ColumbusGuy

There's no way I can say anything right now--I can hardly see to type thanks to the tears. They started before I was even half done, and wouldn't stop even when I finished. Maybe he wants the reassurance, but I also sense that he already knows the answer.

Great chapter Tim. Nice balance of conversational topics which just fit naturally together. I have to agree that Jasper still has a little problem with a guy flirting too openly, but I'm sure he'll work on it. As for Rob, I think even more, that he would consider a physical relationship with a guy--and he wouldn't take advantage of it...he'd at least try to make the other guy happy too. At least you didn't lock the door on the idea. I give this chapter only one 'Eeww' due to the 'consuming felines' comment. Seriously thoughtful and entertaining otherwise.

Alright, Rod and Doug need to be 'talked to' by the Leopards, and Neil needs to talk to Liam right away, and not wait until closer to his birthday, as he's well-known for procrastination. Also, turn Clarissa loose with her video of Doug, so that two-faced bastard gets his lumps. It angers me that despite multiple warnings, he is still bad-mouthing Neil, and Liam is letting him do it. When a 'best friend' acts like that, it's time to re-evaluate his status.

Yet another awesomely good chapter, Palantir! I appreciate the way you set this one up, giving Jarra both the logical and emotional support he needs in his life. We need to remdmeber that however smart he may be, he is still a teenager, with those needs and drives everyone has during those years. Yirgella and Mirri are the outward manifestations of his inner self, and it is clear that a person can only thrive if both mind and spirit are balanced and encouraged. Further, Yirgella is doing the same for his community. By doing and develiping as he is, Yirgella will allow a fuller existence for future generations, giving them the tools to expand to new horizons. And yet, these two are also characters in their own right, and every chapter which appears makes me view the world around me more intently, and with greater enjoyment. Within a few words, whatever mood I was in is altered to one of peace and happiness...I can't help but feel the happiness of Mirri at the simple pleasures around him, and the satisfaction that Yirgella can make it possible. Thank you so much for writing this story and making my day that little bit more special.

Thanks, may I ask why the name change? Going undercover are we? I'll try to get Greg home on time, he's still got about half an hour, and his house is about five minutes away by car...but it could be close.

I feel bad for Mikey that his first prank winds up as a mini disaster...and Denny has just started to realize how tough watching the two is going to be! He definitely needs a raise from Linda for the job. When Greg first appeared, I knew I wanted him to be more than a phone titillator, but had no idea he'd be such a nice guy.

Thanks, AC! I know it was a long journey, but I'm glad you stuck with it and it still roused your emotions. I think Greg will be a healing balm for Denny's pain-filled past, and he will find the emotional connection that he had missed with Benny. Of course this brings up the age-old question: who watches the watchers. Now that Denny is part of a couple, will he and Greg become careless like Jay and Miles in their turn?

You're right, Lit, it was hard to connect, and one wrong step could be disaster. Several years after college, I was talking with one of my friends from then and I told him I was gay and that I'd had an interest in him back then...that was the last time he came around, and never spoke to me again. I never would have pegged him for being intolerant, since his parents weren't. I think Greg will behave himself now that he has found what he wanted...I haven't decided if he'll tell Denny about the previous calls--he probably will since J and M know of them. Gotta remember, J/M are new at this and it's fun--if they don't screw up too bad, it should wear off. I imagine the door will be locked from now on, unless it's only the family there.

Gary--it's all due to you--especially in toning down Denny's scene at the end. Several times back then, I would spend a lot of time trying to connect, and being too subtle. One particular time was the night our German exchange student slept over before graduation--we sat in the back yard and talked for ages, trying to make the move which would let him know I was interested...until we just HAD to sleep for practice the next morning. Sexual revolution--I still have to cringe a little at that--it didn't apply to gays. And just the other day, I was stunned to find out that Timothy Leary, the 'father' of the hippie scene, was rabidly homophobic. I have to wonder, that if AIDS hadn't come around, there might have been a revolution for us?

Mikey's action was all me--I can get mad, and minutes later, regret it and realize I was wrong...Jay helped Mikey recover faster. Now he knows what to look out for, and help avoid it. Denny and Greg will work out I think, because it was so hard for them--Denny had to let Greg know his past as he knows truth is the best policy, having been burned on trust before. I had the iimage of Rob busting in on Eric and Nelson as inspiration, my friend! At least he shut the door and left, rather than barge in.

Thanks for the great review, Eagle. I was remembering a lot of how I felt in this one--though Miles is usually me, this chapter showed my fears and dreams better, since Miles now has Jay to bolster his spirit. The way Denny went into 'teacher' mode to start talking with Greg was definitely me--small talk wasn't easy on first meetings, it took a bit of time to get to that point...I'm just glad Greg could handle it.

POV: Denny, Greg After the last bell, we all gathered at Jay’s truck. I arrived first since my English class with Mrs. Wilson was closest to the parking lot, followed shortly by Greg who had been looking around the lot until I waved and hollered to him. I had tossed my books into the back seat of my Corvair, and was leaning against the door, one foot resting on the running board of the old truck parked three feet away in the next ill-defined space of the gravel lot. On the other side o

Not much to add, G-Man, except that I am also glad that Lanny might turn out to be reformed. I had my doubts until they told him about Janine's concern for him, and that he should call her. He already values her as a friend, and knowing that she cares may just drive Candy's poison out of his system. I think I see some leverage with her regarding custody--tell her self-important minister father what she's done unless she agrees to give up her rights completely in favor of M and K. Hope glimmers ahead for Lanny and the baby. More please!

