Watching Brad

[homemadehuman]

It doesn't really matter. I can't correct them now.

i know,but i thought you would like to know just in case you had to use those elements further in the story,but i think that reading so much in so little time and having so much to catch up to ,i can come across as annoying or rude,i hope not.

this is more a question than a correction lol,as you mention in page 12,don't really remember the chapter..brad is not perfect,and that he is a "mediocre cook" ..i don't understand why would ted let him do most of the cook (which he does) on the house then? and never even mentioned anything bad about it,but anyway.let the show continue.

 

[homemadehuman]

It doesn't really matter. I can't correct them now.

i know,but i thought you would like to know just in case you had to use those elements further in the story,but i think that reading so much in so little time and having so much to catch up to ,i can come across as annoying or rude,i hope not.

this is more a question than a correction lol,as you mention in page 12,don't really remember the chapter..brad is not perfect,and that he is a "mediocre cook" ..i don't understand why would ted let him do most of the cook (which he does) on the house then? and never even mentioned anything bad about it,but anyway.let the show continue.

 

[gsdx]

i know,but i thought you would like to know just in case you had to use those elements further in the story

As I've mentioned a number of times before, I rarely plan what I'm going to write. I have an idea in my mind where the story is going, but I have no plans to get there, and I very-often find myself going in an entirely different direction.

My brain doesn't usually write the story. My fingers do and the story just 'happens'. Sort of like real life. In this case, I wrote things that I never expected to use in the future, mainly because there was never a future in the story. By the time the future got there, I had little memory of what had happened in the past.

A lot of things changed out of necessity. I had to develop characters and events I had never planned to use again. Remember, this was supposed to be a 'short story'. My brain was never meant to keep track of all that stuff. By the time it had to, it was too late.

this is more a question than a correction lol,as you mention in page 12,don't really remember the chapter..brad is not perfect,and that he is a "mediocre cook" ..i don't understand why would ted let him do most of the cook (which he does)

This one I can answer. Brad was a 'mediocre cook', but Ted was always ridiculously bad at it. Ted worked and Brad went to school, and Brad wanted to pull his weight in the family. He might have been a mediocre cook, but he was much better at it than Ted, and Brad was willing to take the time to learn and to become better at it. Ted was content with what he knew and wasn't anxious to expand beyond his abilities. (This becomes much more apparent in future chapters.)

I've known a lot of gay couples where one gravitates naturally to the kitchen and the other is content to let him go there.

 

[homemadehuman]

As I've mentioned a number of times before, I rarely plan what I'm going to write. I have an idea in my mind where the story is going, but I have no plans to get there, and I very-often find myself going in an entirely different direction.

My brain doesn't usually write the story. My fingers do and the story just 'happens'. Sort of like real life. In this case, I wrote things that I never expected to use in the future, mainly because there was never a future in the story. By the time the future got there, I had little memory of what had happened in the past.

A lot of things changed out of necessity. I had to develop characters and events I had never planned to use again. Remember, this was supposed to be a 'short story'. My brain was never meant to keep track of all that stuff. By the time it had to, it was too late.



This one I can answer. Brad was a 'mediocre cook', but Ted was always ridiculously bad at it. Ted worked and Brad went to school, and Brad wanted to pull his weight in the family. He might have been a mediocre cook, but he was much better at it than Ted, and Brad was willing to take the time to learn and to become better at it. Ted was content with what he knew and wasn't anxious to expand beyond his abilities. (This becomes much more apparent in future chapters.)

I've known a lot of gay couples where one gravitates naturally to the kitchen and the other is content to let him go there.

i know ,that Brad took most errands around the house to do his part,i meant literally,ted never said anything bad about the food.

i'm past chapter 80 now,and i don't really like that cali and mags dissapeared,i didn't care much for cali,but i liked mags a LOT,she said a couple things that stand as some of my favorite dialogues on the whole story,and also tyler,lindsay could use a regular friend..i don't think it was fair to her to fade tyler away,you could have him come to the house by himself to play or something,but i read what you said back then ,ugh i really need to step it up...i hate being 3 years behind ,but at the same time it makes me feel great that i have a lot of the story left

also,i really like mark's character..I can relate with him..he reminds me of myself when i was younger,i hope he sticks around as a "regular ".. i know this will seem ridiculous but i like all the characters,i really look them as my "family" i always wonder what they would be doing haha,if i had to pick one favorite over all it would be Brad no doutb,then lindsay,also i love the twins,is it weird that i like jeremy better? I like ted mostly,but as he is the one telling the story,and being so human..he has his flaws..i love that about him, ,also,did randy (the guy they met at warren and bill's wedding) ever appear again or you just forgot about him? lol,i thought he was nice and that would end up being friends with the guys..

oh,and barry and nathan..i like them since the beginning,but in the first meeting..i was very unconfortable with ted's behaviour and entire interaction with barry..i felt like brad was cheated..at least mentally..i know ted wouldn't but i didn't like it one bit.

what else?..that's all for now,i'm sure something else will come to my mind.

thanks once again You're the BEST.

