Of course I loved this story! I just don't think that it can end this way. I certainly did wish throughout the fic that Nick could come back, and that Brian's brief moments of connection with Nick could be in the present rather than in the past. However, now that he is back, there are so many issues to be addressed. Why did Nick do this--what were his motivations? If he thought it would make Brian a stronger, more independent person, does he still expect to return to his relationship with Brian and, if so, on what terms? Can Brian ever trust and love Nick the same way as before knowing that he could hurt him in such a deep and deliberate way. Or are therein fact other circumstances that prevented Nick from coming back until now?
All of those questions (or any of them) would I'm sure form the premise of a sequel to this story, which I urge you to write! :)
So... please keep writing, and thanks again for this wonderful story.

Author's Response: Aw thank you! Yes, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Nick's backstory and motive why he did all of this have already been planned before I started this story. That is why there are going to be two stories in this same arc: one is a oneshot form Nick's pov, a sort of companion of Hello that is going to explain why and where Nick was during this year. And then there is the sequel, which will be mostly about Brian and Nick trying to get back together and find a new way to stay together. Cause you're right, how can Brian trust Nick again over this? Thank you so much for reading and for the patience! Cinzia

I'm starting to really enjoy your story, and I'm glad you're continuing.

It's been a bit confusing with the various flashbacks at different points, but lately your storyline seems to be coming together and I can see the relationship between the scenes in the past and what is happening in the 'present'.

I think your deliberately introducing elements of inconsistency (depending on the narrator) is an interesting approach. It does cause some problems in terms of knowing what is going on, but I think it's an excellent exercise in subjectivity of points of view. I'm hoping that Brian's memories/flashbacks will turn out to be the most accurate, because so far I'm inclined to believe that is the case. I just hope he can somehow convey his thoughts before it's too late...

As far as what's wrong with Brian's phone that Harold finally revealed to Howie, I would say it has been altered/tampered with because why else would he not have answered it when (I surmise) they were trying to find Brian at the start?

I really like the way you've written the scenes of Brian's recovery... they're so poignant and heartbreaking/warming, depending on what's happening. This one was particularly good in how we get into Brian's head and understand the difference between what he's thinking and what he's able to commmunicate. His interaction with Baylee is the best, of course.

I have to say I hope this latest development (the reaction to Howie's question) doesn't cause a major relapse for him... hopefully Brian can in some way communicate that it's Peter.

Well, great work and please keep writing!

Well, even if the Brian part of the storyline is my favourite, it was a good change to catch up with Howie's investigation. :)
I'm glad you've brought Caroline back into this. She must really like Howie, to be so cooperative. Their interaction is quite entertaining.
Based on that missing person report, I can only surmise that Peter has since been operating under a new identity. In fact, I think we've already met him, in chapter 10. I noticed that none of the internet search results yielded photos, so Caroline still doesn't know what Peter looks like. To expand on my theory, it also makes sense that he'd be with the press, as a way to keeping tabs on any news and information even before it becomes public. Maybe Howie and his new sidekick can track down this Seth Mackles...
In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

I'm liking where you're taking this story right now. To try to address the facets of Brian's rehabilitation/recovery is quite a challenge, and I thought this chapter was quite detailed and realistic. I like how we have Brian's character re-emerging at the same time as symptoms of his trauma continue to manifest themselves, reminding us of what hasn't been dealt with. Now that you've mentined them, I hope we get a peek into the phychotherapy sessions at some point...

I'm really glad you have everyone helping and Nick's assisting with the physio provided for a great dynamic with Brian. While it's easy to understand why he's often dejected with his situation, it's good to know it isn't without hope. I like the progress he's made with talking, too--he seems to be finding his words better, even if the sentences are short.
This was a nice contrast to the previous chapter, where Brian thought he had nothing to look forward to. The car trip provided a good transition, though.
Well, can't decide what I'd rather know about next, but I suspect it's a Howie-related chapter. ;)
Great work!

Author's Response: aaah you read my mind you! Howie is certainly going to appear in the next chapter. And I think Brian deserves some progress with all that is going to happen next... dun...dun...DUN!

This chapter was definitely very effective at portraying the current situation and various characters' roles in it. I liked the changing points of view, but I think enough information could have been incorporated into the body of the chapter itself to set up each shift so that you wouldn't have had to make an explanatory note at the end. Same goes for the other notes--I think that Harry's visiting and Baylee's absence could have been described seamlessly in the narration.

That said, I really enjoyed your writing in this chapter, both stylistically and in terms of the direction you're taking this plotline. I'm glad that Harold told Brian exactly why he needs help, since even if it's not exactly the truth in terms of intention. Perhaps it will, and has, helped Brian get out of his self-pitying state. Certainly the fact that he's playing music at the end of this chapter seems to hint at such a development. :)

I wasn't too clear on whether Nick was in this chapter or not, but I suppose he's just trying to stay on Brian's good side, if such a thing exists. I think it does, somewhere, and I hope you'll give him the opportunity to show it to someone. Maybe when Howie arrives?

Great job, and I'm looking forward to the next update!

I'm so glad you decided to update! This is one of the most fascinating and intense stories out there right now, imo, and I'm truly wondering where it will go. These flashbacks/flashforwards also add a nice element of suspense to the story, so I like your technique a lot. Was mad that Leighanne was allowed back in, but after this chapter I like it and wonder what Nick will do next. Hope that he remains the most present for Brian, though, since the strength of their friendship is what's gotten them this far. Hope you feel inspired to write more soon!

Well, I'd say that getting threatening messages directly is much better than receiving them through the police!

I'd surmise that whoever is looking for the Boys got wind of the 'new gay couple in town' story, but I'm sure it would have been one thing, if not another. And this lends credence to AJ's suspicion that there was someone actually creeping around outside, i.e., aside from the bodyguards. If whoever it is has followed them from the house, or will follow them back since Kevin and Howie are evidently being watched in the diner, then this should get interesting pretty fast. Too bad about the lack of cell phones to communicate in situations like this.

Otherwise, I liked Howie's attempt to address his issues about his role in the group, and Kevin's assurance that he is on 'team Howie'. I wonder if this will stave off any future meltdowns... but I doubt it. ;)

Hope you'll write more soon!

Author's Response: Poor Howie. I liked how you used the word "attempt" because, once again, he has tried and essentially failed to express how he feels. I really do feel bad for him sometimes, and not just in the context of this story. Things are about to pick up in terms of the action. I am a couple of chapters ahead of what I have posted, so I have a good idea of what is going to happen next. Thanks so much for all of your comprehensive reviews!

This was definitely a very scary chapter, psychologically speaking. It certainly made perfectly clear the danger the Boys are in and, in particular, emphasized the fine line between a devoted fan and a fanatical lunatic like Sarah. I think it brings home the theme you've been exploring in this story of the fan-celebrity relationship-how it's already a bit messed up and has the potential to develop into something very ugly.
So, I really hope that Howie and the other guys will be okay... you're definitely scaring me a bit, here.
This chapter was great, but I'll admit I had to take a break from reading until you posted more of the story. ;)

Author's Response: Yes, I do feel that some fans are borderline crazy in their infatuation with their favourite celebrities. I know that Sarah is pretty extreme, but I don't think it's unrealistic to think that one day some nut-bar of a fan could go completely off of the deep end. (If that ever does happen, hopefully the fan in question is not obsessed with our boys - Haha!) I've slowed down a bit on the posting, because I barely have time to write in the summer with everything else that I have going on. Fingers crossed that I will be able to get the next chapter up soon. :)