Hey Kev, thanks for the new chapter

First off, hopefully you don't take it badly, but the interlude I didn't comment on as my feelings were about the same as most the others. It was nice to get a bit more insight into Aaron's life but sort of felt it may have been just included in a chapter. I know a few authors use interludes and just never really saw them as being that helpful to the story. What really is the point or objective of them if I can ask? I'm curious of your answer.

Second, it was great to read the new chapter . I reallly missed having Aaron's witty humour of his thoughts accompany what he actually says and does. It is probably this that has set this story apart from a majority of others. I love it.

The money issue is kind of interesting one. It appears that Ben has lots of it by the type of car he drives, and we know that Mick obviously has no problem with the cash either. I guess the relationship between Mick and Aaron is the big question. Aaron seems to have no hang ups with accepting help from Mick, but when it came to Ben offering (or did he?), he became really self concious.

Also in this chapter, Aaron really made it sound like he was first realizing that he was questioning Mick's sexuality and was trying to gauge this by how Mick would react to Ben, as in being jealous of Ben. I may be wrong, but I got the impression that in past chapters Aaron just accepted Mick as being a good friend and wasn't interested in dating or who he may date. Why the sudden change?

Lastly, I loved the chapter name. Needless to say, I'm going to lable you as being a big tease ! Here I thought we were going to have a homerun, and they only get to shortstop (I loved that, I have never heard of that 'base' before ). Question, were you aware of supposedly meaning behind 'Turning Japenese' when you named the chapter, or was it actually just in reference to the gardens and the sushi?

Anyways, great chapter Kev.

Steve

Great chapter! I think it's one of the more humorous ones, especially with Aaron's 'italics'. Made me laugh out loud several times. What's most interesting about this chapter is the dynamics going on between Mick and Aaron, that Aaron so readily accepts Mick's handouts and Mick being so happy to sub him, almost like a parent. I really don't think Mick sees Aaron as a romantic interest, although if by chance he does, he's concealing it very well. He's really not bothered by Ben, and since Aaron likes to mention how hot Mick is quite often, I'm still going with the Aaron's got feelings for Mick idea

I am beginning to wonder how serious the relationship between Aaron and Ben will get. Although Ben seems quite happy to fall into the role of boyfriend at the moment, I'm not convinced he'll give up his wanton ways quite so easily. I think that if Aaron show the slightest sign of becoming 'clingy' then Ben will revert back to his old Bmad self in no time. Or maybe I'm just being cynical.

A great observation, Gabe!

So folks, it's getting about time for a new chapter, who's going to tempt me with pics of cute guys?


That's an excellent and well thought-out evaluation! Of course I won't say whether it's correct or not


Thanks, Tiff, I'm glad you're enjoying the more concentrated focus


Thanks, I was concerned about this actually.

As you all may have noticed the scene was described and retold but not lived. I did that for several reasons, on the one hand it was just easier and it wasn't a particularly important scene. Also it was to help keep the story flowing quickly in the direction I wanted to go. In any case, I was concerned that it might not 'work' given the way the rest of the story was told. I'm glad it did


Ben's definitely the kind of guy that gets treated to dinner, at least if he goes on a date. In my mind, although not written into the story (at least not yet ) he would likely get treated if he went with Giorgio or Cosmo as well. With Daisy I expect they would take it in turn. Just the way I imagine it though, as I said it's not written into the story.






Thanks, Cynical!




Great point, Steph. I would personally tend to think that - at this point at least - this would be more Aaron's issue than Ben's as well. Of course that's just what I would think up until now, who knows what I have in store MWAHAHAHAHA

(only kidding )

Great point!


As a sociology major, I have to say I agree with this analysis about what can happen! I think it's also always a bit easier watching something when you're detached from it.


Hey Steve

Thanks for the comments.

Well, I guess the main purpose is just to give the readers a little something extra that I don't want to have read as part of the chapters. I agree that it does slow down the action and I don't really want to see it in the story. I thought it might be a nice little extra that some people would enjoy though. LOL, evidently these people are relatively few and far between though


Aww thanks!


This is me speculating as a reader/general person and not as the author.

