Laura S. Fox

Your intuition guides you well here, Maestro. Lyn truly loves his mom. He is there for her, even if he'd rather go with Brad and his folks on a trip. Through thick and thin, she's still his mom. And I wanted to show that here.

As a veteran reader, you caught on! Yes, that was the Blanche I thought of when giving Lyn's mom this name.

Oh, but it might not be a slip... maybe it was intentional...

Oh, yes, that Blanche

Ha-ha, loved your explanation... although I thought my choice was so on the nose!

Chapter Thirty-One – A Punishment Fit for the Depraved Lyn entered the cottage stealthily, counting on Alexander being absorbed in something, as was his habit, given his curious nature that never let him just waste time. He was extremely careful to open and close each door behind him without making the slightest sound. His luck was with him in that Alexander was in the kitchen, fixing something to eat for himself, humming a cheerful song. Lyn smiled as he saw that his roommate was absorbed

Wow, just wow

Yeah, that was a fractured soul - so scary, yet so fascinating to see unraveling.

As a child, Javert's end unsettled me, because I was expecting to feel nothing but satisfaction... that's some really great writing right there.

Oh, that would have been downright cruel...

While Lyn is Brad's emotional support human - in the past - Alexander never wastes an opportunity to tease him and even put him down... I know a lot of readers like to see Alexander as awesome and perfect and sexy and cool and... the list can continue. So I have a particular delight in making him do petty things. No one's perfect Oh, there isn't - inherently - too much positive about the nickname... but Alexander's explanation will carry some weight. Beyond the shock factor, which again, a young Alexander couldn't help reaching for like for a low-hanging fruit.

Well, well, well, looks who has a keen insight on Alexander's choice... Not that I'm surprised. Be aware, I'll keep you to the high standards you self-imposed for your analysis (jk). Alexander picked Gui after careful consideration. That's his nature. And it also shows that, even if he obviously has feelings for Lyn, he doesn't fail to see him for who he is. Gui is a complex figure, and so is Lyn. I won't comment more, because I want to leave you the satisfaction of seeing how much of your comment fits with Alexander's reply in chapter 31 when Lyn asks him about it. It's so interesting to have readers make me look at my characters' actions from a different angle. I build them and I go with the flow, knowing instinctively why this or that works for them. Brad asking someone else for a nickname... oh, yes, that's in contrast with Alexander. Alexander knows Lyn. Brad is aware he doesn't know Lyn that well. Hence his decision to go to Alexander for help on that matter.

Yes, relationships are evolving! Brad will surprise you the most in the end... I believe.

Oh, what an analysis, Maestro... Lyn is so into Alexander right now, lol. Yes, he cannot wait to get back to his roommate and fool around some more. He's the kind of man who honors his obligations, otherwise, there could be a high chance there for him to ditch Brad completely in favor of bedroom activities with Alexander. Well, it was a climb, and well said, Lyn got above his past - so naturally, he had to say 'vici' - I also thought it would be a reward in itself for Lyn, who fought so much to be where he is. This doesn't mean, of course, that the past is no longer weighing him down... but it's no longer a rock capable of pulling him under. You guys asked me in the past to lift Brad's mask a little - well, I did it here... and I'm glad you noticed that particular exchange. Brad is responsible, of course, for not being honest with Lyn, when he knows he can be. But like Lyn, he also has his hang-ups. Lyn confirms it by saying 'you're great at being happy'. He unconsciously confirms something for Brad here. That's why their relationship has its flaws... I know you're the kind of reader who goes back and re-reads previous chapters... I'm sure you'll return to this particular one when the situation requires it. And I know you'll have things to say

Yes, that's exactly the point of the chapter Lyn got over Brad, and it didn't happen 'today' - he only needed to realize it. The epiphany concerned Brad more than Lyn... I agree. And I wanted to show Lyn here, as the friend who actually does the right thing - supporting his friend but without mollycoddling him. Alexander is a man of 'hard' facts! Of course, he was thinking of the historical figure... not the fictional character. Lyn will ask. Alexander will answer. Only that Lyn might get a lil' too caught up to parse all the intellectual information Alexander will give him (under durress)

You guys were right about the hickey... and yes, Lyn now realizes that he's only friends with Brad, and he'll always be that and no more than that.

Yes, that was the point of the chapter. We won't talk about subtext for now... but here is Lyn, at thirty, an accomplished lawyer, and someone who stopped crushing on his friend at a point in the past he can't point out. If you're patient enough until Saturday... yes, we will have that very interesting encounter

Oh, me thinks Alexander has some answering to do instead! I wanted to show what the passing of years did to Lyn's feelings after all. Faced with reality, he may be shocked to realize that his romantic feelings for Brad are gone, but he acknowledges this new reality, even if it leaves... yes, an empty space behind.

I knew you guys would take note of it.

Very true. Lyn is now forced to re-evaluate part of his youth and take it at face value. He's a man now, no longer a college kid. Despite his deeply rooted insecurities, he knows that.

Oh, lol, that would be the biggest twist in history!

Indeed, indeed...

Oh, exorcism, I like this! Lyn has grown out of his romantic feelings for Brad, and it's a shock even for him. It's okay to feel sorry for Brad... I know he's so unlikeable right now, but I want readers to catch these glimpses into his vulnerability and take note of it. It's too late for them in a way, and you're right to say that. And that line is actually more honesty than emotional manipulation, although he's known for the latter more.

You were on fire!

Chapter Thirty – [Memory, Summer Break After Sophomore Year] – The Perfect Gentleman Lyn studied the high ceilings and large mirrors that made the enormous room appear even grander than it already was. Despite his protestations, his mom had worked hard to convince him to accompany her to this event for the posh and arrogant, and since he knew that she needed him there, he had eventually agreed. Now she was several feet away from him, looking gorgeous in a crimson silk dress that made h