[Report This]Date: Jul 13, 2019 11:06 pm Title: Chapter 15- Camaraderie or Habit?
This stopping drinking isn't as easy as Brian thought.
Author's Response:
At first it is will power and fear about his accident. When Brian has to change his life and live with his decision not to drink, things get a little harder.
[Report This]Date: Jul 13, 2019 5:59 pm Title: Chapter 15- Camaraderie or Habit?
Great writing. Wow, this is like being the alcoholic when reading how difficult it is to quit. But, at least Brian is trying and not giving up thanks to Justin. Fantastic writing.
Author's Response:
So pleased that you are enjoying my writing and story telling. I think it is hard for the alcoholic and I'm trying to show a person's challenges. Justin is playing a big role as would any sponsor.
[Report This]Date: Jun 20, 2019 2:56 am Title: The 64,000 Dollar Question
I feel kind of sorry for Brian and that he associates his whole existence with going to Woody’s and Babylon. That’s a very shallow existence. I’m not sure how Justin can fix that. It seems more of a mental health issue than something your sponsor could do. TAG
Author's Response:
Tag- you are right. Brian's whole life has been to lean toward success- he saw himself as a failure and a punching bag for his parents and he wanted his first foray into life to be successful. As a gorgeous gay man he finally felt in control and later when he built his business, he had to be the best as well. He doesn't know how to blend into the woodwork. His whole life is about showing his childhood self how successul he is as an adult. Definitely a Mental health issue.
[Report This]Date: Jun 15, 2019 9:51 pm Title: The 64,000 Dollar Question
Come on Justin you can think of something
Author's Response:
Hopefully, they will figure it out.
Date: Jun 15, 2019 4:22 pm Title: The 64,000 Dollar Question
I don't know, as much as Brian thinks he wants to be sober, I feel as though he's going to give in t o temptation. He's talking to Justin, but seems to me like he doesn't care what's being said. Like he's bored with it all already.
Maybe he should tell Justin about Ted. Couldn't hurt.
Author's Response:
I don't think he is bored, just realizing how hard this step will be. Brian wants to change, but it will take a lot of work on his part to revamp his life.
[Report This]Date: Jun 15, 2019 1:59 pm Title: The 64,000 Dollar Question
Hmm, that is a tall order. They could go together, but then there is the temptation. Of course they could skip the bars and dance at the loft. Not only dance. hehe.
Author's Response:
Justin is not going to comtemplate sleeping with Brian at this point. Maybe in the future, but not at this point Sorry to disappoint.
[Report This]Date: Jun 15, 2019 11:12 am Title: The 64,000 Dollar Question
Great update. Hope Brian sees that everyone had the same kind of lives and moved forward. Love this story since it has such good context and isn't all fluff and the normal B & J story. Wonderful writing.
Author's Response:
Thank you. I'm so excited that you are enjoying the story. It is a little easier to write then a complete AU as I'm using canon for some of the back story. Brian is finally starting to think about what he wants out of life.
Date: Jun 13, 2019 8:06 am Title: Chapter 13- My Son Gus
I’m happy for Brian re the decision as to Gus. That’s the perfect way to spend all his new free time. TAG
Author's Response:
I always thought the look on Brian's face when he was saying goodbye to Gus when the girls were driving off showed so much pain. I decided in my universe, Brian realized this early on.
[Report This]Date: Jun 02, 2019 10:21 pm Title: Chapter 13- My Son Gus
I like this new version of Brian and how involved he wants to be in Gus' life. The girls are going to have a rocky awakening!
Author's Response:
I always thought Brian would be more involved in Gus life if given the chance.
[Report This]Date: Jun 02, 2019 10:09 pm Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
Great chapter! Brian is finally asking good questions about his life, his friends, his money and how some people like spending it.
He is right not to tell Debbie; I just hope she will refrain herself a few days (I couldn't hope for weeks).
Author's Response:
I think Debbie will be okay for a bit but not forever. She's knows something is up and doesn't like being out of loop.
