ColumbusGuy

Thanks for the great review, Lit! I don't know how to make that emoticon so popular with Gary over in COTT--the one where he won't/can't say anything without it being a spoiler. Both questions you pose are excellent, and are plot points which are ahead...Dennis was designed by someone else at my request, just as Sam Blythe was--I needed a partner for Uncle Mikkel, and G-Man supplied me with his basics, I filled in those and came up with a guy anybody could love. I almost had Dennis narrate the lunch scene, but he's too new, and the only ones who have done that so far are our two protagonists or a family member such as Sam. Stay tuned to this channel for more!

POV: Mikey, Mikey, Jay, Mikey I lay smiling under the covers, remembering bits of the wonderful dream I’d had: warm lips pressed against mine, the clasp of arms around my waist, the smell of cologne and soap and strawberries…I rolled over, my hands rubbing the sheet searching for my lover’s smooth skin, and found nothing. Oh yeah, we’d slept in his bed Saturday night–no way would that happen in my house. I sighed in frustration and my eyes popped open, taking in the numbers on my dig

What an excellent chapter--I'm confused myself about how Dan is going to fix this; as for Lisa, I'm not surprised--jilted lovers all turn vicious when they don't get their wished-for ending. I think Dan is missing the point--everyone thinks he's messing with Steven because they're best friends, and know that Dan has wanted him for years. Of course, people will think the worst because Dan himself has no idea where to place Steven in his life. He may love Adam, but that is very new compared to the years-long feelings he's had for Steven--and he is having trouble putting those in perspective right now--you can't just turn off something which has been a part of your life for so long. With the past Adam has, I can see his view perfectly--he risked everything to be Dan's boyfriend, and now when the crunch came for Dan--even that momentary hesitation in choosing Adam spoke volumes in Adam's head--fuelling his feelings of inadequacy. Words mean what the speaker wants them to mean, but that isn't always what the listener needs to hear, since they can be deceptive. I hope Adam will give Dan a chance to prove the truth of his words, but Dan had better be absolutely certain and sincere this time. Next chapter please.

Man, can Chet and Arron get even more compatible? I can't see how that would be possible. Wanting to wait until they knew each other better is the best way--but with what the events have been, forcing them to confront their emotions much more deeply than most at this stage, they saw just what they needed to, and their subconscious desires took over. I could hear the little voices echoing in their heads: 'Cut the bullshit--you know he's the one--he knows you're the one--all that's stopping you is other peoples idea of when the 'right time' is.' Thank goodness, they had the common sense to trust in their partner and their own feelings rather than add to the tension between them. This is more than a case of 'if it feels good, do it'--it's far more than mere physical gratification--its the perfect example of 'if it feels Right--do it.' I was glad to see there wasn't anything 'premature' about their first encounter--but it was close. All I can say is, when they have their next one, it will be without stress, tension or hesitation--and someone better have the Fire Department on speed-dial because it's going to be quite a conflagration. I so much want them to yank Kendall and Michael's chains when they come back to town!

Always amazing, Val! Simon was lucky that the wishing fountain wasn't fully literal--Simon could have been the one standing there naked instead of Travis.

Working my way through your works, and love them all so far. I started this chapter a while back, but got caught up in other stuff, now I'm glad I came back to it--it's different from your other stories in a way...but it's still 'real' and captures the angst Eric feels. I had that angst to a degree growing up in a small town in the 60s-70s...there was no way I could act on my feelings for my fellow teens, but oh how I wanted to. Without the added stigma of liking boys younger, it was still traumatic to want something and know if others found out, I'd be dead to my few friends. Gotta read fast since there's a deadline now, and go to Nifty if I don't get caught up. I'm sorry I didn't get to this earlier with words of encouragement.

