[Report This]Date: Feb 23, 2020 12:22 pm Title: Chapter 19 - You Trust Me, Right?
Maybe not SICK! But there is a high chance of an STD... especially if Ethan is sleeping around which I highly suspect he is. (that's all I'm commenting about this.)
He NEEDS to talk to Debbie. He feels he has no one. I hope while Ethan is in Harrisburg, Justin will do that.
I have to wonder if Ethan HIRED someone with JUSTIN'S money to come in and clean up the place. We know Justin's money paid for the food, wine, and chocolates.
Noble about being poor... has Brian been by to see him?
Ethan's going to Harrisburg... will Justin take a bus, and see him with Mark, or will we have to wait until Mark shows up at the apartment. Oh, LORD... What if Ethan leaves him without ANY money?
Who paid for this summer seminar class? Brian? If so, when Brian gets a refund check, he will check into things.
And that computer... what a frickin liar Ethan is. The dinner turned out as a perfect alibi for purposely dropping it. By having the dinner, he had a reason to move the computer. And by dropping the computer and wrecking it, he was able to put the plausible explanation out there for Justin to quit.
UGH... we are still being treated with the BABE! I thought Justin asked him to can the name.
I definitely need to clear my head... 5 chapters at once was almost too much. I'm going to start making a list of how to destroy Ethan. I'll list my notes with my next review.
HUGS ~Cathy
[Report This]Date: Feb 23, 2020 11:08 am Title: Chapter 18 - Just Going Along
Well, that was a little switch from the original, at least that time he had Daphne to commiserate with.
Is it hoping too much that Daphne and Jen run into each other and compare notes?
How did Ethan know Justin was meeting Jen? Is there a voice audible for tracking? And what's this about NOT getting Debbie's messages? We ALL know she's not the type to call and hang up without leaving a scathing, demanding message. Is he deleting messages too? or is that something else he can control?
Maybe Debbie will mention this to Brian in an off-handed way. Like, 'wishing she knew what was going on with that kid'... or something similar.
Again with Ethan 'saving' him from Brian, bullshit! He really needs to be told that HE'S the one Justin needs 'saving' from. Justin has lost Daphne, is he going to lose Jen now too? I WISH he'd stop at the diner and talk to Debbie.
Would losing his job be so horrible? Maybe Ethan would have to start contributing t the bills. BTW... what is happening to Justin's paychecks now?
I must say that I saw the next chapter notes... I'm so scared to read further...
HUGS ~Cathy
Author's Response:
Just leaving this here for no particular reason... Your phone may be Spying on you. TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 23, 2020 10:05 am Title: Chapter 17 - Inferno of Rage
Well, I'm a little at a loss for words.
I guess my main question is HOW did they disrespect Ethan? The kitchen messed up his order. Not the waiter, not the manager... the kitchen made an honest mistake, and seeing as the fact they DIDN'T know who was getting that specific burger... well, he can't say they targeted him.
Ethan is a bigoted racist and a chauvinist pig! And how dare Justin stand up for him and put his BEST FRIEND on the back burner?
So, who's bed is Ethan warming today and working through his frustration?
HUGS ~Cathy
[Report This]Date: Feb 23, 2020 9:14 am Title: Chapter 16 - Stay Mad
I guess in all the confusion and full days, Justin forgot to ask the all-important question: How did Ethan know about Brian?
Win you away from Brian? Why did Justin NOT correct him on that statement? Ethan has said that before... and that just gets my nerves ramped. Justin is NOT a prize that you win!
Did Justin NOT realize that HE paid for the balloons and rose petals? All Ethan had to do was go pick them up. WITH JUSTIN"S MONEY!!!
Ethan handed Justin $20 for lunch? So I gather Justin STILL does not have his own money. Why is that?
Justin's the most talented man he's been with? Didn't sound that way when he was talking about Justin's art previously.
I hope Justin sleeps with one eye open tonight, because Ethan just might slip out and meet Mark.
CHAPTER END NOTES:
I'm sorry about your reviews dropping off. Hopefully, it's the same as with me. Illness, or possibly RL is getting in the way. But, yes, this is a hard story to read, but it is also a fact of life. It happens EVERYDAY! Unfortunately. So, as far as subject matter, I don't think that's why. But it's also one that you have to be in the right frame of mind to read. So, NO... don't quick typing. The faster you write, that faster we get to a conclusion.
