Reviewer: cullengirl08 (Signed) · Date: December 20, 2020 06:08 PM · On: Part II. Brian

This was a great little story.   I'm very happy that Brian finally figured out the truth and started to talk with Justin about everything that has been going on.  Communication is the key.    I'm just glad that Justin forgave Brian and they are now working on making things work in their relationship.  

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!) I'm happy you liked it - I usually like writing stories with more complex premises, but Brian and Justin can have so much angst because of the simplest things, it's fascinating. 

Reviewer: Juditka (Signed) · Date: April 06, 2018 08:44 PM · On: Part II. Brian

I'm happy that the guys could finally get rid of the misunderstandings. This is a beautiful story, I really liked it. I'm happy to have read it. Congratulations.<br />

Author's Response:

Thank you so much, I'm so happy you enjoyed this story! And I could never give Brian and Justin anything but a happy ending, I love them both so much)) 

Reviewer: Moderator (Signed) · Date: August 07, 2016 09:41 PM · On: Part II. Brian

Seeing how well received this story was compelled me to take a closer look. I'm glad I did. A very beautiful tale. You are indeed eloquent, and deserving of blue ribbon status.

Thank you for posting on Whispers.

 

Author's Response:

Wow. I'm leaving for a few days right now, so I decided to take a quick look at the comments and here's this. That was such a fantastic surprise to see that two of my stories have recieved blue ribbons! Thank you so much, I don't even know what to say. I'm blown away from your words and from response to my last story - and I'm so happy and flattered that you enjoyed both of them. Thank you! 

Reviewer: Aliada (Signed) · Date: November 09, 2014 11:34 PM · On: Part II. Brian

You know, I just couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this story submission from you! I was dreaming about it so long! It was such an amazing surprise :)

I truly liked your writing style, plot, wonderful description of feelings and incredible dynamics you managed to express so brightly and alive. I just couldn't tear my eyes off this story! That were really unforgettable moments.

Actually, the situation you described in the beginning seems to be ordinary – unfortunately – but not in the Brian and Justin's case. To tell the truth, I felt so sad while seeing Justin's desperation. It was so real, so touching – I had a really hard time trying to convince myself that it must be an explanation for Brian's behavior. He was so cold and rude that I've nearly lost any hope for their happy future together. It was such a huge tension here! I literally could feel how the cliffhanger was coming. Really – it wasn't difficult to understand that Justin wouldn't tolerate this weird – offensive – attitude of Brian any longer. And – I just can't help but admiring Justin because of that. Even if Brian really made this decision - that seems to be impossible at all - Justin wouldn't hate him and – more than that – he would continue loving him. I believe that the only true feelings can be so deep – whether the chosen 'directions' are equal or different. 

And I didn't expect this to be AU at all. It was such a pleasant surprise :)  The way Brian and Justin met, fell in love and built their relationship is amazing. I loved every line of it! Brian's desire to protect Justin from troubles, to keep him safe and this rude manner at the same time... I enjoyed it so much! It was really painful to see that Justin got hurt, but when Brian saved him, when Justin showed him all the devotion and love he felt, I couldn't really decide what to do – cry or laugh! And all these funny moments you described are so beautiful! I can hardly say how much I enjoyed it. 

Brian and Justin's conversation is a really right thing to do. They needed it so much. They both are so in-character here! I liked the way Brian apologized – it was so touching and truthful. And when Justin said that he needed some time alone... Honestly, I didn't have any doubts concerning his decision, but despite that I just couldn't help worrying because of all this tension between them. 

And one more thing I would like to notice. I truly loved Justin's thoughts about Brian – especially the part where you describe Brian like a good boss :) I don't know why it impressed me so much, but I couldn't help re-reading this several times. Really – it's such a pleasure to see that Justin knows Brian so well. 

The epilogue made me completely happy – although I wouldn't mind reading this story endlessly :) It is such a relief to see them together, knowing that they've finally found the right way to go. 

Thank you once again for this work of art! I'm going to re-read it a few more times, though I doubt then I'll ever get enough of it - anyway :) 

Author's Response:

Hi, Vlada! Your amazing, incredible review has absolutely made my day – I’m still shocked, because I don’t remember ever receiving such a long and detailed comment, not even in our HP fandom. Your ability to highlight all sides that you liked, describe the emotions you felt is astonishing – I’ve read this review for three times already and every time I blushed!:)

 

Thank you for your beautiful words, I’m so relieved and happy you liked this story. You know your opinion means a lot to me. Especially thank you for liking Justin – since he’s my most favorite character, I always hope to portray him right. Brian is more difficult to write, though – and to tell the truth, at first I didn’t even know I was going to include Adam arc in here. I thought initially just to show a couple who once loved each other incredibly, but who, after so many years, have lost some of the magic in their relationship. But Brian and Justin decided to go their way – and I’m grateful for that, I like this version much more than the previous one.

