FanLit

This story is great.

What a good chapter. Chase reacted to painful subliminal (subconscious?) realizations generated by Hank’s proposal but was able to keep that act from spiraling out of control. Dr. Chorney helped Chase realize he wasn’t the total fuck up he thought he was. It’s liberating and empowering to realize you have the tools to conquer previous demons....to be able to cauterize the wound, if you will. I felt Chase’s lightness of being at his temporary victory; He knows there will be other battles but he now knows that he can handle more than he thought he could, on his own. That strength helped him to pick up his belongings at Hank’s. Hank has to play out his hurt, anger and disillusionment with the club kiss before anything positive can exist between he and Chase; Right now it’s too soon for anything more than he doing his thing and Chase doing his. I like Chase putting those two pillows back together. 🙂 Delving into your writer mind (if you choose to share, of course): Any significance to the names given in this story?

I’m glad Trout’s going to score, serves June and Marisse right, lol!!

We can expect Chase and Cindy to be walking wounded and it seems Hank was wounded by more than the kiss in the club. For what I said of his character before, there appears to be in him a distinct unease in dealing with emotionally messy situations, like there should be a certain timeframe that one should get themselves together, that of course, is unrealistic. Chase seems grateful that Hank was physically there but how much was he really emotionally? I think Chase used Hank as a motivational benchmark for progress in the depths of depression when it first hit but it seems his views of Hank’s role in his recovery is skewered. I was annoyed with Hank’s digs about he and Chase being broken up and Chase getting a new place while Chase was still sick but remembered that Hank was still angry and hurt, that was underscored with Hank’s tearful breakdown. This chapter made clearer to me that Hank has issues of his own that need addressing. Cindy’s bombastic attitude was off putting at first but that changed to respect when I saw that she was in therapy herself, I’m glad she offered to be there for her brother....we all think we should know our loved ones would be there for us but sometimes they aren’t, either by choice or ignorance of suffering-hearing it makes a big difference. On a superficial side note, I have a great appreciation for the color green, though I tend to like the darker shades; Olive isn’t so bad, lol.

Happy New Year, Gary❣️❣️ It took me a while to get to this story but I never doubted it would be a good one. We meet Chase and Hank at an emotionally fraught crossroads. There is an ending and a beginning because even if Chase and Hank reconcile (which I’m already hoping for), it will have to be a new start. Without knowing all his specifics, Hank seems very much a stalwart, sympathetic type....I don’t know if he’s ever dealt with depression personally or only through association with Chase and others close to him but depression is a singular experience; It is selfish and isolating and self defeating, whether one is being treated for it or not. I do not excuse Chase’s behavior but if he’s been dealing with undiagnosed, untreated depression, it could incite self destructive actions, of which he seems to be paying for now in the aftermath of Hank’s proposal. I already care about the both of them and am very interested where this journey will go. It’s nice to have you back in literary rotation. 🥂

I’m so sorry about your bird.

C’mon!! Jake has had enough, man. Wtf is Alex’s story? Was he always an abusive asshole or did his feelings for Christy really send him over the edge, which I can’t reconcile because he had her all to himself and cheated on her. I am SO GLAD he never found out about Jake’s feelings for him.

Happy New Year, Brian!! 🎉 🥂 I was delighted to see an update for this story, I’m going to start from the beginning as a refresher. ☺️

This was a beautiful present, Brian. Thank you. Even with your warning of this being a short story and knowing there were six chapters, I was still surprised this was ending, lol. You do weave a wonderful world for lengthy visits, lol. Martin’s plight had saddened me and though his follow up could have gone either way, I’m glad you gave them good news. I too, share your wish that we always stay young at heart and believe in the impossible. Happy Holidays to you and your family, good man. 🎄💖

“A huge astronomical clock situated over the gate itself clanged out the hour of twelve as Phil watched. Even on that cold November day, a group of tourists was there to film the clock’s rotating planets, moon and sun, which moved on the hour according to a medieval rather than a modern cosmography. A gilded brass comet dashed across the blue-and-gold star field behind the planets.“ I love the description of this clock!! Phil and Henry better be careful....

