Seraph74

Yes, I agree that it sounds like it could be the beginning of something longer... should you wish it to be so, of course. I, for one, would like to know what happened in the intervening 50 years, because while the vamps may have decided to make themselves known, what on earth happened to "the project" and the people involved such that Nick would A) not be revived after 2 years (or sooner, if there were complications), and has not beed discovered until now? I cannot imagine the materialism of today's world would ordinarily let a building remain unoccupied for long; and in times of crises, again it would have to be rare for a building to remain unchallenged for so long. So many unanswered questions... so much possibility for more story But do love it in and of its own, too. Thanks for posting!!

Awwwwwwwwww Does any more really need to be said?

I really love this one; so much said in so few words. Enough to fill in the blanks, but also just not quite enough for complete satisfaction. But a fantastic piece of work in total. I for one would love to see more of the story, but I cerainly won't demand you write more so we can see what happens next. *sits looking at you with big, brown, soulful puppy-dog eyes instead*

Fantastic story!!! Like Nephy, I loved the fact that John's reaction upon seeing the chair was basically along the lines of "... yeah? and? what's your point, I'm still interested in *you*". Something often lacking in today's world, but beautiful when it occurs...

Absolutely beautiful story, but pleeeeeease don't tell me this is really the end... there seems so much more to the story of Jamie and John (and even Marion!) that can yet be told!!!!

Great story... and made me realise that, as a hopeless romantic myself, I shouldn't give up hope now that I'm no longer in my 20's (and rapidly approaching my 40's... eek!). Stories like this one always leave me with contented feeling, so I'm really glad you chose to share!!

Rover and Felix... I should have known we'd see your trademark humour before long! Coupled with Glory's (not so) internal dialogue, you had me with a smile on my face for this chapter, and indeed while I'm typing this review. Can't wait to see where this story is going to go... it appears my weekly Wednesday addiction will continue to have something with which to slake its lust... yay!!

Awww, what a beautiful ending to a beautiful story!!! I'll admit that I'm one of few gay men who don't actually appreciate sex scenes within a well-written story; it's a bit like a musical can be - the storyline stops while everyone sings (fucks), and then resumes once the music is over. But this chapter... wow. Beautiful music all it's own, and I didn't skip over one bit of it like I normally do. This chapter alone puts you into a league of your own, Nephy; well done!! And while I should be satisfied that I have just read a fabulous story that I will enjoy reading again (especially now that I know it has a happy ending; I am a sucker for happy endings), I must admit I am gloriously (no pun intended) happy that there will be a sequel to enjoy. Keep up the great work, Nephy... 'tis truly a treasure to behold!!! Seraph

Great chapter (jeeze, I think I say that for every chapter... I'm beginning to sound like a broken record! ) You really captured Glory's state of mind throughout the whole chapter perfectly, and it was so easy to empathise with his confusion, spinning more and more out of control as more and more information comes flooding in until he finally snaps. The pacing was perfect, playing the chapter out like the perfect seduction - starting slow by capturing the sudden change in Sar with the beginning of the confusion, and building the intensity as more information about Glory's true nature was revealed, the almost orgasmic point of no return when he snaps, to the sweet afterglow at the end when Glory finally, finally feels safe. Brilliant!! I think this might be the best chapter yet. And nice to not have a big mean nasty cliff-hanger ending... though I am a bit concerned about your after-chapter comment of "how long will it last?" I look forward (I think) to the final chapter, as well as your next story so I don't have to say goodbye just yet to these characters!! Seraph

Great chapter, as always. I'm hoping that a bit more of the search details will be revealed in chapter(s) to come. Oh... are you are so totally the Mistress of 'Mean' Cliff-hanger Endings... gimme the next chapter, already! Gimmegimmegimme!!! Great story Nephy. I'm going to miss it when it finishes, as I really love all your characters (well, ok... except the ones I'm meant to hate... but I do love hating them, so that counts, right? ). Seraph

Great story. Particularly liked the acronym, which I didn't pick up until you spelt it out. Plus it made a particularly refreshing change from vampires! (not that I don't like vampire stories, but change is good, too)

Curious story... while I enjoyed it, I felt throughout that there were bits that you knew very well but didn't quite convey, and so left a slight "huh?" feeling; perhaps you expected your audience to know as much about what you were writing as you did? It's a fine line between teasing your audience, and not conveying enough; I think perhaps you need to 'spill a bit more dish' to assist in following the story. But certainly a great concept, and look forward to your further writings!