Damn, Gary...just call out the paramedics for your readers, okay? I don't advise this chapter to be read by anyone with a weak heart. Tenterhooks? Edge-of-my-seat? Wildly inadequate metaphors for what was going through me during this one--paralyzing apprehension began when I saw it listed in the new chapter list, and it only increased from there. A vise-grip around my heart? Hardly, more like it was filled with Hephaestos' own godly anvil and he was pounding out Zeus' thunderbolts at every stroke. My mouth was dry and my throat closing up from the agony and tension Arron was feeling, and despite my mind screaming 'He isn't Dwayne' even before I saw you had written that, I couldn't tell if he was going to leave or stay. To paraphrase the Watergate Nixon transcripts a bit: 'Expletive Delete' me, G-Man...don't ever do that again! A lot of authors have brought tears to my eyes at GA, but I swear to god, this is the only one so far which has had me afraid, and yet needing desperately to go on. My heart was fluttering at every word, not wanting to read the next word, but it couldn't hold back the need to know was too much, even if I was left in tears if Arron left....then Chet saying they needed to talk--'E.D.' Even when they committed, my heart was still beating too fast and I was shaking...was it real? Were they really together now? I hate to say this, but screw your love scenes--this was the most emotive and well-wrought piece you've produced yet in my opinion...and I don't think I'm leaving out all the awesome content of COTT either.

Another awesome chapter my friend! I wish Jarra could have fully participatede in the explorations of the culture--I thought he'd take part in the passage ritual on the last night? Isn't he part of one of the native tribes also? I hope Mirri's 'songs' aren't damaged by the experience with the lizard--he takes such joy in living, that it must have been a shock to see it killed. I want to say I remember the name Akama from Attunga--but I'm probably wrong in that. Still searching for a connecting link which is a person or AI, unless you've fooled us and it is something else. Next chapter please!

What a nice surprise to come online and find a new chapter! I think Hel and James have found something which will help him deal with his spirit form--I only hope he eventually comes to accept, and even value it. I'd forgotten that Peter was a normal human, but he has the ideal partner in James--now I'm wondering how Aki manages to be a Rector--he seems not quite the type? Well-meaning, certainly, but a bit too 'direct' for the task? Maybe Ishca can be Aki's James?

A very disappointing chapter for me, Gary--not because of the writing or anything--but because Chet was immensely stupid. He knew Ian could not be trusted, and yet acted like a babe in the woods, taking for granted that the nut case would do as he asked. There are trust issues on all sides here, not just Arron's. Despite past history, Chet let emotion blind him to Ian's past--and credited him with being trustworthy--no sane person would have allowed Ian to do any of the things he did and still stay one second after he'd said his piece, so Chet was an idiot with too much trust, and because of that destroyed the recovering trust that Arron had been developing thanks to Chet's being part of his life. For the record, I don't blame Arron at all for leaving, his belief in what he and Chet had was fragile, and hard-won from his awful relationship with Dwayne...and he sees it again with Chet. He was seriously burned in his first relationship, and now I think it will be much harder to give that trust to Chet a second time. How many times can you be expected to suffer heartbreak before it becomes too costly to risk again? For me, the burden of change here lies mostly with Chet--his trust issue is not knowing where to place it, abandoning evidence and facts to let past emotion rule him. Compassion is well and good, but it must have a limit or be used wisely before you are drained completely by those who would prey on it...like Ian. All Arron needs to do right now, is think things through, examine what he knew of Chet before Ian popped up, and hold an open mind--whether he will open his heart as fully again is something only time will tell--but I'd say that time is further in the future than it had been. There is no magical fix for this, Chet needs to rethink his life choices very badly before he tries to win Arron back.

Ah the joys of contemporary fiction! Chet and Arron have the freedom to express themselves as they really are, without reservation; the only constraints are whether both parties are feeling comfortable with it, and can count on the other's support. Far different from the times my story is set in.... I was worried about Arron's reticence about kissing in public, particularly when Chet drew back and seemed to close up a bit--but being who he is, he heard Arron out, and gave him the space to make up his own mind, without pressuring him. He led Arron through the right sequence of questions to make him aware of his own concerns so he could deal with them rather than stew about what he should do. Always the best approach to difficult questions rather than forcing a confrontation where defenses are raised against the other's 'attack'. The final proof that Chet is thoroughly awesome was when he told Arron to do it on his own terms, in his own time, and Chet would be there when he was ready. Dang. Just one thing: Good Vibrations was a Beach Boys single when it came out, not the Monkees. I'm a Believer would make an awesome chapter title--and it is a Monkees song--I have it on the original lp, along with some Beach Boys, Herman's Hermits and other vinyl I inherited from my older sisters when I got to be a teen in '71. Now I have that song in my head--and the images of Peter Tork the drummer and Davey Jones the lead singer...damn they were hot! On a par with David Cassidy, aka Keith Partridge. More please, we know it's already done.

