Dr. John NYC

I actually had been worrying that this would happen ever since J-M mentioned that his cousin comes to NYC and cheats on his wife with boys and men, even shares them with J-M. It was one reason to delay reading the chapter: if I didn't read it, then it couldn't happen. Right? Nevertheless, as an Anglo who has been involved in the Latino community for more than 3 decades, Bernardo's attitude is not uncommon among wealthy Latino men in many countries, particuarly from the ruling classes. They have a lot of power and feel entitled to getting what they want; in the case of people with low moral and ethical standards, the moniker "Power corrupts" is very appropriate. Of course, it is not just in the Latino culture: I have seen the same attitude in people of all cultures who have a similar sense of entitlement -- including plenty of "gringos", too. I share everyone's hope that J-M will step up as CJ's friend and not Bernardo's nephew; I think it could go either way. José-Maria has been a good friend so far. Although he also said that he expects to marry a woman in the future and see men on the side, that does not mean he will necessarily support drugging and raping -- but it doesn't mean he won't either. I think it depends in part on how much of an influence Bernardo has been in his life. (Wouldn't put it past Bernardo to have molested J-M!) On a lighter note, I loved the description of the old taxi. When I first came to NYC in the early 80s, they were still seen on the streets reasonably frequently. We always tried to get one if they were around, especially if we had a large group because with their pulldown "jump seat" they could seat 5, and graduate students and postdocs were notoriously short on money. Unfortunately, I have not seen one for years, and I think I remember a story in the news when the last one left service. Finally, your description of the Guggenheim was spot on. It's architecture is fabulous, and it should be visited at least once for that alone. The art itself depends on your tastes although the motorcycle exhibit they had in the 90s was fantastic. One of our goddaughters came to visit just to see the exhibit when she was in her early teens. Now she's married to another woman, and they have a house and shared children together. Who said stereotypes can't be true? Thanks, Carlos, for another chapter of CJ and for sharing a multi-perspective and multicultural view of what teens are experiencing, both good and bad!

So, they survived the weekend undiscovered-- at least as far as we know. I do wonder if Anikin's conversations with Tom or Dom's with his mom gave anything away. I imagine that their celibate weekend will play a role in moving forward, at least for Dominic and Anikin's. Time will tell... Thanks for sharing your friends and their story!

Wicked cliff-hanger, Carlos. Bad, bad boy...

I'm so glad you're intertwining these stories, Sui, although you certainly left us with a cliffhanger knowing what we do about Lucian. I do hope that Hyun & Raphael can find something together as both are so lonely and hurting. It would be great if Hyun could be Raphael's Talin though neither life nor your stories are that simple. Thank you for sharing!

So glad to hear that a sequel has actually started. It makes up for not getting to finish Book 1 until now to know that I can see what happens next!

Looking forward to Book 2. At first, I was afraid it was going to be too "genius gay boy creates utopia", but as it progressed, Hunter became more and more human as did the others. My heart bleeds for Kevin, Jeremy, Jesse, and Ryan who gave (or seem to be giving) their lives for Hunter and the story. One thing I have enjoyed from the beginning is the glimpse of technology as it might be in the relatively near future. Thanks, W_L, and here's to Book 2!

Ouch, another cliffhanger! Guess I'll try to forget I read this chapter so that I can read it again next week before being able to move to the following chapter!

Definitely expand it, Cia! So many questions left to answer, and not just Sudal's fate after the fall. I can't wait to learn more about this new world of yours!

Thank you, fantasyboy69, for such special characters. They are a wonderful tribute to the fact that family is so very, very important -- be it biological or built. I had guessed that Ryle was going to get wings although I was so caught up in the story that I did not stop to write anything (bad, bad John! ). I wasn't sure how he would get them so the metal wings were a surprise. Even more of a surprise, you tricked me with the pneumonia. When Ryle took off the blankets and showed his wings to everyone for the first time at the wedding, I think I was as suprised as Gabe! I do hope we have not finished hearing about their life together after the Epilogue, if not right away at least some time in the future. In any case, thanks again for this story! John

So glad to see what Seeon and Mika are progressing in their relationship. It's still early so lots of things can happen to them, but I will hope that we see them again -- and Oma and Nixta & the thers -- and learn that they have indeed grown even closer as a couple. Space is wide and they have some awesome abilities to learn how to use, both separately and together. Thanks, comicfan, for yet another story to stir the heart and mind!

What an incredibl

What a lovely parting treat! Even better, you left it wide open for a sequel... YEAH!

Thank you for the present from Louis, Cade, and Sherry, and Merry Christmas to you and yours! May the blessings of the season be with y'all throughout the coming year!