I would think that much of it has to do with the dynamics of the relationship involved and 'role' you see each person fitting. For example if I were Aaron I wouldn't let Mick take care of me the way he does. However, if Mick were my boyfriend, and it was a fairly temporary arrangement, then I might. I think Aaron sees it differently because he views the roles of 'best friend' and 'boyfriend' differently.

There's also his higher comfort level with Mick and the fairly understandable goal he might have of trying to "impress" Ben (or at least hold his own) as his new boyfriend which he might not feel with comfortable, familiar old Mick. I also think there's a big difference in Mick and Ben's personalities which might make it seem a bit more acceptable from Mick.



You're completely correct in your analysis.

The change was indeed because Aaron was first beginning to question Mick's sexuality. He never considered it before until he had to verbally explain it to Ben. Once he did that and though "wait, does that really make sense?" he became doubtful and did indeed want to gauge Mick's reaction.

Good observation, I hope it was fairly clear from the text.


Thanks Steve! I'm so glad you asked that!

I was indeed aware of the interpretation of the song. However, that line at the end was just added because of the title name and the speculation about the song. The title was just to reference the Japanese Garden scene and sushi.

Incidentally, I also threw in a reference to Nintendo to keep with the theme, but as I said that and the line about masturbation were just extraneous 'they fit and they tie in nicely' lines and not major plot themes like the Garden scene and the sushi.

Incidentally though, none of that was the most major shade of meaning I was going for. The obvious, face-value interpretation of the song is that it's about the Japanese, hence the garden, sushi, and Nintendo.

The 'supposed' interpretation of the song is that it's about masturbation, hence the line at the end.

The actual meaning of the song is that it's about obsession. Obsession is a more casual, but ultimately more significant, theme of the chapter.

Aaron's fixation on Ben: "No, Mick I'm stalking him. I found out that's what he was having for dinner and I thought eating the same thing would make me feel closer to him" (paraphrasing here)

But most significantly Aaron's questioning about Mick's possible obsession with him.

Lastly, the lyrics themselves have some significance:

No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women
No fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark
Everyone around me is a total stranger

No sex (in that chapter at least), drugs and alcohol (wine) play a significant part of the story in the future (I don't feel like that's a spoiler since it's common knowledge if you've read the story description), no women (well it's a gay male driven story, but I'm not discriminating ).

The second line I won't address because it might give away spoilers

The third "everyone around me is a total stranger"...Aaron's very much the 'fish out of water' in this new relationship.

Thanks Dravenn! I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter enough to get a few good laughs!

I already sort of commented on the hand out thing, but you've definitely got a good point in that Mick feels protective of Aaron.

No comment regarding which, if either of them, likes the other.


That's a pretty sensible analysis, IMO. Again, not saying whether it's right or not though


Thanks very much for the comments everyone! I really enjoyed them, and I really enjoyed explaining what I had in mind with the chapter title!!

Speaking of chapter titles, chapter 9 is due for release late tonight, and it's title will be: I can't even think straight

hehe, let's see if you guys can figure out what it might reference

Chapter 9 is now up!

Let me know what you thought

You would have to post your new chapter at the exact same time as Duncan posts his, wouldn't you? *LOL*.

Hmmm, I wonder if I can read both at the same time? Damn, I wish I had a double monitor set up.

Kevin! Why are you so evil?!?

What kind of ending is that? Leave me emotionally hanging, why don't you!!!

What's going on? So Mick is in love with Aaron, and doesn't know it. I find it funny that everyone else is discussing Mick's sexuality/feelings towards Aaron, although if Aaron talked with Mick, he might deny it or not understand.

Jake, the lovely straight guy who is so observant. He notices more than Aaron does, tsk, tsk on Aaron. I guess Aaron is too close to see clearly.
But I need to know for sure if Mick is in love with Aaron. For the love of god, please have a scene with Mick spilling his guts, would you? Do that for your fans, please, please!

Enough of my rant- great chapter as always. You have such a consistent style of writing and I love the pacing and development. Maybe I'm just an easy reader to please, but there's nothing I would change thus far about your story. The friendships and dynamics and of course loveable Aaron and his inner thoughts are addicting.

I'm dying to see what develops. Ben is a good character too, but I love Mick more! Too bad Jake is right about Mick being the safe sensible fall back, and that Aaron is more attracted to Ben. Weird possible love triangle indeed.