I'm glad you liked the chapter, Iarwain--Jay's approach to life is to 'go for it', and not let it get too serious...but he knows when that is important too.I'm sure Jay was embarrassed talking about the subject, but in a way it was easier this way than in person--and he only sees his uncles a few times a year, I'd imagine. Knowing what he wants with Mikey, he wants it now--and the best way is to get the information as fast as he can rather than wait two months for them to show up. Mikkel has never tried to hide his sexuality from his family, so with Dirck's encouragement, Jay feels thoroughly comfortable being so open with Sam and Mik.

Well, this isn't what I was expecting at all, though the title should have given me a hint. Chet is well rid of Ian and his games--and he knows it now--even if Arron wasn't around, he'd realize it. The only thing I have to say beyond that is this: Chet had better have his phone on him when he leaves, because I wouldn't have any doubts that Ian would go through the messages and raise some trouble if he knew Chet had a new guy. I don't think our smart cop would fall for Ian's tricks, but it's better safe than sorry. Next, please!

A great chapter with lots of soul-searching, I'm just sad that Dan has to go along with Steven's stupid lie one more night...and surprised that Adam came up with the plan. I hope that isn't going to come back between them. Want to lay odds that Steven doesn't 'fess up? He hasn't got hte backbone for the truth, and so Dan will have to tell Lisa--and I'll lay even money that Steven denies it. Dan will be far better off with Steven out of his life. Let Lisa continue to believe Steven's lies--Dan didn't like her anyway, so once he does the right thing, he can move on with Adam. More, please!

Thanks Lit--you can bet Sam is going to be very diligent--he trusts Dirck's judgment, but until he actually meets Mikey, he won't be satisfied.Having known each other for ten years, Sam and Mikkel still being so much in love may seem a feat to today's kids, but back then, it was harder to find a good man, or any at all, and you tended to work very hard at it. With his family's rejection, Sam deserved to find the right guy--thank god for a rusted-out VW!

I've got you to thank G--you gave me Sam on a platter, and I just wrote how he fit with Jay and Mikkel. I sat for a week trying to figure where to go after the first two paragraphs, and for some reason it just clicked the other night--I think once I got to Jay's actual calling, he took over and channeled Sam for me. I was hoping I did a good job with this one, because it stumped me more than the others did--I'm glad people seem to like the Canadian branch of the Beckel clan.

Thanks, AC--I just ordered some from Amazon, may be here this week. Much better than Nestle's! POV was supposed to switch to Jay, but it just kept coming out as Sam. All I knew about them was the description, Gary supplied details of their life together, and in hinting at that, they sprang into life for me. I can't count how many times I wanted to do what Jay did to be heard, but mostly at school--where it wasn't possible without being punished. If it helps, I think you're better than sliced bread--even with pbj on it!

Jay's mission is to increase Mikey's confidence, and he sees intercourse as the last step--but he's doing it out of love, not just because he feels he has to...the question is, will Mikey let him do it? Poor Sam, I didn't say too much since this was supposed to be Jay and Mikkel's chapter, but no--it didn't go well at all. Eighteen years later, his family still pretends he doesn't exist.

