Thanks so much for the update. I'm so attached to these two now I'm glad you're planning to finish. I'm sorry it was a struggle this time around but it felt well organized to me! Thanks again.

Wow, that was really well-written! Trey's situation is so well-articulated. It seemed a bit more 'concise' this time (though that could have just been me rushing through it), either way it was very effective. It's easy to understand Trey's thoughts and actions, and to feel a lot of sympathy for him. Also, the final scene with Kevin was intense - I like all the developments you put in there. It makes sense given that Kevin is so insecure and the issues with his father that he's dealing with... Anyway, I didn't think anything seemed forced at all. I'm really glad that you pushed through the difficulties/lack of inspiration that you were having with it, and that you're committed to finishing this story (hopefully it won't end any time soon though : )).
I'm looking forward to more of this incredibly well-done story, as always! Going to go reread this chapter more slowly now...

I can tell you had trouble writing this. It's a little less convincing than the rest of it. I mean, Kevin's arrival felt a little contrived and everything - but I wouldn't have minded. It just doesn't seem like your heart is in it. I guess, to be more specific, the characters feel imagined less fully, from the outside in rather than from the inside out. If Kevin was so seized with human feeling, it wouldn't matter how contrived the event would be because he makes it real. But instead, it feels like you only knew you had to get Kevin to do xyz so the next part could happen.

I think that scene was the one you mentioned having trouble with. Maybe not though. If you keep writing with conviction in later chapters, it should be fine; if you can't, don't stress. It'll come or it won't, and beating yourself up won't make it come faster. Maybe you started writing that other story because this one has gone as far as it will go for you.

In terms of things you did well (of course there were a lot of them) I really liked the psychology of the characters. I feel like you understand why everybody does what they do. It might be a mystery to them, but not to you. That's a good thing in a story. It's true of Julie, Trey, and Kevin. The way they work is totally believable.

Excellent chapter XD I really enjoyed it. You've really got the emotional progression down for all your characters, and it's a real pleasure to read.
The sex scene was sexier than the first one with them, I think because it was more emotionally charged and a little desperate in some ways. Good stuff:)

'It had been his choice to step in and save the day by marrying her when Ashton Shay died, he didn't have to do it and she didn't owe him for it.' I could be wrong but it feels like this sentence is important to how you feel about this story.

Anyway, I love this as you know. I hope you've got your mojo back.

Sukix

...I'm speechless, and as a fellow writer that is quite the compliment . That was great...you just make me love Trey, he such a great person. He deserves to be happy, I want his children to be happy...boo Julie XP. I also want Kevin to be happy (hopefully with Trey XD) the poor boy. Thank you for this excellent chapter!

Here I am again I haven't read the chapter yet, and I wish I could get replies as an anon , but alas I cannot. I'm just so excited I had to thank you for updating , I check everyday you got me hooked X) .Now off to read.

First story I'm subscribing to so far. I like it so please update soon!

Looking forward to when you update :)

Another awesome chapter! That was another really well done ‘confrontation’ scene… realistic and true to the characters, but it kind of cleared the air to get all that stuff in the open, like the previous cheating conversation. Julie's still kind of an ice queen, but she was a bit more sympathetic, and we get a better understanding of what makes her tick. I was kind of impressed with Julie in that scene - I didn’t really expect her to be so willing to drop Greg, for example, or compromise at all, but in the end it doesn’t change much…
I like the story/detail about the ‘heart game’ - and the term bromantic by the way : P. It’s interesting how more of the truth of how Trey felt about Kyle keeps coming out. For some reason, I’m never expecting it, but it makes sense that he had repressed things. Anyway, Trey is a fascinating character, and I’m really curious to see what’s next!

P.S. I'm sorry I'm reviewing this so incredibly late :S. And thanks a lot for the shout out -that almost never happens to me, so I was all surprised and shy and honoured - I actually signed in once last time, so I will get back to you - I really appreciate your reply : ).

Wow! Cool chapter. Unexpected happenings.

I like how you set up how Julie thinks Kevin is a girl. Now I'm very looking forward to the point where it's like - Aaah! He's a boy! It's written in the stars. It'll be so much fun.

Yes, the turn of events changes a lot of things. It makes the story very different. How can Kevin and Trey's love survive this? Well, love in the least precise sense.

I like how you humanized Julie a bit more while keeping the things that made her her too. I like her a bit more but still dislike her - or dislike the way Trey and her relate to each other. They might be able to build a kind of functional roommate relationship, but not a functional marriage. There is too much anger and incompatibility between them. That's what I think.

There was none of that monologue stuff I complain of from time to time, which is good. Every paragraph felt necessary to the whole.

Can't wait for whatever's next!

Ah nice ending to this chapter;) by saying 'it had to work' it just emphasises how much it doesn't. I love how conflicted Trey is, he's up and down like a see saw, it's great. And it's still very satisfying to see Trey stick up for himself against Julie when she is being so unfair/uncompromising about certain things, like her cello playing.

Looking forward to the next XD

Sukix

I like the fact that the changes in Trey don't happen overnight. This is very realistic. Also, deciding to get divorced, especially if there are kids involved, rarely happen overnight either. Often there'll be a last desperate attempt (or several) to keep things together 'for the sake of the kids'.

All in all, this is very realistic. I'm happy that you haven't resorted to a cheesy, fluffy storyline in which everything works out pefectly right away: to me, realism and angst is where the interesting drama lies.

I thought I would never be so invested in characters as I had been (last week...I just couldn't stop reading..and you got me to cry, bravo) with your wonderfully raw and real "More Beautiful Than Me" but you have given me hope once again with "Play Dates". I cheer for Trey and Kevin... just as I worry for them...and no matter how Julie tries to excuse herself and Trey admits he has nothing to be mad at her for...he does..it makes me so mad...good job XD I hope Trey doesn't screw this up, he made Kevin happy and brushing him off will only result in pain if they don't talk it through...anyways I could go on forever, you rock!

Sadly I don't have much to say because I'm sick and it's hard to think straight...but I'm glad that you posted a chapter even if you hate this story. x) Because I don't hate it. I really hope that everything works out. I don't really know how I feel about them staying together for the kids, since I know if my parents had stayed together things would have been a lot worse. And also I love Kevin, so...ah well, what comes will come.

Hearts,
Maggie

Just thought I'd review again since I'm still thinking about this chapter... I reread it more slowly, and was really able to really appreciate all the details you put in it and the genius of it all.
It seems like there's some foundation for one or both of them to end up forming an attachment, though I might be projecting : ). Thanks again for this story and chapter, & hope you are having a good week!