Hermetically Sealed

It's hard to be sympathetic with a snob who has continuously shown that he places "breeding" over ability. The fact that both of Kristin's parents seem to have placed a higher regard for a drunk who failed a state school over someone who is of a lower station and attending one of the premiere schools seems to bear out that nothing Gathan does will be good enough. And lets be honest, considering that her father had him arrested, then starts their conversation in a derogatory manner, there was no smoothing things or winning him over. Personally, he was a lot more civil than I probably would have been.

Liked seeing Gathan's take charge attitude on getting everyone together to head out to California. Still not feeling the whole Kristin thing, but loved Gathan's talk with her father. It'll be interesting to see how that develops in the future.

Semantics. Most Americans (of whom Stef, Brad and Rob all depend upon for the majority of their income) would see no difference between pedophilia and pederasty. Regardless of whether or not 14 is legal in Italy, Americans would see a (barely) 14 yo putting on a sex show in a gay club as high offensive/scandalous. The repercussions that the family would have to deal with from this act getting media attention would be a huge mess. Squabbling over exact definitions won't change the general population's opinion on the subject. It certainly didn't for the Catholic church when they tried to use that defense.

I think as people have said, it's not that he's sexually active. It's that he put on a sex show for an entire club of adults . . . at 13 (almost 14). Not a strip tease, but a full on sex show. Even if he looks more mature, as the readers we know how old he really is, and that is what the issue for some is. Let's face it, anytime teens and sex are mixed, it's going to be touchy, especially when they are barely teens. Myself, I am kind of in between. Yeah, I felt it to be icky, but rationally I also understand that by nature, at 13 or so humans are built to be sexually active. Nature doesn't care about social mores, and it's not always easy to avoid those ingrained instincts. Not slamming on Mark, just an observation. I am glad that repercussions are coming (pardon the pun), because that certainly can be and usually are an eye opener. I'm sure once Will is finally confronted by it, he'll probably feel a bit chastened.

Don't really have anything to add, just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Bastille Day! ^^

Not what I was suggesting at all. In fact, I am in agreement with you that I like Gathan, and find him an interesting character that I want to see more of, as this is his story (well, started off as). I even stated as much in the post. I agree with you.

It's not Heterophobia to be disinterested in stories focusing on straight relationships, nor is it homophobic for straight people to not have an interest in gay love stories. That is sort of why some are gay and some are straight, because we don't have the same interests. This is no different than someone liking Sci-fi and not reading a historically romance. They aren't being phobic, it's just not something that piques their interest. I personally have no interest in more straight love stories, that's just about all there is in literature and movies, and television, or music. The whole reason for reading stories here (for me) is because they have been well crafted and engaging gay stories (something that I have found to be a rare commodity). If there is no gay element, there just isn't much reason to be interested. That said, I like Gathan, and agree that Will has pretty much usurped the story. Do I care about the focus on Gathan and Kristine? Not really, in fact I tend to gloss over those scenes as I feel no connection with them. Even still, I am more interested in his story. I don't mind seeing things from Will's point of view on occasion and had this started off as his story I would love to continue, but it just seems that he's taken over and Gathan has been relegated to the back of the bus, storywise.

Saintsfan, I think they are already dating. Charlie stops and changes what he is about to refer to Travis as during the introduction. Iono, maybe he was going to use a pet name like Derrick and Charlie used to, but I think he was about to say something more. I could be wrong of course. lol

I have to say, Derrick is perhaps the most detestable main character I have read in a long time. There is not one thing that he has done in this story's present that shows anything remotely appealing. Don't get me wrong, I like the story, perhaps in spite of the main character. Certainly, the other characters are likable. But if the goal has been to show what a worthless human being Derrick is, I think it's been reached.

Considering the way the police found him, I don't think it's a matter of if he accuses Gustave, he was caught in the processes. Even if Will dresses before Brad sees him, it'll be in the police report that Gustave was caught attempting to rape Will. I foresee awkward family counseling sessions ahead for Robbie, Brad and Will at David's offices. That'll be fun. lol Thinking about it, yeah, i agree that the whole Gathan and Kristin conversation seemed . . . off.

You know, I can't help to wonder what this is going to do to Robbie once he finds out about what happened to Will? Here he was already having issue with Paris before this event, only going because the others were insulting and belittling him for being upset after what had happened there before, then he finds out his son was raped and kidnapped because of what he did. I can't see this going well. As an aside, I can't help but notice that inspite of all the rapes, emotional and physical abuse that Robbie has been through, the family seems to uniformly act as if it is something he should have just shrugged off as unimportant. When he gets freaked out about something like it, they just roll their eyes or act as if he's just a nuisance. However, if someone of blood relation is even slightly harmed they become the doting, caring family ever mindful of upsetting the individual. Seems to really highlight how they view him to be nothing more than an interloper in the family.

Glad to see some resolution with these two past characters. They just seemed to disappear once Paris was behind them. Good thinking on Will's part, as well.

