methodwriter85

Still, I think spanning 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 is a bit much. Mark tends to have his stories be about a year, sometimes a year and a half. I think it'd be better to have one story that focuses on 1999 and early 2000, and then another story that focuses on summer 2001 to winter 2002.

My vote is that you do a story set in 1999-2000 first.

Will is from the United States, though, and I remember the country being glum for a pretty long time afterwards, so I'm assuming the party mood is going to be a bit down for his birthday, though. And we're talking about a 15-year old boy who watched something dramatic happen on TV (or in person) , not an older woman who's prolly seen a good amount of atrocities and disasters in her lifetime.

Will turns 15 on Friday, September 14, 2001. Mark has to get in Will's 15th birthday in there somewhere- I know it was pretty traumatic for people who had their birthday on that day, but I suppose it was still traumatic for those who had their birthday that week as well.

Today is the 35th anniversay of Richard Nixon's resignation speech over the Watergate scandal. "Therefore, I shall resign the Presidency effective at noon tomorrow. Vice President Ford will be sworn in as President at that hour in this office." That must have been a crazy event to witness.

My opinion is that Darius, who is attending sophomore year of college by 2001, should be going to school in New York City. It's an easy way to get them there.

Chapter 7 http://nifty.nisusne...k/on-the-mark-7 -When Mark plays third wheel with Van and Tanya, and actually manages to become good with Tanya. "Hey, Deanie" by Shaun Cassidy http://www.youtube.c...h?v=NXn4aOVK-Ng -When Mark causes a scene with Mari's mother, spraying her with a hose. "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner -When Mark and Van wrestle around before hooking up. "You Make Loving Fun" by Fleetwood Mac http://www.youtube.c...h?v=MWFU1Yjyv5A -When Mark gives Van a massage as prelude to some gnarly sex. "Touch Me" from the Rocky Horror Picture Show -When Mark goes to San Francisco by himself, taking in the scenery...and the catcalls. "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMqg-MQRI9I -When Mark is sunning out in his pool, gets splashed, and finds Darryl's goofy lopsided grin staring back at him. And then sex happens. "Heat Wave" by Linda Ronstadt http://www.youtube.c...h?v=DmwrqldUdCc -When Mark talks about sophomore year, and how Mari is labeled a slut, and he somehow manages to patch things up with Aaron Bryce by joking with him about what a whore she is. "Lay Down Sally" by Eric Clapton http://www.youtube.c...h?v=EivR78mrRFE -When Mark finds out about Darryl getting outed. And freaks out, worried that Darryl's misfortune will turn him into an unloved, lonely freak. "All By Myself" by Eric Carmen -When Darryl comes to Mark's house, beaten up, and Mark's mother takes Darryl over to the hospital. "Point of No Return" by Kansas -When Darryl lies about going to an aunt in the City, and he says good-bye to Mark and his parents, leaving for parts unknown. "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas **** Mark, you were one seriously emotional teenager. Geez.

Chapter 25 -When Stefan tells Brian about Greg, and then goes into a bit of family history. "Landslide" by The Smashing Pumpkins -When Stefan tries to explain his relationship with JP to Brian. "Head Over Feet" by Alanis Morisette http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S92U5EqyPQs -When Cody and Brian met, and fall in love at first sight. "Big Me" by the Foo Fighters http://www.youtube.c...h?v=GhfWzCPRPtg -When JP calls up Stefan, who updates him on the lives of their young friends and family in Malibu, including Brian and Cody...well, you know. "Alright" by Supergrass http://www.youtube.c...h?v=VMY6Uy2B0EQ -When Stefan gets to JP's lecture, and JP comes out by introducing Stefan as his life partner. Thus, JP has come out about everything in his life, and is ready to be an open and proud gay man in the 1990's. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel http://www.youtube.c...h?v=pAIKznMPXUk *** Alright, guys. It's been a blast. Mark is taking a break from the Cramptons, so it'll be awhile before I do another set of music for the CAP saga. Thanks for enjoying the ride along with me!

