noahthesmallpotato

That was a really cute and unique story. I couldn't help but wonder if they actually did get a chance to grab some pizza. Aaahhh, this desperately needs a follow up! I LOVE IT!!!

An outstanding conclusion to an outstanding series! W.A.R. has brought an overwhelming experience which I haven't encountered in my life yet it feels so realistic at the same time. This particular book felt a lot closer to me not only because of the characters' ages but mostly because I relate to Dustin's fear of expressing his love after losing Billy. With Dustin's World, you have once again proved how great you are in creating a powerful set of characters. From the gun owner Craig and the former officer Mr. Johnston, to the original Holy Trinity: Billy, Brett, and Dustin - you have certainly made each character as important as the main. I loved the very core foundation of the story: as an iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. A broken person like Dustin needed another broken person, and that is Nate. I really loved that idea. Somehow in life we often neglect the help of others because we think they're just helping because of their privilege, and most often, they do not understand our thoughts. While it may take a while, evidently 21 years for Dustin, someone out there shares the same story as you. And I think that's beautiful. I've said before that I haven't been into reading for a long time until I read your story, String. Now I can say, with absolute certainty, that I am very grateful that your work is the one I read first. Never in my life have I ever been this glued into a set of characters in a book up to the point where my perception fiction and reality starts to blend together. I can't express enough in the comment section how thankful I am for your incredible work! It's awesome to think that I've found it by accident. And know I'm yearning for more! It was an amazing journey to share with you. While it might be a really short time (less than a year), I will never forget about this. You truly an amazing author! I'm gonna miss you, Jeff (or Billy). See you later, Noah

Goosebumps! I got goosebumps the entire chapter! That was freaking amazing! I like that you gave Dustin's father a back story first instead of just going for the main scene. I also loved the simplicity of the setting: one car in the middle of a parking lot at night, and one street lamp. It really does give the readers (even the newbies like me) enough but not too complex details to reimagine the whole scene in their minds. I realize if the scene happened inside the bar, there would probably be a lot of clutter. I'll probably note that if I happen to write my own story. Also why does the bartender call Dustin "Big Red"? Hmmmmmmmmmmm... Shit only one chapter left! Now I finally know what the early readers felt...

Oh my god, that's so fucking beautiful. I'm speechless and I'm honestly tearing up. Really, I don't know what to say. It's one of the most touching chapters you've ever made, Jeff! Thank you so much for writing this. Now we finally have D&N - huge thanks to B&B!

This truly is one of Brett's most powerful moments. I'm so amazed by how you managed his character development from Book 1 up to this point. Can't express my admiration enough (both for Brett and for you!)

Gosh I feel like Brett is talking directly to me. This chapter hit me right in the nerves. I've been in a situation where I've thought about a way for me leaving this world without affecting anyone. It turns out it's impossible. Brett happening to be there at the moment Dustin was planning to take his own life was probably a sign that the universe, or God as Brett likes to call it, doesn't want Dustin to leave yet. On a side note: Judging by the Brett's song choice in the funeral, I'm guessing he's actually a tenor? Billy has once mentioned that Brett's voice to be deep when he talks. If that's the case, wow he's got an impressive vocal range! Edit: I just realized there's only three chapters left for me! Noooo I'm not ready for this to be over!

I feel so bad for Nate. It feels like he's being taken for granted by everyone despite how I hard he was trying. Now that I think of it, it appears to be that he is in a much deeper location that Dustin at this point. Unlike Dustin who still can find brief joy through sex, where does Nate get his? You know what I just noticed? It was mostly Nate who approaches Dustin to start a conversation. Now he wants Dustin to "stay the f*** away from him"? Interesting. Also, I loved that Erie reference. Do you think Billy had mild PTSD? Billy needs to chill. Now we can see from a different perspective what kind of an ass**** he can be to anyone he dislikes. Also I finally felt anger towards Luke now. Don't... f*cking... touch... my... boy... Nate... again!

I can't express how much I love this chapter! But it's just so beautiful! I think I'm starting to figure out Brett's purpose in this story. He's Dustin's savior. He's that guy who can guide Dustin back to the right path. He's Dustin's guardian angel. I'm so glad they were able to amend their relationship (at least they're starting to). After all that's happened between them, you won't expect them to ever come into terms, let alone be close friends. But it's one of the open endings of WAR that needs to be resolved to put a complete conclusion to their story. And I'm happy that it's working out!

