FanLit

Okayyyyy. *kicking stones*, lol. I understand and agree with everything you said and did feel Liam’s emancipation during his conversation with Marina, which ultimately is more important. “Remember, the true villain of the story isn't Marina, but the predatory system she represents. 😉” She is an excellent representative. I’d delight in something wretched happening to her as a representative of the system, as well. 😉

Excellent. I read every chapter that includes the five years forward/present time swing with stomach churning anticipation: what else will they do to Liam? How will he handle it? What does his life look like now? Good on Liam for exposing the inherent corruption of the modern day studio system; clearly Liam went through hell to get to the other side five years later….I only hope he didn’t pay too high a price (and that he and Hudson are still together; I’ma keep on hoping it until I know for sure, lol). Also hope Liam taped that conversation with Marina. 🤞

At first, after Liam’s conversation with Rod, I thought Rod was trying to create a rumor that would force Liam and Adrian together when he told the bike group about the Liam and Adrian being on vacation together, it was only during the actual vacation to Australia that I realized they really were together, that they reconciled. “The apartment was quiet again, that careful, balanced quiet I had spent years convincing myself was peace. Tonight it sounded more like an echo” “For now, I turned off the kitchen light and let the dark settle around me, listening to the quiet and trying not to think about the fact that it felt lonelier now that I knew what it was like to have someone else standing in it.“ if these feelings after Liam’s call with Rod galvanized him to act, then good; I’m just curious if Liam bumped into Adrian on Sundays & that generated a conversation or did Liam seek Adrian out, as Adrian would likely have avoided the places he’d run into Liam out of deference to Liam (which is the impression I got if Adrian was checking on Liam through Rod after the kitchen talk); the reconciliation would’ve been nice to see. Whatever the cause, Liam has a partner for better or worse, in good time and bad, whether rings were exchanged or not. Mazel tov to them. 👏

I love this twist of phrase and definitely share your sentiment, lol.

Gorgeously told in its glorious evil. Through love, the puppet became flesh and bone that the machine tried to strip and break. (Fuck you, Marina, maybe if you got that properly and regularly, you’d be happier, heartless bitch). 😡 Exploitation of children and innocents are not just sexual, the mental and emotional manipulation is just as bad…. while living in their own skin is a punishment, those who do it belong in a special hell. Five years later, Liam wants to break his silence; hopefully he and Hudson are still together and Mateo is still his messily loyal self….it would be a beautiful gift if Liam gets to have a satisfying professional and personal life.

This story is charming, sexy, erotic, romantic and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. 🎁

Is Brad’s condition genetic? I hope Brad and Ella have twins. I hope Lynton takes Brad’s advice about Alexander (as long as he comes correct). I’m afraid Brad will be referred to in the past tense in the epilogue, dimming any HEA.

It could be an interesting plot device to continue relating the story via Aaron and Brad’s perspectives only but I think the other characters speaking for themselves (while keeping the focal point on B & A) will make a more well rounded story. Or…..lol As you’ve already been doing this vignette style, each new character or incident can have their own chapter; personally, I prefer the first suggestion but if your characters, location and plot are engaging enough (as they are, 🙂) the narrative should be whatever option speaks best to you.

@ChromedOutCortex’s way with words is incredible; kudos to whomever is responsible for the grammar too, lol.

This chapter had me feeling “wow” and “sad” over Liam & Adrian’s conversation, I also “loved” the considered realism of it, so I was unable to pick one feeling overall. While Liam’s panic was the genesis for the exchange, it was Adrian’s measured response that deeply impressed: it was ironically mature and reminded that his younger years did not immune him from grief of his own, a reminder to Liam that his potential new partner is more than ready for commitment; I hope he gets over his fears enough to return the same.

These have been illuminating vignettes into the life of this i“opposites attract” couple; They are exactly whom the other needs. Thank you for sharing. 🎁

I think Lyn’s vision impairment is internal-as the son of a prostitute, he viewed himself as less than; he didn’t believe himself worthy of romantic attention from those he idealized….even as successful as he has become, he still views himself as a servant-his workaholic devotion to his job, he’s a top because he has to please his lovers. Acts of service may be his love language because it’s the only way he feels worthy.

