FanLit

I very much concur with this statement & to paraphrase @Gary L the learning curve Adam is on, not just with being shaken out of his “staid in his ways as a single man” but learning to interact (and clearly eventually be part) with a large, rambunctious family…. I think I was more offended than Adam to find out Callum and Megan sexed in his bed, lol. The engaging supporting characters has evolved this tale into a great family story, though I still hold the connection between Adam and Kai most dear.

Henry had the spine of a wet paper towel when Alec was growing up; granted he experienced his own kind of abuse from Mae which neutered any authority he may have had in their family.

I F’ing love bomb this chapter SOOOO much (but in a healthy way, lol) “R: It’s nothing you did. I’m just afraid that this relationship is one sided. If it’s not, I’m terrified you’re going to see inside and hate what’s there. I left and am back in my hometown with a friend. I just need some time to think about everything. It’s making me feel crazy. Someone making me feel at all is horrifying honestly.]” Isn’t this how most of us recovering from a traumatic childhood feel when meeting someone we like who dares to like us back? (without the hometown part. 🙂). Isn’t this how most people feel when they meet someone they like who dares to like them back? (Okay, some not most). I liked how you started connecting this story into “I Hate This Town” in the previous chapter, curious to see how certain exchanges looked from the other side….this convo showed me I wasn’t going to be disappointed: “I grinned, “You’d think that as the years would’ve passed, you’d have grown as a person. You’d have become more than the above average cheerleader who peaked in high school. Pining after a man who hasn’t wanted you since and bullying someone you don't know anymore. But you’re still here and you’re still her. Doll, it’s honestly sad, borderline pathetic. Surely you can do better.” Funky ass bitch got cursed out without the use of one four letter word….I’m a big fan of that, my own profanity in this comment notwithstanding, lol. “K: Is this because I mentioned moving away from the contract? Or possibly because I told you I cared about you? Regardless of your answer, I don’t apologize for either.]” This was another “other side” exchange that excited me-Kenji has feelings!! and he admitted them to River!! (in writing, no less) It seems Kenji’s persona maybe as much of a wall as River’s, though made of different material….it also seems Kenji’s willing to be more vulnerable than River, especially as those of us who’ve read “IHTT” knows what follows. River is a lot stronger than he gives himself credit for….the sheer weight of balancing his own sanity plus Alec’s for so long will take an expected toll, he needs help and now he has two sources-Kenji and his mother (Alec too, if he confided in him more) he deserves it….he could’ve always had it with his whole friend group had he opened up but these three are the closest to him. “This wasn’t his fault. Well, it kind of was. He did have the gall to be the only romantic partner I’d built a bond with. Then he added on the audacity of being attractive and having a personality that balanced mine.” They really are perfect for each other. 😊 You’ve mentioned in previous comments that you battle your own challenges, whether you’re like River or Alec, the way you share is very insightful and moving…. I wish you the best on your road to wellness everyday and a Finn or Kenji in your life. 🎁

“I’m sure at this point I was leaving plenty behind when I left the hotels. Sprinkling my fractured trauma in my wake for the unsuspecting housekeeper.” What a profound statement. How many unsuspecting things do housekeepers clean up in hotels, everyday, indeed. “ I leaned forward, resting my head against my knees and ignoring the liquid frustration that slid from my eyes.” River makes my eyes liquid with his self flagellating battle to be strong. He’s done an amazing job on his own but it’s an almost impossible task overcoming trauma alone. “River, this is an unusual relationship, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care. Quite the opposite. This has been a very different dynamic for me.” “I don’t think this was covered in the contract.” I mumbled. “Then don’t bring it up. Uncharted territory it is.” Kenji makes even letting his guard down guarded, lol. I think he may now be discovering contracted agreements in matters of the heart are pretty useless, lol. Yet I wonder, is this the first time he’s been emotionally affected in his sexual relationships?

These soulmates (and Arya) are ready to meet and make the rest of their lives the best of their lives.

“ I had enough energy to lean forward and then my lips were pressed to his. He stiffened and part of my brain was trying to crawl back to consciousness to remind me of something. I ignored it, though, when his fingers tangled in my hair and he kissed me back slowly, angling my head the way he wanted.“ YES!! YES!! YES!! It is more than sex to Kenji, (as those who’ve read IHTT knows) we’re just seeing it from River’s side (Kenji’s view would be illuminating af). Kenji is River’s safe space, his drug….can there be a healthy relationship when you’re addicted to someone? Without giving away spoilers, I hope there is some kind of resolution to that before this relationship’s progression.

