Danners

From personal experience, I wonder if Mike was roofied. His post-drink behavior matches my best friend’s exactly. (As for me: I didn’t stomach whatever was in that tequila shot and vomited almost immediately. Even then I have no memory of anything until the next morning.) Speaking of trauma. For a second there, you had me thinking the Ben’s psychic wound was a shield like Tony suggested. A long term shield nullifying his magical self that, now that it’s breaking down, is affecting Ben’s psyche. I’m glad it’s “just” his soul crying over Mo. That’s at least manageable in a mundane sense. I wonder if Mo has a similar wound. He must, right? While Ben’s feelings about and for Mo are certainly stronger, Ben must mean just as much to Mo. Road trip time! Middle East, here we come, courtesy of Finley Air. Barring that, there must be a way to convince or trick Mo into a video chat of some sort. He and Ben need to talk — desperately. Emmett still screams (half-)unicorn to me. I don’t know. The empathy, the healing, the silvery whiteness and skittish nature. You’re gonna make me do research, aren’t you? 😆 Anyway, Fin catching glimpses behind Emmett’s shields might be a good thing: a sign that Emmett, even if only subconsciously, is comfortable enough to let his guard down around the dragon. That, or our poor empath is barely holding himself, which could easily be the case. If he wasn’t such a caregiver already, I’d suspect he’s focusing on his friends’ problems to escape dwelling on his own. What Fin said about ignoring your own grief is especially poignant this chapter. Not just for himself but for their whole circle of friends. (Except Dom. F*ck Dom.) Finley, for all his faults, remains our unproblematic prince. He’s such a plush dragon around his friends — if that makes sense. Cute, cuddly, comfortable and comforting. Him inviting his crush on a (play)date is exactly the excuse Emmett needs to relax and enjoy himself without any guilt. I can’t wait!

I’m still convinced Juan and Roger could be good together but they’re both going to be busy with their careers at this point. Daniel too. Plus, of the three, Special Agent Janick seems to be the only man in the right headspace for a (healthy) relationship. Besides, in my head, Daniel is Juan’s gayteway to exploring his sexuality. Roger is endgame. 🫠 Not that the rest of the story isn’t totally captivating! @empath had me holding my breath this entire chapter.

I’m glad Jakob approached Matt and helped untangle his feelings. Sweet Matt deserves a special someone who returns his affection. Not only that but his unrequited crush on Oscar made him the weak link among the locals and I’m positive Ralph noticed. (How Oscar missed out is anyone’s guess.) Also, as a Minnesotan, I’m trying to imagine a passive-aggressive Nazi at a Lutheran potluck and it’s … hilarious. I’m also reminded of Rose from the Golden Girls mentioning that, in St. Olaf, Hitler was her History teacher and Ava Braun taught P.E. Golden Girls Clip

“For a reason he could not put into words, the lubricant made him nervous.” Been there, Dante. Been. There. It’s a slippery slope. Meanwhile Alice continues to grow on me. Her muttering in the shop had me cackling. Frank too. They seem less interested in the slavery of it all and more inclined to buck tradition. This whole Sapphire business has me curious. I’m picturing Dante’s mother as the equivalent of a courtesan or someone very much in demand. Please tell me you’ll continue sprinkling references and info as the story progresses.

I knew this chapter would be heavy when I saw it was a flashback and it — you — didn’t disappoint. Moving and heartbreaking, this glimpse of their relationship as it developed and evolved The recordings of King’s memories, especially during these times … I can’t imagine how bittersweet they must be for Bishop. Or, honestly, how meaningful they could be for Pawn if he’s ever given the opportunity to listen to them. You’ve outdone yourself with this one, @CasualWanderer82.

Okay, so maybe Alice isn’t so bad after all. She’s clearly competent and intelligent, maybe even progressive. I’m guessing knowledge is what holds her attention most, so it makes sense why having a slave didn’t rank high (or at all) on her to-do list. Dante … you just want to give the guy a hug. His past so far is an onion blossom of mistreatment. The relative freedom this household affords its slaves must be both exciting and worrisome — like, when’s the other shoe going to drop? Oh, and as weird and pervy as it is to say, I’m really looking forward to Dante’s first(?) erection. May it spear the heavens … or something. Hehe.

A strong start! Dante has a sassy side beneath that subservient demeanor and I’m all for it. I hope it doesn’t get him in too much trouble, maybe just a little trouble. Is it me or does Alice seem like something of a f*ck-up? It’s early yet, and I know she’s now a slave owner, but I almost feel sorry for her.

