I miss Gus 

Hey I love love your story! I read it all i one night because I couldn't stop. It's addictive, interesting, and unique. I hope you continue with it! I will be wating dillengtly for your next update! :D Thank You

I laughed and snorted throughout this entire chapter. Gus' obsevations about each couple was enlightening and entertaining at the same time. Oh, and the conversations with Auntie Em and Hunter were more than fun to read. I wish I had an Auntie Em, LOL.

Charmng chapter!

I do not comment often, but I want you to know: I really really love this story87

Author's Response:

Thank you for your extremely kind words and supports!! your review means a lot to me!!

Awww that was so sweet and adorable and GAASSSSP!@ the ending! ;)

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for taking the time to review!!! I'm really glad that you liked the chapter and that you think the ending worked. I really struggled writing that ending.

I am really grateful for your encouragement!!

This is wonderful. I read Gus's conversation to my mother , she thought he was great.

Author's Response:

I'm really glad you and your mom enjoyed the chapter!!! Thank you SO,SO much for taking the time to leave a review, I REALLY appreciate it!!!

All the best,

Megawords19

Well. What a fine web Debbie has woven this time. Gus is too freaking cute. Daddy and Papa need to have fun. lol

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review I'm glad you enjoyed Gus' unintentional humor :-)

Thank you again for reviewing. I'm sorry it took me so long to reply.. I hope you enjoy the next chapter as well. Please let me know what you think, thanks!!

I really hope Gus doesn't get into any troublw for using that word.... lol
great update.
Debbie has lost her mind, yelling at Brian for something SHE did. The media needs to be at her place bothering her and lindsay. That is crazy that she is blaming bri.

Author's Response:

I really glad you enjoyed Gus' unintentional cussing :-)

I totally agree with you about Debbie and Lindsay. But this is the QAF fandom so you know there'll always be drama.

Thank you for taking the time to review!! I'm sorry it took me so long to reply.. I hope you enjoy the next chapter as well. Please let me know what you think, thanks!!

Oh, I love this story! Amy's hilarious - running over a reporter's foot with her wheelchair and wanting a megaphone...She's just great. And Gus is as adorable as ever. The last line is priceless!

Have a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year, too!

Cheers,

Vin

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review!! I'm really glad you found the chapter and characters funny and enjoyable. I hope you and yours, fabulous holiday!!! :-)

This was indeed short but whooo hoo! It was sweet! Glad that I got to it at last

Admin repaired double chapter 38 posting.

Well since you know how much I love dogs it shouldn't be a huge surprise that this is my favorite chapter yet. I think Oreo did a wonderful job of describing a day with his puppy pack. I think Tadhg is going to have a similar reaction to his paw chew toy hinging over our fireplace...well Tadhg won't kill his squeaky toys, he loves to be gentle with his toys. I hope your Christmas is full of joy.
Lori

Cute!  Thanks for the update.

still loving this story thank you

what a great short chapter~ I hope Gus realizes how lucky he is to have a friend like Amy. It seems they stick up for each other will do what ever it takes to help in a time of need and to be lifelong friends. I hope Gus isn't too stressed out over all the fighting between his family. I think things would be better for everyone if Lindsay left town. She is not helping matters at all.
Lori

You could cut the tension with a knife. I would have loved to have heard what the discussion upstairs was about.

Thank goodness Amy saved the day doing that news program.

Here's to Amy; a very brave young girl. Out of the mouths of babes.
I really enjoyed this chapter but would have liked someone to notice how uncomfortable Gus was with fightling.
Well done and I look forward to the next chapter.

      Thanks for the chapter, it was fun reading. 

      I didn’t think that the VCR was sooooo long ago and Nintendo was also yesteryear.  Wow – how time flies.  What’s next – jet planes?  No way am I getting on an airplane without propellers.  

         I do like the ease in which Amy has been accepted by the family.  The part where Hunter simply carries her upstairs from the basement was just as natural and when someone moved a chair in the room to watch TV.  I thought that was very well done. She is just one very special girl, thank you for adding her to the story.

      DavidR

Author's Response:

Thank you SO much for your review!!! I made a point of mentioning the VCR and the Nintendo because they are at Debbie’s house and she strikes me as the type of person who doesn’t through thing away. In terms of those things not really being old, you have to remember that Gus is little so a lot of things will seem old to him.

