Robert Rex

Love this chapter! Corey seems to have worked his way past the anger and hurt some time ago, and now must only deal with the akwardness of having Jason around--though perhaps he still retains some distrust. Jason's maturity seems to be allowing him to step forward with stronger steps (even after messing up his ankle!) to work to a friendship; he really does seem to be trying to make the casual meetings more bearable. We'll see where this goes. You've created some interesting characters with depth, and most are certainly likeable. Really enjoying seeing how you develop this tale!

You're absolutely right, Dughlas! Ryan really DID need to get out of there to clear his head, and think about what was said. THANK YOU for sticking with the tale--and always appreciate your comments!

LOL! Yup, the guys can still surprise! Ryan's obviously got some issues to work through here, the money (and it's enormity)? Comparisons to the late lover? And, is Clayton still so insecure with himself that he sees great wealth as a negative? The next chapter should help. Besides, you know with most couples, money is the biggest issue in the relationship--in this case, a LOT of money. Gonna be fun to see how the guys work through it! THANK YOU for your thoughts, and sticking with the story!

Gotten behind on my reading, but all caught up!Nice escape plot that developed so very quickly after the attack! Things are about to get interesting in Hillcrest, and suspect the preacher is gonna be found out as the demon he really is. Nicely done setup for the development of the new lives they're all getting. You did well!

Avid, you're exactly right...Ryan's response is a little out there; in his defense he's gotten an a-bomb dropped on him, and his emotions--already at a high level because of his weekend legs--do seem over the top. Perhaps the next chapter will put some of that into perspective. THANK YOU for reading along, and your kind comments!

All caught up...and boy, has there been a bunch of stuff going on! Traci's involvement in all of this is about to become open, and Grace is gonna become a shit-stirrer deluxe; neither one is good news for our heroes. Intriguing characters you've created--well done!

Been out, playing catchup....only 3 more chapters to go! Loving Coach's response--realistic, affectionate, practical. Wish all parents were like that! Forward....

Damn! Finished already? How could you--we've grown to love this tale and the honest, realistic characters you've created here, along with real-life situations! It's just too much fun and too good to end. Seriously, I know this has been a labor of love for you, and your affection for the tale shows through loud and clear. Add solid writing skills to clearly convey the story, and it should be clear that although we're sad to see this end, we all know there's even more intriguing and gratifying writing coming from you. Great job here--and CONGRATS on a complex and well-told tale. You've outdone yourself here, young man!

Thanks, Tim--and the next chapter will show more of what's going on. Looks like both guys have some baggage.... I appreciate your reading and commenting!

Absolutely loved this chapter, because it's too real. As a fledgling writer, I can SOOOOO identify with this! Isn't this what every writer goes through? Totally nailed it!

Just discovered this story, and glad I did. Although fan-fiction isn't something I normally do, you drew me in with the solid writing, and fast development of both characters. And your expression of emotions (and buried emotions) is right on target. Good job!

Devin is an interesting character, full of complexities, still figuring out himself as much as anything. For me, I think the whole situation with Bryce is gonna be telling--and a major development point for Devin. IF Bryce has feelings for Devin, he'll hafta deal with the start of a new relationship perhaps with more definition/boundaries than he had with Alex. If Bryce DOESN'T have strong feelings for him, Devin is gonna feel incredibly used; I'm concerned that Bryce seems him more as at best a fuckbuddy, a convenience. (His putting off "the conversation" Devin wants/needs is maybe a foreshadowing of that, perhaps.) If that's the case, Devin is gonna have a lot to think through. Devin's roommate is another unknown factor--perhaps he's not gonna be a major issue, and will disappear into the plot of the story later, but I suspect you're gonna throw a curve ball at us with this guy. A great chapter, full of intricacies, lots of plot-line option, and solid writing with realistic dialogue and running insights into Devin. You did well here!

Although I’d made the decision to share my story with Ryan and committed on Wednesday night to tell him my story on Friday, self-doubt took over on Thursday. By Friday I was almost in full-blown panic attack mode. What if he hates me for my deception? What if he can’t trust me anymore? The feeling wasn’t helped when he said he needed to stay at his place Thursday night to do laundry, and be ready for his early morning workout before his afternoon physical therapy session. My sleep that night

Zenith, "I Will Survive" is one of those disco classics that forces all of us to dance a little every time we hear it! (Was on an elevator the other day, and that came on; trust me, everyone onboard was starting to "get their groove on"; it's was a fun ride!) I'm typing as fast as my chubby fingers will allow; the chapter with Clayton's background will be out this week. THANK YOU for sticking with the story, and your comments!

