The wake up scene was too cute for words in my opinion. I just loved how Mike was watching sleeping Chester. I can never get enough of such moments <3 Now I'm wondering what these blue dots on Chester's shoulder were, but since you said it'd be answered in the next chapter, I guess I have to wait ;)

I love how Mike thinks about 'someone like Chester' in his life, as a husband etc. It's so heartwarming to think about them both and Otis like of a real family. At the same time, it does break my heart a bit since we still don't know how things will fall apart once the truth is revealed (at least I guess it will be, I assume they won't be able to hide their relationship forever). They're both in love, they just need to admit it!

And then there's Brad the good fluffy moments destroyer... He's way too responsible in this story :P Mike's lied a lot recently and he told different lies to different people, I'm not sure, but it can't possibly end well. After all, it'd be so easy for Anna or Brad to check if he was telling the truth and then our boys would be fucked.

Anyway, I hope this story does have a happy ending sooner or later. I just want them to be happy together, damn (and I've probably said this many times in the past xD).

I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)

Good chapter name cause that’s exactly what it was, you never miss

Mike is in love.

I’ve been saying it for chapters now, but he’s only just now realized what I already knew. His daydream out his life with Chester, and how not pretentious and showy it was, made me sad. I know there are people who just made good decisions in their twenties about who to be with/marry and have no regrets, but I really identified with him fantasizing about how his life could be different with Chester. I really feel like he hasn’t been true to himself at all, and he’s starting to really see a different future. Oh! I LOVED Chester wearing Mike’s robe and slippers out on the balcony. <3

I liked the tie in with MIke daydreaming about the future, and his alternative historical fiction. Clever. It’s perfect that Chester connects those dots, too. And ohhhh, that kiss. <3 All the warm fuzzies, ruined as usual by Bradford! There are about 1,000 ways Mike could potentially get caught with Chester, and at least 500 involve Brad. I am anxious for the shit to hit the fan so we can just move on past it, haha. This story makes me worry too much.

You did a good job on the last scene. I’m glad they got Otis an Appa, I’m sure he will be overjoyed. The dancing is so sweet, and I swear Mike was about to confess his feelings before the fireworks started - and I LOVE how Chester’s first thought is that Mike made that happen, just for them. I’m going to be crushed if anything changes Chester’s belief in Mike. All these kisses, and the shirts falling to the street below, ugh, it’s really perfect.

I’ll just sit over here, nervously waiting for the next chapter. Like I told you, I’ll have to re-read the entire thing start to finish and without all the stress and worries once you finish the whole thing. So much of my reading time is spent worrying about what will happen next!!

This chapter is pure emotions <3 I can feel it deep inside, strong, desperate and powerful, like our guys feel it....

Mike’s daydream is so sweet and I really can picture them in that room, on that queen size bed, cuddling, making love, comforting each other, playing with Otis, them like a family, a beautiful and loving one <3

I’m so curious to discover what that 3 blue dots on Chaz’s shoulder means, maybe I’ve an idea ....

I loved the bookshop moments, Brad’s call apart, I’m a little bit worry, around Mike & Chaz I can see an ocean of big troubles... OMG...

I really really really really really really loved the end of the chapter, them on the balcony, with music on the background and the fireworks, I’m really speechless, that part is so powerful, so full of deep emotions and I’m sure that they are realized that they are in love, their moves, their way to look in each other eyes, the feelings that they felt ..... BEAUTIFUL <3

The fly bison for Otis, my little hero will love it, I’m sure <3

Can’t wait for the new one <3 hugs

I have to say I hate cliffhangers but I absolutely love your cliffhangers lol. I’m not even mad cause it’s only gonna get better I know

Hey, I finally got to write a review even though it’s gonna be short. Just know that I’m always reading and I really fuckin loooove every chapter you give us it’s just my psychical health has been an absolute shit these days so I struggle for now. All love from my bennoda heart xx

OMG OMG OMG !!!! It’s not only sex, I can feel it, Mike words , that “I love u”, the Chaz’s thoughts about Mike and how much he cares about him, about them.... I know that he is so young and under age, I can also see troubles coming from Ry, I don’t know why but I feel it.... I only hope that for Mike a Chaz there will be a future together and with Otis too <3 They worked so well together, at the moment they can’t see that, but the fact that they have decided together to stay for lunch only for Otis is a couple thing and I love it.....

