Summerabbacat

An auspicious start to a story which at face value appears very different from anything you have ever written @Ronyx, but I have to ask myself is it really that different. You have explored an intergenerational friendship between an older gay man and a younger gay man before, albeit as a minor part of a much larger story. The friendship between Mr Wilbur (also somewhat incapacitated) and James was one of the highlights of Taking Off The Mask. Given how beautifully written, engaging and authentic that friendship was I am very confident that such a plot taking centre stage will be written with the same degree of beauty, engagement and authenticity. I have to ponder, will this story feature a character as heinous and toxic as any one of the trio of teenage trash, Ashley (Losing Kevin), Stacy (Seth On The Road To Chaos) or Melissa (Dancing With Madonna), or will their appalling behaviour pale beside that of Roger, Phil's already disliked (by me and many of my fellow readers) son. He certainly has made an impression, and not a good one, without even making an appearance yet. Perhaps we are too quick to judge, but his abandonment of his father certainly raises suspicions as to what his motives are. The most obvious are financial gain and payback for "turning gay" and divorcing his mother. I have a feeling if Roger plays any active part in the story, he is the character many of us are going to despise with a passion @Ronyx. One of the greatest joys of this first chapter is the comments it has elicited from those with a similar experience, particularly the comments of @pvtguy, @BoyLove, @Al Norris and the good doctor, @drsawzall. Like @Paladin I too am looking forward to the significant events Phil may reminisce on in his revelations to Colin. I have a strong feeling Colin is going to derive as much benefit from visiting Phil as what Phil will from being visited by Colin.

Like a @lomax61 story, @lawfulneutralmage it is becoming increasingly difficult to recognise who is the sinner and who is the saint, or in this case perhaps Rupert Morris-Walker and CI Mwangi are both sinners without any hint of saintliness, although I must confess I am leaning towards the former being the more likely to be involved in unlawful activities, he is after all a politician and a member of the former Margaret Hilda's party. And it has just occurred to me now whilst writing this comment that you could not have picked a more suitable given name for the odious Mr Morris-Walker. Rupert, a named so strongly associated with arrogance, bias, corruption and dishonesty (my apologies to Messrs Graves and Everett for this comment and my beloved cat of the same name who passed away almost 13 years ago). What a piece of work he is, one can only hope Jamie fails in carrying out his duties at some stage and Mr Two-Named twat is fucked senseless by one of the "supernatural" creatures allegedly out to get him. Clearly Mr Two-Named twat is a man with no principles at all, hardly surprising given the party he is a member of. As much as I despise his apparent anti-gay rhetoric, I despise him equally for agreeing to surrender to Jamie's rejection of protecting him because of these beliefs. He would likely sell his mother to get himself out of trouble or to further his ambitions. Jamie finds himself in an impossible position, caught between a rock and a hard place. If he had refused to become Mr Two-Named twats bodyguard I doubt he would have had any career prospects and may have even found himself in physical danger. I do not trust Mr Two-Named twat at all.

Jammy bugger indeed. I think we your readers are jammy buggers @Robert Hugill, blessed to be entertained by your wondrous prose. This story just stepped up a few more "serious notches" too, a wonderful chapter with happiness coming in triplicate for Keith ("new" man, "new" place to live and a deepening friendship with Bart and Greg). And I have to ask, did Bart and Greg hire Colin to "gussy" the place up for them, what with the 'Best IKEA' furniture decorating Keith's new abode? I am with Keith on the decoration though, all cool grey with no colour would depress the hell out of me. I need colour and lots of it. And there was so much more to love about this fine chapter."It's only been a couple of times; we went walking on Saturday and sort of got into it on the moors." Aaarrrgghhh, the moors. I had visions of Catherine and Heathcliff and their doomed "love affair" from my all time favourite novel, the masterpiece that is Wuthering Heights. No sooner had they appeared than I heard the greatest of all English songbirds, the genius known as Kate Bush, firstly haunting those moors with her vocal masterpiece that is Wuthering Heights, followed closely by the incessant tribal rhythms of Running Up That Hill as Keith and Thomas marched across the moors. I daresay Kashka From Baghdad and his paramour will roundly approve of Keith and Thomas shacking up together if this eventuates. What Moments Of Pleasure as we delve intoThe Sensual World of Keith and Thomas. You are in exalted company @Robert Hugill, firstly Emily Bronte and secondly the irrepressible, the remarkable and the breathtakingly talented, Kate Bush.

