They're going to discover the feelings for each other!! I wonder the moment will be exciting!

I can't wait to read about the upcoming tour. That's definitely going to be interesting. I feel so bad for Otis. The poor kid can't stand to be away from his dad. I don't blame him. Mike is such an excellent father figure in this story. He's selfless and hard-working. I just wish Anna wasn't keen on destroying him. This conflict she has with him has to stop soon or both of them will get hurt. I'm just nervous. Could things get worse? I just hope Mike keeps his cool so she doesn't have anything to hold against him. Chester's so supportive, such a great friend. The drama on his side is wowing me. I can't believe the boys are gone. Poor Chester barely got a warning. I hope what Talinda is doing is really for the best. So many people are getting hurt but we will see if it is worth it. I'm glad she found a friend in Rob, though. The band members are so great towards the kids. It warms my heart haha they are all so busy with the new album, but they still find time to spend with the children. It shows they really care about them and about Mike. He needs all the support he can get. Very amazing chapter!

hey there!

just rediscovered your fic and was pulled into it all over again. I had to read almost everything again... but fucking hell it was soooooo worth it! Reminded me why I had this in my favs ^^

I just love your writing, the way you so subtly discribe the details, show the feelings of confusion Mike goes through and howw Chester just can't see what is right in front of his nose, let what happens in your fic almost seem real... although in my head it is always Mike who is in denial *looooool*

But it seems with this last chapter Chester finally starts to realize... I just hope he realizes the right things and not just goes on in his denial and tells Talinda that she is downright nuts for thinking that and leaving him becaus of this.

I really see those two together... they are so perfect for one another... *swoons*

Honestly, I am really impatient for the next chap! So please don't keep me (and I assume many others here) waiting too long.... because that (not so) little peace of art has me hot all over! *giggles*

FINAAALLLLYYYYY you have no idea how long ive been waiting for this moment...

OH HOLY ****

THINGS HAVE CHANGED SO MUCH SINCE I UPDATED LAST TIMEo_O

You keep going my friend, I'm surprised :)

OH MY GOD!!! It was seriously a struggle for me to pull my eyes away from the screen last night when the clock finally hit 2 AM! This is beautifully written... I'm eagerly anticipating the next chapter! At frist I was slightly disappointed that there was no dick riding action, but the storyline makes up for it. Its so... different and breathtaking to see their relationship slowly unfold. It's amazing being able to see Chester and Mike let their bonds grow as they overcome all their trials. Anna... well, frankly, she is a bitch! I cannot believe how selfish she was, taking Otis away and then just neglecting him... bravo! Definitely going on my favorites list... <3 <3

First, I want to say, please do not let anyone but yourself dictate how this story will progress. There will always be people up satisfied with your work, no matter what you write. But what you do is brilliant and beautiful, and is hope you will continue with *your* plans for this story. Your attention to detail amazes me, this could easily be a full length novel. You have a talent dear, thank you for sharing your work with us here.

I loved all the warm feelings of togetherness and family in this chapter. I think Chester, Mike, and especially Otis needed that sorely. After all of the drama, fights, and break ups, it's so comforting that they still have so many people to love and support them.

Linda and Howard are angels in this. It takes a lot of courage and determination to recognize the faults in your own daughter and side against her. I'm glad they realize what is right instead of blindly taking her side. And my heart breaks for Linda, her health is so poor from all the stress and she seems inwardly miserable, even around family. I'm worried that something bad may happen to her soon. Anna needs to wake up, not just to realize Otis's needs, but her mother's as well. I hope in the end Anna will realize her fault and do her best to fix things.

The temporary joint custody was a start. It's easy to see how much happier Otis is with Mike and Ches. Unlike Anna, they try to pick themselves up and still be a family, instead of wallowing in their misery, which would be very understandable. But they're stronger people than that, plus they have each other. I was so sad to see Otis get so jealous of Hayley, but again, it is an understandable and natural reaction, after being away from his father so long. Mike was so torn apart by it, but Chester had such wise words for him, and really made the situation much more manageable to Mike.