Can’t wait to see more of them San Diego adventures <3 great chapter as always <3 hugs

Oh yay, I'm review #100!! <3

As usual, I loved this chapter. I love all the details. I know you were worried about the length, but it wouldn’t be right without all of the words! This chapter begged for description, and thank goodness you listened to M/C and did what they wanted. The little things wouldn’t have added up to a bigger, more powerful thing, if you’d cheaped out on the words.

So here are the thoughts I jotted down on my second pass through this chapter:

-It really stuck out that Chester is thinking that he and Mike decided about taking Otis out, and Anna just agreed. Chester and Mike are a partnership, and it’s not just Mike that thinks that way.

-Mmm, this visual of Mike in camo shorts and his nice watch. I want to eat him up. (sorry.)

-Mike’s thoughts in the hotel lobby were interesting. Thinking that if Chester were needy, he wouldn’t like that/have time for it. As much as I hate to say it, it seems Mike was a neglectful partner to Anna… and in the same vein, if Chester were waiting for him at home, Mike would have no problem being attentive. Just an observation. OH! And I love Chestre grabbing his ass right there at the reservation desk, lol.

-Mike enjoys being the benefactor AND having that appreciated. His contrasting thoughts about how Chester is reveling in the details of the hotel and appreciating everything, and how Anna wouldn’t be fazed by any of it, are very telling. He also recognizes how he himself takes his life/status for granted, which tells me he doesn’t want to be an entitled asshole.

-ooohhhhh, this: “hands that he’d sat and traced the shape of while they sat on the couch together and watched TV with Otis so many times now” ← like, damn. I love this. It’s a small detail that speaks to the intimacy they are building. Carelessly, it seems.

-Chester needing a toiletry bag for their “next trip”. 1) he’s already thinking next trip and 2) I love all the things he wants because of Mike. Toiletry bags, fancy watches, a gym membership, to name a few. His eyes are really being opened to more than the small part of the world he’s existed in up until he met Mike. It will be hard if he ever does end up going home.

-Ohhhh, Ryan. Ryan is spot on with the truth, and doesn’t even know it. But I don’t think Chester would call what he and Mike do ‘fucking’ if he really thought about it. AND Chester’s thoughts, trying to work out if it was wrong/creepy to be with Mike, and deciding that they were different, I love and hate that. The Bennoda enthusiast in me loves it. The person with a job in a position of authority over minors part of me hates it. Like it or not, Mike is in a position of authority, and they shouldn't be doing what they’re doing. But the deviant in me loves it. While I know it’s wrong. Lol.

-So, Chester talking to Ryan and saying he has complete faith in Mike getting his charges dropped hit me the second time I read it. After the end, when Chester thinks about talk being cheap and people lying. I’m suddenly afraid that Chester will end up doing time and he will hate Mike for lying to him, or for being so confident. Damn, I hope Mike can hold it together while he’s defending Chester. He gets so frazzled around him. Omg, he’s going to end up in jail lol.

-Oh, Mike. I had sad eyes for him when he realized Chester was talking to Ryan. The boyfriend. Mike is the boyfriend now. At least he feels that way. It was hard to read him thinking through all of that and forcing himself to realize he can’t be the boyfriend. (Except that I want him to be. Ugh. I’m so back and forth all the time in this story!) I loved him needing to make a plan for when Chester got out of the shower, and then none of it mattered anyway. Chester had plans. ;D

-Good god, I gasped out loud (in my office, jeez) when Mike said ILY. Holy crap, Mike, for a lawyer he sure does get flustered with Chester. I know he knows that, but damn. That was a moment. I was covering my mouth and freaking out. Kinda like Chester, lol.

