Robert Rex

Loving this story, and the way you built our interest in the plot and characters. All believeable, all likeable, all energetic--what's not to love here! Plus you give us an ending that has us hoping for a sequel. Damn fine, efficient writing here--good job!

Been away, just now discovering this story with your latest post--a fine start! I'm gonna keep reading through, it's a great start to what I believe will be an interesting tale.

I thought we had talked through everything. Actually we covered everything we needed to at that moment. Ryan stayed overnight of course, after the talkathon we’d had. Everything was settled; Ryan would get with his apartment complex’s manager on Monday, confirm and pay the buyout amount needed for the remainder of his lease, and then start planning his move in. Well, it wasn’t quite that simple. We both slept in later than usual, since we didn’t finish talking until after 3am. It’s a luxur

Omar, get ready for fun! Plenty of good stores in a wide variety of genres here, and some great folks, too, as you'd discover as you nose around chat. And, as you read, be sure to leave your comments and "likes"...your voice here makes a difference! Welcome, buddy--and enjoy!

Dimensional characters that draw you into an interesting tale, all delivered in a tight, efficient writing style with an ending that had us all applauding--who could ask for more?!?!? I can. These characters, this story is so good, we've gotta see these guys again. There ought to be a sequel! A seriously well-done job of story-telling....you've done GREAT here!

Remarkable chapter, and superb writing! Justine, I suspect knows far more about Peter/Adam then he's willing to admit; I'm getting the feeling she's waiting for him to out himself to her. And Adam is obviously wrestling with his own emotions; it's not gonna surprise me if he comes out--accidentally on purpose--soon, the way he's missing his partner and recognizing that so much is going on between them. You captured the desolation of New Orleans east perfectly; it was truly an eerie place for several years after The Storm. Almost like the pictures of the Japanese cities after the bomb was dropped--empty shells of buildings with the area showing the former presence of vibrant people and now ... nothing. It's not a deliberate cliffhanger of a chapter, but we can all see things building here to some dramatic explosion. GREAT job!

Well, the only other options are to stay up later, becoming sleep deprived (depraved?), give up a social life, or just quit the job to become a fulltime beta reader for the stories! <grin> (Although, I'm pretty certain the last option carries no pay with it at all....damnit.) Seriously, glad you're enjoying yourself here--plenty to keep you busy--and I hope you're leaving likes and comments on the stories you read. Yup, your voice makes a difference! And, chat rooms are always good, too. Glad you're here!

Well done chapter! There's so much going on here, and it's all good. And, gonna be fun to see how the kids react to the "new world" around them. They've got a LOT of catching up to do! And, loving the euphamisams (sp) that you used here for their "revelations". "Ungloved? "Unwrapped"? Priceless--and funny as hell. You did well here, young man!

Damn cliffie...<grumble, grumble> So much going on here...Ezra wrestling with his own emotions, his sister and Xavier's teammate working to put Ezra into another situation he has little control over; a press agent "manager" so focused on her job she's forgotten the human equations (at least up until the last minute); a team manager who doesn't seem to care about his team or their emotions' an ex- who's about to throw in his opinion and maybe surprise everyone (including Ezra) with his input; and Xavier who's got no clue on what he's gonna say or how he's going to move forward. Does Xavier even have a clue about how he really feels? Yikes, I'm exhaused from all this activity! Damn fine writing here--now about that next chapter....quickly (like tomorrow!), right?

Defiance, it's kinda remarkable the community that exists here, isn't it? An easy relaxed friendship that enriches all their lives--and it's something they honor quietly; they accept it without making a big deal out of it. Certain that Bubba didn't see himself as doing anything remarkable, but made a difference. And Ryan's willingness to do something as grab dinner for Bubba was just a "done deal" with no drama, despite the issues he was dealing with. THANK YOU for picking up on this nuance--and for leaving comments as you read along. I appreciate it!

Whatever issues are in place, they're multiplied by the obvious pain Trey is dealing with--and perhaps intensifying Trey's issues. You simply can't think clearly when dealing with pain, and pain-killers! I'm looking forward to the next chapter where they resolve these, and move forward. Almost a cliffhanger here! Good job on the chapter, but looking forward to the next, too.

Nice that Jason has (kinda, sorta, maybe) figured out that he wants more than a one night stand! And the easy-going chat with Corey is in stark contrast to the formality of his date. Fun chapter! You did well here! (And, yeah--I'm still giggling over the concept of "kamikaze rodents"!)

Albert, isn't it remarkable how just pulling away from a situation can sometimes bring a clarity we can't get otherwise? Our own mental clutter can sometimes be eliminated by simply pulling away and talking aloud--exactly the role of most counseling. THANK YOU for the comments!

Parker, you've nailed it here; Ryan's damn lucky to have a "brother Marine" like Bubba to both observe and yet stand back to let him think through things on his own. Now the fun starts as they work out the logistics of life together. I appreciate your support and your insights--THANK YOU!

