Had to keep those bits as short as possible, or they would have gotten out of control and turned into full-fledged stories, and completely bogged down the terseness of the denouement.

You can tell how much I imprinted on Crush, even after all these years ^_^; Different situation, different things to be conflicted over, but a similar sense that there isn't a simple easy way to feel, even though it sure sounds like there should be.

If nothing else, Tracey had to stay outside to keep the car running. They had no way of knowing it wouldn't be necessary. (Not that it'll stop her from feeling guilty about it afterward...even Jon probably has his moments of "if she had been there, maybe it would have gone better.")

the intimacy of Jon & Stephen's relationship that includes sexuality even though they are not actually sexual with each other

I like this way of putting it.

Glad you like, and thanks for reading =)