I kinda expected Joey to die but damn I didn't foresee Brett to be hurt that much. If you think about it, if it wasn't for Brett's grief and anger, he wouldn't be able to force Dustin to do the test. It's all coming together now! I missed Paula! I remember she said she wasn't going to go parading around for LGBT rights, so I'm surprised you added that little detail there! It's interesting how Billy was able to predict Joey's fate and was also able to see Dustin's love interest after hearing just a few words. As far as I know, he was oblivious to a lot of social things. It's possible he used probability to know how Joey will end up. But with regards to Dustin... it's interesting. I may be nitpicking here but like seeing a bit of development in my Billy. And back to Luke. Confirming he is Billy's cousin made me NOT dislike him even more. My feelings toward him is so weird. Lol! Will Billy have a role in the conflict? I guess we'll find out soon! "“I’ll take Brett’s stupid little AIDS test. And after that, I’ll get Craig’s gun…” That last line though. What's he going to do? He couldn't possibly planning on killing himself otherwise what's the point of taking the test? Especially since he was "feeling better". Awesome chapter as always Jeff!

Okay, I'm sensing that Brett's arc is about to end. I think the first part of this chapter has implied enough to convince me that Joey is [Redacted]. My question is, how does it translate to Dustin's story? Luke is... weird? I don't know why he even sticks with Nate. As much as I'd like to hate him, I'm still barred by the fact that his last name is familiar. (Remember, I've refused to hate another blonde boy despite how much of an ass he is to literally everyone). I'm not even sure why I'm feeling the same thing for Luke. Maybe I'm a sucker for blondes lol! I liked that you emphasized first how much Dustin cared for the child before revealing the truth. I really don't have any comment on the concept of abortion because I myself never had any experience nor do I expect the same tragedy to happen to me. But seeing that Dustin has thoughts of being a father figure builds up the possibility of him having a kid in the future. Perhaps, being the kind of father that his own wasn't able to live up to.

Glad to know Dustin is beginning to open up his past life. I kinda knew Mr. Johnson has been observing him all this time! Will he serve as Dustin's father figure? Not very likely, but I'm hoping he does in some way.

Lot's of things happening in this chapter! I love it! I had a feeling already that Sarah might be pregnant - it was hinted a few times in the previous episodes already. I'm interested at how this affects the future chapters. Poor Nate, he deserves better. I'm not sure if Dustin is anything better than Luke though. I'm afraid he might just pull Nate down. Although you can look at it as Nate pulling Dustin up. I already expressed my hatred towards Frank in the previous chapters. If I say anything more, it may break the community guidelines. Lol! Also, what's up with the Brett and Joey's side stories? At first glance, it doesn't seem to connect with the story yet. But I'm seeing parallels between Joey and Dustin, and Brett and Nate. I'm curious at what you're trying to build up. Excellent chapter Jeff!

Hey Jeff! Sorry for the long long gap but I'm back! (almost) Loved the deep conversation between Dustin and Nate in the first half. I may sound like Nate, but I understand Dustin a lot because I've also been in a similar situation before. But kudos to Nate for not giving up on Dustin at that time. People like Dustin are like onions, you need to tear the skin off bit by bit. To think that Nate went through his own circumstances, and to come out of it with a wiser perspective - without anyone's help I assume - is quite impressive. That suggests he is one of the strongest independent characters in this story, arguably comparable to Brett. Which reminds me, it was Brett's philosophical thoughts that also brought him and Billy closer together. I like that parallel. I really enjoy reading the comments after the story. With regards to this one, I would've freaked out if I didn't know any better. Lol! Also, you had a "version 1" of Dustin's World? I really thought it was only for the main storyline while this one is a new addition. Anyway, that's cool and interesting.

"Trust me, every stupid little conversation you’ve ever had with him is stored in that brain of his somewhere." Hehe. That's me. I can still remember all the talks I had with my best friend in college. Only this time, I was Dustin. *sigh* Dude, you're bringing back my memories with my former best friend! Haven't seen him too in a while. So I really understood what it felt like when Dustin had to decide to part ways with Billy. Beauuuutiful chapter, Jeff! Bravo! This is actually a particularly interesting chapter for me. We never get to see Brett and Dustin have a deep conversation before. I love this! Also, thank goodness it was just a kidney stone! You had me worried there for a while. And I think it was really cute when Billy called Brett "babe". I don't know why but it stood out for me this time.

