CL Mustafic

Just posted chapter 5! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Review replies for Strip Me Bare Chapter 4 Okay once again thanks to everyone that reads, rates and reviews. I appreciate the support even though I know I’m slacking big time now that it’s summer. It’s been ungodly hot here and I just can’t get myself to sit inside with the pool’s cool water beckoning me. So this next chapter I expect to have fewer reviews because for some reason it seems like as much as people bitch when I make them wait for the smexy chapters, when I finally post one it gets so quiet that I can hear the crickets chirping. Yep you heard right – there’s gonna be some smexy times in the upcoming chapter so you’re welcome in advance… On to the review replies… Tahn: It’s funny because Graham was originally supposed to be named Thad but I decided I hated that name after the first few chapters so I ended up making it his stage name (I’m so clever, I know). I think Lance is trying to impress Erik but he’s sort of failing miserably and Graham almost always has ulterior motives. Anon-ish: I’m so glad you LOVE IT! I know Lance is sort of a sympathetic character especially since we all know Erik’s a flake and not too easy to deal with. So far I don’t have anyone for Lance but that may change. Charles is actually Graham’s uncle’s partner but they’ve been together for a long time so he calls them both uncle (see not so creepy lol). I’m sure everyone will hear the news (good or bad) as soon as I know but thanks because I need all the luck I can get. Aduial: Yeah, I think Lance made a mistake taking Erik to a place where he knew everyone and was easily distracted, no one likes to be ignored on a date. Oh I want to go to Portugal, I’ve heard it’s awesome! I’m glad I could help make your life complete. lol I’m back to working on new chapters again so hopefully you’ll get more of everyone soon. Lisa: Yay, I’m glad you liked it! Yeah, Graham’s uncles are pretty great, you’ll get to see more of them in other stories too because they have a great restaurant. I like Graham too and I think he’ll be just what the doctor ordered for Erik (even if Erik is a bit resistant at first ). Karaifan33: I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story so far and took the time to let me know. Yes I think Graham already likes Erik but maybe not quite love at first sight… Nope, no revenge on the police but they were just doing their jobs so Erik will get over it. Thanks for reviewing! Myrt: Thanks, I’m really glad you get the humor in this story. I really do try to get my characters to feel like real people and not just some cardboard cutout of what people expect from a normal romance story. My chapters are usually not overly long and yes on this story they are short but that’s because I feel like too much Erik can get a bit grating on the nerves. I also don’t really love first person but some stories just beg to be written in them, look on the bright side at least it’s not in present tense too! Thank you, I will take all that as a huge compliment and thank you for making my day! Well that’s all for the replies, thanks again to all who reviewed! Chapter 5 is up now! CL

Review Replies for The Heart Wants Chapter 15 Once again thanks to all who read, rate and review! We’re half way through Justin’s POV now so soon onto Zeb… I’m happy to hear that you all like my characters interacting with each other through the various stories because the idea I have for Spence’s story will see pretty much everyone together for Nikola and Gage’s wedding but that’s a while off since I decided to try and finish the ones I’m working on before starting another one. *Pats self on back for being a responsible writer for once* So on to the replies… Tahn: I know, how cute (not to mention clueless) was that idea. It’s still going to be awhile before it’s more than kissing and such for all three of them. Zeb’s got some work to do before he’ll be ready. Mona Thompson: Yay you! Yes it takes place around ten years or so later than Picking Up the Pieces. I know it sort of spoils the ending of that one but if you’ve read Loving Sarajevo, you already knew that they were together. I’m glad you love it! Aduial: I’m happy to hear that more people aren’t upset that I spoiled the ending of PUP for them (like there was ever any question anyway ). They’ll go through their share of ups and downs but well… not going to spoil it for you. Yeah, Zeb’s going to come out of his shell soon so look out. Urgghh tell me about it. We’ve been close to 40 for the past week with no relief in sight. Spending most of my days in the pool just to keep from melting. Anon-ish: At least I know that I’m doing something right, so thanks. Payne will show up in a couple of chapters later on so yeah, they’ll get to know them some. Justin’s going to have his hands full that’s for sure and the Mandy thing will come to a head soon too. Thanks for reviewing! Lisa: I know, I think this chapter came at a good time because PUP is so dark that it’s nice to see there is a light at the end of the tunnel at least. It did make sense and I thought it was funny too that he thinks they’re weird it keeps him off balance a bit too which is nice. Zeb’s going to get his own personal little helper soon on top of the counselors so I see him getting what he needs. Lele: Thanks, I’m really glad you like it. More’s on it’s way… So that’s it for the replies, thanks again to everyone that left me a review! Chapter 16 is up now! CL

Chapter 4 is now up! Thanks again to all who are reading, rating and reviewing!

