Potential

[DonQuixote]

Move over, Ron. And pass the tissues.
I knew you'd get us back over to them, but wondered how, exactly you'd do it.

Thanks, Michael

 

[Craiger]

Oh my, we are all blubbering and for good reason... Michael, that was one of the most intense chapters. The emotions so overwhelming. It's extremely hard to type with a large lump in my throat and eyes that have a hard time focusing. Truly awesome. Thank you.

Craiger

 

[michaelnm2000]

I was really worried about the chapters you just read. So worried i almost did not post. I felt that I needed to write with an emotional release but at the same time wondered if it was "male" enough. If you follow my thinking i was worried that it would be too melodramatic and not the way MEN react.
What's so wrong with guys showing emotion?
I accept that some will like what I wrote and some will be alienated. I'm apprehensive is what i will say and hope my writing wasn't too over the top.
Forgive me ok!
cheers all and thanks

 

[sheep]

I was really worried about the chapters you just read. So worried i almost did not post. I felt that I needed to write with an emotional release but at the same time wondered if it was "male" enough. If you follow my thinking i was worried that it would be too melodramatic and not the way MEN react.
What's so wrong with guys showing emotion?
I accept that some will like what I wrote and some will be alienated. I'm apprehensive is what i will say and hope my writing wasn't too over the top.
Forgive me ok!
cheers all and thanks

Even guys from Oz are allowed to cry for mothers funerals or sporting events, but not in front of other blokes. lol I'm glad he still can after what he has been through in his young life. Your writing is five star mate.

ALL YOU OTHER GUYS NEED TO RATE THE STORY ACCORDINGLY. Let Michael know his work is appreciated.

 

[michaelnm2000]

