Israfil

Fair enough if the story’s no longer your cup of tea but as a writer, I have to say that calling someone’s work “garbage” is just not okay. Especially when it’s most clearly not, objectively speaking. It’s well written and @Dodger clearly worked hard on it. It’s not a story you can follow anymore? Fine - it’s even okay to say so and have strong feelings. But there are limits and I have to draw the line here.

Wow...and I was really starting to like Alex too. And probably still would if it hadnt been for the whole sexual assault thing... What he did was wrong - but he’s not in his right mind, that much is clear. It’s a sign of development that Robbie could understand that he handled his relationship with Alex badly, playing with fire, as you said - but he’s always been alright at self reflection after the fact. As for Nathan, bloody hell. By the end of the conversation I could see why he was so angry but still. “You walked out on me, I should have walked out on you”. Who says that? And calling Robbie a drama queen, true as it is, coming from Nathan it’s “hey, pot, names kettle, have we met?”

If it were only that I would absolutely agree with you. Those two things are just fine - the real issue was more how he began to take Robbie for granted and seemed to be trying to hook up with other people behind his back. By the end he seemed almost competing with Robbie. Admittedly, most of his faults can be attributed to just being a teenager haha.

Robbie growing past that part of his life isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I didnt think they were the greatest match from the start, honestly....

I’m surprised Sarah didn’t realize her little stunt could have ruined her husband’s chances as well though. The two people in the ring are working together - not really fighting. What happens to one can affect the other. What if Jack had been thrown by the change in plans and didn’t sell it properly? Doesn’t look like she thought it through before risking that.

Love Eamonn so much - even more so that we have a similar sense of humor. The possession line is totally something I would have said. Nice to see the old cast back - though while I get that Sean's hurting....I can't help but feel he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer - or at least just very immature. I got that impression even before his life imploded - adversity just brought it more to the forefront.

I’m with Adam on this, even if I can understand where Artie’s coming from. It’s tough to just accept what someone tells you about a person especially in a situation like this. However, it’s silly for Ezra to think he can have it both ways - live his life without any parental obligation and come find Artie only when I assume it is most convenient for him. He waits till now to show up? When Artie’s living with his uncle and the custody’s been decided and he’s leaving Texas for good? Quite pleased that Adam told him what’s what. Then again, maybe location doesn’t matter because Mr. Bigshot CEO has an office in San Francisco.... Oh, dear.

This update was such a pleasant surprise! Not to mention, a suprisingly uplifting chapter - I’m relieved that Robbie’s attempts didn’t negatively affect his friendship and that he knew when to throw in the towel. Been in his shoes - it’s not fun >_< Rory’s reaction was perfect - a stalwart friend like that is what Robbie needs more than a relationship. I wish my crush had been as eloquent haha. Also - happy new year!

Frightened teenagers aren’t the most rational creatures.

Oh for fucks sake, I thought Robbie already tried “conversion therapy” with Fran and look how that went. I thought he understood that doesn’t work. Speaking of Fran, she’s...silly, might be the right word. She seems to still have some issue with Robbie despite her claims to the contrary. Or maybe she just needs to get over herself - it wasn’t so much Robbie as *having* Robbie - that’s why she’s over him but not over losing him to Nathan. And while Robbie did exactly what I thought he’d do initially after the Symmonds appointment, at least his reaction told Walter and Mr. Andrews most of what they needed to know. Panic attack, perhaps? Robbie should call that kid who gave him his number. After all, no one said he couldn’t date anyone, right? Perfect form of protest - and someone possibly not as camp and out to prove a point as Nathan would be a good idea. A little harder for Don to argue with, perhaps.

Wow...I sort of feel bad for Joe - he’s in obvious pain and regrets his actions - but at the same time, he’s not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, is he? No filters - especially on annoying young men - is kind of a pet peeve. I’ve dropped people for similar reasons like not being able to keep their mouth shut. Overall, I’m enjoying how the story explores the other side of fame - the logistical and emotional issues that come with it.

Thank goodness Robbie told someone about the counselor. With his record of poor decisions, he could easily have decided he had to keep it a secret out of fear/shame/thinking it wouldn't do any good. I have a feeling that despite Sue's usual acceptance of everything Don says, she might be less than thrilled about the church thing, considering how things went with Symmonds. I'm fairly sure Nicola won't go quietly either once she realizes what it's for.

