Wayne Gray

You're pretty much right. I wish you hadn't used Lord of the Flies as the example (I despise that book so much), but it doesn't change the meat of your observations. Georgette is unvarnished truth, even when it may not be welcome. But ... she accepts even uncomfortable truths in those she values. Natalie is indeed emotion, and reminds her friends that they're loved at every chance. Brian is protectiveness, and piggybacks on Natalie's contribution - everybody will be loved. Aaron is ... he has a really big heart. He loves fiercely, both his friends and Georgette. And ... yeah. Aaron is a sexy, naturally smooth, gregarious redhead. 😛

Great comment, thank you. I'm glad it made you smile. Ah, Georgette. She is fun, and that "voice of reason" as she describes herself that seems to appear in most group of friends. She's also terrible with secrets. 😛

Haha ... Yeah. I guess that's right. And Troy didn't seem to have any complaints concerning said flag.

It's totally okay to have an opinion on the friends. Think about this for a second ... what if you really could "delete" unwanted qualities in people? What if you could completely remove from someone the propensity to "meddle" in yours and the life of others? Who would they become? Would they still be someone you liked, even after you could predict every interaction you'd have with them? Yeah, that's the extreme view of a "perfect" friend. Brian and Grant are not perfect. These are, as you see them, flaws. Just as in the real world, we have to decide if those flaws are acceptable or not. Do they come from a good place? Maybe. It doesn't mean you have to like those characters at all. I'm totally okay if you don't like Brian or Grant for their approaches to life. This is, simply, who they are, and not everyone will like them. I do appreciate your comments and the time you spent on them. 🙂

Aw, thank you for the fantastic comment! I'm thrilled that the story spoke to you in such a way, and that you'd take the time to let me know. I sincerely appreciate that. You're very welcome. Have a wonderful day.

At this point in the story, Troy has become the "steady" one between our pair of guys. Grant is floundering a bit. It's true that Grant's issues are internal, but that doesn't mean they're not real. Troy knows himself, comfortable with who he is, while Grant struggles. Drunk, with his defenses down, Grant shows that he desires at the very least physical contact and closeness with Troy. The roles have reversed, or at a minimum they've equalized. Grant needs Troy. The question is: what will the guys do when they're sober and able to actually think about what they're both doing?

Well, let him wake and sober up a bit first. 🙂 There's a lot going on for Grant. I mean, really. He's navigating all of these new interactions with Troy's friends, while feeling his way with Troy. Throw on top of that his own emotions, desires, and insecurities to deal with and you've got a mess. He's a hot mess. lol Thanks for commenting. Let's see where we end up on Sunday. 🙂

Hehehe. Thanks for commenting, molly. you've mentioned that you find a kindred spirit in Natalie. That's cool. She's a wonderful character, and someone who is a steady, loving presence to those around her. Finding things in common with her is a good thing. 🙂

I'm glad you found all of the things you shouldn't say about the story, droughtquake. 😛 But, I'm happier that you're enjoying it - no matter the reasons. Thanks.

Ah, I'm glad. It makes me happy to know that people enjoy the work, so thank you for commenting. Comments, ratings on stories, and story reviews really encourage authors, so if you see stories you particularly like let that author know. It may not feel important to you, but they're more likely to produce additional stories if you do. Thanks for commenting!

Thanksgiving went well, eh? The friends all got to reconnect, meet Grant, and watch Grant drunkenly lay claim to Troy (that’s what happened, regardless of Grant’s intentions). Then they plan a holiday for Grant while he’s passed out. Cut to bedtime and things are quite a bit more snuggly than Troy had anticipated. Where will we go from here? We’ll find out on Sunday. Thanks for commenting and reading!

22 November 2018, Thursday 9:46 a.m. (Thanksgiving Day - US) "Brian! Where's the tablecloth? The good one?" Natalie dug through the linen closet in their hallway, a frown creasing her otherwise smooth brow. He came walking in from their laundry room, the tablecloth over his arm. "I told you I was going to wash it." His bass voice growled, but he smiled at her. "Relax, Nat." "Thank God." Natalie grabbed the tablecloth. "I am relaxed." She turned to go back into the living room, an

Are you trying to make the comments a Trainwreck too?

Would you? Are you letting Terrence get under your skin, droughtquake? I'm not sure if @Mikiesboy would agree, but I think that would make Terrence very happy. 😄

Indeed. They see and hear much, and a startling amount of power is available if said toady wants to seize it. Thanks, Kitt! 🙂

I missed replying to this, molly. Sorry about that! you're so right. Life isn't neat or tidy. There are gray decisions we make daily, and we simply try to do our best with the situations and the tools we have to resolve them. We'll never do anything perfectly. We can only try. Thanks for the great comment, molly!

Hehehe. Good. I'm glad the story is that interesting to you. Grant is sort of an expert at rationalizing when it comes to Troy, huh? And maybe he didn't cross a line. That all depends on Troy, and how he feels about what Grant has done up to this point to meet, help, and then hang onto him. That moment is likely to appear ... when Troy discovers what Grant has done. Let's find out. 🙂 Thank you for the great comments, and for reading!

I think Etotsira was talking to Sweetlion, drought.

Soon! Thursday is coming. Thanks for reading!

Thanks, kbois! I'm gratified that you're enjoying this journey for our guys. Troy felt a lot better about things once he got some distance from desperation. He's better able to say and do the things he needs to in order to interact in a more equal way with Grant. And ... Grant had to learn a lesson about pride, and the importance of it in Troy's life. You've got a few more chapters to read before you hit the end of the line (and have to wait on updates like everyone else). Enjoy this glorious time in your life! 😄

I'm not sure how I missed this comment. Thanks, Jeffrey! I know you've read along the last few chapters, so I hope you're enjoying the ride.

Glad you're feeling a little better, rick!

Terrence is not just a pretty face and a snarky comeback. Underestimate him at your peril! Thanks for the comment!

Hey, she's capable of being nice. It doesn't often happen, but she's capable!

Thanks, Tony! This one was fun to write. The back and forth perspectives between Frank and Ike, Devin and Ben were particularly something I had wondered if we could pull off. But I think it worked well. 🙂