Njdenni

1. Do not apologize. 2. I'm not sure there's anything I could say to help you be happy with this chapter, but I will say it was a great chapter. 3. I sincerely hope Jamie's arrest leads to charges AGAINST his POS father. I hope, no, I ✨KNOW✨ Luca and company will show up for Jamie. Maybe not all at the station, but I feel like Luca will be there, maybe Ari getting legal aid started for Jamie. 4. I know Jamie's feelings of just existing and it not feeling enough. That feeling that no one would care, and even when your mind brings up someone you know will care but it's quickly put out of your mind because they would be better off without you in this world. I know that feeling of not wanting to be here anymore. Not die, but just not exist - at least, not how this existence is currently. I know these feelings too well. I know how much it hurts to have those painful feelings and logical thinking clash like The Leviathan Axe and Mjölnir in God of War Ragnarok leaving a frozen lightning bolt at the place of impact. I also know that while those feelings may feel the same each time they bubble up, they're not the same each time. That's the beauty of impermanence. Nothing stays the same. 5. Cannot wait for the next chapter, but do not rush on our account. I can only speak for myself, but you take however much time you need. Those of us that love and appreciate this story understand if it takes longer than usual. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

@Jeff Burton another well crafted chapter. Making myself and others, assumingly, fall deeper in love with Luca and feeling even more protective of Jamie. Will we see anyone from his biological family be in his corner? His uncle? I'm not sure if, plot wise, it would be better or worse for that to happen. I feel one of the major themes of this masterpiece is choosing the family that chose you by showing up for you - Luca and company. I eagerly await the proceeding chapter ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Jeff - 😔 I know it had to happen this way, but it still doesn't make it any easier. Part of me is mad at you for making me fall in love with these characters. But I think that's the part of me that finds kinship with them for one reason or another. And that feeling is that part's teenage angsty way of processing it. Please know that small bit of anger is not directed towards you, at all. If anything it's an incredible feat to be able to evoke such powerful feelings in people you don't know. As someone else said, you're an empathic author and I agree 💯 with that notion. Funny story, I actually brought you and this story up in my last therapy session 😅. BTW, my therapist approves 😉. Despite the feelings you've evoked in me, I'm more grateful than anything for you and this story. Thank you ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Thank you for touching on asexuality. It's something that can be difficult to describe especially about yourself. I know Jamie is not going to have a warm reception from his father, just like I know his mother will inevitably side with her husband. I think ultimately his father will kick him out and Jamie will need Luca and company more than he did this weekend.

This. This is perfect (and I say this as someone who believes perfection does not exist). This feels like you somehow opened the place where my deepest desires hide somewhere between the wanting of my heart and the logic of my brain, and put it into this chapter. Thank you. If nothing else, thank you for giving this chapter as permission to want this for myself. I just...thank you. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Jamie and Luca are...is there anything more intimate than soul mates? If so, they're that. They fit so well together without having to think about it. I can't wait for the moment they realize this (consciously) and act on it.

Goodness, I feel like this story is going to break me, regardless of the outcome. But I am enjoying it in each chapter as the chapter is, trying desperately to not let my hopes run rampant on what could be.

I am so sad. Sad for Caleb and Ryan. Sad for Nate. However, I'm grateful for the experience @CasualWanderer82 gave. I've said it before, but I absolutely didn't know what to expect after reading the first 2 chapters. I definitely didn't know where the story would go once Nate left. I'm glad I continued reading this story. The theme of this story, at its core, is the truest definition of unconditional love - in my opinion. Nate was an incredibly flawed character, but everything he did from the moment he found Caleb in his crib was done for Caleb. It was almost like Nate had a hidden heart devoted entirely for Caleb, and then eventually Ryan. Ultimately, Nate orchestrated having Ryan (who is similar to Nate in the ways that always made Caleb feel safe) be prepared to step into Nate's role of protector/rock. So many things didn't make sense until this final chapter. I'm sad this journey is over. But I cannot give enough thanks and praise to Cas for this literary masterpiece. This story is in my top 5 favorite stories. There's so much I wish to be able to express, but words will never do it justice. Thank you. Simply, thank you.

There's so much to say but I'm absolutely speechless. I hope the final chapter doesn't break me. Bravo to you @CasualWanderer82 for yet another fantastic chapter and keeping me on the edge of my seat!

Oh my goodness. A twist I never saw coming. Bravo!! I abso-fuckin-lutely cannot wait for the next chapter. Thank you, Casual, for your beautiful mind.

Another wonderful chapter!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Oh my goodness!! Emotional roller coaster!! I'm glad you didn't kill Jacob. That would have hurt so much. Cannot wait for the next chapter!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