centexhairysub

It has been my experience that very few counselors that come at it from a strictly religious point of view are successful. Most of them only are interested in making sure that those they counsel are conducting themselves in a manner that they view as oriented from a Biblical perspective. I think Zach is going to have continued problems with his parents either until he turns 18 or gets a legal ruling in his favor. I don't think his parents are ever going to be there for him unless he knuckles under to them completely. JP was right and so glad that Marc ended up with this group to help himself recover from the abuse he has suffered. Often the emotional and psychological abuse can be much worse than anything one suffers physically. I still am not fully sold on Marc but it is hard not to be glad that he is with a group of people that really appreciate his good qualities. I am not sure that he is the person the Brad needs in the long run, but they both are getting important avenues of support from their current relationship. Will is simply becoming a young God...

WOW, just a great chapter from start to finish; but I still feel a dread of the upcoming Thanksgiving meal... Will has done everything and more to try and get Marc to relax, and it does seem to be working. Will seems to understand Marc and his situation as well as or even better than Brad does. Thought it was just perfect that Will suggested the Marc share Brad's artist loft at Escorial. Wade and Matt are just wonderful together. I really do hope and believe that they are the couple that will be together fifty years from now... I like how they still have those moments when they seem to forget how far they come and something has to happen to remind them. Matt's description of the scene in Australia was hot but so proud of how he handled it. Keep up the great work, Mark; I can't wait for the next chapter....

About to step on a plane so not much time, loved everything about the writing for this chapter. Still not sure how I feel about Marc, and the issue with Alex and Mary Ellen just isn't over yet. Why do I feel like the " Great Thanksgiving Day Massacre " is coming???

Okay, not feeling quite as happy about Brad and Marc right now. Marc and Brad in a vacuum seems to work wonderfully but neither can stay that way. No matter how much of a connection Marc has with Brad, if Marc is as uncomfortable with Brad's kids as he was in this chapter, he will not last long. Will give him the benefit of not being around a family like this or maybe kids, although not sure that calling Will or Matt a kid makes sense; but can't see Brad staying with anyone that doesn't get along with his family. Marc maybe one of those gay men that just doesn't get along with anyone younger than them well, but if he wants to stay with Brad he will either have to learn how to do that or be left out in the cold. Great chapter, hope the next one covers more of the action in Australia...

A delicious appetizer of what is to come, and who knew Brad could play the coquette so well. Shared tragedies can often bring people together, you just can't have just that in common though.

Did not even turn on a computer yesterday, so what a wonderful surprise to check and see a new chapter of HMS Valiant. I was not expecting one so soon after the last chapter but savored this more than my meal yesterday... Granger's feelings served him well once again. If he had not taken the opportunity to close with the other ship than it might truly have been over for both ships. His direction to Clifton and Blayney were just perfect. It allowed that ship to be ready and able to defeat any that tried to board it and allowed those left to come to the aid of Valiant. I am sure that Lady Elgin survived, it would change to much history of what is to come if she didn't, but I hope she got a good scare... Granger was smart being willing to listen to Meurice. That little bit of maneuverability plus Granger closing with the Antares before they were becalmed may have made the difference. I do hope that Eastwyck survived but a wound like he suffered would make it hard for him to recover, and Jackson did not get the elixir from the old woman last time... Hope they did not lose to many men, hard to get more this far from home and it does take a lot to run a ship like Valiant. Great job Mark, and thanks for the holiday gift... Can't wait for the next chapter....

Brad's idea of getting Matt involved in checking out the investments is a sound one for all the reasons he stated. It gives Matt a chance to be involved in the company but does so in a way that there is less stress at the moment. I was glad to see that Brad realized that he was going to have to make a move to resolve this issue. I am still a little disappointed in Stef and his continuing reaction but hope he comes to understand the point JP, Claire, and Will were trying to make. I was a little surprised that Brad did not do anything to check in with Cam and find out what the issue was that drove him out of his aunt's place. Glad that Will was there to help, Cam has always been an interesting addition to the story and would like to keep him involved. Brad the Billionaire in Australia surrounded by all those hunky gay athletes, whatever could go wrong???? Great chapter and hope you have a wonderful holiday....

This was just great from start to finish. Reading this and about to have to board a plane so not much time. Will was great and I loved how Claire handled the situation as well. I still think she is going to end up JP main heir for her generation, much like Will for his. Stef and Brad are just wrong, not from a business position but with JP's past and the families past their decision is morally and ethically wrong. Alex and JJ were great together, really enjoyed their whole scene but I can't wait for the catfight between Mary Ellen and JJ at Thanksgiving. Wade's gesture was sweet but it says a lot about how far each of them has come that Wade made the gesture and Matt turned it down. Elizabeth is evil but sometimes that can be good.... Hope Hammer has some deep dark issue from his past that this will bring to light, I wonder if he will even make it to Australia period. Great job and got to run....

