Defiance19

So we don't know what's going on back in Edmonton. My belief is that it should always be a last resort to split a family. That said, I'm not for Nate staying long term with his grandparents and or Uncles. I do believe that right now, the space and time away will be healing and healthy for all involved. Mark gets to work on his issues and Nate gets to be a teenager who just happens to be gay. He gets to learn to model the behavior of his uncles, and understand himself better with no shame or censure. If Mark is serious, he will have to learn to live with his son, and Nate with him. That's the only way it truly works. If Mark fails, then Mom and kids know they have a place to go. I agree, though that Michael should go with Nate when that time comes. Also, Colleen and big Mike finally find out about the engagement. It was funny how they did. Nate is a tad rascally... So sweet that Kendall and Michael see a younger version of themselves in Nate and Brodie. Wouldn't that make a wonderful teenage love story? Huh Gary? Really good chapter Gary..

Firstly soul food- yum! Secondly, Okra is just gross. Moving on...so, Ryan's not what I was thinking, but he's still Mr take charge. I liked getting to know them, and it was fun to see them both let themselves allow this to be whatever it is. It was passionate, funny and a little romantic. Great chapter, Tim..

Thank you for that near stroke.. Wreck on the highway. CJ and Brett aren't at odds anymore and their make up went very well. I totally understand where CJ is coming from, although I still think Brett didn't have to yield so much to CJ. (I already know what you're going to say) ;-) When Rashid decides to make a move he really does. Now Dragon has to figure out exactly what 'I'll go along with anything' is. So this was let's pick on Harley day huh! Too funny.. He's an awesom kid that Pony!

Sim is such a flirt.. Player.. This was nice. The interaction between the friends kept me smiling. Ryan sounds like an imposing guy. I guess given his size he might be, but he read a little dark, less playful more I want what I want. I think it was the scene in the bathroom.. I hope Sim will be okay.. Of course I want more..please.

OUCH! You write this all so convincingly. Heart wrenching, but I've got to give it to Stefan for finding the fortitude to get up and get out.. I was so anxious the father would show up, and as SkinnyD said, he'd better run and not look back...

Good one Caz. Totally got the night on the town vibe.. That also sounds like some parts of the City. You almost have to plan for a night out..

Aww.. That was nice how the cousins came right away to help. I guess they're learning as they go, but at least there's a comfortable medium with the house bills. I think I would have wanted to know about the mortgage ahead of time though. Now I guess it's to deal with Reece's parents and meet Dave's. Lovely chapter.

Aha-ha! That was brilliant.. Only a dream.. Very good Carlos!

There just doesn't seem to be any way there could be more that Stefan could endure. Every blow dealt to him was jarring. I imagine the father is either passed out, or, knowing Stefan could not show up to school in his condition, deliberately left him chained. Usually, it's never about the child when it comes to such abuse. What are the father's demons? Was he always this heinous. Not that it will ever be excusable, no matter what. The school is just as bad, not giving Stefan a chance. He's not safe anywhere, and can't trust any adult. Who will save him?

It is almost comical, the way David's mind works. I really would laugh if I didn't want to swat him. So now he's Kathy's boyfriend. I love that it's God's fault though, I did lol at that. How soon until he gets a dose of Twoey's mother? Although that may just create a whole new set of 'David' problems... I can't believe I missed the no condom fiasco last chapter. Glad Matty was responsible, and I hope Erik was too. That it didn't even give Twoey pause, surprised me. And then holy bombshell! Matty and his brother? What!! I guess Twoey an I are still processing. Also, everyone has a clue about David, and I hope Matty shares more of what he knows of Danny's situation. Good stuff SkinnyD!

Wow, so Jason surprised me by taking a beat. This time he is praying for a solution rather than jumping off the ledge. I'm impressed. Seems his time with Chris is well spent. Luke and Gary shared a nice honest moment, until they realised that Jason had the letter. You could almost hear the 'dun dun dun'. Can't wait for the conversation that coming. Good job Cynus.

You know what makes this even harder to stomach, is that there is a child going through that exact same thing somewhere. A number of somewheres even. I feel terribly for Stefan. I'm glad his defences are up when it comes to those girls. It's more likely they have a bet and would further humiliate him.

Yes please! More Aitor, more Jessie, more Lars! You're getting the picture... Nice prompt too. It was great to see them again. ps: will be back with a 'like'

Very nice Caz. Paints a very clear picture in a few short sentences. Look forward to the rest.

Love is patient. Love bears all things. It always protects. Always perseveres. I borrowed that, but it's the truth. You and Mike, the real deal. xo

Thank you CM for sharing this story with us. I certainly enjoyed the ride, and the ending was beautiful and perfect.

Didn't need the bedroom for this one... Sad that even Levi's maker abandoned him. It was cruel not to at least stick around and explain the change, before he was losses on the city, on his own. George is immediately, kind ad caring. Looking forward to seeing how that changes Levi and grows their relationship.

This was great. So not the Zombies I was expecting, but it worked even better..

That was awesome. Poor Ian... But is he going to be traumatized the first time he sees the cat cough up a hair ball? We had a coffee loving cockatiel too, and he would race you beak to mouth to as you took a sip of coffee. Funniest thing.

What a bleak outlook for young Stefan. His own dismal retelling is with every word, heartbreaking. No one he can trust, befriend and he feels unworthy. Yet he keeps going, barely surviving so there is strength in him somewhere. I hope he finds it and his beacon soon. Also, uncle Ray too? Shame. Good chapter..

Loved it Carlos.. The vibe felt so right. There are glimpses in your other works, but I'm always pleasantly surprised when you turn out tender pieces like this. Well done...

I loved it so much I might have squealed! The interplay between Eddie and Wyatt, just wonderful. I can just see them all together. Eddie, so much happier and Wyatt and Bryan doting older brothers. Glad to see Bryan working through his guilt.

Oh, yes I'm in.. Poor Noel, he has no idea what he walked into and his grandmother was sort of setting him up for it? Great start Adi, looking forward to more.

Really nice chapter SkinnyD. David's apology was so heartfelt. He does seem to know some parts of himself so well. I really hope he has the opportunity soon to follow through on the school psychologist. He is going to need it. Let's see how he handles the Saturday date, and what other twists come out of it. Twoey is determined to continue his 'gaysex' education at full speed. I can't blame him, but I wonder what impact if any the night with Matty will have on him. Right now I'll ride the wave and see what's next for our guys. This is like blowing an already full balloon very slowly.

Nice first chapter. Painful to read, but well done. It may get worse for Stefan before it gets better but I'm in.