Goodie

That was a bittersweet parting and I might actually miss Brian. Hopefully he'll visit from time to time. What really blew me away was that he admitted he could actually fall in love with Nick but realised Nick couldn't do the same. If I've come to learn one thing from yout stories, it's to not be too quick to judge until we get a full picture of a characters' true nature. I'm especially proud of Patrick right now. Coming out and being open in public is still to me one of the hardest and bravest things to do.

I feel guilty for liking Dave and Patrick together, it's like I've given up on Nick. So not fair that you make your characters so likeable, Patrick is such a sweet cool dude he's easily managed to worm his way into my heart. I may be a little insensitive, but I feel it only right and proper Dave gets something good out of all this.I'm still hoping for Nick to be good too, but if it's not with Dave then I can live with that.

Hoping this is the breakthrough. Matt and Stuart were probably the perfect pair to stage an intervention. Mel really came through at just the right time as well. Things are looking up or at least pointed in the right direction so here's hoping.

As worried as I am for Nick I know he will come out ok, he's survived much worse. He also has an excellent support network in place by the time he comes to want their help. As much as Brian may not be the best of influences right now, he's fulfilling a need and it might actually cause more harm than good if he were to suddenly stop seeing him. Matt holds the vital key, knowing exactly how Brian rolls so if anyone can get through to Nick then it's likely going to need to be him. Maybe the best thought Nick has had so far is that cutting his seesions with Evan may have been a bit premature.

Wow what a reunion. Nick was so out of it he didn't even know what he was doing. Now I'm feeling really worried for Patrick, he's so damn nice. I don't want to see him hurt, but if my wish for this story is to come true, then someone is going to miss out. Things just got real...this is sooo good.

Dave and Patrick, different, but seems to work, so why not. Haven't given up on Nick and Dave, just enjoying the interlude. As for Nick and Brian, it is what it is. I'd class it as friends with benefits and it seems to work as well. I saw in this chapter how much Brian actually cares for Nick. It's not love, but there seemed to be some genuine concern there. Alan was a real standout in this one, he's coming along in leaps and bounds and together with Matt they add such a feel good dimension to all the angst. Great stuff.

I still think there's a chance for Dave and Nick but just not right now. They are apart and probably need this time to experience their own thing. They are both big boys capable of making up their own minds and as much as I would love to see them back together, the fate of the universe doesn't rest on that eventuality. Would it really be a bad thing if they weren't boyfriends again but at least were friends? Both guys deserve happiness, even if it is with someone else. I actually love Patrick for the simple fact he didn't just jump into bed with Dave, the opportunity was there, but he felt the time wasn't right. That, at least in my books, shows character and I think he deserves credit for that. You've actually done a remarkable job of turning some of your characters around, Daves' mum, Linda,Patrick. Just goes to show, no-ones really a lost cause. Great writing and continuing to thoroughly enjoy this story.

I have to agree with a couple of others, Brian isn't necessarily a bad person and it would be unfair to blame him for some of Nicks' decisions. About the only thing I can hold against him is supplying coke, the weed i have no issue with. In some ways Nick needs to feel closeness with someone and Brian is fulfilling that role. For that reason I wouldn't be totally against Dave doing similar which is why I'm watching and waiting to see what if anything might develop between him and Patrick.At least for this chapter it was nice to see Nick lose himself for a time and find a bit of happiness.

I too am enjoying thr reemergence of Daves' mum. If she returns to nursing I can see her becoming even more independant and regaining more of her old personality. I'm not sure what brought about the change in George, but if he doesn't make some positive changes of his own he may end up alienating his wife as well as his son. Nick and Dave still harbor some feelings obviously, you can't just forget someone and all the time you've spent with them. Is it enough to bring them back together? I continue to live in hope.

Nicks' life is in limbo it seems while he continues to wallow in guilt and self destruction. Without Dave in his life he never really had other options. At least he still has Stuart and the ever ready Matt as friends, Zoe too remains a constant and I'm glad to see her happy in a relationship with Richard and returning to complete her degree. Seems everyone is forging ahead apart from Nick. It's sad to see him so lost. Despite what he did and continues to do, he remains a favorite of mine and I can't help but feel sorry for him.