Onim, thanks for the great comments! I'm like you--it's only if we remember the past that we can keep moving forward. And, the guys are certainly moving forward; enough so that Clayton's going further to "seal the deal" with the upcoming chapter. THANK YOU for the kind words, and for the consistent support. I appreciate you!

Gee, thanks so much for the thoughtful comments! I'm sorry that the history lesson came across as a lecture for you; perhaps a re-edit when the story's complete may change that (I hate it when authors modify a story after publishing it--unfair to original readers!) I may have overdone it, but felt it was important to get Clayton's full view of that era, since it was such a part of his life. Especially true since he'd lost so many friends, his "history documentation" was (I felt) critical to emphasize his loss. As far as the hints about Clayton's past, perhaps that's another issue to review. My point on that coming up so regularly is that it's something that's gnawing at him; he wants to be free/open, but hasn't so far been able to--the last one he was truly open with was his late lover, who died years ago. Ryan's the first man he's met that's strong enough he believes can handle "the real Clayton". Will it be anti-climatic when his story comes out? Well, I'll let you decide that, but you certainly make a valid point, and one I'll consider on re-edit. THANK YOU for the thoughtful comments--and the compliments on the sex scene (damn if those scenes aren't incredibly difficult to write!). I appreciate it, and appreciate your following the tale!

Well, thanks, Refugium! The history is an important part of shaping Clayton and his responses; as for smut, well, what one calls "smut", another calls "sexually generous"! THANK YOU for your help on this chapter, and the kind comments!

Glad the music still causes you to dance, Mike! What's that old line about getting the most enjoyment out of life by "dancing like nobody's watching"? I think most of us who made it through that era carry some amount of "survivor's guilt"...and think the best of us have managed to turn that into a motivator to serve/be politically active to the community. And that's a good use for a bad feeling. As for as modeling Clayton on me: well, thanks, but not making any claims. I lust after Clayton's organized intellect and surefooted social skills! Doing better here, and thanks for the well wishes. And THANK YOU for your always gracious comments and consistent support!

Isn't it remarkable how much we forget about our pasts? There was so much going on--and so much going on that was nasty--it's sometimes easier to forget; and yet, it's a part of what makes us who we are. Glad you found the lovemaking hot--these two definitely have a connection, and it came out even more during this chapter. And yes, there's more coming... the rest of Clayton's story should be out by the end of this week. THANK YOU for the comments, and following along with the story!

Skinny, so very glad you enjoyed the chapter! I was hesitant about it when I pitched the idea to my editor, and his point was that it's important for Ryan to understand how Clayton got to where he is today. He was right. I appreciate your comments--and get ready, the big reveal is in the next chapter! THANK YOU for your always kind words and for sticking with the tale!

Carlos, I figured you'd dive into this chapter. And you're right, we paid a price to get where we are today--and we tend to forget that. I was like you, doing the public thing; cost me my job, but damn worth it. Remarkable, too, that this was all triggered by a (much younger) bar patron who heard a song on the jukebox and commented, "It's only disco". An older guy in the bar that night gave him a history lesson....yeah, it was fun to watch! THANK YOU for your comments, and your always steady support. Means more than you know!

Jeff, I'm so glad to hear you've built a friendship with these guys! Fictional, though they are, I like to think they kinda represent the "Joe Everyman" we all hope to have around us--solid, secure (pretty much) in themselves, genuinely good guys. Clayton's history lesson is a reminder of both good and bad times that cost us a lot, but got us where we are today. THANK YOU for reading and commenting--I appreciate your kind words; they mean a lot!

Dad, isn't it remarkable when the stars align? Clayton and Ryan seem to make a great pair. And, of course, you're right--the plague took far too many, and yes, there are those that still get infected; thank God we've got treatments now that make all the difference. THANK YOU for your comments and sticking with the tale. I appreciate it!

Just discovered this delightful story--and all caught up! I'm loving the premise of the tale, and the allegory of using left-handedness. Clever! I'm also appreciating the fast, clear development you've done of the characters--you've made 'em both realistic and (for most) sympathetic. And it's quite a switch from the normal tale here that the jock's gayness is a non-issue. Well done!

Dughlas, I'm honored that the chapter touched a part of you, and moved that you shared such a personal part of your life. Anyone around during that era looks back n and has a WTF moment followed by reminiscing. And, glad you're still dancing--that's a certain indicator of life's job--and I'm certain your pup appreciates it! THANK YOU for reading along, and opening a part of your life here. I appreciate you!