Reviewer: Nichelle Wellesly Signed [Report This]
Date: Aug 03, 2023 10:43 am Title: Chapter 1

Hey Y'all!

Imagine my surprise to realize I'd never read this amazing one-shot! Everything was perfection! From the characterizations, both the internal conflict and external plot, everything was believable and incredibly well done. So much so, that even while sitting here reading it, I wondered what Michael had been doing while trying to systematically destroy Brian and Justin's marriage.

My mind generated so many ideas- everything from using whatever he would have received from Ben's estate (if anything) to having a celebratory announcement of their 'relocation' in the paper once he'd succeeded in getting Justin to finally (in his mind ONLY) leave Brian, while making plans regarding what to do about Gus. Honestly, I could even see Michael trying to find Lindsay to encourage her to reclaim her role as Gus's mother just so Brian's time would be freed up to devote to Michael's persistent delusion of being the Old Queens in Palm Springs. And I wouldn't have been surprised to find an 'Ode to Brian' shrine in Michael's living room, similar to Justin's painting.

Yep, like I said wayyyyy too many ideas! LOL

So anyway again, Ladies, this was one of those fics I will come back to again and again! Just WONDERFUL!

HUGS and MUCH LOVE,

 Nichelle

Author's Response:

Imagine that I saw this response in my Junk Folder today. I detest this new computer. Very little transferred and remained.

Anyway... I'm so glad you liked this... and by your response, I'm thinking (dangerous, I know) ... Hmm, Nichelle really needs to write a one-shot about how Michael planned to try and systematically destroy Brian and Justin's marriage. LOL...

Thanks for reading and reviewing...

Hugs,

Cathy

Reviewer: YumYumPM Signed [Report This]
Date: May 12, 2021 12:37 pm Title: Chapter 1

I do wonder what Mikey did following his being barred from the Taylor-Kinney's.

Reviewer: Frosty70 Signed [Report This]
Date: Nov 07, 2020 3:34 am Title: Chapter 1

I wish they could have worked in Brian finding his balls and speaking to Michael.like he did here on the show. I really believe Michsel resented Justin being in Brians life. Great writing

Reviewer: Azabeth Signed [Report This]
Date: Jul 21, 2019 2:47 pm Title: Chapter 1

I absolutely loved this story. One of the best things I’ve read in a while :)

And I can see this exact situation happening in the future- and I don’t think Brian noticed the issues because he’d never known what a true best friend should act like- Micheal never acted like a friend unless it suited him- and I always wondered how much of everyone else’s view of Brian as the “arsehole” was influenced by Micheal- right from the first episode we see him tell Emmett that Brian begged him to come to the hospital rather than stay with the the trick, when in fact it was the other way around. I always wondered how often things like that had happened. 

Im just so glad Gus was able to make Brian see the truth and remind him what really mattered. And I’m so happy to see Brian finally set Micheal straight once and for all- i wanted to cheer during the bar scene! Because it never happened on the show, Micheals bad behaviour always got overlooked and he never had to answer for anything- even the punch resulted in Brian being seen as the evil bully and Micheal never told anyone what really happened... when in fact Micheals behaviour toward Justin in that entire episode was absolutely unforgivable-  and yet it was Brian that apologised then too- Micheal would never have made the first move to set things right, because he never accepted he ever did anything wrong thanks to Debs coddling all his life and making Brian the scapegoat.

This entire story was absolutely brilliant- I loved the whole plot and all the characterisations were perfect. It also had me wondering how much more had gone on behind the scenes that Brian didn’t even find out about- how did Micheal always seem to know when he got home to call at the exact right time etc. What else was he up to?  I could honestly see this all playing out like this in every way, so glad Justin got Gus away from the girls- in the show I always thought that environment was really toxic for those kids, as both of the girls were completely selfish in all their actions. And we all knew Micheal would expect Brian to be there for him at the expense of his own life whenBen died- i wonder if that was in the back of Micheals mind all along, that he could play his happy hetero white picket fence fantasy with someone temporary, and then after Ben dies Brain might be over the club scene and finally he and Brian would be two queers living together in Palm Springs like he always wanted.

Thank you both so much for writing and sharing this wonderful story- you’ve totally made my day :)

Author's Response:

You made our day with all of your wonderful comments. :) Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review. :)

We're thrilled that you liked our story so much, and you've pointed out some of the same issues that we've had with Michael, starting with his fib about Brian begging him to go to the hospital with him to meet his newborn son. Even if Brian wanted him there, which he did, he did not beg nor would he have wanted Michael to abandon his trick (probably a rare event even if the trick was somewhat 'lacking' :P); in fact, he told him not to do that. Truly, it would have been much better for Michael and Brian to have had a long break from each other - their friendship was co-dependent in the worst of ways and kept both of them from growing up. Too bad Dr. Dave finally cottoned on and booted Michael out of Portland.

