Jen

Give up worrying about it. You'll be like that for life, believe me, but nothing wrong with it. Better than being a serial killer or something I wouldn't worry about it, I was like that as well with Mirror Of Love Not worried . Not when have you awesome people writing all these wonderful comments. You are enablers, all of you .

Well, thank you. <3 No worries. There's seriously no pressure to comment on anything I write. This is totally for fun, and anything you do comment on is just a bonus . I live for awkward moments. Poindexter was a last minute change before I posted this part, actually. Up to that point I had 'Genius' in it's place, but then I'd realised I'd already inadvertently used it, so needed to make a quick change. Glad you liked it though . Yeah, it's The Outsiders. I know they did make a film, but I haven't watched it. I read the book for the first time earlier this year, and the whole time I was thinking, 'Man, this would transfer so well into fic. There is so much slash in this story begging to be written.' Clearly, these are my priorities in life. I don't know what's wrong with me. Oh well, I was happy I could reference it in the story, and it did seem rather apt. With Casey coming from one side of the tracks, and Dex the other, and they are both trying to figure out what they have in common. That's essentially, what this story is about. Brilliant quote. Sums up how Dex and Casey are and how they are going through it all right at the moment. Really clever, Jen And of course the hair metaphor, when Dex has just been running his hands through Casey's hair in a previous chapter. Thanks for catching that . Isn't that half the fun? The world is against them, and yet they somehow overcome they odds. You'll have to wait and see whether that happens with this story, though ...

Oh! I think this is my favourite chapter so far. I really liked all the action, and seeing all the S Men/Women working together and using their powers. I wish I had something more constructive to contribute, except to re-iterate how much I adore this 'verse and the powers you've given to these characters.

Interesting twist, with Miles sending Rabbit off on her own, to indirectly save Nicole. Bear with me. I have this sort of theory that maybe Rabbit can only connect with those who have seen death (ala thestrals). So, in the case of Miles, Rabbit is obviously his deceased daughter. With, Marilyn it was her son. So, maybe the person who ended up finding Nicole is someone who has experienced something similar. Alternatively, I could be reading way too much into this, and completely on the wrong path. Awesome story, Red .

Thank you so much Kristen, Laura, Carina, and Lesley <3.

Aww. Your daughter sounds completely adorable. Dex could always be bi ... That way we all win . 'Homoerotic themes in Home and Away. Discuss.' Ha! That's all the themes in H&A. I'm sure of this. Plot? What plot? Even if the theme was 'The influence of Mythical Creatures on the Summer Bay culture' I could still bring it back to them all being gay (whether they know it all not) ..

Awesome chapter, Red. One of my favourite quotes was this one. And then things go all dramatic for both Romeo/Xavier and Nicole. I'm wondering if you've already decided the outcome of these events and just like stringing us along ... . If so, you are doing an awesome job. I'm hoping everyone gets out okay, but for storytelling purposes I don't know ... maybe something happens to the baby. So many unanswered questions. *Waits patiently for more*

Oh no, that is definitely true. It's just, when I write it, I'm not always thinking in terms of characters and development and internal motivation. Sometimes it's just situations to get the plot moving along, and then I see people (read: you and other awesome people) reading and commenting all detailed and stuff, and I feel bad, so I try and justify it . I can feel an idea for a podcast coming on ... where all we do is talk H&A characters and their motivations and who we ship them with. It's a very specific market . Of course, the practicality of it, exists in my head only. Or what I type here . Hmm... I approve of your daughter's fine choice. I guess I could share ...

Luc - I'm so happy I could put a smile on your face . Yay for the HP reference! Actually, Hermione is one of my favourite characters in the entire series (I totally relate - although I don't think I'm as intense as she can be!), but it was just a random quip that came to me and I just had to use it. Carina - Thanks for reading and commenting. (As always!) Zetti - Thanks for reading and liking Dex. He is, unashamedly, my favourite right now. Red Ranger - Thank you! Dex's head is both simultaneously hilarious and disturbing, with what goes on in there . Miranda - Yes, a little break from the increasing intensity was needed. I don't know whether Casey is doing all this stuff deliberately or not. I hadn't actually considered that he would have ulterior motives. (Read: Some sort of recognisable feelings driving his actions.) I guess on some level he does, but also, from Dex's POV he's deconstructing what he expects Casey to be like, and what he actually is. There's a certain amount of Casey still wanting to prove himself, I think. He does have a conscience after all. So glad you are enjoying .

Brilliant. Dex/April - Yes! So amazing. I wonder how she got involved with Braxneto et al. in the first place. Awesome rivalry between Romeo and Casey, and Ruby being her normal flirty self. Xaiver/Nicole is an interesting pairing ... I could maybe get behind that. This 'verse continues to surprise and intrigue me. It's so well written and I'm always left wanting more.

Miranda - I totally appreciate your gushing. So don't worry . JarlieFanEver - Thank you so much! *blushes* Next part up soon, so stay tuned .

Thankies so much Lore, Kristen, Carina, Zetti and Lesley .

Awesome update, Red. The Xavier/Romeo bromance is all kinds of hilarious and epic. I don't even need to put my slashing goggles on when reading this fic. It's all just right there! It's fantastic. Miles' deadpan reply to this is so awesome. Like I said before, "something went down in the tent." Lucas/Nicole is one of those ships I never would have considered, but it's so sweet and adorable and I now really like them together . Great job. Dun dun dun. Cliffhanger ending. You certainly know how to keep the audience guessing.