Talinda is still an absolute angel, doing everything she can to get Mike and Ches together. She's even trying harder than Mike is, which really says something about her unconditional love for both of them. The scene where Mike drove to Tali's house at night, just broke my heart it was so bittersweet. And then her fighting to keep Anna out of their business, I just ... *sigh* She needs to find happiness, I would really hate to see her go through all of this alone. Ha, I almost wish there were two Chester's. One for her and one for Mike. But of course, that can't happen and that's what makes this story so real and beautiful. It's nothing too dramatic or outrageous, just real people dealing with real life issues and heartbreak.

I'm excited to hear that the next chapter will coax in the Bennoda, but to be honest, you have been coaxing in the Bennoda from chapter 1. It's subtle, their love and affection, but it's real and beautiful. It's growing between them without either of them realizing it, and again, that's what makes the story so real and natural. I adore all of the sweet Bennoda hints you disperse throughout the chapters. I especially liked the part where Mike tried to sleep without Chester next to him, and couldn't. Then Chester came to find him. Maybe because Chester felt the same way? Or maybe he just could sense that Mike wouldn't be okay if left alone in that room? Either way it is just sweet and beautiful. Nothing sexual about it, just pure adoration and love.

I'm so sorry for rambling for so long, I'll stop now before I completely spam your review box. But I'm really looking forward to the next chapter, please say you will be updating soon? :)

This chapter was shocking. Seeing them all together enjoying each other's company was so nice. The way Linda noticed how Chester makes Mike feel happy is new to her and she wonders where her daughter went wrong with her marriage to not be a part of that. Anna should really just learn to leave them alone! I mean she took Otis away for such a long time and now Otis is jealous of his little sister! Anna is such a monster! I can't believe that Talinda told Anna that she was pregnant....I mean wow way to drop a huge bomb on her, but that at least bought Mike some time with the custody issue. I'm fan girling a bit about how Mike is finally recognizing his feelings for a certain vocalist and it's so cute! Chester has to feel the same way because at the end of the chapter he goes an sleeps with Mike. I don't want to sound mean and say that Talinda is being a constant intrusion in Rob's love life but she is. I mean come on! Let the boy spent time with a nice girl. Then again who doesn't want someone so reliable like Robbie. I'm so in love with you story please update soon!

The kids get me every time. They are adorable! They're innocent and it kills me to see them thrown into this along with the parents. I loved when the family all got together and greeted Otis and Hayley. The children are loved and that really matters. I feel for Mike. No matter who you are, if you have a child that is yours, despite if they even look like you or act like you are whatever, it's going to tear you apart if they are taken away from you. Man or woman. The feelings of being a parent and having a child look up to you and depend on you stick to you and they don't leave. Mike's got a lot on his plate, but he does have a very supportive family and friends. I believe he can get through this, but it has to be one step at a time. If he tries to tackle it all at the same time, he'll snap. I understand Otis's conflict with Hayley. Sibling rivalry and jealousy is very common. Whether you are the first born or last, you eventually want the spotlight on you and it's hard for Mike to do that. Chester is a huge help and such a sweet friend. He does deserve more attention from Mike, but he is content with just helping his friend out with his kids that he also loves and I find that adorable and admirable on many levels. I just hope Anna doesn't ruin them. She doesn't understand them and it is ruining their image to her. Maybe things will clear up. Nice chapter!

Let's say, a man's reaction is never easy to write down with words. People who deal with the emotional side of a man may find different things on each, and since no one but Anna in real life can see that kind of side of his, it's usually very hard to try on a fiction. This is a good effort, trying to deal with the opposite sex's reactions, and probably the people who read who have dealt with men define it unrealistic, but I believe this is the biggest effort of yours and it's pretty good. After all, this is the projection of a possible real situation in which each character's personality is put under the same distress. I like how you're doing it, but Mike is too.. Let's say, he let things sink too much into his mind, sure the days could be better for him (evil author makes it tough Hahaha) but he shouldn't let all of it destroy his mind. Also because, first of all, look at how Chester goes around him all the time trying to make things easier and better for him. He has friends, a good woman like Talinda around, he should let those things make his nerves toughen up instead of psychologically falling apart as it seems. He has a best friend anyone would love to have by their side. To me, Mike is already strong in this story. He showed his strength many times, he just doesn't understand when it's time to leave it behind and move on. But he's Mike, I'm sure he knows what to do. Hopefully he will understand now, that Otis is finally back and they even had a good memory of his return. Anna could kindly stop bothering him after all this. I agree with Paula when she said Mike is also too slow figuring out his feelings for Chester, we talked about it on a social. They need to stare into each other's eyes someday and face the truth! Chester is the one he dreams of and they will be together because they're meant to be. As for the writers review thing, please be kind to everyone. It's only fiction, it's not real, and it's not a fight for who does it better. It is just a site.

