Modified Cub

Maybe Ben's companion can set boundaries for him with his family! Outside of Gram & Sophie, the rest just leech off him and destroy any chances at relationships or a human partner.

Great start to what I'm sure will be an enjoyable and unique story! And btw @mastershakeme we're all self-conscious about something. Don't be so hard on yourself! And don't let @weinerdog pick on you too much 🤣

YES!!! I always enjoy your stories and the premise and opening chapter have set the tone for another one of your masterpieces! I'm also selfishly ecstatic to have a new story to look forward to!

Fantastic finish to a sweet, unique story! Yay for Alex finally opening his eyes, to Ryan for showing up looking fine, and to their beautiful HEA!

I feel bad for Ryan - pining for his best friend all those years and then him supporting Alex through the charade. Alex fucked him, had great intimacy with him, yet treated Ryan like a whore at the end. Hopefully, Alex will wake up and realize he's also been in love with Ryan too. They spend almost all of their free time together and have a camaraderie that most couples could only dream of. Ryan needs to put Alex in his place regardless. An awesome chapter! Looking forward to the conclusion!

Good story! I enjoyed reading it and like your writing style! Gram cracked me up!

Hot short story!

Nice start. Looking forward to reading the rest!

I have read several of this talented author's stories but this is my favorite by far. Owen lived a tightly controlled and planned life where his future was laid out for him. However, meeting Margot led him to realize he could have a life of his own choosing, one that would fulfill him and allow him to be himself. The supporting characters have a surprisingly profound impact on the 3 main characters and the setting and circumstances for this tale are unique. I highly recommend reading this one, but be warned, you need to set aside some time because you won't want to stop until you make it to the end.

A low-key yet appropriate end to a bumpy ride that paralleled real life for some of us in many ways. I applaud you for your daily posting schedule, your interactions with your readers, and your dedication to your craft @mastershakeme ! I am going to miss Owen & Ryder and Margot & Jules and the seahorses and Aunt Beth and updates about Dale's lunchmeat declarations. I am proud of Owen & Margot for standing up for themselves and living life on their terms, for Ryder for deciding to go for higher education and to stop smoking for the sake of his health & his future with Owen, and for Owen pushing for him to reconnect with Colin. I'd like to think that both couples will have decades of happiness, reconnection with their families, and get to live in peace. Like many others have suggested, a sequel would be well-received! I am happy and sad at the same time. You made this story part of my daily routine and I am thankful for having something so wonderful to look forward to. Excellent job!

Yet another brilliantly written chapter! I was expecting a more dramatic and outspoken response from Owen's parents, yet his father was chiefly concerned about the family dynasty than his son's happiness and passion for something he truly loves. Eric's response to the situation was what I expected - unconditional acceptance and yet a sadness about forging forward as a new generation of ownership with ideas to grow the business. His mother's response gives me hope that she'll come around with time but the way she more-or-less told him he was moving out was cold and distant, although I don't see how he could spend one more night under the oppressive regime of his father. I'm incredibly proud of Owen for finally revealing his plans to be an educator and for standing firm in his truth and admitting to them that he'd known about his sexuality for a long time, It was incredibly depressing that his whole life fit into 2 boxes. I'm sure Thomas was planning a tax write-off for Owen's educational expenses and am shocked his car was in his name. I have looked forward to reading this story every day and am sad only one more chapter exists. It's easy to see why this story resonates with so many of us for a variety of reasons.

Ryder's entrance was perfect and so Ryder. Owen's anticipation as he rode in the car with his parents had me a nervous wreck and then how he anxiously and fearfully wondered if Ryder was not going to show up was also just like the Owen we've come to know. Margot not only didn't upstage the reception as dramatically as most of us predicted but subtly held Jules's hand and transferred the ring to her finger in a powerful show of defiance and as if to say to her family "yep, this is really happening like it or not folks!" Ryder walking towards the head table and grabbing Owen's hand and Owen accepting that hand as his parents watched on in horror was actually the best and most Owen-esque way of coming out. Aunt Beth, as predicted, not only knew, but showed Owen that she was immensely proud of him finally accepting and standing up for himself. Paige & Beth's acceptance will likely be anomalies but hopefully Eric also shows support. The fireworks have yet to begin! Amazingly brilliant chapter @mastershakeme - and only 2 chapters left!