[Report This]Date: Jun 01, 2019 12:57 pm Title: Chapter 13- My Son Gus
In stead of just living each day as it comes, Brian is thinking about what he wants out of his life. There are so many possibilities.
Author's Response:
Brian is finally making decisions about his life.
Date: Jun 01, 2019 11:42 am Title: Chapter 13- My Son Gus
Got for it Brian. Shock them all to hell.
Author's Response:
Brian had always done what he wants. No apologies. Now he's is thinking about what he really wants.
[Report This]Date: Jun 01, 2019 2:24 am Title: Chapter 13- My Son Gus
Great chapter. Love Brian as a caring father. Wonderful writing.
Author's Response:
Thank you. Brian wants Gus in his life;unlike his father.
Author's Response:
Thank you. Brian wants Gus in his life;unlike his father.
Date: May 25, 2019 3:31 pm Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
The thing I don’t get is why he hasn’t dumped out all those bottles of alcohol in his loft... TAG
Author's Response:
Tag:
He's just not ready yet. Hopefully soon.
Date: May 19, 2019 5:39 pm Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
I think Brian is going to like who he's becoming. He needs a hobby though. Maybe a photography class. Maybe karate. Ha! But something.
I can see him sitting fown and telling Deb why he isn't drinking, but to tell Lindsay, never. If she knows him so well, let her figure it out.
Also, I'd have Ted look into all the money he's given the girls. If Gus wants a trampoline party, just like other kids, then he should have one
Especially if Brian's going to wind up footing the bill one way or another.
Author's Response:
Yep, I agree, he needs a hobby- I think Brian will definitely start looking at the money issues.
[Report This]Date: May 19, 2019 12:40 am Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
So proud of Brian! He's been conquering his demons- those of a mental nature and the human kind. He didn't explode at Michael's constant whining, but Brian still answered Michael with the truth tinged with the annoyance he was no doubt feeling. He maintained the control over his emotions he needed to make conscious and wise choices in his sobriety. I am so PROUD of him!
I am also happy that Debbie didn't push Brian for answers. The assessment he gave to Ted, about Deb's inability to keep her well-meaning mouth closed, was spot-on! Although she wouldn't have been malcious in divulging Brian's personal business, the fact remains that if she knew, Brian would have to worry about so much more than just maintaining his sanity during his personal journey. He was also correct in how the information would be perceived by Lindsay. She would applaud his efforts while carefully twisting the metaphorical knife by withholding his access to Gus. Sadly, although I think that Brian should tell Melanie as opposed to Lindsay, I doubt she would be all that gung-ho for him to succeed. In her mind, he'd be systematically taking all her ammunition against him away, and Mel would throw as big a tantrum about it as Michael and Lindsay are no doubt going to.
However, like Brian, I would like to know what they are doing with the support money for Gus, too. It sure doesn't look like they are hurting any that they should continue to deny Gus the things he wants and needs. What are they using the money for, if not for Gus since they both have jobs? It pissed me off that Mel just outright said 'NO' to Gus requesting a trampoline party, while Lindsay made it clear that she agreed with Mel but buying her some time by saying 'We'll see'. Just about EVERY child knows that when those two words are uttered the automatic answer is a resounding no. I really hope that some answers for Brian are forthcoming from that quarter and soon, whether he chooses to act on the information or not.
Splendid chapter, Sandy! I'm certainly looking forward to MORE!
HUGS,
~Nichelle
Author's Response:
NIchelle:
Thank you for the wonderful review. Eventually he will need to tell everyone, and I will write about those events. I haven't gotten that far yet. lol
[Report This]Date: May 19, 2019 12:07 am Title: Chapter 11- Conversations
Hey Sandy!
Definitely LOVED that the meeting brought up most of the issues that's been plaguing Brian for years, and that he was able to identify himself within each story.
Justin's continued support and guidance is indeed a thing of wonder! I suspect that his ability to get Brian to really examine his motives for maintaining the relationship with Michael will be an undeniable turning point in how Brian views himself, and those he has surrounded himself with. It's amazing how Justin made the connection between Jack's physical abuse and Michael being emotionally abusive, which is in actuality the worst of the two regardless of if it's intentionally inflicted or not.
