Jjeffalch

E Beautiful Chapter!! This story just gets better and better. I recant everything bad I said or thought about Amanda-- I see now that it was protectiveness rather than self-absorption. Travis needs to be nominated for either sainthood or the Presidency--his magnanimity may be too good to be true, but it has effectively removed the concern I had that a relationship between Travis and Tyler would have totally upended Jacob. So, now, clear sailing ahead for everyone? Hope not, I really need more of this story!!!🙂

I echo the sentiments of everyone--another brilliant chapter-full of insights into Jacob's horrible situation. It has made me change the way I thought about Jacob's reaction to Tyler's flippant statement. It seems to me now more that Jacob was trying mostly to come "out" to Tyler as his best friend, rather than to come "on" to him. His reaction to Tyler's remark is far more understandable now, knowing what he went through with his father. And I'm sure now that with Gabin's help and with the support of those awesome 😊 friends, he'll be able to get over it and start building a relationship with Tyler. Though I do feel a hit sorry for Travis and his pending disappointment.. That said, I couldn't help but be struck by the tone of Amanda's response to Jacob's please for forgiveness (and that's why I quoted that explanation of yours above to start off, @Jeff Burton) ---"Well Tyler has already forgiven you Jacob, don’t get me wrong I hate what you did, and you’ve got a lot to do to rebuild that trust again.” Amanda said as she stood up, “but apology accepted. Show me your sorry through your actions and we’ll go from there okay? Consider yourself forgiven.” Self-important much? She is probably the "least-injured" party in the whole affair, yet she is the one setting conditions for Jacob's rebuilding his friendships--and BTW, Jacob has to show "her" he's sorry, not Tyler, and not the group as a whole. Oh well, maybe it's all good... Makes the group perhaps a little less "perfectly awesome". Sorry for my nitpicking, but it's all your fault, @Jeff Burton--you have me so invested in these characters after a mere three chapters and that is just a compliment to your skill as a writer. It's all just so superb!!! Thank you

Thanks a million, @Jeff Burton, that was an incredible chapter. The exchange between Tyler and Gavin was superb--it gave us all a proper understanding of what was going on in Tyler's mind. I was really impressed at how wholeheartedly he embraced the need for therapy ("My parent’s wanted me to see a therapist, not only for what happened but for the new realization that I was gay. Even though me and my parents had a rather open and loving relationship they understood that I had things in my mind I couldn’t directly come to them with yet and they just wanted to make sure I had all the help I could have to work out what I was thinking and how I was feeling and I agreed.") . He presents as a mature, thoughtful, caring young person. His friends are indeed awesome (sorry, @Summerabbacat😉) . I loved how Travis handled things, checking first whether Tyler and Jacob were "a thing" and whether Travis was available before he declared his romantic interest. Then other friends were surprised but fully accepting--the stage is set, therefore, and Travis is shaping up to be what seems, at least on the surface, to be the perfect "first boyfriend" for Tyler. Except...when he becomes aware of it, what will that relationship do to Jacob in his fragile state? Right now, he feels rejected and exposed thinking that he messed up, got it all wrong, and that Tyler wasn't gay. If Tyler and Travis become boyfriends, when Jacob finds out, his sense of rejection would be a whole lot worse--the rejection wouldn't because Tyler wasn't gay and therefore wasn't interested, but because the gay Tyler just wasn't interested in him, Jacob, as a boyfriend. I can't see that going well. Can't wait to see how it all evolves!!! MARVELOUS JOB, @Jeff Burton

Forgive me, but I can't help thinking that Jacob's vicious physical attack on Tyler goes way beyond what could be justified by his feeling of rejection. I could understand if he was cold and withdrawn and didn't want to speak to Tyler but to beat him so badly is WAAAAAY beyond the pale. I really hope he gets some professional help. And while I can appreciate Tyler's feeling of remorse that he didn't treat Jacob's admission with the appropriate seriousness, and I understand that he will want to forgive Jacob for that nasty attack, I REALLY hope he doesn't get involved emotionally with Jacob until Jacob has sorted out his issues, if at all.

This was a beautiful story, compelling characters, with just the right balance of light-heartedness and foreboding, and masterfully written. We knew from the beginning that Jer and Mat's time together would be limited, and it was wonderful to see how they both embraced what time they had and cherished the memory of each other thereafter. I have seldom enjoyed a story as much as this one. I really hope you have more of them up your sleeve and will soon share them with us. Thank you...

This was a wonderful story, beautifully written. Thank you for sharing it.

