Laura S. Fox

Ha-ha... was this a veiled way to say that Alexander can also be a bit of dick, at least sometimes? Mega-lol @weinerdog Be careful, Alexander is well liked...

Chapter Thirty-Six – [Memory, Junior Year, November] – Queer Tension The weather was getting colder and colder, Lyn thought as he pulled his coat tighter around himself. His mom’s affairs with the widower were going quite well, which had landed him a new coat, one that fit a lot better and also looked up to snuff. Even when wearing hand-me-downs, the Calloways had to look like they were breathing the rarified air of the rich and bored. A smile crept to his lips. That was something Bra

Lyn's misalignment with his own emotions makes things so difficult, yes. He is a complicated person, and dealing with emotions is particularly difficult for him. Misreading his crush on Brad... oh, Lyn will say a few things about that when he starts being honest. As a grownup, he'll see his feelings in a different light. But it's a process; it's always a process with him. And oh, he's so proud... he wouldn't admit that he made a mistake by waiting for Brad in the cold. And if it's Alexander saying it... he's going back into his shell. This crush is a shield, yes. Lyn doesn't even think of having a chance - at this point in time - so he simply 'uses' his crush to protect himself from developing any real feelings for someone before he's ready - his version of ready. Even if Brad and Alexander don't like each other... they're in Lyn's orbit, like @Cane23 said. They must, let's say, tolerate each other. But maybe they do have their own tenuous connection. Who can tell?

That's correct! We have only Lyn's POV, and Alexander is the kind of loner who wouldn't get along with many people. There'll be some commentary on that on some point. He's also fine with being a loner - he's pretty much the kind of person who accepts the one they love in their inner circle but not anyone else, at least not easily. The layers exists, though. In his own way, Alexander appreciates Brad's proximity - since I risk readers' ire to call it friendship - and not only because of Lyn, but because of his character and unavailability for having people around.

The misalignment might run even deeper... but of course, you guys don't have all the facts, as I keep them in my bag like a miser... Lyn is, of course, responsible for misinterpreting things a lot, and Alexander - his college version - is still too abrupt and rigid to adapt to Lyn's many quirks. Oh, yes, that's such a good analysis of Brad's reaction! Yes, he's such a child here, and I know it's difficult to see it... He does feel guilty about something! And it concerns Lyn, of course. Gosh, I really hope that when the story is done, these thin threads won't end up being a complete mess and will make sense instead. That's what I get for being so ambitious with this story. Brad is Brad and he does what he does. He offers Lyn comfort the only way he knows how. And he's damn pissed at Alexander and worries that he might get the upper hand...

Oh, the real Brad... guys, I think you'll hate him so much. But I do hope that won't be the last impression of him once all is said and done. And this is where I really must stop talking.

Nope, not telling you that. Actually, I try so hard not to give spoilers. And a crush is not the same as love. It is - why am I still talking about this when I should shut up and let readers decide - something Lyn understands more as a grownup.

Let's remember how much of an unreliable narrator Lyn is... and I'm not talking about the events per se, but about his perception

Lyn is going to get the TLC he needs... but it won't happen on page. Yes, Brad gave him his jacket, but we know that's not enough.

Alexander might just feel this way...

Hmm, you can wonder And you'll be pleased when that happens. There's a lot Alexander accepts from Lyn. And yes, he's always been there...

Chapter Thirty-Five – What Do You Call a Big Reveal? “Do you happen to have a sleeping pill ability in your doctor’s bag?” Lyn groaned as he adjusted his position against Alexander’s chest. “Because I seriously don’t want to wake up yet.” “Sleeping pill ability is a mouthful,” Alexander commented, holding Lyn close by wrapping an arm around him. “What else could you call it?” Lyn had an idea or two about what he wanted to call it. Safety came to mind, but he didn’t want to surrend

Clearly, with this story, I just unleashed something... The chapter I just posted makes everything clear! Since it touches what happened in Wolf in the City.

Jack needs to control what comes out of his mouth... but we know he just can't.

Oh, gawd, that's some naughty play right there! I admit that I didn't think that far... I'd die of second-hand embarrassment for Theo, lol! But as much as this annoys him... yeah, he might come to like it

He is... he fights the attraction. For now. But things will happen and he won't be able to resist it.

That rune reading will come in the nearby future... The trio will have to deal both with danger and their attraction.

Chapter Seven – The Dynamics of Attraction “Silence,” Theodore snapped, as a low, hissing sound reached his ears, despite not having them in the actual sense of the word. Whatever this witchcraft was, it had to be of the most conniving kind. Cassandra had to be behind it, or her allies, no matter what nonsense the field mouse was spouting about he and the other human having had killed her. “You are in my power now,” a voice sounding as one from beyond a grave floated to them. “Wh

You're right about one thing out of the two

Or... maybe he doesn't even care This is Alexander we're talking about, after all!

Thank you for the vote of confidence! I like to believe that I don't leave my readers disappointed ever, but if it does happen... it might be only my lack of skill in delivering the message I want to deliver. For this story, I'm confident that the epiphany, as you aptly call it, will trigger that reaction that says - so that's why things were the way they were!

The party is getting bigger!

Oh, well, let's see on Tuesday how your theories play out... Ah, I'm so stocked that you commented on Lyn's looks! Yes, he is hot! But I did one thing in this story that I've never done before - I haven't described Lyn physical wise! I wanted readers to build their own image of him. However, I might have left some hints... and there are others commenting on his looks. Let's not forget that he has his mom's looks - and if you notice the details mentioned of her, you'll get an image of him, too.

I like to believe that the rehearsal - in the light of what Bella tells Lyn about how they might be similar in some ways - is also an occasion for Lyn to see someone else doing things the way he tends to - only more outwardly. @LeeSA mentioned your theories and mirrors... and yes, this is one of those moments. He chooses to get involved because unlike everyone else - oblivious to Bella's stress - he understands the pressure. That's also part of his personality - he will help if he can. Alexander, of course, you noticed well, won't miss a chance to call Lyn out on his choices... like getting too involved with the wedding. And it's also Alexander's way of showing how vulnerable he is, how unsure... although Lyn goes into defense, thinking it's about him - classic Lyn, given his background. Now, I knew you guys would look at that conversation and barbs between Brad and Alexander exactly the way you did... And you're right, given the information you have so far. But at this point, we are still far from senior year and how things evolved until they reached their tipping point... I'd invite you then to look back and see if Lyn was that wrong to ask himself certain questions. But let's enjoy the ride I know it's complicated, but I hope it's stimulating! And oh boy, I think you will all get to a point where you'll hate Brad completely... but after all the twists are revealed, and the end comes, I am so interested to hear from you what your final verdict is in his case.

Oh, oh, oh... someone is on to something... re. pre-existing feelings. I can't recall right now if anyone else mentioned this before. The present happens over the course of days, yet Lyn and Alexander fall in synch with each other fast... So, yes, as I said, you're on to something. Mirror, mirror on the wall... Brad chose his partner for life based on a previous set of desirable traits, doesn't seem so? Luke... just wait for it - until Tuesday, no longer Brad does try something by inviting both his former friends... he's not good at it, but he's trying. His feelings - I like to think - will seem so different once the full picture is complete. And don't worry about having many theories. I'm here to read them all!