I realise this is Charlie's first "break up", but he really needs to chill out a bit. I felt like I had cerebral whiplash from the haste with which he wants to remove all traces of Drew from his life (changing the locks immediately and removing his clothes/belongings I can understand), have a relationship with Makani and or/start having sex with other guys his age. It is almost as if he fears he could be killed in an accident like his parents, therefore, he has to resolve and experience everything immediately. It is admirable to be a person of action, but he has to give himself some time to get angry, grieve, mope, feel sorry for himself and then move on. I agree wholeheartedly with @VBlew that Makani acted very sensibly in setting boundaries and discussing possible relationship options with Charlie. Had he not I fear Charlie would have had the venue booked, the flowers ordered, the caterers hired and the invitations issued for their wedding before they had even had a first "date", let alone had sex. I thought Makani did well in reminding Charlie of having to behave above reproach given a certain DCS worker is looking for any excuse to remove Joey from his care too. Enjoyable chapter @Karl Anders, even though Charlie was like that bloody roadrunner from the Looney Tunes cartoon Wile E Coyote and Road Runner (that fucking smug Road Runner annoyed the hell out of me as a child, I felt sorry for the coyote).

It will not surprise me if Gideon Keres is using Watkins in addition to the models; Watkins may find himself the sacrificial lamb. The only thing he appears to have going for him is his less than attractive looks, however, Keres may "punish" him for his putrescence, which well may appeal to the "death porn" clientele of the new club. Watkins hanging from the ceiling by a crudely fashioned Prince Albert ring hastily inserted (without any form of "anaesthesia") through his frenulum, screaming and foaming from his fetid mouth whilst a death-saw creeps slowly towards his head. Not a pretty sight. Of the two, Keres appears to be insane, his mind warped by the injuries he suffered; Watkins, however, appears to be a cold, calculating killer; his motivation perhaps entirely financial gain or his rejection by those more beautiful than he. I hope @Laura S. Fox's plan for both is designed to cause maximum pain without the release of death. As for Angel, I am still ambivalent. Is his "ugly" personality real, or is it his mechanism for coping with the insanity which pervades his environment. With the passing of each chapter I am becoming more convinced Otis will play a pivotal role in the rescue of all the models, and likely Hudson and Jackie too, from the clutches of the evil which surrounds them. Otis is anything but stupid; his critical thinking may be in response to strong emotions associated with prior horrors, but his ability to focus appears unparalleled. He is clearly not just a "pretty face". When their ordeal is over Otis and Hudson MUST reveal their inner-most fears and horrors to each other.

More is to the point @drsawzall, it looks like Chris' survived one day with baby William. Grumpy me, whom Skye pissed off with her neurotic behaviour, would have handed him back at the first scream. As for changing nappies of any kind, but especially the "brown kind", I never have and I never will. I have cleaned up after kittens with upset tummies on many occasions and that is not a pretty sight, but baby shit is in a class of its own for grossness. And I would be using hand sanitiser after touching the baby.

A number of my fellow "Hugillites" have appreciated Owain's comment regarding Colin “He was the first person that I'd ever really worried about, wanted to take care of.” You can add @Summerabbacat to this list too @Robert Hugill. I am also very impressed with the manner in which Owain and Colin communicate with each other. As they have grown more comfortable with each other their communication has improved exponentially. I think @Cane23 expressed it best with his comment that "Colin and Owain are not guys of big words, their conversations are simple but not shallow." It seems to me they have reached the level of comfort with each other where they do not feel obliged to fill silence with idle chatter, they are able to rejoice in just being in each other's vicinity. The comments regarding driving have given me a good chuckle. I am now 60 years of age and have not driven a car for 39 years. I did not bother to renew my driver's licence at least 30 years ago and have NEVER regretted doing so. I hated driving, was a mediocre driver, have little patience and virtually no peripheral vision. My 82 year old mother who attempted to teach me to drive often remarks she is very glad I showed little interest in driving and did not persist with it. Pedestrians and motorists alike are much safer because of this. I have also come to appreciate in later years that I have saved a considerable amount of money by not driving (I walk a lot or catch the bus) and have a much smaller global ecological footprint than many of my contemporaries. In conclusion I echo the comment of @Gary L "Great stuff continues to be delivered to us".

