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It's telling that the first place Lex goes after returning from DC is to Ian's establishment. I don't think he'll be too upset when he wakes up with Ian by his side. 😊

How dare the DOD interfere with Lex's tattoo! 😂 (Maybe he can design a system using tattoos rather than retinal scans. 🤔) With Lex out like a light, Ian could have given him a little bonus tattoo, but where might he have put it? 😂😂😂 (Hey, a little lagniappe never hurts!) Now, pardon me while I grab a piece of King Cake and imagine being back in New Orleans! Happy Mardi Gras to all!

Already, Milan (as the Moon) is indispensable to Portento. He and Rory will make sure that Sanctuary is all that it should be. 😊 With all the loose ends being tidied up, the end is coming way too quickly. Thanks, Sui, for a wonderful ride. By the way, was Rick literally pulled down to hell, or is he now mouldering under the foundation of the council house, buried alive? Either way, it was a scary visual!

Things are actually looking up for Loz: First, he is comfortable enough with his therapist to admit to suicidal ideation, and he has good insight into why he's experiencing it. The therapist does not ask if Loz has come up with a plan for suicide (shame on him), but he does provide Loz with a "life line" telephone number in case his thoughts turn darker. Second, he acknowledges getting a second chance by attending a new school after Christmas. Third, he comes out to Darren and finds that two of his family members are solidly behind him. Fourth, even though George will not support him, Loz has unburdened himself by coming out to him; and at least he knows without doubt where George stands (his black eye is a sad testament to the shallowness of George's brotherly love). Fifth, if he had any concerns about his father's stance on his homosexuality, they have been banished: His father is willing to fire his brother--and force his brother to find another place to live--to keep Loz safe. Finally, he has given up his most shameful secret to Darren (in addition to his father) and still finds him supportive (swearing, maybe, but still supportive ). He now knows that, despite his being gay--despite his worst behavior--he is still loved and has a safe home. He is finally on bedrock, and the healing can begin.

Consumato sounds like tomato consommé, only sexier. 😏 Making love after cheesecake is a given! 😊 Hurrah for Milan and Rory! The fireworks have finally occurred! Now, who's Ayu's love interest? 🤗

Now, Bunny, what did I just say about Pandora's box? You're the one who unzipped the zipper (did you know that Pandora's box had a zipper?), so deal! Accept your destiny--in about 30 more chapters!

But it wasn't just a hand-job and kissing: It was the opening of Pandora's box! It can never be reclosed; but somehow, I don't think our characters will mind so much (at least after Bunny calms down and accepts the inevitable ).

Aidan, why would you think that Heath is just teasing you? He is a health guru, and sex is good exercise! “‘May I offer you anything? I can make you something,’ Heathcliff offered.” What a loaded question! (We know what he has to offer; and he can “make” Aidan sweaty and sore!) Ah, a “crazy glue” handshake! Very manly (for a Bunny! 🐰) “Aidan inhaled…. Damn, it wasn’t right for Heathcliff Stone to smell so good. Maybe he could stop breathing when the man was around.” Great strategy, Aiden. (I'll call the undertaker. ) Happy birthday, Heath, I'm glad to see that you got your “happy ending!” (The secret is alcohol.) 🤔 And Aidan, not so fast with your getaway: You forgot to sign the NDA!

Thanks for the reminder that Lex can't see Ian's aura. Can Lex see his own aura? In literature, many seers, while able to read the future of others, cannot see their own futures: If Ian is meant to be a part of Lex's life, then maybe Lex's inability to see Ian's aura is just as telling. (I'd rather believe that than to assume that Ian is a zombie! )

Lex is in a great position in that he can see which potential client is a horse's patoot and then avoid him. Yet, he himself is a nice guy, as evidenced by his buying lunch for Jarren and Mazen's crew after already buying them pizza. I love the description of the Prince and Princess of Poor Choices: I've certainly met others of the same royal family! I also love that "true assholes" have a "shit brown" aura, as it's nice to know that the universe has a sense of humor. As for Ian and Lex: If there is an aura for attraction, then why hasn't Lex figured it out yet? (Come on, Lex, you have a boyfriend to land!)

While the CA workers' decision to come a day early is a clear imposition, I don't think they were otherwise rude or out of line: They have a difficult and thankless job, and they are--at least hopefully--trying to look out for the child's best interests (social workers usually go into the field because they truly want to help). However, I am somewhat disconcerted by the following interchange: “Hi, I’m Louis Taylor. Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.” “I know and we are sorry for the change. This isn’t a usual situation...." I'm still not clear on why it isn't a usual situation, as the reason is never made explicit. Is it because Donny and Louis are gay? Is it because Max is physically challenged? Is it because of some other reason we don't even know about? Until I know the answer, I don't even know if I should be angry or not! Also, I can't think of why the "unusual" situation automatically merits the tactic of springing the visit a day early. (Maybe CA was hoping to catch them dismantling their dungeon! 😂) I love that Louis makes time in his schedule to text Max. (A small gesture, but a telling one. ❤️) Kudos to Louis' employers for their response to his resignation. Why throw away a valuable work relationship just because the worker has gone independent? (Actually, I've seen this happen several times, when management takes the resignation as a personal affront. Crazy, huh?) And Donny and Louis are one step closer to receiving a very big package from the stork! 😊

The only thing in the cells of interest is Kohen. So, was the Elite female on her way to visit him? It may be fortuitous indeed that Kohen decided to take her with him.

