Date: 07/18/16 06:29 pm Title: Chapter 39
First, welcome back!! Second, congratulations on finishing your Masters!! You must be so proud of yourself! :) Third, I was thrilled to see an update from you. I am still totally addicted to this story and I can't wait to see how it all plays out. Anyways, how cute was it that Nick called Howie to come and pick him up? I let out a little "awwww" at the total bromance moment that they shared at the end of this chapter. I really like how Nick's feelings towards Howie have flip-flopped in this story; hating him, feeling sorry for him, understanding him, needing him. It's perfect and TOTALLY Nick IMO. Looking forward to the next update! :)
Author's Response: Thanks so much!! I'm thrilled and glad to be back! It's been fun writing their rollercoaster of a relationship in this story - up and down and all over the place. I'm glad you're still enjoying it! Thanks so much for sticking with it and taking the time to review. I will probably post another chapter sometime in the next couple of days.
Date: 03/22/16 01:04 pm Title: Prologue
wow! been reading this and its truly the best fan fic I ever read. couldn't believe Nick just walked away from Lauren like that! You are amazing holding down the characters in this manner, I can see both Nick and Lauren acting like that...Nick is being irrational but I cannot help but understand at the same time. I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid( and I hope he has his medication on him!) another great chapter, looking forward to more!!
Author's Response: I'm sorry I'm so late in replying to your review; I got so busy this spring and summer that I sort of just stopped checking my mail and am trying to catch up on things now so I can update again. Anyway, thanks so much for taking the time to review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so much! I'm also glad you could see Nick and Lauren acting the way they did; I always worry I'm being too melodramatic. Thanks so much; I am posting more in a few minutes!
Date: 03/21/16 01:19 pm Title: Chapter 38
Okay, so I'm a little late to the game in terms of reviewing this chapter, but OMG!! Really, Nick? Where do you think you're going? You're just going to walk away from Lauren after she's supported you all this time?? Ugh! I totally understand that he's trying to do what he thinks is best for her, but literally walking away from her probably wasn't the best choice. However, I can TOTALLY see him actually behaving that way, so kudos for nailing his character!! Excited for the next update! :)
Author's Response: That's okay; I am WAY late to the game in replying to your review. I got so busy this spring, I just kind of stopped checking my mail and am trying to catch up on things now so I can post a new chapter. I think Nick definitely showed his impulsiveness/immaturity in this chapter, but I also think he was trying to piss her off and hurt her so that she would be more willing to let him go. He thinks he's doing her a favor. He's a moron, but his heart's in the right place. I'm glad you could see him acting that way - thanks!
Date: 03/19/16 05:50 am Title: Chapter 38
Well, I didn't see that coming. I'm loving this story. Looking forward to more. :)
Author's Response: I don't think Lauren did either! Sorry I'm SO late in replying to your review; I got so busy this spring and summer, I just kind of stopped checking my mail. I am back, though, and will be posting a new chapter in a few minutes! Thanks for taking the time to review; I really do appreciate it!
Date: 03/16/16 09:39 am Title: Chapter 37
Aw this was so heartbreaking. I am glad that Leigh is not taking the kids away from him.
BTW I loved that you used my last name in here. Squee!
I am so sad to see that they're going ahead with the divorce. Great chapter!
Author's Response: This was definitely sad to write. Howie and Leigh are such a cute couple in real life! Glad you enjoyed your little cameo! I think I mentioned your name a lot earlier in the story as Holden's dr. too... I get bored trying to come up with names for all the doctors, nurses, etc. in stories like this, so I like to name them after people who give me feedback. Thanks for being one of those people! :)
Date: 03/16/16 09:36 am Title: Chapter 36
Aha I knew it. I can see where Nick is coming from with his way of thinking. He is dealing with a lot and fearing the worst. I think the anxiety is getting to him, and that's why he can't ah... Perform. Lol.
Nice chapter as usual. It's fun to catch up on reading.
Author's Response: You called it! I think the anxiety is getting to him, too. Thanks for catching up, and sorry again that I'm so late in catching up myself!!
Date: 03/16/16 09:30 am Title: Chapter 35
Wow way to be a dick, Nick. Poor Howie. I just want to hug him. I'm happy Nick at least apologizes for being a toolbag.
Author's Response: Yeah, Nick is definitely still harboring some resentment. I felt bad for Howie in this chapter too. Thanks for sharing your reactions!
Date: 03/16/16 09:27 am Title: Chapter 34
I am glad Nick's health is on the mend, but I think he is really having some issues inside himself. Hoping those come to light soon. Reading on :)
Author's Response: Yes, I think you may be right. Thanks for the review, Tracy!
Date: 03/16/16 07:31 am Title: Chapter 38
Wow, I'm really getting an educational course in HIV and mixed-status relationships. I never knew about these baby-making options.
