Robert Rex

What an interesting chapter! I haven't read the others' reviews (I never do before writing my own), several things stood out here: 1) Oscar is able to emotionally penetrate our hero like no one else. His insights are remarkably useful to Toph, simply because Toph recognizes them as valid. 2) the thaw with Steve is good, and there's obviously some attraction, but it's evident that Toph is still going to (always?) keep some distance between them. There's no blind trust there;everything between them will be examined. 3) Ian has potential--at a lot of levels. 4) hate to see Niles go. He's a solid guy, and although Toph has written him off, I'm not at all convinced he won't be back again in another solid--and perhaps, romantic--role. 5) I'm still amazed how damn formal Toph is. Does the kid ever relax, unwind? Even his introspection is formal, not just a casual chat with himself. Ok, I'll shut up now. A rock-solid chapter, filled with craftsman-like writing, moving the story ahead far faster than I'd initially expected. Great job! More, more!

Great start to "the rest of the story". Nice to get caught up again on our heroes and friends. But, must admit, hate to see Mary and her hubby go--I think they bring an added depth to the tale as grandparently figures. Looking forward to more of this story, always done in your usual solid style. Good job!

Damn fine chapter! You successfully portrayed the comfortable intimacy of our here's at home, working through their logistical issues--and emotions--before getting into the storm outside. The next chapters are sure to be intense as they deal with what Henrik has had to put up with...a life in the public's often rude, always voyueristic eyes. You got great, natural dialogue flow, and lots of plot options open--can't wait for the next chapter! Good job!

Yea! Colton comes through, and his solid influence will be a good thing. We all knew the dad's reaction, so no surprises there. Gonna be interesting to see mom's response--and Tiffany's response, too. Good job!

A social mess of a chapter! Everyone's running with separate agendas, and a definite undercurrent of nastiness, perhaps fueled by alcohol, but it seems more malicious than just drunken talk. And Kevin and Adam's uncertain relationship sounds like it just ended. Powerful, interesting chapter! You did well!

Good description of the first few days! Our hero's settling into (maybe) a routine, and will hopefully make some friends--you've introduced some good characters to start that process. Looking forward to the next chapter!

Nicely done start to the rest of the tale! Just need to get rid of that damn cliffhanger from "winter".... <grin>

Nice that our hero has worked out some of his "mothering" issues--and the vacation break was a great idea. But, damn, this picking up strays has the potential not only for good stuff, but for major trouble! But maybe the kid is one that can be helped. We'll see. Nicely done chapter here, and you've got us looking forward to the next for "....the rest of the story"!

Remarkable how Jackson missed out on the sexual innuendo of both him and Luke together underneath the covers. Nah, nothing gay even remotely considered. Even better, remarkable that Jackson is now thinking of how to help Luke get out of the home-schooling situation. Showing some maturity--and I've gotta believe that's part of the reason his parents are lightening up on his house arrest. Good job in moving the story forward! Gonna be interesting to see who Jackson runs into when he's out and about.....

Definitely a fun way to end a date by playing "Truth or Dare". Talk about building the sexual tension! And the game worked! But our heroes are about to get hit with an "oh, shit" moment, when they discover the accidental tweet. Now the question becomes, "witll the budding relationship survive?". Damn cliffhanger......<grumble, grumble> A fine job here of both moving the tale forward, developing the characters, and having a fun sex scene, too. You did well!

What a solid ending to an intriguing tale! You wrapped up all the loose ends nicely, and (thankfully) gave us a glimpse of the happy ever after we all crave. Sure, there's work ahead for Tait and Phil, but it's the kind of work you know they both enjoy. Hell, I hate to see these characters go! Congratulations on the satisfying telling of a story with a full range of emotions, characters we love, and a plot line that works now (and maybe in the future? ) Well done, my friend--well done!

What can we say? Mike's a tool. An ego as big as Texas--and perfectly willing to use sexual favors to "rebuild a friendship". Nice to see our hero pick up on his true colors. Really loving the idea of Lane in the musical. What a difference in that kid's life having a new big brother has made! Must admit, though, I'm still looking/hoping that the relationship with he other stepbrothers will improve. All in all, a nicely crafted chapter in a well-told tale. You've done well!

Thanks for the comments, Skinny! You're absolutely correct--it was a tough chapter to write. (I'd originally written it from Ben's perspective, but decided to re-write it as Clayton would tell it, simply because it was so very intense--and my editor agreed. And "toning it down" to keep it from Ben's POV, it lost a lot of what is horrible about the situation; the ongoing violence, the sexual abuse, etc., as Ben accepts the situation as "normal". I felt like I was walking a tightrope between intensity and reader acceptability!) Clayton's in shock, you're right, but he'll work through it, and I believe his willingness to be open about it all with Ryan shows that his concern for Ben is based on solid friendship, and nothing more. The s**t will get worked past--one way or another. In the meantime, THANK YOU for the kind words and your support!

