Summerabbacat

"Oh yes, he knew guys did that, but Brian had never been able to work out how and wondered whether you could bring on a heart attack or something from the combination of heat and sexual excitement. I had a great chuckle at this thought of Brian's as it is something which I have also wondered in the past. Brian is the one who tends to be a worrywart at times, but he is always reassured but never mocked, by Gordon who has a calming effect on him, just as he has on Toby too. “Depends on your other boyfriends.” Brian was smiling." >Now, listen. Just to be clear. There’s just you two in my life. It works for me, I’m fond of you, of the lot of you and I couldn’t have it any other way. “Good, because that’s us too.” Russ nodded. >So, we’re clear, it’s the three of us. “Living in threes.” Damn @Robert Hugill, you scared the bejesus out of me with the content of the discussion above, which I assume took place via FaceTime or Skype. Given the story title was included in the discussion, I immediately thought this might be the final chapter. I was very pleased and relieved to find this was not the case. You have spoiled your fans to such an extent that the end of any story you publish is a sad occasion. It is officially winter now in Sydney, Australia, which I loathe. The temperature today only reached 17°C, positively frigid as it has been very wet of late too, with moss and mould everywhere out and about. I have my heating on and have been chilled to the bone all day; add to this the mention of Finland and Lapland, especially at Christmas time, had me shivering almost uncontrollably such is the power of your written word (reading Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights has the same effect on me). As is always the case in the Hugillverse, I enjoyed this chapter immensely, apart from the momentary scare that it might have been the final chapter.

A very moving chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, one which I found very challenging to read and to remain objective about. My reaction to Nathan Reynolds family was exactly the same as Tony's. Tony has been where Nathan was, therefore he is acutely aware of the turmoil Nathan must have gone through before he was murdered. Given his own experience, I am certain Tony will be able to work with Shelley Reynolds and the Reynolds family to help others who find themselves in the same situation, regardless of what he thinks of them and their actions which led to Nathan's murder.

"He had spoken the truth earlier. He would never love Theodore. But he could see himself loving Danny Wilson the human, and that was a dangerous thought. Wolves didn’t mate with humans." and "It was easy to dismiss Danny as a puny human being. Yet right now, he had more power over Ryder than anyone else ever had." and "A wolf and a human couldn’t be destined for each other. He and Danny had proved that wrong. No, he shook his head and let out a soft whine, pressing his cheek against Danny’s leg, still resting against his shoulder. This was only pleasure, a fleeting delight before he returned to his duty and the cruel nature of his fate." and "He jolted as Danny’s right hand clutched at the hair on his chest. And then, blunt fingernails moved over his skin, following the traces of the wound Theodore had given him, replacing them with a new sensation." Ryder's doubts regarding his fated mated Theodore Pembroke increased exponentially in this chapter, doubts he is finding it increasingly difficult to silence. Danny may be small in stature but he possesses a sexual power over Ryder which could send a rocket into orbit. Given how scent-oriented Ryder is I am still surprised he has not realised, or if he has he is denying it, that it is Danny's scent which is all powerful and alluring, whereas Theodore gave off no scent at all. If he was Ryder's fated mate surely his scent would be stronger than the incense from Eclipse Aromatics. @drsawzall got Sweet Mystery Of Life from this chapter, I got: Well done @Laura S. Fox, this chapter sizzled, burned up the page like a Disco Inferno.

Laura! Say it isn't so @Josh Aterovis. If Robbie Meade shows up dead then it will only strengthen Aidan's hypothesis the killer is either Laura or Caitlin. I am hoping it is Caitlin, even though I am not a fan of Laura either. Whomever it is, they need to be caught soon before they kill again, which I think is a strong possibility. The impending marriage has taken a back seat to the continuing investigation. Is Aidan having doubts now given he sought reassurance from Will that he is committed to proceeding with the wedding? I was somewhat amused (actually very amused) by some of the questions posed by Aidan, particularly regarding Will's upbringing in a strongly religious home. My immediate thought was, these questions should have been raised and the responses examined and/or debated before either agreed to marry. Are Will and Aidan following in Britney and Jason's footsteps? Will they be Lucky in marriage or will their relationship become Toxic when they realise how little they really know each other. Once married, Oops I Did It Again becomes much harder to resolve than if they are merely cohabiting. A revelatory chapter @Josh Aterovis; one which if Robbie Meade spoke the truth, strongly suggests the killer is a female. Will the killer determine it necessary to silence Robbie Meade, will it be a case of murder .... Baby One More Time?