Cathy has some amazing plot bunnies hopping around in her head; this was the first one to make her put pen to paper - well, fingers to keyboard. :D Then I (Karynn) came along and we had a great time revising and fleshing out her story. It was fun to write a mature, gutsy seventeen-year-old Gus - he takes after his Papa. :)

~ BritinManor & eureka1 (aka Cathy & Karynn)

P.S. Our apologies for the delayed response. Real life has been a real pain in the rear, and Karynn is just now getting around to replying to reviews for this story and Tricky Business.

Reviewer: Deb Tanner Signed [Report This]
Date: Jun 26, 2019 2:23 am Title: Chapter 1

Awww! I love this! Gus knew just what to do and was brave enough, and mature enough, to stand up to his dad for his papa.

I could easily see Michael doing something like this. I don't think he ever understood what it meant to be 'best' friends with another person. Not even sure he knew how to be a friend unless he benefited from it.

So glad Justin didn't take off; he stayed where he knew the man he loved would finally return to.

Bravo to Ted and Emmett for keeping Michael contained so that he would have to listen to Brian.

Well done!

Hugs,

Deb

Author's Response:

Gus is just like his papa. :) Another mature seventeen year old who knows how to stand up for what he believes in, and will prod Brian when needed. :D

Michael still has a lot of growing up to do, and he desperately needs professional help. Let's hope he gets it. We completely agree that he has a faulty understanding of what it means to be a 'friend.' Fortunately, Brian - and Justin - have true friends in Ted and Emmett (as well as Blake and Drew).

The days when Justin would walk out on Brian are long past. Even his years in New York were the result of a combined decision, and he and Brian never split up.

Thanks for the lovely compliments, Deb. :) They're much appreciated.

Hugs back atcha,

~ Cathy (BritinManor) & Karynn (eureka1)

Reviewer: Tagsit Signed [Report This]
Date: Jun 22, 2019 6:31 pm Title: Chapter 1

Poor Michael, he really needs some serious therapy.  Good thing Brian came to his senses in time. TAG 

Author's Response:

Let's hope Michael gets that therapy. Then maybe he can get on with his life - as the three Taylor Kinney men have done.

Thanks for commenting, TAG. :)

~ BritinManor & eureka1 (aka Cathy & Karynn)

Reviewer: BritinDynasty Signed [Report This]
Date: Jun 22, 2019 7:00 am Title: Chapter 1

Loved it. I enjoyed both versions. Gus so love his Papa.

Its not anti but a typical Micheal. It is a fact Micheal did manuplated Brian whole series.His character always seemed immature. Micheal needs to be told off, So he can stop lynching Brian around. (happy that punched happened in Qaf). Glad Brian stands up.

If you plan to write part 2 as Micheal berating, shame to show his face or still neglecting that Brian can love & its Justin. please do. ðŸ™‚ 

Author's Response:

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments, Pushpanjali. :) We're thrilled that you liked this revised, expanded version as much as the original story.

Michael really, really needs help. Let's hope he gets it.

We don't anticipate writing a sequel; Michael is done and dusted as far as Brian is concerned.

~ BritinManor & eureka1 (aka Cathy & Karynn)

Reviewer: bec2224 Signed [Report This]
Date: Jun 22, 2019 12:50 am Title: Chapter 1

Okay, I love this, I love the fact that Brian didn't let Michael get away with his bullshit, most stories have Brian bringing it up but then Michael pouts and throws a tantrum and Brian usual gives in but this one he didn't, loved it.  You two should write more stories, we would love it.

 

bec

Author's Response:

Thanks Bec. This was my first foray into writing, way back when. Even though it was 8k words, I was never happy with it. When I mentioned that to karynn, and she jumped on it to help, I was so happy. Karynn's an awesome writer. 

BTW... when is that next story you mentioned on FB coming out? I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of mischief you can come up with for the dimwits to get into this time.

HUGS  ~Cathy

Reviewer: YumYumPM Signed [Report This]
Date: Jun 21, 2019 10:54 pm Title: Chapter 1

Loved this the first time and still loving it.  The improvements are wonderful and I love how Michael got told off. 

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for leaving another comment, Phyllis. :) Your support is greatly appreciated. We're especially pleased that you enjoyed this revised, extended version of Cathy's story.

~ BritinManor & eureka1 (aka Cathy & Karynn)