Review Replies for Strip Me Bare Chapter 3 Thanks once again to all who read, rate and review! I’d like to just say that I’m really happy with the response this story has gotten, I never expected it to actually be read by many. It’s a bit of a shock so I’m glad you all are enjoying it. To everyone that reads my other stories: I’m sorry that I haven’t been updating them recently. I’ve had so RL issues and I’ve also been busy trying to polish up FFH to get it ready to send to a publisher. Yes, I know it’s a pipe dream but I thought what the hell? Yolo right? Anyway, I’ll be getting back to pumping out new chapters here soon so thanks for waiting so patiently! So on to the review replies… Tahn: Ha, I know right but you know how some people are. I think Erik pushes everyone away because deep down he’s insecure and so rejects before he can be rejected. It would have been hilarious if the stripper man had seen that scene but alas, he was busy giving lap dances – a boy’s gotta make a living. Aduial: That is so true, it’s funny how our expectations are never met when we meet them in person. (I had to look up who James Marsden was btw I don’t watch much TV.) He needs someone to tell him what to do period. I absolutely <3 your jet lagged hogwash! Anon-ish: Wow, I’m so glad you like this one too! Yeah, I’m not sure about Lance… we’ll see more of him I’m sure. I agree, I know I’m a big ole fag hag from way back so that’s probably where Bree came from. Thanks for the review! Lisa: Yeah, poor Erik was just having a bad night all around. But I think he may have a few surprises coming his way. We’ll just have to cross our fingers and hope for the best, right? lol So thanks again to all that reviewed! Chapter 4 is up now. CL

It's totally not a problem and as for the review reply, I was sort of joking. It's nice to know why you avoided the story though and I hope that it wasn't too depressing for you. You can take heart in the fact that my stories pretty much always have a happy ending! Things should lighten up a bit in the next few chapters. It gets me a bit depressed to write that dark stuff too that's why I'm writing Strip Me Bare, it's much lighter in tone and helps wash my brain a bit. Thanks for reading and reviewing and replying to my reply, LOL that was a lot of ands. CL

Chapter 3 is up now, thanks to all who are reading, rating and reviewing, I appreciate the support!

Review Replies for Strip Me Bare Chapter 2 Okay so here’s where I tell all of you who read, rate and review thank you so thank you all for sticking with me so far. I’m actually surprised that this story has gotten the response it has since it’s just something that I started playing with and the first like six chapters just sort of happened and I had no idea what direction I was going with it. I really didn’t know until like chapter 8 or 9 I think so hold on, there will be an actual story happening soon, I promise. So on with the review replies… Tahn: It’s funny because it was something that actually sort of happened but not really. LOL I think it fits him too, things seem to just happen to him. I think you hit the nail on the head, reject them before they can reject you, it’s a good philosophy. I know there’s someone too but I bet it’s not the one you’re thinking of. Peabody: Seriously no, I don’t. I’m sorry and I appreciate that you keep reading my stuff. Yeah, he’s a bit obnoxious and yes that will probably get annoying fast so… well… um… I’m sorry? Vidalhbea: Nothings wrong with her, you’ll find out in the next chapter why she’s being so pushy. I know, I love his mom too. Thanks and I’ll try. Aduial: Aww shucks, thanks but you know how it is you’re always your own worst critic. Yeah, I couldn’t believe she said that either and it’s very true that it’s harder to erase the words once they’re out there. Wow a flight attendant, that’s gotta be cool to travel like that but I suppose you don’t get to see much more than airports and hotel rooms. It’s never too late for a review, I appreciate each and every one of them no matter how long, short, misspelled or late! Semaya: Yay! I’m glad you really like the story and think it’s funny. (That’s sort of what I was going for, after all.) It’s nice to hear you liked the prologue, it was a bit much but what can I say? Sometimes things just happen. You won’t have to wait too long… Lisa: I know, how great is she? I always get caught between the questions of should the parents be completely accepting or should they freak out? I think most are somewhere in the middle but I prefer completely accepting so I tend to go with that because that’s how I’d be I guess. I think that is what most people tend to find, the one that’s right for them because let’s face it there’s no perfect man or woman on this planet so may as well give up that idea. The strip show is in the next chapter! Yay, you didn’t miss it! LOL Myrt: Well I’m glad that I didn’t live up to your expectations then. I don’t really love first person either but it seemed to work with this one or at least it is so far. I wasn’t sure if people would be turned off by the humor or not so I’m glad you like it and find the character’s also likeable. Yeah, I read and to be honest write a lot of stories where the guys are really hot but I thought it would be a nice change to try out a ‘normal’ guy. That’s all for now, thanks again to all who reviewed! Chapter 3 is up now! CL