"This has been one incredible journey," and I have loved every minute of it. Having the epilogue focus on a ceremony which will strengthen their bond--no matter marriage or adoption--is a great way of showing just how far they have come (and allows Noah to "reminisce," and thus reveal, the complex family dynamics leading to this moment). Noah and Jordan are multidimensional, lifelike characters, and I will miss them. Ethan, congratulations on a magnificent accomplishment. Come back to us soon. 😊

Yes, Heathcliff , you are no longer a spring chicken, and your ancient brain is no longer satisfied with one-night conquests whom you love and leave. You want something more, and in addition to his bubble butt, Bunny née Sparky may actually have that something. And you, Bunny--yes, you (the one that looks more like a Playgirl Bunny than Bugs)--did you really think that failing to bring your workout clothes would derail Heathcliff (or were you hoping for a naked workout session! 😂)? Oh, and Mr. Agent, about your next hamburger....

Everyone should have a Cassie in his life, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Cassie helped Lex through the dark time following his torture. (I've always loved the trope about "family by choice," and Cassie is the perfect example.) An IT contractor has a black Amex card? And at such a relatively young age? Okay, Kbois, what else haven't you told us about Lex's background? Is there a link between Lex's injuries and his apparent wealth? Of course, Lex may enjoy his gypsy life, but I think that he's actually running from something (sorry, Lex, but you can't outrun your past), and all that running prevents intimacy as well. That said, his running days may be over. As for Ian, he better be more careful about broadcasting his looks of "pure wanton desire," or at the very least, he should broadcast them to the right person!

Lust at first sight! Interesting that the only person that Lex can't read engenders such a powerful feeling of want and trust. What Ian sees is a beautiful man, but he also sees the perfect canvas, and he seems captivated by the man and the artistic challenge in equal measure: "Ian could still see the image of the finished product burned into his mind...." He is inspired and knows what needs to be done, and Lex gives him carte blanche to do it. The proposed tattoo becomes almost mystical as a way to heal the scarring (and the man)--to turn it into a thing of beauty--and it also gives Lex and Ian 40 to 50 hours to get to know each other!

The motorcycle suggests "loner," and in Lex's case, "drifter" as well. His choice of motorcycle is interesting, too, as he chooses to ride a vintage bike from its last year of production--family heirloom or loving restoration, it suggests a preference for "then" over the "now." His ability to read auras isolates him to the point where he uses "filters," but he may not be alone in his abilities, as Ms. Helen seems a bit prescient herself. Now, a second secret, and a tattoo artist who can cover up scars.... Love the opening chapter and the atmosphere it evokes!

Families eat together: It's that simple. If nothing else, the family gets together at the dinner table for a little bonding time. (Food is even an integral part of a wake.) Max doesn't want to go for a drive with Don and Louis; rather, he wants to go for a meal. Also, people may reveal their true emotions to family, where they wouldn't to outsiders, and Max is not afraid to cry in front of Louis. No wonder Louis feels guilty for leaving Max at the hospital: Little by little, their behavior is reflecting that of a family. (And Max's hugs say it all. 😊)

Too easy? Would the Elite really be taken in by Freska's chip, or is a silent alarm going off somewhere, with reinforcements on their way? Does Anyas have a plan which Kohen's escape will scuttle? If the escape works out well, how does Kohen intend to take over the compound? More questions than answers at this point!

🎵 Over the river and through the wood, to grandma's house we go....🎶 "The best laid (travel) plans of mice and men...." I've always enjoyed a road trip! 😁

Aidan, of course a tank top is more family friendly than a T-shirt. And oil is clearly necessary to make the skin glisten. And the shorts need to be low-riding for that extra family-friendly appeal. (I presume this shoot will be in a ladies' magazine that the husbands won't see. And sex does sell!) "Sparky" will need to tread a fine line between keeping the housewives interested and the husbands irritated (I love the idea that the pix actually represent the "after" version of a husband who drinks the friggin protein shakes!) And Heathcliff, have fun trying to "corrupt" Aidan: We'll certainly have fun watching you try!

And true love wins out! (Sigh. 😊) Now, will Brody be wistful and understanding, or will we have to disinvite him from the wedding? 😉 And Ethan, you have too great a gift to waste. Please keep writing! (We're not asking you to give up your day job. Just your sleep! 😂)

What do we know of Elite physiology? There are creatures even here on earth that can read an electrical field. Perhaps Anyas had to act as he did because Elite physiology could sense a lack of real distress if the crew were play acting. At this stage, I actually trust Anyas to do what needs to be done.

We find Cerrian and Jay standing on their heads together--a match made in heaven? It wouldn't surprise me if they wound up dating (or arm wrestling. With those two, it could go either way! 😂)

Only Mam could make someone peel potatoes--and like it!