Date: 01/05/16 09:15 am Title: Chapter 31
Again, it's nice to see the start of things. I wonder if Howie does survive how things will play out. So interesting seeing the layers of this. You always had a knack for that.
Author's Response: Thanks!! The relationship dynamics in this story have been really interesting to write. I'm actually enjoying that aspect than the medical drama, which is not how I usually am, but I hope that means my writing is evolving to become more character-driven and less plot-driven. I have some things planned out for later in the story, but others will be up to the characters. I have my thoughts on how things will go, but if they don't cooperate, that will likely change. We'll see!
Date: 01/05/16 09:14 am Title: Chapter 30
That was heavy, but I think it's good Nick is really seeing it from Howie's point of view now. Howie has been through hell and I think it's just hitting Nick now. Nick had been kind of in denial until he walked into that hospital room. He needs to stop blaming himself, I feel it's going to bite him in the ass later. I am going to be sad when you don't update again for a while.
Author's Response: That is exactly why I decided to go ahead with the liver transplant storyline, even though you know I was originally questioning if it was too much. I think Nick needed to see Howie literally hours away from death in order to realize he doesn't really hate him, which is what will hopefully pave the way for forgiveness. I do think he's been in denial, to an extent. The magnitude of the situation finally hit him in this chapter. Thanks so much! I actually wrote more chapters during my break than I wrote all of last year, so I am good to keep updating about once a week through February, and hopefully I'll be able to write some more chapters between now and then. I'm feeling really inspired; I just need to make the time to do it!
Date: 01/05/16 08:48 am Title: Chapter 29
Ah what I was waiting for. To see how Howie exactly fell for Nick. It can be easy to do when you're good friends like that and you're still questioning your own sexuality. I loved seeing the beginnings of it. Really tying things up on that aspect and its good to see a bit of a backstory of sorts.
Author's Response: Thanks! I was struggling to figure out what to write for Howie's chapter, with him in a coma, so I figured a couple of chapters of him looking back on his life would make sense and give me a chance to work in some of that back story. It was a challenge trying to figure out what to say that would be halfway believable when I know it's not true in real life, so I'm glad it tied things up for you.
Date: 01/05/16 08:45 am Title: Chapter 28
I am glad Nick has Lauren to be there for him even though he feels he doesn't deserve it. It is something real life Nick would do too, I think. He thinks he's going to be abandoned or that he's a burden. I think if he didn't have Lauren he would have self destructed as well. Great chapter.
Author's Response: I agree about Nick. I can definitely see him having trust/abandonment issues after everything he's been through with his family and other women in his life. Thank god for Lauren, both in real life and in this story, but especially in real life! She has turned him around, maybe even saved his life. I love her! Thanks for the review!
Date: 01/05/16 01:41 am Title: Chapter 27
I'm glad Howie decided to get the transplant. But what worries me is what shape he will be in if and when he wakes up from the surgery... Reading on
Author's Response: Thanks, Tracy! I realized I could have just ended the story right about here with him dying, but... that seemed like an unsatisfying conclusion, somehow.
Date: 01/04/16 08:41 pm Title: Chapter 32
Yay for Howie getting his new liver "installed" successfully!! Woo hoo! Also, yay for Lauren being the most amazing fiance ever! I seriously LOVE her at this moment. Nobody else would have had the guts to force a situation between Nick and Howie like she just did. LOVE IT! Also, yay for nurse Erika since she has a great name!! HAHA :P
Author's Response: Thanks! I am loving writing Lauren in this story too! Nurse Erika is awesome cause she's named after you! :) I like to give cameos to people who leave me feedback in my medical dramas... one, as a show of appreciation, and two, because I get sick of trying to come up with names for all these nurses and doctors and people. So again, thank you!!
Date: 01/04/16 08:31 pm Title: Chapter 31
I enjoyed that you used this chapter as a chance to present a bit of the back-story. It was a refreshing break from all of the heartache and seriousness of the last chapter. I know I've said this before, but the whole situation is just so believable that I often have to remind myself that it's not true!! HAHA (Sorry Howie!) I totally remember that People magazine article and thinking (like Howie) that Nick looked good. That was probably the first time in my life that I'd ever thought that he was good looking (not as good looking as Brian mind you). LOL I've also grown to appreciate Nick more over the years as he's become healthier and (I think) happier. I'm not sure why I didn't like him in the beginning as he's the closest to my age ... *shrugs* Oh well!