That night Jason and Alex had their first real date as a couple. They shared a deceptively simple meal in a quality restaurant after which Alex kept close contact by holding Jason’s hand or walking beside with his arm draped across his shoulder. That night they slept in the same bed but Alex did nothing more than hold Jason close as though he was scared to let him go again. Looking back he now understood that he had been holding Jason at arms length away, using his relationship with Paul as an excuse, so that his commitment was not a choice to be made. It pained him now! How bad must it have felt for Jason? He had been prepared for a show down of words, but, instead experienced Jason’s anquish and extreme pain knowing them to be real. His words fell away when confronted by the face of Jason’s vulnerability. Yet at the same time confronted the fact that Jason’s torture demonstrated the depth of his love. This man had done nothing other than love him and still did. In a way Alex felt whole. It wasn’t relief, it was simply that he felt complete loving this man beside him. Alex drew comparisons and could see that whilst he had the love of his mother for half his life, Jason had been abandoned at birth and given away to an unloving dysfunctional future. Who had ever loved Jason? How did be become the man he was in the face of such a barrage of abuse? He felt Jason stir next to him and adjusted his position so that their faces were inches apart, their warm breaths mingling and his hand gently wrapped around Jason’s back. “I love you” he murmured to the sleeping man beside him then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
The following morning Alex called Paul and arranged for them to breakfast together. To Jason’s surprise they were accompanied by the sports journalist Brennan. Added to his astonishment, it was evident that Paul was in a relationship with Brennan. It was agreed the four of them would accompany Jason up to Horse Shoe Bay for the remainder of their stay. By mid morning they were packed and in Jason’s car headed north.
Arriving in Piper’s Point around 2:30 pm the first stop was the shopping centre for supplies. A lot of people came up to congratulate Jason, the home town hero. By 4 pm Jason drove along Miner’s Road to his gate which opened automatically from a remote device Jason now kept in his car.
“Impressive” smiled Alex.
“Not bad, eh!”
Settling in took no time at all, with Alex and Jason in one bedroom whilst Paul and Brennan took another. Jason busied himself putting groceries away and then prepared the evening meal in his usual healthy style.
Jason and Alex retired to their room around 9:00. Jason made a point of moving his clothes around, in and out of drawers, so that Alex had space for his things. He slid the bottom draw of his bedside dresser open and Alex laughed at the array of speedos on show. So, Jason has a speedo collection! “Speedos!”
Jason grinned “No not just speedos!”
“They sure look like speedos to me!”
“Ok, … see this black pair … they’re Speedo Endurance … notice the 1” sides, the double thickness, the extra lining and the low cut front – great for swimming ... but this black pair are Calvins. Then these navy ones see the three stripes on the side, they’re Adidas. The red ones … they’re from the Bruno Banini … front lining and a 1.5 inch side ... the tricolour is from Boss … My fave is probably the two toned blue Aussiebum Portsea …but, I think you’d like the light green with black trim … they’re from Body Art … square in the leg and comfortable. I’d like a pair of Dave Evans white speedos next. ”
“You actually wear all these?”
“Sure … that is when the mood takes me, I don’t just look at them.”
“Mood?”
Jason stood there grinning. “Yes mood.”
“Does that mean what I think it does?”
“Probably.”
“So do you like to wear them when you … you know… when you …”
“If you mean jack off … then yes I do! So what! I swim in them too that’s what they’re for.”
“Hahahaha” Alex laughed “this is so kool. I love it.”
“You do?”
“Yeah sure it’s quite the secret.”
“It’s never been a secret you’ve seen some of them before.”
“Maybe but I didn’t take that much notice before and now I know something more about them it makes it more interesting. I was probably more intent on looking at what was in them.”
“Hahahaha well now you know” laughed Jason.
“Oh yes, and I can see us working through this collection!” Alex quipped as he grinned from ear to ear. “Only the collection needs to be bigger. How do I get a pair of the Dave Evans?”
“Hahahahaha. Who are they for?” asked Jason.
Alex just grinned, “you’re clever … work it out!”
“Out of my way I need the internet right now” laughed Jason.
“Who is Dave Evans anyway?”
“He’s an Aussie guy who was his own blog. I came across it a few years ago when I was unsure about my own sexuality and looked around the internet. I think it’s a .org now but still a blog. He is right into speedos and I gained a lot of my own identity reading his blog. It’s sexy, funny and devoted to speedos. He wants to develop his won brand speedos and I definitely want some. You in them would be like putting balls on the Christmas tree … hahahaha.”
“Have you got any that would fit me now?”
“Didn’t you bring the Alex Jackson pair I gave you?”
“No I didn’t think to bring them.”
“These are all my size … oh wait … there is one pair that I can’t wear” Jason added as he searched in the bottom of the draw. “Here they are” he cried triumphantly holding up a pair of deep blue, square leg trunk style swimwear. “The reason I can’t wear these is basically size, they’re bigger around the waist … that plus they have an elastic top band rather than a cord, which, on me makes then get loose so that when I swim they slide down my ass and almost off… you might have better luck.”
“So … are we … well … would you like to …. Um …”
“Hahahah if that’s a romantic invitation the answer is yes” laughed Jason.
“So do we? … asked Alex holding up the briefs expectantly.
“Hell yes! That would be so hot. I’ll go lock up while you get changed.”
Barely a minutes later Jason was back. His amber eyes seemed on fire as he took sight of Alex propped up by his elbows on the bed wearing nothing but deep blue speedos, that, were filled out with a huge bulge at the front.
“Wow” was all he could say.
Jason quickly removed his clothes revealing a pair of black speedo racers with the white cord undone and hanging down, they were loose at the front and so low they exposed his tan line along with a hint of deep brown pubic hair and the tiniest partial view of his cock. He crossed to the bed and ran his hands down across Alex’s abs before feeling the bulge ineffectively held in place by the speedos. His head bent down and lightly brushed lips sending shivers of anticipation down his spine.
Alex almost came the moment he saw Jason in speedos. His cock was swelling inside his briefs and when Jason touched him his cock threatened to explode and jumped at his touch. When Jason kissed him he crumbled onto the bed with Jason on top of him.
They kissed as their hands explored each others bodies. Jason’s cock was by now half out of his speedos pointing towards his navel while Alex had manually adjust having no chance of keeping his cock restrained. Alex gained the top position and swiveled around so they were facing opposite directions and gulped Jason’s cock into his mouth. Jason sucked Alex’s cock through the thin material then adjusted the lycra and sucked the exposed cock.
They stayed that way sucking each other until Alex could stand it no more and turned back face to face with Jason … “Please Jason” he whispered.
Jason heaved his hips forward pulling his speedos part way down his thighs then rolled over crouching in front so that Alex could put his cock over Jason’s hole from the rear and press it into his body. When Alex entered Jason he wanted to shout out aloud, Jason on the other hand almost shed a tear of happiness. They moved in rhythm each trying to heighten the pleasure of the other until Alex heaved forward plunging his cock forward as far as he could while his body shuddered as spasms shook his body and creamy spurts planted seed deep inside. He slowly withdrew his swollen cock and held Jason close, Jason’s own sticky cum now between them.
Jason reached for a towel to clean them both up then switched off the light as they settled down for the night feeling sublimely content.

