Danners

I’m still convinced Juan and Roger could be good together but they’re both going to be busy with their careers at this point. Daniel too. Plus, of the three, Special Agent Janick seems to be the only man in the right headspace for a (healthy) relationship. Besides, in my head, Daniel is Juan’s gayteway to exploring his sexuality. Roger is endgame. 🫠 Not that the rest of the story isn’t totally captivating! @empath had me holding my breath this entire chapter.

I’m glad Jakob approached Matt and helped untangle his feelings. Sweet Matt deserves a special someone who returns his affection. Not only that but his unrequited crush on Oscar made him the weak link among the locals and I’m positive Ralph noticed. (How Oscar missed out is anyone’s guess.) Also, as a Minnesotan, I’m trying to imagine a passive-aggressive Nazi at a Lutheran potluck and it’s … hilarious. I’m also reminded of Rose from the Golden Girls mentioning that, in St. Olaf, Hitler was her History teacher and Ava Braun taught P.E. Golden Girls Clip

“For a reason he could not put into words, the lubricant made him nervous.” Been there, Dante. Been. There. It’s a slippery slope. Meanwhile Alice continues to grow on me. Her muttering in the shop had me cackling. Frank too. They seem less interested in the slavery of it all and more inclined to buck tradition. This whole Sapphire business has me curious. I’m picturing Dante’s mother as the equivalent of a courtesan or someone very much in demand. Please tell me you’ll continue sprinkling references and info as the story progresses.

I knew this chapter would be heavy when I saw it was a flashback and it — you — didn’t disappoint. Moving and heartbreaking, this glimpse of their relationship as it developed and evolved The recordings of King’s memories, especially during these times … I can’t imagine how bittersweet they must be for Bishop. Or, honestly, how meaningful they could be for Pawn if he’s ever given the opportunity to listen to them. You’ve outdone yourself with this one, @CasualWanderer82.

Okay, so maybe Alice isn’t so bad after all. She’s clearly competent and intelligent, maybe even progressive. I’m guessing knowledge is what holds her attention most, so it makes sense why having a slave didn’t rank high (or at all) on her to-do list. Dante … you just want to give the guy a hug. His past so far is an onion blossom of mistreatment. The relative freedom this household affords its slaves must be both exciting and worrisome — like, when’s the other shoe going to drop? Oh, and as weird and pervy as it is to say, I’m really looking forward to Dante’s first(?) erection. May it spear the heavens … or something. Hehe.

A strong start! Dante has a sassy side beneath that subservient demeanor and I’m all for it. I hope it doesn’t get him in too much trouble, maybe just a little trouble. Is it me or does Alice seem like something of a f*ck-up? It’s early yet, and I know she’s now a slave owner, but I almost feel sorry for her.

Nothing beats the warm feeling of a legendary plan coming together. I already knew I liked the judge and the DA from Roger’s interactions with them in previous chapters, but I’m really starting to adore Juan now. He’s smarter than he gives himself credit for, more perceptive too. I’d been wondering how Roger and the detective could be lured into extended contact and subsequently develop feelings for one another. Looks like the stage is being set and soon — with any luck! — the curtain will rise. Roger honestly has a heart of gold. He may think it’s tarnished by his past but Thomas will pretty quickly absolve him of that belief. Oh, and so as not to exclude Rizzo, in teaming up with Laurel and Hardy, I hereby dub him one of the Three Stooges. Streetwise he may be but he’s picking a fight in an arena he only has tertiary experience with. Roger has gladiators while “the Riz” pats his good buddies on the head and snaps their elastic bow ties. May his downfall be true comedy gold!

Normally I don’t wish ill of others but Jason Rizzo needs to land himself in prison and become the flesh being traded. The new Eddie overplayed his hand with Roger and to say I hope it bites him in the butt is an understatement. Fingers crossed his relative inexperience and inflated ego continue to misstep. Roger tipping off Juan should definitely help. My only real concern there isn’t with Charles Miller — even if it chafes that, as a potential witness against the Chicago Outfit, the monster could receive a cushy deal from the DA. No, my concern is Thomas as a(nother) potential witness and film star. Once he’s found to also be Roger’s protege, the teen’s gonna have a target painted on his back again. A target that needs possibly corrupt police protection. Maybe Eddie himself can shed some light on the situation. I don’t remember his death being mentioned, just a life sentence, and if Roger is correct about him being a changed man, maybe he’d be willing to talk. For old time’s sake. At the very least he must have an idea who Rizzo is and why he got promoted. Samantha Jones will help with that, I’m sure. Never underestimate a journalist with a personal connection to a story. She’ll dig up information even Ramos can’t get his hands on. I wanted Thomas to wake Roger up or do something to calm his turbulent slumber but then I had to remind myself who Thomas is and what he’s been through. Which is part of why I’m so pleased with Brendon and Sandra. Together and separately they have so much personal strength and empathy to offer Thomas and Roger. I can’t wait until all of these individual moving pieces begin forging and strengthening connections as your story progresses, empath.

Beyond the beautiful ending of your story, that post script brought a tear to my eye. RIP Gil. Wherever you are, I hope you’re wrapped in the same warmth and comfort you found under the Christmas tree.

And the gifts keep on coming (pun intended)! I wonder what other sweet overtures Gil has in store for Art. Whatever they are, something tells me they’ll pale in comparison to this romantic catharsis under the Christmas tree.

The power of grief is a terrible thing, especially when it lashes angrily at those you hold dear. I feel for the men and the boy, and I hope Pawn’s absence is enough to shock Bishop out of his misery. At least there’s a wild stallion out there to keep Pawn company since the remaining three have their hands (and mouths and cavities) full.

Now that’s how you spend Christmas Eve!

This window into a new side of their relationship has been nice. Jamie seems happier not being totally in control while Cottontail isn’t as rigid in his way of thinking. Since they’re both so accustomed to wearing masks (figuratively and literally), it must be refreshing to relax, even if it’s just a little bit. I can’t help imagining Cottontail approaching Jamie sans mask and comically adopting a goofy accent to (un)successfully trick him. Silly rabbit, he’s gonna recognize you. When he does, I hope Jamie doesn’t toy with him … too much.

Don’t worry, the subtext was there. Your translation from brain to page didn’t lose anything. When the characters are fleshed out — and they are — they kinda speak for themselves. Now get back to writing!