What a great joy this chapter has been; I feel as if I have had an old friend over for a lovely supper and drinks. It was great to see that the money that Granger gave the people he left here has been put to such good use. If you are a believer in karma, then Granger should be building up quite a lot of it on the good side of things. Even if Comstock was just a merchant captain, you would have thought that he would have known who owned the company he worked for, wouldn't you? Even if he had Lady Elgin whispering in his ear, you would have thought his sense of self-preservation would have been stronger. He would never have been able to match power or authority with someone of Granger's position. At least Granger is going to give the Elgin's a chance to move back to his ship until the next leg of the voyage. While it may have stopped some smuggling, I am a little surprised that Sir Stuart would choose to move that many men to another location during a war. I realize that with the fort, he could have held out until the British navy came to his rescue but it is rare for a commander to give up that many men during a time of war... This was truly a great gift Mark, I hope the next one is already coming down the pike...

A truly great piece of writing; this evoked so many emotions within me. Even with everything that had happened on 9/11; I was one of those that spent time and money protesting the second invasion of Iraq. We went in only for two reasons really; as payback to the first war costing the first Bush his Presidency and because shrub, that is what those in the know in Texas always called George W, let Cheney call the shots on the invasion to pay him back for getting him elected. There were never any WMD and the link to the terrorist could be tied much more strongly to Saudi Arabia than Iraq. I truly watched America turn into a second rate country during the early years of the 2000's. It does not surprise me at all that JP is taking the position that he is; and very impressed that Will not only got it out of him but understands and supports his position. I had relatives make a lot of money during this time frame because of heavy investments in certain industries but I am weird and standing up for something just strikes me as more important that adding another zero to your bank account. I think Will's interpretations of Stef and Brad are spot on and while I am not surprised by Brad, I am very disappointed in Stef. I understand that with Triton they are going to make a lot of money but they did not go into that company to profit from the coming war but will do so, that is a distinction that should mean something. That being said to become war profiteers was looked down upon during WWI and WWII when people actually had honor and saw war as a duty and a sacrifice, not just as a way to make money. I am not naïve and realize that people profited mightily during those conflicts but it was still looked down upon and something one was almost ashamed of having done, those that did it with both Iraq wars did it with glee and celebrations over the bodies of young dead Americans... Now to happier thoughts, the scene with JJ and Tiffany and the guard was just perfect. It was just that perfect touch of comedy and drama that is so hard to pull off. The follow up with JJ and Alex was nice as well, but I really do want to see how JJ reacts to the Mary Ellen situation. I think that both JJ and Alex do care for each other but there has to be some ground rules set up or there will be more drama than we would normally expect with JJ and anyone... I loved Matt's reaction to Wade's friendly kiss with Alex but the aftermath was just perfect. Matt gets so worked up so quickly but then just get's over it, so different from Wade... God, I can just see Elizabeth sacrificing some virgin on the alter to corporate greed and political expediency to get this war kicked into high gear.... Of course needing a virgin of a certain age, you know it won't be any of her family... Great job, this was just a brilliant chapter, Mark.... p.s. sorry for the rant but not enough to delete it... LOL...

There is traditionally a day between the short and long programs. Back when you actually had a figure portion you did it first, then skipped a day, did the short, skipped a day or two, and finally did the long program. With a day between, JJ taking the two sleeping pills really should not have an effect but what I am worried about is did he take some before and being upset forgot about it? I don't know something about this really worried me. I don't have as much of an issue with Alex sleeping with Mary Ellen as I think some people are because Alex and JJ have never really discussed it and set any ground rules. That being said, JJ is not going to be happy with it and Alex needs to be the one to tell him; you know something like that isn't going to stay a secret... Great chapter and wasn't Elizabeth just too nice, hell is freezing over... Keep up the great work, Mark....

Damn, you almost have to feel sorry for Hammer. I have to wonder what Elizabeth will come up with; you have to wonder if Hammer will make the trip to Australia after all??? I would have thought that Hammer would have checked into Wade a little more especially after Wade warned him the last time, but some people never learn. I do really love how Wade and Matt are right now. They are in such a good place and really do compliment each other. They understand each other and each other's family and are still willing to deal with everything. I do believe and hope that they will make it through no matter what... JJ's tears really touched me, I am not going to be happy if he gets really hurt again. I think that if Alex end's up hurting JJ, he might find that it was something that he should not have done, being a British lord will not be enough to protect him. I wonder if Mary Ellen would share, although I am not sure JJ would be... Mary Ellen could marry Alex and get the title and produce a child, while JJ could be their very close family friend... JJ would get Alex and Mary Ellen would get a title and away from her mother... This is just a great story, keep up the good work, Mark...