-Also, Mike admitting that he had to work at reading people was just another nod to what he has in common with Otis. Otis is working on that now. :) Good, subtle connection.

-Is it weird that I’m afraid something is going to happen to the pearls?? Or that when they’re separated because Chester goes to jail that he will give them to Mike to keep safe? Or something??

-”I love being under you.” Me: *dies*

-Also me: *how does every slash scene she writes become my favorite one?*

-And for some unknown reason, I got to the last two paragraphs, where Mike says they’re on their own timetable, enjoying the postcoital bliss, and FUCKING BRAD popped into my head. He would DIE if he knew where Mike was right now!!

FUCK. I don’t know what else to say. This chapter makes me want to cry and laugh and squeeze them both and then also dread what’s coming because they are so screwed. Mike is completely fucked because he’s in love, and Chester is but doesn’t know it, and I STILL can’t figure out how they will end up together but I swear I won’t read anything else you write if they don’t end up together. Except you know I will, but I’ll be mad about it forever and bring it up all the time.

Another good chapter! I liked that we got to see more of Otis’ sessions with Dave, and like the other reviewers, I noticed that little part with ‘people being in love’. I can totally imagine Otis seeing the way Mike and Chester look at each other, and he’ll blurt out that they’re in love. Really, I can see it happening when he’s alone with them or even at a bigger gathering at the house. I felt bad for Otis when he saw that Chester was going to leave with Mike and that he couldn’t understand why he wasn’t going with them. Mike looked forward to getting away with Chester for a few days so much that he didn’t even notice his son was upset.

The exchange between Chester and Ryan made me think that Chester doesn’t even care for his ‘relationship’ with Ryan anymore. He’s right; they’re cool, but he’s in Mike’s world and Ryan is back in ‘the other’ world, and Chester’s focus is clearly on Mike now.

Mike and Chester both don’t like lying to Otis, and I noticed how bad of a liar Mike is, anyway xD Dave is on to them, I’m sure of it. He sees that Mike is nervous whenever he asks about Chester’s role at the house and we know that he has already noticed that Mike is fond of Chester.

When Sam came in I expected trouble. She’s always trouble, always annoying and always loud, like Otis thinks. His struggle to speak and be heard gave me a little bit of anxiety…there are all of these adults around him that are taller and don’t really listen, so I wasn’t surprised when he had a meltdown. He just felt left out, so I’m looking forward to the Otis-day next weekend!

Can’t wait for the next chapter!

My poor little hero , it’s broken my heart to see him that way, he wants to go with them, he really loves his dad and Chaz and wants to stay with them all the time, I can feel his fear, anger and frustration so hard, but the idea to do an Otis day it’s great <3 I know that they think about this ‘cause they felt guilty , but it’s a great idea ;-)

Sam means always troubles and I think that this is only the beginning, ‘cause I think that she will put Mike in great troubles because of this thing with Chaz, I don’t know how this will go, I hope for them that will be the great love and stay together forever, but before that I know that will comes black days, fingers crossed for them <3

Can’t wait to see them in San Diego for their getaway ;-)

About Anna I really don’t know.....

Can’t wait for the new one <3 hugs

Whew. I was so excited at first, it didn’t even cross my mind that Mike would plan all of that without a proper talk with Otis. I get them, I really do, but it wasn’t fair to Otis. I can’t wait till they make it up to him. The part of them sitting in the hallway while Otis was crying really pulled at my heartstrings

This might actually be a review of reasonable length. I feel so sorry for Otis in this chapter. It’s just not fair, in all sorts of ways. It’s not fair that he struggles with words/expressing himself so much. It’s not fair that he’s only eight and there are things he doesn’t understand. It’s not fair that Mike is so wrapped up in Chester than he’s making decisions that impact Otis negatively. I just hate all of it for him.