Gary, Gary, Gary...you keep cranking out things which are so emotionally charged that I wonder where you find them. Once again, something you wrote strikes a personal chord with me--though in a reversed form here--my mother cheated on my father, which led to their divorce in my sophomore year of college...after several years of acrimoniously trying to keep up appearances. That is the only reason I wasn't brought to tears this time--because it was so close to home for me...but I could feel his regret, and I'll hold out hope that it might work out in time.

A great chapter, Graeme! It's taken me a week or so to read this series from the beginning, but now that I'm caught up, I'll start reviewing. It's all been great so far, but I really hope the Blues do pick Jim as well as Ty because he really deserves his shot, and it would be cruel to string him along. If they don't, and Ty finds out they weren't really interested in him at all, I can't see him joining the Blues himself. I loved watching Aussie Rules on cable years back, but I can't find it on any cable system here now. I didn't catch enough to know many teams, but I do remember seeing St. Kilda and Geelong playing. An awesome sport, far better than anything played here in the US!

Benny is afraid to overpower anyone, and Cal is worried at taking the initiative thanks to his bad hunting experience. I think time will sort things out, but Greg is on standby to help. Chapter 26 will find Greg joining the study group, so maybe he can get some insights into Denny's personality.... We can only hope that the newness for J and M will wear off and leave them a little more controlled at school....My sisters attended it from '64-71 collectively, and they tell me they knew of no gay kids in their years.

Oh crap, Gary...I didn't need to cry today...but I can't help it reading this story of regret and loss. .....

Wow, Tim--fantastic chapter! The interaction of the boys and Eric's reaction to seeing Nelson brought back so many memories of a similar incident with an early boyfriend. And the tentative request to 'touch' Nelson--so true to the situation! Massive cheers for such a great rendition of a first intimate encounter. Being sensible at a time like that? Hardly possible, at least for me.

Ah Tyler--typical kid not appreciating antiques. If I'm not mistaken, the Elder Council covers all supernaturals, right? The names sound familiar from other stories. I am definitely thinking that Stephen is the leak, and applaud Damon's suspicions. So Jon and Tim have a baby? Wow--refresh my memory on that, or give us details in future chapters! This is feeling much more like your other stories, hooray! More please, wolf!

I'm so glad Adam responded so favorably to the letter, and I think things will work out now that Sean is a possible partner for Steve. Who wouldn't go for a smooth, muscular red-head? Bryce again--what an asshole! With any luck, Sean will come back to help our two guys.

The names will fade away after a day or two, like most school gossip, at least the guys hope so! Jay's inventiveness strikes again with the invitation to Greg--I could just picture him getting frustrated trying to be subtle. I'm beginning to wonder if he's going to invite every gay guy he learns about over to study, just so they can be comfortable. Greg and Denny will take precedence over Benny and Cal, at least for now...it helped me flesh out Greg a bit that way. I'm always happy when something is deemed 'hot'... With two new study partners, we'll have to see what the afternoon brings for our new 'scholars' since neither knows the other is gay.

I don't know Canadian, or even US law regarding children and custody, but there is no way Candy could be a fit mother--Michael and Kendall have to have full custody in the end. Candy is going to be a bitch throughout, and much as I regret it, I see a game of baby ping-pong ahead. I think the right thing now is for them to help Lanny--they wouldn't be who they are if they left him to suffer. Janine seems the right way to go to help him, and as a conduit for news on Candy. More please, G-Man!

Lots of potential with Benny and Cal, if Greg can get them to take that next important step. As for his own desires, I wonder if he's getting discouraged? The calls he's made seem to work out for others, but not himself...Benny has shown him that he needs more than just sex, but there has been no spark for him so far. Mikey is starting to be more daring, but what a way for his first attempt to turn out! Maybe he'll stick to verbal jousting instead?

Good chapter, wolf, but I echo drpaladin's thoughts. I know Alex wasn't being sarcastic, but that was the first thing that popped into my head when he said it. I'm sorry that Nique had to meet such a fate, especially from such a guy as Spencer...he really needs to be dealt with by the community at large, but with a spy on the Council, I can see him getting inside help. I hope Damon realizes that he can no longer inform them of any data regarding his whereabouts? Does it seem that this is moving a little fast--usually you spend more time on developing the scene? Still an awesome idea and eager for more!

Jay is a ray of hope for everyone, and a defender of the underdog. Mikey and the other guys are lucky to have met him...at the same time, we have Greg, with similar aims, but differing methods for achieving them. I've tried to get us deeper into Greg's mind, to show that he has had to operate without the support of the Beckels, doing as best he can. I hope the two boys efforts will be complementary, for the betterment of all the 'lost boys' of the 70s. Idealism and pragmatism may merge for a better life, given time. Benny and Calvin, held back by fear of rejection, Greg's deadline may be the catalyst for them...but who plays matchmaker for the matchmaker?