Summerabbacat

A wonderful story from which I learned a number of things too. I recognised behaviours of Alec's which I experience at times and thought I was making a "mountain out of a molehill". I am frequently told by many that I am too harsh on myself and that I need to ask for help and be kinder to myself. At the age of 60 this is very difficult to do. The HEA in this story seems wholly believable given the progress Alec made during its course. And I agree, Mae's death was 100% a good thing for all concerned. Thank you @Demiurge for this gift. I still don't like Kenji.

The leather sofa is completely impractical with pets (and I won't mention how a cow died so a fucking lounge could be made). Alec's taste in furniture appears to be monochromatic and sterile whereas Finn's "farmhouse" style may be just a little too much. How does one compromise when the tastes are so vastly different. A puzzle indeed. Another enjoyable and amusing chapter @Demiurge.

Alec has never mentioned a desire to have children prior to this chapter. Let us hope it is something that both he and Finn give a lot of consideration to before even contemplating how they wish to go about this.

Unsupervised visits with Bryan and Caleb. Judge "Crustypants" is already showing his hand. Let us hope that Billy manages to sever it.

I would like to place an order for a Finn of my own, with one slight modification he would be perfect. No running, any other form of exercise is welcome, but no running. He is the perfect antidote to Alec's anxiety and pessimism.

I thought Cameron a snotty little bitch. He must have other hidden talents because I would have left him at the rat and roach infested studio apartment. Lukas seemed very pleasant, Sage and August I think I could only take in small doses. Alec and Finn are certainly communicating far better now, resulting in less misinterpretations of actions and words.

River strikes again. The surprise guest arrangement has all the hallmarks of River's organisation. If Alec won't say it, I will. River you are crazy. Stupid. You need to come home. Mr Smug Charmless Watanabe is not worth it. I am sorry, he was too busy to even bother to come and meet you at the airport and leaves you alone all the time? Really, bullshit excuse.

Damn I thought it had some significance. I know when I copied it it appeared as bold red text. I thought there was perhaps some subliminal message.

River's friends are certainly a motley crew. "It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate River’s friends fetching him from the airport, or watching his home, but he was already at his people quota for the day." OMG I can so relate to this sentiment. My days of partying and enjoying the company of a large group are but a distant memory. The idea of such a gathering fills me with revulsion now. Finn's anxieties don't make an appearance very often, but when they do they make an impact. One tends to forget this strong, handsome and successful extrovert isn't completely without his own doubts. I am not a "car person", having never owned one nor driven one for almost 40 years, but I was very impressed with the image I got of a green Lamborghini. I would not know how to drive it of course and definitely could not afford it, but the appeal was there.

I am very impressed with Keith. His recognition he needs to attend functions to "please" Thomas in exchange for all the assistance Thomas has given him, and his commitment to doing so, bodes well for their relationship. His readiness to examine the sculpture without remuneration indicates Thomas' community-oriented ideology is also having a positive impact upon Keith. I am equally impressed with Thomas' commitment to "conscious buying" of products which have been responsibly sourced. This is something I strive to always do too, although my main focus is that no animal has been killed or harmed on in anyway for the production of the product. The development of this relationship is of great interest @Robert Hugill. Perhaps it is because Keith and Thomas are younger than your "other boys" (Brian, Gordon, Owain and Colin) and less experienced in gay sex/relationships that adds another facet to this story not present or as present in your other two stories. Once again, very well done.

This for me was by far the saddest chapter yet of this wonderful story. The departure of River to Japan (why oh why did you do this River) will leave a huge hole in both boys hearts. Although I agree with Alec it was good for him to have this separation as he was far too co-dependant on the "little pink gremlin", could they not have at least remained in the same country or even both in North America. I just hope River does not regret moving to Japan to live with Mr Smug Charmless Watanabe. Poignant is the word which best describes this chapter for me @Demiurge. I believe the journey Alec is undertaking to move back to Iowa is a continuation of his growing strength and resolve to deal with his mental health issues. You have portrayed this journey very realistically, with great sensitivity and compassion. Several revelations have been a real eye-opener for me. I hope Alec's journey includes an acceptance of and by his father, warts and all, and a relationship which is mutually beneficial. I think without Alec, Henry is likely to wither and die and I believe he deserves a second chance at happiness, because he got very little of it from the heinous Mae (I don't hold with not speaking ill of the dead).

