Date: Dec 08, 2019 8:50 pm Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
Hi again! What a strange chapter, there are many beautiful and happy moments, but at the same time while reading it, I sometimes felt a deep sadness and there were also some angsty moments. And I asked myself if I were in a dark mood while reading it or if this chapter evoked those feelings inside of me....
For example, the first scene at the backyard and Justin's thoughts about Brian... It seems to be so peaceful. And it's beautiful that Justin knew from the start that he was different and got these special moments with Brian, at the same time, he had to learn to be careful, how to behave, so that Brian wouldn't push him away. that's also a little bit sad I think.
Then this domestic partnership... I don't know, maybe I expected it to be a little bit more ridiculous romantic, but after giving it some thought, I came to the conclusion, that it was the perfect way to let them handle it. In fact, they don't need such a thing, but society forces them to do it to have equal rights... "I just don't want to ever feel like I can't get to you." And I love, that Brian combines this act with the suggestion to go to this exhibition and also Justin understands the meaning of this gesture - the real proof of his love - and that's what counts.
"I felt so safe beneath him like he was protecting me from the world" Like I wrote before, there are many beautiful moments in this chapter, but on the other hand Justin has this strange feeling that something bad will happen... Daphne's talking about barebacking... Justin's falling back in his worse behavior about checking the door... the nightmare about the Sap's party... the panic attack on the bridge... Was the panic attack on the bridge the bad thing that he feared would happen? And what I didn't understand: "Within an hour, I had my answer and felt better" What was he looking for? What did he find? Warmest regards!
Author's Response:
The back and forth between happiness and sadness was intentional here. Justin is grateful to be with Brian and to have their life but is also recognizing that this journey they're on with his mental health is long term and wonders if this is putting Brian in a role he will come to resent (he won't).
My wife and I got a domenstic partnership in Los Angeles and it's really as romantic as a trip to the DMV or dentist. Plus I figured Brian and Justin wouldn't be sentimental (since I've erased S5 from my memory) about it. And yes, so right that the romantic part is Brian knowing there's an art exhibit that Justin wants to see. After all, marriage is a contract, love is knowing something will make your partner happy and trying to make sure it can happen.
You'll see what happens in the next chapter (which I see you've already read) but yes I think recovery from anything isn't linear. As you said in a review before, two steps forward, one step back.
[Report This]Date: Mar 10, 2019 12:40 am Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
Great chapter. RL is a pain at times, but it is the most important thing for you now. And, we will always be waiting for the next chapter no matter how long it takes. I only get upset when people just leave WIPS for months even years and no explanation. Fantastic writing as usual. Good luck this semester.
Author's Response:
Thank you for reading and understanding! Sadly RL needs to take first place (gotta pay those bills!) but I also hate abandoned WIPs. I figure letting everyone know that it will be a a monthly posting schedule helps me not feel pressured and avoids folks thinking I’ve abandoned this. I couldn’t abandon my guys!
Date: Mar 09, 2019 2:14 pm Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
This was a great chapter. I'm a huge fan of delving into the day to day lives of our characters. I know that makes the story move more slowly, but it does move and gives the reader an insight into the universe that you've created. I'm really enjoying the solicitous Brian and the one sentence conversations feel just like Brian in canon. I understand about once a month posting. I'm a teacher ( college) and get bogged down with class prep and grading papers. I'll look forward to reading more when you can post again.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I know it makes the story go more slowly but I love a long drawn out story so I'm kinda writing the type of story I like best. I also work at a university, not as a professor, but in the counseling center. I'm still there during summers but it is so much quieter! I use being in an office with little else to do as a time to write - people's tax dollars hard at work! Thank you for reading!
Date: Mar 07, 2019 1:54 am Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
As long as they keep communicating they'll do fine in CA. Justin's starting to feel at home, is Brian?
I like longer chapters, so the more the merrier.
Author's Response:
I think Brian is... we will have his POV in the next chapter so we will get insight into his adjustment.
I like longer chapters when I read so I do try to make each chapter as long as possible!
[Report This]Date: Mar 06, 2019 6:16 pm Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
Amazing chapter! Thank you!
Apart the bridge episode and the nightmare, their trip went so well. And Daphne came. Always a great pleasure to read how Justin and Daphne are still best friends, and how much Brian loves her. I can't believe you made him fall asleep while the besties were talking.
Two parts I really love: so revealing and so accurate.
Brian let me see him disheveled and not perfectly “I’d fuck me” coiffed and I knew, I knew I was different somehow. And it felt like a Very Special Secret that I had to keep from everyone but especially from Brian.
He placed his arms on either side of my head and rested his head on top of mine like it was a bony, hairy pillow. I felt so safe beneath him like he was protecting me from the world, like he was my suit of armor.
Author's Response:
Wow, thank you so much! I'm so glad those parts stood out to you. I love writing Justin's insights into their relationship.
I had to make Brian fall asleep! I didn't know how to navigate Daphne sharing the details of her research with him awake. I wasn't sure how he would react so...night night Brian!
[Report This]Date: Mar 06, 2019 2:18 pm Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
One step at a time. Talking is overrated, yet they somehow get to the same place together.
Author's Response:
Yep they don't need words to communicate!
Date: Mar 06, 2019 2:10 pm Title: Chapter 18: A Bridge
Despite Justin’s anxiety, it turned out to be quite a wonderful vacation. Reminds me of the year that I lived in California. TAG
Author's Response:
Oh I'm glad that the wonderful bits really came through!
Did you live in the Bay? I've lived in LA for nearly a decade, which I think qualifies me as a native.