Friendly Affections - Comments

Genius! Pure genius. Romantic, dramatic, suspenseful (oy vey, I was shaking from first word to last, mentally cheering those crazy kids on, ha), funny - Jodie's freakout at thinking Jack might have a new girl made me giggle like crazy, then to have him calm her with his own declaration, followed by her perfect response... All genius, absolutely.

This chapter was both the ideal summation of their relationship and the missing piece of their puzzle: Jodie finally met him halfway, and they both found their courage. Just gorgeous. I swear, if Jodie were real, I'd totally hunt her down and fist-bump her for blurting out ILY like that, haha. 'Bout time she wised-up! It's hard work living vicariously through a character to whom you keep mumbling "Run to him, woman! He's JMFJ!" at, but it's always been worth it, thanks to your knack for plot developments that fit perfectly in sync with the character insights; I absolutely loved the jumping between past/present and Jack's/Jodie's perspectives throughout the story (I know I've said that before, but I'm a bundle of emotions right now so everything's sticking out in my mile-a-minute mind, LOL). It added so much to the character/plot dynamics and created an amazingly enveloping atmosphere, sequence-by-sequence, and made it all flow so well. I guess that seamlessness is also what made it impossible to choose a side - both Jodie's and Jack's perspectives were always laid bare and were so relatable. I wanted to hang out with them both, punch them both, and see them run off into the sunset together, all at the same time, ha. And on that note...

It goes without saying, but of course, everyone always wants a happily-ever-after for characters that they care about. The fact that you gave J & J a version that was loyal and fitted to their relationship instead of a cookie-cutter "and everything was perfect from then on and they got married and had a bunch of itty bitty future hockey gods of their own and they never fought or found themselves on different wavelengths again but blissfully grew old together and died and even had a great time doing that the end" - okay, a bit exaggerated, but you know what I mean - is a testament to your strength as an author. What they have may not be perfect, but it's perfect for them. Simply brilliant.

So... I guess now.... I'll just sit here twiddling my thumbs, acting all cool and nonchalant as I pretend like I'm not fighting back tears from your incredibly sweet shout-out (you deserve all the accolades, believe me), bring the story up for a billionth read-through, and cross my fingers, toes, arms, legs, and eyes that you decide to run with that sequel idea. No pressure, though! Nope. None. Just sittin' here, all twisted and junk. Not desperate or anything... just how I roll.... yep...... ;-)

Seriously, you are amazing. Please keep it up. You're creative and eloquent beyond belief, and have talent to spare. Sequel or not, fanfiction or not, please keep it up!! <3 <3 <3

Would love a sequel!

Oy vey... You know I adore you, but come on.... this was just cruel, LOL! I stopped breathing when Jack looked up and their eyes met, and I've yet to start again. Love how RJ and Cam came to the rescue and the fact that they consider her a genuine friend, not just a kind of extension of Jack, if that makes sense. Of course, now I'm in that place where I'm on the edge of my seat dying to see what delicious torture you have in store for them next, LOL, and wanting you to take your time with the update so the story will last that much longer! It's the best and worst kind of agony, I tell ya. Guess I'll just have to take the edge off a bit by re-reading the entire thing for the umpteenth time. Delicious torture, indeed....

As always, thank you so much for another amazing chapter. You are absolutely brilliant and have a true gift. Your skills are going to take you far, and I'm thrilled that you're embracing your creative gifts. This story is one of the very few things making the off-season bearable, and I'm beyond grateful! You're the best!!!

I have to say that I have a love/hate emotional dealio going on with the latest updates: I love everything about this story, I hate to see it come to an end, and the joy and sadness from both are making me a human teeter-totter of emotion, ha. I know I've written this so many times that if it's possible to get tired of reading compliments you're probably there or on the brink, but you really are such a great writer. So eloquent and thorough; the past/present set-up is so seamless here, and it's all detailed in a way that anyone who has been in love - or at least enamored with someone - can easily relate to what the characters have gone and are going through, but at the same time, every detail isn't handed out on a platter, so we're still able to use our imaginations to make the scenarios even more personal and relatable. Truly, with your creativity and way with words - not to mention capacity for grammar, thank heavens.... there are more than a couple of Crosby stories you could go cross-eyed trying to figure out, I know from experience - I daresay that this story would be intoxicating even if I hadn't a clue who JJ was, it's that strong.