Wow that was a hell of a roller coaster ride, one I'd definitely want to do again. This story was amazing and took us to great heights and very deep lows. I'm looking forward to the final installment. Despite the sadness and heartbreak I see tiny glimmers of hope and that's how I will leave this book. Ever the optimist I look forward to book three. As always heartfelt appreciation for all that you've given us.

This is like a train wreck, you can see it coming but you just can't turn away..When the truth finally comes out, the pain of that alone won't hurt as much as all the lying afterwards. Now I just have to see the final derailment.

Oh boy, Nick couldn't dig a bigger hole for himself without an excavator. Dave deserves to know, leading him on is so unfair. Nothing will be like it was for all his wishful thinking. It's easy enough to know the right thing to do but even harder doing it, so I get that. Probably the biggest wrong is not giving Dave the chance to be hurt, angry, sad OR understanding and forgiving. The latter is probably a stretch but he still deserves his feelings. Regardless, Nick won't be able to act normally so Dave is going topick up on that thinking he is still in the wrong and feeling guilty for all the wrong reasons.This is bad but sooo good. Guess I'm a glutton for heartbreak and misery, great job.

Ouch..that was painful. Nick what are you doing???? The saddest part was the little dream where he pictured Dave joining them....as if. I really wish Matt would have been a lot firmer in steering Nick away but at the end of the day this is all on Nick. Love him to bits but hate what he's done. You did a great job writing this one. I can imagine it was as hard to write as it was to read.

Ohhh their first real fight. Where did that come from?, all seemed so sudden over nothing. Zoe put it best....I’m pretty sure your stubborn love is stronger than your stubborn pride.’ Both boys could probably do some major grovelling, Dave for outright saying what he did and Nick for thinking it. Best revelation was a better insight into Stuarts' character. With a much better understanding of him as a person hopefully he will be better appreciated for the clarity that he brings to the picture. He was always blunt open and honest from the start so why anyone thought he had a hidden agenda always seemed unfair. Perversely enough, this is one of my fav chapters. Knowing that it's not all hugs and kisses and seeing them have an actual spat, though sad, just made it that much more real. Thanks for the great chapter and looking forward to the make up session.

Was always dead keen to check these out but just wanted to time it right so I didn't spoil the main story. This is an excellent compliment to Nemesis giving us a great insight into Alan as a person. Always makes for an interesting read when we get to see the other side. I only grew to like Alan after the kiss incident when everything clicked and I suddenly realised what all the initial angst was about. Poor Allan, a tragic character forced to repress his true self by a strict homophobic father. I can relate to the want and desire and the missed opportunities. Somehow though had things been different I can't really picture him with either Dave or Nick. Matt was just the thing he needed at that time and I'm glad Matt made the necessary moves. Loved this and looking forward to checking out some of the others.

Poor Nick. I can identify with him feeling miserable and sorry for himself over his illness, never a pleasant experience, made worse by the fact it was his birthday. Fortunately the two most stable people in his life were there as always to show him some love and care. It was sad the letter upset him so much, he has a lot of feelings to come to terms with on the mum front and maybe Zoe can help him there. Dave remains as always the perfect boyfriend and next best support person and is a big part of the family now. Glad to see Zoe and Richard looking like a good thing together, another kind and decent person added to the mix can only be a good thing. Now Nick just needs to find someone for Mellie.

Always being so late in the game I tend to miss any RL dramas that the writers may go through and I see you've has your fair share. You are an amazing person and it's reflected in the way you tell your stories. That you can take the time to share your gift of words with us is testament to your strength and just how special you are. And this awesome chapter is further proof of that. Nicks' matchmaking was clever and brilliant. After her initial surprise, Zoes' take charge attitude with Richard was a good sign. Matts' party made a great place for everyone to relax and be themselves for a time. Stuart, being the clever man he is, I wonder if he was prepping Dave for when the band and it's continuing success may take up more of Nicks' time and focus.