An important message delivered in a masterful story, @Biff Spork...I am truly sorry that Zhiv was murdered, but I fear this is the only way his message would have been able to really take hold and change the way people at large see the world and change their behavior in it. I think it is probably better that Zhiv did not live to be captured by the Homeland Security guys and forced down from the mountain-- that was surely where things were headed. But Zhiv would have died in captivity and the animals would have surely risen up in a fight to the death against the humans. This way, his martyrdom offers at least a slim chance that the humans will be shocked awake and recognize the need to start to make changes. We can only hope. Thank you for this wrenching sad, but beautiful story .

Gotta ask—why is it ok for Will to out Travis (presumably without his prior consent) to virtually Will’s entire family AND play for them all the horribly intimate recording of Sierra’s rape? I can understand him being upfront with Grand and Stef and Brad and Jake (especially since Jake will likely investigate), but what business is all this of the rest of them? His altercation with Zach could have presented without identifying Travis. But if his intent was to explain why he passed out, all he had to say was he realized he could have lost Darius. just don’t get why that was necessary at all

I really enjoyed this story, @gdaniel . As you described the “perfect” love between Sam and Dan, I couldn’t help feeling that it might not last, that they’d grow apart. It was very realistic that one should develop an attraction for girls. I’m only glad there wasn’t any cheating and ‘behind the back’ stuff that would have destroyed any chance of the friendship continuing between the two, which it did because Daniel didn’t give in to Sam’s selfish pestering, thank God. for me the best part is that Dan grew into Joe’s love and accepted that he didn’t have to hold back for fear of being hurt again, as happened with Sam. Waiting until they were both ready to take the next step probably helped. A poignant and very lovely story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

I just knew Sam was going to come up with something that, trying to have his cake (with Pam) and eat it too (with Daniel). Hormones here, hormones there, it was absolutely wrong if him to try to seduce Daniel into cheating on the boyfriend who has helped him get over Sam. He's perfectly willing to risk Daniel's emotional peace just to get his rocks off--Sam knows how much he hurt Daniel when he dropped Daniel for Pam, yet he still tries it. I am really glad Daniel was able to resist him and put him in his place. And that Joseph and Daniel were mature enough to play it down and not let Sam's selfishness destroy their mutual friendship. Anyone care to take a bet that Sam will continue trying to cheat on whomever his girlfriend/wife might be with some boy/man in the future?

Thanks for this Chapter. You are right, it really did help to take the edge off from the last one. Kathy seems to be a really selfless and beautiful soul. Even though her seduction failed, she remains the friend and support Dam needs to start getting over Sam. But I really hope Dan refuses to let Sam continue to have sex with him. "Friends with Benefits" can only work if both come at it from the same place. It would also be extraordinarily shitty of Sam to cheat on his new girlfriend that way. He's made his decision, and it was difficult, no doubt. But he has to live with it, and it would just downright selfish of him to want to continue the physical relationship with Dan, and prevent him from really moving on. Can't wait for the next chapter. Great story!!! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Oh, @gdaniel, this chapter hurt although I have e pected something like this to happen. They were so young when their love burned so bright, it was al out inevitable that the changes of adolescence would alter their relationship. Dan is going to suffer deeply, without the consolation of wanting to be with a girl, though it will be interesting to see what develops with Kathy. Sam will probably plunge into a relationship with Pam. Something makes me think he won't achieve the same intimacy he had with Dan, but by then, Dan may well have moved on, at least I hope he does. What a sad situation!

A perfect depiction of a perfect love, @gdaniel, you amaze me more with each passing chapter! I can only hope you will keep this story going for many, many more chapters. Thank you so much!

I hear what @Summerabbacatsays about the "fair-minded" approach and not letting the one fault of Tom's extreme homophobia outweigh the view of his overall innate goodness. Against that I would put the vicious poisoning of Mitchell's young mind and the fact that, had he lived, Tom would have certainly rejected Jason for being gay, and done him, too, irreparable harm. That's the problem with extreme bigotry, or perhaps with extremism in any form. It leads one to think and do to others the kind of despicable things that inevitably outweigh whatever good there might otherwise be in the bigot's life. I applaud Pop for taking the stance he has, and his reasons are commendable, but Mitchell got it right. Tom's bigotry would have cost Mitchell his brother -- it almost did anyway, even from beyond the grave, if Pop's "Plan B" hadn't worked. Mitchell should never forget that and I'm really glad the "Episode" has allowed him to recognize the darkness that was in bio-dad's soul, so that he, Mitchell, can now focus his love on Pop, who really deserves it.

