Wayne Gray

Thanks, Chris. I do think they'll make it. Sure, they've got lots of work ahead, but that's okay. Anything worth having is worth working for. I'm glad you liked it!

Thanks for the comments, Tony. Concerning the rapid acceptance ... you're right - it takes time to accept. Brandon is in the earliest part of that process. He's trying, and he knows how important it is for Dane to see he's trying. But again, he isn't finished yet. He has a long way to go, but the message here is that he's willing to start the process. That's what Dane needed, and Brandon is going to do everything he can to give Dane what he needs. As for the labels - I spoke to a few trans friends about this. And turns out, it's pretty important to the three I spoke to. Maybe my sample size isn't big enough, but ... yes. It's important, at least to some. That said, Brandon does love Dane the person. And for him, part of that may include accepting the label that reinforces who Dane is.

Thank you, tim. you're right. It's all about love. There's this moment, where Brandon is struggling to process, and he see how upset Dane is. And his concern wasn't for himself, it was for his partner. I wanted to show his deep need for Dane to be happy, even while in the midst of his own shock. you're also right about what they've built with one another - and neither wants to give up the work they've done, and the progress they've made in building a loving union. Brandon is going to try and be the man Dane needs, and the reverse is just as true. I think it'll be hard, but that they'll be okay.

Thank you, drsawzall. Brandon had to do some fast adjusting, and he still has a lot more ahead. They both do. But as anybody who has experienced it knows, love can do amazing things. 🙂

Thanks for that comment, belisima. I spoke more to this above, but the idea was to show how the partner might feel in this situation. I really think it'd be an intense experience for both involved, and I wanted to show that.

Thanks, Estiveo. I know trans folks go through a lot. Yet, as I thought about it, I had to consider the partner of someone transitioning too. And I'd never seen anything detailing the issues that partner may have. Well, I wanted to fix that here, but avoid doing so in a way that doesn't belittle the struggle of the person transitioning. Hopefully I got that right here.

Thank you, Parker. That line ... it was the first time Brandon called Dane his husband. And I believe it will not be the last. 🙂

Thanks, kbois. There are so many things going on for these guys. Doubts, determination to live authentically, a choice to try and adjust to Dane's revelation instead of cutting and running. It's a lot for them both. And no. No misty, rainy weather this time. Though, it's coming! 😛

Thanks for reading and commenting, Butcher. Something I tried to avoid is for it to just be "fixed". First, it's not broken, it's just a trial. While the trial isn't over for either of them, the goal was to show that they're both willing to try. For Dane, Brandon's effort is a surprise. He'd convinced himself he'd lose Brandon. I suppose it's a way to defend his heart against the worst case scenario. I think you're right about Brandon and the conversation with Patrick and Orson. They're not there telling him what to do, or how to feel, but rather, what he might expect. And they're giving him a safe place to articulate his feelings. There's more coming for Dane and Brandon, certainly. But the future does look hopeful.

Thank you, molly. It's hard watching good people struggle, and there's no mistaking that they are struggling. But yes - like you, I believe they'll be okay. 🙂

"Uh, no?" Brandon flexed his hands on the steering wheel and replied to the graying, forty-something guy at the entrance. "No, we don't have problems with gay people." "Great. I'm Greg. Welcome to Camp Refuge. If either of you needs anything, let me know." He bent and pointed down the paved loop. "Your rental is the one on the end, but you've got your choice of three cabins, really. If for whatever reason number six doesn't work, just poke your heads in another, and let me know you'd like t

It's not complete, but Dissonance by MacGreg made me see the landscapes his characters saw, feel the way they did, and ultimately inspired me to up my own description game. The rawness of characters, setting, and Mac's descriptive powers hooked me. Damn it.

Nailed it. Besides, regardless of the outcome of the test if the data is acquired through illegal means, then the results are invalid. Also ... you could literally go to jail over it.

Thanks, Bft! I'm happy you enjoyed the boys, and their journey together. Having great parents certainly helps them along too!

Thank you for the nice words. And I will just say ... if you build it, and it's anywhere close by, I'll be there! 🙂 I'm glad the stories entertain and inspire. That's the goal - to show what's possible.

Thanks for the great comments, Tony! Yes, we can all use a refuge right about now, eh? But I do think you're right. We can escape for a while and go someplace safer, sweeter, and nicer. That's the goal with these stories. Gus was a godsend to Harry and his parents too. And all of the parents did exactly as they should, lending support to their kids as they needed it. I really do believe that Dan and Laura did the perfect thing by taking Harry to the campground. James had it right when he said that alone would show Harry how they felt, and that they loved and supported him, all without having to say it. There's more to come for our campers. I hope you enjoy the rest too. 🙂

Thanks, David! I'm glad you enjoyed this little short story. And ... there's a little continuation of it in chapter three, though it's mainly told from the perspective of Gus. Well ... and a pair of crazy parents too. Hahaha. You'll see what I mean. You take care as well. It's Friday!

Awww, good. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reading and commenting tesao!

Thanks, molly! And thanks for reading the section with the boys texting. 🙂 I like the short format too. It's not a huge time investment for anybody, and I still get to write. It's fun (at least it's fun for me!).

Thanks, spyke. 🙂 You're right about the "really young" statement. But we'll have to see how they go. But I still remember my "first" and I always will. So they've got that going for them, at any rate. Those goofball dads were fun to write. And you gotta wonder ... if James had pulled out Chardonnay, would he have gotten a sloppy kiss from Dan? Hrmm... lol

I think I understand what you're asking now. If I have any stories set in Camp Refuge which can fit into the "short story" format, yes. They'll appear here. Will these be the only stories left to tell in the campground? Hrm. I don't know about that one. If I hit upon a new storyline that works and needs a longer format, then I'll write it apart from the CR Shorts.

Thanks, belisima! When they were down at the river, I tried to catch the uncertainty in Harry. The way he has to feel, being new to relationships, and with all the questions and doubts that might bring. "Are you sure you want me? You're so far, and handsome, how is this going to work?" etc. Like tim said above, maybe this won't be forever, but it will be good for them. And it'll be something they look back on and they'll smile, regardless of how long it lasts. Thanks for reading, and for the comments!

It's not everybody's thing, certainly. Even camping without the police visiting isn't everyone's idea of a good time. But I love it. I'm older now, and sleeping on the ground is no longer a great night, so we just make sure we're prepared, have the right equipment to enjoy things, and we go. There's something great about no distractions, and focusing on nature, peace, and the people you're with. Camping sort of forces that. Yes, I've thought about what comes next for these young men. And the likelihood of them creating a long life together is pretty slim. How many of us are with our first crush? But you're right - that's okay. They have now, and they're young. They should live it, enjoy it, and regardless of if it lasts, someday cherish it. Thanks for reading and commenting, tim. 🙂

Thanks, CincyKris! Yeah ... those men stole the show, damn it. It's so easy to write them, because I can imagine, and have SEEN interactions similar to James/Dan from my friends they're based on. One of the guys actually has a bisexual son too, and he was a champ when his boy came out, so it's really close to the mark. Day drinking when camping is sort of a must for me and those I know. It just happens. You set up your tent, survey your work, and someone hands you a drink. You sorta squint in confusion at the sun, because it's in the wrong spot for a drink in your hand, but then you shrug, and consume your beverage. That's just life! 😄

Thanks, jaysalmn! hehehe. Dan and James are good guys. See my comment to Clancy for more on them. 😛 There's more to come for the campground. As stuff hits me, I take notes, and I slowly get the chapter written as I find time. I'm working on a bigger project right now, so updating this "story" will be only sporadic. Still, I hope folks get a kick out of the chapters when they land.