Brenna had worked hard to complete his feature articles on Ironman and on Jason in particular. He had burned a CD containing both pictures and text and constructed directions for the lay out of the article so the graphic designers could complete the final product for printing. He had already submitted the whole package electronically over the internet but would also send a back up CD through the mail. Jason loaned him and Paul the car handing over his post box keys as well so they could collect his mail, post the article and do a little shopping or sightseeing. Alex politely declined the offer of joining them in town because … well, there more sets of speedos in Jason’s drawer!!!
Jason chose the Aussiebum Portsea speedos deliberately not tieing the cord so they hung very loosely at the front exposing glimpses of his hidden areas. Alex wore the same pair as the night before pushing his huge cock to the side pointing towards 3 o’clock. They strutted along the beach moving north often glancing at the other’s display and allowing their sexual desire to rise rapidly along with their erections. Jason laughed when his popped out displaying its length freely and swinging as he walked. His was quickly joined by Alex’s huge cock which already glistened with anticipatory pre cum.
Jason’s looked deeply into Alex’s clear blue eyes and allowed the sublime feeling of being completely in love dictate his moves. Their bodies drew close as their lips met and their hungry bodies sought satisfaction. Their eyes feasted on each other, their senses drove their need for each other, their bodies responded to every touch and sensation. Jason took off Alex’s shirt and in the shade of a tree looped it around a branch, he loosely tied Alex’s hands above his head and then removed his own shirt. They were both wearing their speedos with their cocks fully exposed. Jason kissed Alex’s lips then licked and nibbled his way down his neck then onto his chest while Alex sighed with delight. He continued down to Alex’s swollen cock first licking and tasting then sucking its whole length. Next he moved behind Alex lowering his speedos then parting his tight ass cheeks with his hands while his tongue flicked and darted around giving Alex sensations he had never felt before. His saliva lubricated Alex’s hole and Jason then pressed his cock forward while Alex pushed his ass backward opening himself to receive Jason’s cock. Jason pressed forward entering Alex using his hands to continue their exploration as he gently fucked Alex. He increased his rhythm enjoying every sensation through his whole body then just before reaching the point of no return he withdrew his cock, untied Alex’s hands and kissed him passionately. Alex drew Jason to him and they mutually wanked each others throbbing cocks till they exploded sending fountains of cum onto each others bodies. Alex pressed their bodies close mixing some of their cum together and daubed a little of their combined cum on both their lips then kissed Jason deeply sharing each others juice.
Hand in hand they walked down the beach their tumescent cocks still considerable in size and hanging out over the top of their speedos. They entered to cool water diving under a wave only to resurface and lock their lips in another embrace. Later lying on the beach Jason leaned over Alex looking into his stunning deep eyes with his hand resting lightly on Alex’s muscular chest.
“I feel like pinching myself to make sure this is real” he offered.
“I know” replied Alex “It’s like I’m finally who I am meant to be, you complete me Jason. I wish I knew that sooner.”
“I do?” queried Jason.
“I love you so much.”
“Oh Alex, I love you too, I’m the luckiest guy on the planet.”
“It feels so right.”
“Yes. It does.”
“My Jason.”
“My Alex.”
Paul and Brennan arrived back late afternoon just in time for a quick shower before a delicious meal of chicken in a mango curry sauce with white rice followed by tropical fruit cut up and served inside a half pineapple. It was totally delicious, healthy and looked such a treat.
After dinner Paul brought out Jason’s mail in an environmentally friendly shopping bag and allowed the contents to spill on the kitchen bench top. Envelopes spilled everywhere ending up with a total count of 206.
Jason’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “I’ve only been away ten days” he protested. “How am I going to get through this?”
“Why don’t we help” suggested Alex.
“Great idea … here take a pile.”
There were letters of every type! Most of them congratulations, some asking for signed pictures, some from business opportunists, some from companies interested in product endorsements, others from people asking for financial handouts and a few offering invitations for graphic sex.
“What do I do with them?” he asked.
“That depends” replied Brennan. “If you want to expand your fan base you could reply to some of these” he added holding up a handful of letters “or maybe you want to look at finances with these. These I would toss and these others are just plain filth. What do you want out of this?”
“I don’t want any of it.”
“You could appoint a manager” suggested Paul
“Alex? What do you think?”
“I think be yourself and don’t worry about anyone else.”
Jason nodded, “that’s it then … they all go out with the rubbish.”
“There are a lot of opportunities to make money here” said Brennan.
“But … I don’t like this at all!”
“Don’t do anything rash ok. Give yourself time then decide what you really want.”
“I already know the answer to that!”
*************
“I’m going with you” pleaded Jason later as he and Alex sat on the rocks at the northern end of the beach “I don’t want to be left behind again.”
“I have to say I’ve been at a crossroads too” admitted Alex. “I’ve been thinking about staying here. I want so much to be with you.”
“I don’t expect you to give up your course and the basketball, it’s easier for me to go with you.”
“I know you don’t expect that, but Brennan was right if you default on your contacts you could lose everything even Horse Shoe Bay. That would be terrible, I couldn’t allow that.”
“I’d willingly give it all away to be with you.”
“I know that too” sighed Alex.”
“So … are we stuck.”
“Not stuck, I don’t feel stuck. I don’t think that’s the right way of looking at it. I think we both have to accept some sort of transition. More or less to look at what we have and want then work out the best way forward … to … plan things.”
“I’m not letting you go Alex” replied Jason firmly.
“I’m not letting you go either.”
“I mean for keeps Alex I want us to be together.”
“It’s what I want too.” Alex placed his hand over Jason’s heart, looked into eyes ablaze like the sun and told Jason “this is where I want to be.”
Jason’s heart swelled with love “Maybe we should go listen to Brennan again.”