The reason I write everything with Amy as normal is because people have always done similar things to accommodate my disability.  I’m lucky that kindness like that is normal for me.

I am also lucky to have thoughtful reviewers like you, thank you!!! I hope you have a happy and safe Turkey Day if you celebrate!!!

Welcome back.  Another good chapter.  Look forward to the next one.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and sticking with the story!!! I'm really happy to hear that you liked the chapter. :-) I will be working on the next chapter, but I will also be traveling so I cannot tell you when it will be posted but I can tell you that this story is on my mind and Cheryl and I will do our best. I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate!!! thanks again for your patience and support!!!

Welcome back this story has been missed

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!!. I'm really sorry it's taken so horribly long to get this story back up and running. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you and others are still out there still reading, still being patient, and understanding. Thank you so much for the support!!!!!! I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving if you celebrate!!!

Please don't give up on your story, I love it and a Gus story is always worth the wait just like your writing. I hope you find someone to help you but really the stories you've un betaed are good and story is worth a mistake or to. Hang in there your work and you are excellent and I hope your fans will agree with me.

Author's Response:

Thank you SO much for your kind words!!!! fans like you are what makes writing fun. I just need the help because my software is really putting a damper on the creative process. Thank you again for your support and also for your patience. I hope with some help, I can update soon.

I am sorry I am behind in my reading, I feel very late with my review. I am getting very worried about Gus, He seems to be really getting bothered by more than just his problem with reading. I know a routine is important but I think he needs to be able to go with the flow, very little in life can be planned out to such detail and remain normal. I think it was wonderful that Brain and Justin were able to return from their happily ever after so quickly. Gus will now get to watch Daddy deal with small minded people. I can't wait to hear how they explain Fairy to him. I'm sure it will be good. Great Chapter. I am sure as Gus gets older there will be a need for more "bad" language, I'm sure you'll know when the time is right.
Lori

Author's Response:

Lori,

Thank you for your review. I always appreciate your comments whenever you have time to post them. Please consider this story a guilt free activity. :-) You're right to worry about Gus' need for absolute predictability. . I think like Brian, Gus will struggle with the need to control the uncontrollable eg. fate. etc characters are not as much fun without some flaws. I will try to update, but with unreliable technology I cannot say when that will be, sorry. I hope you are well and everything is going all right in your life.

I loved the interaction between Gus and Amy.  She is just the type of friend that Gus needs.  Loved the "Chocolate cake and no head-slapping".  Gotta love Gus.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review!! I'm really glad that you like Gus and Amy, they are fun to write. Please keep reading and reviewing thanks!!!

It's fiction.  No one thinks you agree with the slurs so don't get complicated.  Just write what you write and don't apologize for it. 

Author's Response:

Thank you for letting me know your thoughts!! I will try not to be overly concerned about the slurs moving forward. Please continue to read and review, thanks!!!!!!!

Nice chapter.  I think as far as using slurs is concerned, as long as they are use judiciously and within the context of the story I think most people ill recognize that you are using the terms o set a tone or mood within the story.    If it helps you to do it add an a/n at the start of the chapter explaining that some of the language may be offensive but is not an indication of your feelings.  

I love the way you have Gus practicing his reading. 

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review!! I think adding a warning A/N at the beginning of appropriate future chapters is exactly what I will do. Thank you so much for your suggestion!!

I am glad you like how I have incorporated practicing reading into the story. Although, as a person who has always struggled withreading, I can tell you that the constant push to practice isn't very fun. I've never been as positive about practicing every day reading as Gus is in this story. Constant reading practice does,however, make a huge positive difference for those with learning disabilities!!

Please keep reading and reviewing, and again thank you for your thoughtful suggestion!!!

Thinking of Brian in his suit singing Hi Ho is just a wonderful thing.(vbg) I would say that to be true to the show you have to use the language that the characters used in the show. But most of the main characters are grown up enough that they would try to not use the worst in front of Gus. the best solution is to have them show restraint in front of Gus and just try to use words you personally don't use as little as possible but know that at times they are the words that have to be used.(g)

When Daddy gets on the phone his voice reminds me of when he used to read Sesame Street books to me about Oscar the grouch. Daddy sounds like he wants us to think he's grumpy, but he's really not. Daddy is funny like that sometimes.

