ColumbusGuy

I'm glad the brothers worked for you--I only had older sisters, so this was what I wished for back then, and my aunt's three boys seemed to get along great--all in highschool about the same time, all in marching band, and all fairly similar in interests. The youngest was my age--he's the only one left as his two older brothers died within the last seven years from unexpected heart problems. Lee as a project for Greg? Hmm, have to think on that, since he still has to finalize Ben and Calvin. Not sure Denny will want him to meddle in anything new--especially since Lee is just finishing 8th Grade; maybe this could be left to Jeff, since he still goes to meetings?

It took a little while, but very quickly I wanted Greg to be more than just 'that guy'...he went in a sort of surprising way to being a person...I never thought I'd develop a family for him. Greg told Denny about his 'making out' sessions, just left out the name, so Denny already knew it was over--and he would be the last person to hold a person's past over his head. I'm so glad that my two couples work...if we can get Calvin and Ben together, maybe they could all triple-date?

I was worried about this one sounding awkward because I wasn't sure how G and D would work together...and it took a lot of time for them to start feeling 'right' to me. J and M were easy for me since I was M...these were two strangers. Life is in the details--isn't that a saying somewhere? This story works for me because so much of it is places I've actually been--I guess that old trope about 'write what you know' is truer than I thought. I'd have given most anything to have had brothers, but it wasn't to be, just three older sisters who had their own lives by the time I hit 13. Casting about for inspiration fo 31.

I'll see what I can do, have to look for them. I have a great one for applesauce cake too. I think what set Denny off was accidental--someone must have grabbed his hair or something, so that might be why Lee feels so bad. For a while I wasn't sure if any of the brothers would be gay...I didn't want this to be a story where everybody you meet is that way, or ready to jump into an 'experiment'. Jeff saying he was almost drooling at going to a meeting made me think it was more likely since it is genetic. I'm glad you like the boys--from what I understand, boys having to share a room either grow to like each other, or hate each other's guts...the way Greg turned out, I couldn't see them at odds. I think there are possible pics for G and D already there...I'll have to cruise around to see what I can find...and you can submit ideas too! Denny is going to get better, and I think the Newton boys will be the major reason for that, now we just have to get Benny and Calvin sorted.

POV: Greg, Denny As I drove Denny’s car out of the lot at school, I couldn’t resist giving Jay the ‘Bird’—did he think I was stupid or something? The way he had been acting at lunch, and then just a few minutes ago told me he suspected that me and Denny were a couple, so that meant that Mikey almost certainly did too…but I wanted to keep it between the two of us for a while longer, to savor and nurture it. We hadn’t discussed when or even if we’d tell anyone because of the turmoil we

This is an amazing chapter, Tim, letting us see how much Russ has developed since meeting Jacob. His grasp of what motivates people is a lot better now, and his bond with Evan can only become stronger as a result. It seems he is now going to be better able to stand up to their father with this new insight. That Henry had Chris investigated before Evan left comes as no surprise--only now Isabella sees just how bad her marriage really was. I'd be very disappointed if she ever got back together with him. More please...and give us the recipe for orange chocolate cake!!

Well, you did it again, G-Man. These people are so well-drawn that I can see them not only in my head, but in my heart...and I'm beginning to know their reactions as soon as they do themselves. Kendall is right, this ends now, or she will just do more things as the pregnancy advances...only thing which bothers me is that no matter what they come up with, I could still picture her ending the baby's life, even if it isn't through an abortion--as she said, there are always 'accidents'. If it were possible, I'd see her in a psych ward strapped down to a bed at all times until delivery, then just lock the door and leave her there. You better be writing the next one already! Lanny and Janine are so right for each other, and he's becoming such a great guy.

Another great chapter, Graeme, but I'm surprised at the turn pf evemts with Ty. My only hope is that this might be an indication of a third book. This would be great because I love this series, and want to find out what happens to them after the season ends. Since Carlton has no intention of drafting Jim, I'd love to see him and Ty lead the Leopards to another victorious season where there will no longer be any doubt of Ty's change in attitude, or in Jum's value as a player. It will also give Julie a chance to prove herself. More please!

Well, yet another place I'd love to see. I love the way the explorers work together, and hope this won't be the last of their trips...Yirgella is obviously still keeping an eye on them, and should be able to keep them safe in normal circumstances if he can do so in conditions of solar flares. I'd hate to see Jarra penned in by heavy security. I almost cried when Jarra began planning his new project after Akama's simple question, because we know that Jarra will give Akama the stars. I think it's time for Yirgella to stop playing so nice when it comes to Jarra's safety...the people after him need a very clear lesson. More please!

The joke was fabelhaft, Tim...tak. I liked the whole thing, but especially when Rob said he wanted Eric to tell him what he thought of his girlfriends because he trusted his judgment. Rob is an awesome brother, and things like that make up for his rambunctious moments. I'm also glad that Eric finally voiced his concerns about meddling...I know Rob will try, but he feels responsible for Eric, so I think he'll keep it to more serious situations now. Rob going stag to the Prom, I can just see that causing a stir...but it would be nice if he can help Cassie too. Great chapter, min ven!

A really great birthday present for Victor, and us as anxious bystanders! The internet makes research possible these days...all we had was 'trial and error', and maybe a magazine if we were lucky. At least there were a few ground-breaking movies which came out around 1970s that gave a few more clues. There are a lot of things you can figure out on your own, but guys are much more fortunate today. Underwear and shower scenes...works for me! You know how much I like the exploratory gentleness as opposed to raw, no-frills pounding. Great job, my friend!