What a selfish bitch. Even in death Mae had arranged to have more than what she deserved, likely knowing Henry could not afford it. I would have ignored her wishes and put her in the cheapest and ugliest coffin and certainly no headstone. I thought it telling she had very few friends attend the service, most of the attendees were there for Alec. This tells us something about Mae too. I assume she was only in her 50's or 60's so it is not as if most of her friends were likely deceased if she was 80+. Alec's meltdown was very well written @Demiurge. I believe it was primarily motivated by all the unsatisfied what if's, the root cause of which was Mae's intransigence and her belief that she was right about everything.

You have articulated my primary concern in your usual succinct manner @drsawzall. It has been very easy for we readers to focus our comments on the havoc Alec's parents caused him because of their poor parenting. I am of the opinion that Mae had no excuses for her appalling treatment of her son, but one is inclined to forget she bullied her husband too. Henry certainly failed Alec as a father, but he also failed himself as a spouse. He let Mae continuously treat him poorly too. I am wondering if perhaps Henry also suffered from anxiety and/or poor self-esteem when he met Mae and she provided comfort to him, and consequently he did not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to her bullying of both himself and their son. I believe even if he did not, living with her nagging and belittling over the course of their marriage would have done little for his self-esteem. I too am concerned for Henry as statistically widower's cope far worse with the loss of a spouse than widow's do. One can surmise that for Henry the loss of Mae will be a relief, but will it? He was still trying to defend her appalling treatment of Alec even when she was clearly on her last legs. Why would he do that? Social convention perhaps, but was this the only motivation. I was very impressed with Alec's calm demeanour when Henry did try to defend Mae with “I know. It’s just hard Alec. She wanted what was best for you, but I don’t think she ever knew what it was. She honestly thought you were ruining your life and that she could somehow save you from yourself.” His father continued and the words made Alec nauseous. “I don’t want to talk about this right now. I understand why you feel like you need to defend her, but please stop.” “Okay, I’ll stop. I just wanted to say what she didn’t get to.” I am not sure I could have been so kind, I would likely have responded with "No Dad, you wanted to say what she refused to say because she was a nasty, spiteful, manipulative mother and wife". I do believe the death of Mae will herald a reconciliation between Alec and Henry. They have already taken tentative steps towards this. I think each will derive benefit from an improved relationship with the other, and I believe Finn in particular because of proximity and River will contribute to the process. Terrific chapter @Demiurge. River best summed up my appraisal of the situation: “She kick the bucket then?” River’s head tilted to the side. “River! Christ!” Finn scolded as he came to sit next to Alec again. “What? Too soon?” River raised an eyebrow, frowning a little. “We’re in front of hospice.” Finn sighed, combing his fingers through Alec’s hair. “So, if the wicked witch is dead, where does that leave us?” River asked.

Just die already Mae. You are like a festering scab on the wounds you inflicted on Alec and Henry with your hate and vitriol. River and now Finn are as essential to Alec and air and water. He is going to need their support and strength of friendship, not just for himself but for Henry too. I daresay Mae has driven away what friends, if any, Henry and she had.

Six missed calls in a short period of time from Henry can only mean good news for Alec. Mae is dead. I just hope she did not do an about face and want to see him as she was dying. If so and Henry discloses this to him it well may upset Alec significantly. A visit to the gym with a professional trainer such as Finn could induce immeasurable benefits to Alec's anxiety. Just the serotonin production alone could make a significant impact thereon. He would also get to spend more time with Finn in a very positive environment. As mentioned by several of my fellow readers, Alec and Finn have adapted quickly to a settled domesticity. This bodes well for the future. Excellent chapter @Demiurge. I hope to find the next chapter is minus one major character (at least).

