Defiance19

Everything about that ad screams no. Clowns, nuh-uh. Take the stairs at your own risk-code for run the other way! Pumpkins with legs, creepy crawly spiders, weird interview people, run Sam run! Do not get into the car! He got into the car, that can't be good! I was getting ready to bail waiting for something to grab at him and then he'd be poof, and then... How on earth did you make this into a freakishly creepy yet delightfully naughty story. I loved it!

Always sad to see an end, but since I know there's more coming I am okay! Where in Summer we were looking for answers and praying hopefully for our friends, there was so much that happened in Autumn to make me look forward to seeing how they move into the future in Winter. I hope we check in on Dragon and King, that was a relationship in trouble where both were at fault. Sad about them, for them even if in the end we were not wholly surprised at the outcome. The adoption finally happened, and the big strong Marine can't believe he's a dad, for real, for real.. That made me smile so big. I absolutely loved the surprise party for CJ. Still can't believe Harley didn't spill. What he must have done to keep that in.. The Jeep, yeah, sweet ride! Thanks so much Carlos, for delighting us, for making us feel for these complex and driven characters as we do. I look forward to the next round of adventure, the new crop of friends, CJ's mishaps, ALL of the dads- their foibles as they navigate fatherhood and teens, the laughs and probably tears. I look forward to it all because I know it will be great! It's been my pleasure.

It was heartwarming to see Richie and CJ interacting. Wish they could be together all the time. I know, I know...but it would serve Lourdes right. Loved how CJ Kept her in place. The conversation, and the fact that he was respectful enough to have Richie out of earshot, shows so much how he has matured. He knows what he has and what he has to lose if he got into it with her. The dads on the lowdown lookout, awesome! The Abellos are delightful. Great chapter Carlos..

Bodie and Nate? Kindred spirits? Bound to be drawn to each other? Hmm. Lol Bodie's hurt was enough to make his mother sad. He is lucky to have a good mom and I am assuming dad too i hope his and Nate's friendship can help heal some of that hurt for both of them. I forget, because I don't always have to remember that when you are gay, there isn't the immediate 'I can flirt with the guy I'm attracted to' thing going on. There is so much to consider, even if you are friends. (I hope you know what Im trying to say) I also hope they figure each other out soon, but I like the awkward, stumbling path they're taking toward that end. They could not have landed better than Kendall and Michael to be on their side, than if they had fallen into Colleen's kitchen. When Michael said, say something romantic back, my mind rushed ahead thinking, you're going to be sorry! Then Kendall came through with the shower reminder! Ha! that was great! Another really well written chapter Gary. These are more than just characters and with the addition of Bodie and Nate you've managed to keep us further invested in their well being. Well done.

Jenson must be holding back out of some misguided sense of propriety. I guess it's hard to see past the little boy he watched grow up and reconcile the strong attraction he feels toward him now. My sage advice: Get over it.! Merrick is smart and seems to be a commanding force in his own right. He is willing and so, Jenson needs to see the man not the child. I can't wait to see what comes up on the walk...with Merrick's plans I mean.

I never want Michael and Kendall to get out of bed, or the shower, or off the couch or.... You get where I'm going. They are just so loving in everything they do. As it should be, but you write it so beautifully, that I want to curl up with them problematic as that would be. I love their love. I'm always happy when Michael is in a position to discover just how important his part is in this relationship. It's like he surprises himself that he can handle a situation and his confidence soars a little bit more. I'm glad to see that side of him too. Sometimes we see him defer to Kendall but then when it's his turn, you realise they play to their strengths. He wished Kendall was there today, but he ended up being exactly what Nate needed. He knew exactly what to say and his explanation Nate's question was great. They already have the daddy thing going! Great chapter!

Aargh! My only complaint it's too short. These two have me on tenterhooks anticipating their every mood. I love Merrick's confidence and at least Jenson realizes his attraction isn't going anywhere. Also what's up with the other vampire? Very very curious about him.

This cheered me up today. I love these guys. Who'd have thought with the way the day started, that this fun Halloween adventure would follow. I hope we get more of them soon. Thanks for the laughs Tim...

I think this chapter more than the others allowed Russ to see himself the way we readers watched him unfold. It was like we were growing along with him, and it is amazing to see him really understand that he had that strength in him all along. It manifested differently and he mistook it for weakness sometimes, but it really took courage for him to get through the hardest part of his life. It is interesting that apart, the twins feelings mirrored that of the other. I even dare to say that Evan may have been more out of sorts than Russ. It is always a wonderful thing seeing them together. I hope the rest of the family is supportive of our guys... Now Russ and Jacob get the best education, traveling the world. Russ gets to exercise his confidence and hopefully there will be lots of experimenting with Jacob!!! Also, moving in together, all four of them! *face palms*. Good times ahead! Loved the chapter Tim, Thank you!

You had me fooled. Miles, nervous? So wasn't expecting that, but it is nice to know that he has his moments. Meeting parents will do that to you too! Well done SkinnyD!