Well, at least Owen's parents didn't go full grounding mode, although it seems the only way he was out of their sight was during official wedding events. Owen realizes that Ryder is more than committed to him by going out and buying a new shirt. The nightly pillow talks have been Owen's lifeline. It's poetic how he thought about the tasks at the funeral home being the last time he'd have to organize files there or fold programs or etc. Eric knows something is up. I kind of wish Ryder had tatts and piercings to make his appearance even more scandalous to Owen's parents and family. I hope Owen has a bag discretely packed just in case he needs it. I am cautiously optimistic he will stick to the plan and not lose his nerve, because if he does, Ryder is done with him. One final thought - I was relieved Ryder agreed to a promise with Owen that he would find out more info about the electrician training.

WOW, Sofia killed Aiden's father and her husband! Arthur finally realized all the mistakes he made! Aiden found out he was a bastard! And everyone found out Julian now controls not only the companies his father dedicated his life to building, but also the fate of everyone involved. What a sensational chapter @vanalas!!! Hopefully, Sebastien will be found soon!

A ton of excellent observations by all of you thus far that I agree with. Owen was presented with the opportunity to forge his own path forward while they were at YSU yet couldn't break free from the chain tethered to him by his parents and the future of their business. My frustration with that though was why didn't he make a deal with Ryder that he'd go into the Admissions Office to get the ball rolling on his own future if Ryder would do the same! I understand there would be financials to figure out but both guys would have such bright futures with mutual educations to bolster them. Ryder is just as smart and capable as Owen but he's been beaten down so much that he can't grasp the concept that he deserves the chance to do something that inspires him as much as elementary education does Owen. It's such a tragic thing how influential and controlling fathers can be with their sons! Owen was so focused on getting to YSU that he didn't plan ahead for Ryder's smell to absorb into him, which was unlike him, but also should've been a sign that he really wants the path that Ryder set him on to come to fruition. I knew ol' Thomas had noticed Owen leaving early the previous week and that he'd grill Eric on why. Owen should have at least texted Ryder when he got upstairs but then again I think he knew what Ryder's response would be. Owen's parents are downstairs right now plotting ways to tighten their controls on their only son. My hope is that once they deliver their punishment to him that Owen will pack a bag and call Ryder to come and pick him up. I am now curious if the Blue Plate summit plan will even happen. Owen may not make it that far or will he cower once again and suffer through the punishment until Paige's wedding? I have to say that I eagerly look forward to reading this story every day @mastershakeme - thanks again for another wonderful and thought-provoking chapter!

Thank you @drsawzall - that made my day ❤️

Lots of firsts for the young couples. We got to see a side of Margot we haven't before. Owen's parents would be outraged to know he spent the afternoon getting high and cuddling with his boyfriend. The summit seemed to be a success. Paige's reception will definitely be one that's not easily forgotten in sleepy Zanesville. On one hand it's rude for the group to make their declaration during her reception, but on the other the closet has been suffocating for Owen and Margot, so if they're going to come out, why not do so in a grand fashion?! I can't wait to see the drama unfold! I'm willing to bet that Ryder's fit will leave Owen speechless and he'll be the best dressed in the room. I'm sad there's only 5 chapters left but also eager to see how everything ends up.

Eric seems to be realizing that his future partnership may not be as easy as he thought it would be. I am curious as to why Owen's dad didn't question him once he got to work why he drove separately and wasn't informed he was leaving early. I guess he trusts Eric to keep Owen focused the way he expects. The reunion between Colin and Ryder was written masterfully. Colin's non-reaction to Ryder's introduction of Owen as his boyfriend made Ryder & Owen comfortable in knowing that wasn't an issue with him. He seemed to already figure out that's why Ryder was thrown out. I could see a possible thawing from Ryder's mom in the nugget that Colin revealed Ryder's photos hadn't been thrown away, however, she's not likely to buck her husband, so who knows? At least the brothers have a path forward. I'm immensely proud of Owen for not only not objecting to being introduced to Colin as Ryder's boyfriend, but also for accepting the kiss in the parking lot in broad daylight. That's growth. He seems to really be planting the seeds for his future in Y'town. It will be interesting to see how the Blue Plate Summit goes down! Wonderful chapter @mastershakeme Side thought: it would be nice to see on each story on GA how many total chapters there will be for each story, if that's something that's ever been discussed?

