CincyKris

I would bet that Kenji did see River and August and was jealous. As far as his money source, I seem to remember him describing himself as a businessman. River was vague on just what this “business” involved.

I'm reading this for the first time. I have to admit, the name of the store threw me! The largest grocery store chain in the US definitely does not have a fantasy department, that I know of.

I have to say that is the fastest gestation period I have ever heard of! Angela was just pregnant and starting to show when they arrived.

The meeting was as successful as possible, without the author being unrealistic. Connie saw her son as a capable adult, whether she is ready to admit it or not. She reminds me of a former coworker. Always playing the martyr and needing to be the center of attention. She will either get onboard or be left behind. Her choice. Same goes for Miles.

Thank you for the chapter, it was very well-written and we learned more about Ashlee's anxiety issues. On the surface, Ashlee seems to have her shit together, like at work. What appears to others to be some manageable OCD. But underneath, what she keeps hidden from everybody is someone who thinks she is broken and will ruin her own life and Felicity's life as well. She desperately needs some therapy. One issue that needs addressed between the women is that Felicity does not think or act in the same way as Ashlee, and she never will. The reverse is also true. They need to find a common ground where they can both live comfortably and thrive in their own ways. I think the flashback/dream parts were successful and added to our understanding of Ashlee. Sarah, whom I have still not warmed up to, needs some stability in her life. Maybe Jeff will help her settle. She is a smart person, but makes self absorbed and unrealistic decisions. I know some people similar to Sarah. If you haven't figured it out by my lengthy comments, I really like your story and your characters have grabbed a hold of me!

I think it might be a good idea for Keith to befriend Hughie, he needs more gay friends than just a married couple, although they seem to be a good influence and good listeners. It seems as if Keith is not ready to make any first moves yet. Hopefully in time, he will gain the confidence.

I'm sorry but this just can't be in the current time. All of their interactions at airports throughout this story would have been impossible. This has to be set prior to 9/11/01. Also, the account of Thomas' parents death was transferred to microfiche, Tommy is only 11. And the complete and utter lack of anyone googling anything.

Just a current day FYI, Halloween is now widely celebrated in several European countries and Australia.

I think we established this is set sometime in the 90's (cellphones common but internet not widely used, microfiche still in use), but flying is so different today. Unfortunately not for the better.

Fortunately for Corey, our guys discovered him. Fortunately for our guys, they discovered Corey! The international surveillance team is perhaps even more unscrupulous than Morrison. Kieran and co. will be doing the world a favor by neutralizing them. I've been eager to find out Michael's role in our adventure, it appears that his contributions are upon us. It's perplexing to align the orcas and ocean with Marntwe and the outback, but your world is interconnected in magical ways!

I decided many chapters past that this is not a realistic or up to date kind of story. I just accept the inconsistencies and continuity problems as a fact and enjoy the storyline. It is sweet and heartfelt and has engaging characters.

I hope Mark isn't permanently disintegrated! Two does not make a triad. I wonder what the labyrinth will lead to, assuming they find their way through? Well, at least they have their granola bars!

I agree that Martina deserves no sympathy. Almost everyone suffers the same kind of grief at some point in their lives, very few of us choose to respond with the viciousness Martina showed. Good riddance. Micco tamed the beast! His capacity for love and peacefulness saved their lives and will make him a great shaman. Now they just have to race back to the shelter with the eyewall chasing them.

I figured Annalisa would be the conduit for change, we have our first step! I’m proud of Colin for giving Miles the talking to that was a long time coming. It’s great that Owain and Colin have their first “couple friends”.

I knew a lot of kids that went wild in college. Some figured out what was important to them and made it through, many did not. Charlie is better off without Drew.

It is not easy to find well written stories about adults, even fewer about regular adults, who just happen to be gay. It is very welcome and I look forward to your new story. Keith has been conditioned by his late father to think of gay as wrong. Hopefully he will be encouraged to change those thoughts. Also, the house sounds fantastic!

I grow it! Very easy to grow perennial.

I'm not sure if it's a cultural difference, but it seems to this American that Mhairi is treating Joe as if he is 14 or 15, rather than 17. Perhaps it is her "training" by her parents to keep an almost 18 year old on a tight leash. I guess leaving him in Owain's care is a baby step. If she doesn't keep loosening up that leash, she is going to find herself all alone.

I've enjoyed reading this funny and sweet story of friendship. Peter and Matthew are such a strong couple, but they might not have made it without Andy's stirring!

Harris continues to completely discount the possibility of magic, and Morrison continues to underestimate his foes, these work in our heroes' favors. Our team, with the help of the Realm Elves, could obviously just alter the thinking of the government/mining bosses. But that would be a let down and too easy. I want to see the out-smarting and out-maneuvering of the bad guys by the good guys! Thank for spinning such a fun tale!

Brian, Gordon, and Toby have all come a long way since the beginning of this story! Thank for this entertaining look at a very well adjusted "unconventional" family.

Sorry @Summerabbacat, I don't think Billie would murder anyone. He would know that Micco wouldn't be sucked in to Sam's drug culture (that's why Micco dumped Sam), and he certainly wouldn't frame Micco.

I'm sympathetic in theory for what Martina went through with Jacob's death and after, but Charlotte left the money to the refuge. Martina did not have to resort to her selfish plan to keep the refuge operating. She did what she did for personal gain, just like Rory, Sam, and Frank. So she didn't get to travel, boo hoo! Lots of people don't get to travel the world into retirement age. So Rory had a heap of student loans, I know a bunch of people with more loans than her! If Martina is looking for sympathy, she better start looking elsewhere than the shelter, or the readers.

I liked the direction Chris and Andre are going. We’ll see what drama happens in Melbourne with all the family, I hope Andre doesn’t get overwhelmed. I think adding a part-timer is a good move. As for watching the baby ….. After all, how difficult would it be to look after a baby for a day? Oh dear! I think Chris might be due for a life lesson!

I’m not sure if we are supposed to pretend in the comments that we don’t know how this turns out. If you haven’t read I Hate This Town you really should or you will read spoilers in this prequel. That being said, I am enjoying River’s point of view. It even seems like his friends concern is starting to sink in at the end of the chapter.