 

Oh, I love how you just notice absolutely everything!:) Everything I wanted to write most, like protective Brian in his usual push me/pull me manner. I love school/college AUs, so I couldn’t help writing my own short version. I’m so happy you liked it!

 

I also wasn’t planning to write the epilogue, but it felt necessary. As always I’m glad I did :) I’m constantly surprised at how characters dictate me what to do instead of the other way around.

 

Since your English is so good, maybe you’d also consider writing a B/J story?:) I’d be on cloud ninth with happiness, I love your style and the way you observe people’s characters and motivation.

 

Thank you again – I doubt any words would be sufficient to express how I felt reading your thoughtful, amazing comment. So just – thank you :)

 

Hugs

 

Katrin       

 

  

Reviewer: RiCa20 (Signed) · Date: October 24, 2014 07:27 PM · On: Part II. Brian

Hey Katrin!

When I finished reading it, I had one phrase in mind - "What a Beautiful Story". It's such a nicely woven story, having just the right amount of angst and the just the right amount of romance, just the right amount of description and dialogue. I loved how it didn't end with sappiness or some cheesy twist to make it all better. It's very mature. It was realistic, it was to the point and I just fucking loved it.

My heart dipped straight into hell when I finished reading the first chapter. The heart ache was real. The next chapter was just full of surprises. After reading Brian’s side of the story, I felt myself feeling lighter. Brian trying to hurt Justin back with Adam, ha – I could imagine Brian doing that. The apology, I laughed out loud when I read about Brian googling to find ‘the most creative ways to apologize’. Haha, I suddenly saw myself for a second there (I usually do that for birthdays). Also, I actually was kind of expecting some clichéd grand apology scheme that he might have planned for Justin in order to reverse the diverse.

But what you wrote was a million times better. The climactic scene fit perfectly like strawberries and chocolate sauce and it made me gooey inside.

I love how you write, period.

Consider me a fan for your work.

P.S I will reply soon as I can. (Also caution, Master’s Toy is kind of sick, not as sexy as it might sound. You probably wouldn’t stop if you start though. Can I also quickly point out that I laughed my ass over when I read the first paragraph of your email :D)

*Hugs*

 

Pranavi

Author's Response:

Hi, Pranavi!

Wow, thank you so much for your fantastic review - you made my day!:) I didn't expect you to reas this story, especially so soon - I know how busy you are.

I'm *so* damn happy that you liked it! Your opinion is extremely important to me. 'Mature' and 'realistic' are probably the best compliments I could have hoped to get - it was my goal to make just a simple, ordinary, realistic story. Without some earth-shattering events or unusual twists - althougth you know how in love I am with interesting concepts, like in your brilliant story. But I had an idea and wanted to explore it :) I didn't know half the events when I started writing - it was all coming to me gradually, like pieces of puzzle coming together slowly.

Yes, I, too, can imagine that Brian would react like this in this kind of situation. He is emotionally closed, maybe not so much after living with Justin for so many years, but still. He always hated 'meaningful conversations', so I think he would just lash out, without talking, just feeling.

Actually, it was me who was looking for 'most creative ways to apologize' for Brian :D But I decided all of them were clichéd and cheesy for a couple like them, and the best way would be just to talk - really talk. Being sincere. I'm glad you liked it! And you made me blush with your beautiful words, which is rare, so I thank you aditionally for this :*)

I finished Master's Toy!! But I did have to stop once, because there was a moment that almost made me vomit - and definitely spoiled the food for me for entire day!:) Later I'll tell you *all* about it :)

Hah, I knew you would laugh - I was laughing myself, recalling the expression on his face when his dreams were shattered! What a brat. Now he's lost interest :)

I'm looking forward to your reply! And thank you, again, I really appreciate that you took time to read and review this! 

Hugs,

Katrin

 

 

 

Reviewer: zsadistwhore (Signed) · Date: October 08, 2014 12:22 AM · On: Part II. Brian

Okay, so I'd figured out that Brian actually hadn't stopped loving Justin (I say figured out, I read your summary) but I hadn't figured out the reasoning behind Adam and the two years after marriage. It hadn't occured to me that Brian would suspect Justin of cheating (stupid Ted for putting the idea in his head), but it makes total sense. Especially as canon!Brian was convinced most of the time that Justin would leave him for someone "better".

And this, right here, is exactly why communication is so important in relationships. And thankfully your Brian isn't as stubborn as canon!Brian, and a bit more selfish, and knows a good thing when he sees it and does everything he can to keep from losing it.

Author's Response:

Hi again!:) Yes, I wanted to write something AU, but also keep some of the main Brian's - and Justin's - canon characteristics. I wasn't planning on writing about Ted, though, but he just came to me with his statistics and demanded to give him a chance to talk about them :) I thought it'd be a good idea.