I think Gavin’s wrong - someone being stupid isn’t a “get out of jail free” card. At least for me since stupidity is a criminal offense in my book (and yes, I endeavor to hold myself to that same standard). I agree that making peace with Joe will be good for Josh - forgiveness after a fashion - theyre family and they love each other but that doesn’t mean they will ever be the way they were. Joe betrayed him and while they may one day be close again with a sort of “twin bond,” it makes sense that something is broken between them.

Great chapter - on a side note, Davis is at best a fool and at worst trying to use his work authority to pressure Shane. They’re working together - hooking up is not a good idea and Shane’s made it clear he’s not interested. Either Davis doesn’t see this or he thinks Shane will cave just for the contract.

Arguably worse....

When the first impression sucks so royally, I can’t blame him.

Great chapter, stokes the rage in all of us. Uncomfortable shades of Boy Erased here. While Nicola certainly has a point (I’ve done this myself) I’m glad Robbie is standing by his truth. Plus, it’s different when you’ve already come out to let someone bully you back into the closet. Now, one quibble - I get you’re trying to show how much Robbie misses Nathan but when I was on tenterhooks for the “counselor” I was just like “get on with it already” haha. We’ve had a ton of Nathan description over the course of this story as it is. Also, this guy clearly isn’t very good at his “job” if he lost his cool that quickly. Or maybe he learned intimidation saves a lot of time - most religions boil down to that. My bet is Nicola predicted it and the secret weapon’s a car - or maybe the promise of one.

Well, that was intense. I absolutely loved Aria standing up to Ben. I suspect he channeled his mother - but in a good way. Speaking of whom, she’s never been that interested in her children’s well being but after their little confrontation its probably worse. In her mind if Amara’s not in what she sees as a life-threatening situation then he can deal with it. Because of course empathy is quite beyond her....

So...I realize Joes sorry and all but Josh has a point. Even if they both got kicked out, Joe didn’t have to live on the streets and it’s not like he outed Josh on accident. People tend to use the “I was so surprised” defense to justify their less than stellar reactions to a loved one coming out but this is ridiculous.

Self-interest. He clearly thinks he has some kind of marvelous set-up; at least until Drew showed up.

For once....I'm not sure what to make of this. Tyrone clearly enjoys Andy's company on some level. When he said he wasn't attracted to him the first time it sounded like lashing out but the second seemed a lot more sincere. Tyrone is surprised to meet someone who doesn't sugarcoat things and is drawn to that, for all that it makes him uncomfortable. Andy's relationship with his parents is kind of sad, to be sure. His dad almost certainly knows and doesn't want to think about it. Probably why he seems to have so disengaged from his son - sounds like he's been tempted to end the charade for a long time what with all the stuff he's "almost said." And his mother seems to mean well but is....oblivious. Usually it's the other way around. Jazz seems like Andy's only true emotional support. I'm guessing his parents have held out hope they'll get together for some time now lol. Bob probably would have sold out Andy but as much as I don't like him, I'm choosing to believe he was happy to take Dewsbury's money so he could make some cash without throwing his colleague under the bus. Or not.

Yeah, this captures the uncertainty of being a gay teen pretty well. I met my fair share of Bobby’s - they never seem to go away. There always seemed to be those kids who had it together, for whom being gay seemed easier. You hated them yet wanted to be them.

Short and hard-hitting. I like it. The powerful part, I mean. Would never mind longer chapters haha. But it's great to see Drew stepping as their confidante/voice of reason. Even better that Amara is seeing him as an ally now. The three of them together are pretty formidable.

Well, Robbie’s mental state is going pretty much as expected. He should probably at least see what Alex says about Nathan’s call. Mr. Andrews’ intervention was just great - he’s been proving himself worthy of his position and someone who really has Robbie’s best interests at heart. Waiting another two weeks will be kind of painful though. On the upside, you got me wanting to do some writing myself so thanks for that!

Progress! [slow clap] Yeah I know Aria is triggered but still holding out hope that this will be good in the long run.