Chapter 24 -When J.P. reads the letter that Alexander Crampton wrote back in 1936, detailing how J.P. is not the natural son of Jack Clampton, and how he was the product of an affair. "You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes" (1936 Hit Recording) -When Claire gets Ace to cool down over the news, and accepts JP's apology for lying to everyone. "Ode to My Family" by The Cranberries http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xf5ZlTlrgw -When JP and Stefan talk about the events last night, and we meet the new and and Claire-improved Brian Parnell. "The World I Know" by Collective Soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dIZ6fkLJew -When Stefan and Brian get to Malibu, and Brian gets schooled on the art of love by Stefan. In a surprisingly non-sexual way. "Exhale" by Whitney Houston http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZnub4GmaPg -When Stefan and Brad talk about the goings-on of the two teenagers and Cody, and then Stefan decides to talk to Brian about his deceased husband, Greg. "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis

Chapter 23 -When they discuss the "active" life that Bill Hendrickson must have had even into his 60's, JP's plans for the family dinner, and how Brian will live at the Cramptons. "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest -When Stefan makes phone calls to family to make sure they all come to the family dinner. "This Is A Call" by the Foo Fighters -When we meet Brian's soon-to-be-former roomates as Stefan helps him move out. "Good" by Better than Ezra -When Stefan buys Brian a new '96 4Runner Toyota. "Life Is A Highway" by Tom Cochrane -When Brian is taken to Escorial, settles in, and gets introduced to the always-entertaining Crampton family dinner. "In the House of Stone and Light" by Martin Page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxskNG6e5ZU

Chapter 22 -When Brad and Stefan discuss O.J., and Stefan's search for a new assistant. "You Gotta Be" by Des'Ree http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r32vw4260G4 -When Stefan meets Brian Parnell, who looks incredibly familiar. "Name" by The Goo-Goo Dolls -When Brian and JP meet, and JP realizes that his father must have fooled around back in the early 70's. "Crazy Life" by Toad the Wet Sprockett

Chapter 21 -When Stefan and Jenny discuss her worries about her son dating. And gay-sexing. "Let's Talk About Sex" by Salt-N-Peppa -When Stefan and JP are driving around, listening to oldies, and get news from Ace on the phone that Cass had her baby. "Take It Easy" by the Eagles http://www.youtube.c...h?v=e24Ouw1QNDs -When Stefan goes to his office, determined to be productive. "Ants Marching" by Dave Matthews Band http://www.youtube.c...h?v=pkggOkBxcnk -When Alejandro and Casey celebrate their 16th birthdays with new cars. "Sixteen" by No Doubt http://www.youtube.c...h?v=3Z2ZThN1zR4 -When they watch Johnny Cochrane go off, and JP explains to Stefan that it reminds them of their relationship, because "If it fits, you must never quit." "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey **** I remember when I was 7 or so, and I loved singing "Let's Talk About Sex" on my playground, much to the consternation of my teachers. LOL.

It's interesting to think that soon, the 1910's will be out of living memory.

Chapter 20 -When Stefan and JP discuss Alejandro, the implications of what he's done, and what to do about him. "Sabotage" by Beastie Boys -When Stefan and JP have a threesome with Cody, and ensure him that he will always have a friend in them. "I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnldWJO2t5s -When Mrs. Murphy, or Jenny, comes out to California to let her son know that she's come around on him being gay, with help of groups like PFLAG. "Anna Begins" by Counting Crows http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv3p-yLC1Ps -When Stefan takes Jenny out for some pampering, because too many sons don't get supportive mothers like that, and they makeover Jenny so she actually looks like she's from this decade. "90's Girl" by Blackgirl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AanNOhtfEZs

Here's another one... "Human Nature" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaAQf2nUbuU It's so underated, but I think it's a great track.