Definitely caught me off guard: I was expecting him to say farewell to Sara but then date Karen before he figured out where his heart truly lay. Glad that he didn't go through the extra stage, however -- for Karen's sake, for James' sake (not sure how much more disappointment he could take), for Casey's sake, and maybe a little for the reader's sake. Plenty more room for twists and turns, but then, I guess that's why it is Not Done Yet. Thanks, Rustle, for a heartwarming story!

So much has already been said that almost anything will be a repeat, but this chapter was so intense, I had to say something. First: thanks for the warning about the chapter. It was incredibly intense although not in any of the ways I had thought about. Kudos to you for surprising so many of us. Of course, as you and others have said, we are far from any resolution on a number of fronts, so I, for one, am looking forward to many more chapters before the denouement. One minor point I haven't seen mentioned: why is Merrick's father even more excited than Merrick? Could he and his wife be trying to put Merrick and Jensen in a position to address their unrequited love -- finally? Time will tell... Thanks Litlover for an absorbing story!

So poignant. If you have not lived that sort of fear, it is very hard to understand the power it has. Thanks for this vignette showing Avery continuing to move forward, step by step, towards a future with less power being held by the past.

What a spookily delightful story for Halloween! At first I thought the pace was too slow, but as it built, the pace added to the story's eerie complexion and the creepy thoughts of what the spiders were going to do. The way it resolved, however, wove the strands into a thoroughly satisfying symmetry: the web was completed. I was fascinated by your use of "unawareness" in one of the final sentences. At first read it seemed to be a typo. After a few more readings, I realized that the sentence said so much more than if "awareness" had been used. She caught the faintest hint of unawareness that bordered on divine communion with everything around her: the trees, the animals, the water and the earth itself. Kudos, Albert, to your bewitching tribute to Halloween!

Ditto to all the other comments giving kudos to craftingMom. I loved that Wyatt was able to express his righteous anger at Bryan's concern Wyatt would hate him, despite having a breathing tube down his throat. Of course, I can sympathize with Bryan's guilt, too -- as I'm sure most anyone raised around a culture of guilt would. I suspect there might need to be some more for both of them to say once Wyatt is better, but I'm sure they'll sort through it. One thing I'm joyfully anticipating is the first meeting between Eddie and Wyatt. They've already started to bond, and I would guess their mutual experience in "time out" will further deepen it. Thankfully, no one else now will ever have to have that specific punishment. Thanks again for a delightful story!

Not sure I can add much, Tim, other than "Congratulations!" to you for grabbing hold of life and the opportunities that came along to create yourself despite all the horrible things that you had to endure to get to summit you're at today. Of course, there is also a big wish for you and Michael to have many, many wonderful years together to share your evolving story as an inspiration to all. Hugs to you both! John

The relationship between James and Sam is very special. If only more people would think like James, relations among different peoples would be so much smoother. I also am eagerly anticipating seeing how the relationships among James, Sam, and Casey will play out. As for the questions about James potentially going to "juvie", I too paused slightly but made the assumption that his helping Casey avoid CPS -- and in particular his connection to the camp stove -- explained it. Nonetheless, I felt more satisfied seeing your earlier reply. I still wonder why anyone would have even considered James going to "juvie" considering how well respected he AND his mother seem to be. Then again, strange things do happen in small towns.

So glad to see the reaction from Jim and Carol: if Casey can't be living with James and Jessie, the Fishers seem like a very good alternative. Casey definitely deserves a break: after all he's been through to still be such a goodhearted, polite young man with a real depth of character. I hope this break goes on for a while.

I love your characters and your worlds of the fae. I'm so glad I pushed past those really difficult chapters with Lester torturing Mick. As always, Mick's snarky remarks to himself -- and sometimes others ("Oops, did I say that out loud?") -- make me smile even in the midst of all the angst and torment. What a trooper! Now to see what is the price, how they deal with the bitch of a queen in the Seelie Court, and how Mick will rebuild his glamour and his life -- hopefully with Takashi, Riley, and Guy all as part of his family.

I'm so glad that you DID NOT have him spend more time in Lester's clutches. I'm not sure I could read another chapter of that sadistic bastard's actions. However, I AM glad you promise that Lester will get his due -- although I'm not sure anything I can imagine will be enough. Nonetheless, you have created some very memorable characters. Thanks, Rambling Robin!

Whee doggies! There's gonna be some sortin' out goin' on, particularly with CJ still riled from his arrest. Can't wait for the next chapter!!!

So once again you've hooked me with your characters: such complicated lives, such realistic challenges, such potential for love. I do feel sorry for Haru although I think that he loves Hyde enough that he will understand and support whatever relationship Hyde creates with Kazuma as long as Hyde is happy. Thanks for creating another captivating story, Sui!