ColumbusGuy

Wonderful to see Marc opening up to Will and the others, and that they are wholly behind him. I hope Tony doesn't make it back into the story, at least with Will. The 'counsellor' is total bs--he has no credentials and no inclination or intention to be impartial--he is going to try to force Zach into the obedient brainless son his father wants, and if that destroys his hopes of a career, so be it. It is going to be very upsetting to me if Frank makes this continue with the same guy...he better be on the phone to a truly impartial guy quick, or I'm telling Brad and JP! Bring on the next one, Master Mark!

Loved this chapter too, and I would have freaked at the party also, not due to an epileptic seizure, but because I can't stand intense volume on any sort of music, and that and the lights would have spelled instant headache. The crowds sound like they might have been fun for some innocent groping, but not the rest of it. So glad for Wes and Angus! More please!

First thing I've read by you...and it was great! And short! And seriously begging for more chapters! If more of your writing is like this, good and single chapters of intrigue, I'm going to be one frustrated reader! Love it!

Another fun chapter, Meta. I am glad the guys managed to get away, but I'm sure we'll see more of the evil Carl. I hope Darwin comes around and that Jared stops fighting as well...it's clear they need each other, even if they won't admit it yet. Next installment, please!

Great chapter Sasha, but I agree with Gary. While Clem was cruising the bars to fish, I think he was also sortingout his own ideas of what he wanted...it isn't a 'Nathan' clone, and it's not the 'club boy'...I think that Ashlee (I hate the name too) is not his long-term choice of type or lover: he is a new option in the hunt for a partner. Packaging may bary, but I am sure Clem will choose someone compatible with his personality rather than outward appearance. I think he'll choose someone more like himself, caring, gentle when needed, and able to be strong for Clem when he needs it. Clem's problem is that he doesn't fit into the conventional gay culture--a thing which also plagued me. I can't see him fitting smoothly into the gay scene--it's somewhat fake, artificial in both tone and appearance for someone from a small town life. Clem sees himself as a normal man who likes guys, and with luck will find someone like that in the end--a club boy just doesn't fit that image in his mind. When I was doing bars in the late 80s it was all about glitz, gossip, good-looks and getting action...it didn't matter what you were like inside, you had to be the 'type' to fit in...and I don't think Clem will sacrifice himself for that. Hell, I'd be all over him in a heartbeat, but alas, he's fictional.

Great is an over-used word for your chapters, but so are all the other superlatives! It is so good to see Will and Marc getting along, and I'm glad he found the key to making Marc feel at home in showing him Brad's artwork and telling him about the studio. Nice thing for Wade to do for the team's return--and the scene Matt described of the party was fun. It was so nice to see Matt worry that that had been too much--it shows his real commitment to Wade now. I miss Zach! Thanks for the new chapter, and as usual, I'm eager for more!

Darn it Tim, I was wondering what Chris and Ryan said, and you adroitly dodged the issue. It's nice to see you're addicted to prompts now--they're like Lay's Potato Chips in the commercial here: 'nobody can eat just one!' Eager for the next bit, even though it distracts me from writing my chapter. And that goes for AC too--he posted a new chapter also!

You know, Sasha, I'm not the least bit surprised by Nate's actions--just that it hadn't happened sooner. Nate's self-loathing manifests itself in the worst way by hitting Clem--but I'm sure Clem represents all those things Nate despises about his own implied sexuality. Clem needs to be strong and rediscover his self-worth and dignity that Nate purposefully cut to shreds while they were 'dating'. I hope Clem doesn't fall into the trap that he also needs to be more of a macho type in a relationship, but stay supportive and protective when needed as well as kind and caring at the same time. Something has bothered me from the beginning with the title of this story: it implies the need to present oneself as super macho, and promiscuous...but it also seems to me to denigrate the softer sides of a man's personality--that having them makes you more feminine. Surely that is a cut at the more emotional side of men whether they are gay or straight? Next chapter, please!

You had me worried for a bit--I thought maybe the girl was developing telepathy or something! Ii laughed my butt off at the last line! More, please!

Now? Did I miss my cue? No? Good...CHORTLE CHORTLE! First, there is so much to be proud of in this chapter: Nelson keeping Eric in place rather than have them appear guilty...and for taking the heat out of the situation between Rob and Eric. Second, Rob standing up for his brother against the other team members, and especially for dumping that skank Melanie! Third, I'm proud of the parents realizing why Rob did what he did, and giving out only a token punishment. Let's hope nothing seriously bad comes of this, but the best part is the affirmation of solidarity between Rob and Eric and Nelson. Supposedly the coaches will not tolerate homophobia, but I'd wager a lot that it's only lip-service and Rob gets flack from them and the other team-mates for his actions. Policy is all well and good, but having it enforced is another matter...until someone makes it a legal issue, a lot of places let harrassment slide by. Rob being the center of attention? Well, he has wheels and will be more mobile in the school culture, and he's gregarious so that is to be expected. That is what Eric needs as he's discovering himself, and Rob being who he is, fills the part of protector perfectly. With time I think Eric will become more assertive with the examples set by Rob and Nelson. You are seeing what happened to me with my Jay & Miles prompts: something meant to be short term metamorphoses into a genuine story--consider that a credit to your writing such interesting characters! I hope you are finding the same thing out that I am--that the characters are making it easier by 'writing themselves' in your head...and it isn't as much work now. You have it easy being set contemporaneously, but I can get stuck over-thinking and fretting about whether something is right for the mid-70s--although I was there, I wasn't the most attentive to the world beyond my little town and my own personal concerns. Bring on more, my friend! I'm addicted to Danish now!