I sincerely hope that Brian will continue to examine his life, and the friendships he's formed and the reasons he maintains them. Ironically, I'm not just talking about Michael, but probably most especially, Lindsay's. Blake, Ted and Emmett are proving themselves to be the real friends of the adult Brian has become, while the other two served their purpose and are certainly trying to hold onto a friendship that each of them have outgrown in their own way... or at least, that might be the case for Brian and Lindsay. Michael? Meh, he'll probably never grow up!
Off to read the next chapter!
HUGS, Sandy!
~Nichelle
Author's Response:
Nichelle:
I think Justin will push Brian into exploring his relationships and many aspects of his life.
Date: May 18, 2019 5:37 pm Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
Great chapter. Love that Brian is taking this seriously and working at getting better. Wonderful writing.
Author's Response:
Thank you. Brian is taking this very seriously.
[Report This]Date: May 18, 2019 4:39 pm Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
I am really enjoying this story and your insights that you have Brian going thru are really throght provoking.
This hits home for me.
I will admit that when I was in college many moons ago, I was like Justin, not knowing who I was (growing up with an alcoholic father) and almost went down that path. Realized that Adult children of alcoholics have a lower tolerance for alcohol thru counseling. Learned better coping mechanisms.
Author's Response:
I'm really pleased that the story is hitting straight on. I'm trying to write it and cover a lot of common topics.
[Report This]Date: May 18, 2019 2:37 pm Title: Chapter 12- The Road Less Taken
Love this chapter. Frankly I've always wondered why he was friends with Michael, I mean what does he really get out of it. Melanies refusal to let Gus have a trampoline party is telling. It's as if when he asks for something her first reaction is to say no. Maybe Ted needs to do an audit on how they spend the money Brian gives them. I think that Deb will have to be told only so she doesn't make something up. But the chances of her telling Michael is too great.
Author's Response:
Telling Deb will be hard, but eventually he will have to do that.
[Report This]Date: May 05, 2019 4:55 am Title: Chapter 11- Conversations
Important soul searching... TAG
(PS. Was at a coffee shop today and overheard two women talking, the younger of whom was pretty obviously just starting AA, and all I could think of was this fic. I kept comparing the woman’s statements to what Brian’s going through here. You KNOW it’s a good story when you can’t stop thinking about it in real life... 😉)
Author's Response:
Wow. I hope what you were hearing was parallel to my story. ( ie- am I being accurate?) It does say alot when you are thinking of the story in real life. Glad you are enjoying the story.
[Report This]Date: May 03, 2019 2:16 pm Title: Chapter 11- Conversations
It's great that Justin is pushing Brian to rethink his relationships with his "friends". Habits can lead to deceiving situations.
Author's Response:
In this universe, Justin can be honest and thought provoking with Brian without fear of retribution from others. NO one knows he really exists and he doesn't have any connection with Brian's every day existence.
[Report This]Date: May 03, 2019 5:02 am Title: Chapter 11- Conversations
That must be giving him a headache, all those thoughts. How to solve it. Looking forward to seeing what happens at Debs. Pretty sure that Ted and Emmett will try to change topics when it seems to be a problem for Brian.
Author's Response:
Brian isn't used to examining his everyday activities In many ways, he is on autopilot. I think Ted and Emmett will help if they can.
Date: Apr 27, 2019 2:53 am Title: Chapter 10- No More Secrets
I like the way Brian’s having to get in touch with his own emotions and motivations in this story. Very introspective. TAG
Author's Response:
I think when someone makes a huge life change as Brian is doing, you have to really look at your life. If you don't , you most likely won't be successful.
[Report This]Date: Apr 26, 2019 9:35 pm Title: Chapter 10- No More Secrets
Very interesting chapter. I'm learning a lot. Telling Emmett might help with Mikey, since Emmett will probably run interference now that he knows.
Author's Response:
Glad you are enjoying the story and it is educational. Emmet will help anyway he can and he knows that Michael is most likely not a good influence on Brian.