I think the way you wrote Otis just losing it in a panic is extremely realistic. Children on the spectrum aren’t “bad” kids. They lack connections that help this react reasonably in stressful situations. Otis was trying hard to get his words right and say what he needed to say, but the combination of the adults around him made it impossible. That’s Mike’s fault. Mike should have taken the time to talk to Otis once Dave mentioned Otis wanted to go, too. At least Mike recognizes his mistake later, but it took a meltdown for it to happen. Otis hitting Chester didn’t surprise me, either, though I bet people with neuro-normal children would find that surprising. Meltdowns often occur where children feel safest and with the people they know are going to love them, no matter what. It’s not a cognizant thought, but it happens. Chester is part of his family, now, and Otis didn’t differentiate when he was lashing out. You might not have meant it that way, but I see it that way from my own experiences.

I still think it will be Otis who gives Mike and Chester away. This “love” picture will help Otis make the connection, and even though Sam is nosey and totally right, Anna isn’t going to believe it until it comes from Otis. That’s just my prediction.

It’s hard for me to say anything positive about Sam because I can’t stand her in RL, but in this case, she’s seeing what’s happening. Well, everyone is, except Anna, who chooses to be blind. She’s really in denial. This is gonna all turn into a big fucking mess.

And Mike. I felt sorry for him, crying upstairs, and I can identify 100% with his thoughts of just wanting to get away and be happy for just three days. Like - is it too much to ask? But sometimes, it is. Sometimes our kids need us more than we realize. I do have to say, I think it’s mentally healthy for parents to have time away, though. This is just so extreme and so morally wrong that it makes me pause. Mike is just looking for an escape. I do think M/C are falling in love, but Mike has responsibilities he can’t ignore. I don’t think we’re far off from it all going to hell, but I do hope we get some San Diego before it happens.

Oh! I liked Chester’s response to Ryan, but it also made me sad that he was thinking he needed to maintain that friendship because things with Mike will be over soon. </3 Even though I know M/C should just stay home (like Mike was thinking, the universe is trying to tell him something!) I’m glad Chester spoke up and said he still wanted to go, and is going to help make it happen by talking to Otis. That was very, very sweet. Ok! On to the next chapter!

Wow, what a chapter! I read this several times because it was so good.

The first scene at the gym was funny, I could perfectly imagine an annoyed 16-years-old Chester who doesn’t want to be there xD Mike’s idea to blow off some steam at the gym was good because a) they’d have some alone time, and b) they’d lose some energy. I laughed at the connection of ‘if you go to the gym with me, we’ll eat cookies and ice cream afterwards’!!! It’s so counter-productive but at the same time I could see it happening.

I was looking forward to a nice Mike-Chester-Otis scene that would involve eating cookies and watching tv, but what I got instead was even better. Holy shit, I haven’t expected them to have sex so soon. The entire scene was perfect. I loved all the descriptions about how Mike wanted to make sure that it was Chester’s idea and that he had to consent to every little step. Compared to Ryan, Mike is a totally different kind of lover. He’s considerate of Chester’s needs and things like lube, consent and communication. He doesn’t hurt Chester because he’s not a selfish guy who only cares about his own pleasure. He’s the first person that gives Chester the affection that he needs, which is beautiful and sad at the same time.

When I read it for the first time, I was constantly on edge because I was sure someone would walk in on them, which didn’t happen, fortunately. I think that the person who will find out about it will be Talinda because she’s the one doing the laundry. Despite of how much I loved the scene, I also felt it was wrong because Chester is still a minor and Mike is supposed to be the responsible adult. I loved it but I’m still conflicted, ugh…and the fact that Chester called him ‘Mike’ instead of ‘Mr. Shinoda’ is difficult, too. There are feelings between them. They already love each other and this is only going to make things more complicated.