It is so enchanting how you have captured a child's perspective and narrative in writing this story. The details make all the difference.

I was near tears several time while reading this chapter. Gus just wants everyone to get a long. We as adults forget how childern can pick up on every little thing and how it affects them. The stress between Brian, Justin, and Lindsay could give Gus ulcers.

I liked the career day. Maybe Debbie was a little over the top for that age group, LOL.

I always bring cupcake to my kids school. I never think of gluten allergies. Thats a thought. Thanks for the recipe, but if it don't come in a box, it aint happening. LOL.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review!!! I'm glad you liked the part about Oscar the grouch, I was smiling as I wrote it. It's true that Debbie was over the top at career day. Frankly, I can't see a scenario where Debbie could go into a classroom full of little kids, for an extended period of time, and not stick her foot in her mouth.

When I came up with the whole gluten free sugar-free cupcake thing I was just trying to find a way to prevent Justin from politely declining Lindsay's career day offer. When a person wants to politely refuse something, they need a reasonable rationale, Vic's recipe pulled the rug from under Justin's feet as it were.

I'm totally with you about making things out of the box. The kitchen is nowhere near my forte. Actually, if you go back to that rainbow cupcake YouTube video it says that the cupcakes were best if you use a box mix. I just don't think there are any gluten-free box mixes, but I could be wrong.*Shrugs*

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!!!

very nice chapter and i t s fine about the focus on baked goods. Esp. thank you for the part about the firemen! Now  THAT'S yummy!

Btw, if you don't cook or bake how do you eat?

Author's Response:

Thank you very much for your review!! I'm glad you liked the part about the firemen. As soon as I thought of that picture of Gus wearing the fireman helmet, it made me laugh out loud.

As for your question I live near a lot of places that are reasonably priced and reasonably healthy food. Learning to cook is one of my goals though. Please keep reading and reviewing, thanks!!

Thank you for another chapter.  Will be waiting for the next.   

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review and for letting me know that you're still reading, I really, really appreciate it!!!!!!!!!

Oh poor little Gus, he sure does live with a whole lot of stress for such a little kid. I bet he's gonna have ulcers by the time he's 10. I loved hearing Brian tell him the story of how he got Justin's underwear, and Jennifer's censorship of the wall art. Birthday suit pictures!! How adorable. I'm sure those cupcakes are edible, but gluten and sugar free just doesn't sound worth eating to me. Plus I'm betting that the food coloring would probably be a problem to some one too. I think if you're going to eat cupcakes you might as well eat good tasting one with rich gooey frosting. I hope Brian and Justin are having a wonderful adult trip in Paris, we'll just have to use our imaginations to decide what they are up to. Career week sounds like a huge success. I hope Amy gets a chance to show off her skills to the TV news guy. I know she's going to impress them.
Lori

Author's Response:

Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing to read and review!!

Your thoughts about Gus and ulcers mirrors what I was thinking as I was reading over this chapter one last time before posting it. Gus does have a lot to deal with, but he also has a loving family around him even if some in that family continue to cause stressful drama.

I'm glad that you thought the career day was a success, that's how I pictured it when I was writing it. Apparently, other people read the chapter very differently. Don't get me wrong, that difference is also a great thing because it's given me ideas for the next chapter, I'm still glad that my intended idea came across.

I'm also hoping that that chapter will have Amy strutting her stuff, but one of the reasons this past chapter took so long was because I got overwhelmed by all the ideas I wanted to cram into it, I'm going to try to avoid that in this next chapter.

I hope you're doing well, please take care :-)

Mega - Are you okay? I'm worried - you've never been quiet this long before.

Author's Response:

I am SO sorry to worry you Jane, for some reason this chapter really overwhelms me. So it's been a real struggle to get it down on paper!!!!. Thank you for your concern.

     It is not unusual for family members not to get along.  Some line up on one side, and others line up on the other side.  Sure it makes Gus sad, especially so when it involves his own mothers.  But – that is life, and it doesn’t look like there is going to be any improvement in family relations any time soon.        

      Brian’s and Justin’s birthday present was wonderful.  I guess they understood the pressure Gus has been harboring having difficulty reading.  Those of us who don’t have or never have that problem, have problems understanding that a child that young would feel such pressure.  Now we know!  Great ending to the chapter.