I loved this chapter, and you updated at the perfect time too, I really needed a break in my jam packed schedule.

This might be a little long, so I apologize in advance.

I'm not going to bag on anyone, but I have read some of the other reviews left, and I just wanted to say that the emotion in this story isn't anything but real. Keeping it related to this chapter though- Mike is in a tough spot, and he has the habit of not wanting to let people in because he doesn't want to be more of a burden then he already thinks he is- no matter how many times he is told that he isn't. He just got Otis back, and it's hard to shift from a routine he'd forced himself into just to make it through the day. Me being the eldest of four siblings and the only one my Mother had to talk to when my parents split, I know first hand how devastating and heart wrenching it is to find out that your own children feel like you're playing favorites. It rips your word apart. You go back through every single thing you had ever done and question everything. Did one get too many marshmallows in their hot chocolate then the other? Had one gotten ten presents for their eighth birthday while the other had gotten twelve? Did a hug last too long? Bedtime stories picked that weren't agreed on by everyone present? A kiss on the forehead- a kiss on the cheek; little stupid things.

I can also see the situation from Otis's point of view too. He'd been away from his father for so long, been on the edge of his Mother's bitter attitude. Seeing Hayley get so much attention- whether realizing she is just a baby who needs a lot of attention or not, hit a sore stop. But I think Chester really helped by telling Mike how he could make Otis feel more involved.

Plus, each day Mike becomes more and more aware of his feelings for Chester, and more and more he tries to deny them and tries to block them out, keeping Chester in the dark. But I personally felt that he was beginning to open up a little more in the last few chapters. Saying to himself 'maybe this could work out, maybe I can do something right for a change.' I truly believe he never meant to hurt Chester- the exact opposite really. Anna's term for the temporary custody, however, have really thrown all his progress to hell. He loves his son with all his heart- both his children. He love's Chester too, but I think that the fact that if he acts on those feelings for the singer could take Otis away from him- possibly for good, has made him go numb. He just wants to shove everything in a bottle and cast it out to see and hope and pray he never sees it again.

A lot of people have this misconception about men being made of stone. That they don't cry or get upset or feel like their back is against the wall. A lot has happened as the story has progressed, and pretty much every character has been affected. Some more then others, but the way you have written it makes it all seem so real. How a person would actually respond in the situation dealt them.

Anna ... she's still pissing me off. The conditions of the temporary custody put aside- I really can't believe she just thinks she can stop the divorce and the custody battle and try to go back to the way things were, like she hadn't abandoned her little girl or like she hadn't left her husband broken and torn her son's life apart. Plus, her Mother's health is steadily declining and all she ever seems to do is add fuel to the fire. Like it's just too hard for her to take a step back and not realize her actions effect more then just her and that wallowing in the mess she created is an excuses to become blind to the world.

Talinda on the other hand has my sympathy, the poor thing. She's compelled to do the right thing no matter how badly it effects herself. We need more people like that in the world. Her slip up to Anna may make matters worse for everyone, but she was only trying to help.

The atmosphere for most of this chapter was really awesome as well. The 'welcome home party' for Otis and the movie night at Heidi and Joe's place gave me a sense of family that I hadn't know for a while- and for that I thank you deeply. A bunch of dogs and kids running around and having fun while friends and family gather and just hang out and enjoy a little food. One of my favorite parts though, was when Mike couldn't sleep without Chester, and that Chester obviously felt the same way.

And again, I love how you incorporate in everyone's side stories in as well, it gives it something fresh that helps unclog emotions from one part of the story to the next so that the reader has a moment to rest and start back again with a clean slate. The detail and effort you put in is also amazing as always. I love how Hayley is starting to teeth and the bit with Chester talking to her about baby food flavors made me remember back to when my youngest sibling was still in diapers. Adorable.

