That was probably the saddest chapter I've ever read. It was so strung with emotion and hurt from all the characters and Troy's psychological battle with himself, with Joseph, and with Salway... it's just fantastic character developement. I love reading chapters like this one, and I find that the sex comes out more raw and it flows emotionaly with the character's actions. I'm so curious to see if the next chapter will show the thought process that Joseph had when he went over to Troy's. I'm so used to it being in Joseph's perspective,having no insight to his inner thoughts created a lot of suspense and I can't wait to read about the repercussions of their actions. Happy writing, and I hope you update soon!
Wow! That was an awesome weekend. It sound like Joseph and Heath aren't going to stay together wich is sad but expected. I think I've said it before but Joseph and Tony are perfect for each other and there is a love there that can never be duplicated or replaced and they will never truly be happy without each other. I just hope they can be happy what ever they do.
Waiting avidly for the next chapter, Hemofpellenor
Thanks a lot for the new chapters, I really love this story!
... I'm a wreck after reading this chapter. I don't want Troy or Joseph to move on, but what they have now is so unhealthy and gut wrenching. Heath would be good, but it looks like Joseph has no emotional feelings for him at all, plus ,Vinny is so cute and I don't want to see him so mixed up like he was this chapter, despite how fun it was to read. I want to see Joseph have a happily ever after, and the suspense is eating me alive! Happy writing!
WAAAAAH!!!!! that is soooooo not fair laving it at a cliff hanger. PLEASE, please, please, update soon i want to see how Heath compairs to Troy when it comes to hadling Joseph's needs. and another Ryan and Doug chapter to Please.
your avid reader,
Hemofpellenor
I just caught up and again every chapter level me wanting more. I feel so bad for Joseph and Tony I hope that they can get through all the drama. It would be grateful if they got back together. They were so good together, but that probably will never happen as long as Tony keeps stressing over the past and things he can't change.This new chapter was one of my favorites. I love Ryan and Doug and now Ryan belongs fully to Doug. It's so sweet that Doug does not want to take all Ryans rights away and is still letting him have his stuff like money and his choice of a job. Can't wait to see what happens with both Joseph and Ryan.
I have no idea why Jenna really gets all my nerves. no idea. sometimes I just ugh... her in my head. I'm always a Joseph fan and I adore our little guy. well not so little anymore huh. love the way things are goin though.
Well, since I didn't appear to offend with my absolutely IMO psych 101 take on your characters, I'll keep blathering. Cause you've included a lot of my kinks like power dynamics and self reinvention.
I like when your characters do or say something that may have a different meaning to them than whoever they're speaking with. Joseph says, “It was a situation neither of us wanted", I wonder if he actually meant that he didn't want him and Troy to be brothers which is what changed things for Troy or if his feelings are more that he didn't want Troy's reaction or even that Troy found out at all and rejected him sexually. Joseph doesn't have the visceral type reaction most people do to the idea of incest and other mores of the free culture. Seems like he's somewhat aware of that and becoming more so as he interacts with others as a freed man. Of course, he's well versed in presenting illusions of himself but, to me, what feels real and what he ends up valuing or rejecting as he evolves is really interesting. Joseph's relationships with Matt and Jenna have introduced concepts of boundaries. Joseph seemed to be primarily concerned with Matt's age and Jenna's desire at first when determining the ethics of sexual partnership. Now he understands that there are additional considerations that matter to others. IMO the idea that those boundaries could apply to himself, that sexual behavior between two consenting, desirous adults isnt always the best go to is confusing. (Absolutely not trying to impose future behavior or intent on your characters- your story, just my head.) It seems like all those shades of grey could rock Joseph's prior interpretation of good and bad people and experiences in his past as well as the future. The pragmatism of slavery might not be enough.
When Eddy and Ryan talk now it seems like Eddy can't express and Ryan can't hear. Fear of change can be pretty paralyzingly but i think Ryan's biggest concern about Eddy being free is that he'd lose his companionship. Cause everyone with a C grade and the prospect of a shitty job has no potential for betterment and would be better off in slavery? People should be lining up. IMO Ryan's justifications and Eddy's acceptance has a lot to do with the 'good' slave owning culture they were raised in. Im sorry that Eddy and Seamus broke up but also not sorry? If it leads to Eddy getting somewhere.
So, lots of blather as promised. Really enjoying the story and will wherever it goes. Thanks.
Great new chapter. Jenna having enough self esteem to want for herself, rather than just accept what is offered, is interesting both for her character as well as what it brings to Joseph's journey. The level of honesty he's getting from her and Eddy illustrates some of the culture of your AU. Slaves are generally honest to each other about their masters which gives the impression of solidarity but the inherent trickle down power dynamics define relationships between themselves. Joseph seems to have been oblivious about a lot of stuff. His surprise, denial and frustration is well written and compelling.
I figure Matt's reticence to share his past with his new friends is probably mostly due to his fears of how they'd react but I also think it's kinda good to maintain some privacy. (I've got a friend with a rough past who for a long time in recovery would regurgitate his history in entirety upon meeting people in the name of honesty. Like on the first date. Took him a while to feel comfortable letting them get to know the guy he is now and then share based on context. Not out of shame, but because his past doesn't solely define him. A kind of self regard and ownership of the past.) Not that this is what's going on with Matt. Just like that he's got some relationships where there are emotional boundaries even if he's got other reasons for maintaining them. Not all relationships require complete disclosure. Of course I hope he makes deep friendships where he can share his history when it's beneficial for him.
As always this is completely IMO and very likely to exist only in my head. Am enjoying the pondering though. Thanks for the new chapter.
I feel like Joseph's ethical center, the one he developed to survive his slavery, is being rocked. Flashes of 'Master' attitude, Eddy challenging his concept of consensual - he's really lost. it'll be interesting to see what he integrates as a free man. Enjoying Eddy's character arc. His resentment via internal monologue popping up is like a window into someone who is evolving too - "two free men restrained and willing for his amusement".
Of course that's just my take. Regardless, thanks for the update.