Can't wait for more! I need the answers....

evil, evil, evil.

P.S. If this sounds crazy, I apologize. It's four in the morning and I've been on live chat for a good five and a half hours and I don't know what I'm saying anymore.

Love that line! I can't wait for the next update! No, really, I can't wait.

Kevin,

Thank you for another great chapter .

Now lets see:

Aaron is falling in love (or is it lust) with Ben.
Aaron is finding out Mick is gay.
Aaron is finding out that Ronnie and Jake both think Mick is in love with Aaron.
Jake doesn't know if Mick knows he's gay.
Aaron realizes Ben gives him immediate pleasure.
Aaron realizes that Mick gives him more than immediate pleasure, he gives him a sense of trust.


I'm so confused . Damn you Kevin .

The only way to solve all of this is to have both Ben's and Mick's first person POV, and somehow I don't think we are going to get that.

To top it all off, what about Ben's friends. They have indicated that they will stick by Ben through thick and thin, and are as protective of Ben as Mick is of Aaron. What will happen if Aaron chooses Mick? I don't see a whole lot of good coming out of that scenario.

Is there really a right answer to these questions? No matter what, someone is going to get hurt. You have definitely made this a story to be read, and pondered, and hoping the next chapter comes out today .

Great job Kev, and since you have seemed to brought the art of a cliffhanger to perfection, I hope you are not consulting with any other authors personally with how to make the perfect evil cliffhanger. With this last chapter I am personally putting you in the top of the class .

Steve

That is really truly evil, Kevin... ; ;. I want to know. I'll send you a Gucci Murse if you tell me xD.

Maddy (:

LOL, so whatja think, Cynical?


Awww Thanks, Tiff!

And I think you're right, Aaron often "can't see the forest for the trees"



LOL, thanks Jess!

I have a lot of fun with Jake. That scene in his apartment (and the 2nd half of it which comes in the next chapter) is one of my favourites in the story.


Thanks Steve!

That sounds like a good assessment of what Aaron *thinks* is going on. LOL, I'm not saying he's wrong but I'm not saying he's right either


I'm afraid not; this story does remain from Aaron POV all the way through.


LOL, well I confess that was a bit of a cliffhanger. That and the "what's my nick name?" are really the only two cliffhangers in the entire story, and this was definitely 'the big one'. On a side note chapter 10 is the final chapter.




Aww thanks Maddy! I think that might tick off a few people though




Anyway, seriously guys, chapter 10 is the final chapter of BMAD. It isn't the final chapter in the story of Aaron, Mick, Ben and company. The much longer sequel will follow soon after. The only problem of course is that while the sequel will definitely be much longer, and while I have it pretty well mapped out, I don't have as many chapters as I'd like

I've been incredibly busy the last couple of months and I haven't had very much time for writing. If I can get out a couple of more chapters in the next 3 weeks it might not become an issue. My tentative plans are to release the final chapter of BMAD at the scheduled time, then the next week instead of a chapter/story release I *think* the Anniversary Anthology will come online (I'm just speculating based on public comments Graeme made; I don't have insider info on this one ) so I'm hoping you guys will read my entry for that The following week after that I have a short story planned for release which will fit fairly well with the theme and feel of BMAD I think (although I wrote this story A LONG time ago).

So that's three weeks (at least, depending on the anthology release date). IF I can have at least two or three more chapters of the sequel (which I'll release the name for right after chapter 10 is released, that's why I keep calling it 'the sequel' ) then I'll probably just start releasing it week by week as planned and hope I can stay ahead. If not I'll have to make some decisions about posting schedule.



Anyway, back on topic about chapter 10. The chapter is indeed the final one and it is entitled Breaking Up With My Boyfriend.

In honour of the final chapter I'm going to close the current poll and record the final votes 7-4 in favour of Mick having feelings for Aaron.

The new poll asks for your projection about chapter 10. I hope you guys enjoy it!



Thanks very much for the comments and for making this such a fun story for me to release! I hope you guys and gals all stick around for the sequel!


-Kevin

OH MAN! One more chapter!!! That's it?!? I know, I know, a sequel, but the release will be awhile and I need to know what will happen to Mick, Ben, and Aaron.