The questionable Elisabetta is no longer questionable. Unlike my fellow readers I have no sympathy for her. I may change my opinion as more is revealed of her history, but for the moment I have little regard for her, apart from her attitude towards Cosmo's sexuality. I was not surprised to learn she knew of Cosmo's sexual proclivities and that it is of no consequence to her. She is, at least, not a homophobe, unlike Vincenzo. Was that Toto who almost ran Cosmo and Elisabetta over on his Vespa @James Carnarvon? Was he visiting Michele and Salvatore and upon returning to university had the near miss with them? This may explain how Marco came to know of Cosmo's late night activities so quickly. One cannot blame Pietro for not holding Cosmo's job open for him. His flagrant disregard for informing Pietro he was not coming to work at least, was a slap in the face for Pietro. I knew Cosmo was generally a Greek name, but did not know it was gender neutral. It is very ironic as to the meaning of the name @James Carnarvon. This Cosmo is certainly not ordered or organised. He may be "beautiful", but given his propensity for greasy hair and less than satisfactory personal hygiene, any "beauty" he may possess is diminished by these habits. It is only speculation for now, but the obvious person whose life spirals to include thoughts of suicide is Cosmo, but perhaps it is too obvious. It may be Elisabetta or even Giorgio. Whomever it is, I don't think it will be Marco. He may be cynical about love and boyfriends (the cynicism belies his true feelings of course), but his confidence in other aspects of his life continues to grow. Well done Gianni and Angelo for helping him feel a sense of self-worth to at least some degree. And finally, I have but one question to ask @James Carnarvon. Why was the following sentence underlined: “You could probably ask Giorgio. I’m pretty sure he’d be willing. The kid’s seriously fixated on you.”

"Brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken skewers.” As a long time vegetarian reading this made me want to throw up. I have read of such eating in many American stories, but have to ask is it likely someone would eat so much meat and of such variety in the one meal? It seems Alec has succumbed to the charms of Herky just as he did the charms of Gracie. I imagine the former in particular would be a very good stress release. I know myself if I am stressed (usually over work or a "technology issue"), a few long strokes of any one of my cats generally produces enough serotonin to rectify the problem relatively quickly (this of course does not work if it is one of my cats "causing" the stress, which will usually be me worrying about a health issue they may have). Finn atoned for his recent indifferent and/or mixed-signal behaviour as I was positive he would. And a Kenji-free chapter. What a joy.

"Kenji straightened, “You’re all overcomplicating things. If you’ve told him your plans, he should accept them at face value. That is, if you are positive this is your plan of action.” “Things have never been that black and white for them Kenji. Most people don’t function that way.” River sighed, sending the man next to him a look. “Change how you operate then. Stand by your word and stop all this back and forth. It’s, to be frank, childish and exhausting. If you want something and it’s within your means to make it happen, do it.” Ken sighed and Alec played with the straw sticking out of his water." Run River run. Get as far away as you can. Do not lose yourself to this charmless prig. I think Henry is trying to understand Alec. He was at least aware of how unhappy Alec was as a teen, but because he too was being bullied by Mae he did nothing about it. It is no excuse, but he too was a victim of "she who must be obeyed because she was always right". Fuck, one of them should have poisoned her. Henry's disclosure that Mae blamed him for sending Alec to a public school which "made him gay". Really? I have read some crazy theories before about why some boys are gay e.g. baby boy's exposed to Donna Summer's music whilst in their cot would grow up to be gay, but public school education is one of the crazier theories. And if this was so important to Mae, why did she not get off her fat arse and get a job in WalMart to make extra money for the family. Again I ask you @Demiurge, why is she still breathing? Finn, Finn, Finn. It is just as well you are a good person and you are hot, because you are starting to irritate me a little. All will end well though I believe.

That's OK @Demiurge. I often do not appreciate and/or like those who are universally praised e.g. The Beatles, Aretha Franklin (except for 'Jump To It' and 'Get It Right' albums because Luther did not put up with any of her tantrums), Adele and Beyonce. Hideous.

As teens Alec was the eternal pessimist "our relationship will never work Finn as I hate Sunnyside" without giving any other explanation, whereas Finn was always "it will work Alec" without giving any explanation. My how times have changed with Alec now "I am prepared to return to Iowa and try to make our relationship work" whereas Finn is "but you will be giving up everything you have worked so hard for". For fucks sake Finn, no wonder Alec is confused on this occasion. Talk about mixed messages. Having said this, I certainly do NOT want to appear to be an insensitive, self righteous fuckwit like Kenji. He makes my skin crawl.