As far as the sexual advances go- unlike some readers, I think the pace set is perfect, and I'm not going to lie, hearing that there will be a bit more Bennoda in upcoming chapters is exciting! But don't rush it to please readers. At the end of the day it's your story and you are sharing it with us for free.

I can't wait for what happens next :]

(And if any of the other reviewers have something to say about my opinions, they can come and talk to me directly instead of spamming the reviews. My email is on my page as well as many other media outlets.)

-Jack

Word count wasn't the only thing listed. And just because I say 90% of what stories are out there, doesn't mean it just means her and two others are any good. Sad fact is that poorly written stories with weak characters, plot and elements highly outweigh the rest. Maybe if they at least bothered editing, the situation would be better. I said she is ONE of the few to stand by the classics.

Don't say this author doesn't take criticism when she hasn't been able to respond to you, which won't be until the next chapter. (Sorry MissBikeFinoda that we're responding to each other in your reviews. I know it makes you feel like this cheats the number of reviews).

If you didn't like the direction, you should have said so earlier. That's why reviews are important. You'll be missing out, I'm sure.

Anything else to say, let's keep it to emails. Reviews should be kept as reviews, not conversations or arguments between readers.

ShinodaMinodaFinoda the number of words doesn't define an author's greatness. congrats for dumping on all the other authors here which I love

fyi, people put a lot of effort in their works and making long drama doesn't turn a story into a book you made it sound pretentious

sorry author for the criticism that's not appreciated. the first 8 chapters are nice I liked reading good luck with the rest

Funny, soLost_I_cannotBeFound, that you choose the chapter that hasn't really had them crying to mention it. Finally being allowed to see his son? His toddler hitting his infant? Yeah, what a pussy, right?

But so what? I'm a "father" to my little sisters, and just thinking of possibly having them taken away guts me, I can imagine were they my actual children, MY kids, I think I'd be a fuckin' wreck going through what these guys have. I would be a wreck with my SIBLINGS.

I sure as hell appreciate reading about them crying over their children and suddenly questioning themselves, than 90% of what else is out there on this site. Here they are grown men with happy, steady, lives and families suddenly thrown to the beasts. Other stories have them calling each other worse than "wifey" in her joking sense and acting like teenagers NOT in their sad situations.

You're not used to REAL dramas on here.

I think this story is one of the only ones that can stand at level with the classic greats on here.

I've been reviewing in private, because I am not ready to publicly leave the thoughts and emotions I have written to her, but I can't not write this here:

You are doing amazingly, MissBikeFinoda. I LOVE your story and wish I could hold it between my hands bound together as a book.

Grammar and dialogue actually exist in your story. And an average of 17,000 words per chapter? Characters besides Mike and Chester given depth? Children developing as they grow and dog's written in to their actual behaviors? Growth of a relationship without them cheating before having sex? They don't give you enough credit.

I've read her stories on Bleach on fanfiction.net. I just know the NC-17 elements of what's to come to this stunning story will have you all regret your words.

I believe in you and story, MissBikeFinoda!

You write very well, the story is interesting, the plot is complex, the characters are interesting, never banal. My criticism is the slowness ..... my impression is that nothing happens. I don't want to read about men who fuck after a few lines, but after 15 chapters Mike has not spoken with Chez. Mike doesn't know his feelings, Chez knows nothing .... and we don't know what he feels. I love stories with many characters and so many details but I'm confused at this point ...

Excuse my bad English ...

Paula

criticism

your story's characters look too much all like girls or depressed women but they're men and thats what sets me off a lot and made me stop reading. they have women reactions and mike expecially sounds like a teen who needs his mommy and chester is the mommy. this new chapter with the "wifey" finished killing it whole. it's un pleasant to read most of times. sorry for being a bad guy but I enjoyed reading it at first then it all went bad. I'm sorry for abandoning the story because it was well done

Oh my gosh, this story just continues to get better and better! Chester and Mike are so in love, their bond is so natural and beautiful, yet they won't admit the depth of their feelings. It's so frustrating, that they're so close to being the happy couple they deserve to be, but so far from it at the same time. Some of Chester's lines are so cute and hilarious like when Mike asked where his "gorgeous" had been, and Chester answered as if Mike was talking about him (which, I bet to some extent, Mike was talking to Chaz). Mikes parents were so amazing and understanding, I'm so glad Mike has more people to help and support him, he really deserves it with all the pain and stress he's going through. And he has the band too, but I agree with Brad that it's not fair to Mike or Chester for Mike to ignore his feelings. Mike, please say something, Chester obviously feels the same, he just doesn't realize it...

