Dayne Mora

It's one thing to admit it in the confines of one's own head, but entirely another to say so out loud. Still got some work to do on Efrain. Of course the one-two-punch of Cory with his new kitten, and Cory's gratitude for said kitten could be too much for Wolfie to handle! As for Connor, Jr's plans. Cory could have some clue to them if he'd only answer his phone.....

I added a list of characters to the prologue to help everyone keep 'em straight.

All about kitties here!

He is, though! JJ and Indie were irritating enough when they just believed that Efrain is in love with Cory--just imagine how incorrigible they'll be once they found out how right they were. Also, had to go watch that scene from Kinky Boots. After I pulled myself back out of the morass of kitten live-stream cams and drag queen vids, I still think Gwen Verdon is tops.

All the way back when "E-P-I-C" was nothing more than a shower scene and an intense 3-way on the living room floor (that never even made it to the final cut), I got this idea that my two lovers would eventually have a cat. Back then, it was just lighthearted fun, but now, yeah, it kinda is a big deal. And Cory is going to make damn sure Efrain knows it! The heaviness isn't over, but Lola will lift some of the burden.

Thanks, Jeff! This was a fun chapter to write (which explains why y'all got an update in less than a week ). The brothers are indeed still a wild card in this whole mess, but, trust me, they aren't the only ones!

Congrats, Cat Daddy!

I could see Indie coming to appreciate her special brand of sauciness, just as he enjoys Preston's. Jimmy and Josie, along with the as-yet un-met members of their household, will show up again. Elle was too much of a fun character to not revisit! The phone will be addressed next chapter.

I'm sure Efrain will call Indie out on being a hypocrite if he complains about Lola. I mean, he does let his little terrier run all over the place. Lola is a dream come true, literally. Cory can at least see that much. I do wonder how Lola and Efrain will react when they realize they'll have to share Cory.

Wild Card – Chapter Three – Whatever Cory Wants Dusk stole over the roofs and treetops. The stark tree branches etched into the shades of pink and orange that broke over the horizon, painting the clouds before bleeding back into the dark. Sounds of life rose despite the chill in the air—the rustle and call of winter birds, the foraging and chittering of squirrels—all echoing in the light morning fog. The newly dawning day was a poetically beautiful sight, but I was too occupied to apprecia

I can't bring myself to try them yet. I will, however, eat their fudge like there's no tomorrow. Oh gawd, and the lemon pound cake they do in the Spring!

Cory definitely has big shoes to fill, which is a part of why he left Texas.

Thanks, blueirealand! I put out chapters when I can. Sometimes it takes me a week to write a chapter, sometimes it can take a month.

Quite strange that both Efrain and Cory misjudged their respective parents' acceptance (trust me, I didn't plan it that way in the beginning). But, to fool Keenan, too, there has to be something else at work...wonder what that could be..... At any rate, I'm rallying the troops. You and Spikey are right about Cory's reactions--he IS depressed, and really doesn't have much control of his moods at this point. But, Cory has made a lot of friends and connections in his short life, and will continue to make them. He may have lost his family, but his clan is growing faster than he realizes.

The boys will do what they can, and have done well so far. Efrain still has a ways to go in controlling his moods, as does Cory. Good thing they have each other, eh?

LOL, thanks HoHo. I dunno if we want to go burning houses and stuff. Could go for some pranks and public shunning, though.

Man, whose shit-list is Diarmad not on?

Have you tried ModelMayhem.com? I use this site when I'm trying to visualize my characters, or diversify their looks. I like it because you can use their search feature to narrow down age, weight, ethnicity, height, etc. I know you're looking for images, not models, but it might be easier find a model who looks like what you want then see if they have an image in their portfolio already (or if you're really desperate, pay for a selfie ). Might have to search for adult models who look younger for shirtless pics, but it couldn't hurt to try. Found some matches that could work (the last 3 are minors): http://www.modelmayhem.com/anton3ch http://www.modelmayhem.com/3934222 http://www.modelmayhem.com/sebastiannvidal http://www.modelmayhem.com/michaelkettaneh http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/3756580/0 http://www.modelmayhem.com/JohnDome http://www.modelmayhem.com/stefanstankovich

It's almost like he's trying to hibernate until the bad stuff goes away. He is depressed, but I think the rest of EPIC already has plans to stage an intervention. And, yeah, he and Toph would get along like a house on fire (a carefully sectioned off house).

Cory has known this for a while, but is letting 'Rain (who has never been in a real relationship before) come to it on his own terms. Still, it's a pain in the ass (I can't even get 'Rain say it in my own head!)

You're right--he has more people who care for him than he realizes. His pain is too raw to recognize it, but once given time to mourn, he will come around.

Hopefully, it's an upward trend!

I agree that the three of them were being harsh, but a lot of their frustration and anger are at Cory's situation, rather than Cory himself. Some of that anger and frustration is with themselves. His best friends (Keenan, especially) blame themselves for what has happened, and Efrain feels like everything he does to make Cory better either does nothing, or makes it worse. As for the man himself, Cory isn't very skilled at battling his own problems. Of course, he's been somewhat protected and sheltered (despite being in the closet in a conservative state). He's got a steep learning curve. Lets hope he can make it.

Nathan visiting Robbie, coupled with Robbie and Nathan acting giddy and the statements "I met Robbie at the mall", "I saw a movie with a friend", and "oh yeah, I broke up with Fran" have probably tipped off Sue and Nicola (if they didn't already suspect). Something tells me that Sue would not only be on Robbie's side, but would force her husband to pull his head out of his arse on her nephew's behalf. Also, I think Daniel probably figured out Robbie ages ago.

Wild Card – Chapter 2 – The Barrier Method A big black Tacoma with a “Puro Pinché Beavers” bumper sticker on the back sat in what had become its usual spot in Indie’s driveway, and for some reason that pissed me off. That’s it? I just go home and he’s there? No going out to find him. No long searches. No lying awake at night worrying if he’s all right? Nothing. Cory’s just here. That’s really it? Anger surfaced, boiling up through what should have been relief. He should have called m