Another of your very well written, informative, essential and entertaining "filler" chapters @John Henry. If only all "filler" was so attractive; many movies and family reality TV shows would be almost devoid of women over the age of 16 and quite a number of men too. James shone in this chapter. I did not expect to be handing out "Vote for James" cards at any time during the course of this story, but alas the hand of friendship he extended towards Bryan in this chapter was worthy of such praise. He appeared to be very genuine in his "pep talk" and spoke with sensitivity and sensibility. There is hope for him yet. The real "surprise" for me in this chapter was Caleb's response to Calvin's latest supervised visit “I wish he'd go away again,” Caleb said, sounding rather sad." It appears even Caleb is no longer fooled by Calvin.

"Alec’s attention drifted to Kenji who was in the middle of rolling his eyes, “I’m sorry, complete stranger. Did you have something to say?” “You acknowledge that you messed up whatever is going on between you two. If that’s the case, then fix it. Why the dramatics?” He rolled the sleeves of his eggplant purple button down up, regarding Alec cooly." Fuck. I really dislike Kenji intensely. He is the new Mae. Smug, patronising, condescending prig. The man with the shady past, or so it would seem from his evasive responses. “A lot of things clicked for me when you left. It hurt. I don’t want either of us to be hurt like that ever again.” Alec turned his body more to face Finn. “Cool. How do you plan to keep it from happening then? Cause I’m fresh out of motivation and you’re out of chances.” Wow, way to encourage Alec, Finn. He has lost a little of his appeal in these past few chapters @Demiurge, but it won't take much for that to be reinstated. I note Mae is STILL not dead. Why?

@James Carnarvon will have to substantially improve Giorgio before he is anywhere near good enough for our little mouse, but I had the same notion @drsawzall. I immediately thought to myself, why has James introduced this character. After he and Marco eyed each other up, I thought Giorgio may be the first person who takes a "real" interest in Marco as a sexual being. Marco's assessment of Giorgio's false bravado was spot on: "Marco snorted. “One of us?” he repeated. “Yeah, right.” He turned away, before pausing for one last parting shot. “Talk to me again when you’re ready to be your real self.” He is becoming quite the astute observer of human behaviour. Is this increase in confidence and observation as a result of Gianni and Angelo becoming his foster parents or is it due to his maturing or a combination of both. Any sympathy I had for Cosmo evaporated in this chapter, particularly when he so rudely dismissed Marco's concern that he, Cosmo, would lose his job if he did not show up. His little pity party with the questionable Elisabetta (a non-judgmental polite euphemism for what I am thinking @weinerdog) did nothing to improve their prospects in life. Methinks, Elisabetta may know of Cosmo's proclivities, but chooses to ignore them because it suits her to do so. Another beautifully written chapter @James Carnarvon.

Alec always wanted to "get out of Dodge" and understandably so. Finn always knew this. Alec has made a life for himself in Seattle, it may not be the best life, but he has escaped the small-mindedness of his incubator and Sunnyside. Finn is fortunate to have such a supportive family, a family whom I believe would support him if he also decided to leave Sunnyside. He is equally inflexible, perhaps even more so as he has not tried an alternative, unlike Alec. If neither is prepared to compromise then they should go there separate ways and stay the fuck away from each other as to keep re-opening old wounds is sheer madness. @Demiurge for the sake of Alec's tenuous sanity (and my decreasing sanity) end Mae NOW. She has stolen enough oxygen already and well and truly worn out her welcome.

Kenji is thoroughly unlikeable and untrustworthy. What does River see in him. It was like he and Finn were in a pissing contest or a contest as to who had the biggest cock. My bet would be on Finn for that latter. If Alec accedes to Finn's request for one night of passion (and damn it I think he should) he will not want to leave. I imagine Finn is going to ignite a fire in every fibre and cell within Alec's body. Damn it @Demiurge why isn't that bloody hideous woman dead yet? And while you are organising this, can you also organise something dastardly for Veronica.