I laughed so much when Rob made his off-stage appearance! Even when he's not there, he's helping Eric out. I think now the way might be clearer for them to have more 'alone time' since the family has met Nelson...and he's doing things just right, letting it develop slowly. More, more, more! Dinner next time, right?

Thanks AC; humor seems to be Jay's way of relaxing Mikey and drawing him out of his shell, and Mikey is finally able to release his long-hidden softer side. Each has what the other lacks, and they just know how it ought to work.What happens when they return to school on Monday? They only have one class together besides lunch, and they can't be open at all.

Once again, Iarwain, you've made a wonderful experience for both us and Jarra and Mirri. There's got to be more behind Mirri's singing...I hope you let us in on it sometime--perhaps some sort of special ability he has like his use of voice with the bullies? Cold you toss in some hints as to how/why the people are living underground? With some talk of reclamation, that could be ecological disaster, or perhaps limited war. Is it just Australia where peolple are moving underground? Waiting for more, as patiently as I can.

Got to agree with Gary--but also I think Brad is doing it again: using money to fix things rather than express his feelings for Marc. Why couldn't he just explain his feelings and offer to help when asked or needed, rather than just throw him a check? Once again, he doesn't see how this makes others feel. If this relationship works out, I think it's going to be more due to Marc than Brad. Hammer was a riot--stupid dick never learns! Only minor drama, and I'm wondering if you're building something in the wings to go up in a blaze of glory? Just hope it's not Zach and Will. A 'more please' from me too!

Oh Gary, to think you can find so much to say after reading my draft is amazing. I am just writing what I would have loved to find back then--and still wish I had today. This is also bringing up old memories each chapter--just moments ago, I got this image clear as day of my stuffed rabbit--his floppy ears, sad-looking pouty mouth and droopy whiskers, his light tan short fur and black button eyes; I haven't thought of him since I was a kid, no idea where he came from, he just seemed to be always there until he practically fell apart.Like you, I grew fast, and it had to be before age ten when I stopped wearing those pjs...I have a pic of me on Christmas day playing with my model train in my briefs.

Thanks Tim. I'm already working on the next chapter--this one could have gone on, but it seemed a good point to stop, so I pasted the last part into a new document for 14.It's all in the technique, personally, I am all about foreplay and sensuality, which is why it's hard for me (sorry) to find any porn which I can enjoy...too often it's straight (again, sorry) to the sex. It's about the total scene for me: all the senses, especially the mind, need their own gratification.

Darn you, Cia! Now I have to make up my own story for background and extension. It's bad enough I have to think up my own chapters--now I have to do yours too? Wonderful! 300 words, I don't think I could do that!

POV: Mikey “Jay?...Jay?” I looked to Rosalie and Dirck, hoping for some sort of advice on what to do—it seemed like ages since Mr. Beckel had welcomed me to the family—but it had probably been less than a minute after I’d held my Dane’s hand in full view of his parents and kissed his cheek. I could feel a trembling in his hand where I rested them on the table, and his expression was still one of surprised shock: mouth agape, eyes slightly glazed and brow furrowed. I was getting pretty worrie

I'm glad Angus and Wes are going to try--I think it will work for them. What a mean trick, making us think Jamie was going to get Wes! Older virgins are rare most times, but if you're from a small town it's not unheard of--I was 23 and a senior in college when I had my first encounter--with my friend I'd known since high school! It was awkward, but he had the experience to make it nice and gentle, going on for several years until he met his future wife. I have never been able to do 'quickies' or casual sex--I need to have that connection and a chance for it to last...the other thing I feel odd in this story is Roy's 'lessons'--okay, Chad should get to know more about the world, but don't try to change him into something more conforming to the gay norm--that can ruin his openness and caring nature. Chad is who he is, and it sets him apart from Roy's previous 'men'...I'd think he'd want him to stay true to himself. Peterson is pretty low--I don't see how you can make me change my mind about what he did...but I'm willing to listen.

Nice chapter Mark, looks all rosy at the moment, so it's a foregone conclusion that there's dirty work afoot somewhere. As Gary would say, kudos to Will for showing his maturity and attempt at mending fences for JP's welfare. Football season will be over soon, so maybe Zach can spend more time with Will--maybe that's where the drama will come from, perhaps via Parnell? Bring it on!

One question Sasha: the other Songbook stories are one chapter, two at most--does this mean we are having a full-length novella? I hope so, because I really like Clem and want him to find happiness, whether it be with Nathan or someone more deserving. I know Clem needs more, and should have it, but coming from a small town, I know his feeling that 'something is better than nothing'. I just hope he stands up for himself in time, and maybe Madison can help him do it. The horse in my own story is a pinto, because I didn't know breeds, but Gary saw the pic of the boy who inspired Jay, and told me it was an Appaloosa--what a surprise to see one here too!

Great job, Caz! On to take up the stories again, and then there'd better be more stuff to enjoy!

Gotta say it Caz, working my way through your prompts is just as satisfying as the books--I stopped Buried Treasure at Chapter 6 because I discovered the other things, and will take the books in order! How I wish these characters and places were real!

A great end to a great story, Renee! It would be nice to have a sequel, but if you do write one, please make the chapters longer--these guys deserve more exposure! I'd love to see more of Jake as he grows up.

It's nice to see Will and Brad being connected again, but bad news for Cam. I hope Marc goes to Australia with Brad, As for Stef, he's still rubbing me the wrong way--I see no remorse or regret in how he made JP feel--what happened to the magic they had for so long? Isn't Hammer's not being in Australia going to screw up the team's chances? Did they bring any alternates? Maybe there will be news of his fate in the next chapter, and we'll see something of Zach or news of Parnell? Can't wait for the next bit!