How to destroy Ethan? Well, can we snap that thousand dollar bow in two and shove it up his ass? (hey, I'm not joking!) But, since I know you won't write something like that... Let's kidnap him, bring him to the loft, duct tape him to a chair, stick a rag in his mouth and duct tape it closed, tape his eyes open with surgical tape, and make him watch Brian and Justin have sex for four hours. Let him watch Justin top Brian, while Brian tells him he's the best lover on the planet.
Hey! Who would ever believe that really happened if Ethan tries to squeal? LOL.
Love you!
Cathy
P.S. My apologies for my crassness on how to destroy Ethan.
Date: Feb 23, 2020 8:56 am Title: Chapter 19 - You Trust Me, Right?
I was almost too scared to read this chapter. lol. I absolutely love reading all of your stories and I know that it will all work out in the end, but I’ve nearly bitten all of my nails off! All the way through I’m like nope, cannot happen, Daph or Jennifer will just go and let Brian know what’s going on, and he’ll make Justin realise what’s going on. Lol I guess I’ll just have to wait..... so looking foreword to the next chapter xx
Author's Response:
So sorry for your fingernails! Thanks for sticking with me tho. TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 23, 2020 7:54 am Title: Chapter 15 - Considering Your Limitations
First I want to apologize for not reading the last few chapters on time. Although I was a little more than shocked to see just how many chapters I was behind! I'm definitely NOT abandoning the story. I've been frightfully ill, and barely managed to get my next chapter finshed. Anyway... I will catch up tonight.
Can I say I was shocked by what Justin said here? They supported each other’s endeavors without qualification. Because Ethan had just dissed him and dismissed him, and he turns around with that statement. *angry*
Professor Grande... I was thankful to find out that was a woman. I started to wonder if Ethan had previously "talked" to the Professor and got them on his side. And speaking of "Talking"... who is Ethan screwing on the side? Lord, I hope it's not Rory! Because no way do I believe he's practicing that late at night... EVERY night. Maybe that's when he gets his 'bottoming' time in.
And how the HELL did Ethan find out about Brian? Tracking system? But if that was case, wouldn't he have known about that as SOON as Justin was there? Could you imagine if he met them both coming out of the loft? I guess I don't know that much about them, but maybe they record?
God, I hope Ethan doesn't hurt Justin.
HUGS ~Cathy
Date: Feb 23, 2020 2:53 am Title: Chapter 19 - You Trust Me, Right?
I DO trust you... which was the only thing getting me through this chapter.
I really want to hug and console poor Justin right now.
Author's Response:
Me too. He's just so exhausted and confused and he has nobody to talk to. It's so bad... I'm writing as fast as I can to get him out of there. But I'm afraid it'll be a while still. Thanks for sticking with me. TAG
Date: Feb 23, 2020 12:14 am Title: Chapter 18 - Just Going Along
From a scientific viewpoint, it's actually pretty amazing how our bodies deal with stress. Mental issues can most definitely cause physical symptoms as our bodies struggle to cope, which can then lead to more symptoms...
Hopefully, Justin will soon find his way out of the viscious cycle.
[Report This]Date: Feb 22, 2020 9:31 pm Title: Chapter 18 - Just Going Along
Wow, that was a tough chapter watching Ethan take more control of Justin. Can't wait until Justin finally is able to take a stand. All the scientific info is really great to read. Wonderful writing as always.
Author's Response:
Thanks for sticking in there. I know this story is getting darker and it's hard to read. I'm REALLY scared for the reaction to the next chapter. But I do promise an HEA for those that hold out. TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 22, 2020 6:34 am Title: Chapter 18 - Just Going Along
Maybe there is someone else to help Justin: Debbie, Emmett, even Brian.
I hope the brain damages are reversible.
Author's Response:
The brain damage is reversible - there's these weird eye movements you can do, or you can just wait and time will help you heal. But, unfortunately, I think Justin's gonna have to save himself this time... TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 20, 2020 4:54 pm Title: Chapter 17 - Inferno of Rage
Whoa! What a disrespectful and racist jerk! He dares demanding respect after treating everybody else like shit!