Booo... *echoes*

Anyway, for the anthology, I am DEFINITELY reading yours. I don't read them all, although I'd like to. Getting busier for me, too. But I have time set aside for my special authors: You, Krista, and Kit! Whoohoo.

Something to keep my going...in this rain...and humid weather.

Oh damn, amidst all th excitement with all these new stories to read, I forgot to post my review, didn't I? Well, mea culpa.

Anyway, the one thing that stands out in my head from all 9 chapters so far is that your story is really a lot of fun to read. No, really. It's light and it's entertaining and believe me, I mean those in a very positive way. A few times, it made me laugh out loud, and if you knew me, you'd know that takes a lot.

I'm disappointed to hear that Chapter 10 will be the last one. I was looking forward to many more installments. But knowing that it's wrapping up, and with that giveaway title, I can pretty much guess what happens... unless you're just toying with us, of course. (Evil authors on this site! Evil, I say!) I suppose I'll just have to hold out for the sequel.

Now that CR mentioned the title, I'm going to curse you and your evilness once again!

Who is going to get dumped? I would say Mick, because Jake pointed out that Aaron is not IN love with Mick. But then again, you never know. Maybe there would be a huge coming out party for Mick, and then Aaron will realize...OK, I don't know! I like Ben, but I like Mick better. Holy crap, and love triangles.

Awww, wow! Thanks, Tiff!

Yours are always anthology stories I look forward to reading as well





LOL, well truth be told, the way I view BMAD is practically as one long, self-contained prologue to the main story. BMAD is also a lot more PG than the main story will be.

Don't worry though, they'll be alot of time to find out what happens to Mick, Ben, and Aaron. You'll also even Cosmo, Ronnie, Jake, Amanda, Giorgio, and Daisy to a lesser extent. I tend to write character (versus plot) based stories and one of my main objections with BMAD (and the story to come) was to avoid getting mired down with the stories of my secondary characters. For example my first story Indefensible purposely didn't really have a single main character, it had about seven plus many more well-developed secondary characters. That's one of the reasons I love the story so much (and intend to get back to writing it), but it just got a bit overwhelming trying to do them all justice (although again I plan to in the end). Anyway, this is Aaron's story, but I promise you will get a good look in at the others, especially Mick and Ben




Thanks CR! That's actually one of the best compliments you could have given me. The 'fun factor' is the primary vehicle in which I want to deliver the story.




Are you all able to vote in the poll? I noticed that the numbers still show 11 voters (last poll's numbers), but that no one has voted in the new poll. I'm thinking maybe it won't let you if you've already voted in the original? If so let me know and I *think* I can fix that.


-Kevin

I really like Jake too. He's a good friend who seems to have a good head on his shoulders.



That seems to be the problem.

Thanks Jess,

What about now?

I reformatted it a bit...if this doesn't work I probably *can't* fix it



In other news, Graeme just released the Anniveraries Anthology

Darn you again Kevin , not only giving us a cliffhanger chapter name, but here I was going to say "AH HA!!" he gave us a spoiler that Ben and the others will still be around, so he must be still with Ben. But nooooo, you have to question the poll the way you did, so it isn't a simple Ben or Mick answer.



Nope, can't vote. So I'll just give you my guess, Aaron will continue on with Ben.

Steve

LOL, well either way couldn't the one he doesn't pick remain in his life and even the events of the story?




Thanks for the vote, Steve. I put it in manually for you

Sorry about the brokenness of the poll everyone.


...by the way I did mention that there's really TWO endings to the story and that whichever characters wins the popular vote will determine which ending I use right?




(that may or may not be a fib )

ohohohoh, I got it!! Aaron breaks up with Mick as the fake boyfriend! So, now Mick's gonna have to fend off the hordes of guys all alone.

Can't vote either.

No analysis form me this time, I'll leave it to the characters.

I think Ben will get dumped, and Aaron will wind up with neither, directly. Because he's kind of a dork, and that's the only way to make the confused jumble of nerves someone else problem. The only way to prevent that ending would be for Ben to take off his shirt at some point during Aaron's speech, at which point all higher level functions will cease.

That or Mick will get drunk out of his gourd and crawl into Aaron's bed, which may have the same effect.