Nothing beats the warm feeling of a legendary plan coming together. I already knew I liked the judge and the DA from Roger’s interactions with them in previous chapters, but I’m really starting to adore Juan now. He’s smarter than he gives himself credit for, more perceptive too. I’d been wondering how Roger and the detective could be lured into extended contact and subsequently develop feelings for one another. Looks like the stage is being set and soon — with any luck! — the curtain will rise. Roger honestly has a heart of gold. He may think it’s tarnished by his past but Thomas will pretty quickly absolve him of that belief. Oh, and so as not to exclude Rizzo, in teaming up with Laurel and Hardy, I hereby dub him one of the Three Stooges. Streetwise he may be but he’s picking a fight in an arena he only has tertiary experience with. Roger has gladiators while “the Riz” pats his good buddies on the head and snaps their elastic bow ties. May his downfall be true comedy gold!

Normally I don’t wish ill of others but Jason Rizzo needs to land himself in prison and become the flesh being traded. The new Eddie overplayed his hand with Roger and to say I hope it bites him in the butt is an understatement. Fingers crossed his relative inexperience and inflated ego continue to misstep. Roger tipping off Juan should definitely help. My only real concern there isn’t with Charles Miller — even if it chafes that, as a potential witness against the Chicago Outfit, the monster could receive a cushy deal from the DA. No, my concern is Thomas as a(nother) potential witness and film star. Once he’s found to also be Roger’s protege, the teen’s gonna have a target painted on his back again. A target that needs possibly corrupt police protection. Maybe Eddie himself can shed some light on the situation. I don’t remember his death being mentioned, just a life sentence, and if Roger is correct about him being a changed man, maybe he’d be willing to talk. For old time’s sake. At the very least he must have an idea who Rizzo is and why he got promoted. Samantha Jones will help with that, I’m sure. Never underestimate a journalist with a personal connection to a story. She’ll dig up information even Ramos can’t get his hands on. I wanted Thomas to wake Roger up or do something to calm his turbulent slumber but then I had to remind myself who Thomas is and what he’s been through. Which is part of why I’m so pleased with Brendon and Sandra. Together and separately they have so much personal strength and empathy to offer Thomas and Roger. I can’t wait until all of these individual moving pieces begin forging and strengthening connections as your story progresses, empath.

Beyond the beautiful ending of your story, that post script brought a tear to my eye. RIP Gil. Wherever you are, I hope you’re wrapped in the same warmth and comfort you found under the Christmas tree.

And the gifts keep on coming (pun intended)! I wonder what other sweet overtures Gil has in store for Art. Whatever they are, something tells me they’ll pale in comparison to this romantic catharsis under the Christmas tree.

The power of grief is a terrible thing, especially when it lashes angrily at those you hold dear. I feel for the men and the boy, and I hope Pawn’s absence is enough to shock Bishop out of his misery. At least there’s a wild stallion out there to keep Pawn company since the remaining three have their hands (and mouths and cavities) full.

Now that’s how you spend Christmas Eve!

This window into a new side of their relationship has been nice. Jamie seems happier not being totally in control while Cottontail isn’t as rigid in his way of thinking. Since they’re both so accustomed to wearing masks (figuratively and literally), it must be refreshing to relax, even if it’s just a little bit. I can’t help imagining Cottontail approaching Jamie sans mask and comically adopting a goofy accent to (un)successfully trick him. Silly rabbit, he’s gonna recognize you. When he does, I hope Jamie doesn’t toy with him … too much.

Don’t worry, the subtext was there. Your translation from brain to page didn’t lose anything. When the characters are fleshed out — and they are — they kinda speak for themselves. Now get back to writing!

Was Marie the same fortune teller who beckoned to Alex earlier in the story? I like that she’s neutral and yet protective of Jacques until he can at least understands exactly what he’s up against. That, and the nudge she gave him in the right direction. Marcus and Devon are in for a surprise, that’s for sure! Think they will recognize “Zombie Boy” after Alex’s transformation?Please tell me Solomon will toy with them because, y’know, funny. (That’ll teach ‘em to make fun of Master Black! Hehe.) Poor Jacques can’t escape his family legacy. At least he got one (more) afternoon out with the boys before the night chased him back to Maison Noir. I hope he gets an explanation he can stomach and some much needed time to consider Marie’s reading. Maybe Alex can lend a different perspective. Speaking of Alex: fingers crossed he spent the afternoon recovering and educating himself on this new work he’s found himself in. Heck, this new body he’s found himself in. Have fun on vacation!

I love … well, everything about this chapter. Kept starting with “I love” and couldn’t pinpoint where to start because all of it was perfect. I mean, Nurse Ratchet and Rebecca can take a flying leap into Lake Michigan but everyone else — nothing but positives! Bring on chapter seven!