I thought Alexander made the deal with his family their senior year, as disciplined as he is, I doubt he would’ve risked Lyn’s future even for this fleeting moment of tenderness.

In a modern twist on the intricacies of class and internalized homophobia within various socioeconomic dynamics, you engage us in an intense drama with Lynton, Brad and Alexander. Lynton is the child of a high class prostitute, saddled with the shame incumbent of those circumstances and dealing with a mother who loves him but is incapable of providing financial and emotional stability, as she always “has to depend upon the kindness of strangers”. (A big smile came to my face when I saw Ms. Calloway’s first name was Blanche, as her house and persona gave me “A Streetcar Named Desire”vibes from Lyn’s first visit back home). Lyn is emotionally stronger than his mother, with the drive to better his future through education; however, much like his Blanche, Lyn also constructed an ideal fantasy world that coupled with low self esteem, ill equipped him to deal with emotional realities. Brad is Lynton’s dream man brought to life, it was love at first sight for Lyn, who dedicated himself to Brad fully when Brad declared him his best friend after that first college party. Middle class Brad was a party boy who was accustomed to coasting through life on his good looks and social acumen, aspirational in his own right, yet fearful he wasn’t good enough to do so on his own. Lyn might have initially been one of the social constructs Brad establishes to get by but then became so much more. Alexander Montgomery III was to the manor born…handsome and intelligent, his patina of wealth and privilege gave him an instinctive social exclusivity that wasn’t defined by the weight of one’s bank account, he had a fierce desire for independence within his rarefied world….his friendships with Lyn & Brad were in defiance of his heritage as well as essential to his well being, as “His Majesty” had his own love at first sight moment with Lynton. Lynton denied his same sex attraction, as do Brad and Alexander….while we know for Lynton his homosexuality is all encompassing, it is not as clear for Brad and Alexander-were they bisexual? Lynsexual? (Brad had Luke as an oral sex buddy but he never reciprocated, was Luke his first suck off buddy? If not, did he do more with others? What would he have done with Lyn if Alexander didn’t ward him off?) Alexander actually came off more asexual outside of his attraction to Lyn; was he closeted himself? He apparently dated but those interactions seemed anemic at best; while Lynton was the nucleus of his interest, Alexander did seem to develop a genuine friendship with Brad. This trio was fractured by rejection and betrayal….Brad’s rejection of Lyn’s feelings destroyed all collegial feelings Lyn had for both relationships, as Brad’s abusive tirade mistakenly led Lyn to think Alexander betrayed him. Given their last exchange, I’m very surprised Lyn accepted the wedding invitation….it seems Alexander wasn’t the only one who “wanted to see how it would end”. Things are poised now to provide closure (and continuity?) for these gentlemen now that Lyn’s emotional cataracts have been removed. What will happily ever after look like for these three?

Liam has amazing friends.

Mark’s (from the bike club) concern along with the joint and individual friendships Liam has with Rod and Sean speaks volumes: Kevin and Liam were deeply in love and deeply loved by their friends; they all mourned Kevin’s loss in their lives and have kept emotional sentry over Liam and his deep grief. It is very evident that everyone is incredibly happy over what is developing between Adrian and Liam while they gently bring Liam back out from the shadows of mourning into the light of intimacy. Liam is a good, decent man who deserves a second chance at a different but just as meaningful, loving relationship. 🎁💝

This chapter is one of the most poignantly, bittersweet, and beautiful I’ve ever read.

So Rod isn’t the matchmaker….perhaps Kevin is?

I finished this wonderful story, pleased with Dean’s growth and the life he and Kris have forged together. From the time they entered Toronto & while watching D & K’s progress, one other name kept flashing through my mind: Ethan. The heart wants what it wants & while I don’t blame Kris (because he never led Ethan on), I felt bad that the deep feelings Ethan had for him was going to lead to his heartbreak….the wall he put up via his formal distance from Kris (while understandable) made me sad for both of them. I’d like to see how Ethan’s life turned out in Toronto, as well as get his own HEA with someone else & hope that he and Kris can salvage a friendship, if possible.