Alright. It's been a couple of days. We've been patient, since you're busy Kev, and the anthologies all came out, but there are limits. Time for a bribe, I think.

Wesley Nault, recently of Project Runway season five.

Well, his signature does say that the next comes out today :eyes: And we all know Kevin is a man of his word *big nudge* so I'm pretty sure we'll have another chapter to read by tonight.



Maddy (:

waits....... impatiently.

I second that

Oh my!!


I'll have that chapter right up, Gabe!

AHEM??!!

Where is this "right up" that you speak of? It's not nice to keep people waiting.

LOL, it's up

In fact it technically was (though only by a very small margin) when you posted that!

Here it is: Chapter 10: Breaking Up With My Boyfriend




As I said this is the final chapter! I hope you guys enjoy it! Good or bad please let me know what you think of it and the story in general


Buy Me A Drink will definitely have a sequel. Worth A Shot should begin posting within the next month. Sometime before it does, likely in about a week, I'll release a short story as well

Kevin! How could you end the story with a cliffhanger like that??? That's so... evil!!!

No, seriously, I thought it was sweet. I also think Aaron is wrong. Really, really wrong. About a lot of stuff. Thankfully there will be a sequel to allow him to muddle through all of it.

Thank you for sharing this story.

I really didn't think it was a cliffhanger at all! In fact I considered ending the whole thing there and would have felt like that was an ok place. LOL, I guess there's some disagreement about that


hehe, like what?



The pleasure was all mine

That was a good chapter as always. I happen to think the ending was a good one. As for the sequel, it will be interesting to see where it goes.

Ah Kev, thats just mean! A whole month until we hear from Aaron again!

I loved this story! I had a great time reading, and always eagerly awaited the release of each new chapter. For me quirkiness is the best trait I can find in a story, and you nailed it.

Thanks again, and don't leave us hanging too long!

Thanks, Tim

Do you want to?

I need to start sending you the prologue and first few chapters if/when you're ready


Wow thanks, Jess! I really appreciate that!

LOL, clearly you guys would not have been happy if I'd ended the whole series there! That was a possibility if the story had been poorly received and/or I'd lost interest in it. As it is though, I actually haven't addressed any of the major things I wanted to address yet. So you guys can expect an eventful Worth A Shot.

Incidentally, as I said, in many ways I consider BMAD to be one big prologue to Worth A Shot. It pretty much just sets the stage for everything to come.

I'm hoping it won't be a full month, but it depends on how much writing I can get done! Also, I can't wait for you guys to read next week's short story (I've had it written for nearly two years now!).

personally, I'm glad that Aaron didn't lead Mick on, no matter how nice Mick is --or maybe because of how nice Mick is.

kev, one thing I noticed it that the chunk of narrative was not as big a problem here as it was in Coffee. I think it had to do with the intensity of the chapter. this definitely was the most intense chapter yet. I think it might actually be one of my favorite chapters.

I really enjoyed the chapter, and the story as a whole . You seem to have a very good grasp of the human condition Kevin (particularly obvious in the characters' peculiar sense of humor). I think it's a great cliffhanger, considering you've already told us there is more to come.

One thing though: I think the title might have been a little out of place. I'm assuming it is either foreshadowing of events to come or an internal conflict that wasn't quite addressed.

Maddy (:

Kevin, you can send it via email any time.

What can I say, Kevin? LOL. Fantastic, as usual.

This was definitely the most emotional chapter. The revelations, the speculations, it was so much. Like a punch to the gut. I like that Aaron is finally analyzing some things in his life instead of being somewhat oblivious. Btw, the tantrum scene was funny, as was Jake's little bout of tough love.

For me, the story ends on a sad note (until the sequel, that is), but in this case, I wouldn't want it any other way. Aaron explained it perfectly. He and Mick love one another too much to just be together, when Aaron knows Mick deserves more, and Aaron knows that he loves Ben. You can't change how you feel. What a beautiful friendship, and surprisingly drama free, except for Aaron being in utter turmoil. It's not like Mick is trying to persuade Aaron. In fact, he wants what is best for Aaron, and knows that he isn't it. Man, I just love Mick. He's so caring and honorable. Still feeling sad over here. Sigh, you and your wonderfully evil ways, Kev.