Awwwwww... what a great ending!! I so love the way that Kaleb stood up to his mother with honest conviction, and even more so that his father then not only supported him but gave him suggestions as to what to take and ordered the private jet ("if you have the means...") I'm really enjoying this story. It's also wonderful that while you sort of leave it on, not a cliff hanger, but an "I Want More" sort of ending, it's still a really positive "Awwwww" ending that leaves one with a 'warm and fuzzy' feeling. I also love the fact that I never feel, through your writing, that Kaleb is "special". He just comes across as one of those rare, beautiful, honest, transparent (in a good way), guileless people that one would love to be aquainted with. I certainly would love to be able to call him a friend, that's for sure. Great writing, great story... more, more, more!!! Seraph

Great chapter, as always. I disagree with Daddydavek's review, however. The (drug induced) ethereal state that Glory is in makes it difficult to tell *when* exactly this happened. More importantly, it also gives no indication of how *long* he has been in the Circus. I imagine (hope?) that that will be revealed in future chapter(s), but in any event, you really captured the timeless nature of the experience brilliantly. I can't wait to see what happens when Glory 'sobers' up. I particularly liked the way he reacted instinctively to Sar, even to the point of remembering his name. The not forgetting the pain was a great touch, and made Glory's decision to take Sar's hand even more poignant. I'm sooooo enjoying this story; you've done so well with the characterisation and the plot, too!! Can't wait for the next chapter!! Seraph

"And yes, this inner dialogue between my four natures IS getting a bit old and weird now."... actually, it's highly entertaining and not old or weird at all Interesting revelation of Glory's character, at showing how difficult life on the streets must have been for him. His reaction to sex with Sar. While regrettable that he cries 'rape' at the end, one can't really blame him as he's never really gotten close to anyone before so has never really been able to say 'yes' or 'no' to something taking place. If you haven't had that mind-blowing 'first time' of losing control, it can be quite unnerving at the end; which is exactly where Glory is, and not helped at all by the bond. Of course, poor Sar is no better. It seems age alone doth not grant wisdom in affairs of the heart, especially when bonded. I do feel sorry for him, somewhat, because despite his age this is so out of his comfort and knowledge zones that he, too, is 'juvenile' in his responses; but, just like Glory, cannot help himself. And Glory is not exactly a 'reasonable' creature to deal with (at the best of times!) Great development of the characters, Nephy; can't wait to read more!!

I think Louis has summed it up far more eloquently than I at present, so I'll sum up my views as: what he said, times two.

Fantastic chapter, as always. Kinda like the fact that Sar - Mr I'm Always IN CONTROL - is feeling completely out of control... though not sure I like how it's affecting Glory... but makes for great reading. Especially when you contrasted it with Fougue's (sp?) very, very astute observations. Fougue has certainly redeemed himself, in my eyes at least, towards having more empathy/concern/attention to Glory's well-being. My biggest feeling, though, is sorrow for Rover... his love for Glory will always, I feel, be that "I'm your bestest friend, and even though I will love you forever, would lay my life down for you, and would be honoured to be your lover... I know it will never be enough for you" kind of love... and having been there myself, know how much it sucks. Such a great story... really can't remember the last time I inhaled each chapter so quickly and was left thirsting for the next like I have with this story. If this was a 'teaser trial' and I could buy the book right now, I would!!! Though I'd prefer an autographed copy

Great chapter, but... ARGH!!!! Cliffhanger Now I have to wait a whole week to see what happens. This is why I normally wait until stories are finished; my patience levels are remarkably low! But definitely an interesting meeting between Sar and Cat. Think Sar's reaction to Glory's feelings of being a whore/possession show a somewhat limited concept/understanding of how life has been for Glory. Ok, Glory may not have put it eloquently, but after the goading he's received and the way he's been treated in general, who can blame him for feeling particularly unsettled? Don't suppose we can have the next chapter on, say, Saturday instead of Wednesday? Huh, huh? Maybe? Pweeeze??