 

[homemadehuman]

i KNEW It! i knew barry was up to something!
I don't care if he's a cop or if he's big! if he does anything to get between ted and brad so help me

 

[homemadehuman]

it finally came..the moment i have been waiting since Jeremy and Justin appeared,Neil,you built up to this moment with such delicasy ..i cannot put into words what i am feeling now,i had to move away from the screen for minutes because the nerves are getting me,i don't know how you did that to me..but i can guess.it's been an amazing ride.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gsdx]

^ I'm pretty certain I know what you're talking about and, if I'm right, I had to move away from the screen when I wrote it. (For one thing, the screen was too blurry to read and I was shaking too much to write.)

 

[Kulindahr]

Oh! and Happy Birthday to Ted LOL,august 13th Right?
,it's kinda funny that i just got to it today!

Uh oh. It's not supposed to be. Do you remember where you read that?

I remembered it myself, just because a PI who came armed like that on the first meeting really impressed me -- okay, and because mine is the 31st, so Ted's is the same month, digits reversed, as mine.


Don't tell me you have it different, later? I'm only on part 115......



Speaking of which, I was pounding my head for a valid reason for a doc to have Brad go away, and I still wasn't buying it until the scene where Ted realizes why Warren asked him about having the surgery: we learned this trick in a counseling class of having people move things out of their lives which aren't actually the problem, so the real problem takes up more and more of the person's focus. It was calling "reducing the non-critical variables" or something like that.
When the non-critical variable is also a person who's an easy target for emotional outbursts stemming from the real problem, the move becomes not only useful but elegant.

I salute Dr. Davis!

 

[homemadehuman]

Neil...

thank god i stuck all sunday here and was able to past the adoption issue before i got into the week routine,i would have gone insane if i had to wonder my way throught next weekend.

it's funny...nothing would prepare me for this story as i innocently began reading what i expected to be somewhat of a pleasant short tale,and that has resulted to be a life changing experience and full of lessons about comittment,loyalty,fatherhood,friendship,morals,honesty,family, all kinds of love possible for humans to display,and much more.but anyway.. i think i have monopolyzed this thread enough for the time being

i wish i could do more than just repeat myself



i Have Nothing to add..

 

[homemadehuman]

lol,i should be in bed by now,but i couldn't resist it haha

oupa jan became my favorite character,at least by now lol,as much as i love ted,it was about time somebody slapped his way down to earth,everytime he has a problem he just forgets about everyone else,and almost always poor brad gets the worst part.

the only thing i would have changed about this story to make it perfect,would be the order of events,i mean..the adoption and the twins saga came way too early, i feel that you should have brought the issue of adoption when ted and brad's relation was stable and secure,it would have worked perfectly if the twins came after the wedding (if there's any) like an epilogue to close the circle of their relationship,which is supposed to be the centre of the story,but that's just my opinion.

somehow i feel that it's not fair to brad that he made such commitment to the family as well,but because he's not "the father" he's always left out,and from a logical point of view,brad has no rights,but he gives as much.

 

[pmpinla]

somehow i feel that it's not fair to brad that he made such commitment to the family as well,but because he's not "the father" he's always left out,and from a logical point of view,brad has no rights,but he gives as much.

Perhaps, homemadehuman, you should read the whole story so far before making any further comments. You might be surprised how off the mark you are.

 

[homemadehuman]

Perhaps, homemadehuman, you should read the whole story so far before making any further comments. You might be surprised how off the mark you are.

excuse me,but i have read enough of the story to have enough ground on which to support my opinions,thank you.

 

[homemadehuman]

"And it's a future I'm giving back to you now." I took a deep breath before I continued. "This is your home, Brad, but it is my house, and I can't have you in it."

Ted how could you!?!!! i will NEVER Forgive you for this!!

