Laura S. Fox

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!

Oh, yes... for the readers at least

Chapter Twenty-Nine – Useless Corrections Brad’s text had been short and simple. And it put Lyn in quite a tizzy because he definitely didn’t have time to run through his entire hair routine or surrender the little time available to the minutiae involved with his personal grooming regimen. The island had many things to offer and apparently Brad was in the mood to hike to the highest peak around. That meant hours of walking, so even the three hours he had promised might not be enough. L

Early days... well said! Although we don't have many days left... they will feel like a lot, because a lot will happen! Lyn does reach the realization that his crush is no longer valid. That's a young person's game, after all. They have marked each other... in deeper ways already. They will continue to do it.

Ah, Maestro, I'm so happy to read the first paragraph of your comment! I know people get frustrated with lack of development - this wouldn't be the first story of mine where this happens - but I am obsessed with having the right pacing. Unlike for other stories, where I don't plan ahead and my notes are basically a string of scene ideas that I know I have to connect coherently, I did a loose plan for this one for the days of this vacation so I can aim at having Lyn realizing things and acting on them at what I consider the right moment. Yes, he realizes he's grown a lot since crushing on Brad in college! He didn't know it until he was here, 'fooling around' with Alexander. That's why the admission is a bit of a mild shock. But it does the trick. Brad is... Brad. The same from the past, or at least on the surface. As we dive deeper in both present and past, there will be layers to unveil there, too, I promise. Lyn is, however, different. Not fundamentally, that's not realistic, but he now knows that having a crush and friendly affection are two different things. Did I ever mention this line from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer that kept circling in my head while writing this story? 'Amy Lawrence had vanished out of his heart and left not even a memory of herself behind.' That's when Tom sees Becky Thatcher for the first time, if my memory still serves me. When I was young - from seven-ish years old (when I read the story the first time) to at least fourth grade - I re-read Tom Sawyer about eleven times. And this line stayed with me forever out of many other great lines in it. You're so right about Brad having to be honest... Will he be? He has to, and that's all I'm going to give you on this front. Alexander doesn't play at seduction, and I think that's what makes him... real. It's the real deal for him, and Alexander from the past did play a role because it was demanded of him, at least to a degree. So Lyn needs to adjust to this new version of the demon... and I think, so far, he's doing well. I really loved your comment - but I always do. Only that now I feel deeply flattered - and rewarded - because while the chapters for this story are shorter than what I usually write, they take me considerably longer to write, just because I'm getting so obsessed over finding the right words and nailing the right meaning for each scene.

Ha-ha, well said!

Lyn has grown over the years at least in some aspects. There are complicated feelings at play. Yet still, at this point, deflecting and taking Alexander's attitude as teasing is easier than exploring the truth.

I'm glad you guys started to notice the change in Lyn's thoughts!

oh, oh, oh

To match!

You guys are getting to know me way too well, lol!

He has... let's see what he says...

He-he, with each comment on this thread... I'm getting worried!

They so are!

They were all packed in this scene together, so I'm happy you noticed