Is it sad to admit that I practically did a 'happy dance' when I realised the new chapter was, indeed, posted? ... who cares?? Love this chapter. Like the way that Cat.. err, Glory... is beginning to 'think' in his different aspects; and especially love the way they 'clash' (eg: the gravy-wiped-off-chin and fey being disgusted) For some reason, this chapter also reminded me of something I read ages ago about successful fiction; that is, for it to be successful, the reader must, in the characters (not necessarily the protagonist): see aspects of themselves as they are; as they wish they were; of people they know; of people they wish they knew... and a combination of all in just the right proportion. For me... you've nailed it, Nephy!! And have to agree with phana14 - that line about living with wolves is sooooooooo perfect. I'm a bit of a Rover myself, except I'm perhaps more like Cat in the sense of reticent to trust, but once you have my trust and loyalty... *blammo*... soul brother :2hands: ... and while you get some outs, don't cross me or... Slight tangent, but interesting none-the-less (at least for me)... people of talk of 'lone wolves', but 'traditionally' wolves are pack animals, so a lone wolf is somewhat like a cat, but still seeking the pack, a bit like Cat is seeking humanity, but seeking wolves, but... an interesting round-about that can get some confused So... loving the work so far, can't wait for the next chapter. Cheers, David

Fantastic story Nephy!!! I particularly like that you've included all of the Kin without focusing solely on one or two. The character of Glory is certainly intriguing, and given his nature (natures?) it feels like this is going to be one fast, bumpy, and very exciting ride! Can't wait to see where it's headed. Looks like Wednesdays are going to be the best day of the week for a while now!

I think this is the second or third time I've read this story, and in the past I've always been too moved to write a review. However, noting that no-one else has yet written a review, I felt the need to do so. There's a certain potency to this story that always makes me read faster than I want to, than I normally do, almost as if I'm trying to reach out to discover the heart of Luke's pain, even though I have a vague feeling that I already know what it is. Or perhaps it's a case of trying to reach through to get to the (hopefully, and it is) happy(ish) ending where Luke finds a degree of absolution in the fact that he is, in fact, not the one at fault, or evil, but instead perhaps the most honest and genuine person of the community. I also love the fact that, at the end, after the condemnation from the grandmother, and the 'children' finally standing up, that the community as well finally finds its backbone and stands behind Luke. Though we don't see it, I can only imagine the wealth of healing that this would provide such a strong, resiliant, yet mortally wounded young man. Interesting, too, that it's all tied into the interpretation of religion. And before anyone jumps up and down, read again that I said the 'interpretation' of religion. I don't believe any religion is inherrently 'evil', but it is zealots and small-minded people's interpretations that evil actions are committed. I particularly like the minister's stance and role within the story, too; the epitome of what I believe a true Christian minister should be. Again, another wonderful story Nephy.

Great story, Nephy; as always, with you Sad, but oh-so-true of today's climate; many of us do not take the time needed to hear the voices that need to be heard. I imagine that those of us moved by this will take the time, over the next few days to do so; I only hope that when we do, our time is not 'wasted' by those who seek only to sap our energy to reduce us, rather than allow us to help those who really need help, in whatever form that may take. S74

Great story, and like other readers felt a slight moment of panic when it appeared the story was "complete", whereas it was more like "complete...ly leaving us on a cliff-hanger", so very happy indeed it's still "completing" itself The pace of the story is great, and I love the way you focus on the characterisation of each of the main characters. My only criticism is that there seems to be a handful of main characters (TR, Bill, Doc, David, and Jed), who are *all* gay and, except for "the new boy" (or, perhaps even more crassly, the "fresh meat"), have an intertwined history. The only significant character who isn't a main character (or part of this "menage a cinq") is Julie. There's been a brief mention of some of the other people at the clinic; it might be good to flesh them out a bit more; not necessarily a lot, but just enough to fill up the town with some other people to run into at, say, Julie's restaurant or when out grocery shopping next. A great opportunity to do so would be the party on Friday night (which, by the way things are headed, sounds more like it's going to be a headache, rather than a party, for poor old TR) In any event, can't wait for the next chapter to come out!!

Fantastic story so far!! I missed noting the "in progress" status, and came to the end of chapter 3 and thought "huh? that's not an ending!!", and was sooooo happy to then discover that there will, indeed, be more to come. Can't wait for the next chapter... keep up the great work, Cia!!

Awwww, what a sweet, happy ending.... I *LOVE* sweet, happy endings!!!!!!!