 

[homemadehuman]

Okay, I've written the explanation into the next chapter. I didn't want to, and I hadn't planned on it so soon, but it fits perfectly now and seems a natural part of the story. To take it out now, I think, would be an injustice to the chapter. I will post the entire chapter as written tomorrow morning.

Now, I was going to comment on this following quote earlier, but I got a bit sidetracked. I'll do that now:



Ted is, for all intents and purposes, the three kids only father. Certainly he is Linday's father and it's doubtful that Lindsay would call Brad 'Dad' even if he adopted her.

The twins are different. From their very first words, Ted was known as 'Daddy'. He has never been anything else to them. Even if Brad were to adopt them, I'm not sure they would call him Dad. He would be a step-father to them, but I suspect he would still be Brad to them.

This comes from personal experience. I have 7 nieces and nephews who were adopted by 2 brothers and a brother-in-law.

Ok,this was what i was talking about in earlier post,and the guy who you replied to on this post of yours that i quoted,hit it right on.

brad it's not an equal,and it's not something you can or will change on upcoming chapters...i mean,ted character's make mistakes and it's because he is human,but this is rather a "critique" to your work for the first time.

i think,in my humble opinion that you made a mistake by bringing in the twins before brad and ted could be an actual couple..Yes..the twins needed ted..but he didn't know that until he met them...it doesn't explain why he wanted to addopt in the first place if brad wasn't going to be an equal,a partner...

and i feel that by bringing in the adoption before allowing brad character's to grow,you made him actually irrelevant in the whole arc. the story ultimately was supposed to be about him but you got sidetracked by the twins plot and it becomes more and more evident as the story progresses. maybe it was your intention that brad was never intended to be the centre of the story ,but i can't help feeling that i'm watching two different shows colliding into one.

i hope you can give me your insight on this,if you don't i won't adress it anymore.

 

[pe_gay89]

As I'm sure you've probably read by now, Neil didn't intend for the story to be this long. The story's title is based upon the first chapter and is, in my opinion still an accurate reflection of the story, as it is how Ted and Brad first really came together, and Ted still very much enjoys watching Brad masturbate. I think a story of this length is bound to shift focus eventually, and I'm sure that in real life, focus would shift slightly from your partner to your children. But the story is really still about Brad, even when a chapter focuses on the twins.

I seem to remember thinking the same as you; this is all moving too quickly. What about Lindsay? She wanted a sibling, but two of them, identical twin boys? And Brad, he's the same age as me, does he really know what he's letting himself in for? Now though, I think it works. I don't know if you'll feel the same when you get to the end, but I really do think it works. I won't refer to anything specific cos I don't know where you are. You'll just have to trust me, and I hope you will agree by the time you get to the end.

 

[ukbrit]

Hi Neil, I have read this great story from chapter 1 and enjoyed it greatly, but I do have to agree with Homemadehuman.
Ted has never given Brad an equal say in things, its always been his house his kids his way of doing things, Teds whole attitude has been that of hes the adult Brad, Lindsey and the twins are the kids.
Even when the house burnt down it was Ted who decided how it was going to be rebuilt, Brad had very little say in it.
Ted seems to think Brad is the little blond "housewife" who should be there to give him his pipe and slippers as he walks in through the door after working all day being the bread winner. I have said this before that if Ted does not start treating Brad as an EQUAL he will loose him.
Whats going to happen when Brads gardening company really takes off, will Ted be able to handle not being the center of the universe?? or will he dump Brad, maybe Teds ex wife could answer as to why she split up, could it be Ted being a little to over possessive?
In any solid relationship BOTH parties have to be as equal as possible, yes one may have a slightly higher position maybe higher earner, full time employed while the other contributes how ever they can, but in the end it works out.
Brad loves Ted unconditionally, Ted has his own agenda and refuses to give Brad that right of being equal.
I am sure some of the authors friends will get on there high horses as we are not allowed to utter any form of negative comments but if these people really "read" this story you can see this all for yourselfs.
Neil to you I do apologize if I have knocked you on this, but Homemadehuman has made a valid point as he is a new reader to this story and therefor has not "forgotten" the early parts of the story, I am sure your big enough to answer him without there help,...after all YOU are the author, not them so only you know the story lines.
This IS a great story Neil and I like others DO enjoy reading it and wait with anticipation for each new chapter.
Once again, THANKS Niel.

