Dayne Mora

Okay, so the first two of my predictions came true (mostly)...

You probably wouldn't have enjoyed Bob the Drag Queen's first appearance on Rupaul's Drag Race. She had on this little white body suit that had "unt" across her tummy in black letters and one sleeve in black. When she put her hand on her hip... Then there's the "Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent" mantra they've been repeating for over 110 episodes. "Cunt" has been part of the "reclamation movement" for a while now. Inga Musico published Cunt: A Declaration of Independence back in 1998 (dude, it was right next to the bookstore register and had "cunt" in big letters, of course I bought it), and she was more a sign of the times than a harbinger. Of course, it's still highly taboo for those not in possession of a "cunt" to use the word (much like the n-word, fag, faggot, etc is taboo for those outside of those particular groups), and it's even fairly taboo and problematic for those within that group. However, it has been one way to remove the negative and hateful associations tied to that word. And it has worked. Yes, "cunt" and "bitch" are still used as epithets, but they've lost their bite.

Before I really got into EPIC, I started a short story in which Drew introduced Meggie to MST3K. Not sure if I'll go back to it as I seem to do better with m/m fiction than m/f.

Lol...Sorry about that. I was going to wait to change the title until I was ready to start posting WC. And then I told myself "hey, you only have one more chapter, what's it gonna hurt?" But, one chapter turned into four, and well... Also....Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line? Line?

I have the last two scenes of the epilogue done, and need to do the first two. Those should be quicker (I had a little too much fun with scene 3).

My work here is done!

The freedom shout one's love from the rooftops and post endless pictures of the object of one's affection is certainly taken for granted. That Efrain and Cory only experience this freedom within the confines of their bedroom is heartbreaking, until you realized that, prior to that, they'd been limited to their own heads. Much will need to change, for both Preston and Indie. Given that neither realize they need to change in the first place... And that kitchen scene...I've been planning that one for months.

Interesting that you refer to them as family...

Thanks for the review, Skinny! I think I have way too much fun with those big crowd convos. Or it could just be the Brain Trust, who seem to be in every everyone-talking-over-everyone-else situations.

Thank you, Def, and for more than just the review. I don't think EPIC would be as it is today had you not pointed me to GA 7 months ago. And neither would the guys. Hell, I don't think I would be in the same place. Efrain and Indie have changed quite a bit, and their respective facades--Efrain's straight-acting mask and Indie's icy persona--are starting to crack. Strange how neither planned on romance, but find themselves in the middle of it regardless (even if one of them is still too blinded by his past to realize it). Even bigger changes are in store, and maybe even Kitten and Yorkie will get on the soul searching and self discovery bandwagon!

Someone seems to have forgotten that his lover is significantly younger than him and needs time to act his age. Old Man I'm-an-alien-not-a-vampire needs to cool his jets. Hm...the previous book had been all about Noel adjusting to his new life, and yet little has been said about Diarmad doing any adjusting of his own. It's quite common when there's a disparity between ages (or "supe status")--the elder/supe expects their mate to change for them, but never consider doing the same for their younger/human mate. It creates a severe power imbalance in which abuse can fester. In this light, it makes even more sense that Kute mates require those two additional souls to help them strike a balance (and makes sense how each iteration of mate--servant, brother, lover--builds closer to an equal standing). I don't think Diarmad has quite grasped what it means to be Kute, and I predict even worse than this before he pulls his head out of his royal arse.

Woot! Now to really finish.

Jeffrey/Allistair could be the prince (anti-prince?). I mean, he does "wake" Colt from his "slumber".

I'm pretty sure Colt's roid-laced baby gravy would change their anatomy in no time.

I love the cream colored tom, but I agree with Clochette that the tuxedo tom looks sweet. However, mini-cat is a pretty queen, so the kittens will be lovely regardless.