 

[sheep]

This was a really sweet chapter. They have finally connected. I'm looking foreword to more

 

[DonQuixote]

Michael,
I agree, it was sweet, with some of "real" life thrown in - reminding us that, even in paradise, the things of life sometimes get in the way.

 

[Craiger]

Ah, Michael, I feel complete now. Alex and Jason are finally together and I am happy for Paul as well. For a while I thought Paul may be a wedge between them, but fortunately he found his own. The interesting problem is who stays where. I look forward to finding that out soon.

Craiger

 

[michaelnm2000]

I'm with you on that Don and have always thought the dilemma of choices was worth exploring. As sheep and justnotperfect (who seems very prefect to me - hot and also sweet) imply i do like the romance. It's so kool to be able to express stuff like that through writing.
When I first started I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be still telling this story after all this time. I really think it's me that has grown moreso than the story. I know the encouragement made that happen! So please accept my thanks for each and every comment ever written on here and also for the private messages. I am really happy and grateful to you all.
16, 500 - Wow is it really?

 

[andrew thomas]

It is a good story. you deserve the attention. thanks for sharing please keep the story coming. lookforward to it. thanks

 

[Kyanimal]

Roughly 6hr. ago, just as I was getting ready to log off, I clicked on a link, in another thread, that lead me to this thread, which was started 4yr. ago., and I finally read the last post! I hope that gives you a slight inclination of what I think of this story!

Though I've been glued to my monitor, down here in my basement, on a beautiful summer day, I've also been transported around the world , in many ways!

Michael ... I can not adequately put into words just how much I've thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster trip you have concocted! And, I'm eagerly looking forward to More!!

All I can say, right now, is THANK YOU!!!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

(I will deal with those, whom I've known all those years, but did not see their way to 'enlighten' me sooner! )

 

[DonQuixote]

Promises, Promises, Chaz.
And, remember, YOU've been on JUB 4 years more than I have.

Better late than Never, eh?

Glad I could be of service.
Kevin can thank me, later, lol.

 

[Kyanimal]

Promises, Promises, Chaz.
And, remember, YOU've been on JUB 4 years more than I have.

Better late than Never, eh?

Glad I could be of service.
Kevin can thank me, later, lol.

Oh, I assure you that Kev will definitely have reason to Thank You for FINALLY pointing me toward Michael's tremendous story! He's going to be the 'at hand' beneficiary of my 'updated' frame of mind!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[michaelnm2000]

I logged on to post some more of my story Potential and came across these posts.
I truly believe that some things were meant to be! Somehow you were not meant to read or update my story till you did. Equally important is that your posts hit me like a bolt of lightning. It was perfect timing. I've had so much self doubt and internal wrangling, then, beautiful words of comfort, encouragement, and enthusiasm provided by your posts have worked like a transfusion.
It epitomises the fact that many people on here care a great deal and that is a very humbling experience.
It's taking a while to accept myself as I am! You have helped me out and I am grateful?
So, thank you so much for your encouragement and the care you expressed in your words. Today I am feeling great.