I'm so happy that Daphne didn't let him denigrate her freely. She is going to have a hard time getting Justin see the light; he still is on Ethan's side.
I hope he will ask to have his money sent to his account, no more Ethan's or will he fear too much the reaction and won't do anything?
I really feel bad for you, having to live such a nightmare. You are a very talented writer, there is doubt about that, but the way you detail Ethan's behaviour, shows that it's your guts that are leading your muse. Even years after, it's still in your mind and I hope not as powerful as before. Cathartic writing?
Author's Response:
VERY catharitc, actually. I feel like a weight is being lifted off me as I write. TAG
Date: Feb 20, 2020 2:31 am Title: Chapter 17 - Inferno of Rage
I absolutely cannot stand when people treat wait staff and servers so disrespectfully. I have friends that sometimes make me cringe with complaints about simple things like the wrong salad dressing... but that's nothing like what Ethan did. I don't think I could have sat through that. It was actually really hard for me to just read it.
I said it before, Justin is in survival mode. Alive, but not really living. And Daphne is in a tough best-friend corner. Wanting to be supportive of Justin, but not really knowing exactly how to help. Because stepping too far over the line will cause Justin to shut down, like he did here.
I mentally slapped Ethan right across the face when he proudly displayed his racism. And gagged a little with Justin's comments about that "soul patch" and his balls. Ewwww!
Author's Response:
Unfortunately, the screaming fit in the middle of a restaurant is a real world example from my own past… TAG
PS. The thing about Ethan's chin rat made me gag too, and I was writing it.
[Report This]Date: Feb 20, 2020 12:53 am Title: Chapter 17 - Inferno of Rage
What an amazing chapter. Could feel all the tension and it reminded me of things in my life. Too bad that Daphne had to be dragged into the world of Ethan, but it will help Justin in the end to see just what Ethan is. Wonderful writing.
Author's Response:
I thought about how to respond to your reviews. I know it's taking me a while, but I wanted to really think through my answer.
First of all, I'd like to thank you for all of your support and all of your amazing reviews. I'd also like to thank you for taking the time to read this story considering that it obviously has some issues which might cause you pain. Those Readers who have never been there, probably don't understand some of the nuances of the story. I really appreciate a reader does understand everything.
Secondly, something you said in a prior review really resonated with me: The feeling of freedom when you read this story after you've already escaped this kind of abuse, is almost overwhelming. It took me two years to get to the point where I could finish the story, and that was after four years of therapy. It's a long journey. But I share your sense of joy at the freedom that comes now.
Thank you again for all of your amazing comments and thank you for reading about my journey as seen through Justin's eyes.
TAG
Date: Feb 19, 2020 1:20 am Title: Chapter 16 - Stay Mad
I just realized today that there were TWO chapters that I hadn't read. But they made for a great double feature!
What to do about Ethan? Hmmm... maybe make him watch Brain/Justin sex tapes until his head explodes?
Date: Feb 19, 2020 1:05 am Title: Chapter 15 - Considering Your Limitations
Well, Ethan has obviously got some sort of tracking App on Justin's phone.
It was nice to see Brian... even in a cameo appearance. Hopefully, Justin can escape Ethan's clutches soon. In the meantime, thank goodness he has Daphne.
[Report This]Date: Feb 18, 2020 6:32 pm Title: Chapter 16 - Stay Mad
My imagination can't even think of things bad enough to bring Ethan down, he truly is appalling!
Please don't slow down your posting, I think these chapters are just really hard to comment on without streams of invective, derogatory words because Ethan is freaking us all out. I'm just really hoping someone takes Ethan down soon, but I suspect he will have to step over the line a few more times before we reach that point.
[Report This]Date: Feb 18, 2020 3:49 pm Title: Chapter 16 - Stay Mad
Great idea to make an ex of Ethan coming to meet with Justin. Maybe it will crack his loyalty to Ethan and his commitment.
It's pretty amazing that you have updated this story so quickly. Thank you!