As funny as this entire story was, and as much as I enjoy your creative humor, this chapter was my favorite.

Well done, and can't wait for more.

Hmm. Well, I guess I'll be honest.

This last chapter was somewhat of a let down. I'm trying to quantify why it feels a trifle incomplete, but the best I can come up with is that while we, the readers, know exactly what Aaron is thinking...that's it. No one else knows what's going through that pretty little head of his, and there are certain people to whom that information is not only important but quite deserved. Nothing gets resolved in this chapter, not visibly. While writing conventions have moved on, and stories may be ended with more than either a wedding or death, there does need to be something. Draining the last dregs of a wine glass, laughing at something that isn't really funny, being awoken by a sunrise in the arms of your lover, something! An action please, not an internal monologue. And let it be something that signifies to all and sundry where Aaron stands in regards to Ben and Mick.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this did not feel like the end of a story. It felt like the end of a chapter. That may be valid; you've said "Buy Me a Drink" is really an extended prologue to Worth a Shot, but don't you think that this story is owed a summation in its own right? If the story was really about Ben and Aaron getting together, it feels improper to not end on that note. If, as I feel, "Buy Me a Drink" was about Aaron's relationship with Mick, then your story isn't over yet. Mick and Aaron need to break up, or hook up, or something that actually evolves their relationship. You are so close. Take the next step in this dance you have Mick and Aaron locked in.

Or step back, and just make this story about Ben and Aaron.

Thanks Steph! It was my favourite one as well, and I was trying to make it the most intense.


Thanks Maddy!


LOL, I love talking about my chapter titles!

The title to this chapter got changed. It was originally "The Truth Really Hurts" - with an emphasis on 'Really', it was a reference to chapter 6's title. I thought it sucked!

I came up with "Breaking Up With My Boyfriend" and found it much more appropriate.

It goes back to what Steph speculated at the end of chapter 9. Aaron essentially broke up with his 'pretend boyfriend', Mick. It was supposed to sort of keep the reader guessing until the end since Ben and Mick were both Aaron's 'boyfriends' in different ways.

I didn't mean for it to seem incomplete or like foreshadowing. I wanted that chapter to give resolution about which direction Aaron would head. Basically in chapters 8,9, and 10 he was torn between Ben and Mick in one way or another. He wasn't completely focusing on either. Now, he's 'broken up' with Mick (even if it was only in his own head). I don't want that to imply that they won't be friends anymore, only that Aaron will give his primary time and attention to Ben now.


Thanks Tim

I will!

Hehe, there's a special 'treat' in chapter one; I can't wait for your feedback on it! (and everyone else's!)




Awww thanks, Tiff!



Thanks, I was trying to show that Aaron and Mick both had each other's best interests at heart.

I was kinda thinking people would either crucify Mick for not telling Aaron (assuming Aaron is correct), or crucify Aaron for not actually confronting Mick. I think those are actually fairly valid points personally, but I wanted to show that they each had good intentions and honourable motives.



Thanks!!



Wow! Thanks Gabe! I think you've made some excellent points. In fact I think you're straight up right.

It looks like it's generally pretty well agreed upon that BMAD wouldn't work as a single story in its own right with this conclusion.

Despite what everyone seems to think, I really didn't mean for this to be a big cliffhanger. Fortunately there is more to the story, because if there weren't I may have ended the story completely just like that. On the other hand I might not have.

Basically what happened is that when I finished chapter 10 (which I'd never intended to be the last chapter prior to writing it) I realized that it seemed pretty final (to me anyway). I also realized that essentially everything after it would be very different from everything before it.

I guess you could say that I ended it 'paragraph style'. Basically it seemed right to end the story because I was done with 'that thought'. Everything in the next 'paragraph' will go in a different direction. However, I should have followed the fundamental rules of writing and not changed paragraphs until I'd finished properly expounding on the last one.

I went to bed shortly after completely chapter 10 and the more I thought about where I wanted to take the story and what was going to happen next, the more I became convinced that chapter 10 was a good stopping point.