Also, I’m with Chester; Otis certainly didn’t leave the house willingly (because who leaves when they could have ice cream at home?). Apart from the slash, my favorite part was when Chester realized that in Mike’s world, you can get fresh cookies and ice cream delivered. It’s such big a difference to the life Chester grew up in.

Can’t wait for the next chapter!

Ma’am. YOU ARE GOING TO KILL ME but you won’t catch me complaining about it

That is LOVE , now I’m sure, not only attraction or sex, but a tender, powerful, magnetic love and I really really really love it <3

Mike is totally him again, or maybe more than before and that is all thanks to Chaz, it’s great, a so strong connection that is starting to shows Chaz what does it means to really love someone and to shows Mike that he deserves to be happy for real with his real love...a guy <3

I know that will be so difficult and maybe dangerous because of Chester’s age , but I continue to keep my finger crossed for my beloved Bennoda and the years between them means nothing (I say that ‘cause I’m 14 years younger than my hubby), the only thing that matters is the connection, the chemistry, the magnetic power and the growing love between them , I mean, they shared a 1st time and that means so so much, forme it’s all <3

I hope that Anna will not be a pain in the ass too much , they aren’t in a real marriage, it’s all fake and now she has Rob again, so, I think that for them are better to stop this movie and start the real life that they really wanted;-)

Mike and Chaz together are so special and I love them so much <3

A super tight hug!! can’t wait for the new one <3

Holy. Shit.

They're completely fucked (you have to forgive my language, this left me way too emotional :p). I loved everything about this chapter, from their time in a gym to ordering cookies. Mike is totally screwed, isn't he? I loved how careful he was and made himself sure that Chester wanted everything they were about to do, but still, I don't think it matters if Ches is still a minor. I'm so hoping they end up together, but I feel like some kind of huge drama is coming. After all, people must see their relationship. Anna already may suspect something. I think Chester will call Mike by his name instead of Mr Shinoda in front of Anna or Brad or anyone else, and they'll pick on that. Btw, I loooved how Ches said Mike's name, I literally gasped right there, it was somehow such a powerful scene. Like, their boundaries were suddenly gone (I mean, they had been gone before but I hope you understand).

I appreciated Chester thinking how careful Mike is, comparing him to Ryan who just is with him for a quick fuck. The whole scene was so emotional and beautifully written, I loved it :')

Anyway, I know this review is pretty chaotic but I have too much to say (and I forgot half of it already). I just want them to be happy together, without any dramas and stupid law, lol

Please, update soon <3

You know how sometimes you wait, and wait, and wait for something, and the whole time in your head you’re building up how great it’s going to be? You imagine everything about it, and secretly let yourself hope for certain things, and try to ignore that little voice in the back of your mind that’s saying, “it’s never going to live up to these expectations?”

This chapter was better than what I had built up and wanted in my head.

I think, hands down, this is the most powerful sex scene I’ve ever read from you. I’ve always appreciated that your slash isn’t dirty feeling. You are exceptionally good at getting the emotions across in your story. But this… this is really something else. I was a mix of hot and bothered and a sobbing mess by the end of this chapter, which is such a weird combination. I’m not even sure I can explain why. I’m going to try, so I apologize in advance if it doesn’t make sense, or gets really lengthy (which is always a problem of mine, anyway.)

I love their banter at the gym, and how Mike is still actually trying to stay on the “right” side of the line with his public place. It’s just one more little way he’s letting Chester into his life, though, and even if Mike didn’t think they were getting some looks, I can imagine they probably would. Granted, Chester is probably a little paranoid. And he probably looks out of place. But the pair of them probably looks even more out of place, even if nobody knows who Mike is in that gym.