Yes, Brian is indeed selfish, and he also loves Justin with all his heart, so of course he couldn't let him go like that. I enjoy angst, so I decided communication topic was a great solution :) Besides, I'm crazy about high school/college AUs, and this plot gave me an opportunity to explore them a bit.

I'm happy you liked the story and let me know about it. Thank you so much for that - and again, for pointing out my mistakes to me!

Katrin 

Reviewer: Flossee (Signed) · Date: October 07, 2014 01:15 PM · On: Part II. Brian

Hey Katrin :)

"But as for the ending being very unique... now you made me worried I chose a rather ordinary plot".  I agree with you now I have read the whole fic; you have chosen something which has been expressed before in numerous fics, yet you have done it very well.  I think I misunderstood that you were only asking about mistakes from your native language to English and not about the story plot. 

As you mentioned you are hoping to write a novel and since we all know these characters well and expect certain behaviours from them I was wonder whether you had a fic that might go under the "Original Fiction" category.  I ask this because you would need to establish new characters and to write a novel an original plot would be needed.  I think this would be a great site to help you gauge how you are going in both these areas as we would have to open ourselves to new characters and storylines.  To explain what I am talking about I refer to the way Jane Austen described Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice; "drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien" there is no overdoing the physical attributes of the man, yet there is enough to swoon over. LOL  You would need an ability to describe individuals, but not overly so.  Well you get what I'm saying, and I think the words "original plot" speak for themself. 

Now, to your wonderful fic. :)  I really enjoyed the emotions, misinterpretations of events and the way these men display their love or neglected to display it.   I was extremely happy to hear Adam never meant anything to Brian, as you know my feelings on Brian/others.  Your review answer to me was very profound.  I have never really analysed why I felt that way about these men and yet you voiced it so well.  Brian; "I believe he's the one-man man type, he either loves one and the same person forever, or he doesn't love anyone that way."  Justin; even though you didn't write this I believe he was always open to love and could love another, yet I sort of agree with this statement also, "but, I also think he would never love anyone like he loves Brian."  Thank you for those words.

Good luck with your aspirations and please stay safe.  I hope your country's turmoil ends and your life can return to its normal state soon.

Cheers :)

Author's Response:

Hi, Flossee! Thank you so much for the time you've taken to write your lengthy review, and for your words :) Actually, I have almost finished my original book. I've been writing originals long before I even realized there was such thing as fanfiction, so I know about their refinements :) Jane Austen's example you've mentioned is amazing - I love her style, though I've made a mistake and read her books in translations first. In *bad* translations! It kind of ruined Pride and Prejudice for me, now I'm gathering strength to re-read it in original. As for me - it's rather easy for me to think of unusual plots, characters and their backgrounds, but there are a few things I do have problems with. Like, it's very difficult for me to describe sex-scenes in English :) And kissing. Considering I've read tons of B/J fics (meaning tons of sex descriptions), I still can't find it in me to write about something like that, and to make it hot. Well, I've sort of managed to do it in my book, but it was HELL, and I've writing it for a week, consulting with other books and people's advice! I guess I can only go on trying - maybe practise will change it.     

I'm so happy you liked the ending of the story! I really took a very ordinary plot, and there are a few reasons for that. It really annoys me when people start telling no one can live a lot of years together and still love each other, so I suddenly wanted to write something that would show it *is* possible. Time changes relationship, yes, but it doesn't always destroy it. I know a few couples who've been together forever, and love still shines in their eyes every time they look at each other. They inspire me. And I totally believe Brian and Justin's love will go this way - they made me believe in forever.

Then, I'm also addicted to college/high school stories, so I really wanted to write about it without making a story multi-chaptered :) Giving flashbacks seemed like a good solution. I decided to try and show Brian and Justin's relationship throughout a long period of time, giving a brief description of every five or so years.

I'm glad you liked my story, and thank you so much again for commenting - and for your wishes! I really appreciate it!

Katrin

Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: October 07, 2014 04:43 AM · On: Part II. Brian

I am so so happy that they ended up back together.  You had me worried.  Wonderful story!

Author's Response:

Thank you!:) So glad you liked it. I could never leave Brian and Justin apart in the end - if some idea comes to me and I think I won't be able to realistically get our boys back together, I just don't write it and try to forget about it. There are a lot of shitty things in life, so I believe someone like Brian and Justin deserve happiness in any universe. They are an amazing example of what real love is.

Thank you!:)

Katrin

Reviewer: confused_bliss (Anonymous) · Date: October 07, 2014 01:34 AM · On: Part II. Brian

Oh, Katrin. I am rendered completely speechless with this final part. This is pure brilliance. In fact, the best thing I have read in longer than I can remember. Everything came together with such clarity as Brian's story was revealed. I knew Brian had to have a reason for his behavior. Whether he was right or wrong, and we know which now, jealousy is such a destructive emotion. It nearly cost him what mattered to him the most. Thankfully, it did not! 

This was an amazing read, my friend, from start to finish. I was pulled in immediately. Your write them both so well, keeping them in their canon characters. That is definitely to be applauded! I do hope this is just the beginning from you. Without a doubt - you have a tremendous gift. Thank you once more for this wonderful story. It is a treasure. :) 

*Hugss*

Author's Response:

Hi, Janet! Wow, thank you so much for your wonderful review :) I'm so happy you liked it, I was looking forward to your opinion, especially on the ending. Brian is usually more difficult to write than Justin - maybe because I feel closer to our blond. Yes, jealousy can be a terrifying ruining force - it breeds insecurities, distrust and pain. Brian and Justin are lucky to save their relationship, it would be such a waste to ruin it over one big misunderstanding. Brian did act like an asshole, though - but I guess it's inevitable that partners start to believe they won't ever be left, and start taking their second-halves for granted. Luckily, Brian and Justin managed to carry their love through so many years, and in the end it helped them to get on the right track again. 

Thank you so much for your comment, Janet! I'm so grateful foro your support!

Katrin

Reviewer: nicolle_midnight2013 (Signed) · Date: October 06, 2014 09:58 PM · On: Part II. Brian

Hello, Katrin! 

As told you in my previous comment, your story is simply amazing! I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive. 

The lack of communication between the two was affecting your relationship and leading them to make decisions that would repent after losing all that built up over twenty years they were together. 

I was happy to see Brian look for Justin and to be able to talk about their feelings. That was very gratifying. 

I loved how you brought Brian and Justin to talk about what was bothering them, to clarify all the issues who was upsetting their relationship and realized that their relationship and their love is far more important to the two than anything else. 

Your story was wonderful and I hope it is just the first of many others that you will publish. 

A big hug from Brazil, Fatima.

Author's Response:

Hi again, Fatima!:) Thank you for the second great comment. I'm very glad you liked the ending! Yes, it would be ridiculous to lose twenty years of life together just because some things were interpreted wrong - Brian couldn't let Justin go without talking to him first, without explaining everything. Maybe it's good Justin decided to leave him, because who knows how much time they would have wasted otherwise. Brian needed a serious kick to make him take a look at his beahvior, to make him realize he was hurting the person who is the most important to him. Still, they are both at fault: Justin should have listened to Brian - Brian wanted to tell him about Adam when he was proposing. He also tried to tell everything when Justin asked for divorce. So they almost lost everything because of their stubborness - fortunately, no they won't make the same mistake again. 

Thank you again, Fatima!:) I appreciate your comments so much!

Katrin

Reviewer: hideandseek (Signed) · Date: October 06, 2014 08:42 PM · On: Part II. Brian

I love your story, brings me tears when seeing them confessing to each other and glad that they got back together. And seriously your English is just perfect! Please write more?? =)

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment, and for your words! I'm so happy the story touched you, and that you found the ending emotional enough. I'm sure I'll write something else, though not right away :)

Thanks for your support!

Katrin

Reviewer: Alois (Signed) · Date: October 06, 2014 05:45 PM · On: Part II. Brian

Hi Katrin!

Brian can be pretty stupid sometimes ;) Not sure I would have been as conciliant as Justin is but these two can't obviously stay away from each other. I really enjoyed this story, you are really a talented writer! I can't wait to read more of you. And you're writing a book? Interesting...:)

With this story, I also understand why you would have difficulties with the fic I write. I understand completely your point about Brian being a one true love kind of man (even if I know it's a funny thing to say coming from me lol!)

so again, congratulations on this great story! I really hope you will continue to grace us with more of your work in the future! * Big hugs from France *

Author's Response:

Hi, Alois!

Yeah, sometimes it's so easy to come to the wrong conclusions. Brian should have stopped and really think for a moment, but, well... :) I usually love when one character tries to deserve forgiveness of the other for a long time, but here it just didn't seem possible. They've been together for too many years, and basically Brian's worst mistake was his reluctance to share the truth with Justin - and, of course, the way he was taking everything out on him. It's not worth ruining twenty years of relationship over it.

Thank you for your comment, I'm glad you liked the story! As for the book - yes, it's nearly finished, but it's hetero. You can't imagine how difficult it was to write a male/female romance after years of reading and writing mostly about Brian and Justin!:)

I always believed Brian could never love anyone but Justin in this way... at least in canon. I guess I'll just have to think of your story as of AU to really enjoy it, because it would be a crime to miss something written so beautifully just because one of the story lines bothers me :)

Thank you again!

Katrin