I re-wrote the end of chapter 10 several times, in fact it's the most edited chapter (poor Sharon kept editing it only to have me completely change it again )

Another thing I toyed with was simply re-writing the end of the Aaron/Mick bedroom scene a bit and having chapter 10 end there. THEN, using the subsequent brief monologue as a sort of mini-epilogue. Ultimately I decided that was pointless though, and that it might seem abrupt (even more so evidently) to end the story at the bedroom scene.

So yeah, I probably goofed up pretty big

Thanks for letting me know and explaining why...I might not have gotten it at all otherwise

I hope this doesn't shake anyone's faith in my ability to properly end a story (which I think is a very valid consideration when deciding whether or not to read). I already have the ending of WAS planned out and it really really seems final to me.

Okay, I guess I should explain what I meant when I said that I thought Aaron was wrong.

See, I think Aaron believes that he is "in love with Ben" and merely "loves Mick". I think he has all the rationalization and all the logic worked out in his mind, exactly as you wrote it. And, given what you have told us about him, I totally get why he believes that. It's very easy to confuse lust and love, especially the first few times around.

Yes, that's exactly what I think is going on here. Aaron is in lust with Ben. Not in love with him. Hell, he hardly even knows him. There's obviously a physical attraction. There's obviously a "rush", a sense of "adventure" as Aaron puts it. There's not a small amount of confusion due to simple horomones, too. After all, Aaron and Ben have done some heavy-duty making out (love that "shortstop" metaphor) but Aaron and Mick haven't crossed any lines, so that's probably clouding Aaron's judgment, too. Besides, I think Aaron has been flattered all along by Ben's attention, in a "what could a guy like that see in a guy like me?" kind of way. Not that Ben is better than Aaron, just that Aaron's insecurities may be leading him to believe that.

But love... Aaron is confusing the butterflies with the real thing. What he has with Mick - the comfort, the security, the trust... the physical attraction, yes, but mostly the sense that Mick is "home"... that's love. I just don't think Aaron has the capacity to understand that just yet, even despite all the psych courses he's taken. He hasn't experienced enough yet to know it.

Now, I don't know whether Mick loves Aaron. You haven't given us enough to go on, even despite Ben's suspicions and Jake's near-certainty. We haven't seen it from Mick, and really, what other people think doesn't matter. Maybe Mick is really in love with Aaron. Maybe he's not. If he is, I suspect he might be either unsure of his sexuality and therefore unsure whether he can be what Aaron needs, or maybe he knows that Aaron is nowhere near ready to love him back yet. Maybe he's encouraging Aaron to go out and have his fun with guys like Ben, so he can learn a few lessons about lust versus love, and he'll be more ready to love him then. (If that's the case, I'd like to hit Mick over the head with a 2x4, because all that nonsense about "if you love someone, set them free", etc. is just that... nonsense. Timing is everything, and if you let your chance slip away, you could live with a lifetime of regret when someone else gets there first. But I digress...) Anyway, whatever Mick's motivations are, I guess they'll be clearer in the sequel, but I'm more talking about what Aaron is going through.

Ever see the movie "Almost Famous" where Philip Seymour Hoffman's character is talking about how most of the great art in the world is about "love disguised as sex, and sex disguised as love"? I think that's an apt description of what's going on here.

And hey, we've all been there at least once. Aaron's in good company.

I don't know whether this is what you had in mind. Maybe you believe the opposite, and hey, you're the author, so you pretty much get to write it as you see it. But if you're gonna write such lifelike characters, you can't blame 'em for taking on a life of their own, and maybe heading in directions that even you didn't intend, right?

Looking forward to the sequel!

Kev,

Thank you very much for sharing this story with us , as I think I said earlier, it is one story that I was checking daily for new chapters, and there are few stories that I do that. I will be waiting eagerly for WAS to come out to see where this goes to.

I am actually glad that you took the time in the forums to tell us that this story was more or less a prologue for WAS. I do believe that if someone was reading it without having any knowledge of continuation, they may feel let down.

Let me explain that, hopefully before you take that the wrong way....negatively.