I have to confess I do not belong to the "group" which thinks all babies are cute and that one must make an endless fuss over them to reassure their parent(s) they have produced the most remarkable little human ever. Quite the opposite, and Chris' first day experience of looking after William did nothing to change my mind. Now if William were a kitten or perhaps even a puppy it would be an entirely different scenario. William's grandmothers will have to be very patient with his mother until such time as she settles down and stops being the "annoying first time mother from hell". Both grandmothers have managed to raise children of their own, who presumably began life as babies, so they have likely got a reasonably good idea of what to do and how to look after him. And they didn't need a fucking app to tell them what to do. And if leaving William with them and/or Chris is such an anxiety-producing ordeal, Skye could always stay at home and look after him herself. Now that I have got that off my chest @Paladin, I have to say I enjoyed this chapter for the comedic moments (mostly involving Beau). Chris' revelation of his involvement in a top-secret military project came as a surprise and offered a very plausible explanation for his "disappearance" from Michael's life. I just hope this involvement does not pose any security risks to him in the future. And I had to revisit chapter 7 where Tyron made his first appearance to confirm his name was Tyron. I had read his name as Tyson as I don't recall ever seeing the name Tyron before. Obviously my brain "auto-corrected" the name the first time he appeared to a name I was familiar with, a bit like a computer or mobile, but not nearly as annoying.

I changed my comment slightly after you read it as I realised I had given the impression I like this story less than the other two which is not the case. It has to date had a 'slower build up' than the other two, but has really hit its stride in this chapter I felt. I also changed my comment about Thomas' "outness" as I felt I had given the impression he was more "vocal" about being gay than what he apparently is.

I had a yuckity moment followed by an immediate guffaw when I once again misread a word which changed the whole meaning and tone of the sentence. "They were less successful this time and finally had to content themselves with a long, intimate embrace in the relative privacy of a copse by a couple of empty fields" I read as"They were less successful this time and finally had to content themselves with a long, intimate embrace in the relative privacy of a corpse by a couple of empty fields". Twice of late I have read the word copse as corpse with a very different meaning to the intent of the statement. It may have even been in a prior chapter of this story @Robert Hugill. It is not a word I have regularly encountered in my life until quite recently, and if I recall correctly it has been largely in your stories or other stories set in England. I was very moved by Thomas' statement (in bold) "Now, about that football?" "If people see me?" "It’s a charity match, you’re doing a mate a favour." Keith looked dubious but nodded. "Look, I don’t want to pressure you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. I’ve never been one for hiding it, but I don’t want to make you make a move till you are ready." "Nah, it's stupid. I’ve already started feeling guilty at not being straight with the guys." Thomas well may be unapologetically out but he is very mindful and respectful of others who are for whatever reason not as comfortable as he is. His recognition of Keith's discomfort and his attitude of encouragement without pressure, make him a very suitable candidate for coupling with Keith, helping him to negotiate the challenges he will face as a young gay man in a world of communities based on a heterosexual paradigm. This story has to date not had as strong an impact as Brian: Taking Courage or No Going Back (but has by no means been less enjoyable), but in this chapter it has really come into its own. Another fine work Mr Hugill.

I was thinking the oft-quoted porn term "hole-wrecker" might become a reality for poor Mike.

I have to wonder if Jamie's "super powers" extend themselves to the bedroom. Will he have remarkable stamina, like a man who has overdosed on Viagra? And if so, will Mike be able to withstand superpower sex? Depending on his preferred position, Jamie could give the term "power bottom" a whole new meaning. I have had an image of CI Mwangi closely resembling Adam Okaro (portrayed by Cyril Nri) from The Bill. CI Mwangi is quite possibly of Kenyan descent whereas Cyril Nri was born in Nigeria, but if CI Mwangi is even half as handsome as Cyril Nri he can be forgiven for his behaviour in the prior chapter. My brain is somewhat fuzzy at the moment (and has been all week), thus my understanding of the role of Rupert-Morris-Walker is somewhat fractured (and what a perfectly pretentious name for a conservative toffee-nosed twat, I almost read his name as Rupert Morris-Wanker). Is he a danger to Jamie and thus is being watched by the police because of this, or is he is in cahoots with the police in covering up something politically unsavoury? I guess I will just have to continue to read the story to find out (and oh what a "punishment" this will be). Very intriguing chapter @lawfulneutralmage. It appears my concerns Jamie may be hypoglycaemic were completely unwarranted. I now have to be concerned for Mike and his sexual "safety". If Jamie suddenly has a superpower rush of energy during sex with Mike who knows what damage he could cause unintentionally.

