THE HIGH TABLE

Wow I am absolutely blown away by how deep this whole fight was. The entire buildup, the raw emotional weight of having to square off against your own mate, and then the actual technique and skill on display? That is WOW.
​The aftermath was perfect, and honestly, that spicy scene... 🔥 You both are phenomenal fighters, and seeing this dynamic just makes me invested in where this friendship goes next. It’s the perfect mix of martial arts, deep connection, pride, and mutual respect. Absolutely beautiful bouts, man. Thank you Jason and Greg, both of you are definitely an inspiration!

Thank you viper. Love that you got the main points of what we were trying to do with this match. You maybe new to the federation, but I certainly appreciate your comments and your thumbs up. The 2nd goal is to make this the first lights out lounge federation story of the week. The first goal was to produce something that was entertaining and had more depth, than the average fare on chatfighters. I'm glad it resonated with at least one member of the l o l🦍🫂

Wow, thanks man! It's really gratifying to know the blend of drama and action landed--we wanted a story that did both, but it's hard to tell if you're doing it well when you're writing it. Sometimes I was worried Greg and I were drinking our own Flavor-Aid. Sometimes I was sure it was gonna be boring. We put a lot of effort in and it's wonderful to get this kind of response.

As has been said here already, another masterful piece by you two. Absolutely awesome!

Jason is absolutely the star of this part, but what makes it all work is Greg. His concern for his friend, and willingness and ability to figure out and do exactly what Jason needed. Greg jokes about having the emotional depth of a spoon, but, I think I need to disagree now. It’s at least a ladle. What’s important is it’s enough to have reached Jason. Oh, and the sex was good, too! Who doesn’t fantasize about being ravaged by that Neanderthal and then get to use his big pecs for a pillow! You’re a lucky man Jason! Now, if you can just teach him how to tie a belt. 😉

Thank you so much for the comment, man. I said it before, but the story actually doesn't really work (it lacks tension) if Greg is too emotionally perceptive too quickly. The way Greg played the story, there's an arc in part II other than my arc toward healing, and that's Greg's arc toward understanding. Greg nailed that, and I think that gives the story some needed balance, so it doesn't seem like it's constantly inside my head. Also I tried using his pecs as a pillow but he's too fucking big so it hurt my neck. The abs proved a better option.

I really loved that story. It hits hard, with a rare intensity, an emotional depth that surprises and a mastery of rhythm that keeps hooked from beginning to end. You have created a true inner duel, a complex relationship, alive, credible, where every gesture, every word, every silence counts. I liked the sincerity, the tension, the way the characters breathe, doubt, explode, find themselves again. Honestly, well done to both of you: it’s powerful, it’s beautiful, it’s written with enormous talent. Thank you for this moment.

Kad, that's so kind. At several points we were worried about whether what we were communicating about our inner lives would reach the reader, or whether it would bore and annoy them. I suppose it's possible it bored and annoyed some, but if it entertained you, then we accomplished our mission. Thank you for reading, and thank you for the comment.

Thank you so much. Im glad we created something that you enjoyed. There is no greater compliment. Than this... "I liked the sincerity, the tension, the way the characters breathe, doubt, explode, find themselves again." It is a rarity for Greg to display many of the emotions that he did display in here. Not because he hasn't had them but simply because he's not often in situations like this.Where he needs them. His confusion and inability to understand where the professor was coming from was a huge part of making me enjoy making the match.

This is a strong second part. It deals with the emotional damage left by The Crucible. Jason is not just recovering from a fight; he is recovering from the idea that losing made him worthless. Greg's role is simple but important: he reminds Jason that one defeat does not erase who he is. The story works because it is about friendship, respect and healing after humiliation. The final choice, asking Jason for Brazilian jiu-jitsu lessons, is the best ending because it gives Jason back his role as a teacher.

The High Table.

The board members.

Once again, Freaker, thank you for your generous comment. We wanted to tell a story with exactly that emotional point, depicted in as realistic a way as the semi-fantastic setting would allow, but which also had the action and erotic elements to make it exciting to read. Greg, as usual, underplays his own contributions--the story wouldn't have any tension if Greg were not genuinely confused about what happened. And although the character growth is focused on me, the fact that Greg does sort of get it by the end, and figures out the right things to say and do, is actually is growth for him as well. I really enjoyed writing this two-parter with Greg, and I'm glad you enjoyed reading it.

Freaker its like you were present at the planning sessions for the 3rd stake. Before that Professor still questioned Greg's respect. Greg may not fully understand what all the 'special jammie' dancing means to The Professor, but he knows it meant something. That was a gift both of them needed.
And when it came to the final scene, I thought that The Professor and I had developed enough of a telepathic link that, I could trust him to write that all by himself. Without any input for me, he created that scene and gave it the humor that was absolutely necessary to close this out.
I say this so often that, it starts to seem unnecessary to say because it's definitely implied no matter what... but thank you for your always spot on critique. Always welcome thank you