I have my ways... muhahahaha

Damn good idea Tahn, cheers! Review Replies for The Heart Wants Chapter 14 So once again, thanks to all who read, rate and review, I appreciate each and every one of you. Um… yeah… well… I got nothing. On to review replies… Tahn: Yeah it’s sort of nice to see that Matt’s future is good, makes reading Picking Up the Pieces a little easier. I’m not sure but I’m leaning towards the former since Zeb felt he needed to get away so badly. Shane will probably get over it pretty quickly. In my mind he’s like a big clueless puppy most of the time. Things hit him hard but then slide right off. Yeah he’s okay with it so far… Lele: review 1) I’m not doing my job if you saw it coming a mile away! I’ll have to try harder to keep you guessing I guess. As far as why Zeb called his dad; I’d say it’s a sort of conditioning that he’s undergone and the biggest thing he’s been taught is to not disobey and disappearing and his dad not knowing where he is, is a big no-no. review 2) There’s no excuse, some people are just scum. I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far! Aduial: Jet lagged delirium, I have the funniest picture in my head of you right now, you don't even want to know... I’m glad you like them together! No problem, I love your reviews even when you can’t type straight! Lisa: He is exactly that and I agree that a mother should protect her child. Zeb needs all the support he can get and Justin and Shane are just what he needs, I think? LOL Yes, Spence was the one Matt went to in the other story. He’s just all over the place, he gets around. Yes I know yet another story… Urrrgghh, if you have a hard time keeping up well just imagine what my poor brain is going through! Nah, it’s so happy with all these things to bounce around too that it’s on a permanent high. Well that’s all for now, thanks again to all who read, rate and review! Chapter 15 is up now! CL PS Yay I managed to get out of my funk long enough to get something done! We should celebrate. This calls for wine, I think...

I skipped the nap and actually fell asleep for the night. It bit me in the ass tho since I woke up at 2am and couldn't go back to sleep...

Do I post another chapter of Strip Me Bare or The Heart Wants? What to do, what to do... Maybe I'll just take a nap instead.

I will wait until you decide what's best. No hurry I'm very patient. I'm glad you decided to finish it. I hate having stories that I read unfinished, of course that's the chance we take when we read on sites like these. Good luck with the next chapter.

Magus, I think that might be what Erik looks like, LOL I'm trying not to describe him at all. So far I've only told my readers that he's slightly chunky and tall. Oh and also that he looks a bit like Kevin James when he lost weight, Paul Blart the Mall Cop on slim fast! Spence is cute in a nontraditional way, he's also a drag queen so LOL Eileen Dover, maybe.

I haven't actually given a really good description of him because he's been evolving in my head as he's been a bit character in three of my stories now. I do have a main story for him but it occurs sort of after all the others and kind of ties everything together so I'm waiting to put it out there so it doesn't spoil anything. I can say that Gage and Nikola's wedding will be featured in it and most of the other characters will show up as guests. I hesitate to tell you who he reminds me of because one; I know some people will be turned off by it and two; I like to leave it up to people's imagination so I try not to go overboard on the descriptions of my characters. I'll give you a hint though he was in quite a few comedy movies in the early 90's and I doubt he'd be what anyone would consider someone you'd drool over. I don't know I think it's mostly the hair that makes me think they seem similar. I'm glad you're enjoying all the stories! Thanks for letting me know. CL

You're such a butthead Magus, it was Jane's Addiction, no that's a band... Appointment, it was Jane's Appointment... um right? LOL

I don't think you should abandon a story because of lack of reviews. Usually I count myself lucky to get one review for every few hundred views, most people just read without reviewing. You shouldn't let that discourage you. If you have the story in you, you should write it. I was reading and I think I left a review for what I'd read so far. I guess I won't bother with the chapters you posted since then since you won't be finishing it.