I vaguely recall reading Carlotta was in it but did not know who she was at the time (I was only very young and lived in rural NSW). I knew about Pat and Bunney, although not at the time. There was another actress in the show, Thelma Scott, who in real life was the long term partner of Gwen Plumb.

@drsawzall it is an indictment of Jean Lundgren that she seemingly views Liberty Academy as a threat to her "patch", that it is in "competition" with DCFS, even though DCFS has more "clients" than they have homes to provide for them. I wonder how much of her opposition to Liberty Academy is based on a personal prejudice against the known or perceived sexuality of many of those involved in it at all levels. If this is the case, which I strongly suspect it is, perhaps a discussion with Sandra Mack and/or Oliver's parents may be of some use. Of course, this would require her voluntary participation in such a discussion, which is about as likely as the Cuntess becoming a reasonable and caring person. “That’s why I’m here!” Emilio teased. “Just turn down your brain and turn up your heart.” What a moving sentiment, one which may have emanated from Thomas I suspect. Emilio and Elio Cicero nee De Luca have blossomed under the tutelage and care of Roger and Thomas. Their natural curiosity regarding the boy wrapped as if he is a mummy, may be the catalyst for the identification of Henry and his reuniting with Angelica. As commented by @Cane23 above, when the "Lioness" discovers the Turd's negligence and verbal abuse led to Henry's assault and subsequent near death, she will tear him apart. Speaking of the Turd, it appears the police had doubts as to the suicide of the Turd's father, Walter Samson II. If the Turd killed him in revenge for having been repeatedly molested by him, then I can perhaps understand him having done so. I so hope this observation is correct @drsawzall. Another outstanding chapter @empath

You forgot about Vera @Bft, who was raped on more than one occasion, and if I remember correctly, on one of those occasions it was by a gang of bikies. If I remember correctly she also had a thing for Don Finlayson, which was never going to happen. Was the lesbian scene with Maggie, the "bitch" who planted the bomb that was the cliffhanger at the end of one the seasons? I was only 8 when the show started and was not allowed to watch it but did read about it, probably in TV Week, because it was so scandalous. I remember one episode where either Don or Dudley paid a visit to a new tenant in the building. The new tenant had a son who walked away from the front door when he answered it and dropped his towel to reveal a naked butt. I remember instantly feeling "sick" with desire, my hormones surging. I had snuck out and stood behind my mother's lounge room chair at a very fortuitous moment. Did you know the apartment block was actually at 83 Moncur Street in Woollhara? It is hard to believe Paddington was an inner city "working class" suburb given what it is now. Did you also know Elisabeth Kirkby who played Lucy Sutcliffe and later in life became a politician is still alive and is 104 years of age?

I had assumed the eponymous "Kings Boy" foreshadowed the role Étienne would play in Charles' life when he eventually becomes king. It appears I may have assumed incorrectly, with Thomas referred to as the King's Boy as he is the head page currently serving King James who, if I remember correctly, is Prince Charles brother. I don't trust Thomas at all, and because of this I fear greatly for the safety of Étienne and Corin. Will they be able to flee via the river under the cloak of darkness? I certainly hope so. The suspense in this story continues to grow. Just when it appears Étienne's fortunes may have changed for the better, life throws him another challenging and invariably threatening situation to deal with. He is certainly a resilient and adaptable lad. Fine work @E K Stokes. I just hope it will not all end in tragedy for Étienne as he is such a likeable lad.