Thanks for keeping me in the loop with this section. I thought about doing this via PM, but I figured I'd just praise you in public . Wonderful. Amazing. Hilarious. I adore the underlying slashy tones of the fight, the ripping of clothes, the snarky banter and obviously, Dex. Your writing is so great, and I always have this stupid smile on my face the entire time. If you and Miranda continue to write this 'verse forever, I would not be opposed .

Wow. Thank you so much. When I was writing this part, honestly, I didn't think it was that intense. Just a normal day at the offic, y'know. But gosh, it means so much that you like the sexual tension, because while it's not completely obvious to either of the boys at this point, I'm so glad you get it as a reader. Oh Luc, thank you. Trust me, the hair kink is one of those things I didn't realise I had until I read it in a fic where one character cut another character's hair, and I was like, "ohmygoshthatisthehottestthingI'veeverread'. That is one of my favourite parts of this entire fic. Very intimate and charged, if I'm allowed to say that. *fans you aswell* I did have a lot of fun with this part. The hair transformation, getting all close and personal, and how Casey showing up would throw Dex completely off-kilter. I didn't intend for everything to be so kinky though ... Should I be worried? Thanks for the comment, and honestly, I don't understand why Dex is saying a lot of the time. Actually, that is probably a lie. I understand Dex more than I probably should . Thank you! <3 I haven't ever had a character that I've identified with so closely. Robbie Hunter was kind of like this, but Dex is just that much more intense and obscure, and I just adore him a whole lot for his social-ineptness. He's got this smart edge, where he just can't understand his own peers, but science and technology are second nature to him. Dex is my attempt at being witty. I'm not sure if it's a success or not. That's sweet. Glad you liked. I just hoped I haven't peaked too early!

Your Alf characterisation is brilliant. I really liked that. As usual, your Miles/Rabbit interaction is great, and I can't wait to see what this bigger plan is. The suspense is driving me insane!

*blushes* Why, thank you. *sadface* Casey you are just in denial, I am sure. But still, I enjoyed his interaction with Ruby and her ability to just lock on to any guy who breathes and moves. That's pretty much all the criteria she's looking for. Do I detect a hint of jealousy from Prof. Dex? Hopefully it's not a case of falling for the enemy. Because that could get messy. Why must you do this to me? I'm tempted to just pretend I didn't read this and assume that everyone is gay and will have all the slash in the world written about them and their kinky costumes . See, I would volunteer, but you've just put a ban on slash, so I can't . I'll just take all my fantasies to my own story ... Brilliant as usual. I eagerly await the next installment.

Red Ranger - Thank you for your comment. Minor cliffhanger will be resolved in the next part. Mostly. JarlieFanEver - Thank you! In my mind, Dex is a bit of a babbler . Zetti - Glad I could be of service . Miranda - *hearts* Thankies! Carina - You are wonderful, m'dear. Thank you. alice93 - Thanks for keeping up with this story. Update coming later today (hopefully).

Beckyy92 - Thanks for using an avatar, but please save and upload it yourself. If you don't know how, let me know I'll help you out. Thanks for the credit, though . LauraPhilly - Tell me about it. I have a fanfic sitting in My Documents, and I can't bare to finish it right now because I can't remember why I liked Romeo in the first place, and he's central to the fic. Stupid Romeo! I don't mind Brax. I think he's very smart, I'll give him that. Maybe I'll eventually make some Brax icons too. No promises though, because I don't have any new-ish caps at the moment. Barbara - Wow. That must have taken you a while. Thank you for looking at them all and taking the time to pick out the ones you like the most. I really appreciate it . Sabraina - Thankies!

Why is everyone determined to make me feel all nostalgic?! Drew/Belle are pretty much still one of my OTPs, and then you added Lucas as well, plus adorable little Annie. *sigh* So much pretty. Great job on the colouring too .

Really, Jen? Did you honestly think this would be stored on BttB & everyone would have looked at it once & never looked again? Oh my gosh, girl. Seriously ... I still look at it, especially when I need a bit of Belle & Aden to cheer me & this works because of the pictures & quotes! Well, yeah. I kind of just did it on whim, because I'd seen various ones done of livejournal and the like, but didn't know how well it would translate across. But thank you, for still enjoying it .

I completely agree. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending) he still has a pretty face, so it's easy for him to be iconned . Here are 5 Ruby/Romeo ones, Beckyy92. I didn't know which ones you wanted, so here's a few.

Carina - Thank you! Lesley - <3 Thanks. Zetti - I'm glad you like the colouring. Zoe - As above . Beckyy92 - Thanks. Of course. Which one would you like?

Casey! Yes! With his fangs, that in my head mean that if he bites someone they turn them gay . I don't know if that is accurate for this story, just what I've decided. Also Dex's awesome power of teleportation of some description. Very cool.

Yes, was that from Glee? I thought of that. Although, it was so dark the Brokeback Mountain couple could have been wallpapering the tent for all I saw. Which in fact would have been much more gay really Why yes, it was a Glee reference. Because Burt Hummel is a boss.