[Report This]Date: Feb 18, 2020 3:11 am Title: Chapter 16 - Stay Mad
No don't go slower. Sometimes even I get tied up in RL and have to put off reading for a day or so which upsets me, but what can you do. The story is great, but I think it is hitting home with a lot of us who have had someone in our lives like Ethan and we just want Justin to be better off. Fantastic writing as always.
[Report This]Date: Feb 18, 2020 2:45 am Title: Chapter 16 - Stay Mad
I love how you brought in an ex for Ethan who warns Justin. I mean just how much does Justin know about Ethan's past.
Author's Response:
I once had to weigh whether or not to tell the new love interest of my abuser about what she was getting into, but in the end, she didn't want to hear it and instead joined in with that abuser to harass me. I guess this is my attempt to make up for that. At least Justin is forewarned... TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 17, 2020 6:50 pm Title: Chapter 15 - Considering Your Limitations
I read Narcissus long time ago and it fits Ethan so much! He was already like this in the series, but not developed like you do.
If Brian ever finds out what Ethan said about Justin's ability to draw, he would deck him, if Daphne didn't already do it. I could also see Daphne dismembering Misha and using the bow to tie Ethan's balls. Not that I condone violence, physical or otherwise.
Justin finally did something for himself and got his computer back; he was also able to see that Brian wasn't angry. Spending quality time with Daphne might help putting some things into perspective. One can hope!
NB: my last comment about technicalities was due to the "Canon Divergent story starting with ep 2.16." you have in the banner of the story; that's why I didn't think it was set in current day.
[Report This]Date: Feb 17, 2020 6:09 pm Title: Chapter 15 - Considering Your Limitations
Great chapter. Oh how I hate Ethan. Any Brian and Justin time together makes me happy. Wonderful writing
[Report This]Date: Feb 17, 2020 2:45 pm Title: Chapter 15 - Considering Your Limitations
I always like to think that Justin is smarter than this. Maybe it's a left over from the bashing.
Author's Response:
That's exactly the wrong way to look at this. You're, in essence, blaming the victim for his own abuse. The point I'm trying to make in this story, and specifically in this chapter, is that it doesn't matter how smart or strong or talented you are - if anything, those are the people a narcissist targets - and then he uses those very characteristics against you. It's insidious and totally evil. But don't blame the victim, blame the abuser. TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 16, 2020 4:49 pm Title: Chapter 14 - Fighting An Octopus
Ethan is a grade A con artist. Please help Justin to see through him.
Date: Feb 15, 2020 1:50 pm Title: Chapter 14 - Fighting An Octopus
I forgot to comment on Ethan purchasing a new bow. No WONDER they were broke. My granddaughter plays violin down in Virginia. First chair. She's been playing for eleven years. They recently replaced her bow, and it was $875.00. And that wasn't even the most expensive one.
The Crook!
I really hope Justin INSISTS on seeing the actual cost of the bills. He better ask to see rent costs, and what all the rent includes. If Ethan won't tell him, go to the building super or something.
Yes... I'm upset!
Author's Response:
Yep, violin bows ARE super expensive. No wonder Justin's extra $800 disappeared. But, keep in mind that, just because an abuser promises something, it doesn't mean they'll follow through. If anyone actually thinks that Ethan will show justin all the bills, they are even more naïve than justin is. Empty promises are great way to end an argument tho... TAG
[Report This]Date: Feb 15, 2020 1:43 pm Title: Chapter 14 - Fighting An Octopus
WHAT A PIECE OF WORK!
When Ethan feels backed in a corner, and doesn't know how to convince you he's right, he goes on the defensive and gets raging mad, making Justin feel bad for angering him. I had a very good friend in an abusive relationship, and did everything short of dragging her out of it. But it all comes to a head one day. Just like an alcoholic hits rock bottom, something will happen that Justin won't have any choice but to get out.
Hopefully, he's still alive to get out.
And I can't believe Justin didn't retort or get angry at Ethan for calling Daphne a cunt. He should have decked Ethan for calling his BEST FRIEND that! That was wrong on so very many accounts.
And yes, let's apologize with the poem - that he didn't really write - (where did he rip it off from? Justin didn't question him if he knows calligraphy.) and a gift, making Justin once more, happy and content.
ASSHOLE!
Daphne... run to Brian!!!!
HUGS ~Cathy