Chapter 6 http://nifty.nisusne...k/on-the-mark-6 -When Mark argues with his parents until he gets what he wants- Van on the trip with him to the beach. "Teenage Rampage" by The Sweet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-3IEFkYq7g -When Mark and Van fool around together, kissing passionately. "Feel Like Making Love" by Bad Company http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOFwfPL54aY -When Mark tells Van that he loves him, and feels that he just might have ruined everything. "Heart on My Sleeve" by Gallagher and Lyle http://www.youtube.c...h?v=4szFzwjiQ2M -When Mark clues us in on how his freshmen year of high school goes, with him becoming a popular semi-jock and good-looking, and making good friends. "Do You Know Where You're Going To?" by Diana Ross http://www.youtube.c...h?v=EUYliAP7tIg -When Mark describes one of his weekend sleepovers with Darryl, who is becoming even hotter. "Saturday Night" by The Bay City Rollers -Summer '77, when Mark walks to Harry's house for the summer rager. "Calling Dr. Love" by Kiss -When Mark walks up the stairs to Harry's house, and finds Mari having sex with someone. "Feels Like the First Time" by Foreigner -When Mark kicks the crap out of Aaron Bryce, Mari's lover. "Barracuda" by Heart -When Mark calms down, and stars crying about how he lost his love, Marianne. TOTALLY milking the teenage drama for all it was worth. "More than A Feeling" by Boston -When Van decides to comfort Mark...with sex. "Heartbeat" by The Runaways

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk

Chapter 19 -At the third meeting with Bitty, when Darius rips into her. "Disarm" by Smashing Pumpkins -When Stefan watches the happy Max and Marcel frolic around with their lover Cody, while Alejandro and Casy have their young love thing going, before getting back to his own lover to talk about how things are going. "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NZuXn7loFo -When the police come, and tell them that Bitty has died. "Lump" by the President of the United States of America -When Stefan tells the kids about Bitty, who feel nothing but relief, having come through the experience intact if just a little bit less innocence. And, learned a lesson or two about how to be a good human being, by not following ther bio mom's example. "You Learn" by Alanis Morisette http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBD7qeIYxH8 -When Max, Marcel, and Cody help the boys surf, while JP and Stefan just sit back and relax, enjoying the quiet morning. "These Are Days" by 10, 000 Maniacs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxmaqliSdzY -When JP and Stefan give Alejandro sex advice, and then Alejandro hints he had something to do with how Bitty died. "Plowed" by Sponge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHjdmNLs0go

Chapter 18 -When Brad and Bitty scream at each other as she tries to get the kids into her custody, using sheriff orders. "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden -When Stefan goes to his house, where Darius and JJ are hiding, and outlines their plan to escape. "When I Come Around" by Green Day (lullabye version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgfqiYbIULY -When the gang gets to Mexico, where they will vacation as they try to buy some time. "Welcome to Paradise" by Green Day http://www.youtube.c...h?v=LUBzTRDhuCk -When Darius and JJ have their first supervised visit with Bitty, with Stefan as the family escort. "Misery" by Soul Asylum http://www.youtube.c...h?v=M8gJ3igY2Lk -When Stefan talks to Marcel (who is doing better), then watches his family and friends frolic around in the Malibu surf, everyone having fun despite the problems they're having with Bitty. "Surf Wax America" by Weezer http://www.youtube.c...h?v=HSgdEB-8PMY -When JP gives the letters to Stefan, admitting the lies in his life to be true to himself. "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead http://www.youtube.c...h?v=pKd06s1LNik *** I wasn't aware of "Fake Plastic Trees" when it came out, so it was nice to use this song I only discovered recently. And I have worn out my copy of Weezer's "Blue" CD. LOL.

Jeremy's age is very firm and definite- he was born on Saturday, December 7, 1985. So at the time of the story, JJ's 9 years old and will turn 10 at the end of 1995. He should be in the class of 2004, if things go right- but...you never know. Darius's age is more of a question mark- we've talked about it before, but we've never settled on a firm birthdate for Darius. I think we've estimated that Darius's birthday is anywhere between November 1981, to March 1982. So he's about 13 years old, but we're not sure if he's going to turn 14 in 1995, or if he'll turn 14 in 1996. Either way, I think Darius won't start high school until fall 1996, making him class of 2000. Mark, you wanna hold a contest where the lucky winner can pick Darius's birthdate? LOL. Will's age is also firm and definite- his birthday is September 14, 1986, so he's eight-soon-to-be-nine, and will graduate with the class of 2005. And probably be the damned valedictorian. LOL. The fact that Darius and Jeremy are 13 and 9 years old, respectively, makes this case interesting- it might've been different if Bitty had tried to get the kids back in say, 1988, when they were still pretty little, but Darius is an adolescent while puberty is just around the corner for JJ.