      DavidR

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review and support!!. I hope you don't mind if I respond to your comments out of order.

First, I'm so glad you enjoyed the gift/father-son bonding. Speaking for myself, as a person with a severe learning disability, the pressure/fear related to having trouble with a brain that doesn't want to cooperate,starts early and doesn't go away. That said, adaptive technology is a great help and so are people who are willing to be supportive, patient, and understanding. :-) People like you and the others in the wonderful Whispers community!!!

Secondly, it's true that family strife is nothing new or original, but it's often painful. Gus wants to be a good boy, he just doesn't realize that he can't be perfect. The good thing is that, whatever their differences, everyone in the family loves him even if they're not very good about showing it all or most of the time.

Please keep reading and reviewing, thanks!!!

I've only just finished Chapter 32 and wanted to say 'well done'. This was a great chapter. Gus and Brian so wonderful together. Looking forward to Career Day - Big time.

Author's Response:

Thank you very much for your reviewand encouragement!! I am really glad to hear that you liked the last chapter!! I'm starting to piece the next chapter together, I hope it and career day doesn't disappoint. Please keep reading and reviewing, thank you!!!

Hey honey,

I know I already reviewed, but a little nitpicking helps. 

You need to capitalize: Mama, Mommy, Daddy, Grandma(when referring to a specific grandmother.), Poppa, Auntie. And lower-case the 'm' in Auntie Em. And was Roberts a Mrs. or a Ms.? 

I saw your previous response to the idea: I don't know. Maybe Mr & Mrs Hobbs left. But the way they implied it, the Hobbs were huge in the WASP community that after Chris got off...they stayed because Chris did get let off with only 500 of community service. I would definitely love to see how(and if you go with the idea) if Gus and an OC that is Hobbs son get along. As well as, how Chris is coping with a lost love due to denial and fear of coming out of the closet and bashing the guy he was in love with because of jealously, fear, and rage...And how Chris would act if he finds out Gus is Gus Kinney, son of the man his love fell in love with....

I never thanked you for not making Michael the bad guy. I love Michael dearly. I think way too many fans focus on his flaws while disregarding all of the others The show made it obvious that he knew how bad the abuse was for Brian. I always thought that is why Michael felt the need to always defend Brian, besides liking the idea of the image Brian made for himself, that thankfully he got over when he realized Ben was his true love. He knew more so than Debbie. He never liked how everyone jumped to Justin's defense because he was younger and milked the innocence too much. The Ethan fiasco was a prime example.  I agree for some of the things he said like when he told Brian he should have left Justin to die, but honestly everyone says something really horrible in life. I think at the moment and time, he saw how Brian was hurt by Justin and how Justin was blanantly rubbing Ethan in his face. So, Mikey snapped. For instance, the cancer...so many people because Mikey told Justin to follow Brian's wishes and act like they didn't know anything...then went and told Brian that Justin and he knew about the cancer and how they came to find out...and they also blamed Mikey for why Brian threw Justin out...it wasn't because of Mikey that he threw Justin out...We knew since the first episode that Debbie coddled Mikey and therefore is a sensitive person add in the fact that Brian was his best friend since eight grade and was being abused in every way except sexually and that Mikey saw all this and couldn't do anything, makes for a very sensitive Mikey....especially concerning Brian..Now, I do think Mikey was there when Brian started to create the image of the cold heart Stud of Liberty Avenue, but got too used to the image where at times he can't differiantate the real Brian and the fake Brian...But the reason Brian threw Justin is because he figured he wasn't perfect...And guess what! Justin had left Brian before because he wasn't perfect by not being the perfect boyfriend and even cheated two months on Brian...Not because of Mikey..And people blame Mikey for the reason why Brian and Justin split in season two...really, so you're going to tell me that if you saw your best friends bf/gf kissing someone else, you're not going to tell them? Really? And really, he was becoming genuine friends with Justin in season two, but it is Justin's fault for fucking that up, he cheated on Brian..I'm sorry I went on a rant.

Linds/Mel: Never liked them as a couple. I found infuriating the way they controlled when and how Brian could see his own son, when it is Brian who pays for everything for Gus and even when they couldn't provide for Gus..he pays their shit off. And the same went for Mikey...he basically provided for J.R. when they couldn't. I always thought Mel/Linds wouldn't have made it...whether they had moved to Toronto or if they had stayed in the Pitts in the finale. 

