84Mags

Me, too! I’m kind of dreading that first convo with Max, yet really wanting them to chat. Thursday here we come!

The use of the sheets as symbolism for Kyan ‘waking up’ is exceedingly well done. After the past three years, Kyan is just now becoming completely aware of all that’s going on around him. In a way, he is coming back to life as an older and more mature version of who he was at the time of Danya’s death. Kyan is amazingly insightful into so much about Perry. He is (so far) comfortable with delicately calling Perry out. I’m curious how long it will take Kyan to recognize that his friend feels much more than ‘friends with benefits’ and is shielding himself. Perry clearly is holding back. When will Kyan put the puzzle pieces together?

That would have been helpful information a few hours ago before I naively google searched and got a way more detailed tutorial! 😳LOL

⬆️ Yes! To ALL of this. I have the exact same questions! I was just getting ready to comment about the lack of blowies in Kyan’s marriage. It speaks to the larger issue of just how limited Kyan’s sexual experiences truly are, which make Kyan both naive and alluring. That can be a lethal combination. Kyan also repeated referred to Perry as his best friend. Certainly that’s true, but it also shows he has zero insight into Perry’s true feelings.

I think I’ve said it in at least 2 previous comments, so this is my reminder that I like Max. But, was I the only one who noticed he came on way too strong (barnacle 😂) and didn’t seem to notice until the awkward car conversation that Perry just wasn’t feeling it? Perry’s focus was steady on Kyan. Steady. As in unwavering. Jessica noticed. But then, it seems to me that not much has gotten past her about Perry or Kyan. Jessica’s sister stock went way up tonight when she knew to give a few looks, ask a few questions, but then keep her mouth closed when it counted. Tonight / tomorrow is for Kyan and Perry to figure out. Oh, and Mr. “Hell, if I were gay, I’d be all over you.” is going to find those words end up biting him in the ass.

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So I was all set for a follow up to ‘my’ Orc story, and I had decided to not read any more stories where the characters were college age or younger, then you go and post this. And dang it if I don’t like it! Interesting and engaging idea to use journal entries; I’m looking forward to the next chapter.

This is one of the first stories I started reading on GA, long before I actually joined the site. Because it was started in 2012, I find myself needing a mental reminder that it’s still Corbin’s junior year of college and not anywhere near enough time for him to have personal insight into all of his behaviors. This story isn’t just about Corbin falling in love. It’s also about Corbin figuring out all of his relationships, how he interacts and reacts to any given situation. It is an intense time period set in the overly dramatic world of college youth. I think we have to give Corbin the grace to find his way.

I agree! Circumstances for Kyan meant a pretty sheltered life. I think going to the club will bring forth emotions that Kyan will have to decode. Kyan will get his first glimpse at open sexuality and perhaps have some initial stirrings about himself.

When the first part of this story is finished, I will have my fingers crossed for a part 2 featuring Max where he meets the love of his life. That man deserves all the goodness! (The guy he meets better be Caleb style wonderful!) Max understands there is a dynamic between Kyan and Perry that even the two of them don’t quite comprehend. But everyone, including Kyan, assumes Kyan is completely straight. Perry showing vulnerability is an important step.

Well dang it, I do like Max… just not for Perry. The more I learn about Max, the more I don’t want him to get hurt. He puts himself out there in such a fun and honest way. He’s also intuitive, so my guess is when Kyan is no longer oblivious, Max will recognize what is going on. I also did’t think Perry ‘noticed’ Max. But let’s see how the next meet up goes. I’m very curious about Kyan’s absentee parents.

Oh, Kyan! Extra points for a solid apology and working towards deepening the friendship with Perry. Withholding points for the plan to get Perry and Max together without realizing that perhaps, just perhaps… maybe… it might just be that Perry already has feelings for someone else. What’s that saying about the best laid plans of mice and men? It will be interesting to see how this all plays out!

I like Max. A lot. There, I said it. He will be great for Kyan. Everyone needs a friend like Max and Kyan could really use Max’s counterbalance right about now.

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As said very well by others, the time skip not only works perfectly to move the story along, it is also a realistic peak at how life progresses after a major loss. I have a different take on Perry, though. I think he fell in love with Kyan a long time ago. But Kyan was with his sister (or unknowingly chose her) and Perry made peace with it. Perry obviously loved his sister and he more than adores the kids. He has a strong friendship and family bond with Kyan. I don’t think Perry believes he even can have more with Kyan. There are subtle clues to his true feelings laced throughout all the chapters. Much too subtle for Kyan to catch. And, at least for now, I don’t think Perry will risk losing what he does have with Kyan and the kids.

It was nice to see the Kubler-Ross expanded stages of grief with very realistic thoughts noted next to the stages. More often the 5 stages are known and used; I have always felt it does an injustice to not include shock and testing. “Shock: Check. Denial: Eh. It always felt pretty damn real. Anger: Sure. Bargaining: What would it change? Depression: Kyan shook his head. Absolutely not. He could not go down that road, not with Noah, Henry, Ava, and Gracie relying on him. Testing: Whatever that meant. Acceptance: Yes, please.” And as for Kyan, with Jessica and Perry helping, he is moving into the testing stage. I also noted the subtle times that Kyan and Perry were very ‘aware’ of each other. Slow, steady progress as Kyan (and the children) sad-i-pillar through the new normal.

For me, this line says it all: “You should only ever feel as sad as you feel.” The whole exchange with Noah and later Noah showing Gracie the pictures are heartbreakingly well written. The line reminded me of something Piglet would say to Pooh and is as perfect as anything from A. A. Milne.

#Kyarry, but I agree that it is way too soon. And, I trust MrsG keep the soap operaey (let’s make that new word!) out of it. They already have a strong friend and family bond that is helping both men with their grief. It is not such a leap to see them form a romantic bond.

I know, right?! After I sucked in the snot this chapter caused I kinda did a happy dance.

I had to take a moment after reading this opening chapter. Experiencing grief is excruciating. Being able to put into words what that pain evokes takes talent. I vacillated between the love and sad button because of how well written this is. My tears won out.

I’m grateful this contest has me stepping out of my routine reading. This story captured my imagination from the opening sentence and took me to unexpected places. Hidden between the well worded lines are many lessons, not the least of which is in how we perceive and treat others. It feels a bit odd to call this is a love story, but it truly is… and a very good one.

This exquisitely written romance of lifelong love and difficult endings is a poignant reminder that just like memories, everyone’s love story is their own.

This is a testimony to lifelong love. It is absolutely, poignantly, beautiful.

Happy birthday! Camilo seems undeterred by CJ figuring him out. I’m sure he has plans for Saturday other than a diving trip. Something tells me that it won’t matter, Camilo is no match for CJ.

I’m so glad Jeremy has a best friend who stayed with him through it all, helped plan a viable escape, and understands Jeremy has a lot to process. As for George, good riddance.