River just had the best sex of his life (I dare say)….his response has been noted, what was this like for Kenji? How close was he to losing control? Why won’t he kiss? Will that change with River?

Oops!! My bad!! Well, Callum will be giving Megan a sequel in every way, if he has his way, lol!!

From Ch. 8: “She’s single. She’s got a daughter, though.” Which was usually when prospective dates withdrew, or so my sister had told me. Some even ran, according to her. “Good, she’s fertile. Get me her number, I like the fiery ones and I’m looking for a sequel.”

You hit it out of the park a-gain, lol.

Welp….put a fork in her, Meg’s done. LOL!! 🌭 Thank you for this; much as this story is about Adam and Kai, in one chapter you created extremely strong rooting value for Callum and Megan. They are made for each other….his easy acceptance of her being a single parent, instead of it being a deterrent (even before he met Nikki) was wonderful (but shouldn’t be unusual 🫤)….getting Nikki’s seal of approval was huge-she’s ready for her mom to have more in life beside work and raising her (not to mention the “sequels” to come, lol). Megan’s occupation (as well as being the sibling of a member of the military) lends her an understanding perspective of Dr. Kincaid’s experiences. Dr. Callum Kincaid, he of the eidetic and echoic memory, is an original in more ways than one….he was probably always outspoken but his wartime experiences likely confirmed for him that life is too short and you have to say what you mean, mean what you say and go after what you want….he clearly wants a life with Megan and Nikki; at least he knows he’ll definitely get along with one brother in law. 😊 If that “sequel” ain’t already in the works, it soon will be, LOL!!!!

So very well said.

This chapter was EVERYTHING❣️❣️❣️❣️ “You may have no idea what a letter feels like for a military man. And I’m not saying that to guilt you into continuing to write. It’s just - it’s a real, physical connection. Someone touched that paper, held that pen. Made an effort for you. And when we’re deployed? That connection is what makes it bearable…” *Sigh* 😍 This same feeling translates to anyone isolated, far from home, feeling alone. “Very,” he returned, humor in his voice. “I read that Capricorns are very well matched with Virgos.” “Who told you that?” “Your letters.” *Sigh* 😍 Historically Virgos are most romantically compatible with Capricorn, Taurus and Scorpio; more recent additions include Aries and Cancer. “Of course I’m sure. I don’t say things I don’t mean.” He chuckled softly. “I very recently heard someone claim that. Trust me when I say; I’ll never doubt it when someone says that, ever again.” 🤔 There are similarities between Adam and Dr. Kincaid….Adam’s a milder, kinder version, lol. “Thank you. Oh, I have so many questions now!” He laughed. “Ask away! I’m not going anywhere.” And we talked and laughed and talked, far into the evening…” *Sigh* 😍 True connections can talk anytime, anyplace, about anything….it wouldn’t matter if their last conversation was two hours or two years ago. “I know you”…. “I can’t stop thinking about you”…. Nothing physical will happen right away ( or maybe it will) but I think Adam and Kai both know this is more than a meeting of friends….this will be a homecoming, for the both of them (and Arya, too 😊)

This chapter was excellent. Introducing some supporting characters, amongst which the most inappropriate doctor you'll ever meet.➡️You didn’t lie, lol!! Seeing Kai within the sibling milieu was refreshing, he has healthy and close relationships with Kellan and Megan….it fleshed him out more to see him as brother, uncle and patient (to a doctor who apparently will be his brother in law, lol). Kai’s family life is the opposite of Adam’s, it will be be interesting to see the interactions between Adam and the most important people in Kai’s life, though “Just promise me you’ll score yourself a nice fat husband down the line and we’ll be square, aight? Two weeks in the Caribbean, his dime.” is a pretty good indication his family is ready to see him involved with someone and Kellan, Adam’s wallet is fat, hopefully that counts. 🙂 Which leads us to….the phone call. While being pen pals was absolutely enchanting, this feels like a natural next step.