I think Kenny is too trusting and is vulnerable. I have not liked James since his first appearance at the teen party. Whilst Quinton appears to be pleasant enough I believe he is easily led/manipulated by James and this may not bode well for the relationship between Kenny and Bryan. I don't trust James one iota, he is trouble with a capital T. I hope Billy's faith in the American legal system is not misguided. He appears supremely confident he can have any decision made by Judge Crustypants overturned on the basis of incompetence or bias. I would not be so cocksure. My experience with the judiciary, which admittedly is quite limited, is that they stick together like flies to shit.

"It was a pleasant meal and not a challenging one. The food had been enjoyable, though not startling and Colin had been a bit disappointed with his choice. It tasted good but was nowhere near as interesting as it had sounded, whereas Horst's pasta, though ordinary sounding, had looked tasty indeed. The couple did not stay for a night-cap, they had to walk back to their hotel." I don't think Owain spoke with Anni and Horst about the Nazis @Cane23. I think they had already left to walk back to their hotel. I think the conversation regarding the Nazis took place after Anni and Horst's departure and was just with Colin.

"Colin sighed and Owain looked at him. They were having a last walk around Barga. “That was a big sigh?” “Happy one.” Colin reached over and squeezed Owain’s hand. He wouldn’t risk walking along hand in hand, even when it was so quiet, but a quick squeeze. “Thinking about the holiday, and how I’ve enjoyed it.” “We’ve enjoyed it. Think we can do it again?” “I don’t see why not.” “It’s a big step, a first holiday together, plenty of time.” Colin smiled, “To discover all the things you don’t like about each other and wonder why you’re together.” Owain stared at him, so he ploughed on, “but I thought that we discovered all the things that were different about each other and learned how to do stuff together.” “Perhaps still learning, but I’d go with that.” This conversation illustrates perfectly why Colin and Owain are such a good match for each other. No egotism displayed by either in this discussion, each listening to the other (not an easy thing for many to do) and accepting each other warts and all. What a wonderful conclusion to their first "real" holiday together. I believe I very well may enjoy looking at the gardens and grand homes as did Colin, but like Colin I would not appreciate rooms stuffed full of formal heavy furnishings and drapes anymore than I would monochromatic minimalism. These boys continue to charm and delight your readers @Robert Hugill. I envy their relationship, it is one many of us can only dream of having.

Based on the result of the blood test from the two finger pricks Rebecca performed on Jamie, I believe he has hypoglycaemia. This would also account for his extreme hunger and confusion. If he was having a hypoglycaemic episode when he stopped the speeding driver the driver may have feared him because Jamie would likely have been sweating profusely, very likely unsteady on his feet, appeared intoxicated and quite likely slurring his words. I just hope it does not take a near-death experience for this to be revealed. If he is not hypoglycaemic I am at a loss as to what has happened. There is something suspicious about CI Mwangi. Why was he brought in or has Jamie hallucinated the whole thing? Is this chapter a dream (ala Bobby Ewing in Dallas)? Excellent writing @lawfulneutralmage. Is the chapter title prophetic in some way? Will Jamie have to monitor his blood sugar levels on an ongoing basis if he is hypoglycaemic as I suspect? It's almost as intriguing as Who shot JR? At least we will not have to wait until next season for all to be revealed I hope?

Nor do I @lawfulneutralmage. I did have carpet on the stairs, but my cats took care of that for me (of course, when it came to removing the carpet completely they were nowhere to be seen) and in the bedroom, but the cats and a leaking balcony took care of that for me (of course, when it came to removing the carpet there the cats were nowhere to be seen again). Now I have timber and cement floors (for the time being). I will NEVER lay carpet anywhere though.