POV: Sam, Sam Ring!…Ring!…Ring! The jangling of the telephone’s bells caused me to start involuntarily as I came down the stairs into the hall, and a glance at the pendulum clock hanging to my right by the lounge door told me it was half-nine. The sidelights to either side of the wide front door showed nothing but darkness beyond the twin bracket lights out on the long porch. I let out a sigh, thinking I’d have to give up on the idea of relaxing in front of a cozy fire with my

Dang it, your stupid forum ate up all my likes--I'll have to come back and do it proper later. If the feeling is right, you have to risk it, no matter how afraid you are--all you have to lose is the fear and trepidation of not finding Mr. Right--set that against the gain of bliss with the one you are meant to love--there ought to be no contest. With a little more courage, this is the way Michael and Kendall should have been six years ago. I guess Arron will show Chet his black undies next time! Smokin' hot chapter, my friend!

What a wonderful chapter Tim! The little girl was just right--noticing everything around her and questioning it just to satisfy her curiosity--that quality is so often lost in schools thanks to the lack of wonder in adult's lives. Cheers to her mother for not commenting on the holding hands part--sounds like she knows how kids work, and that she's one of the 'good' parents. The teens are a prime example of how badly Christianity has scarred society with it's narrow-mindedness as the basis for Western attitudes. They got the message wrong pretty quickly by trying to fit the original doctrines into contemporary male-power-dominated social structures. Very early church groups made room for women in the clergy and a more equal footing for both sexes, but the more traditional views of Romans and Jews quashed that movement. Get more than three men together, and you will come up with four opinions, so that the original topic is lost. I'm still a bit shocked at how open Eric is, as he seemed rather shy in the beginning...but it's great that he owns all aspects of his personality now. I loved how he connected with Connor and wants to stay in touch. Mall next, yay!

And I thought Chet was the one with the bad history...Arron went through something much more than losing a lover, he lost a best friend and his trust in people as well. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way, and was angry when Chet didn't show up--it just didn't seem like the thing he'd do. I was expecting Arron to not answer the phone the second time, but I'm glad he did. Even so, their talk hopefully helped to let Arron bounce back--and it seemed to when he played the cop card at the end. These two are so keyed up, that I don't think sex is going to happen this date--they both need to be more sure of the other for that to happen, and if they immediately fall into bed, then that can hinder the real bond they could have by making each other think that sex is the primary thing each wants. The meal is going to be very interesting...I wonder if it will be anything like the scene from the film Tom Jones--a very seductive scene which everyone on the forum should see. Come on, post the next one--we know you have it already!

Well, crap, Gary--now I have to pare down my rationing of 'Likes' even further? You had me from the description alone, but it just kept getting better as the chapter went on...I was all set for Chet to feel bad for a few chapters, but Fate stepped in and he meets the guy who M and K wanted him to just by chance! The connection between these two is obvious, and the potential for them to bond is already off the charts--and the fact that Arron has a wicked sense of humor just fits the spots Chet needs to bring him out of himself...and whether they know it or not, Michael and Kendall's lives just got a heck of a lot more interesting. Now I don't know which story I want to see an update for next--you're an evil bastard, my friend.

This story just gets better and better as it goes on. Teenage boys and ice cream? I'm not gonna say anything because me and a few friends would do that after school once the weather warmed up--this place had the best quart-sized shakes! We have to remember that these are 'good' boys, and they don't go around looking for trouble--but they won't back down if something is going on which they don't think is right. Jeez, it would be wonderful if they ran into bitch Melanie at the Mall and she got a piece of their minds. Especially if Carolyn was with her to see her true colors. It would be nice if Rob found a guy to date, as he said, he'd see that he has more options than he'd thought--maybe he could 'click' with someone at the Mall by chance, and they decide to date? Or maybe he might wait until college where there are more options and less notoriety from people he knows. Eager for more, my friend!

Thanks, Iarwain--once Miles meets Jerry, I think things might get better, but who knows for sure? Jealousy isn't reasonable by nature, but at least in this case it's not a romantic jealousy since Jerry isn't a rival for Jay's love. Childhood memories, my dog had an encounter with a skunk more than once, and as for cow pies--at least I didn't fall in one, but I did step in one-yuck! Mud was a fact of life in plowed fields after a rainstorm, and kids take their fun where they can find it in the days before video games and cable tv or vcrs. Outside was preferable to inside where you had to be careful not to damage things...up a tree was wonderful freedom to watch the clouds go by or doze in the dappled shade.