Thanks for the comments, Jeff! You're right--it was pretty quick to reconcile the issues. I think part of that was because Clayton went into it all fully prepared to answer questions and talk things through. The other big factor was that Ryan didn't let his confusion/anger over the situation prevent him from listening to Bubba. (Kinda my theory that we can resolve our own issues if we can cut through the noise in our brains that's self-inflicted.) Regardless, it's worked out well so far, and our heroes can move forward. THANK YOU for the comments! I appreciate your sticking with the story!

You're absolutely correct, Brady...great site, friendly people (as you got to see a little last night in chat), plenty of story genres to choose from, the chance to give input to authors (and yeah, you should!)--overall, a lot of fun in one place. Glad you're here!

Dughlas, thanks for the kind words! I suspect that in all of our lives, were others to look on, they'd find aspects of extraordinary elements, yet our lives make a complete tapestry of 'em. So very glad you're enjoying the story! THANK YOU for the comments and encouragement--I appreciate it!

Talk about unresolved anger issues! He's dealing with 'em in spades. And yet, there's still a drive there that's pushing him on to...something. Enjoying the tale, and really looking forward to seeing John's life turn from something so self-inspective to more involvement with others. Good job!

Definitely a great feel-good chapter! A spectacular vacation, a deepening relationship, a casual bonding with adorable boys on the beach, the re-ignition of relationships with the brothers, Toph doing some relaxed sketching that seems to be strengthen him as well as giving him additional appreciation for colors and textures around him...all in all, it's too good. Perhaps too good to be true? I'm still wanting to unscrew the port in Gary's head and get inside to poke around. I'm still not trustful of the guy. He always seems to know exactly the right thing to say or do--and it seems to be more than just because he's in tune with the circumstances. On their lovemaking: "It was a little magical, wasn't it?" On Toph's brother: a review of the importance of family and analysis of why Clarence is the way he is (and presumably he's not THAT familiar with him, or the all the reasons for the schism with Toph). And a LACK of analysis of the role of the brother-in-law. Gary's responses strike me as signs of a master manipulator--too glib, too easy--and I hope you prove me wrong. I'm hoping that the storm clouds Toph sees on the horizon aren't a metaphor for storms coming into Toph's life because of Gary. Finely nuanced chapter, and damn fine writing here. You captured the lazy spirit of the relaxed beaches in Texas well (as their ads used to say "Texas is a whole 'nother country!"), as well as the intensifying feelings Toph is carrying for both Gary and his craft. Well done!

Onim, I suspect Bubba enjoys his work far too much to leave it behind, but we're all glad that his questioning Ryan worked so well. After all, Bubba admits he's "not qualified for advice", but just his presence--and his bond with his Marine brother--made a big difference. So very glad you enjoyed the chapter--THANK YOU for staying with the tale, and your words of support!

Thanks for the kind words, Dad! Isn't it remarkable how a casual conversation among friends can change perspective and impact things far beyond what we'd originally expect? I appreciate you--always commenting--and your staying with the story!

Skinny, you're right--it's great to see 'em back together, when both obviously love each other! And yet, it really is like the song says, "sometimes love just isn't enough"...it takes work to make the relationship happen. Because of Bubba's questions, Ryan was able to do the work to make that happen. THANK YOU for the comments, Skinny! I appreciate your insights, and YOU for sticking with the tale!

Thanks for the comments, Cole. You're absolutely right--the friendships really do come into play here to make life better. It's also interesting that most of us think of great wealth as being liberating, and yet Clayton's experience has been just the opposite; forcing him to assume a separate identity and causing him to retreat in a lot of ways from life. We also think of Ryan's independence as something positive, and yet if taken to it's logical conclusion, would have left Ryan alone. Only by accepting a "let down" of their standards can they make the relationship work. It really is a community that revolves around that little rural bar, isn't it? THANK YOU for the kind words and your support. Really means a lot!

Loved the "throw-in" character of Amelia. As a writer, she's as protective of her "child" as we all are! And, as is typical, we're our own harshest critics--she immediately turned the positive review into a negative! LOL! Roommate is working out; I'm glad. Although he got thrown into an unpredictable situation, he seems to be handling it well. Perhaps there'll be a solid friendship that will end up. As for the other situation with his current sexual interest, it really does come across as a one-night-stand-turned-into-maybe-fuck-buddy relationship. There doesn't seem to be any interest in talking through anything. A great job here with what I see as a transitional chapter, as our hero "mans up" and decides to solve the issues (and take responsibilities) on his own. (Just as his coach suggested. You did well here!

Ben is a cutie as a somewhat overprotective nursemaid... trying to be casual but totally focused on Connor. And Connor still has some recovery to do--that first day out/home is tough! But perhaps things can move forward with the romance...it's time to make up for lost time! A definite "feel-good" chapter here--you did well! More, More!