Jamie aka Leon certainly has been unlucky in his pursuit of "coupledom", although perhaps all previous attempts were only training for what appears to be in store for him wth Mike. The old adage about having to kiss a number of frogs before you meet Prince Charming springs to mind. Jamie was certainly unlucky in the "parents lottery" too, with both, but particularly his father, sounding as if they are positively vile. I find it hard enough to understand homophobia when it is based on religious beliefs, but when those beliefs are not held I cannot understand it at all. Frankly, Jamie appears to be better off without having his parents in his life and it appears his siblings share his "distaste" for the parents they were saddled with too, with both having fled to greener pastures. Conversely, Mike appears to have won the "parents lottery". His mother's enquiry of a former beau was hilarious, indicating just how comfortable his parents are with him being gay. Perhaps they can "adopt" Jamie too. A very focussed chapter this one @lawfulneutralmage, with the focus entirely on the burgeoning relationship between our protagonists. Although a non-issue in the grand scheme of things, I have to comment and ask (without expecting an answer), why do upmarket restaurants insist on having expensive carpet as their floor covering? I must confess I detest carpet, but it has always struck me as incredibly stupid to put carpet in a room where it is without question people are going to spill food and drink on it at the very least.

"For the first time, Keith saw a man’s naked body in terms of desire, not curiosity. Thomas wasn’t that hairy, thank goodness, and his long, slim dick was something Keith wanted to get to know better. And afterwards, a sticky sweaty mess, it was almost as if a light had finally come on." 😍😍😍😍😍. What a revelation for Keith, twenty-six (?) and finally the light has come on. How exciting for him, and Thomas seems an ideal companion to initiate him into the ways of gay intimacy, even if it involves a good bit of public "snogging" (love that word @Robert Hugill, it makes me think of the ghastly Vicky Pollard, yeah but no but yeah but no shut up). Thomas revealed he has travelled to Africa, specifically Zimbabwe and Ghana. He would certainly be unwise to return there any time soon, particularly the latter as it descends into homophobic hysteria. I am particularly impressed Thomas and Keith seem to be building a friendship/relationship on simple and inexpensive pleasures, walks and a spot of lunch. Perhaps they may run into Owain and Colin on one of their afternoon walks.

The highlight of the chapter @Paladin "Oh, you’ve set up a new one for us. That’s lovely dear. Oh, and it’s neater than the old one. That’s nice. Of course, Nick can take the other one for the children.” Dad knew better than to offer an opinion." Very, very funny, all the funnier because it is so often too true. Overwhelming support for Andre as Chris' new partner, to the point both sets of grandparents and Chris' parents are strongly advocating he marry Andre. What a difference a few years can make. The sky did not fall in and Australia did not cease to exist because marriage equality laws were passed. Of course we gays being the "powerful, godless creatures" that we are were responsible, in the eyes of some, for the terrible bushfires of 2019 which swept the Eastern states and probably some who think we brought COVID to our shores, but in Australia such stupidity is generally lampooned in much of the press and dismissed by much of the general public. A well-written chapter again @Paladin.

Dickless and deranged, a lethal combination, but I like @Mattyboy think Otis will be able to overcome Gideon Keres, Watkins and Angel. I am increasingly confident Otis is the key to the downfall of this sinister group headed by Keres and his slimy underling Watkins. I don't want either to die in a police or "secret agent" shoot out; I want them taken alive and made to suffer incomprehensible pain. Depending on Otis' contribution to the downfall of the Keres empire of evil, I have to wonder if he will be offered a job to work for the same agency as Hudson. Whatever the outcome of this operation, I feel Otis and Hudson are going to be a force to be reckoned with as a couple and perhaps as colleagues. And if the comments I have read about the HEA outcome of the stories written by @Laura S. Fox are truly reflective of her writing (and I have no reason to disbelieve this), I envisage Jackie and Japser may find themselves as a couple at the conclusion of this story. If my speculations are not fanciful, I also hope Watkins and Big Bad Bubba (he with the 12 inch cock) end up as a "couple" in Da Big House, with Watkins becoming Big Bad Bubba's unwilling bitch. I hope Jasper survives his ordeal but as for Angel, I don't really care one way or the other. He too may be a "victim", but he is so thoroughly unlikeable that I cannot feel any sympathy for him at present. "I would never do a thing to him.” His mother’s voice, tearful and pleading. “This house is a complete mess, Olivia. Is this where you’re raising your son? And where is he? I haven’t seen him in three years.” His grandma’s voice. Tired, yet firm. Otis remembered her vaguely. He was watching from behind the corner. And later, more reproaches. “The boy barely speaks! Will you let him come with me? I will take him off your hands if he’s too much work for you.” “He’s my son!” The sound of broken plates. “You forced me to give up on you, but you’re not going to force me to give up on him, too.” His grandma again, as firm as ever. “I will take him from you, whether you like it or not.” “No!” His mother screeched, like a wounded animal. “You can’t take him away! He’s all I have! I love him!” Apparently Grandma had not seen Otis for three years. I cannot but help think she is not the "saint" he has painted her to be. She appears to have known her daughter's true character and yet she left Otis alone with her and unseen for three years. Something about this statement and the kind and caring Grandma does not "compute" with me. And I am still suspicious Gideon Keres may have been disfigured in the fire which killed Otis' mother, one which Otis may have lit or at least done nothing to stop (and understandably so if this is what happened). Given the "dark" turn in this chapter @Laura S. Fox, I am going to say it was well executed rather than well written.

