I pulled into the school’s parking lot on Monday, my eyes did a search for Cal’s Buick, but he wasn’t there yet. I was hoping to see him before classes started, so I’d arrived early, much to Finn’s annoyance—he’d have a longer wait for his bus to school, and the extra time was spent waiting for his friends to show up. I tried talking him into coming with me, but he’d rather wait on his friends than arrive even one minute before he had to. I park

Oh man...you just can't make us wait until next week for the fight! It's sad to hear what Jean-Pierre went through to insure the safety of his family's pack...I think he's telling the truth, there is just too much to lose if he's not. It would also be nice if he could ally with Parker Valley anyway. Dorian is going to find out just what a 'little bitch' can do...and he's not gonna like it. More please, wolf, and don't make us wait.

Some things to think about here, Elias. Frank's advice is good, but I can perfectly see Will's reaction to being taken to the party instead of the movies. It comes down to an issue of trust--and he's just beginning to think of having friends again. This is not how his friends should have acted, they should have told him about the party rather than lie, or told him before leaving so he'd have an option. I'd find it hard to trust these two again, probably distance myself a little more from them, and keep the talk in future to inconsequential things. The advice to expect the unexpected is good, and you can hope for the best, but don't ever forget that bad things can happen too. For me, I'd have felt the same about both parties--wouldn't matter if one was gay or not with the way I'd been duped. I might have stayed a bit longer, but would still have left a lot earlier than 11:20. Lets hope that his grandparents don't tempt him with a locker room visit...baseball uniforms are a big plus in my book. More please, my friend!

What a wonderful dinner for the two couples. The story of how John and Tony met was nice, and I could just picture John's expression as he lived through yet another retelling. It's one of those stories which you love, but wish it could be kept private. I hope when the time comes, that the two men will be standing up with Peter and Patrick...and I bet they'll throw them a great stag party too. More please, min ven! Tak!