Mark Arbour

I think Jeremy stated it really well. I don't think Matt is an asshole, I think he and Wade are going through very different times in their lives, and that's pulling on them. As for trust, well, that's a big issue, but there are varying degrees of trust. I think Wade's trust in Matt before this was almost absolute, and now it's not. I'm not sure that absolute trust is an attainable goal in all relationships anyway, but hell, I'm probably wrong on that.

I'm having fun with this one. That's always a good sign. :-)

I'm sure there will still be quite the ruckus back home. Don't things seem just a little too peaceful? :-)

I think that Matt was probably fucked up when he said it. He was probably trying to relate to this guy that he really liked, and trying to think of a way to bring Wade into the relationship. I visualize one of those conversations where they guy talks about his best friend or whatever in a really positive way to try and get the person he's talking to to like his bff.

You're welcome. I hope that in April/May, when I'm freaking out again, you guys will remember this time fondly.

Interesting? Then I've achieved my goal! You're right, but I think in situations like this, the real barometer is the strength of the relationship. If you read through Bloodlines again and remember all the shit these two young guys went through together, you'll realize just how strong that relationship is.

Now Westie, don't be so glum. I promise I'll give you a happy ending, even though happiness can take different forms. I'm so glad that you remember that college-aged arrogance. Without that as a reference point, it can make understanding Matt a little difficult. At this point in time, Matt has the world by the balls. He's got looks, money, and brains. He's on the fast-track to success in life. He's got an amazing boyfriend who is cool with him fucking around on the side, and seems to understand his slutty nature. He's the captain of the hockey team, which gives him status as a leader. It's easy for all that to go to his head. I think it's inevitable that a bright guy like that will ultimately wake up and get a clue. He's bound to have at least one epiphany. The question you raise is really the biggest one of all: after he does, will Wade be able to forgive him for being untrustworthy? As you noted, Wade's background would suggest that once you cross that line, you're done, but then again, Wade doesn't always follow the WDC handbook. And as far as the TV goes, revenge can be overrated, but not always.

Anything is possible. Well, not anything, but most things. I don't see either one of them getting into bestiality. ;-)

You can get away with that if the, uh, crown fits really tight.

Thanks Tim!

Perhaps it's always darkest before dawn. Or maybe it's just night time. ;-)

There are those men and women, like Carl, who thrive on destroying relationships. Anyone who's encountered one of them should identify with this sociopath.

You like it when something annoys you? A little masochistic are we? That's kind of hot. I think that Wade will have to search deep to find it within himself to forgive Matt for this one. Even if he does, the level of trust will take a long time to be restored, if it even can be.

I posted this at my Yahoo Group: I figured we'd have a bit of a blitz here to celebrate Xmas. I posted Chapter 25 of St. Vincent last night, Chapter 6 of Paternity tonight, and I plan to post Chapter 7 of Paternity on Christmas.

I really didn't intend much suspense at the dinner. The big news was Nelson and his two frigates going to Toulon and Cartagena.

If it seems like it's too much of a repeat of something I've already done, there's a good chance it won't end the same way.

September 21, 2000 Interstate 280 Hillsborough, CA Wade We didn’t say anything for a while, both of us just mulling the situation over from our own respective points of view. I was starting to understand him, and the picture I was getting was scaring me even more. He’d gotten so competitive lately. I searched through my memories, trying to figure out when it had started, but in the end, it seemed like one of those things that built up gradually until suddenl

Thanks for the encouragement! Many naval officers also served as Members of Parliament (MPs), which shows how intertwined the two institutions were.

I'm glad you liked it! I think we're seeing inside the mind of the earl, and his mind is doing back flips. This thing would definitely have roiled his world.

Now Ricky, poor Brookstone won't have to suffer for Llewellyn's mis-steps. Llewellyn will. (evil smile)

I hope so too!

No spoilage at all. I appreciate your comments and feedback. I learn something, and I can be more accurate. I see a title trust in the future for our dear earl. Thanks Ricky. I find that with this story, I truly enjoy it, but I tend to write it in fits and starts. It requires dedicated fans to put up with the mercurial nature of the posting!

Now I read your last post and thought I worked that through pretty clearly. Were there not some lands that would have been considered part of the basic estate, and thus governed by the laws of primogeniture? I'm such a confused American.

January 24, 1797 Sir George Granger hauled himself through the entry port of his ship to the familiar twittering of bosun’s pipes. A harried Lieutenant Clifton was there to greet him. “Welcome back, sir. I trust you had a calm night ashore?” “It was anything but calm, Mr. Clifton,” Granger said mysteriously. He had to bite his lower lip to keep from smiling at the thought of his sexual extravaganza with Kerry. “Still, there is nothing quite as restora

You're always welcome around here. Walk in any time! And damn, it's good to see you around too!