Chapter 17 -When they're sitting around Marcel's hospital bed, and Stefan feels like he'll make it. And he does, waking up. "One of Us" by Joan Osburne -When Stefan talks to Marcel about his overdose, who maintains that it was accidental and not a suicide attempt. "All Apologies" by Nirvana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTRXzkRis-s -When we meet Casey, who looks like an absolute dork. Stefan being Stefan, he gets Alejandro to play nice. Most surprising, he gets him to be open about accepting Casey despite him not being the hottest guy. "Buddy Holly" by Weezer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiIC5qcXeNU -When dorky Casey gets a makeover, as Stefan wants Alejandro to have a suitable "playmate". "Kids In America" by The Muffs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMaJncc0gk8 -When Bitty gets the sheriff to take back custody of the kids. "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" by Smashing Pumpkins

Chapter 5 http://nifty.nisusne...k/on-the-mark-5 -When Mark and Mari lose their virginity to each other, at the tender age of 14. "Baby, I Love Your Way" by Peter Frampton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e08HdcvRjZQ -When Mark and Mari have sex in the pool, Mark discovers the female g-spot, and Mark's father catches them. "Love to Love You Baby" by Donna Summer http://www.youtube.c...h?v=h1ArZEFwRsY -When Mark is awakened by Darryl in the morning, and his resolve to never talk to him again is shattered by their passionate hook-up. "Magic Man" by Heart http://www.youtube.c...h?v=cYjgh-znxB4 -After swimming, when Mark tells Darryl about his thing with Mari, but promises him that they're going to still keep their own thing going. "Mama Mia" by ABBA

Chapter 16 -For the 4th of July bash in Claremont. "Summertime" by Will Smith -When Stefan runs into a cleaned up Bitty, who hints that she's going to get her custody of Darius and JJ back. "Life's A Bitch" by Nas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ewdZzLP6Bk -When Stefan calls up Brad for a heads up about Bitty, so he can strategize immediately. "Somebody to Shove" by Soul Asylum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfLuUsxrhiw -When they get Marcel's condo, and find that he's overdosed on drugs, just like his father did. "Say It Ain't So' by Weezer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyfyhKga-6Y -When Stefan gets to the ICU, and finds Max is already there. "Lithium" by Nirvana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x698XNiV6T8 -When Marcel's former lovers, JP and Max, break down and cry in the ICU while Stefan tries to stay strong. "Stay" by Shakespeare's Sister *** God, the 90's really had SUCH a diverse music scene And "Say It Ain't So" is the song I picked for Marcel's downfall over "Waterfalls". But I think I have another idea for it.

Chapter 15 -When J.P. and Jason make up in one rather physical way. "Far Behind" by Candlebox http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XOGh8n0kG0 -When Cody puts Alejandro into his place, calling him out for throwing himself at guys like a cheap whore. "Self-Esteem" by The Offspring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kIZeVoRBuU -When Stefan and Brad watch the O.J. Simpson trial on Court TV. "Scream" by Michael Jackson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNl2Pm9-7Vk -When Alejandro gets taken on a fashion trip in Beverly Hills. "You Better Work" (1992 remix) by RuPaul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVHwU4kuHXs

Good point. I just thought it fit the mood of 14-year old Mark moping around in his bedroom over the boy sending out mixed signals. "At Seventeen" is SUCH a good brooding song, I think. But "Wildfire" and "Midnight Blue" were especially cheesy, I think. But in a good way. I have two cheesy songs in mind for this story- "Sentimental Lady" and "Brokenhearted Me", but they're from 1978, so I can't use them just yet since it's still 1976 in this story. One thing that's nice about doing music for this is the fact that Mark already has so many song pics for a lot of the scenes. Nice. Makes this easier. LOL. So far, my favorite pick has been "Sarah Smile" for Mark finally getting to fool around with a girl. I love that song. And it's something you can imagine a person losing their virginity to. (Or, in this case, finally getting to second base for the first time. With a girl.) I also really liked the comedic mental image of Mark being so thrilled at finding a pot field that "This Will Be' plays. LOL.