Aceinthehole

Haha I'm glad you empathize, it means I've done a good job of making him feel human. Whenever I write a "villian" I always keep this George RR Martin quote in my head: "People do things for what they think are justified reasons. Everybody is the hero of their own story, and you have to keep that in mind. If you read a lot of history, as I do, even the worst and most monstrous people thought they were the good guys. We're all very tangled knots.”" Mike truly believes Ryder is a shitty person, and one that's threatening to bring down all his best friends. As wrong or right as he may be, it's hard to watch someone go through that. I agree that Teddy was harsh. I don't know about you guys but if I was Ryder I don't think I would've signed anything for anybody at that school

-------Ryder------- I tried my hardest to fake a happy face as Teddy slammed the door behind him just as Mike had. Did I take it too far? Did I wind up provoking Mike? I thought Teddy was done with him! I thought he’d finally realized what a complete and utter asshole he was! But now, now I don’t know. For the first time in weeks I’m questioning Teddy’s loyalty, and I, I can’t bear the thought of that. “Hey.” Liz let out, reaching over and grasping my arm. “Don’t overthink it. Teddy’s no

Always appreciated! I love having beta readers and Jay to fall back on, but readers like you that have always been around giving feedback are who I attribute my growth with the most. You guys have been the voice of reason, honesty and encouragement. I hope I can keep improving and one day give you guys a story that's like none of the others.

Haha I don't blame you, but that story definitely helped me grow. I wish I knew what I do now when I was writing it. Ending would've been the same, but it would've been a lot more polished.

Haha, I've been wondering where you went off to these past few chapters. I have a feeling this story is going to strain that love/hate relationship, but this is the most confident I've ever been in a story. I think you're going to really appreciate the twist it takes.

------Teddy----- You ever have a nightmare that’s so terrifying you can feel it. Like literally feel every single second of it. Well that night I had one. Except instead of clowns, or monsters it was Ryder. There he sat atop the music world. Everyone at his beck and call. Then there was me. Cast aside, just watching him. Every now and then he’d snort something or take a pill. The worst part? No matter how much I begged him to stop, no matter how much I screamed, he never even looked my way.

The good news is I'm really excited to tell the rest of this story. So definitely expect updates to keep coming on a nice consistent basis. Longest gap I'm willing to put between chapters is 1 day. Perhaps 2 because this weekend is super busy. (Granted the reserve which is now up to chapter 35 needs to last for this to keep happening, but I can't imagine a scenario where I run out before this book ends.)

-------Teddy------- All I could do was sit on the couch and breathe as I desperately waited for the high to pass. My mind seemed like it was just constricting over itself, like it was tightening and tightening and tightening! Is this how Ryder feels every day? Is this what paranoia and anxiety feel like? Oh my god he must be miserable! This is terrible! This is just… “Teddy.” I heard Ryder giggle as he grabbed my arm. “I didn’t even know it was possible to breath that loud!” “I, u

I always appreciate how you seem to enjoy both the small interactions between the two and yet the story as a whole!

She tells it like she sees it but not in a rude way. Imo we all need someone like that.

*Disclaimer: This story will discuss the topic of mental illness, addiction and suicide. That is not to say this is a dark tragedy, however it is not for someone who is in a bad place, and may be triggered by such writing. This story will also contain alcohol and drug use. Reader Discretion is advised.* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------Teddy------------ It’s funny, when people hear I date a musician they come up with a false image in their heads. And when I tell them he’s plays hard rock their image gets warped. They assume he’s some type of Satanist, that he’s sold his soul to become a star. But what they don’t know is the hard work he’s put in; the countless hours of writing and practicing. They don’t expect a person like me to be chasing a person like him. Or that maybe, just maybe, I’d give up my soul to

All I'm going to say is enjoy the sappiness while you can get it.

----------Teddy-------- It really is something special to watch Ryder work. He pushes himself to the limit every chance he gets. It doesn’t matter to him if there’s a crowd of thousands or just the ten of us, he’s going to give it everything he’s got. The band struggled to keep up with him as the two hour practice began to grind to a halt. He was covered in sweat and breathing heavily, but I could tell by the look in his eyes that he had another few hours left in the tank. “Come on guys,

Good point. We're seeing Ryder find himself in situations that are forcing him to grow, while Teddy is still living the typical HS life. He is however seemingly more impulsive.

-------------Teddy------------- Time seemed to slip through our hands as I laid in Ryder’s lap, just letting him hold me for a while. He really has changed from that fragile teen in the halls of Hudson. He’s growing before my eyes, ascending to a place that I can only dream of. He laid a gentle kiss on the side of my head, before smoothly trying to escape me. “Alright.” He let out in an almost whisper. “I’ve gotta go spend time with my grandma.” “Five more minutes.” I begged, tryi

Haha indeed after all you helped perfect the ending! Don't worry you'll get a text in a couple weeks with me asking you to look over chapters/ideas. After all I can't grow as a writer on my own, I need someone here to keep pushing me, or in some cases slow me down and help me weed out some issues.

Slowly but surely we're seeing the more 'human' side to Teddy, and just how much Ryder means to him.

---Ryder--- As the old white van pulled onto the dirt driveway I felt all the weight I’ve been carrying this past week and a half fall from my bones. It’s been an insane tour, from going to nobodies to a rising band with our own record deal! I never thought this day would come. I never thought I’d be anything more than a dive bar singer, but suddenly everything’s coming together. Messiah’s climbing the charts, and I plan to keep it that way. “Alright kid.” tommy waived from the driver se

Haha one of these days maybe. This was supposed to be the one too! Eh, I guess we'll see where it goes

Without tipping my hand too much... (I didn't actually spoil anything, but put the box there just in case people don't want to see anything about the path of the story) I'm really happy you're enjoying the story! I was/still am really excited about this story,and I'm glad that there are people here really appreciating it!

It's interesting like that. Funny how it can help one person so much, and hurt another pretty badly. Personally I've been lucky enough to have good experiences with it (within moderation), and hopefully, if he continues using it, Ryder will as well.

That is my favorite analogy EVER. Also sorry bud, I was just looking through the next chapters and absolutely more touchy feely moments on the horizon.

------Ryder------- It’s a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. The adrenaline pumping, heart racing, people screaming for me. I never thought in a million years I would get to do anything like this. Yet here I am opening for one of my favorite bands in a festival I’ve been going to ever since I was old enough to take the bus by myself. I smiled towards Brandon as our second to last song came to an end. “Pittsburgh!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. “Are you ready for Beartooth

Thank you! Always appreciated!