Edward appears a man to the manor born, comfortable with his life and his place in it; his marriage to Nora seems to be one rooted in romantic love: "She'll write a letter," Edward countered, affectionate and resigned. "She can't help herself." "For your mother," Edward said, smiling into the word,”…. which speaks well for both he and she because while her husband may defend her cold precision as a tool that belies love, Margot comes off as a bitch, one whom I suspect (or hope) returns the romantic affection of her husband. “Appearances are not lies, Danny," he said, never harsh, just exact. "They are tools. Your mother knows that language. So do you. You use it at work." "I'm tired of it," Daniel said, and the honesty in the sentence surprised both of them. "I believe you," Edward said, not arguing. "But there isn't much room to be ourselves in this little world of ours, not if you want to change it and still be invited back. You can buy a fantasy for a few hours, everyone does, one way or another. But you don't get to live in it, Danny. Not if you intend to keep anything else." Though those words were likely a generality directed at their way of life, Edward spoke as though he knew exactly what went on with his son the night before….perhaps in his lifetime he’s borne witness to many a “night before” with the potential to scandalize; though I doubt personally, as he seems very taken with his wife. (unless his fantasy happened before his marriage). Phillip exudes the comfort that his place in life will cover a multitude of faults and peccadilloes, he reminds me of Daniel’s friend Alec….it may be a good thing he has people with flexible attitudes close to him, as he will need safe, nonjudgmental spaces to navigate this new path. As though Malik put a stamp on his forehead or a new wavelength in his aura, Daniel now pings on gaydar….will he engage in such reckless behavior with Max under his parent’s roof? Nora is a wonder (I love how she handles Margot) & while her wishes opened this Pandora’s box, I have enormous sympathy for her….there is some for Daniel as well on a lesser level, for now. When the original Pandora’s box opened, hope was left inside….hopefully Nora and Daniel can keep their humanity around each other, however their marriage lands.

This is a touching and engaging tale of love found, lost and potentially rediscovered again….while I rejoice in what Liam & Kevin had, I am intrigued with Adrian & his earnest intentions toward our lonely widower (I see you matchmaking, Rodney, lol). “Hey Everyone - Something I've been working on between calls/meetings/life. I'm not so sure about this, but wanted to share the first chapter with you.” Thank you for sharing this chapter, I hope you feel so inclined to share all the other chapters you have of this story. 🙂

Seeing your wonderful, insightful commentary is just as good as seeing a story from Gary. 🎁

Howdy, Gar. When I saw a story popped up by you, I had to double check it wasn’t Monday. 😉 A Headstall tale is welcome any day of the week, so YAY!! Link is aptly named, his comfort in his skin allows him to link (pun intended) Moss to acceptance of his own nature; he’s also a young man possessed of grace and charity: “Plenty of folk have the leanings your gran did, though I never heard of one like her. Hope she’s peaceful in her grave.” Moss’ description of his grandmother had me wishing for hellfire and damnation for her….bless Link for reminding me that bad people are more often made than born and to extend them the grace we’d want to be extended. (although I do believe an unfortunate few truly are bad from birth). What happened between Moss’ grandparents was tragic: his grandfather doing the best he can, yet being unable to avoid his true nature….Grandma was given a shock that she had the right to be hurt and angry about but she allowed it to make her bitter (if she wasn’t already on her way to that curing, lol). She was going to hate any inclination of sameness in anyone, to see it in her grandson gave her a convenient vessel to unload all her anger, hurt and hate. Moss inadvertently being part of his grandmother’s passing is fitting, she was not destined for a happy life-the only beast on that sweet boy’s back was his harridan of a grandmother; when I think of her stepping on Moss’ pecker with her hard shoe 😡🤬….(guess I’ll be leave the kind thoughts to Link, lol). “Told Uncle Roy I’d likely be back home ‘afore my twentieth birthday, and I reckon we can make it to Bearpaw with days to spare.” BEARPAW!! The name of that town had me cudgeling my brain to recall Link’s uncle or partner. No doubt his uncle Roy being “likeminded” and witnessing his relationship with Zeke made the path of affirmation easier for Link. I love that Moss and Link’s Journey to Salvation was a path to each other and not a town with the name….they are well and truly Caught. Thank you for gracing us with your narrative gift, it’s been missed. 🎁

I wholeheartedly concur. @CasualWanderer82 is a wordsmith of the first order; the grammar & punctuation in his stories are on point, too (or his editor’s) 😊

Truly one of the worst possible fates.