Hmmm. I'm sorry but it's not ringing any bells for me. Could be because it was months already since I read String. Would you mind if you give me a hint?

This was a particularly interesting comment for me to read. Lol! I wonder what your early readers actually felt like.

Man, Billy can't catch a break with his medical complications. Now a kidney problem? I really have huge concerns about this one. I myself knew a friend who had kidney failure, and I'm aware of how time and energy consuming dialysis could be (he's in a better place now). I hope Billy's kidney issue is not as life threatening. Can't wait to hear from him again! Also, I'm starting to like this Mr. Johnston guy. He could be the hero in disguise that'll save Dustin in the future. And that Sarah part. To say that I was uncomfortable reading it was an understatement. Guess I'm really gay? Lol!

I only have one thing to say, Dustin's father could go f*** himself.

Okay I'm starting to get a sense of how dark this story is going to be. Lol! I understand now why you opted for a third person storytelling. It allows you to expand the story to a broader range of characters, each with their own perspective. I like this idea. I wouldn't be surprised if we hear from B&B along the way. So Dustin, Luke, Nate, and Mr. Thompson has to be the weirdest love affair I've ever read so far. But then again, I don't read that much. On the other hand. I liked the part where we get a picture of where the gang is right now. Looks like Joey and Sarah didn't fair well. Kinda hard to believe that both were among the three students running for valedictorian. Also, it's still fun hearing from people talking about how Billy's weird. He's now practically the Sheldon Cooper of this series. From our point of view, he wasn't THAT weird. Now onto Luke. His last name is Cunningham, huh? I believe we may have met a Cunningham before. Two of them, actually. Hmmm.

Dude, what an intro! I love how you wrote the foundations of the story in the first couple of paragraphs. It reminded me of how you opened The Black Summer. I'm intrigued by the switch to a third person POV. I'm curious to see if it's as effective as first person ones. So far, this chapter proves that it is working very well. Overall, Nate is a very interesting character. I also like the name "Nathaniel". It sounds Angelic. It funny how he admits that he's quite the opposite of a saint.

Well, I guess I have a thing for guys injuring the main character early on in a story. *cough* Brett *cough* Dude, after reading Aiden's War, you got me really hyped for Dustin's World! But before I proceed, I will be taking a short break to prepare myself for the "darkness" to come. See you later!

"Do you think I have some big plan? Dude, I just live my life and love the people who I love. You do that, and it won’t matter what anyone does to you because you’ll have what’s important." I absolutely love this ending! Especially when Aiden finally came to terms with Billy. I think that was actually the first time I've seen Billy have a deep conversation from a different point of view. And his words elevated my respect for him. He truly has a good heart. With regards to Aiden, I gotta admit that it took me a while to finally like him. I guess it's because most of his thoughts in the first half of the story was mostly about getting revenge on Billy. To be honest, i actually liked Tyler much earlier, and I think being mysterious was part of it. Oh and speaking of mysterious. Mr. Hartley. Billy's interpretation of him makes sense. An even bigger war lies outside of high school. Billy knows it, and now Aiden does. If Aiden could leave a legacy to the school, it is if he will continue to lead The Resistance to save the lives of kids like him. Overall, this book has been a wild ride. I absolutely loved that emotion that I get when parts of the story converge with the plot of the main series. Especially when I was like "Woah, Aiden was the reason that happened?" or "It was Hartley all along?". Loved those to bits! Thank you Jeff for writing this! Are you really done with W.A.R.? I hope not. Hehehe. I mean, I would love to see some cameos in your future stories. Like in String!

I doubt that Mr. Hartley deleted all the copies of the videos. He's smarter than that. But a truce is a truce. By the way, I don't recall The Resistance being mentioned in String. Did I somehow miss it? Makes me wanna re-read it again.

`Awwww you don't watch HoC? It's okay, I'll try again next time. Hahahaha!

Imagine Mr. Hartley winning this fight and then at the end he breaks the fourth wall... "Yes here we go again... President of the Photography club, that's what I've wanted. That's all I've wanted. That's what I was promised.... and now here I am... Principal of Mon Valley High." Understand that reference? Hehehe.