Connor is too much, LOL! 

Poor Brian... as bad as it must have been for Justin and the entire family to believe that he has died, to not be able to let his loved ones know he was Ok is a special kind of torture. 

I'm glad Justin has started to sketch again, and it's good that just having Justin near makes Brian feel somewhat calmer. It seems as if Brian and Justin are actually starting to heal each other a little bit, without really knowing it, of course! 

Author's Response:

I have a great time writing Connor. The man's purpose in life is to annoy people because it's fun LOL

Brian's story here is sad, it's true. We will know more about how he coped soon, and of course, Justin being back in his life is another kind of torture too, although it unconciously gives him hope.

I love your thought about them healing each other, as it's exactly what's happening. Esepcially for Brian.

Thank you, as always for your wonderful support. Love to read your reviews! <3 

Brian's inner thoughts always fascinate me. Despite the tough as nails exterior he shows to the world, he really feels things so deeply. Moreso than most people. I was touched at his thoughts about Justin's revelations of his love for 'Brian', who was supposedly murdered so many years ago and the unfairness of the whole situation. That makes me so sad. Brian is such a tortured soul. His anguish is palpable. You write this Brian so expertly. 

It didn't surprise me that Brian had such a strong urge to come clean to Justin in that moment. He knows that subconsciously Justin recognizes him and that his rational brain just hasn't caught up yet. He also knows that it's only a matter of time. I'm very curious as to how Justin will find out and especially how he will react.  

I really enjoyed Justin's interaction with Connor. It was lighthearted and provided me some much needed relief after the intense beginning of the chapter. I think there's potential for a great friendship between these two. Connor is no threat really since he's in love with Gabriel. 

I also enjoyed Justin's chat with Gabriel. Gabriel's shock at Justin's interaction with and assessment of Liam was funny. Another great friendship developing. I'm so glad that Justin's inspiration is coming back. Hmmm I wonder why that is exactly lol. 

I am not a fan of Agent Allen. Something about him concerns me but I just can't put my finger on it. Of course the unexpected news of Joan's death has Brian reeling. As much as he claims to hate his blood family he actually cares for them a great deal, much to his dismay.  

Loved the last scene between the boys... classic Justin and Brian!  

Sorry about the long comment I guess I had alot to say lol. Looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you😊

Author's Response:

I'm in love with your reviews :D

Love your analyse of Brian. He is a tortured soul, especially in this fic. He tries to convince himself that being with Justin is okay, when deep down he knows he is playing with fire. But he can't help it, thank god lol

I'm thrilled you liked Justin's interaction with Connor. The guy is really weird, but he is fun to write and I really feel this fic would be too dark and really 'too much' if not for those lightearted parts. You're really onto something about Connor and Justin, also :D

Gabriel is also fun to write, even though he's more balanced than Connor. I like writing those two OCs' story in here.

Agent Allen doesn't have lots of fans LOL I'm also glad you feel Joan dying would be hard on Brian, no matter how much impaired their relationship already was. 

I can't thank you enough for your support on this and for your delightful reviews. The longer the better!!! Thank you!!! <3 

Another intriguing chapter, Alois!  Justin seems enthralled by Lakevallée.  It's good to see him excited again about his art.  I can see little things creeping into the picture, further providing him with clues that this is Brian he is with, and not some new acquaintance he has just met.

I admit i find it difficult to comprehend how he couldn't know somehow that this is Brian, even if Brian has altered his appearance.  He would still have the same hazel eyes, the same mannerisms, the same height, etc.  But on the other hand, if Justin truly thinks he's dead, maybe his brain hasn't quite made the connecton yet. But it's fascinating to read the little gestures you are including that are slowly bringing him to that conclusion.

I'm curious why Brian's pseudonym is being used when it is now known who he really is (rather than Liam) in the descriptions in third POV.  Each time I read 'Liam,' I have to mentally replace it with Brian - LOL! 

I'm not sure I totally trust that Agent Allen.  His motives may be sincere, but it does make me pause. 

Brian is such a complex character, and I think you're doing a great job of showing that, such as his mixed feelings when he learned about his mother's death.  But that is one of the things I always loved about his character on the show.

You can be assured I will always look forward to your stories.  Thank you for posting this on here.  ~Kim

Author's Response:

Thank you for another amazing review Kim :)

Justin is very happy to be in Lakevallée. He does believe that Brian is dead, but somehow, his heart picks up some clues, although his brain doesn't see them.

I understand your confusion, but actually, Brian's mannerisms, even his eyes, have changed. It will be explained later into the story, and maybe will help you better understand why Justin didn't recognize him. I admit I initially thought of having Justin recognizing Brian right away, but then, I really wanted to explore their relationship before it happens, so I decided against it. And so, in this story, it's easier for Justin not to see who is right in front of his nose. But be assured that even if Justin is convinced Brian is dead, he HAS recognized him already, even though his brain refuses to face the truth yet.

Regarding Brian's pseusonym, I debated about it, but it was getting too complicated to use Brian as Brian and Liam in another POV, or to know where to start using Brian instead of Liam. That's why his real name will not reappear until Justin put two and two together. You wouldn't believe how many times I used Brian instead of Liam and vice versa. I'm aware it might confuse the reader, but I needed to make a choice so, yes, Liam it is for the time being.

Good point on Agent Allen. The man doesn't really care about Brian. He is just a job for him.

I do believe even though Brian hasn't seen his mother in years, her death would devastate him at this point of his life for many reasons. I'm glad the reader understand his reaction, and don't expect for him to feel nothing about her death.

Again, thanks so much for such a detailed review, Kim, I adore to read your thoughts on this story. <3 

Hmmmm is Agent Allen for real? Does he really care or is there something else amiss? Connor is wicked possessive of Liam now isn't he? I don't like him, reminds me of Michael a little bit. Gabriel is cool though! Justin & he could have a nice friendship. Of course he's inspired again! One day with Liam/Brian will do that to a person. So Joan is gone...hmmm even if a parent abused you or neglected you, there's still a connection and it's still hard when they die...

Love how Justin just took over! This will be an extrmely interesting dinner & evening with the boys...can't wait for the next chapter! Well done Alois! 

Oh I wanted to ask...why Liam? Why did you choose that particular name?

Author's Response:

Agent Allen doesn't really care about Brian, that's true, since Brian is just a job for him. And LOL, I assure you Connor is nothing like Michael. He isn't in love with Brian. He is just a little weird, a flawed man really, but he's a good guy, albeit not a really happy one. As for Gabriel, he is a more balanced man, so I'm not surprised you like him.

Justin is inspired, big times! And Brian now has to deal with his mother's death. No matter how awful Joan has been to him, it's still a devastating news, especially considering his situation and the last encounter.

Justin is one stubborn man. He may not have recognized Brian, but he sure knows what he wants.

And I choose Liam mostly for three reasons. One, it was one of the most popular responses from my FB post. Two, because of its signification. And three, do you really have to ask? LOL