Have I mentioned how I love you for including Hunter so much as well? I always was sooooo fucking in love with the character of Hunter...So for you to create a close sibling bond with Hunter and Gus thrills me...Now, if only you would have Mel lose custody of J.R and give her to Ben and Mikey...;)

~Nim*huggles*

 

 

Author's Response:

First of all, thank you so much for your long second review, that takes time, thoughtfulness, and dedication!!!

Second, I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply until now, I didn't have computer access for a little bit.

Third, thank you so much for pointing out the inconsistent in the different capitalizations, I will try to fix that in the next chapter.

Now let's get down to the main substance of your review.

I don't think you have to apologize for ranting on Michael's behalf. It's true that most Queer As Folk fics I've read are not Michael friendly. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that I'm not really one of Michael's fans. That said, I do appreciate that you've noticed that I tried not to demonize him.

I try to be Michael tolerant for two reasons. For one thing, I think it's becoming a fan fiction cliché to demonize all the characters that an author doesn't like. Goodness knows, I already over demonize Lindsay, but I dislike her so much I can't really help it, most of the time.

I also tried not to be too hard on Michael because while I was watching the show I noticed that while Michael is by no means the sharpest tool in the shed, he does fight for what he believes in.

He fights for Brian in a lot of ways that make me want to knock some sense into him, but he does try to defend Brian. He fought against the anti-gay legislation. He also fought for Hunter. Mind you, I found the whole hiding in a hotel room a bit ridiculous, but I appreciated the sentiment and the bid for independent action on Michael and Hunters; end of things, if that makes any sense.

What really sort of sold me about the good side of Michael, however, was when he fought for Ben. In many ways, when the Ben character entered the show, I thought they were an odd couple. I understood why Ben was reluctant to get involved given their different academic backgrounds. I know that sounds elitist, and it probably is, but I also think that hesitation was realistic.

I really liked how Michael basically said in his words, and in his actions that he may not be as smart as Ben, or as open-minded, but Michael really tries to be a decent person who loves deeply.

Michael is a much more flawed character than several of the others but his flaws are realistic.

Now let me turn to your story suggestions.

I agree that what you're proposing with Gus and Hobbes' child being friends would provide even more fertile ground for drama.

I can't really picture this friendship taking place largely because of two things.

One, Brian would make damn sure that Gus would never attend a school or children's program where people in Hobbs' circle would enroll their children. In the show Brian is very explicit in his distrust of the straight community and his wish to remain as separate as possible. Some might argue that this changes as his character evolves on the show. I argue, however, that although he might be more tolerant towards people like Jennifer Taylor his wish to stay within the queer community does not change. This attitude of Brian's would lead him to involve Gus in places that are openly gay friendly.

Secondly, and I think most importantly for this story, I don't think Hobbes' child would be the right age to interact with my Gus.

Gus is Brian's biological son. At the beginning of the show Brian is 29 the somewhat expected age for fatherhood. Hobbes is Justin's age and he is 17. It's very unlikely that Hobbes, who is closeted and from an upper-class background would have a child at 17.

I hope my reasoning doesn't get you down. Idon't know what your schedule is like, but it is very clear that you have thought about these possible plot scenarios quite a lot and that you are passionate about the Queer As Folk fandom. Have you ever considered writing this as a fanfic of your own?

Thank you again for your review and for caring so much about my story!!!

*HUGS BACK :-)*

I absolutely adored this chapter.  Sweet little Gus' dreams came true.  It touched me so much.  I know how hard it is for some children with learning disabilities that Kurzweil sound like an amazing program

Author's Response:

Thank you for taking the time to review!!!. I do have to say that I have a soft spot for Gus which only seems to be growing, so I'm glad that other people like him too. :-) Kurzweil, like I've explained to a few others, is a truly wonderful program . There are issues with depending on adaptive technology.I'm hoping to explore these issues in future chapters. Please keep reading and letting me know what you think, thank you!!!!

What a very lucky boy Gus is. Just look how far he's made it in really such a short time. I know for a 6 year old it seems like he's been working on it for ever. I almost had a moment of feeling sorry for Lindsay, but I shook that emotion off very fast. I will never be willing to forgive her for what she did to him. I think it would be best if she were totally removed from his life. Thanks for the information about the Kurzweil 3000, I will be sure to check it out.
Lori

Author's Response:

I hope you are doing well. Thank you for your review!!