Great chapter. The pacing is increasing the excitement of what's to come, meanwhile we get to know and care more about the characters an their lives. Loved teenaged Merrick.. The scent is the handy reason Jenson gave for Merrick acting on his feelings, but hmm, what was his excuse. His response to that kiss made for quite a hot moment between the two. It will be facinating to see all the ways Merrick goes about persuading our lovely vampire, before he gives in..

I read this chapter, and I'm thinking of Freud of all things. Only in relation to how our psyche is made of parts which have fixed roles, and act in accordance within those roles. Your description of the souls brought me there I guess, and I think it's like a discovery of those things in us.. Makes it that much more intriguing to me. Noel already sees the difference in Diarmond, and it looks like he's drawn to him. Hard to know if that's because of the other souls. How much influence do the have over Noel's actual feelings. Do they act according to what he wants, or are his actions based on their motives. There are so many other questions already covered, so that just leaves me wanting more...

A mime! That was great! Poor Uncle Colton, I see a lot like him, sitting helplessly on the couches in the malls wishing they were anywhere else. Great short CM..

Aha-ha... I guessed Lanni right. That's too funny. I also wonder why she's starred, and if Sam had an ulterior motive. OMG, how is David going to handle that. I am slightly confused as to where this thing with Erik is leading. It is an interesting web Twoey is weaving. We are getting more of a sense, and more so because you've hinted at it, that there is something more going on with David. I'm still kind of peeved that he won't be seeing the psych, and I hope that changes or he at least seeks out Twoey's mom again. Although, with the Lanni situation brewing it may be unlikely. I have to give him praise for how he handled Cal even if I think it just made Kathy more irremovable (if that's a word), from his life... More SkinnyD more......

Tommy's mother was really dismissive of the psych referral. Especially after David got into that fight. She really is a faithful disciple for the good pastor. David may be right to be worried. I can just imagine Twoey's mom putting it all together in that single 'Oh'. I wonder who the lucky starred girl is. Wouldn't it be interesting if it were Lanni? Oh the drama... On to the next..

For the last time! That's just it! You win, you get to move on. You know and he's got no hold on you now. We are with you Tim..

For all the 'lucky breaks'Stefan has received, we are reminded that it still a dog eat dog world. More sad, when the add to the list people whom you have to fear are the ones trying to get by, just as you are. How do you rob a kid who's in a dumpster looking for food? I'm rooting for Stefan to find his peace soon..

Here's a boost from me!

Even I sat up a little straighter, as Big Mike had his talk with Mark. Big Mike is fair, but his words definitely should not be taken lightly. Mark no doubt will take heed. Nate's mini breakdown was sad, but clearly he needed to hear his father's words of acceptance of him and reassurances that he was not the cause for their upheaval. I'm glad he had that, and Mark has work ahead of him. I'm sure as the family adjusts the girls will soon forget any resentment that they might have had. All in all its good news for the family. Being closer to where they have support and love will go a long way as they prepare to work their way back. A fresh start may be exactly what's needed. Kendall and Michael in charge of a teenager.... They've proved themselves to be well equipped to handle it, but I see moments of sheer hilarity.. As usual, a great chapter..

I loved the surprise, but you know if you keep this up, two chapters a week will make us even more greedy.. How great a character is CJ? As tragic as Adriano's situation was, I as most of your readers, felt tremendous sympathy for Flynn. A working man trying to do right by his family. To see that empathy reflected in CJ is encouraging. His thoughtfulness for the scholarship fund is brilliant. This kid is going to do great things. You've said that you modeled CJ after kids you know, so that is remarkable. I'm sure there are more like him, it just does the heart good to read about. I am so ready for the junior elites to take over Walls and DC! They are goofy, fun loving and conscious thinking young men. I'm excited for their adventures. You have got to come up with a name for them soon... CJ's Posse won't do.. Excellent chapter, my friend.

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, CYNUS! I WISH YOU THE BEST, AND MANY MANY MORE

I really like that you're trying different forms. You're good at it too, so I'm looking forward to more. Just for the heck of it I'm going to guess Autumn and Toronto too..lol. Seriously though, even without the hint, you created an immediate visual in both. Leaves fluttering and bold color in the first, and then with the grass and roses in the second. Good stuff.

Great chapter Lit. I like how we get to know about Jenson and Merrick through the flashbacks. We get to see their personalities too. If only those students hadn't caused a commotion, Jenson would know exactly why Merrick used his given name.. Jenson doesn't seem to like the violence, and I'm wondering if he knows the person who was being, well, killed, and what the reason was. There are things troubling Jenson, can't wait until we uncover what they are. What happened to bring on the nightmare So? Also, I hope the disappointing message wasn't about Merrick. So good Lit..

Stefan is a remarkable young man. After all that's been done to him, he is not unmoved and self serving. He leaves an iou for goodness sake. He still takes time to see fireflies. We see him continually give of himself when he is the one wanting. What little he receives in return is so significant for him, it's inspiring. I have to wonder where he learnt that, because he surely wasn't nurtured. I am assuming that Houghton is the place he can finally stop walking. The boy needs a rest and some medical attention. Looking forward to what is next for him..

Happy Birthday Dark!