Reviewer: KeepThisSecret Signed [Report This]
Date: 01/17/17 04:41 pm Title: Chapter 50

Okay, just so you're aware, I read this on my break at work and that probably wasn't a good choice! LOL I'm pretty sure everyone I work with heard the gasp that came from my office when I got to the end of the chapter. :P Anyways, I am definitely NOT a slash fan. In fact, I would never purposefully read a slash fic as the idea of any of the guys being paired together romantically makes me a bit uncomfortable. It's strange as I am quite friendly with several same-sex couples and I have no problem with how other people choose to live their lives. I think it comes down to the fact that the boys aren't gay in real life and, because of that, I find it somewhat awkward when they are made to be gay in fiction. All of that being said, I'm so bloody invested in this damn story that there's no way that I can possible stop reading now! Damn you for being such a good writer and getting me hooked!! I also have to applaud you for getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new. I think that you're approaching the entire situation in a very realistic way, and that's making it easier for people (like me) who may be weird-ed out by slash to continue reading. So, where does all of this leave Nick? Is he indeed bi-sexual, or has he just developed some kind of an infatuation with Howie because the two of them have always been so close? It's obvious that Nick is lonely and that he's struggling to come to terms with his new reality, so it stands to reason that he would latch on to someone who has always been there for him in the past. At this point, I truly do believe that Nick is seeking out Howie's comfort more than anything (re: a romantic relationship). Of course, Nick's confusion is only going to mean more bad things for Howie as HE is likely the one who is going to get his feelings hurt once again. Also, I am super curious to see how the other boys are going to react to this "new" Nick and Howie relationship (?)!! Of course, I have my assumptions: AJ will just wave his hand and shrug it off like it's no big thing. Brian will secretly be okay with the entire situation, but he will probably become distant because of other "influences" in his life that will insist that he shouldn't be okay with it. Finally, Kevin will insist that the two of them seek counselling to resolve any lingering issues that may have a negative impact on the group as a whole. Hopefully, this is a better prediction as my Instagram theory from the previous chapter was apparently a bust. Okay, this review is super long. I'm done!

Author's Response: Wow, thanks for the long review!! Honestly, everything you said about BSB slash is exactly how I feel about it too. I don't have a problem with gay people in real life; I have gay friends too and am totally in support of same sex marriage and equal rights and all that. That said, my issue with slash in our fandom has always been the suspension of disbelief factor: I know none of the guys are actually gay, so when I read about them in romantic relationships with each other, it just seems silly, and I can't take it seriously. I even read some slash over the weekend for inspiration, and even though it was well-written, it still made me giggle. So that was the challenge I was trying to overcome with this story and the original short story: to see if I could write it in a way that was at least semi-believable and not too silly. For me, it really wasn't THAT much of a stretch to imagine Howie as a closeted gay man who got married and had kids because his Catholic upbringing made him think homosexuality was a sin. Nick has been much more of a struggle for me to figure out. I loved reading your speculation about where his head is because I've gone back and forth about that myself, too. I'm really glad to hear the situation is seeming realistic to you. I loved your thoughts on how the other guys might react. I haven't gotten that far yet, but they will be back in the story in a few chapters, I promise! Thanks so much for sticking with the story and for your feedback; I really appreciate it! :)

Reviewer: Carter-Orange Signed [Report This]
Date: 01/17/17 03:24 pm Title: Chapter 50

Great chapter, I had a feeling Nick and Howie would end up kissing or something when they went to the rocket launch.

I loved that they were singing Oasis together and then watched that rocket launch, sounds like such a great thing to watch.

And even though I'm not into slash, I'm definitely into this story. I think if it's a great story, then I don't mind going out of my comfort zone as a reader.

Can't wait for more :)

Author's Response: Thanks! :) I loved the idea of the rocket launch, too; it seemed sort of "romantic" and something Howie knew Nick would really enjoy. I had to throw Wonderwall in there after seeing Nick sing it on his tour last year. Thanks so much for venturing out of your comfort zone with me; I really appreciate it!