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'Rules of Engagement' Short Story (Patreon)

Published:
2024-11-02 18:56:51
Imported:
2026-06
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  • Rules of Engagement FINAL before editor.rtf

Missing 2 full-res photos, 1 file.

Content

It's here! This is the masquerade, spoopy-season-themed short story I've been reading on streams and teasing about this month. This story takes place approximately 1 year after the events of Illicit Alliance, on a quiet little island in the south seas. Two unlikely friends meet again, and try to understand the complicated relationship they share.

This is part of my Dubiously Canon series of stories, (at least for now) but I have- as ever- tried to keep the character interactions as in-character and canonically-based as possible. This was a fun story to write, and explored some uncomfortable themes of figuring oneself out that tickle me, personally. I hope you'll agree!

I'd love some feedback, especially since this story is still pre-editor-pass right now, so please be part of the beta process! Thank you all <3

Files

Previews only

Comments

Tom Noyb

I've been following your readings on Picarto. Haven't been read to since grade school. Rather enjoyed it. Though the stories were different back them. Anyway, I had a head start so I read the last 20 or so pages. Couldn't help myself. I'll go back through the whole story later. But the ending is just awesome. I know you're thinking of giving these to a DC book of their own. I don't know if you've thought about trying to align all four stories. Between Wind and Water would be most problematic. In some way Rules of Engagement enhances BWW. Grayson being sober now matters much more, and should be something that Luther takes note of himself. But Grayson worrying that Luther isn't interested would require some adjusting. The kissing too. Maybe Grayson first kiss that he initiated, fitting in with the idea of making it real. Of course you'd need a fifth story of how they sailed off to conquer the world. (with Amon) I know you're busy. Projects everywhere. Not trying to make work for you. But can't get enough of these two and wouldn't want you to run out of material.

Trejaan Cavelion

The ending is some of your best work. From Grayson's earlier attempt to dismiss how important that sunrise moment on the hill over the harbor on Dokuro was, to Luther trying to recreate it for him, to show that he HAD indeed remembered it just as fondly... OMG, my poor heart! KAMALA HAS TO WIN! We NEED this to be canon!!!!!

Marcwolf

This is everything and more. They are like moths to each other's flame. Luther know he can trust Grayson with who he really is.. Admiral, Lord, Captain, friend, and gay" and Grayson accepts it. Love to read about the next 3 days :) :) Would that be another story?

Trejaan Cavelion

One amusing scene you know happened when they get to the harbor where the Manoratha is docked: Grayson being all, "Let me out here. I'll walk the rest of the way. I don't want the guys to see you dropping me off!" like a little boy whose mom is dropping him at school!

Rukis
>>154175451

Yeah I've thought about this. I think I've settled on adjusting BWAW, since it's not in print yet, and y'know... I have that power XP It actually wouldn't take a ton of adjustment, I read through it recently and it basically would only require I change a half dozen lines. I like this story enough that I think it's worth aligning them all together. Azimuth is pretty good as-is.

Tom Noyb
>>154208756

Yes..yes...yes, you need another warmup before starting you next big project. Let's hear about the next three days.

Tom Noyb
>>154175451

Yes, it's such a great story, can't leave it hanging. Have to get all these bad boys together. Lifeline might need a reference somewhere, simply because the events of ROE are so significant to Grayson. They'd have to cross his mind. I can't think of anything that would cause problems with Azimuth. It really is just aligning BWAW with a few events in ROE.

Rukis
>>154175451

I've looked over Lifeline and I'm pretty okay with it as-is. It's not perfect, since the touching is made a big deal of, but to be fair, that IS still a big deal after Luther puts distance between them. Lifeline is already in print so I'm hesitant to change it, but I'll give it another once-over just to make absolutely certain there's nothing jarring.

Tom Noyb
>>154175451

Didn't know Lifeline was already in print. That does change the equation. I've got most of your stuff. But Lifeline, BWAW, and Azimuth I've only found through Patreon. I've scoured FA. Found the Puck jumps a tired and grouchy Ransom story. The five Marcus and Reis stories. The computer strap break was great as it really backgrounds Cruelty. The graduation was cute when Reis was meeting/being discovered by, the family, and what a nice fat middle finger to all the aholes of the world when they kissed. (Would love more Marcus and Reis. Perhaps exploring fidelity as an adult, nearing middle aged couple.) I think FA is where I read about Luther getting the upper hand on Klaus in the bedroom too. But nothing else on Luther and Grayson. Is there another source? Last time I looked nothing on FP. Anyway, I think your right. Lifeline is okay as is. Nothing is a direct contradiction in either story. In fact, ROE really backgrounds Lifeline, kind of fills the gap between Illicit Alliance. So not a big deal. At most Grayson expressing some frustration over how in spite of their experiences Luther keeps falling back into his Ameruscan ways the moment they're apart. A tie in between ROE and Lifeline, that further reveals how Luther struggles with intimacy, and how Grayson's reaching across that gap is an act of protection as much as affection. Not critical. Just a thought.

Acrossmind

Luther/Grayson truly is my favorite pairing.The feelings and thoughts between them revealed by this story are so charming.Couldn't help myself read it agagin and again.

Tom Noyb
>>154212535

Do you know if something is up with Rukis? Nothing on Picarto since Sunday. Not another hurricane I hope.

Trejaan Cavelion
>>154212535

Her dog Claymore was diagnosed with liver cancer and had to be put down. She's burying herself in work and tuning out everything else for a little while.