Puppilull

The inability of many people to realise they themselves constantly signal who they are is honestly baffling. I should be used to it, but I still find it so puzzling. Since we are herd animals, we use dress to tell people around us who we are. Some try to pass it off as fashion, but it's advertising. The suit says one thing, a hockey shirt another. Heels and make up send signals, as do combat boots. Just because a person thinks they dress "normal", they don't. It's still broadcasting who they are. It's just not as noticeable, since they dress as expected. It's the same thing as the whole "don't flaunt your sexuality" discussion. Well, most of us do flaunt our sexuality constantly, when talking about spouses and such. We just don't react, because it's expected. Not sure what my rant is all about, other than perhaps a wish for us to see ourselves as keenly as we see those around us. And think for a moment. Is that too much to ask? You should dress in a way that allows you to feel like your internal signal align with the outer ones. As we all do. Without thinking about it.

”Doll…” A whine to his voice sets her off. “Shut up!” She turns her back to sulk. “No more pud, you hear?” A sigh slips from his lips as he can’t hold it in. “It’s too strong.” The room is rife with the scent of rum. That darn cake with loads of drinks to wash it down have wrecked their yule. Good thing the kids are in bed and won’t hear them fight. “I’ll eat what I want.” Her fair hair picks up the lights from the tree, all red, green and blue. Pale skin joins in and adds to the

It's strange how love can slip away without you noticing until suddenly there is this void staring at you. Falling out of love is sad, but to me it would be sadder not to have had their years together. It let them experience many fond memories and lots of love. Just because it ended doesn't mean their love was worthless. It just ran its course. Beautiful while it lasted, but gone now. Like drawn out fireworks.

The start of a true adventure! What a journey they will have to undertake to get back. The possibilities for unexpected encounters are endless. Quite the set up!

That is a pickle of a situation they've ended up in. At least they have some good people (and AI) working together. I'm glad part 2 is just a click away.

What a sweet ending! Sure, they have a lot to work on still, but as Josh said: They have their whole lives to do that. With communication, honesty and above all love, they'll have a very good life.

What Galen sees as relapse episodes are in fact progress. His brain has deemed him strong enough to deal with his kidnapping and as he grows even stronger, the flashbacks increase. It's good he finally told Josh all of his emotions. Now they both know and can work on it together.

Barrett and Gideon have a tough life... Their mom seemed out of it and poor Barrett doesn't even understand. So many kids living like this. At least he has his brother and he got to be a hero.

Well, maybe Danie will feel the strength of Kohen before he gets as far as taking control. A benign mind link really wouldn't be initiated like that. Danie might be clueless of many things, but that can't have slipped him by.

Grieving to me is like a spiral. You sometimes feel like you go back, but in reality you are indeed moving to a new place where you are more equipped to handle your pain. Keeping busy is a goid strategy. So keep going when you feel up to it.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I tied the story together with the preceeding three, in a series I dubbed My brother's keeper. And I had to giggle at Joel working his magic on you even in a short cameo like this. Wherever he goes, he makes people smitten by him. If you want to get to know him further, check out my books Thaw and Frost, which are all about Joel and Lucas. For some snippets of these two, you can also read Drifts.

What a lovely Christmas tale from our Metaverse! The legacy can continue and more than that, the young wolves get a little help to follow in the footsteps of the original IC. Some pretty big paws to fill. No doubt they will make a mark on the world all on their own, but connecting to ones past gives strength and it will bind them together further. What better gift is there than to look around and see what you indeed have been given?

Stuart reached his wits end, in several ways. Going a little crazy but seeing no other way out. Joel and Lucas sort of intruded. One of those little inspirations I couldn't resist. Glad you enjoyed the story! Tricky to know when too far is way too far. Desperation can make you do some pretty stupid stuff. Ha ha! That would be a good idea for a Drift, actually. Fred being the coward that he is, he would try to talk the talk but he would cave quickly if Joel looked at him sideways... Lucas is living in the shadow of Joel. I think he has accepted that and will forgive you. Court will be a test of character. In my experience, it is an ordeal. But he will be surrounded by support. I'm not sure if I'll write more, but @Timothy M. did give an idea. So who knows? I'm glad you enjoyed the story! That's the two original ones on Joel and Lucas, yes. I moved them to Premium when I published them. Hmm... Interesting thoughts. I haven't worked out why Cyril was so reluctant to talk to Stuart, but that could very well be it. He's too close, too emotionally involved. Joel is a neutral and exudes trust. Also, Lucas is a cunning sort, so this could all have been worked out by him. He knows Joel's ability better than anyone. LOL You can babble all you like. I'm just glad you liked the story! It has been a while since they were allowed out to play, so it's not so strange you didn't expect to see them in this story. I was a bit hesitant about doing a crossover, but fell in love with thte idea. I just hope it works for those who don't know Joel and Lucas.

This was a nice piece of food for thought wrapped in a sweet, sweet story. Thank you for sharing!

I wrote a short and rather dark snippet.

Young love... So bright it eclipses all else and you can't see the real world anymore. Having true friends is a life saver.

To take advantage of the opportunities given is important, when they are actually presented equally. One did, one did not. Consequences are clear in this story.

Me, me, me! I'd love to see these guys try to get along without stupidity and/or arrogance getting in the way. They are a great match for lots and lots of adventure (and a bit of eyerolling as well...).

Depressing to think 2018 would be the best time... When it's ok, but far from perfect. Time travel is tricky. What did they change? Scary to think of consequences, but worth taking the chance.

Time to take out the trash...? With that determination, the enemy is in for quite a battle.

Good for Geoff to keep his stance. She should know just what she is missing by behaving like that. If he's too lenient, she won't get the message. And Geoff would be pushed back into the closet.

My own PR-guy! Thanks! There is another installment on Cyril and Stuart: Before I wake. If you didn't see it, @Hunter of Porn I will try to get it marked as a series, even if the various stories are possible to read stand alone.

By any standards, it was a monumentally bad decision. Stuart knew it from the get-go, but he saw no other way out. Everything had gone too far to back down now. Cyril needed him. It didn’t matter the man tried to convince him otherwise. He looked over his shoulder to the back seat. Wrapped in a blanket lay the form of a sleeping man. Good. The drugs were still working. He had been driving for a couple of hours, and at the moment there was nothing but trees lining the road ahead. They were me

How far is too far when trying to help a person in an abusive relationship? Is it any of your business who people choose as partner? Stuart can't get Cyril's situation out of his mind, but for most of us his plan would fall into the "too far" category. Question is - will it work?

Hmm... What did Kohen discover now? I'm really curious what he's pieced together.