Adam’s discipline is impressive, that probably goes hand in hand with being a stickler for routine….he clearly wants to deviate from said routine very much “He was beginning to become a bad influence.” yet still stays the course. Then again: “It was a force of wills and I barely won, but I did win. I’d probably lose, the next time.” lol. 🤷‍♀️ Kai’s blanket acceptance and defense of who Adam is was very touching; it’s one thing to feel it, another to share it, especially as you know it provides the kind of support Adam’s rarely or never received. These two are hooked (and I look forward to finding out Adam’s eye color as well). Yet another lovely link added to the chain of events that comprise this very engrossing story. Thank you. 🎁

From the way Kai describes himself as a partner, I think you are right. Kai’s nature and his career in the military were a perfect match….the shame is he had to pay such a high price for his service.

This. Yes. Exactly.

To read of Kai’s equally eager anticipation of Adam’s letter brought a quickening to my heart….it put me in the mind of two puzzle pieces fitting together, even though the look of each piece differs. “My first thought was that he needed to eat more. I’d have to make sure he ate well, breakfast, lunch and dinner, when I was back.” Kai has already claimed Adam as his and gone into nurturing mode, or is it the Commander looking after his platoon of 1? “I knew the exact floorboard he was referring to. I’d have to hammer it back into place and put new screws in. When he spoke about doing exactly that, I didn’t want him to do it. He’d probably smash his fingers. I should be the one doing that. He could hurt himself. “ I mentally swooned at the protective feelings bursting forth from Kai for his pen pal, the one he “got the urge to reach over and draw him close.” These two❣️❣️ “You don’t get to meet someone like that every day. Some never do in a lifetime. So when you do? Grab them and hold on for the ride; it’s worth it.” The unconditional acceptance Kai has of Adam for who he is (and mourns the parts chopped away by others) brought tears to my eyes. @Andr0gene, if this is what you do with them miles apart, I can’t imagine (yet very much look forward to) what you have in store for when they meet face to face. “The next morning, my coach complimented me on my focus, saying what a good night sleep and plenty of rest could do for you; so much different from yesterday, when my head wasn’t in the game. When he asked what had caused it, I just grinned and responded with, “I got places to be, people to see.” And Adam now becomes an important motivator in Kai’s recovery, both body and soul. ❤️‍🩹 This story is sublime. ❤️❤️

What a beautiful turn of phrase. I dare say this story is bringing out the romantic writer in us all. 😊

I love the idea of the rooms redone via the themes Adam came up with, something tells me Kai would appreciate it, too. “And reading it in bed made it feel intimate. It was easy to imagine he’d be right here next to me in my doubter bed.” Adam’s already more than half in love with Kai, eagerly anticipating a response to his letter with every postal visit. I had never heard of a doubter bed before reading of one here….Adam can keep it, I like a queen size mattress, myself, full size minimum; much as I too would “like lying close to someone, every naked bit of me touching him and basking in his naked body heat,” I need space of my own, lol. Adam’s surprise at Kai’s picture made me wonder if he met Kai’s sister during the sale of the house (I recall the necessity of selling quickly after their father’s death but not if Adam dealt directly with a family member) If he had, maybe she looks far different from her brother (?) Corresponding by letter has this ability to engage its audience that differs from social media, even a phone call….it creates this unique vacuum that inhabits only its occupants, it magnifies their communication, like kissing with your eyes closed….Adam and Kai are already caught up in each other. The layout of the home was very welcome, it served to explain why Adam loves it, as well as giving a glimpse into the family home it so recently was (and may be again). 🤞

Aww, I like the whole “Confounded” series, even considering what happened to Taylan.

Adam and Kai put me in the mind of pen pals with the singular appreciation both have for the written letter. It’s very charming. This is great. Old fashioned and refreshing. I can and can’t wait for these two to meet.

Adam was entranced by Kai through his letter, to me Adam is equally entrancing…his habits and schedules endearing; he is someone very taken with ambiance and atmosphere, who also happens to have a skill of creating a mood and scene of his own. He’s probably a very good writer. I too am a fan of copperplate (which when I looked it up I realized was the cursive writing we were taught in school). Kai has been through a lot & will go through more when he realizes he lost his father. This is a very engaging premise….looking forward to where this goes.

This was exceptional. Thank you for this. 🎁