I have to believe that as long as Frank or one of the California group chooses or has a say in the choice of a counselor that this might work but I would not accept anyone that Wally and Clara selected and expect any success. I never thought it would happen but I am actually starting to feel a little sorry for Zach. He is striving for something that is so important to him and it seems like his parents just are trying to hold him back and keep him from reaching his goal if they can't be a pillar of his new life. I enjoyed all aspects of the Zach part of this chapter. I truly like how Mark is showing Zach's interaction with his teammates and family in California. I am curious if we are going to find out anymore about the Parnell kid but I guess Mark is going to keep up guessing for a while. I am still a little ambivalent about Will and Zach and what they have but I really appreciate both of them and how they are trying to deal with everything. I don't know what I was expecting, this was a high school locker room after all but I would have expected Stef to be a bit more Stef in a place with so much manly energy. LOL... I was glad that Alex spent some time talking to JJ about how much time he can devote to JJ's competition schedule. Alex seems to understand that JJ needs to be able to stand on his own if he wants his family to see him as someone that can make his own decisions and live his life the way he wants to. With his history, I am still afraid that JJ is going to be hurt by this in some way. I hope that I am wrong but it just seems that Mark has made JJ into the person in his generation that is always going to have something go wrong with his life. Great chapter and I can't wait for the next one, keep up the great work, Mark...

This was another great chapter. The use of multiple narrators has really worked out well in this story. I really do believe that there are several ways for Mark to proceed as this story goes on toward it's conclusion. I think the situation between Brad and Cam is really interesting on several levels. I don't know that I see them ever developing into a long term relationship but they are both good for each other. I enjoy how they interact and give each other a glimpse into the world from a point of view that the other would not be capable of seeing if not for the other. I love how much Will cares about all of his family. I do admire how far he is willing to go to help and protect those that are most important to him. He not only understood what his dad needed but he is one of JJ's biggest backers. Will really does understand what it means to be family. I am glad that JP and Stef are around him so much because I believe he is so much more well rounded and interesting by being so exposed to them. Alex is starting to win me over. I did not think this was ever going to be possible but I am starting to really understand his position and how he compartmentalizes his life. Once again, I don't really see Alex and JJ being able to be together as a long term couple unless one of them is willing to sacrifice a major part of their life and identity. JJ was great all around. I really admire how he goes after what he wants and how he handled the bitchy competitor. I think it is great how much he is able to rely on Tiffany and her experience to help him. Most importantly, I think JJ is in love... Can't wait to see where Mark takes us all on this journey, keep up the great work...

Perfect.....

Wade was bitch, Matt was obtuse. JJ was mellow, Alex was snarky. Tiffany was a cipher. Great chapter and can't wait to see where you are taking us. I loved the way Wade ended the chapter with his comment to Hammer....

Okay, I am just going to say " ditto " to everyone's comments about JJ and Alex and Brad and Cam. Both of those scenes were just so well done and letter perfect. I am going to add a comment on the scene with Devon, which no one has mentioned yet... I loved it... It was so sexy and funny all at once and that is something that isn't easy to pull off. WOW, just a truly great scene... Thanks for the update, Mark but what have you done for me lately???

The scene with JJ going to Triton and then talking to Brad was just so well done from start to finish. I thought it had it all, from tender to snarky and everything in between. I thought that Brad did what he needed to do to stay relevant and connected to JJ's life. JJ's call to Will was hilarious. I am so glad that even though they fight at the end of the day Will and JJ really do have each other's backs. I was glad to see JJ talk about the issue with his former coach, even in a round about way; plus glad that he is still seeing Casey. Brad getting his slut on was sort of funny and sort of sad. I actually hope the encounter in Chicago with Cam is more fulfilling.... Great job, Mark, can't wait for the next installment...

If only JJ could produce an heir, then he and Alex might live happily ever after on the Bridgemont estate backed up with the Schulter money. I think the fact that he can't will prove to be a bigger problem in this relationship then anything that Brad does. I do understand Brad, he looks back at everything that JJ has gone through the last two years and just cringes with the idea of him getting hurt again but he just has to listen to JP and take a step back. I don't think that Alex will purposely do anything to hurt JJ. The fact that the current Duke and JP have developed a relationship on any level will make it hard for Alex to act untoward in his behavior toward JJ. Plus, are we sure that Alex isn't going to end up being the one trapped in a tower somewhere??? I do admire Zach for doing what he needed to do to handle the situation but still really felt a little uncomfortable that he used maybe the worst thing that Will is ever going to have to deal with as part of his cover; then at the end he seemed to blasé about it when he was alone. I don't know but karma is a bitch.... Great work, Mark, hope you are enjoying crafting this as much as we enjoy reading it...