You're right that Gus is making a lot of progress. Although, as a writer I never thought this fictional year would end. I'm glad you felt a little sorry for Lindsay because that's what I was going for. I've tried to make her a character to feel sympathy with before, but I'm afraid that my dislike of her too often overrides my attempts to make her realistic. In my opinion, the more people know about adaptive technology the better. I appreciate your interest. Please keep reading and reviewing, it's always wonderful to hear from you!!!!

I feel so bad for Gus. I think he can relate to Brian as a kid. Brian growing up in an abusive home wondering whatever did he do to be hated by his own parents and feeling guilty all the time because he feels he is the reason why they drank until he got older. And it really didn't stop when he got older since the gang especially Debbie always seems to find fault in him even when it wasn't his fault. The only ones who didn't always fault Brian unless it was a real reason was: Mikey, Ben, Hunter, Daphne, Justin, and Ted. Now we see Gus growing up in a broken home thanks to Mel/Linds dumbass decision to leave the Pitts in the first place. Now, he, like Brian, is always thinking it's his fault.

You have made me adore the Taylor-Kinney clan. And I love how you have the Novotny-Bruckners and Wyzecki-Schimdt clans close to Gus. It's so sweet. 

I have a suggestion: What if Gus became friends with Chris Hobbs' son who is his own age? And Hobbs's son is a nice boy....It's an interesting twist and think of everyone's reaction when they find out. And they become close. 

Update soon love

~Nim*huggles*

 

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review!!!

I'm afraid that I have to sheepishly admit that the parallels between Brian and Gus in this chapter were lucky accidents, as well as unfortunate byproducts of fictional family strife.

Switching gears, your story ideas are definitely interesting. I do hope that in my alternate universe though. that Chris Hobbs has the good sense to get out of Pittsburgh as soon as humanly possible. ( Yes, I do know that he stays in the show, grr) He should be afraid of Brian and the rest of liberty Avenue, but I think it would be more likely that Hobbs would leave Pittsburgh in order to leave the bad publicity of the trial behind him. The Hobbs family would want their upper-class name to leave the bad headlines.

Please keep reading and reviewing!! I'm so glad that you like my little alternative universe. BTW, I'm really impressed by your attention to the show's little details!! I totally forgot that Blake's last name is Wyzecki, the information will definitely come in handy later, thank you!!!

* HUGE HUGS BACK*

I loved this chapter.  I don't comment often.  But I read each new chapter and love everyone of them.  Sometimes it's just hard for me to form my thought and opinions and I don't like to repeat myself.  Just know you do have a fan of this story and many more I'm sure.  They're all probably just like me and don't know how to articulate what they want to say sometimes.

Author's Response:

Thank you so, so much for your review!! I completely understand the frustration of not being able to articulate your feelings and your thoughts sometimes.

The amount of effort you and others put into your wonderful reviews makes them even more valued and very, very much appreciated!!!

Please keep reading, and when you can, reviewing, thank you!!!

I can't imagine how hard it must be for children to deal with the pressure of having same sex parents. It's a big issue for poor little Gus to deal with on a playground.

Loved the update!

Author's Response:

Thank you for your review!! I'm really glad you like the chapter.

 Bullying, no matter what the reason, is a terrible thing that that studys show is increasing in frequency on the playground and in the workplace. As I read over that section of the chapter again, I do think the dialogue is a bit unrealistic, but I don't think the fear I was trying to convey is, and that is the really sad thing.

Please keep reading and reviewing, thanks!!!!!!

Another enjoyable chapter. Gus is learning a lot of good things from his fathers as well as his friends and teachers.

There are a fair number of mispellings in the chapter but most, if not all, are simply the wrong choice of two or more spellings.(like their or they're){g}

But you do have examples of one my pet peeves.(vbg)

Justin is blond while Lindsay is blonde.(bg)

Author's Response:

Thank you for your review and for pointing out some of my mistakes, hopefully I've fixed them correctly. Please keep reading and reviewing despite the mistakes that I'm afraid are inevitable when I'm typing, thanks!!!!