 

[gsdx]

Even when the house burnt down it was Ted who decided how it was going to be rebuilt, Brad had very little say in it.

This is not so. Sure, Ted gave the ultimate 'okay' on the house, but only after he gave in to the wishes of the rest of the family.

The way I see it, Ted has always been the King of his Domain. That isn't so anymore and that type of thinking doesn't change overnight. It would all be nicey-nice if Brad immediately became an 'equal', but we all know that things like that simply don't happen except in fairy tales.

Still, you have to admit that Ted is slowly coming around, mainly because he's realising that Brad will stand up to him and knock him flat on his ass when necessary.

 

[homemadehuman]

As I'm sure you've probably read by now, Neil didn't intend for the story to be this long. The story's title is based upon the first chapter and is, in my opinion still an accurate reflection of the story, as it is how Ted and Brad first really came together, and Ted still very much enjoys watching Brad masturbate. I think a story of this length is bound to shift focus eventually, and I'm sure that in real life, focus would shift slightly from your partner to your children. But the story is really still about Brad, even when a chapter focuses on the twins.

I seem to remember thinking the same as you; this is all moving too quickly. What about Lindsay? She wanted a sibling, but two of them, identical twin boys? And Brad, he's the same age as me, does he really know what he's letting himself in for? Now though, I think it works. I don't know if you'll feel the same when you get to the end, but I really do think it works. I won't refer to anything specific cos I don't know where you are. You'll just have to trust me, and I hope you will agree by the time you get to the end.

you are right,and also Brad words at ted in dr.davis office,and the conversation between them on chapter 132 about being equals,gave me a satisfying answer to my questions. so i won't be posting anymore,at least until i catch up to the present,and only if it's something i feel there's necessary for me to say. it may take a while tho,i understand now why gdsx would prefer not to answer me ,he already did throught the story as well. anyway i'd just continue to enjoy. ^^


thank you ,it just keeps getting better and better.

chauu

 

[Kyanimal]

homemadehuman ...

It has been quite interesting to read your perspectives as a "new reader" in the process of still discovering this wonderful story! Quite refreshing, actually! It's brought back many enjoyable memories as Niel was, masterfully, unfolding his tale, initially, for the rest of us, too!

There was a time, many years ago, when my living situation, with the family of a friend, included a kid in his early years, around 9, or so. He was always asking questions, when watching TV, or movies, etc., about what was going to happen next. My standard reply to him was, "Wait and See!" (Which became "W.A.S.")

Years later, at his wedding, I got the biggest Smile out of him when I said, "See! It was worth the wait, wasn't it?"

As you've said, having read more, you're discovering there is still more to discover. Just as in "Real Life", things have interesting ways of working out. And, I assure you, Niel has worked wonders with this story! Definitely "Read On", and "W.A.S."! I don't think you're going to be disappointed!

Of course ... no matter what ...

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[homemadehuman]

homemadehuman ...

It has been quite interesting to read your perspectives as a "new reader" in the process of still discovering this wonderful story! Quite refreshing, actually! It's brought back many enjoyable memories as Niel was, masterfully, unfolding his tale, initially, for the rest of us, too!

There was a time, many years ago, when my living situation, with the family of a friend, included a kid in his early years, around 9, or so. He was always asking questions, when watching TV, or movies, etc., about what was going to happen next. My standard reply to him was, "Wait and See!" (Which became "W.A.S.")

Years later, at his wedding, I got the biggest Smile out of him when I said, "See! It was worth the wait, wasn't it?"

As you've said, having read more, you're discovering there is still more to discover. Just as in "Real Life", things have interesting ways of working out. And, I assure you, Niel has worked wonders with this story! Definitely "Read On", and "W.A.S."! I don't think you're going to be disappointed!

Of course ... no matter what ...

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

i agree,but as you can see,i wasn't asking for spoilers ( it's not a problem of impatience) if i wanted to know i wouldn't have read almost 150 chapters already,and believe me,i have been tempted to read ahead for spoilers,but i wouldn't. i care too much to do so.

i was just giving my "two cents" about what i have already read ,i was so passionate about the story and also because i had to catch up quicky,so it's quite understandable if i might have come across as rude or annoying

if my words ever expressed or caused dissapointment or discomforth i am deeply sorry,it wasn't my intention,at all.

this is the best story i ever read online,and gdsx's writing is simply one of the most amazing things i have had the fortune to experience,and i mean it from the heart.

thank you Kyanimal,thank you gdsx.