@Robert Hugill Owain and Colin's holiday in Italy was so different I did not once think that any moment now Dames Maggie or Judy or Helena Bonham Carter were going to suddenly appear and accost the boys with advice of what they must see or do. The discussion of Owain's impending "fortune" was a non-event, with none of the argument or discord Owain feared eventuating. Much to Colin's credit he swallowed his pride and recognised Owain's gestures for what they were. I think my interest in the architecture would fall somewhere in between that of Owain and Colin. I have never been to Italy and the things which appeal to me the most if I were to do so are the food, the food and the architecture. As for the opera or any such cultural experiences, my collection of music which can be attributed fully or partially to Italy is limited to Black Box and Change (most of the members who were American anyway). I do like a number of American singers of Italian descent, all of whom are now deceased (Perry Como, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett). Love it @Robert Hugill.

We Aussies do employ bodily functions in our slang quite a bit @Paladin. In addition to those you have mentioned we also have "you're shitting me", "don't shit me", and "i'm/you're shitfaced". Now for the "real" purpose of chapter comments. @drsawzall expressed my thoughts exactly in his usual eloquent fashion "Oh dear lord...just where do I begin...the chapters just keep getting better...". This chapter was packed with the good (the burgeoning relationship between Leon and Mike), the bad (the false fire alarm, the pub fight etc) and the ugly (Leon's choice of date outfit before Becs intervened). The appearance of the Persian cat as the source of setting off the school alarm gave me a wonderful chuckle. As the human for a number of beautiful felines I can imagine the Persian sitting there with a smug look on its face staring at the silly humans who are unable to get in. It may have been an accident the cat set the alarm off, but then again it may not have been. Cats are often very intelligent creatures and have their humans completely at their beck and call. Superb chapter @lawfulneutralmage.

Was it just a Mexican restaurant @weinerdog or was it a fucking Mexican restaurant or a Mexican fucking restaurant or some other combination of expletive(s) and Mexican restaurant? I know little about him and have not to my knowledge ever seen him on TV, but I have read that he swears profusely at people and is abusive. Whilst I swear profusely it is usually at technology, myself or Marjorie Lauren's and I am usually not abusive to other people, although have on occasion been so.

Reading this quaint little chapter had me reminiscing about The Vicar Of Dibley and its motley cast. The little old lady and old man had me thinking of Jim and Letitia and any moment I expected Geraldine to pop out of nowhere. I loved the description of the visiting vicar "a moon-faced young man with a halo of golden hair". I guess vicar's are not selected for their sex appeal, which is just as well given the physical description of Thomas' brother Nate as someone who "proved to be a slim, rather stooped man, thinning brown hair and glasses". Greg and Bart are expanding Keith's rather narrow of what it is that a gay man "should" be. I must confess at a similar age I had a rather narrow view myself, which has expanded greatly since then, although I have not and am very unlikely ever to embrace religion with anything other than cynicism at best. I am loving the leisurely pace of this story @Robert Hugill. Whilst the main "cast" is still very small, it is nevertheless interesting.