This chapter was filled with so much I enjoyed.  The Studly Prince and the Twink fairytale had me dying to read the rest of the story as much as Gus waiting to hear it. I felt so bad for Gus about the bad test scores. It was disheartening for a child that really cared and tried so hard. The reaction of Brian and Justin was just what the poor boy needed. The two displayed  stellar parenting skills with all Gus' problems, even with the bullying he endured.

This was one of your best chapters!

Awwwww! I loved the fairytale about the Blond Prince twink and the Studly Prince. Adorable!

Cheers,

Vin

The only thing that's frustrating about reading this is the way the dialogue is put in the middle of the paragraph. 

For instance this:

 

"Sonny boy," daddy says." Do you know why your Poppa and I told you that fairytale this week?" "It's a good story and you wanted to help me fall asleep.," I say hopefully even though I know that's not the answer he is looking for.

Would be easier to read like this:

"Sonny Boy," Daddy says,"Do you know why your Poppa and I told you that fairy tale this week?" 

"It's a good story and you wanted to help me fall asleep," I say hopefully even though I know it's not the answer he is looking for.

 

Other than that..I love it alot 

~Nim

 

Author's Response:

Thank you for your review!! Later I will try to fix the format snafu. But if it's okay with you and the rest of the readers, the next time I work on the story I think I better start on the next chapter because that will take a while. I will try to correctly format that chapter. Thank you again for reviewing. I really, really appreciate it and I'm glad you like the chapter!!

Mega,

Missing you and Gus. Will you be posting soon?

Author's Response:

Thank you for your review and patients!!! For what it's worth, Gus and I really miss you guys at Whispers too :-) I just got my voice activated typing software up and running.*Does happy dance* but it will still take a few days for me to write and edit something worth reading. I'm dedicating this weekend to writing. Please hang in there a little bit longer. I hope to read your thoughts about the next chapter once it gets posted.

Thank you so much for being interested!!

Megawords19

 

Yikes, I hope you can get things back to working soon. I know this must be frustrating for you. Don't stress over it, your updates are worth waiting for.
Lori

"I would like chocolate cake and for nobody to get head-slapped."  

You go, Gus! *claps hands enthusiastically*

Love this story. Oh, and Amy is adorable.

Cheers,

Vin

To ask Debbie to forego head slapping anyone is asking for a lot.(vbg)

Another enjoyable chapter.

Thank you for giving (me) us a great meeting between Brian and Amy. I like that Justin isn't happy little  Sunshine around Debbie. He made it clear she's wrong and he totally supportes his partenaire.

I can't wait to see Debbie's reaction to Gus' answer. It would really show Debbie what Gus discerns of what happened around him. Until now, it seemed she thought Gus didn't understand because of his age and she focused only on Lindsay's feelings. What she failed to see : it was Brian and Justin parenting, presence, caring and love that preserve Gus' stability. By interfering she only disturbs it.

Thanks for these last few chapters.  I hadn’t realized that when Brian told Lindsey that he paid for her to get sober but not to take his son back, he left her with nothing.  That is what Debbie accused him of.  It does put Lindsey in a difficult position.  Still – Debbie has to learn to keep her f… hands to herself.  Happily, Gus had a better way of saying that.

 

Thanks again.

DavidR

wow, I didn't expect it to end like that. I am just so surprised that Debbie is stlll stuck in the "mothers know best" mode - hasn't she learned from Hunter's experience.  It's not about giving or not giving Lindz a second chance - but the fact that she didn't even think of Gus.  Taking him home when she doesn't even have a job yet, and when she is still unstable.  Who will support her, Brian? Again!?

How can anyone who loves Gus pull him out of a loving and stable environment?  I think people's views of Brian and Justin's non-marriage make it seem as if they are not a legitimate family.

Shame on Debbie, how dare she judge Brian. 

Great writing and what a twist! *reading this in class*

Debbie felt guilty on Friday night dinner so she knows she was wrong doing what she did. Not by giving Lindsay a job but by doing it behind Brian's back.

I don't recall Debbie saying or doing something about the way Melanie and Linsday manipulated Brian about Gus or money. I didn't see her help Ted when he needed it. She's a mother too. I would think she would understand Brian's need to protect his son and right now it's from Lindsay.

