Laura S. Fox

Oh, lol!! Jack has so many things to worry about!

Oh, I will keep that in mind, lol!! We do need to think of Jack, after all... Now that was quite the picture you put in my head, ha-ha-ha!! Thanks for the music rec, too.

Vince remains a guardian, only changing the workplace! (and employer) Jack makes it clear to Vince about the card-reading in the chapter I just posted.

He must! Or else he'll be in terrible danger...

Oh, gawd, it looks like this... It's like my characters are all auditioning for starring in an adult movie! Wingardium Lubiosa? (I don't know, I don't read HP fanfiction)

Jack is acting in self-defense, I swear! On a more serious note, he won't be able to keep what the cards say a secret forever...

The comments are getting crazier!!!!

You guys are killing me with these comments... But I guess I deserve it! I dug this hole for myself!

Jack just might, lol!!!!

He-he... let's stop scaring Jack...

Chapter Four – Assholes Aren’t Supposed to Be Yummy Was that the aircraft that would take them to Pinemoor? Jack had a mind to slap his forehead and become an internet meme, because there was no way their arrival at the lands of Ryder’s pack would go unnoticed. Weren’t they supposed to be stealthy or something? Ha! Not even the mighty Theodore Pembroke had a stealth plane. Served him right, the asshole. He needed to feel how it was to not have things, even if the thing he didn’t have was a

I will give you nothing

Oh, yes, that's a good point. Lyn is familiar with messy and unreliable... his past sets him up for a certain type of relationship. Your last lines summarize Lyn's approach to relationship so well.

He-he... I had to google blinkered...

He-he, we'll see... since you can now read the new chapter!

Ah, as someone who obviously knows the entire plot and where it goes... you guys really floor me with your astuteness. There is a lot to be said about this scene, I guess - so obviously I'm so happy to have these conversations with you. Yes, indeed, Alexander does see Brad as 'messy' - he jumps from one hookup to another, as Lyn ponders internally, he falls in and out of love all the time... so yes, emotionally messy, and it's something Alexander registers, and Lyn also considers. That's what creates a gap between Lyn and Brad from the get-go - their personalities are too different, and despite the romantic concept telling us that opposites attract, I seldom see it working in real life. But Alexander's line here is multi-dimensional. Trust, not even Alexander understands all its layers because of things that are not yet in the possession of his knowledge. So, another item that I must pick from your comment - the gesture of repairing the shelf. Yes, Lyn likes it when things don't fall apart, and showing Alexander how much he values his friendship through this is also part of his personality. He cherishes this, Alexander giving him permission, after all, to handle repairs that are better done by a professional. It's not even giving permission... Alexander is glad Lyn does this for him and he shows his gratitude. Which, of course, pisses Brad off, because of how emotionally insecure he is. He craves Lyn as his emotional center. He can't see himself letting go of him in this context. And you're so right; Brad simply can't express his feelings like a grownup. Maybe because he's not a grownup... but I'll leave it to him to defend himself when the right moment comes. Not another word from me in that regard... ah, I'm probably lying. I'll comment on it, without a doubt, but no spoilers!

Hmm... interesting take. Brad really can't stand close scrutiny, can he?

Oh, this went right in the feels...

Bury it... yes - you're really on fire with these comments. Lyn needs to stick to the plan... and now, I usually try to put myself in my characters' shoes - if a guy you know is totally straight and hookups all the time - even if you don't see it happening directly, no matter how he looks at you, would you think he likes you instead? that he's 'gay for you'? For someone as young as they are here, I like to believe it would be a bit too much of a leap of faith. If I'm thinking of my younger years, there were quite a few occasions when cute guys gave me the eye only to never act on it. Next thing you know, after looking at you like a puppy, there he goes with his girlfriend of one year and a half (an eternity at 17-18 years old). You're right that they wouldn't have worked in that timeline. And Lyn, despite appearances, has done some growing, he only has to acknowledge it.

Well, well, well... it is, indeed, our dear (maybe not so much) Bradley who chooses to start this particular conversation... And I thought you were all watching Alexander, completely unaware of my lil' slight of hand... I know it's not much, and I like to believe that you will look back to this moment with different eyes at one point. They are all hiding parts of themselves in this scene - I kid you not.

These comments are approved by two out of two paladins! What an awesome... product!

Because he knows his two best friends are straight and sleeping around.

He-he... we'll see After all, they are all dancing a little dance... And - in my defense as the author and Lyn's, lol - I think Lyn thought he was witnessing a talk about girls between two notorious womanizers.

With the new chapter just dropped... I think you'll have plenty of ammunition to add more to your opinion of Brad and his behavior toward Lyn!