Awww, Nick, take it easy. You're human and erectile problems happen so don't be embarrassed about that. Lauren is beyond understanding, a calming force that should balance out Nick's paranoia. The topic of having a family really sent him over the edge.
I can so picture Nick's quivering chin from all the times we've seen his emotions take over. Great update :D
Author's Response: Sorry I am so late in replying to this review; somehow I missed a few of them! LOL I didn't know all these options existed either, until I started researching for this story. Technology and HIV treatment have come a long way. I'm glad you could picture Nick's reaction and understand his feelings in this chapter. Poor guy... he shouldn't be embarrassed, but he is definitely being paranoid. Thanks for the review; I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this!
Date: 03/14/16 04:01 am Title: Chapter 38
I, to understand where Nick is coming from, BUT running away isn't the answer. I hope he comes back to try to work it out.
Author's Response: Sorry I'm SO late in responding to this review. I thought was all caught up and then saw that I'd missed a few! Anyway, thanks so much for reviewing, and you're right - running away isn't the answer!
Date: 03/14/16 12:12 am Title: Chapter 38
I've been waiting for an update since the last one!
Okay I was NOT expecting that but I can see where Nick is coming from, he loves her enough to let her go and try to have a normal life. I really hope they can work things out.
Author's Response: Sorry I'm SO late in replying to this review! I thought I was all caught up and then realized I'd missed a few. I'm glad you could see where Nick was coming from in this chapter. I am back to working on this story and have posted a couple more chapters in the last few days, so I hope you're still looking forward to updates on it. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Date: 03/13/16 11:23 pm Title: Chapter 34
First of all, I'm sorry for not reviewing in a while. Kind of fell out of reading for a bit but I'm back :)
Loved this chapter, I am glad Howie and Nick are kind of patching things up and Nick is trying, and that he and Lauren are taking care of him. But part of me thinks that Lauren is kind of making Nick uncomfortable with stuff and I think he is feeling like he's burdening her by staying with her. I just got this feeling. Hope that I am wrong. So happy to be catching up. Missed this story!
Author's Response: Wow, I really suck for not checking/responding to reviews in so long, but I'm about to update and am playing catch up. Thanks so much for the review, and no need to apologize - I understand!! :) I think you may have been on to something with your predictions. :)
Date: 02/22/16 05:48 pm Title: Chapter 32
Sorry I've not been keeping up, but I am still reading and absolutely loving this story.
What a chapter, I can understand the way Nick freaked out on Lauren, but she is right, they need to put it all behind them and move on.
Glad the surgery went well for Howie and hope there are no more setbacks :)
Author's Response: It's okay; I've not been good at keeping up either (hence why I'm just now replying to this review - sorry!). Thanks for reading and reviewing, though; I really do appreciate it! :)
Date: 02/20/16 11:09 am Title: Prologue
When Leigh asked the James to leave the room, I knew I had to take a deep breath to take in some bad news. I felt so bad for Howie being delivered divorce papers while he's still recovering and away from his boys. I guess it had to happen sooner or later.
Geez, Howie, your fictional life is really f*cked up, lol. I'd give you a hug, but I don't wanna make you more sick. Stay strong, Howard. You'll eventually get to see your boys again, I hope. ;)
Author's Response: Thanks for being my 200th review, and sorry I'm so late in replying to it! Howie's fictional life really is fucked up, as is Nick's, LOL. It's always nice to see pics of them with their wives and kids online and reassure myself that things in real life are much better. Anyway, thanks again for the review!
Date: 02/19/16 02:11 pm Title: Chapter 37
Well, this chapter broke my heart. The idea of Howie having to see Holden take his first steps over webcam really got to me. I couldn't even imagine having missed my daughter's first steps like that! In terms of Howie and Leigh, I'm not surprised that Leigh is filing for divorce, but it's still sad. If I were in her position, I would have done the same thing. I think you've done an excellent job at portraying her character; she's not asking for a ton of money and she still wants Howie to be able to see the kids. That definitely seems like how Leigh would behave in real life as she always comes across as so sweet. Of course, I think that Howie will give her half his money and the house anyways ... that's just how he rolls. :P
Author's Response: Thanks! I'm glad you can see Leigh's side of things. On one hand, it's really sad for Howie that she left with the kids and he's not able to see them, but on the other hand, I think she has valid reasons for not wanting to bring them all the way across the country to see him and is being reasonable about the divorce. I don't want her to come across as a villain in this story; I just am trying to show a different reaction compared to Lauren's acceptance of Nick's situation. I do think Leigh seems really sweet in real life, and thankfully, she and Howie seem super happy together. I also think Howie would give her whatever she and the boys need. Thanks for the review!