“So’re you now, Phil. Matt and Andy have decided you’re part of the clan. By the way, talking of the clan, didya know that Alex Johnson, Benny’s ex, was invited tonight? But he wouldn’t come. I wonder why?” I’m actually wondering why....

Wow, warp speed ahead. Love at first sight is great, I hope the bumps along the way are minimal and that Dressner isn’t one of them.

My previous comment was: “I do wonder what keeps Phil and Karen together, that she would have more regard for a coworker than her own husband.” Well, we know that he’s more than a coworker now. Hmph. “I cannot understand what was going through Alistair’s mind when he insisted on talking to Phil at that gathering. I would have thought he would feel too guilty about sleeping with Karen that he’d have avoided him.“ I agree with droughtquake here. The whole cheating issue is a separate topic in and of itself but it made no sense to draw attention to himself that way with Phil. “Considering that Phil is also cheating on Karen even if she doesn’t know yet, sticking Alistair’s clothing into the oven seems rather petty.” I have to disagree with droughtquake here. You don’t sleep in another man (or woman’s) bed if you’re cheating, that’s just wrong; For that, Alistair’s lucky his clothes are the only things burnt.

Is Dave harboring a tendre for Ben? 🤔 I do wonder what keeps Phil and Karen together, that she would have more regard for a coworker than her own husband. Phil needs to confess about his life the first time he and Ben meet, no matter how hard.

The plot thickens. Dressner’s name is in a lot of people’s mouths and minds lately, lol. Might he form a genuine connection with Ben? That musical concert will be very interesting.

Fuck Alex, he can’t have it both ways. Asswipe. This episode aside, Ben has turned a corner and I don’t think (hope) he won’t stay in the doldrums having to deal with the ends of that phase in his life. I’m hoping he does give Alex the telling off he deserves. The situation with Phil is going to blow up, you don’t shit where you eat and Jerry may get him into things he may not want but will have no choice to do or fear getting exposed. ”He had cast his future adrift and would have to live with the consequences of where the tide of events took it.” Easier in thought than reality....

As special as this story is, I was wondering when some 80’s consequences would appear, especially with so much sex. I think it would’ve been unrealistic for AIDS not to touch them in some way, I’m just sad it’s Sam. I can only hope Toby’s mom remains unaffected, as Sam was married to her while being on the dl. You've created so much varied love in their bubble as fortification against the ugly realities of their individual existences, some amazing unconditional sweet to offset their bitter.

“Oh fuck,’ thought Phil.” Phil got fucked physically, is his life going to get fucked, too? And that wasn’t an impressive first time, although I guess most first times aren’t. Jerry was out for Jerry, not Phil. Good for Ben, letting people know his limits; I’m actually glad he found his anger (the demise of a 10 year relationship because your partner was cheating on you warrants some anger, IMO.) I hope Alex gets his fair share. I’m seeing Ben and Phil together down the road, only thing to wonder is if it will be permanent or another part of Phil’s journey into claiming his sexuality.

”A Saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up.” Tim is a saint; He isn’t perfect but he is blessed and he’s a blessing. This motley crew of emotional orphans have finally found a family of their own with Tim at the head. He’s almost too good to be true. I love what I’ve read so far and look forward to reading on.

You sure master strum und drang, Ms. Katya.

“He also admired Ben’s excellent grammar and command of English.“ 👍 Very intriguing so far.

I’m glad this chapter revealed both issues that will be impacting Rudy and Trevor and Kieran and Kennedy. I too, am wondering if Trevor overheard K&K’s talk about them and marriage. Somehow I feel Kennedy has found out a way “to fill my free time.” Some of it, anyway. (Hello, Loch Arkaig, well the inn) Im hoping Marcus and Tom are okay....

Loved the comment but it was funny as hell too so ❤️ 😄