FanLit

“Having roots depends on personal definition,” Ilaria said, when he turned and followed the road heading to the little cottage in the middle of the forest.“My husband and sons are my home, my roots. It doesn’t matter where we are.” “In life there comes a time when the only place you truly belong is with those who love you. Support is good to have in a community, but it is also can be constricting,” Ilaria said, her tone wistful. “It’s hard to escape collective thinking in a group of people. I learned that the hard way. Life is chaotic, experiences very personal, some life-changing. Most people never understand decisions that don’t fit the norm.” Ilaria is a very wise woman. While things look suspicious, I’m holding off judgement on Kiyo. So far I take him as an ambitious man who loves his family, as it is my belief most of his research is driven toward finding a cure for Milan; It also helps that Rory detected no deception in him; The presence of another being being used for experimentation is troubling tho, especially as he sounds like a child (or at least below the age of consent). Hellshield’s theory holds merit based on how it was broken down and I can’t think cloning of some sort beyond the realm of possibility in this story. Rory being called before the council will be interesting-while his reasearch found there was a wolf/human pairing, it also showed they didn’t stay with the pack, how will they react to the news of Rory’s mate, especially with him being heir? Lovers and even partners are a choice, mates, I’ve been given to understand, are not; How can the pack hold this again Rory or even Milan? It sounds like the pack, for all their espousing of accepting different and unwanted (the foundation of the very town, as a matter of fact), need to shake off some “collective thinking” of their own. Rory’s mate doesn’t “fit the norm” but he needs help and there may be dire consequences if the pack goes against the Morgan Lore.

“We start to walk in silence. There is so much I want to say to Jordan. But I don’t know where to start. How do I convince him he’s not gay? Though after seeing him literally prance like a gazelle earlier, I’m not sure he was ever straight.” That was the funniest line in the chapter, 😆. Jordan is a boss!! Granted, he needed advice to go after what he wants but when he got it he ran with it. It may have been a tad soon after Sebastian (and Jenn) for this to happen but fortune favors the bold. I suspect Jenn already has an idea about Jordan's feelings-why would she ask about Noah during the breakup? To know something is one thing, to have it confirmed is another, I don’t know what Jenn will do once she finds out about the guys. I’m glad they’ve taken this step and there will be challenges (aren’t there in most relationships?) We’ll see if they get happily ever after or even happily for a time. They are both good guys and I’m rooting for them.

Oh my. This sequel/continuation to “Healing Heart” is great. Any intention to finish it anytime soon?

WHEW!!!! Thank God Sebastian didn’t rape Noah! What a FUCKING ASSHOLE!! He should fuck himself instead of forcing himself on people. If he weren’t such a douche, I’d feel sorry for him; He clearly has issues with insecurity, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to lie about Jordan. Sebastian could probably be a man whore on his own with his looks and charm but instead he’s a predator because all his “attributes” are surface and he clearly needs to dominate and belittle someone to feel better about himself (Noah should be on his knees serving real men?!?! You prick, Noah’s dick is probably bigger than yours!!) I was glad Jordan gave into his feelings and confessed his attraction to Noah and I get Noah’s not ready right now and he feels loyalty to Jenn; Are Jordan and Jenn really dating? I get no chemistry from them at all, lol. Good installment.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” Yes, another quote but yet another timely one. There’s a lack of gravitas in leadership of “certain places” (that are known by three letters) that harken back to similar, ruthless paths taken by other leaders. They ultimately wound up where they should but always extolled a heavy price.

“All gave some and some gave all” and our debt of gratitude to them is endless and priceless. “Freedom is never free.” Okay, I’m done using other’s words to thank you for sharing yours. 🍻

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At least Alex won’t be able to keep Aron in the marriage by getting pregnant, 😆 👠👠 🌈 Also, since Carter chose not to remember the accident, will we ever find out about ponytail girl? I feel like her part in the story isn’t done.

MARK!!! Good ol’ Mark!! I think Carter made the right choice, there is no way he wants to forget his time with Aron. So Alex really is a legit sociopath, apparently born and bred by his Mama/Pimp. It was clear Aron and Alex were having sex when Carter called, which is obviously part of Alex’s campaign to keep him from Carter. He doesn’t even really want Aron anymore (his money and adoration but not him) but he’ll be damned if Aron is happy with anyone else, especially Carter. It takes so much more energy to make others miserable than to be genuinely happy. Just being around people like that is a draining experience. I want to say poor Aron but he’s had every clue about Alex’s character and has chosen not to believe it, thereby enabling his behavior. I know you said there’s more twists and turns before we end this journey Rump, I just hope it truly wakes up Aron’s eyes to who Alex really is and I hope he has a prenup!! I’m waiting for the tide to turn in Carter’s favor, maybe Mark can do more for him back at headquarters and what pleasure trip is Alex’s guardian on? I guess anything away from his charge would be considered a pleasure. Carter & Aron, Carter & Aron, Carter & Aron clicking my heels three times.

