Laura S. Fox

Yep, yep, yep, Brad is a bit of a macho, not acknowledging 'real feelings' without making them into a funny line... And oh, Alexander savors that little truth about Lyn like it's dessert. In the library, Alexander loves playing that role. He makes it into a theatrical performance to some degree, knowing Lyn will appreciate it. Because Lyn does... As for Lyn protecting his friends, that's a solid part of who he is. He's the guy who cares. He's used to taking care of others - and you guys astutely noticed that in other scenes. Protecting Brad from Alexander's sharp tongue comes from knowing Brad is not on their level of... I could say 'sophistication'. It's something Alexander was born into; for Lyn, it was a learned experience, but one associated with not so pleasant situations. Hence, his need to protect Brad. And Brad, oh Brad, he does spell the truth! He sees the dynamic between his friends and says it like he sees it. It won't be the only time. (And I know you will keep a close eye on Brad).

I'm surely glad that someone circles back to the first chapters to get the whole picture... It was my intention from the start to portray Lyn's POV only so readers begin actively hunting for clues to debunk his presumed feelings. Well... I will let you speculate on Lyn's 'animosity' toward Alexander without saying a thing. It's a complex feeling - when isn't one when Lyn is concerned? - and related to certain trauma and issues. I love how you noticed the way Alexander saw through the façade during the first chapters. Brad is happy to notice the changes - he's openly praising Lyn for them. On the other hand, Alexander reminds him in a single line that he knows him, and that, in some ways, nothing changed. And Lyn did hide, I guess... very deep within himself.

Academic compatibility - yes, I can't stress this enough. Lyn might crush on Brad, but Alexander is the friend who challenges him and makes him want to improve himself. That's a whole thing on its own, and it matters in their friendship - even if they seem to be quarrelling to the outside world. They are two similar minds. And Brad... well, he does lay his claim, of course.

Thank you for this comment! Yes, Lyn prefers what he knows, since that equals safety. He doesn't even look outside the lines. There will be things about Lyn's past that will be revealed to some extent. Oh, Lyn is possessive... Alexander is HIS friend, and he lets the world know it. I'm so glad you perceived the scene in this manner. I won't say a thing about experiencing lack of loyalty... but his upbringing makes him who he is.

Maybe they could have been, but under different circumstances. Each of them brings something to the friendship, imho. Brad is the one with the outgoing personality who takes his friends on adventures. Lyn is the caring one, and Alexander is the protector, even if from the shadows.

I love this, not gonna lie...

Hmm... maybe because guys sometimes do the whole 'competition thing' even without real stakes? I've seen it before... I mean, quite often. Lyn isn't looking closely, that's true, but he can easily chalk it all up to this kind of behavior.

Some of my stories tend to be loaded with hardships... but they're needed. I always want the end to be hard-earned.

Too true! Brad represents the competition, after all...

Definitely! It's Lyn taking his side, after all...

Or a very complicated game... only because of Lyn

Chapter Twenty-Five – Ancient History Lyn observed Luke, who was sitting across from him, but not directly. This meant a bit of gymnastics were needed to stare without seeming like he was doing so on purpose. For starters, Bella’s kid brother wore a dress shirt, which was a strange sight indeed. Not only was he dressed properly for dinner in designer clothes that looked great on him, he had also combed his hair to perfection. Barely anything remained to remind anyone of the surfer dude look

So the 'hate you' part would be so strong...

Ha-ha, so true! Grownup Lyn realizes he looked after Brad like a, well, mother hen!

So well-said! Yes! I like writing scenes in which more than one thing happens, and I'm happy for this acknowledgment!

Indeed Lyn was in the present, and for many people with anxieties, I know that's one advice often given - to be and live in the present, while letting go of the rest. That's how Alexander gets to him, and I'm sure everyone's now pleased that he insisted until Lyn did as told for a change. Alexander is well within his rights to issue demands. Lyn understands that, even if he doesn't focus on the why. He did understand his friend in the past - not regarding his feelings toward him - but in regards to other aspects, and he has that sort of affection friends have toward Alexander. I don't think I've written a 'friends to lovers' before... oh, wait, how could I forget? Carter and Aron were like that, too. (That's Box Shaped Heart - if you haven't read it, I think I'm safe to recommend it to you). The fact that the two characters aren't strangers changes things, and I love exploring that. I'm grateful that you keep an open mind regarding Brad. But damn, I know I will be testing you - and the other readers - hard regarding him...

Yes, this! Although he might still want Lyn to realize it without asking... That's where he draws the line! But I can picture him nonchalantly replying with the truth to anyone else asking!

Oh, Maestro, this is so on point... and you said it right! There are two jealousies at play at the end of the chapter. Lyn still acknowledges his weakness when it comes to Brad, and nothing gets passed His Majesty. That's a wound Alexander still nurses inside; his feelings didn't fade over the years, and even if Lyn opens up to him now, there's still Brad around. And Luke, with his lil' warning... Lol, I liked writing the 'lie detector' scene a lot! Alexander needed satisfaction, and in more than one way. And you read the lines about Lyn being a prize so well. Alexander knows how much he has worked to conquer the impregnable citadel that is Lyn. And it is is, indeed, as you say, the acknowledging of all those years...

Yep, Lyn left Brad to fend off for himself and didn't even think twice about it. His head is too full of Alexander right now Their relationship will evolve - it will appear slowly, but it's all happening in days in the time of the storyline. I won't add something spoiler-y, but I will say that the full surrender will occur at an important moment.

I like to believe it is The balance starts leaning. Lyn finds truths - more than one - in Alexander's arms, and he won't deny them ad nauseum for sure.

Oh, yes! It's these little slipups that count! Or not exactly slipups in Alexander's case... this is him at his most tender.

'Any other' sounds good

He-he, that's good to know!

Thank you, Chris!

I see that you are competing with Maestro Yeah... I love writing 'unravelings'... I see that the auto-proofreader pretends that's not a real word, but it is in my book. Alexander's work is paying off. He's a grownup man now, and he doesn't stop when obstacles get in his path. And Lyn, well, maybe there's a reason he 'falls' now. And Alexander is all bare, as well. His questions are means to secure the truth that will give him happiness instead of more angst and suffering. He needs assurance, the poor baby! Opposing forces meet again in the dinner scene... And Lyn, even if still caught in the middle, starts leaning more to one side. I guess Brad's getting married might offer him closure, after all. I love leaving you with questions! I know, I'm bad...