Ok, ok, I admit it--you got me. I'm not normally a fan of fantasy/mythological stories...who's got time for all those pesky details needed to build a different reality? And yet, you've dragged me into this well done story! In this chapter, you've used an almost lyrical writing style to show our hero's disbelief at meet the God of Fun and The Moment. The writing is effective, and the setting/explanation of what's happening are believable even while recognizing it as a fantastical moment. Seriously--I'm looking forward to the next chapter, and I NEVER thought I'd say that about a myth story! Well done!

Talk about good fortune--the only things that Bubba and Bulldog need are white hats; they aren't the Texas Rangers riding in to save the day, but perhaps they should be! As for Benoit...several folks are lining up to whup his ass--take a number for faster service! Thanks for sticking with the story, and the always gracious comments!

Me? An "evil author"? Of course I am! LOL! Clayton's secret, when revealed (and YES, it'll happen!), will explain a lot about his basic character and some of his insecurities. The "chat in the dark" concept is something we've all used--in times of self-introspection, it's easier/safer! And it's worked well for our heroes. I appreciate your sticking with the tale and reading through! And I always love your comments. THANK YOU!

Timothy, I think you've discovered by now that you nailed Ryan and Clayton's relationship--and their needs--perfectly! And your assessment that non-disclosure would have damaged the budding relationship is correct. Ryan NEEDS this kind of solid support; thankfully, he's getting it! Thank you for the solid comments!

Timothy, glad you're back! Ryan's guts in dealing with his situation is pretty phenomenal--he's like the Energizer Bunny; he keeps going, and going, and .... Yet, like all of us he still has his down times, as well. But he's come such a damn long way! And, I'm sure he had both the huge high by finally walking and also had the incredible low of realizing his dreams are going to be substantively delayed. THANK YOU for sticking with the story--and your kind words!

Tim, I appreciate your comments! There's a tough ride ahead for Ben, no doubt, and as for his captor, well...I'm a great believer in karma. THANK YOU for reading along, and the generous words. I appreciate you!

Thanks, Zenith, for the kind words! Certainly Ben has some challenges ahead, not the least of which is the physical withdrawal head, as well as the abusive situation itself. But, he's now got a good team behind him. THANK YOU for the comments and encouragement!

Thanks for the comments, Onim! You're right--Ben is in so deep, he "can't see daylight", as Southerners and Texans say. Benoit is definitely a piece of work. Certain that this situation can't go on forever; now that Dave and Barry (and Ryan) are involved, think people are gonna cheer when Benoit gets his. THANK YOU for the kind words--and support!

Thanks for the well thought-out comments! My feeling at this point is that Ben is deep enough into his situation (and perhaps drugged enough) that he's not thinking clearly. He apparently felt he couldn't really turn down Clayton's lunch invitation, and needed to vent--and then panicked. I believe that after seen Ben and Clayton together socially, Ryan isn't particularly worried about Ben's interference in the relationship. And you're absolutely right; it was fortunate that Dave has the resources to help. Certainly, it's great to see Clayton care about his friend, but even nicer to see Ryan move to instinctively try to do something to show his support for Clayton--even if he's already said he's "not good" at relationship stuff or emotional things. THANK YOU for such a direct, thoughtful comment--and for following along with the story!

“Ryan, can you meet me at the bar for a drink? It’s been one of those days ….” “Sure, Clayton, what time?” He sounds tired. “I’m pretty much clear after 4pm. By the way, how’d your lunch with Ben go?” There’s a long silence before Clayton responds. “Let me fill you in on that; it’s too much to go into right now. How about we meet when it opens at 5pm?” “That’ll work Clayton. I’ll see ya then. And, oh … I love you.” Damn if it doesn’t feel good to say “I love you”. Since Clayton and

Good on Sam for calling Mr. Cotton's hand...and good on him that he was able to accept the apology and move forward with the friendship. But, I'm wondering, why the concern about "the woman's role" being played? Is that a leftover from childhood or other events? Well done chapter--life is really coming together for our heroes. Can't wait to see where this goes--good job!

Missed you! Really enjoying the story. Tripp is becoming more and more of a hero in my eyes; always a solid backup, low drama, seemingly an all around good guy. I'm contrasting him with Kevin, who's becoming more and more demanding, certainly willing to be a dick (is that jealousy based on a developing love interest?), definitely with a player reputation. Becker's sister's appearance is going to be interesting--I can see how she may (indirectly) be the catalyst for his low-key coming out. We'll see. Regardless, you've done a fine job in moving the story along, and keeping multiple plot lines successfully juggled. Now, where's that next chapter? <grin>