Anna is still pissing me off, how can she be so vindictive and selfish? That woman needs to just move on and get over herself. I can't believe she thinks that she can just waltz in and take Otis AND the house... Oh, I want to slap her so badly. I am glad that she agreed to give Mike temporary joint custody, but now I'm afraid Mike will pull away from Chaz in order to keep his son. Maybe Anna will realize Otis needs his father when she sees how much happier he is with Mike, although I kinda doubt it, with how self centered she is. It sent chills down my spine when I read the scene with Mike and Anna in mediation, and Anna saw Hayley, but she felt nothing. How can a mother feel nothing for their six month old child? There is something seriously wrong with Anna's head, actually I think Mike will be MUCH better off without her.

I always love when you write about the guys in the studio, the way you write is just so natural, funny, and real. I feel like I'm actually looking in on the real guys in the studio, your description and dialogue are incredible, really. I also can't believe Hayley is over six months now, time is going by so fast. I'm worried about what will happen to her once the band leaves on tour though? I know Mike and Chaz will figure it out though, they have a lot of support from their friends and family. I still adore Talinda, she is just the sweetest, most selfless person I've ever seen. Soon she won't be able to hide her baby bump though, Mike needs to tell Chester his feelings before that happens... I also love Rob's budding romance with Erika, it's such an adorable, light hearted break from the drama going on with the others (although I do love the drama too!)

I'm sorry for the extremely late review, I wanted to wait until I had time to really read and enjoy the whole chapter. I read it twice through before reviewing, and I'm still amazed by your amazing description and detail. One of my top 5 favorite fan fictions ever, definitely. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter, update soon! <3

This chapter made me want to cry so much!!! Specially the end!!! When Mike and little Otis were reunited I got them feels!!! Omg my eyes were so watery. Overall the chapter had everything. I'm glad Mike's dad was not one to tell his son that he had disgrace him in any way since the one at fault is Anna. The support of his family and of Chester is what makes man the great person and father he is. I'm glad that also his parents see the way the relationship between Mike and Chester was always present but now it is more obvious. The band as a whole is doin great and it's fun to see Rob finally building a relationship with someone who also has a beloved pet. I just hope that the whole joint custody thing doesn't turn into something that Anna will use to her advantage to keep Mike away from Chester. Well great job!!! Your chapters are always so detailed and I can't wait for the next chapter.

Wow what a chapter! I feel for Mike so much. He just wants to be a part of his kid's life and Anna is making that so hard for him. He already has so much to deal with. He has his baby girl, Chester, his own family, and the album. It's so much for one man. But he's a strong man with great friends. The band is so supportive and I just love them for being that way with Mike. He has people there for him. I felt so bad for Mike when he broke down in front of his father, but his family adores him and I'm glad for that. Anna is annoying me with her persistent, greedy behavior. Let the guy catch a break and at least try to be sensitive to the situation. The reunion between Otis and Mike was so touching! I'm glad they still have a bond. Can't wait for more!

This chapter was literally insane!

Going from Mike breaking down in the beginning to Otis being back in his arms at the end messed with my emotions throughout so much I might just need a nap.

And Anna does nothing but piss me off more and more every chapter. That's Mike and Chester home, it's their safe haven. Not to mention that it's Hayley's home- the daughter she abandoned, I can't believe she thinks she actually has any claim on it. Plus, putting Mike in the worst position possible! Now, because of Anna's ridiculous terms, Mike is going to pull away from Chester out of fear of losing Otis after just getting him back, and possibly for good. Chester's going to think it's his fault to. Ugh ... my feels.

But I like how everyone around Mike and Chester are starting to notice things they didn't before and none of them are responding in a negative way. I really can't wait to see what happens when everything comes to light, I just hope nothing bad happens because of it.

Amazing chapter, can't wait for more!

-Jack