The last part about before he woke after he was shot sent chills through my spine. It made think about the boy who died and came back to life that I saw featured on the 700 hundred club once.
A very moving chapter! Keep up the good work!

this is a very good story, i would like to know more about this angry side of "niki". I hope next chapter comes soon(?)

keep up the good work!

It's officially been one year since this has been updated, but I just wanted to let you know that someone (probably many people) is still checking in eagerly. This is a great story, one of the best I've ever read on FictionPress or off it, and I would love to read more.

Just as an idea, though you have probably thought of this yourself... if you're having trouble juggling the three story lines, why not introduce a character (student or faculty) at the college who may be able to serve as some sort of spiritual guide for Nikolai? This person could help him deal with his uncertainty about religion and what he's gone through in his life while Nik is away from the Lutias/Contadinos.

Definitely still hoping to see more from this story, and I hope you haven't given it up!

- Em

I just found this story recently, and I don't know if you are going to end up finishing it, but I really hope you do! The imagry and the detail that you put into the story make it seem real. I feel like I am actually there, it's really really good. I definately want to read more, so update soon please! This is great!

I'm really enjoying this story so far!

I don't think it's going slow at all, to me the progression seems very natural and realisitic

And I love how you introduced the religion theme and then had Nikolai contemplating the 'nurse' that had spoken to him at the hospital!

Love your work ;)

So... I read your story and it's... AWESOME! Everything is very descriptive and well-written:) As for the plot... I can't wait to see what happens next! Hope you can update soon!:D

I just stumbled across your story, and I'm so glad I did! Matt is the sweetest thing out, and I think Nik would be the kind of guy I'd fall head over heels for - look forward to the next update!

Mish xx

:O

OMG. If there was something I actually took about 1-3 hours to read, this was it. Beautiful story, absolutely beautiful. I'm soooooo glad I found it, and I added it to my favorites! PLEAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEE UPDATE! I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER (Not in the creepy stalker tense, though, XD )

:D

Hey! I found your story and am so glad I did! I'm already looking forward to the bond that is forming between Nikolai and the coach. They have a tough road to travel. I liked your descriptions of the land and coach's travel. Also, how long the description was when he first travelled to Nikolai's town and how short the second time - it reflects Dom Lutia's state of mind each time.

It really seems this is going to be a rough journey, with the state Nikolai is in now. God, I hope for the best!

Yay! He did come back! Haha :p I love this story so far. It's definitely one of the best fics I have ever read on here :) Axe

Oh, I like this. I like Nik, for that matter - and the fact that he has been hurt, so badly, but isnt a victim and isnt JUST his abuse.

As a Canadian, I appreciated the hockey too, lol - and I sincerely hope you do continue this, as I would like to know how Nikolai copes with - well, with everything.

Aww, Nikolai is making friends. :D

I liked this chapter. Mostly the scene where Nikolai is talking to his counselor. It's interesting how he sees the scars, how he acknowledges them.

Your characters are, as always, fantastic! It's great reading each chapter, seeing how they change and how they stay the same.

Awesome update, sorry it took me so long to read it. :[ It feels like I never have time for anything anymore with college in the way. :P

Velvet.

I just came across this today and I read the whole thing. My eyes hurt, but it was so worth it. I'm a die-hard hockey fan (Penguins!) and the way that you write about the game is just amazing. I'm actually going to a game tomorrow and now I'm even more excited than I already was.

I love how you tell Nik's story. Stories about "abused boys" get so stereotypical so easily, but this is original and amazingly well-written. I hope there's an update soon!

Wow, an update! It's going well, do update soon!

Btw, about changing the pen name -how about using the format new aka old or something like that for a while. Of course I don't know how easy it is here on fp.

Love it! I'm so glad you've updated! This story is amazing! And coming from a true Gopher fan it's got all the right details! Keep up the good work and I can't wait to read more!