Oh how I have missed George, I was more than happy and thrilled to see that this wonderful chapter was posted for all to enjoy and devour. I did love how Granger choose to load water and take care of his men. He really does what he can to make sure that those aboard his ship are taken care of and given the best they can be given. Lady Elgin is of course not subject to this superior care. This is what makes Granger so different from so many of his contemporaries and why so many of his crew have chosen to follow him when they have been able to do so. I have to wonder what kind of smuggling is going on and what will happen when Granger uncovers it? Is it something harmless like the wine back on Gibraltar or something more serious? I know you are busy but just have to say that I can't wait for the next chapter... George Granger always makes my day...

Margo Channing: Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night! One of my favorite movies and a truly unforgettable character, this just says it all....

Not sure that JJ is going to like be the Princess as much as I thought he would; who would have thought it... I still want to see how this plays out. I do think that Alex could really end up caring for JJ and if something really develops between them, then it could be an excuse for why JJ never goes for the Olympic medals as good as he is in the story. Zach was awesome. I have never really been a fan but the way he handled the situation with Parnell and the assistant coach was perfect. Seems that being around Will and his family may have shown him more about how to be a power player than I would have thought... I still think that Frank is going to cause problems for him in the end. I don't see anyway that that relationship really leads to anything good as it stands now. Great job and thanks for the new chapter, Mark...

I thought the scene with JJ and Alex was actually really sweet. I am still not sure about how I feel about this but the scene was still very sweet. I do think that someone needs to talk to JJ but I still think that JP/Stef or Will either separately or in combo need to be the one to handle this. I am not sure how JJ will deal with finding out he is the Princess in Alex's world; of course, with JJ he might like the idea of being a Princess... The scene with the handcuffs was just perfect. It was funny and sexy and just so real. I do think they have some of the best scenes. I hope that Zach doesn't do something that risk the sprain turning into something much worse than it is now. I don't know that Zach would easily recover, at least at this time, with losing his ability to play football at the highest level. I don't know that the guy thinking he noticed something is the end of the world. Is he really going to do something that risk the team losing what appears to be the best player on the team and risk losing? Is he gay and jealous? Is he just being a typical teen male and being an ass is part of that Alpha male attitude that you find on some many football players at that age? Keep up the great work and hope that this is as much fun for you to write and it is for us to read, thanks....

Another outstanding chapter in this story, this one just keeps getting better and better. Of course, when has one of yours gotten worse.. LOL... Will is just turning out to be really great. I loved that the first place that he really went on his own after he got his license was to see his grandmother, oh and Zach too since he lives there. I have to admit I was one of those that felt that Will would never stay with Zach because he would never be willing to keep their relationship private. I still am amazed at how well he has handled this situation. You can just really feel the connection that they have between each other. I do worry about how Wally and Clara will be with Will being in Hawaii for the game. I just have a feeling at some point they are going to do something that causes all of this to blow up... Whomever ends up talking to JJ will need to figure out not only how to handle broaching the subject of Alex with him but how his feeling for Alex is affecting his skating. Right now JJ almost views Alex as a good luck charm, it could cause problems not just personally but in the rink if the Alex situation just blows up... I would almost think Stef and Will in tandem might be the best to handle this conversation. Brad getting involved might make it interesting as well... Hammer is going to cause problems, I am not sure how but I just know it... I can't see Matt sleeping with him, but I could see Hammer really trying to get that to happen. Glad that Wade is sticking to his guns about not missing that much time during the semester; I just don't think he could and keep his grades where he expects. I do think it was important that Wade push Matt to go. I thought Matt handled the situation with paying for it just perfectly, not making a big deal out of it but announcing that we, meaning he and Wade, would cover it. Can't wait to see where you take us next in this story, Mark....

You could almost hear the wheels turning in Alex's mind; the more JJ talked about all the usual stuff that he doesn't do the more boxes on being the Madonna/Princess Alex was able to check off. I do think Alex is right about one thing, America almost more than any other country has a tendency to write it's history to give itself the benefit of the doubt on anything that ever occurs. I am not saying that other countries don't, as JP and others would say the victors right the history books. America or at least a certain segment of it always needs to seemingly justify all of it's actions, whether they were right or wrong or justified or not. Maybe because we are such a young country, but it is funny to see how others that rely strictly on facts handle our take on past events... I actually think that Brad and Sean would make a pretty good couple. Sean is a little younger but not to much; submissive while Brad is more dominate; and they are both heavy hitters in their fields. I do think it is probably too early for Brad to get really serious with anyone but he could have a lot of fun with Sean and who knows, it might really lead somewhere.... Great chapter as always, Mark, keep up the great work...