I can’t put my finger on my thoughts over Chester’s acceptance of all the high-life things in Mike’s world. He’s okay sometimes being the scrappy outsider, but then he turns right around and wants the creature comforts and nice things. I assume it’s a product of growing up with nothing, and getting this taste of how things could be is exciting. I’m not sure though if it’s all just thoughts for later, of thoughts of how life could be with Mike, or just appreciating the good fortune he’s having at the moment. At any rate, I liked him thinking about it being a “someday” type thing for him. It’s a step toward thoughts of getting himself out of the situation he’s grown up in, and I have no doubt he could actually achieve those things if he wanted to.

It struck me how Mike missed Anna’s text, and then I started wondering about that at all. I’m still not convinced she isn’t somehow complicit in the development of Mike and Chester’s relationship. It felt like she planned it, not just to get away with Rob again, but also to leave M/C alone. Maybe I’m reading too much into that. But, it was certainly a gift, and I’m not going to complain about how it all turned out. ;D

I really, really love how you wrote Mike’s thoughts and hesitations before he knocks on Chester’s door. Part of me wants to commend him for making sure all the consent checkboxes were cleared, but the other part of me knows that he shouldn’t be sleeping with Chester at all, no matter what kind of ironclad consent he thinks he has. The bottom line is that Chester is a minor, and no amount of justification is going to make Chester magically eighteen. Opening the door to the bedroom was another well placed reminder that Chester isn’t a consenting adult, but it’s done so subtly that it lets you conveniently skirt around the reality of the situation. Kind of like Attorney Mike. So, … being my deviant self, I just quietly set all that aside to see how things would go, because I am a sucker for Bennoda, specifically your Bennoda, and I’ve been waiting for this moment.

Like I said, it was better than I imagined, though I’m not surprised because your brain is this amazing place that I admire. Mike must be a hell of a convincing lawyer, because he said basically nothing and had Chester suggesting that they stay home and get naked with just the look in his eyes. (I know, Chester is as hot for Mike as Mike is for him, I’m just joking about the good lawyer part. Mostly.) I love, love, love the wrist smelling and kissing, so much, and that could have gone on longer, but for you and your word counts. *rolls eyes*

The whole scene has perfectly placed words for the differences in the way Mike and Chester are coming at the experience. Chester is eager and rushed; Mike slows everything down. I FUCKING LOVE the part with the pearls, Mike being so delicate with them and Chester thinking about how Mike cares/Ryan doesn’t care. It’s a perfect metaphor for all of it. The pearls are this delicate, important symbol of love (from his grandmother) to Chester. Sex with Ryan isn’t love - it’s fucking. But *this* with Mike, though he may not know it, is love. He doesn’t have words for it, but this wasn’t sex, it was lovemaking, and those pearls stayed right there on his neck because Mike is love.

Believe it or not, this spit convo was one of the more important moments in the whole thing for me. Just like the way Chester gets up on his knees to be ready for Mike, Chester is so used to making do, and foregoing his own experience in all of this. I love how Mike doesn’t want to demean Chester in any way at all. Just the way he turned down the spit offer spoke to more underneath it all than just lust and a desire to get off, and even though I’ve been thinking for a while it was much more than just desire between them, this part to me was a huge indicator that Mike is really and truly not using his place in Chester’s life to his advantage. It would be very easy to make all of this gross and creepy, but it’s not and I don’t know how you’ve managed that, but you have. Even though you toss in reminders that Chester is underage, it never feels nasty or like something MIke would get arrested over. (More on that in a minute.) Everything leading up to the moment when Chester almost gets cold feet is such perfect foreplay that I could forget about Chester’s age for a bit. It wasn’t until he had those bits of doubt that I was like - fuck, this is intense! You handled all of that really well, that continuous consent and Mike reassuring Chester, and all of the slow beginnings of them actually having sex. Chester recognizing that this was different that a fuck in the shed with Ryan was pretty amazing, too, and even if he doesn’t have words right now, I can almost guarantee that “I love you” would sum it up pretty well.