LoL, my aunt is a year younger than me. But, I grew up with her so she's more like a cousin or sister. Though, I'd imagine if Ella and JJ found out about their relation (assuming they don't at this point) it'd probable be weird.

That would be fun, in a sort of "Awwkwaaaaard!" kind of way.

Assuming he ever gets a wake up call, that would certainly be a fitting place. Seems like just about all the men have had some sort of eye opener happen in Paris. It'd be like his own walkabout. LoL

Confidence is not a adequate substitute for experience or being savvy. I don't care how "mature for their age" someone believes themselves to be, or that others claim they are, no thirteen year old is so mature that they are always right. No thirteen year old is that adept at schooling their parents and every other adult in the ways of the life, love and relationships. I mean seriously, what thirteen year old in the world is mature enough to genuinely know what is best for not just themselves, but their parents as well in every single instance? The fact that he is always allowed to dictate the terms of any interaction with adults is just utterly beyond me. ETA Yeah, but let's not forget that Will himself actively encouraged that situation. He knew full well what he was doing by running to daddy to get what he wanted. This is something all three are culpable in, and the fact that Will knew exactly what his behavior was doing just further points out his selfishness. Teenager or not, knowingly pitting your parents against each other is not something nice people do.

True, but in this case, it seems very much that his parents are all supporting his opinion. He needs a wake up call soon, or this constant giving him his way all the time is going to create a new Brian.

Hmm, so once again the thirteen year old kid wears the pants in the family. Can't see myself ever liking Will and his over developed sense of entitlement. Definitely see Zach being trouble later on. Sad to see Gathan getting so much crap for his good fortune, but it's to be expected considering. Hopefully his plans to get to Stanford don't get side railed somehow.

We really have no clue how well or bad Jeanine's actual parenting skills are, do we? We only have the spoiled, over entitled opinions of a child to go by. We do know from Darius, Robbie, Will, Jeanine, and even Brad, that Will was spoiled. Hell everyone knows that Will is Brad's favorite, and that he gets whatever he wants; characters in the story have been commenting on it. Exactly what was she supposed to do when Brad consistently over the years overrode anything she ever has stated that Will didn't want to do? Brad completely neutered her authority as a parent, and in the last story he was called out on it by more than just her. Judging entirely based on this brat's perception isn't particularly fair, as it's all being filtered by his own skewed perception. Sure she may well be a bad parent; however, Darius turned out pretty good, and J.J. (as far as we can tell) only just recently became a bitch after he found his place in the skating world. She raised them as well, and as far as we can tell, it's only Will who doesn't get along with her. I'm not saying Jeanine is perfect (who is?) nor that she hasn't made mistakes, but I think it is a bit much to claim we know anything about her abilities as a parent over the years based on the biased opinions of Will.

I just would have thought that since Janine kind of explained some of her side to him, he'd at least attempt to convey where she is coming from. Heck, just suggest Will try talking to her to explain his feelings instead of just putting up a road block by snarking "I'll just get dad to get me what I want." I wouldn't have thought it that deep of a connection. ::Shrug:: I guess Will just reminds me of everything that made me so frustrated with other teens when I was one.

Yeah, I have to agree with this. Brad is trying too hard to be his "friend" instead of his parent. Also disappointed that Brad didn't counter the whole respect thing, pointing out how Will has never respected his mom to earn her respect either. IIRC, all the stories have pointed out that if Will didn't get his way, we'd just whine to dad to get it. Why didn't Brad turn the whole thing back on Will, asking him when has he given his mom a reason to respect him? Meh, even as a teen I was never that way, so just finding it very difficult to feel any sympathy for the little turd. lol Nice to see Gathan getting respect in his community (even if somewhat staged). I agree that it was a necessary political move, and hopefully he takes advantage of it to help turn around the family reputation. Despite what my dislike of Will might convey, I do enjoy the story. Keep up the good work, Mark.

I'd have to agree with this. I think most of the fault lies with Brad spoiling him and teaching him that he didn't need to listen to his mother. Honestly, I'm really starting to dislike him. A lot. Teenager or not, even at that age I couldn't relate to kids that behaved that way. I certainly didn't always agree with my parents, nor happy with their choices, but I did get that they knew more than I did, and had responsibilities. Course, I also didn't have a lot of teenage friends, so I can see that I wouldn't be the norm. lol

Can't say that I have any respect for Will and his attitude towards his parents. He's coming off as an entitled little shit. Whether he likes it or not, he is only 13/14 years old, and his parents are not his friends, even if they can be friendly. If he screws up, not only does he get hurt, but they are responsible for his actions. If he wants to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, he can just move on out and make it on his own like the big man he thinks he is. Not saying I would expect him to be all puppies and rainbows towards them, but that's a kid in desperate need of the business end of a paddle.

Almost had me on 6. Almost. ;P Can't wait for the actual chapter.

Well done chapter, but so very heartbreaking. Not only did he lose his first love, but their relationship ended before they could a resolution of some sort.