I have to wonder what Gavin's home life is like. Is his father a bully and a homophobe, similar in his attitudes and in the treatment of his son to Rod Quincy Sr from My Roommate Teaches Me. Gavin appears to either be very stupid or very cocky. His only "friend" is Ted, someone whom he has bullied into being his lackey, therefore it is unlikely he will receive any support if he tries to exact revenge on Terry for his humiliation of him in this chapter. The title of the next chapter prognosticates (sorry @Lee Wilson, I had to use this word now I have become aware of it) Gavin has not learnt his lesson. Seemingly he thinks he is a real Macho Man. Perhaps his father will intervene (if he is not a bully like his son), and enrol him In The Navy or send him to San Francisco to volunteer at a LGBTQI crisis centre. Or maybe all the other boys will join Terry at the local YMCA to learn self defence so they can all cause Gavin to soil his shorts again if he tries to bully them. Another enjoyable chapter @Lee Wilson. I am still waiting for that out-of-control semi trailer driven by a male who has had a heart "episode" to make an appearance as a bully or bigot payback in a Wilsonian story.

What a contrast this chapter and the prior chapter have been to the rest of the story @drsawzall. Calvin was already comfortable with, and in fact revelled in his role as, the bottom in his relationship with Alan. His topping Alan has boosted his confidence in himself, such that his "brand new toy" (LOL) is alive and kicking and ready to play. I don't think he will "wear it out or overshare" @drsawzall as he appears well-grounded; his frank discussion with his father a good indication of Calvin's moral compass. By contrast, Alan appears to have "lost his way" and his current behaviour is at times disturbing. His fucking Calvin during the night whilst Calvin was almost asleep did not bother Calvin, it troubled me somewhat as it appeared to me Alan was reasserting his "property rights" to Calvin's body as the rightful top in their relationship. Calvin's flirtation with Jonny surprised, but I doubt it will lead to anything further, whereas I won't be at all surprised if Calvin and Jordan have at least some initial intimate contact. @KKirk a thoroughly enjoyable chapter, with the role reversal brilliantly handled and very entertaining.

I thought John Inman was funny too. His camp affectation was no more exaggerated or "distasteful" than Mrs Slocombe's constant reference to her "pussy". Some would no doubt think it very "low brow" comedy, but frankly I don't care. I have never seen Larry Grayson in anything @centexhairysub, which is surprising as in Australia we were exposed to many British TV programmes in the 1970's through to the early 2000's (when I stopped watching TV to any great extent). I reviewed his Wikipedia entry and he looks vaguely familiar, but not one of the TV shows/appearances listed for him is one I can ever recall viewing.

I don't either @Al Norris, and for me anyway, this is one of this story's most appealing, yet at the same time most frustrating, characteristics. The action in this chapter was like splatter-coloured vinyl, beautiful colours but with no distinct pattern.

Do you think given his prior treatment of his wife and Joey he would have cared though @Al Norris? His "grief" appeared to be solely focussed on what he has lost, not the fact that Joey is dead and his wife raised Joey as a single mother.

Keith is a selfish, arrogant, pathetic, cowardly, snivelling, homophobic prick. He is 25 going on 5. His mother has just informed him and his brother she has cancer, albeit not life-threatening supposedly, and his response is to whine and moan about his father having abandoned the family, which is patently untrue. Jon's advice to Jim on how to address Keith's behaviour may be the 'wise' and 'mature' way to approach him, but I think at least one 'fuck you, you pathetic arsehole' should be included in any discussion Jim has with Keith. Keith showed no care for the feelings of either his mother or Alex, it was all "oh woe is me". What a fucking loser. Cammie does not need his attitude right now, she needs to be able to go away to complete her treatment and believe that Keith will behave like an adult male whose balls have dropped, not one who is still struggling to pull up his "big boy" pants. Daddy did not desert you dickhead, you deserted yourself. Outstanding chapter @ChromedOutCortex.

I second that sentiment @Gary L. I suspect quite a number of us are harder on ourselves than on others as @pvtguy has stated.