Review Replies for Picking Up the Pieces Chapter 6 Once again, thanks to all who read, rate and review! I’m sorry this next update has been a bit delayed. I was on vacation and then… I had a small attack of nerves so thanks to my loyal reader, Tahn for giving me her opinion on the upcoming chapter thus giving me the confidence to post it. I hate transitional chapters, they’re hard to write (and probably suck to read too). So on to the replies… Aduial: Of course there’s drama coming up. And yes, I have four kids, I’m well versed in cartoons, I have to say that I love Ferb but I draw the line at writing fanfiction (not that there’s anything wrong with that but it’s just not my style). I wasn’t sure how many would catch the Narnia thing or if it would be as funny to anyone else as it was to me (I have a strange sense of humor ) so I’m glad you thought it was funny enough to share with others! Yay I’ve officially made it! (Well in my mind at least.) I needed to confuse poor Matt a bit and having Payne act like it was nothing to touch him certainally did the trick. Yeah it is pronounced pain and yes he’s had plenty. I always love to hear that people like my side characters because it means that they’re not just paper cut outs. Angel-Cake: Um… first off I just have to ask – Why on earth have you been avoiding this story?!? Did I offend you somehow? Or is it because of the trite and clichéd title and blurb? Oh well whatever it was I’m glad you were lured over to the dark side. Yeah Ralphie… no he’s not been trafficked but his fate still hangs in the balance… I’m glad you like it so far and you don’t have to write great prose to be able to tell someone what you like or don’t so thanks for making the effort for me, I appreciate it. And yes, unfortunately Payne has to suffer some setbacks but sometimes unexpeceted things come from the traumatic. Vidalhbea: Thanks, I’m so glad you’re still enjoying it. I just wanted people to see why Stella was so passionate about these types of cases. Matt had to tell her… I think he did at least… hope it wasn’t a mistake. LOL Thanks and thank you for the review and continued support! Tahn: Yeah, so did I. I guess I figured Baz for a bad friend but not Ralphie. I bet Payne would have known something was up if he’d have been in his right mind. Well you got a sneak preview of how it went down. I hope it wasn’t a huge disappointment. Thanks again for the help and encouragement! Mona Thompson: Oh crap. I didn’t realize that I left it on a crappy cliffhanger for so long! Darn beach vacations, sorry. FortunateM: Yes, I think you’re right about Payne not believing that Matt is actually real but he can’t deny the reality of it for long. You’re most likely right about Matt not mentioning his unprofessional visit to Payne’s hospital room. I’m not sure he fully understands why he was there in the first place and I believe he’s confused about their encounter while he was there. I’m so glad you like it and hope that this next one continues to keep you entertained. SlashArtist: Wow, thanks for the review. I’ve been looking for the time to read For Fake’s Sake, it’s on my to do list. I’m so glad you liked it and thank you for the compliment, it’s always nice to hear that from another writer. One can never have too many fans! *Winks cheekily at Tahn* (close your blinds girl ) Lisa: I know it’s horrible. Baz is scum and so are his boyfriend and his friends, there’s no excuse for people like them. There will be some surprises when it comes to the FBI but I’m not telling. I’m glad he told Stella too. I think it will make their partnership stronger. Narnia! LOL I know I shouldn’t say it but I love that line too. Hey! I like chocolate and salt! Chocolate covered potato chips are my favorite. (great now I crave them!) Okay that’s all for now. Again sorry for the delayed update and thanks again to all who reviewed. Chapter 7 is up now! CL

Magus

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Nope Magus, nothing interesting happened at all... We all just sit around waiting for you to make our lives interesting. We've been hella bored up in here without you to liven things up.

I actually had a rough idea of Matt and Payne's story before Loving Sarajevo. it's funny because the story in my head evolved a lot by the time I started writing it and it really looks nothing like it started out originally. It happens with a lot of my stories, by the time I get around to writing them they change or in the process of writing them they go in a direction that I hadn't planned. All of my characters are in the same universe so they pop up here and there sometimes in just bit parts but in others they actually make a bigger impact. Like Payne in The Heart Wants, he'll be around quite a bit while Zeb gets his life back. A little fun fact; Gage was Lex's college boyfriend. I'ma gonna work on that timeline and how all the stories intersect for you as soon as I get the next chapter of Picking Up the Pieces done. I'm close but really struggling with how much detail to go into on Matt's work on Payne's case. I'm thinking I should just gloss over the details so that I can focus on how their relationship unfolds. I've even gone as far as maybe getting Matt kicked off the case once he gets more involved in Payne's personal life.

Chapter 2 is up now. Check out my review thread for review replies!