The one thing that worked in BMAD as a prologue which I don't personally believe would work in a stand alone story would be the character development. Off the start we all saw what type of person Aaron was, and didn't have too much development of other characters like Mick and Jake until the end of the story. We were also introduced to Ronnie (who played a major role in one chapter), and also early on we were introduced to Ben and his circle of friends. When Aaron first started talking with Ben, and considered he was falling for Ben, we learned more about Ben and those friends. Unfortunately any development of those friends characters were noticeably stopped, and Ben was the sole focus, then moved onto Jake and Mick.

We now have about nine characters that seem to be important to the development of the story but only about 3 have what I consider their 'due' in development.

I kept this in mind the entire time that I was reading BMAD and kept reminding myself that more would come in the next story.

Hopefully this is true

Tiff said this, and I agree, but maybe had a little different view:



When I read the highlighted part I had a different impression (which I may be misreading Tiff's comment and if I am...Sorry )

I always thought that Aaron actually over analyzed things. Unfortunately all he really looked at was others. I believe that Aaron grew in the sense that he began to look in the mirror, which is much harder to do, and began analyzing himself rather than staying in his comfort zone and looking at others. I found the notebook at the bar, the school projects, etc. showed he was very observant of others, but was in the dark or afraid to do so for himself. The way he just accepted Mick and his generosity and friendship would be the most major point.

But hey, that's just my opinion . LOL

Once again thanks for sharing Kevin, I've really enjoyed this part of the story.

Steve

I want to be really careful what I say to avoid giving out spoilers, but I have to say I think this is an extremely well thought-out analysis! As the author I don't want to confirm or discredit it, but I'm dying to hear what other readers think about it!



Thanks for the movie recommendation! I'm actually having a movie night with some friends Saturday. I'll recommend this one! I think that's an extremely astute evaluation in general my lips are sealed about how it ties into BMAD/WAS though


Very true!


Thanks, Cyn! I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy the sequel as well!


Wow! Thanks Steve! I'm really flattered!


I'm really glad you commented on this!

My personal impression of character development thus far is indeed that it's focused on Aaron, Ben, and Mick. However, I also feel like we've got a decent handle - or at least the beginning of one - on Ronnie (who, IMO, played a major role in chapter 3: Makeover Madness as well as Chapter 9: I Can't Even Think Straight ).

It's my opinion that Ronnie, Jake, and Cosmo have had a fairly influential hand in the events thus far. I agree that Jake is one of the more fleshed out characters so far, but I feel like we're starting to see decent development with Cosmo as well (though probably not to quite the same extent as Jake and Ronnie).

I will admit that Amanda, Daisy, and Giorgio are the most mysterious characters as this point!

As I see the story, Aaron is the 'main character'. This is more about him than it is about Ben, Mick, or anyone else. Ben and Mick would definitely be on the next tier and in many ways they're really only a couple of notches down from Aaron.

Cosmo, Ronnie, and Jake are the three most important 'supporting characters'. I expect to have them really well developed by the end of the story (the final end that is).

Daisy, and Giorgio would slip in after them and I expect them to get a very fair and thorough due as well.

Amanda creeps in just behind them. I'm not completely sure where she'll take me at this point. I confess that thus far in the story, and thus far in what I've written of WAS, her primary function has been in terms of how she relates to Jake and Ronnie (who as I said I would consider two of my most important 'non-starring' characters if you will).

So you're right, Steve: I have nine characters so far that have an important role in the development of the story.

I will say that my opinion and analysis so far is based on BMAD, what I've written of WAS, and the outline I have. There will definitely be other characters in the sequel who may or may not be enduring, and these characters, as well as the ones mentioned above, are certainly 'subject to change' in terms of their importance and focus. I'm not going to be rigid and refuse to let the story take me where it feels appropriate.




Well, you mentioned that you thought Aaron, Ben, Mick and Jake had had a lot 'screen time' , I'll say this the first few chapters of WAS focus a good bit of attention on the development of another character.

Anyway, I'm a very character oriented writer, so I certainly hope I am able to give all nine (and maybe more ) their fair due.



I think that's definitely a very sensible and accurate analysis as well!


Thanks Steve, I hope you enjoy the sequel as well!

-Kevin

Yeah, do that! That movie is full of great quotes. I won't post them here to avoid spoilers, but some of my favourite observations about human nature can be found in that script.

I read the whole thing in more or less one go. It was fun!

The writing style is really well matched to the light and somewhat campy content. The characters a