Look. I know they don’t really know each other. It’s been a few weeks. There’s a huge age difference, etc. I know all of this. But sometimes you just know. I think that’s what this is. You totally had me at “fuck, Mike.” I was like - yep. There it is. They are totally, 100% screwed. Yes, Chester, you’re fixing your hair and putting on cologne *for* Mike, and it’s more than just being excited to be around someone. There’s a thing between them. Being completely worn out after all that - that’s because of all the fucking emotions. I just was an emotional wreck for them. MIke is so considerate and Chester deserves so much better than Ryan! I STILL don’t know how they’re going to end up together, but I might never talk to you again if they don’t. (You know I’m bluffing, but seriously.) I know this loveliness won’t last for long. Something will out them. Otis will see them kissing. Anna will walk in on them. Chester will tell Ryan in a fight that Mike is way better in bed, and Ryan will turn Mike in. The incriminating text messages. The dirty sheets in Chester’s room. Or Chester will end up having to go do time and when they separate him from Mike in the courtroom Chester will blurt out that he loves Mike, or there will be some dramatic separation when Chester has to go home. I don’t know, I have a million theories. But none of them end well, haha. I am counting on you to make it better than I can imagine, just like you did with this chapter.

Also - shout out to cookie deliveries (the *fucking* bomb) and the fact that Chester, who didn’t believe in one person/one marriage/real love is falling in love with Mike. Now he knows that one perfect person exists (dear lord, so many moments got my heart in this chapter) and Mike can’t imagine life without him… maybe they should just avoid all the jail time and run away together. <3 I don’t know, but I trust you.

GOD. I. LOVE. THEM.

Totally love the fact that Mike can’t get Ches out of his head no matter where he is

I really liked this chapter. That first scene when Mike thinks about how everything at home has become calmer, that Otis doesn’t have as many meltdowns anymore and that even Dave has noticed the change made me happy. This is just more evidence that Chester and Otis get along perfectly and that, in case Mike and Anna separated and Mike would be with Chester, Otis might be able to handle it. The next scene with the sexy texting and then Brad walking in and asking Mike who he’s texting with was a typical Brad-moment. He knows exactly what’s up but he wants Mike to confess first. I loved the sexy texting, but Brad asking and staring at Mike made me feel so uneasy. I hope he doesn’t get family services involved!

Then at home when Chester waited for Mike with that jar of honey…this scene was so hot. I wanted them to jump in bed and lick honey off of each other immediately xD Mike kissing Chester’s wrist was hot, as well. I love all the kisses between them. I’m glad that Chester and Otis spent the day at the playground and that Chester decided that he’d tell Mike about that later because it would ruin the special moment between them.

Later when they ate hotdogs and Anna thought about how her life changed because of Otis and that now, people don’t understand anymore that she sometimes has to leave because of him, I immediately liked her a little less. Okay, I don’t like her anyway, but this chapter made me think that she should just leave and be with Rob. I can imagine that special kids can be difficult, but I don’t like her eitherway. I also hated that Anna called Chester a criminal in her head. He’s not a criminal, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. However, Anna is finally starting to notice that Chester and Mike are flirting with each other. At least she’s starting to have doubts. She’s still in denial, but sooner or later, she’ll find out the truth.

The scene in the kitchen when they decided to make brownies was dangerous. Of course, I like when Mike and Chester flirt and kiss and all that, but Otis was RIGHT THERE. They have to be more careful and try to not get so lost in each other. They can do that when they’re alone in a hotel room ;) Otis’ confused thoughts about his dad kissing Chester’s arm were interesting. He doesn’t really know what to think about it, but he also doesn’t think it’s wrong.

At first, I wanted there to be some secret kisses in the tent but the way that scene turned out was great, too. All of them snuggled together until Otis had left for his bed and then Mike and Chester alone in the tent while Mike was overthinking his life with Anna and that Otis might start asking questions soon.

Can’t wait for the next chapter!