"I took a deep breath and accepted his hand, letting him help me through the window. Then, to my surprise, he went down on one knee in the snow. "I know I asked you this last night, but I want to do it right this time," he said. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a ring box. "Oh my God," I whispered. He opened the box, and inside was a beautiful silver ring with an intricate gold design winding around it. He pulled the ring out and held it up to me. "William Spencer Keegan, will you marry me?" he said. I felt a tear roll down my cheek. "You know I will. Yes, I'll marry you." He slipped the ring onto my finger. It was a little big, but it didn't matter. I noticed a matching ring on Aidan's hand, and I drew him up for a lingering kiss. "Let's do it now," he said in a husky voice. "What? Right now?" "No, but before Christmas, maybe next week." "That's crazy," I laughed. "Why? I don't want to wait. I want to do this now." OMG, Aidan is crazy. He has shot to the top of my suspect list as this is not the behaviour of a rational and sane person; what is he trying to hide? This is the behaviour of a Hollywood starlet, the first family of Armenia (via America) or a pop/dance/R&B diva whose career is on the slide and it is a publicity stunt. Will is 18 and I think Aidan may be 19 and neither is pregnant or terminally ill, that we know of. And what the hell is Adam doing encouraging this nonsense? Maybe they should just fly to Vegas, get married by an Elvis impersonator, get roaring drunk and then the next day have the marriage annulled or get a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Caitlin is either bluffing or she really is pregnant. Whether the baby is Joey's though remains to be seen. This chapter was like a party at Ibiza; 150BPM, dripping with sweat and Nikki was not even present. I almost got whiplash from the discussion between the Scrabbling Seven (if one includes Asher, who appears totally disinterested in this whole "investigation"). Ideas were being tossed around faster than ZZ Top's 1934 Ford Coupe (the red "Eliminator" coupe). When are we going to witness a Girl Fight Tonight @Josh Aterovis between lacerating Laura and conniving Caitlin? That will be some fight to witness. A fascinating chapter, one which has muddied the waters even further, those waters now including not only @drsawzall's beloved red herrings, but also multiple blocks of his 4 x 2 "behaviour correctors".

I did not mind the taste as I eat soy ice cream and used to drink soy milk, I just found it did not stay thick like dairy cream.

The dildos may be those ones that you can fill with a liquid so that they "spray", so you could have a choice of "cream" to fill them up with. Have you ever cooked anything using vegan cream rather than dairy cream? I have tried using soy cream instead of dairy cream and it was not good at all.

And something from all five food groups too @chris191070, so very nutritious.

Pumpkin scones, cups of tea, cucumber sandwiches and dildos. What a combination @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

You are right of course @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Katherine would not involve herself in such depravity, because bitch does not need to. She already has Big Daddy and that man of hers makes Big John look "slight" in comparison.

He certainly appears to have Tony's best interests foremost, but he is from Brisvegas @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

Or if she is greedy or frisky the Three Bears and Big John, all at the same time.

An interesting chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, one which incensed me and fascinated me, often for the same reason. "Well, they haven’t actually said as much as yet, but I get the feeling that our US friends will want to gear their stories mainly towards the US market, so I’m just not too sure how they would handle things that are so, country specific, so to speak. Would that be an issue for you?" The appearance of a kangaroo may be somewhat parochial or "country specific" and could be easily removed to make the book more appealing to the US market. My only concern would be that the exclusion of "country specific" animals, language, food et al relates to all countries i.e. that the USA is not exempt from this exclusion. I have to admire Tony's pragmatism; he is not easily offended. Clearly Frida's pleas below have impressed him on many an occasion. Like a number of my fellow readers I think Tony is a little unwise to sign the contract without having had it properly reviewed by a solicitor, unless part of his agreement with Harry is that all his contracts are reviewed by a solicitor and the terms are as beneficial to Tony as possible (if there is such a possibility). I just hope Saul Widderstein is more Fierstein than Weinstein.

Perhaps Tony may have another as yet untapped talent @Philippe and @Mark Ponyboy Peters. A talent for writing "bodice rippers", the kind of books on which Fabio graced many a cover in the 1990's. Randy Thompson, spelt as Randi Thompson, a new star is born.