Dom’s lack of empathy and understanding seems in line with a pompous, self-righteous Alpha. His thoughts on his brother, on Emmett luring Dex into perversion, and his attitude toward humans in general all paint him as a bigot. A deer supremacist if you will. What a dick. I hope Emmett attends the wedding on the arm of a certain dragon (if only as platonic dates) and the latter scares the piss out of Dom. Literally. During the ceremony. I still think Mo doth protest too much but the revelation about being in an arranged marriage does help with the context of what he said about Emmett last chapter. He was projecting, only he’s the one being forced. He can’t say no — or did and was ignored. And then there’s Ben. So many ideas about what’s going on with him. I doubt he’s possessed. He could be cursed but why him, specifically? If Mo’s feelings for him are more than platonic, sure, his family could’ve cursed Ben to turn his attention to everyone but Mo. Seems a little extreme and very convoluted. He could be cursed to estrange himself from this circle of friends as part of a long term plan to isolate Emmett. Either for Finley, to test Finley, or because Finley’s brother can use him to ultimately kill the younger twin. Or, simply put, it’s psychological. A defense mechanism. Ben’s a complex guy and being cut off from your best friend (Mo) can make you act irrationally. Or, after finally sharing his assault with Fin last chapter, part of him feels comfortable attracting men again. That he’s flirting with his friends and being drawn to Emmett, imagine how surprising that must be. Sad Emmett I don’t like. It goes against his nature, and he’s such a sweetheart. While I know his isolation was necessary and meaningful, I’m glad he’s back with his friends. Shoot, I wrote a novel. TL;DR — Emmett’s back, yay! Dom is a dick. Ben needs a hug. Finley blushing warms my heart. I talk too much.

It’s striving to overcome our flaws that makes us into better people. We may not always succeed but we try, and that’s what matters most. Your characters are flawed, they’re human, and their stories are all the more compelling because of it. They’ve been trapped, each in their own way, and maybe they still are to some extent. But they want to change. They’re trying to change and they’re facing their fears. Sandra, Roger, and the boys have a long way to go still but I, for one, love where you’re leading us so far. I feel like I’m along for the ride. Same team even. Team Casio! (Hehehe.)

The feels! No fair pulling is in like this.

Jack! Bravo! This chapter was everything I imagined it to be and more. The growing sexual tension between Alex and Jacques. A pull they can neither explain nor ignore, and yet they try. Speaking of which, Solomon. I get the sense that Solomon’s feelings for Jacques are growing. It might be protective, even paternal, or maybe it’s the product of the enchantment Lucien wove around Solomon’s family. I don’t know. Maybe Solomon can see Jacques’ resistance or empathizes with the weight of all that’s been rested in his broad shoulders. I feel for how lost Alex feels. He’s in a new place, with a strange new body, and now one of two lifelines he has is seemingly walking away. The poor guy must be drowning. Maybe Solomon can help him understand his place here or at least offer alternatives. I mean, as described, he’s supposed to be with Jacques but the other man is like “Eh … maybe not.” The connection between this undeniable. From the emotional and metaphysical connection to Jacques’ touch quite literally molding Alex into a new man. They both have heavy thoughts to mull over. I hope Jacques rubber bands right into Alex’s arms, at least before anyone else can whisper ideas into his ear.

Where’s Dick Wolfe when you need him? This story, so far, as an absolute marvel. EDIT: I would’ve been 14 when this fictional case was being prosecuted. I was already sexually active and definitely feared what would happen if we were discovered. The characters … they just speak to me. I can’t wait to see how this case and this story unfold.

I mean, Cottontail’s brother was obviously the original Xpress and he isn’t satisfied with his little brother’s performance. It’s more than that though. My initial instinct is that Big Bro has personal beef with Jamie. Maybe he was rejected or he was one of the ex-boyfriends Jamie advised against. He had too much interest in Mr. Vayne, almost an obsession. Alternatively, Big Brother’s forthcoming story is about Cottontail. If not himself as a person then it’s about the legacy of Xpress and how targeted hit pieces can influence the masses. Cottontail, no matter how you look at it, is a pawn. I hope that Jamie can overlook his own ego and spot the signs in Cottontail. Either help him build his self-esteem or recognize that it’s okay that what he wants doesn’t necessarily line up with the spirit of Xpress. Cottontail has more drive than he gives himself credit for. If Big Brother wasn’t so domineering, I bet he’d know that his older brother isn’t cutting it in the real word of journalism and is using him. He, the submissive, could be perfect for Jamie. Even if Jamie makes it big, having a dedicated (and possibly faceless) journalist who covers his concerts and supports him is priceless. Loving him and building a life with him (outside of the spotlight) — what more could they ask for?

This chapter was well done. The journal brought things full circle for Alex and Jacques and answered enough questions about Lucien to keep me locked in. Now, if Dr. Bob doesn’t at least mention the junk in Alex’s trunk, that’s an entirely different subject …