I was grinning like an idiot throughout the teasing in the Finnish bar (and may have mumbled "If only..." in between dreamy sighs a couple of times, but I digress), nearly had a panic attack during Jack's rebound date, then was back to grinning during his Facebook stalk session. Who hasn't done that once or twice? Thought it was adorable, and yet I completely felt for him there. And the part where he appeased himself by thinking that at least his checking Jodie's FB it wasn't nearly as pathetic as her dialing-and-ditching him made me literally laugh out loud. Love the bits of wry humor sprinkled throughout; you really nailed Jack's personality, or at least what I've seen of it, and Jodie always seems like she'd be a riot to hang out with. There's just too much here that's impossible not to love. Truly one of the best. You're awesome, as always. <3

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^ you can find all that indenting and italics stuff here!

Thank gosh you updated. I really missed this story. And it just keeps getting better. Hopefully you update real soon! :)

Holy moly, you've taken what was already an awesome story (I may have mentioned that a couple of times *cough*) and tweaked it into perfection. Truly, the revisions allow each chapter to blend together so smoothly and seamlessly that coupled with the vibrant descriptions of each thought, emotion, flirtation, desire..... I can feel them all as I read along. Pain, hope, longing - it's all 100% raw and realistic, and of course, beautifully heart-wrenching. You're such an amazing writer, and I can't thank you enough for all the work you're putting into the story. It just gets better and better. Simply brilliant.

Ch. 9 was so sad. They just need to talk, to be honest, to lay it all out there. I know the pain is overwhelming but even if there's no hope of reconciliation, it can help to lay the pain to rest and come to grips by just talking. BUt of course, he's right in that if he can't talk, he needs to be left alone to try to get to the same place instead re-visiting the pain.

Oh my goodness, so worth the wait, and then some... and by some, I mean x1,000,000. Thank you so much, you (and this story, naturally) are absolutely fantastic! Every thought, memory, hope, and desire experienced are all so relatable and real, and coupled with your eloquent style and obvious creativity, it's just so easy to melt into each scenario, each feeling described, which, considering the content of the latest chapter, probably explains why it's so hot in here and I can't catch my breath.... ;-D You are beyond talented!!

I really really really love this. You're such a fantastic writer!

I've been using my time wisely for the past few weeks, trying to think up creative ways to provoke another update from you, and naturally, after a while my depraved, desperate mind took me to the realm of "What Would Jack Do?" Offer to name my firstborn after you? Nah, pretty sure he decided at birth that his own future mini-him shall be JJ the Fourth. Hmmm, write and perform a heartfelt ballad about love and breakfast foods and feet? Nope, wrong guy (though in all fairness, having seen on Twitter just how high our Jack's sass-o-meter can go, I'd serious love to hear his own lyrical twist on a couple of Mr. Smooth Groove's tunes, haha, but hey, I digress...)

Then it hit me! I can't do much of anything hockey-wise - except, you know, have panic attacks at score tie-ups and yell lewdly suggestive whatnots at the TV when someone pretty goes and scowls all bedroom/I'm-bout-to-cut-bitch-eyed in the penalty box. But again, I digress. - but darn it, I can pull a goal one epic multi-sport celebration move if need be. That's right: Hook this desperate gal up with an update or two to this awesome story, and I will totally break out the Tebow prayer lunge thingy!!! Yes! All that! Of course, you won't actually be able to see it, but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to hear me scream for help in getting up from wherever you are, so it counts. ;-)

This is one of the most engrossing, clever, and eloquent stories I've ever read! And believe me, I'm the pickiest reader ever, so high praise, indeed. Can't wait to see where you take it, and them.

Aw, Jack seems so hurt. </3 Great update! Seriously, I still don't get why this doesn't have more comments.

Fantastic update! Glad you're back at writing this. :)

I just reread this. Chapter two is still my favourite. Update soon! :)

I don't know why this doesn't have more comments. But I love this story so far. You're such a good writer! Can't wait for the next update! :)

I loved their sassy interaction. Does Jack perhaps pass her trying to walk home in her heels and offer her a ride? Looking forward to the next chapter.

Oh my !!! You have no idea how happy and excited I am to see a JJ story !! Thank you !! I am REALLY looking forward to reading more. I loved the sassiness

Looks interesting so far. Looking forward to reading more!