I’ve read this several times over the past few days and I’ve decided I need to review this by character again. You’ve got a lot of people avoiding the truth in this story, which is ironic.

Brad - Brad knows *exactly* what is going on with Mike, and he’s trying to get Mike to admit it instead of just telling him he knows and to stop it. I guess that’s a lawyer thing. I don’t think Mike is going to admit what’s happening with Chester, though. I think he’s going to get caught and it’s all going to go to hell. Unless Anna catches him, but I’ll deal with that in a minute. Brad is a smart motherfucker and I love watching Mike squirm around him. The part of me that really wants to read through my fingers hopes it’s Brad that walks in on them somehow, lol.

Anna - I don’t like her still. Unfortunately I understand her, though, as far as Otis is concerned. Nobody plans to have a special needs child, and in this situation it really screwed things up for her. What you wrote about people being understanding and encouraging, but over time becoming judgemental, is so true. Also the part about wondering what the future would hold… let’s just say, as usual, you are spot on with all of this. In fact, it makes the Otis/parents part of the story very difficult for me. But I’ll get through anything for Bennoda. Speaking of which, she sees what’s happening between Mike and Chester, and she is hardcore in denial because being in denial about that means she can keep screwing around with Rob. I really loved that moment when she and Mike were looking at each other, and understanding that they were both fucking around. I wouldn’t be surprised if they come up with some sort of arrangement to keep doing what they’re doing and pretending they aren’t. And by the way… did she even come home last night??

Otis - I am SO waiting for him to just drop a big f-bomb at the totally wrong time, lol. Chester is really changing his world, so much that Dave is noticing it. Mike and Anna are too, but to me Dave noticing is huge. He only sees Otis once a week, so noticing a change is harder sometimes. It means it’s consistent change, and that’s a good thing in this case. I really loved his thoughts about the brownies and kissing. If Anna or Brad doesn’t catch Mike and Chester, I feel like Otis is going to unintentionally out them. Poor little guy. He won’t even know what he said wrong when that happens. I also really hope he tries to draw tattoos on himself, even though I know it will lead to big drama.

Chester - God, he is such a flirt. Everything he says or texts to Mike is a big tease, except now he knows that Mike will cross lines. So maybe not a tease, but a big invitation. He’s completely got Mike’s attention. I was a little hot and bothered at all the honey talk. I am also with Chester about the wrist kissing. I fucking love that. I might could be satisfied with wrist kissing only in this story, even though I am MORE THAN READY for the sex. The way you write the wrist kisses is as good as the way you write regular kisses, and you know how much I love those. You are the absolute queen of writing kisses. Anyway, Chester defending Mike was sweet. He’s so passionate about things, and I know that’s something Mike appreciates about him.

Mike - I can’t even with him. So much for keeping boundaries. Sexy texting, looking forward to coming home, the kissing, the smelling, the touches, the flirting... Mike is totally lost, whether he can admit it or not. This last thought about going to a hotel… no idea how they’re going to pull that off, but please God let it happen. I wanted some sex in Jason’s bed, but a hotel is just fine with me. Get them there. Soon. Please. I am tired of imagining it in my head, I want to read it, and there better be a whole ton of kisses and foreplay because that’s what I want. Just so you know. Oh, and Chester better be wearing eyeliner and the pearl necklace or I’m going to feel really, really ripped off.

The Tent - Yes, the tent gets its own review, because I was REAL pissed off at first that there weren’t any kisses or making out or ANYTHING in the tent. Fine, yeah, Otis was there, whatever. Kids fall asleep fast and then it was prime making out time but NO you didn’t go there and I was really upset with this, lol. I did like Chester’s internal grumbling about sleeping on the floor, but he did it anyway, and then his thoughts about having two people to sleep with - so heart melting, omg. You redeemed yourself a little with how they woke up, snuggled together, so I forgive you, even if it took me a few hours to get over it.

Ok, please, please, please give me more than kisses in the next chapter. I’m begging you.