I loved Daniel from the moment I met him. I immediately empathized with his plight, but it's his subtle and dark humor that makes him so endearing. Daniel is a special person, even if he doesn't see it himself. He's a "survivor", not a mere "victim". His life sucks, he gets hurt, he cries, but he still has what it takes to make it out alive--believe it or not. And once a certain love interest gets to know him... Michael Storm won't know what hit him!

Thank you. It would be interesting to try this as a job.

Cory wanted to change, and did so. The other three are determined to remain static. Efrain doesn't want to change, Preston doesn't see a need to change, and Indie doesn't see any other options. But, change happens whether you want it or not, as they're all going to find out.

I may play around with my other ideas, and I may get started on Wild Card immediately. Haven't quite decided yet. The boys enjoy their kinks, but they definitely know when to turn them off and just be themselves.

Chapter 22 – In Which We Have Breeders for Dinner The curving lines of Preston’s back emerged as he propped himself up on his elbows and the sheets slid down to his hips. “So, you only get a few days after Christmas before you have to be back,” I said. “Uh huh, they want us back on the 28th.” His arms folded down and he rested his chin on them. “Can’t trust a bunch of college kids to not miss a flight.” He still wore the afterglow from earlier and that silly green bow tie with nerdy glass

**squeals happily**

Perhaps the "know" in Danny's warning is as much Biblical as it is Delphic. Western society applauds the pursuit of self-awareness and self-knowledge, but suppresses exploration of our sexual selves. This, of course, gets pushed to our bedrooms and closets, and very rarely do we speak of it to others. Sexual trauma can push this level of self awareness even further into the back ground (in the discussion thread, I mentioned the effects of sexual assault on one's limits and sense of body autonomy--these are comorbid symptoms). Prior to Donny, David's experiences with sex have been thrust upon him, and causes some form of psychological distress--Burch molested him (complete memory repression), Kathy tried to shove his hand in her panties (disgust), and Alex gave him hand/blow jobs (confusion). Donny was probably David's first and only experience with safe, sane, and consensual sex. Donny let David know what he wants, but also gave David full veto power. Some victims have difficulties reconciling their physical responses to the assault ("it felt good, even though I was forced"), and their real sexual responses. If all David had to compare Burch's abuse to was his experiences with Kathy and Alex, I'd imagine David might shut down all together. Getting to know Donny (and himself) in the Biblical sense will go a long way in helping him establish the divide. Matty and Chuck may even be able to help, especially since Matty has been established as a very nurturing bed partner. Another interesting thing to consider--if David is unable to access his own memories and has rely on what others tell him, his understanding of his past self may be unreliable. His sister said he had a crush on Kathy and hated Nelson, but what if the reverse were true. Could Nelson have been David's first crush? As for Twoey. Erik has "groomed" him well. Abusers have this pattern of establishing a false sense of trust with their victims, so any and all abusive behavior will be interpreted as romantic or loving. Any therapist worth their salt would know the signs--Ginny has either picked up on it, or she is fucking stupid.

That last bit made me laugh so hard I spit out my coffee all over my laptop. Skinny, my dear, thanks for making my laptop sticky..........again....... I'll settle for Erik pissing off. I want my Twovid (Davey?). Alternate: Twoey tells Erik to fuck off. Erik receives "anonymous" warning from the Heven Family Assassination Squad (VIXERE BITCHES!), skips town. David comes to grips with his past, hooks up with Twoey, gets sexual healing. Matty gets his mouthful of David. Randy finally gets, uhm, randy, and Cory stops running around. Mark realizes he's straight. Alex starts a harem...uhm, I mean, home for wayward straight boys, becomes the ultimate fag hag. Matty, Donny, Curt, and Chuck start an open menage to rival the White Wolf IC.

It was interesting seeing Luke being unsure and insecure. He's been the most open to vulnerability of the two, but mostly because he seemed the most confident in who he really was. Maybe that's why Jackson was so afraid of him--he knew (or thought he knew) that Luke already had this whole game figured out and was light years ahead of him. I think this puts them on even ground.

There! I fixed it for you. This guy: