Summary: 
THANKS to Mandi for the GREAT new banner
FROM GUS' P.O.V
Post 5-13. The story chronicles Gus's long-distance relationship with Brian, his struggles with a learning disability, and his coping with a stressful home environment. This story is rated PG-13 because of language and the possible mentioning of drug use and domestic violence in future chapters. First attempt at QAF fanfiction so reviews are very much appreciated.
Rated: PARENTAL GUIDANCE -13
Categories: QAF-U.S. FICTION,
Abuse,
Could be Canon,
Drama,
Hurt/Comfort,
Real Life Issues Characters: Debbie,
Gus,
Jenny Rebecca,
Justin,
Lindsay,
Melanie
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 41
Completed: No
Word count: 142308
Read: 122262
Published: November 17, 2011
Updated: March 02, 2013
Story Notes:
As mentioned in the summary, this story is my first QAF fanfic. I am a long time QAF fanfic reader but first time writer.
If you have suggestions about how this story could be better or if you want to see more of it, please help me by reviewing, thank you!!
Important note: I feel comfortable writing about coping with a learning disability because I have one. I would very much appreciate it if somebody would be my bata. Until I have one, I will try to edit the chapters to the best of my ability. Undoubtedly, a few mistakes will slip through the cracks, so please be understanding.
Disclaimer: I do not own Queer as Folk." I am not trying to make profit off this story.
1. Chapter 1: Rainbow Reading Time by megawords19 [Reviews - 26] (1588 words)
Disclaimer: I do not own Queer as Folk." I am not trying to make profit off this story.
2. Chapter 2: Daddy's Call by megawords19 [Reviews - 7] (1300 words)
Thank you all SO, SO much for all the reviews and encouragement. I really appreciate my extremely warm welcome to the Whispers family!! I'm sorry that I have not replied to every review. It takes a really long time for me to type, so I decided to focus on getting this chapter to you guys. That said I eagerly read each review, they mean a LOT. Feedback will make this story better, so PLEASE keep those reviews coming, thanks!!!
I would not have been able to post this chapter today if it wasn't for my amazing and fast beta,
amythesw. Thanks amythesw!!
I also want to thank the other nice people who volunteered to be my beta. If I need more help later, I will e-mail you, thanks again.
Thanks also to whoever posted the adorable banner, I LOVE it.
This author note is almost over...
I will post the third chapter, The Magic Man, later today. After that though I need a few days to let Gus play some more in my head.
I hope these chapters do not disappoint.
-- Megawords19
3. Chapter 3: Magic Man by megawords19 [Reviews - 7] (1936 words)
Please read Chapter two's note.
4. Chapter 4: Armani and Tears by megawords19 [Reviews - 5] (1948 words)
As you all know, this story is in part about Gus dealing with a learning disability. I know in other fan-fics, when characters deal with a specific real-life issue, authors tend to be very specific in the information they provide in the story. I have chosen to go in the opposite direction. Learning disabilities are very specific to the individual that has it. Sometimes doctors don’t even tell the person with the learning disability what that specific disability is called. They just use the term "learning disability". I also am not going to mention the name of any specific hospital or real-life specialist. This is because I don’t live in Canada. Though I’m not afraid of doing research on the internet, I don’t like running the risk of providing misinformation.
This story is based on what I believe I can transfer onto the page about struggling with a learning disability and Gus’s other issues. Although it is my sincere hope to help you empathize with people who have learning disabilities and other real-life issues, I am NOT trying to be representative of all learning disabilities.
5. Chapter 5: Happy Snow by megawords19 [Reviews - 6] (1539 words)
6. Chapter 6: Change by megawords19 [Reviews - 7] (2259 words)
7. Chapter 7: The Solo Mission by megawords19 [Reviews - 6] (1883 words)
8. Chapter 8: The Tortoise and the Hare by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (2684 words)
9. Chapter 9: The Magic of Books by megawords19 [Reviews - 4] (2069 words)
AN UNUSUAL BUT IMPORTANT NOTE
Okay, this may sound weird, but I don't like writing cuss phrases with God's name in them. I know this does not jive with the way several characters, most notably Debbie talk in the show. I will still try to write those characters and their dialogue in character. Please just mentally insert the aforementioned phrases where they may seem appropriate in upcoming chapters . Thank you for your understanding
10. Chapter 10: What's in a Name? by megawords19 [Reviews - 5] (2926 words)
11. Chapter 11: We are Our Parents Children by megawords19 [Reviews - 17] (4857 words)
MUST READ AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hello my wonderful readers!!!
This is a pivotal chapter in the story. Your reactions to this chapter are just as important as what happens to the characters. I NEED to know if you are willing to stick with this story for the long haul.
I NEED to know if I should make this story a standalone or the beginning of a series which would follow Gus from age 5 to 18.
In order for me to know what you want I NEED you to REVIEW, thank you!!!!
After you review please check back a few days later. I have recently started trying to respond to each review but it takes me a few days to do so because of the adaptive technology I use to type.
12. Chapter 12: Coping by megawords19 [Reviews - 11] (4973 words)
13. Chapter 13: The Power of Silence and Play by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (5092 words)
14. Chapter 14: Is Family Bonding in the Stars? by megawords19 [Reviews - 6] (4993 words)
15. Chapter 15: Christmas Presents by megawords19 [Reviews - 12] (4291 words)
16. Chapter 16: Quiet Happiness by megawords19 [Reviews - 7] (7320 words)
17. Chapter 17: Dealing with Emotions by megawords19 [Reviews - 11] (3963 words)
18. Chapter 18: Echoes by megawords19 [Reviews - 5] (3899 words)
19. Chapter 19: With New Friends Comes Great Responsibility by megawords19 [Reviews - 13] (3368 words)
20. Chapter 20 - Doggy Time by megawords19 [Reviews - 6] (4023 words)
21. Chapter 21 - Taking a Swing At Surprises by megawords19 [Reviews - 13] (4748 words)
22. Chapter 22 - As the Sick Boy Wishes by megawords19 [Reviews - 0] (4208 words)
23. Chapter 23: Trying To Be Champions by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (4522 words)
24. Chapter 24: A Trip From Family to Family by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (4882 words)
25. Chapter 25 - Pool Boys by megawords19 [Reviews - 10] (3607 words)
26. Chapter 26: Kick Starts by megawords19 [Reviews - 5] (3662 words)
27. Chapter 27: Summer Cheers and Farewells by megawords19 [Reviews - 4] (2692 words)
28. Chapter 28: First Grade - Here I Come! by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (3373 words)
29. Chapter 29: Excitement and Frustration by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (2178 words)
30. Chapter 30: A Friend and Unfriendly Smiles by megawords19 [Reviews - 10] (3168 words)
31. Chapter 31 by megawords19 [Reviews - 4] (83 words)
32. Chapter 32: A Queer Fairytale with a Twist by megawords19 [Reviews - 12] (5315 words)
33. Chapter 33:Birthday Wishes by megawords19 [Reviews - 13] (4952 words)
34. Chapter 34: Cupcakes at Work by megawords19 [Reviews - 8] (7428 words)
35. Chapter 35:The Value of a Routine by megawords19 [Reviews - 9] (3741 words)
36. Chapter 36: Please help keep this story alive by megawords19 [Reviews - 3] (127 words)
37. Chapter 37 - Chapter 36. Breaking News by megawords19 [Reviews - 14] (2109 words)
Thanks to Cheryl (of MidnightWhispers) for volunteering to help me with beta duties. I really appreciate your help!
Thank you again for your patience and for over 300 reviews!!!! The response to the story is incredible and humbling, thank you again!!
Thanks especially to BigPaw, no sleep, DavidR, judi, wellreadbunny, debv3, britinified, Rickeshay, vlsope2, and BritinGuslover for taking the time to comment on the last chapter and author note.
I realize this chapter short, but I hope is worth the wait.
38. Chapter 38:Winter days and Christmas Eve Oreo Style by megawords19 [Reviews - 10] (2154 words)
39. Chapter 39: Tangled Webs by megawords19 [Reviews - 6] (3870 words)
40. Chapter 40:Them Bones, Them Bones by megawords19 [Reviews - 4] (5088 words)
41. Chapter 41:Wandering Thoughts and Valentine's Day Plans by megawords19 [Reviews - 5] (3490 words)