Now that was an emotionally tough chapter to get through. I know my heart dropped into my stomach when I read the age of the deceased. I think we all would've rioted had @mastershakeme let it be one of Owen's seahorses!!! As horrible of a tragedy as a child's death was, it served as the impetus to make Owen realize he really has to escape, sooner rather than later. I'm somewhat surprised Margot actually acquiesced instead of trying to manipulate him in to continuing the charade. My vote would be for the foursome to invite Margot & Owen's parents to dinner (with a pretense it's just with the "happy couple") after their meetup next Saturday and rock their world then, not wait until a family wedding. Eric's passion for the business is undeniable and that is his calling, as is teaching for Owen. Bless Aunt Beth's precious soul for not only seeing Owen struggle but also providing sound advice and comfort. I found it sweet that Owen is willing to go to Colin's practice with Ryder. Owen's compassion is one of his greatest gifts.

Fireworks indeed! Owen will always remember the 4th of July - losing his virginity, Ryder's declaration of love, and urging Ryder to make contact with his brother. Ryder is right in that it's painful to hear Owen's anguish and doom every night on the phone. I know he's ony 18 and lived a sheltered life, but at some point, he's got to be bold enough to declare what he wants. He's not a kid anymore. He needs to get Beth & Eric alone and spill his guts in preparation for the inevitable explosion from his parents, who will be just as upset about him wanting his own career path as they will about his sexuality.

It does feel like Owen is in a cult of sorts. His parents only care about their presentation to the world and about succession. But, Eric will be there to run the business - it's not like another funeral home family is going to swoop in and take them over. I'm as frustrated as everyone else with Owen, but what bothers me the most is the intense pressure and sense of despair hasn't led to him having a complete breakdown yet. He's been groomed to continue the family business whether he wants it or not. Margot doesn't get a pass from me in this chapter though. How she manipulated Ryder just goes to show the depths she's willing to go to in order to protect her master plan. While no family deserves to have the memory of their recently deceased loved one desecrated by a showdown between a stranger and a controlling father, Ryder is at least trying to save Owen from a life he will most certainly regret if he doesn't break free.

This was a revealing chapter in many ways. More of Ryder's family backstory, the controlling father, the shriveling mother, a useless sister, and an innocent baby brother who probably worshipped him, the studio apartment that was unlike anything Owen's ever experienced yet he didn't seem to look down on it. Is Owen actually capable of putting an end to the charade and the lies? I do think Ryder shows up and actually I hope he and Owen get caught kissing - maybe that will give him the opportunity to just be honest with everyone. The intimate kissing and finish seemed to serve as an awakening of sorts for both guys. Suzanne is only worried about her family's perception and is suspicious of Owen's whereabouts and why he took off on Ryder's motorcycle and smelled like smoke. I can't wait to see what happens at the party. The town of Zanesville may remember it for years!

Wonderful chapter! I can't decide which of the Seahorses is my favorite. Nora will be POTUS one day though. Poignant of Ellie to draw Owen & Ryder together. I was pleasantly surprised but then not about Ryder's actions around the kids. Beth knows or suspects what's up with the guys or at least she did after seeing them ride off together. Ryder will make an appearance at the party - but what kind of attention or commotion will he cause?

Small towns love when teenagers just out of high school get married. I've always found it odd, but it really is a thing. Why wouldn't parents want their kids to go to college and meet other people and not just settle for their high school sweetheart? Granted, sometimes the young ones are in love, and the relationship lasts, but oftentimes, it doesn't. I'd love to see Ryder show up to see the Seahorses and meet Beth, prompting her to have an honest open conversation with Owen. I also think it would be hilarious for Ryder to show up at the party just so he can see just how controlling and diabolical Owen's parents and Margot can be. I do believe Owen knows he's not going to Ohio State already. Will he summon up the courage though to come out and to tell his family he's not going to be part of the business?

WOW!!! I had a feeling Sophia was the one who did it and framed Julian but what a bombshell Robert delivered! Awesome chapter @vanalas