 

[michaelnm2000]

Paul and Brennan sat listening to Jason and Alex.
“What I think is you’re both prepared to give up everything for each other so you can be together. Either way you achieve your primary objective but one loses more than the other” continued Paul. What if … you both compromise a little?”
“I agree” added Brennan “Jason, defaulting on your contracts would be financially unsafe. Surely a few more years of Ironman is a good option for securing a future for both of you. As for you, Alex, getting yourself qualified and finding employment is equally important.”
“Wait a second!” interjected Paul. “I have an idea, let me think this through. Jason what’s the date the Ironman finishes.”
“It’s late February, the 24th and after that there’s a sponsor’s dinner and presentation on the 3rd of March.”
“… and after that you would have a break from training. Ok so you could get a flight on the 4th March. I know Alex leaves on January 6th so that’s just January, February and part of March, not even all of January you would be apart. So what’s that? 8 weeks at most?
“About that!”
“… and you Alex, when does your course finish? Is it late May?”
“Last exam is 28th May” answered Alex.
“… and your training Jason when does it start?”
“At the end of the season I give the body a rest for a month then start cardio work gradually increasing the load, then adding gym. I keep that going till the end of July and then add beach fitness and surf craft work.”
“Don’t you see? Jason finishes the season then comes over early March and stays with Alex. He has his break then commences training in the US. Meanwhile Alex finishes his course and applies for jobs here in Australia for his internship year. Then in July you both come back here to live wherever Alex gains his position. Once the internship is complete it’s time for you guys to decide what happens next. Jason will have a couple of years Ironman, hopefully make bucket loads of cash and you’ll be able to do whatever you want.”
Alex looked directly at Jason. “It makes sense and it’s only eight weeks, what are you thinking?”
“I know it makes sense, but … I don’t want to wait … I’m scared it won’t work out.”
“Can you give us a minute” … mumbled Alex as he ushered Jason outside.
Jason stepped into the comforting arms of Alex.
“I love you so much Alex … I can feel the knot in my stomach and don’t know what to do.”
“We can do this … it’s up to us to make it work.”
Jason nodded ascent.
“Come on” prodded Alex who held Jason’s hand and led him back inside.
Seated once more it was Brennan’s turn to move the conversation in a different direction.
“Jason I’ve picked out these business options for you to have second look. I think you should seriously look at making the most of this and take some of them on. Make them fit in with your plans and don’t over do anything.”
Jason sighed and reached out for the documents. “Ok” he meekly replied.

Most mornings Jason would be up early with three hours training already completed by 8:30 am. On the Sunday morning between Christmas day and New Years he had a rest day and consequently was in bed wide awake exploring Alex’s body with his finger tips. He adored tracing the lines of Alex’s muscles and right now Alex was on his back, his right arm high on the pillow as Jason curled the black hairs under Alex’s arm pits around his fingers. Alex stirred opening his deep blue eyes and smiled at Jason.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you” apologized Jason.
“Don’t be” replied Alex, “I was only snoozing and it felt so good. It’s a nice way to wake up.”
“Alex, I was thinking.”
“Hmm ok” replied Alex dreamily.
“Well, if we have to be apart then maybe I could have something of yours … something to hold onto and feel as though you’re with me when you’re not.”
Alex glanced down to Jason’s face “hmm … sure” he hummed, “you can have anything you like.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking …”
“Hahaha, thinking quite a bit it seems.”
“Well yeah … but anyway … I have an idea.”
“Ohhh…Kaaay … what is it?” drawled Alex.
“I’d like us to give each other something” continued Jason.
“Sure, that sounds good.”
“Something that’s truly yours, I’d like that blue singlet top you wear … it matches your eyes you know … I could wear it when I sleep.”
“But you wear nothing when you sleep!”
“It’d be like sleeping with you though and maybe having it smell like you would be nice.”
“Haha, that’s so funny but great at the same time.”
“What would you like of mine?”
“Hmm … something that reminds me of you the most … speedos maybe … I’m proud of you though … so maybe the Bondi Trophy you won … no, not that, maybe the trophy is a bit too big … what about the speedos you wore at Bondi? Can I have them?”
“Sure you can.”
“There’s more isn’t there” Alex grinned.
“Yep … well how would you? … well would you? … could we maybe? …”
“Just say it, it’s ok.”
“… well … I’d like to go to the jewelers and have some rings made … one for you and one for me!”
“That’s a fantastic idea” enthused Alex “I love it.”
“Do you really?”
“Hell yes! I really do!”
“Well … I was thinking …”
“Hahahaha” chuckled Alex shifting position to draw Jason closer.
“I already have an idea … I was thinking your ring could be rectangular or oval with a flat black surface and the letters A and J entwined in a colour to match my eyes, plus two small stones one for me one for you, one blue one yellow. My ring could be the same but the letters in blue to match the colour of your eyes. That way we could know the other is with us always and only have to look down to see into their eyes and know that they are with us.”
Alex propped himself above Jason’s face and stared directly into his eyes. “That is just … so you … and maybe the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me … yes, yes … yes … I would be so proud to wear your ring … my Jase” Then added “I love you so much” as the distance between their lips melted and they became one.

