Jason Rimbaud

Right now, the working theory is he might be Gabriel's twin. Now we have theory number two, one of his old army buddies maybe. I'd love to hear that conversation, Lonnie telling Sean he's leaving to go work for his old fling. .

The origin of this piece, I approached it lyrically, almost musically. I found the tone, the rhyming scheme, and then chose to present the theme through the repeating motif of words. Most of my poems are autobiographical, but for both of my entries, I decided to write fictional protagonists and manufacture the emotion like I would in a story. Thanks for your kind words. Its appreciated it.

Malik hadn't cried in years and wasn’t about to start now, but it didn't keep a gentle melancholy from settling over him. If he had been alone, back in his old bedroom, there was a quick cure for such feelings, but he didn’t dare to try it here, in the same room as Rhaelce. I wonder what you might be referencing here... If you think nothing happens in this chapter, you'd be wrong. Not only is Malik learning the language, he's also learning how to defend himself in the manner of this world. He's also learning about this new place. This is by far the most fascinating chapter thus far. We see more dynamics of Malik and his adopted family. It's a wonderful world and I am really drawn into the narrative. Let's get back to Malik spending at least a month not doing what he did before in his room. The ache in the down there place would be horrendous. And one could assume that Malik bathes, what a fun scenario having his hosts seeing him in all his glory with his peen flopping around freely. I had thought Cassie was a perv like me, but since she has omitted this point, I might take away her perv card. . Like this chapter a whole bunch!

“You really threw up?” Gabriel asked in disbelief. He had nearly choked on his orange juice. “Can you believe it?” Michael asked dramatically. “I pour my heart out to him, and all he can do is roll over and hurl over the side of the bed.” “It was the second time Sean had heard the story, but it was still funny. And though DJ was blushing now, it would be a story he would be telling for years. Michael continued, “There I was, breathlessly waiting to see how he would react, and he

When it comes to matters of our emotion, we rarely seem to learn in a timely fashion. Usually a lot of time and anger has to pass before the lesson sinks into our brain.s

I'm nervous about it. Not gonna lie. I pushed myself into a place I wasn't comfortable.

Having never dealt with real depression, I can not relate to your words. Having lived with the love of my life who experiences depression in crippling ways, my heart is broken. I never know what to do when those times overtake his rational mind. I mostly sit in the madness with him. I don't offer advice, I don't offer hope, just the knowledge that I am here. Glad both of you have made it, the world is better.

Scott has lots of fans! Mine was a ten year mess then end with me being his best man at his wedding to a girl. What to do indeed?

His fantasy time of playing with Sean and his friends is soon to be over. Now what? Why is Frederick? (Maybe a Marvel movie reference). Spoiler (I think), We find out in the next chapter.

Um, @chris191070 is a good writer, I wouldn't want to embarrass myself.

That is a wonderful comment. Not about my words, but about the power of poetry to draw out emotions in the reader. Either intentional emotion from the author or from the reader's own experiences. A good poem does a bit of both. The author sets the framework and hopes the reader can connect with something on the page. Thank you for your kind words. I'm not sure the next entry will elicit the same response.

If you notice, all my chapter titles, in this story and all others, utilize different themes when I choose titles. Some of them are oblique on purpose, others are humorous, and some "spoil" the chapter to varying degrees. But each is chosen carefully. But each story, the chapter titles have a cohesive theme outside the narrative. Part One ends on a cliffhanger, not gonna lie.

I entered two, the first one I played safe, tried to play safe with the theme of choices. I wanted to be hopeful. My second entry, because of @Lee Wilson went a bit dark. I might have went over the line, but I decided to go with the other set of choices one makes at the end of a relationship. I have debated over and over whether or not to keep it included but my fear won out and I decided to keep it in. Wish me luck! Coming from one who is a legend on GA because of his poetry, I feel humbled. Thank you!

You've always seen what you want to see But your truths aren't based in reality And I refuse to exist in your fantasy In other words I can still taste you on my tongue Ours was a love that songs were sung Yet this is where my hurt was sprung From your words If I'm crushed and my life starts to bleed Will you comfort and make love to me I only need you, why can't you see Here are my words If my heart breaks and I start to cry Will you help me live or just watch

When the words become destructive...

This is rather good summery of the emotions happening in this chapter. Plus it was an evasion of privacy painting that without permission. It seems that both boys are breaking a few of their own rules over this weekend. Tyler is definitely feeling confused over the Brandon of it all. Remember, they once were friends, as close as maybe even Devin. But circumstances had them going on different paths. And I tried to make it clear, even though they weren't talking, Tyler didn't bully or mess with Brandon. Now, they have reconnected, and Tyler is feeling that old pull of friendship, and maybe attraction he might have always had but didn't recognize it for what it was. This part of "foreplay" is one of my favorites. Things are new, we are exploring each other emotionally while dreaming of physically. This chapter was that "foreplay", and you mentioned the smell. Based on a true story, one of my friends showered every day but wore the same clothes for long periods of time, so he always had a weird smell to him. And one day, he got a girlfriend, and a friend and I discussed how she could sit so close, kiss him, and theoretically let him stick his smelly thing inside. Thirty years later, I used that awkward childhood memory for this exchange. Sometimes we take the path of least resistance. Brandon needed to avoid the main house, so he went for longer period of time without showering. Not because of any statement, it was just easier for his existance. And if you've ever been in a room that has paint, stale cigarette smoke, and unwashed sheets, the smell is noxious. Tyler is a real gem of a human to stomach that. Though he made Brandon shower before allowing him to get into his bed. . Yes, being inside a shower that has water hitting you from all sides is heavenly. I installed a giant rainfall showerhead in my shower and the moment I can remodel the bathroom, I will be included the side sprayers. You never get cold!

So I'm supposed to be taking the day off from everything today. I awoke from a short little nap. Okay it was four hours, and I have more notifications than I ever had before. Over half of them on a story no ones read in nearly a year. Good way to wake up from a power nap!

Love this comment! Based on a conversation I had with a few friends of mine.

If I would have known that's all I had to do to satisfy your thirst for spicy scenes, I would have been doing that from the start.

And we have our first theory on the identity of our mysterious man. Anyone else?

If I played my cards right, I should have kept you guessing up to the end. Let's see how i did, shall we? You will find out very soon. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

You will see really soon... .

I love reading your comments! Tyler and Devin's friendship is important to the story, especially moving forward. And since this story isn't about Tyler's sexuality as a plot device, they have a strong friendship. Plus, Devin and his family have important roles to play in the conclusion.

There is a new pizza spot that opened next door to my place. Apparently they are a big deal in another part of the Bay Area. I tried it, I ordered to small pizzas and it was 58 dollars. And we didn't eat it, not good. So I'm in search of a good pizza too! One of my favorite bits, as well as the debate on who should get the food. Writing for Tyler and Brandon is so much fun.

My comments aren't as bad as Learned To Lie, but it's pretty close. There is another member who has been reading this story lately and it's really got me into it again. I think I've read all the comments and many times I burst out laughing.