So it's real cute that you thought to check and see what the next chapter might look like, but I haven't written it yet!
No, sorry, I don't mean to be too sassy about it; I did put this page together to hold space for when the chapter is ready to go. That said, however, while I have a chapter planned out to take up the space of this page later, it's currently not ready to be shown publicly.
Because it's not written.
I will share some notes on what I'm sorting out for the chapter, I guess...
More or less the “final” chapter of the arc being set up in chapter 3. From here – whatever game I decide to devise – consider that game the next “arc” of sorts, then if I manage to get far enough, Chapter 8 would be a new new arc. I don’t super want to all-in on another Nerd Squad arc though; I’d much rather get started on Imperishable Dream already.
This chapter, though, is centered on Nick and Bill.
A lot of what’s been building through the other chapters is a complicated dynamic between them, that others in the club seem at least halfway aware of: though the two have known each other for longer than anyone else in the club, they’re very rarely seen engaging with one another sexually, even though Bill and Nick have had their fun with literally everyone else in the club on regular occasion. (Something that CAN be reflected on in chapter 6 by Kevin btw; as he’s the only one who hasn’t engaged with Nick directly in a written chapter, we can have him reference some kind of sex act the two have gotten up to.) Nick has no trouble seeing Bill engage with others – hell, he would actively encourage it more oft than not – but Bill doesn’t quite react as positively the other way around.
Coincidentally, any time we see Nick banging someone, Bill usually is quick to grumble about the door not being closed; I think that’s something I gotta make use of this chapter.
So, the funny thing about this: I don’t know if I actually want this chapter to end with them confirming a romantic relationship? Initially, that was the plan – hell, I think that was the plan way back when I was writing the first two chapters nearly... Oh my god what do you mean it’s been nearly a decade since I wrote those? I think it could be the most gratifying arc, but what if Bill just can’t lock in on his feelings with Nick? Just what would have happened in the other chapters to get him to change his ways, after all? And even barring that, what if there’s another unseen hitch underneath that Bill isn’t fully aware of...?
I’ve been thinking a bit more on how I characterize Bill and the choice of words I’ve used to depict him, how he relates to the others, how closeted and uptight he acts, as if he’s always uncomfortable in the spaces he’s in... And in the skin he’s in?
Would it be strange if I took such an angle with this smutty series, and imply that Bill might be an egg case? I don’t think it’s wise I go full-tilt into such a direction, but I think laying a few more quiet breadcrumbs that maybe Bill has more to sort out about himself – or herself – OR THEY! – would be more than acceptable. Hinting at the depths below and giving way to this idea that Bill’s journey is far from over would be neat, after all, and coming back to this idea of arcs after this, the gender journey could be a neat way to create drama with Nick and the relationship hinted at between them. Nick’s really only into men – men with glasses – so if Bill transitions, does that kill her chances with him?
Most of this is all things to think about, and I’ll try and solidify my ideas after finishing chapter 6.
Please wait patiently, as I eventually get to finishing the main Nerd Squad storyline.