Laura S. Fox

Okay, okay, let me warm my hands to write a proper reply. Emotionally unsafe space... wow, that's harsh but not untrue. We have our expectations of love shaped by how we grow up and the sort of relationships we witness. That's one of the reasons why I opted for the present-past structure of chapters, in the hope that readers will end up understanding and 'forgiving' Lyn. However, I like to believe that by the end of the story, Brad's friendship for/with Lyn will mean something Of course, since I'm not showing you all the cards... you have no reason to believe that, but watch for my show of smoke and mirrors, like usual. And Lyn should assume responsibility for how he is, since he's an adult now - at least partially. Someone might upend his views... He-he, love this line 'it's not strategy - it's chemistry'. Oh, it so is. Lyn recognizes it in the moment, even if he reverts to his usual hang-ups as soon as it's over. But in the moment, he is a part of it, he lives it. And he really thrives when he's together with Alexander. The boy needs a mirror, not gonna lie. Although... it would be so beautiful (right?) if he could see himself reflected in Alexander's eyes. Alexander won't stop; he will continue in the same vein, advancing slowly, carefully, understanding more now of his own feelings, as a grownup, not a young man. I feel tempted to say so much, but I must stop, since spoilers are said to be a terrible thing Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful time! (save for the sunburn - that's painful)

Oh, wow, what a characterization for Brad! But it applies And... well, well, well, someone is either looking over my shoulder... or has one hell of fine-tuned nose for detecting clues... That's all I'm going to say! Nothing more! And Alexander's path... oh, man, there's quite the story there. I will disclose it, of course, but only when the moment is ripe! (You're so astute on your observations on Lyn, too)

So true, so true...

Alexander might love that comparison!

That really sends me to one line in a song that has already served as my inspiration for this story about ten-times over

Brad might be easy to hate... but I like to believe that by the end of it all he'll elicit other feelings in the readers

The prince of snark, I love this. He'll get his fair share of nicknames...

For anyone who still doesn't know me...

Hmm, hmm... there's some truth in here. Brad never actually read the book(s). He throws words casually. Also, as a replacement... Luke looks nothing like Lyn, not physically, nor intellectually. Well noticed! And somehow I thought of them like this: Athos - Alexander - aristocratic, noble, just Porthos - Brad - he just likes having fun Aramis - Lyn - intelligent with scholarly inclinations, a string of affairs under his belt... even the hint of monk-like attitudes sometimes... but that's something that might become obvious later, lol (not an actual monk, don't worry ).

Brad might not know what he wants himself. And that's a bit of an understatement... I think. He definitely acts and reacts impulsively. There are things unsaid there, without a doubt. Brad, surprisingly or not, reveals the least of all the characters. That's intentional. Only Brad might think of Luke as the Fourth Musketeer, ngl.

I didn't exactly think of whether Lyn and Alexander played together before, but I wanted to point out how well they 'get' each other. Even during college, in their conversations and debates, they're on equal footing. Let's just say... Brad is not that unfamiliar to feeling like he's being left out... And chess is the sort of game our two guys would excel in. And Brad wouldn't. Welcome back. I'm so eager to read your analysis again

It is natural and reasonable to see Brad in this light, given the circumstances. And yes! Lyn and Alexander worked as a team bent on winning. No useless barbs between them indeed...

Correct Brad is watching his two friends, a bit too closely. And that's a very good question.

I fear where this 'buffet' idea is going...

And that is Alexander! Yes, he has an analytical mind, and yes, both his eyes are wide open - so unlike Lyn, who's as blind as a bat. We'll see about that angle... Alexander will surely work it.

Oh, gawd, yes, he might be just that...

He-he, like I said a little above, that would make Lyn a lil' too easy... And Luke does look like a younger Brad... but is that enough? Especially since Alexander is putting himself on display so eagerly.

And seeing how he's a guy who likes to believe he's in control all the time... wonder to your heart's content what goes now through his head!

He's a bag of them and then some more!

You think Lyn is that easy? He mostly noticed how alike Luke is to Brad... and while he does have a type, who says tastes can't change, right?

Chapter Fourteen – [Memory, Freshman Year, February] – Sharp, Bitter, Sour Alexander dropped by Brad’s side, getting unnervingly close and personal in his friend’s space, while Lyn observed the duo with increasing annoyance. They were here because they were supposed to study, not goof around. Brad wouldn’t be himself if he missed a chance to neglect his studies in favor of anything else, as long as it was remotely more entertaining than staring at a textbook. “Whatcha doing, bro

I think you'll get your answers in the chapter I just posted... And it's not LiveFeed rounding them up

I love it how people reacted with 'fingers crossed' to this...

You deserve all the cookies for this comment, @Joie J.