Reviewer: The SNO Signed [Report This]
Date: Aug 21, 2018 5:20 pm Title: Chapter 5 - Snake Charmer

Great chapter, adding words that explain what could have happened in this chaotic time.

Reviewer: Toto_too514 Signed [Report This]
Date: Jul 16, 2018 1:01 am Title: Chapter 5 - Snake Charmer

by making me feel cherished and valued beyond anything I’ve experienced before.

That's something that everyone deserves in their relationships. Justin shouldn't feel bad about desiring it. 

I've had many a discussion with other fans about that infamous scene at the loft. Most tell me their sympathies lie with Brian, that he's the one who's been hurt. And I don't doubt that he is feeling hurt and abandoned. But much like you describe here, I feel it's Justin who's suffering the most. He literally has no place to go. Nowhere that's truly his. He's forced to live off the good natures of friends and family. That's a lot for a young college student. I think sometimes we forget just how young Justin is.

Author's Response:

BINGO! You put your finger right on it - we forget how truly young Justin was in that scene. Granted, they were both at fault for the breakup, mostly because they we stupid and refuse to talk about why they were so upset with each other, but Brian, being the more mature partner, controlled all the cards financially and even emotionally, so he always had the advantage. That's why I saw it as Justin not having any choice. It really was a cruel thing to do on Brian's part too. But, in my story, all of those factors are exacerbated by Ethan's manipulations of the situation. If Ethan hadn't been meddling, I really do think Brian and Justin would have eventually worked things out... TAG