Author's Response: Thanks! I needed a way to keep up switching POVs every chapter, and it was hard to figure out what to write with Howie comatose, so I thought a couple of chapters of him thinking back on his life and showing some of the back story would be interesting. I'm glad you liked it! I am the exact same way with Nick - he used to be my least favorite back in the 90s; maybe it was because everyone else liked him and I wanted to be different, but I just found him annoying. He started to grow on me after his first solo album, and now I would put him right behind Brian as my favorite. I definitely drooled over the pictures in that People article! He is definitely more attractive, inside and out, than he used to be.
Date: 01/04/16 02:58 pm Title: Chapter 26
Happy birthday Howie.... So mean. But that's why I love you lmao.
Anyways....
I loved the part where Nick told him he needs him and apologized. Cause they're both being asses right now. Nick for being a dick about everything and Howie for being stupid and trying to kill himself. I am glad Nick chose to apologize. I feel that is why Howie decided to sign the consent, he saw that hope that maybe things could go back to the way they were. Reading on. Great chapter.
Author's Response: LMAO I really did post this on Howie's birthday... so bad! Anyway, thanks! Nick definitely needed to apologize for being an ass. Like you said, they're both in the wrong. I do think it helped give Howie some hope.
Date: 01/04/16 02:51 pm Title: Chapter 25
Sorry I haven't reviewed in so long. I feel terrible. I've been reading but haven't had a chance to collect and write one. But I want to smack Howie. Why why why Howard. But I can understand why he did what he did, and I'm glad Nick was there for him. It's only going downhill from here though. Poor Howie. But on the plus side he has people who still support him even though he's being an idiot.
Author's Response: That's okay! You reviewed some of these chapters when I sent them to you last summer. Thanks for taking the time to catch up though; I appreciate it! :)
Date: 01/03/16 11:48 pm Title: Chapter 32
I'm glad that Lauren offered what she did. I agree with her. I'm looking forward to more of this. It's so good. :)
Author's Response: I think Lauren knew forcing Nick to spend some time with Howie is exactly what he needs to be able to forgive him. Thanks for catching up and taking the time to review! I really appreciate it! :)
Date: 01/03/16 11:21 pm Title: Chapter 28
I am loving this story. I was seriously crying at the end of this chapter. Poor Howie. Poor Nick. :(
Author's Response: Thanks so much!! I'm happy to be back to writing it.
Date: 01/01/16 04:31 am Title: Chapter 30
Oh for the sake of Nick (and Howie), please don't let him die!
Author's Response: Hehe, wait and see. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Date: 12/30/15 06:38 pm Title: Chapter 29
HA! This chapter was all too real for me. My daughter arrived 3 weeks early and I was super anxious about having a preemie, but she turned out just fine. :) Ummmm why didn't Leigh get an epidural?!!? Crazy lady!! LOL Seriously, I loved the update and I intend to stick with this story until you finish. I'm patient (kind of), so I can wait.
Author's Response: Thanks for another review! I'm glad one person is still reading! :) I'm glad this chapter seemed real. I don't have any kids, so I have to rely on what I've seen and heard from other people when writing childbirth scenes. I think those "natural childbirth" people are crazy too! Epidurals and pain meds exist for a reason. LOL Thanks again!!
Date: 12/29/15 02:36 pm Title: Chapter 28
I was so excited to see this update! It barely took me any time at all to jump right back in to this story ... just had to re-read the ending of the last chapter. HAHA Anyways, Lauren is freaking amazing!! It's so obvious how much she loves Nick. I can totally see her sticking by him no matter what, so I definitely think that you've nailed her character. Also, the little exchange between Brian and Nick made me all nostalgic. *sigh* Lovely update!!
Author's Response: Thanks so much for the review!! I wasn't sure anyone would stick around to read after how long it's been. I'm glad you were able to look back and remember what happened last. I love Lauren!! I've never written a lot about her in fanfic before, but I'm enjoying developing her into a character. She's sure put up with a lot through being with Nick in real life, so I think it would take a lot to push her away. Thanks again for the feedback! :)
Date: 09/13/15 03:12 am Title: Chapter 27
This chapter had me tearing up. I'm really looking forward to more of this story. So good! :)
Author's Response: I just saw this - thanks so much! :) I need to get back to updating this; I haven't had a lot of time to write lately, so I've been slacking!