Another great chapter. And what a delightful dinner convo, for me anyway, maybe not so much for poor George. Was interesting getting the goss on some past history. So he pursued the aunt but wasn't considered good enough for her by Nicks' dad, awwww to be put in your place by a mere yob, classic. Got to watch that sparkling water, potent stuff hehe. Daves' Xmas gift was very thoughtful and just the perfect thing for Nick. In return, I loved Nicks' gift, simple but heartfelt.Hard to read those words with a dry eye, they carry so much power and meaning. Zoe has a couple of options, which way will she go? Like Nick I'm easy either way assuming she's even interested, just so long as she can find the happiness she deserves. Same with Matt and Alan, hope they can find their happiness without the challenges that Alan faces. Finally poor Stuart. Haven't seen him say or do anything to earn peoples distrust. Maybe it's just me, I try to see good in everyone till they prove otherwise.

Dave is the best of friends speaking up for Mandi. And loyal to a fault putting Patrick in his place.I could picture Mandi in her Sari, a real princess indeed. I felt a bit sad listening to Matts' story, knowing he was so close to what he wanted but too afraid of losing it, just like Alan. Thankfully Nick and Dave got involved and looks like things just might work out, here's hoping. Story just keeps getting better, I'm now a real fan, bless you for all your good work.

Great chapter. Glad Nick got some resolution from the trial with the 5 years for Craig as well as the sizeable compensation. Nothing can really undo the damage that was caused but hopefully this will go some way to restoring his spirits. With Dave at his side being the loving and supportive boyfriend that he is, he's in a good place to get back on top of life. The concert was awesome. Like Dave, I couldn't help a tear or two as I pictured Nick bringing life to the words of his song. It was nice to see Dave appreciate Nicks' performance knowing how he feels about where Nicks' talent may lead him and being worried about his place in that future. Mrs. Kaur telling Dave to look after Nick because he was a good boy was a really nice touch. I will cherish this chapter in lieu of future angst

I'm with everyone else, the courtroom scene was well done. Believable enough that I was feeling pretty tense. I expected a bit of skullduggery from Craig's lawyer. Of course they have to tread a fine line, coming across as victimising the victim could alienate the jury and make them sympathise with the complainant. At least it's over for Nick and Dave, they survived that part of the ordeal doing surprisingly well all things considered. I'm worried about the father.What could he possibly hope to add here, thinking an alibi of sorts by lying through his teeth. Can't relax till this is over and justice is served. Speaking of, "....call me Richard" Hmmm is this something to get excited about, fingers crossed.

Time for some closure hopefully, assuming all goes well at the trial, it's not cut and dry with only circumstantial evidence available. I'm worried for Nick, it will be painful having to relive all that again and although I can understand him wanting to face his demon, I'm a little worried the defence counsel won't make it easy for him either. ‘I thought you were supposed to be the lawyer here.’ That's right Dave, you tell him. As for the mum, I wonder if she's softening. It must be difficult for her caught up in the middle of this little war between father and son. I can almost see her reach breaking point and maybe make a stand to sort out the two men in her life. Oh and Zoe too, let's not forget she has to face that dirtbag ex of hers as well. Don't think I've yet acknowledged just how much she has gone through and how much she has given up to play mother. Definitely deserving best sister award. Loving this story.

And he seemed like a really nice bloke offering to help Nick out' Good on Dave for setting the girls straight, coming out early means he won't have to worry about any more chasers,at least not the female kind. I especially loved the way he dealt with Patrick, really put him in his place as well.

The study date went well, seeing as Dave was not a threat having no romantic interests in Mandi allowed the parents to relax and be more accepting. The dinner sounded absolutely wonderful, I love butter chicken with naan bread. Since he now as an open invitation and Mandi is now allowed to visit at his house, looking forward to her meeting the rest of the gang.