This time their parting was not like the last understated gut wrenching experience. Their goodbyes were said in a restaurant at Mascott Airport in Sydney and again when Alex, Paul and Brennan walked behind the departure barrier and down the hall into the customs area. As Alex turned for one last glimpse, instead of a pitiful Jason struggling with conflicting emotions, he saw a confident Jason smiling, standing tall and full of hope for a bright future.

January gave way to February. Jason won the penultimate race of the season setting a season’s best ever result. Alex continued his successes in both his studies and on the basketball court. The feature article written by Brennan was published. Paul was happier than he had ever been. And … both Alex and Jason wore their rings with pride. However, one event stood out as the most symbolic, the most complex, the most critical and the most telling of all. It happened by accident, but, once it did, there was never a chance to go back, and the outcome was decidedly different to that which neither Alex nor Jason could have expected.

 

[Kyanimal]

YES! Another excellent chapter , with the requisite cliff hanger! Which ultimately means there is More yet to come!

Michael ... I know there is a lot of You behind the words I'm reading. And, I also know you are experiencing some 'conflict' between Real Life and your (secret) Inner Self. However, should the overall sense of You, that I think I'm picking up through your multiple characters, the ways your describe them, and their motives and actions, I am quite Impressed with the Man behind this story!

There is also something else I can relate to. To make a very long, and complicated, story short, in late 1985, I bought this house with a friend of ours, Dennis (my own, not so secret, crush), and four of us moved in. Kev (my Partner) and I are still here. However, not all that many years later, our "Brother" Den met "The One", on a trip to Hawaii, and ended up moving to Melbourne.

Over the following years, and years, Den and his Hubby have been back here many times. This has always been their Home in the U.S. But, we have not, yet, been able to take advantage of our open invitation to Oz.

However, through his stories, and pictures, etc., etc., Den brought Oz to us. And, your story has been doing the same.

THANK YOU!! And, of course ... no matter what ...

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[DonQuixote]

Michael,
It was a great installment. Conflict and angst and all that makes for good drama and story, but having things come together is a great feeling, too.

Now, on to the Happenstance? ? ? !

 

[Craiger]

Oh oh, Michael, is there something to worry about????? I hope not, particularly after such a reassuring chapter. I will wait patiently for the next installment.

Craiger

 

[michaelnm2000]

I'm impressed Ky. I think you're right, that's exactly what I write about. I have my own conflicts and write from the gut and that must be what comes through. Craiger, Don and others have sensed the same thing and have been really good to me over my time here. Sometimes I log on and the count of reader numbers has soared - and I think is this real - I wonder what I've touched in the silent ones, who are as much a part of this as anyone.
It will sound strange but I am comfortable here and like the people I have come across. I may be in a dark closet but i like the way people accept me.
As for cliff hangers - there are really only a small handfull of genuine cliff hangers. I like finishing at moments where the story can go in a few different directions, and to be honest I sometimes explore the options and stuff just gets deleted. Once I deleted a whole page becuase i didn't like what it was doing. The idea of making choices and the ramifications as such is something that I do like.

 

[DonQuixote]

Michael,
KYAnimal is Chaz - see his sign-off?

He likes talking about "Animal", but that's only a special "part" of him, lol. If you explored some of the other threads we "play" in, you could see a whole lot more of Chaz - he likes his brandy, and can be a very naughty boy when he enjoys it a tad too much!

I'd say that was telling tales, but it's all here in print.