Rereading this wonderful story and found another favorite in this chapter: “This may not be the first morning I’ve woken up next to Colin or even the first morning I’ve laid in bed admiring him. It is, however, the first morning I can look, and touch, as much as I want. It’s not a preview anymore…it’s my very own movie.” No more previews, his very own movie, the main feature with Charles and Colin as costars. Strains of “At Last” by Etta James float in my head as Charlie got his favorite flick; He earned it. ❤️ 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

God, your words slay me. 🗡️ Your mighty, powerful pen give praise to a most worthy subject. 🖋️ ♥️

So your Mom’s mom told her to stay and your dad’s mom beat her own son?!?! Such a sad yet interesting perspective. I hope you don’t mind I see some humor in your tiny grandma beating her grown son (tho definitely not the reason for it) Your Mom was a rock star for leaving and not going back, mine left twice and went back each time; Even knowing in my head how hard it is to break away, in my heart I don’t think I’ve truly forgiven her for going back the second time. 😕

You always move me. 😢😘 Thank you for the strength it took to write and then share this glimpse into your history; I’m sure it strikes a chord in fellow survivors everywhere, 👋 as your gift with words continually touch everyone anywhere. I’m blessed to live in your lifetime. Cheers, my platonic friend. 🍻

It definitely was.

Fucking Sebastian. Did he rape him awake or unconscious? Asswipe, how dare he ruin Noah’s first time!! (I hope I’m wrong) I’m glad Jordan convinced Noah that he truly cared for him, something tells me he’s going to need his support. Thanks for the very full chapter, can’t wait for the next one.

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Your review was poetic. Nicely done.

This was lovely & it’s a-okay that storms make you happy. ”It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature” was a successful ad line back in the day for a reason. Like your poem stated, we are no match for the tempests of the earth. I also like to witness storms (from inside 😊); Thunder and lightning don’t scare me and the aftermath of a storm can be beautiful if there isn’t great damage-colors look brighter, the air feels lighter and smells crisper. Storms carry away the ozone, smog and other pollutants that build up. Tho I’m not a fan of them often, sometimes our relationships need a storm of an argument to clear the air of things we choose to ignore that should’ve been addressed way before; The relationship tends to be better in that aftermath too, either stronger or over, either way more clear. Your depiction of storm appreciation was wonderfully descriptive and another amazing piece of writing, Gary. Your literary efforts are always worth waiting for. Thank you for sharing, my platonic friend. ❤️

Love the “freak” connection. ❤️ I think a cure for Milan lays in Rory’s “freakness”.

Double love to your comment ❤️❤️ I thought about the germs, too and I loved your bracelet comment.

YAAAAAYYYYY❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

This chapter was heartbreaking because of the exchange between Carter and Aron 💔; The lines between Carter and Alex at the end of the chapter perked me right up tho 👀, enough to look forward to next week. Alex won’t be the only bitch in that exchange and I hope Carter shreds him. 😾🖨 Will we get a glimpse of what happened to Alex when he was in Aron’s body? This was the saddest chapter for me, Rump but I’m still with the story, feeling a little vertigo 🌪️, 😄 but still with it.

Going through my favorite saved stories and read this back to back with “Confounded” (“Confounded” being first obviously, 😊). I was reminded why they were saved as favorites, they are a great family and this is a great story, would love to see new chapters, soon (this year? 😶) Next is either “The Butler” or “Colorado Game”; Probably will be Butler, I haven’t read it as a whole story yet, just in installments.

I agree with Canuk. “If it's well written, relevant, and entertaining”, it actually seems short, lol. Even if it were still perceived as long, it would be a well worth read.

Sebastian’s a head case; Even if he wound up being the perfect boyfriend (which I don’t believe is his intention here) his relationship with Noah started off with a lie; There would have to be a massive act of selflessness on his part to redeem him in any way for me. I think he wants Noah as another notch on his belt but I could be wrong. Jordan’s reaction to Noah and Sebastian’s kiss will be interesting, I’m wondering when Noah will come out to Jenn and what her reaction will be. People’s reactions don’t always wind up how you expect.