It frustrates me that Lindsay doesn't see how much affected Gus was/is by her actions. I don't think Brian would leave Gus alone with her ever again. She did hit Gus more than one time. The unforgivable.

Seeing Debbie slaps Michael and Brian all the time wouldn't let Gus thinks that it's okay ? It would be so great if Gus would talk about his feelings willingly and not by Brian and Justin guessing. Gus's problem with reading makes him shy but wouldn't it be great to find him a way to express himself ? It seems Amy is an outspoken. And I can wait to see the meeting between Brian and her. It will make me remember of Daphne. How would react Gus with Daphne ? I miss her.

"What did you think would happen?  You didn't give her chance to go back to her home.  You didn't give her a chance to have back her son.  She has no place to go and no job.  So of course she came to me because unlike some people, she knows that I think of her as fucking family." 

I can't believe Debbie got in the middle of the situation and I can't believe she slapped Brian. All that in front of Gus. Why they didn't turn around and leave is beyond me, but I loved that Brian ordered the pancakes. I can see that the family is now divided and that is the most hurtful thing that is done to Gus.

Brilliant chapter!

Well, I don't think Linds should be near Gus until she gets better. And while it's not that obvious, but you still can tell Gus is scared of her. 

Of course, that is just like Debbie. Just because you're a woman doesn't make you a good parent. Mikey was a better parent to J.R. than Mel. You're a good parent if you actually give a damn and want to see your child happy. That's a good parent. A good parent is not based on gender. 

I wished Gus had said something in the middle of the diner while Brian and Deb were arguing. Like,"Daddy, Mommy isn't going to hit me while she's drunk like she did last time, will she?" 

Update soon

 

~Nim

 

Gus is just so sweet and sensitive in this story. He must take after Brian. 

I liked the little friend he has aquired.

New school, new class, new teacher, clean slate. That was always my favorite. I'd promise myself I'd do great in the new year, but everything was hard for me. I'd barely get by and have the same thoughts the next year.

Gus is a happy little boy as long as Lindsey is no where near him. Her thinking Gus and Oreo would move in with her shows she is not ready to leave the facility. I don't recall if Brian and Justin have parental rights or not.

I really enjoyed the past three chapters, hell I enjoy all of them. Sorry I sound down, the chapter just brought back memories, not all good memories

Author's Response:

I cannot type much but I really wanted to respond. I felt the same way you did about school when reading and math would get me down, the excitement and then the letdown and frustration when everything was incomprehensible at times. I hope like me you had/have an amazing support system to encourage you.

Gus is happy and Brian does have custody, I mention it a couple times in passing like when Mel visits the first time after moving to Canada. I don't mention custody much because I do not want to write a long, drawn out court battle which would actually be more realistic.

If you want to read a well written QAF custody battle I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Wren's Homecoming at

http://www.mags-nificent.com/MSW/WF/Homecoming.htm

Please keep reading, enjoying, and reviewing, thanks!!!

I think First Grade is off to a good start. The new school sounds like a big change. I hope Gus makes some new friends and learns how to deal with things that happened to first graders. He spends so much time with adults he needs time to just be a kid. Great Chapter!
Lori

This was very sweet! :)

Hopefully Trey and Rachel remain his friends.

Cute that Justin got choked up! :)

I just love Gus's new friend. Gus really need a girl around him. I'm sure a great friendship has just begun. I'm clad that Gus wasn't so perturbed by her wheelchair. It's her personality that make her crazy in Gus's point of view. What's a little more craziness in Gus's life ? 

Lucky Gus! Everybody loves him and he read 10 books how much prouder can he be of himself?! It's exactly what he needs to keep reading better.  I see Lindsey causing a bit of trouble but I think Mel will have Brian's back on the custody issue.  Look forward more.

This is a wonderful story. 

 

Another magical chapter!

Gus is such a lucky boy to have Brian and Justin. I envy the fun the three always have.

The ducks and Linsay was interesting. It sounds like she still has her dream. It was just sad that Gus was so nervous about seeing her.

 

 

What a busy day for Gus. I think he should get extra stars for being brave enough to read to his mean mommy. That sure added pressure. I have never been a fan of that Give a mouse a cookie book. The whole thing just doesn't do anything for me. I don't think kids are all that thrilled with it, not one they want to read over and over. Once is more than enough. Great Chapter.
Lori

The dog pictures were awesome! So cute