Date: Dec 02, 2019 5:02 pm Title: Chapter 9: Advice Unsolicited
Hi! the weekend‘s over and so I‘ll slow down with reading and reviewing. But first, thanks very much for answering my reviews.
Monogamy: I totally agree with you, there are definately stressors in both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. And no matter how one wants to live, I think the most important factor is honesty and that is one of the qualities that I so love about Brian. But I have to say, maybe until their „rules" Brian‘s tricking sometimes was hurtful or as I wrote to put Justin in his place (or maybe one could say Brian tried to protect himself from Justin :-) ) and in S5 I got the impression, Justin wasn‘t any longer so much into the tricking, and in my opinion the whole Brandon-thing was really pathetic and also disrespectful against Justin. But yeah, as I wrote before you are successful in „portraying non-monogamy in a good light" - they seem both to be content with it, it just seems natural.
„So my hope was to make clear that Brian has this tough exterior he's had to develop to survive but underneath he's compassionate and generous, even if sometimes misguide" - You have succeeded in doing so, you characterize him in every case just as I see and love him. In my opinion you characterise them both soooo well and I just love their exchanges... also in this chapter... Alone this "Thank youuuuuu." For me, that's Justin (at least that playful part of him)!
Unfortunately, it was probably inevitable that they tell their "family.". Again, you‘ve described all the characters very well. Their reactions: Somehow their behavior makes me (once again) sad, on the other hand the way you write it, it‘s also hilarious. What I really find awful is that all of these comments to Brian really do support his thoughts that he's not good for Justin. Luckily it was only Daphne who was involved before! And as so often while watching the Show, I wonder where they get the right to judge: „C'mon Brian, it's not like the two of you talk" (Debbie) - "We just don't want to see the two of you fall apart because you're not communicating...again." (Michael) It's amazing, how you describe those characters so well!
But what a cute ending: "I grabbed an old pair of Justin's sweatpants" :-)
Author's Response:
Still appreciating all the thoughtful reviews!
I agree, early on in the series, Brian's tricking seemed to be partially to send a message to Justin but after the rules and as their relationship developed, it seemed and felt different at least to me. One of the reasons I had my series start with the beginning of S5 is that I felt things went off the rails a bit with Brian and Justin's relationship in S5.
I'm so so so glad you feel my characterizations are accurate. I wanted to keep everyone in character and it's so hard! Both with imagining what they must be like in private when it's just the two of them and also having at least one character who is not upfront with his feelings make it difficult.
Date: Nov 19, 2018 10:40 pm Title: Chapter 9: Advice Unsolicited
Great chapter. Cliffhanger, sounds like a new plot coming. Fanastic writing.
Author's Response:
Thank you!! A bit of a cliffhanger. It's a big decision for them to make.
[Report This]Date: Nov 19, 2018 10:05 pm Title: Chapter 9: Advice Unsolicited
I love how you write, it's like they are actually there. Now what's this about moving to LA?
Author's Response:
Thank you!!!
We don't know for certain they're moving...but remember how happy Justin was there?
Date: Nov 19, 2018 8:32 pm Title: Chapter 9: Advice Unsolicited
What an end! That's a proposal that will be on every pair of lips on LA, PA. So many questions that Brian might have gathered during his flight.
I love these quotes; they are so revealing: "Justin scrunched up his face, confused, in the way he does that makes my heart do things that remind me I actually have one. “Soooo again, I ask, what’s the problem?”"
"And fuck if the idea of having a secret, no matter how stupid, between us didn’t make his grin go from wide to goofy."
Justin would have been better, and also Brian, if the gang hasn't been aware of Justin's depression; the way they judge and say what they think is painful. I love ow Brian told them to let it go.
Author's Response:
I’m glad you like those quotes - I love when Brian has to admit he has feelings!
i think the gang really has good intentions and they truly care for Justin and Brian but as Brian says, there’s intent and then there’s impact. They need to pay more attention to the impact.