Date: Dec 03, 2021 2:31 pm Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
Hi, thanks for the story. I liked it a lot.
Of course the story is yours to do what you will with it. However I have a ‘slight’ problem with parts of it. The sex shop in Altooner reminds of a similar place in Philadelphia. In your story, you described it negatively. I don’t see as that. It was a good way and for many gay men to learn and experience. At least I think so. I wonder how many Altoona like places there were.
John was a tragic figure. A key to me was that there were several pictures of other men found in his studio. The point being that John had many (some) other relationship with other than Brian of similar age. One could look at John as a predator. I lost a little interest in him.
inally, the story ended with B/J having unprotected sex. It was suggested that since Brian only had protected sex the last three month since he was tests he considered it Safe Sex. That is not my understanding of Safe Sex.
Thanks again for the story. It was somewhat biographical for me at well.
DavidR
Author's Response: Thanks for your review. I’m puzzled that you found my description of “Rumors” as negative. I’ve been to many gay bars (with back rooms) so I thought my description was sorta the average. Granted, it was a bit rundown, but it was a gathering place for local gay men. I admit…I’ve never been to Altoona. I was more observer than participant, but these bars were part of my evolution, too. I have also written a story with 11 chapters about Rumors and Brian’s relationship with the bartender/ owner…and the evolution of both the relationship and also the business. I hadn’t planned to post that story here because it is far outside the domain of QAF…but I thought Rumors was important enough to be the setting for the longest story I’ve ever written. (Brian helps build a dark maze that doubles the number of patrons and rescues the business from failure.)
Date: Dec 01, 2021 9:12 am Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
First, welcome to KD. It's always nice to see new authors.
I have read the majority of your work years ago, if not all. And have copies of it too. That said, I was really hoping if you put this story on here, you would have changed your bottom notes, because I believe every person out there knows or realizes Randall Morgan is NOT a HE. He was never even a person. All that was all over LJ YEARS ago. The fact that you would credit HIM, and not the true author, Carol, really hit a wrong chord with me. Many, many, many QAF fans were very upset when the truth came out, I would presume you were aware of that too. So many great authors were duped and disheartened by the news, and seeing you still crediting HIM today, well it's so wrong on so many levels, and greatly upsetting.
Author's Response: I had no idea that Randall was female. I was totally duped...so I'm sorry my accreditation has the wrong gender, but I still give credit to Randall, whoever & whatever he/she might be. So, was I the ONLY male fan-fiction writer for QAF? I don't remember any others. And...am I the only male fan-fiction writer in THIS group?
Date: Dec 01, 2021 7:29 am Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
Wow, no I didn't get this! That's ridiculous romantic :-) No, seriously, I love this thought! It's beautiful!
Regarding my question to The White Party - Yeah, I know that Justin stayed at home, but you put Ben into it and that's why I asked myself if it's AU (because I think that was a few years back). And as I said, it's just not for me and Brian and Ben, no thanks ;-)
Author's Response: I love that my work is sometimes called "Ridiculously Romantic." That's one end of my spectrum. The other end is...well, I'll wait and see if you'll read some of my "other stuff" and I'll let you come to your own conclusions.
Date: Dec 01, 2021 2:59 am Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
A wonderful chapter with which you close this story. I love their conversations here. Yes, even if Justin makes a lot of mistakes and has this sometimes carefree naivety especially at the beginning of the series, on the other hand he is also very mature for his age, which is why I never understood why the age difference is such a problem for some. With this chapter and what Justin says about John's written words, it became clear to me why I had such a stupid feeling about him, especially in the second chapter, and why I wrote that I don't know what to think of John. For me, his words are just too melodramatic, too theatrical. and in this chapter there are now the almost accusations "you could not love in return" ... It sounds so bitter and I'm glad that Justin helps Brian to see this and that he finally finds the strength to move on. The last scene! Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing this story with us!
Author's Response: Did you get the “light” connection? Lux Aeternam means perpetual light. That last scene has two light sources… the burning books, and the colorful sunset. And the “perpetual” connection is (hopefully) is the love between Brian & Justin. I just thought I should mention this.
Date: Nov 30, 2021 6:30 pm Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
Loved it. I think Brian taking Justin to the funeral and the tour of his past as along with the burning of those books was just what Brian needed to help get him through the pain and hardship of his past and to help him to start moving forward with Justin.
Author's Response:
Thank you for your review. During the broadcasts 20 years ago, I was mesmerized by the character Brian Kinney. I wanted to know more about him...particularly the details of his life before he met Justin. That interest led me to fan-fiction and a whole series of stories about his earlier life that might explain his behavior...with Justin, Mikey, Debbie, and other major characters. I think these 20-year-old stories have fared well ove 20 years. They still seem relevant today. So I'm happy that you like them.
[Report This]Date: Nov 29, 2021 12:09 pm Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
This was an amazing and very compelling story. There were so many emotions felt by all the characters throughout the story.
You can't choose who you fall in love with, some things just happen. Brian loved Justin from the beginning, but due to his past, felt very unworthy of being loved in return. He needs to learn to accept things that just are, things that can't be explained or controlled.
~Lorie
[Report This]Date: Nov 29, 2021 11:43 am Title: Part Four: Lux Aeterna [Perpetual Light]
I waited until the end to comment. I needed to read all of it. Autobiographical and yet so Brian and Justin. Brian opening himself up in the only way he knew how. The ending love making, for that's what I feel is what it was. So powerful. A link a connection that they needed. Very well done..bravo!!>>> Cat
Author's Response:
CAT, I love your writing and your reviews. And there is so many more stories that I look forward to sharing with you. Feel free to give me a tough review in the future; I can take good criticism, especially if it improves my writing. I like your stories, too.