This was a wonderful chapter and it serves to underscore the point that bigotry has to be confronted and challenged just the way @drsawzallsaid, through “good, meaningful, honest conversation(a) based on reality and facts.” That’ll work with Mitchell, because he is a thinking person with the capacity to absorb rational arguments. And that is why those like “Team Marjorie, Tram Lauren, and Team Ron”. (God, ESPECIALLY “Team Ron “ !!!!) are so determined to prevent any kind of meaningful discussion, but instead resort to insults, rudeness, abrasive mess, and in the case of our southernmost state, intrusive efforts to CONTROL the information young people have access to that would help to dispel the bigotry! The other thing that strikes me about Mitchell is that he is lucky enough to be challenged in his bigotry while he is still young enough to change. Unfortunately, many bigots are not, and they grow into the kinds of adults that Tom was—functioning people capable of being positive parts of their society until something happens that unleashes that mindless hatred in the depths of their souls. By then, honest meaningful conversation probably won’t work in most cases. And that is why I am horrified at what is happening in Florida. It is a state-sanctioned effort to institutionalize hatred and discrimination by limiting and controlling the information young kids are allowed to access. Not even Hitler did that! Is that where we end up after almost 250 years of our constitutional republic? Sorry for the rant, @gdaniel. You’ve hit a nerve with these last three chapters—wonderful, but God, so painful!

Doreen will some day talk to her husband about David and his friend on the mountain. I hope Pete doesn't draw the connection to the missing Sol Mundy-I fear that would precipitate a lot of grief and an uprising in the Mara that could not possibly end well!😧

I enjoyed this chapter--I had been a little afraid that Will's first conversation with Travis was going to be difficult and emotionally fraught, but he handled it perfectly. But I do hope they get to talk seriously--I want to know that Travis is definitively dumping that Ober-asshole Zach, and then, Mark, you can write him out of the story once and for all! 😄

Beautiful, just beautiful...you cried writing it, and I cried reading it. I remember that first kiss so well, even though it was almost 50 years ago, and you captured both the feeling AND the confusion perfectly!

I loved this story and especially how @Arch Hunterhandled the way each of the young protagonists dealt coming out. It really is a different experience for every one, including for the two partners in this is any relationship. You handled it so well--entirely credible. It was great to see how the respective families came to terms with the relationship as well. Tyler's dad really did stand up for his family -- I hope more and more of the so-called conservatives can follow that lead and learn to a certain the sensuality of their children. Thanks for a wonderful read!

This is such an intriguing story and so well written. I was really impressed by David's quiet but unyielding fortitude as he became a vegan in the face of the opposition of his dad, and by the way he handled those bullies. Zhiv's experience was likely more extreme, and I can hardly wait to hear more of his backstop. The "project" that the animals have conceived and the concept of them 'training' a young human to become their ambassador and explain to others humans the danger we are all in sounds compelling, but somehow, Zhiv does not strike me as the one to succeed in that-- David seems the more likely candidate. It's going to be wonderful seeing this story evolve, and the two young boys along with it. Thank you, @Biff Spork

Wow, I didn't see that ending coming. But perhaps it's for the best. Dwight seemed increasingly unhinged and getting to the place where he'd lurk behind a bush with a crowbar to get his revenge. The law sometimes steps in to take a child out of an abusive home. I wish there were some way for society to step in and take a child out of a poisonous atmosphere of hate and bigotry. I'm pretty sure Dwight didn't become this hateful on his own.

What a beautiful story! An intriguing and utterly unique premise, wonderfully deft, unobtrusive but in-depth development of the two main characters and the perfect end. I loved how you engineered Jase's former home situation so that he could return to Lucas whole-heartedly and without regret. I do so hope, like all the others who have commented, that you give us another story about the two guys bringing up Macy, though I can't imagine how you'll write the story of the teenager who will save the world. But I know you'll find a way! I've enjoyed this like seldom another before it. Bravo!!! And Thank You!!!

I've just started reading this, and I am firmly hooked! I can't really imagine how a person in 'Jason's" situation would feel, but having read this chapter, I feel that I don't have to imagine it-- you've described it perfectly. It's wonderful how you describe all his uncertainties and frustrations and convey his powerful emotions, all the while the slate of his character and background completely clear. Bravo! I will read in eager anticipation of the Twists to be revealed!

"Slicky Coolplums"--sheer genius! Matty seems to be really quick thinking on his feet and staying cool under pressure. But will that be enough when Rusty rolls out his trap? Slicky has to reel Rusty in before Matty reveals his true identity, I think. Things are getting real interesting ! Great Chapter!!!!

I'm in a bit of a quandary--I can't decide which relationship I enjoy reading about more: Rusty and his roommates and the way they're always ribbing each other; or Matty and Zoey, who I think really deserves to star in her own story! She's hilarious. Honestly, I'm enjoying this story even more than I did GGDDBB at a similar stage! BRAVO !!!!!