Great to see a new installment, James! I think Sam is probably right, especially about their grandmother, but the rest could be an unknown quantity. It depends on if there is any resentment of the favoritism Oliver was shown as the eldest grandchild. And there may be less understanding and acceptance of transgendered people, which might be viewed as more of a choice than sexual preference. I hope it all works out, so we'll have to keep our fingers crossed. More please!

Elias, I'm not sure I trust Megan yet, but if she is sincere then I think Thomas will have a good friend. I think he's going to need one fairly soon. Thomas might be a bit stuffy about things, but he knows that there are obligations and expectations in how we interact with others, and he does his best to abide by them...being in a relationship where the other partner doesn't feel the same is going to hurt him badly. This isn't Colt's first foray into infidelity. As for Matt and Andy, I'm not sure that this thing with Ashton is wise, but what choice does he have? The one boy he wants is not going to commit, and in fact seems determined to be straight again, while stringing Andy along with the sex he can't give up. Matt at the moment, is a prick, and should just tell Andy the sex is over, and they are nothing but friends. If he can't do that, then I think he is better being out of Andy's life rather than torment him further. I know there are a lot of deep issues here, and everyone is dealing with them in their own way, but where is decency and respect for a partner/friend which calls for honesty to be successful? More please!!

What a wonderful feeling this chapter gave me--the guys have their house, an incipient family, and the love and support of two sets of grandparents. Carson just never ceases to amaze me with the change he has made in his life, surely he can no longer doubt that he is a far better parent than his own father? I had to laugh when he suggested making an 'honest man' of Michael--I could just picture Kendall's shock at that, and Michael had to fight to keep his laughter in when he confronted kendall with it himself. Not only do you 'rock' 60, you 'rock' storytelling!

Thank you, AC...I contented myself then with writing little scenes like the one in Miles' journal of the restaurant, since I had no access to the real thing--I was too young to buy magazines. If I had the courage myself, I'd have accepted the opportunity I had to meet my Jay...but small town fear overrode dreams for a boyfriend. The boys are doing what they can at the moment, until circumstances allow them to venture out into a freer world. Working on 30 even now.

Excellent chapter, Graeme--I was on the edge of my seat during the game, and was yelling to myself at what idiots are still in the recruiting offices of the AFL: can't they do some simple research to see that Ty isn't living at home anymore, and since he's of age, they should talk to him rather than his father? I hope someone picks him, and talks to him directly. As for Deon, I hope he gets a couple offers so he has the chance to stay in Melbourne...he and Clarissa are a good thing. More please!

The PH in Heath was the first one I went to, my first year of college in 77--about a half hour from campus. Mikey's was a far more interesting visit. What's next? You mean with JM or GD? Here's a clue... Gotta wait 'til the next one!

I'm so glad you see the boys the same way I do--it's how I always wanted my life to be. PB and J--that is so true! Healthy and sweet and good together, that's Jay and Mikey. I think you will find your Jay if you take chances when they come--just be careful in selecting the one--he should want the same things you do. I got close in my last relationship--the most unlikely one I'd had--an ex-Army supposed homophobe; he approached me, and in the course of our ten year relationship, he was sweet and even romantic at times. Who'd have thought he wrote poetry and was a generous and kind lover? I miss him a lot.

Jay seems to be all fun and games, but as we've seen, he is in touch with the feelings of those close to him, and he's all heart. A little teasing just sweetens the pot for him. Just what Mikey needs to draw him out.

Zarek, I know I lost some things because I didn't have the courage to try for them...Jay is Mikey's incentive to live and take those chances. He's known for a long time what he wanted, so it might seem he's committed himself pretty quickly, but not to me--he just needed to be sure this was the right guy--and Jay's actions and words have given him that proof.

It's so early for them at this point, they are just starting to figure out how it will work between them. I'm glad you like their dynamic!

As you know, G-Man, I was worried about this one--was it too sappy, or too 'thinky'. All I had to start with was the first line, and what Jay's surprise was, and I had to get the boys from that line to their date. Before I knew it, I'd been writing Jay's inner thoughts, so I'm glad people like how it turned out. Anniversaries are special days--this one was more so for Jay as it almost didn't happen, and he needed to show Mikey how much he thought about him. Lots of 'firsts' ahead for our boys.

I can't say closure is ever complete...I can still cry when I think of my lost ones...but most of them are happy tears now. I'm sorry, I just can't review chapter 3...I can't type and cry at the same time.

Gary, that last one says it all to me...I've never let a pet go without my holding them since Duchess in '77...I just couldn't face losing her, my first conscious memory was getting her, and there wasn't a day we weren't together... You know it's going to come, but it seems so far away, until it's not...were all those good memories worth the pain? Yes. It's a love devoid of doubt or insecurity--they give it freely.

I'm glad people liked Jay's thought on his romance--I was afraid it was too introspective for the readers, but I couldn't see Jay doing anything else as he was setting up his plan for his 'anniversary'. Seeing them from his viewpoint balanced the original chapters where we saw it from Mikey's angle. I'm not sure if G/D will tell the guys at school--that's pretty public, but it might happen in the parking lot--but certainly at Jay's house. I have some ideas for what they do Wednesday night, just not sure how far they will go in being open.