Summerabbacat

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.

OMG the inequities are even more appalling than I was aware of (the reason for my 'Angry' emoticon). The "largest penis" comment was very amusing, but it did not "override" the anger generated from the first two sentences. Absolutely despicable.

@John Henry because Judge "Crusty Pants" has made only one appearance in the story to date, albeit a dramatic and unforgettable one, I included him in the collective I referred to as "nasty Republican Marjorie Lauren's who have wronged Diego, Steve, Bryan, Caleb and/or Kenny". Your comment about universal health care being an anathema for conservatives, except when it applies to themselves, made me think of access to abortion in the USA too. Many of these same conservatives no doubt fanatically oppose abortion under any circumstances, but I daresay more than one of them has accessed an abortion when it suited her, even if it was an "illegal" abortion. It again would be a case of the haves "deserving" access to such a procedure whereas the have nots do not because they are lazy and/or stupid and/or poor and/or "illegals".

Assuming Kenny's mother told the truth that she was unable to afford her medication for keeping her schizophrenia under control, what an appalling indictment of medical treatment in the USA (and from everything I have read over the years, this is a realistic depiction). Short-sightedness on the part of whomever is responsible at the state and federal levels of government resulting in her having to be admitted to hospital to get it under control again, something which more than likely could have been avoided if her medication was free or subsidised. This scenario makes me very angry with those who would deny her treatment because she cannot afford it, a pack of Marjorie Lauren's. I am also somewhat annoyed, perhaps too hastily or unfairly, with Kenny's mother in that it appears she has kept Kenny ignorant of her medical condition. Part of me recognises she may have done this to shield him from upset and worry, particularly given his sensitive nature, but part of me thinks she should have disclosed it, at least to some extent, to help Kenny understand their situation a little better. As for his loser father, he sounds like he is a deadbeat just like fucking Calvin. Diego may have acted foolishly on occasion in his role as Bryan and Caleb's father, but never have his qualities as a great father been more on display than in this chapter. I was moved to tears (which of course NEVER happens with me, yeah right) by his emotional and physical embrace of Kenny to soothe his sadness and feeling of abandonment again. I think Kenny's imminent move to live with Billy and Trevor will be beneficial for everyone, but most importantly for Kenny. It may be sometime, if ever, his mother will have the emotional capacity to care for him, and it is almost certain she will never have the financial capacity to sufficiently look after him. One of the best, if not the best, chapters in this story to date @John Henry. My previously held beliefs of Kenny's mother have been corrected by the disclosures in this chapter, such that the only "cast members" left whom I detest are Calvin (obviously), Thomas Walker, his hideous spouse, their vile spawn and any other nasty Republican Marjorie Lauren's who have wronged Diego, Steve, Bryan, Caleb and/or Kenny.

I too am finding the policing content interesting and realistic. The domestic violence call out scene was well-written and wholly believable. The flirty texts have received much admiration from my fellow readers, and I shall add my favourable comments too @lawfulneutralmage. It seems highly likely a relationship of some sort is going to develop between Leon and Mike.

I observe that several of my fellow fans of the works of @Robert Hugill have commented on this interesting slice of English life too. When I commenced reading this chapter I could not help but reminisce about a number of British police shows which have been shown in Australia in my lifetime, particularly The Bill. Although I did not watch it frequently, I always enjoyed it whenever I caught an episode. The premise for this story has been raised immediately, Leon is uncomfortable working with a Special Constable whom he finds attractive. Whilst I can sympathise with him, methinks he should not deny himself the opportunity to work with someone competent and whose company he appears to enjoy too. Deal with it Leon and if a friendship or something more forms between you and Mike, which appears to be likely, enjoy it while it lasts. I had not heard of a Special Constable before, therefore, I did a little research on the 'net and was astonished to find how many people volunteer in this capacity in the British police force. Some very humorous moments amongst the first chapter too, particularly when Leon's first nickname, Stella, was revealed. Whenever I hear the name Stella, I cannot but help think of Marlon Brando in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' yelling out Stelllllaaaa. A very impressive start to this story @lawfulneutralmage. As others have commented, I also look forward to reading more about the lives of Leon, Mike and their colleagues at Enfield.

I now think of belligerent Bronwyn as conniving Connie. She is so self-centred and manipulative. I doubt her interest in Owain's family is sincere, she seemingly just has to know everyone's business to be "happy". It is possible her apparent favouritism towards moralistic Miles was based on what he could do for her, rather than genuine affection. Unless she displays a side of herself yet to be revealed, I don't think she has many, if any, redeeming features. I really do not like her at all. It was pleasing to learn Annalisa has stood up to Miles again and is not accepting his nonsensical behaviour. With conniving Connie apparently showing more "interest" in Colin, the little green-eyed monster may have raised its ugly head for Miles. Too bad so sad. Put on your big boy pants dickhead and start behaving like a reasonable adult male instead of a little bully boy in the school yard. It's onward and upward for Owain and Colin. What an enriching relationship they are forging. Wonderful stuff @Robert Hugill.

I think the overused comparison that Sydney is the painted whore and Melbourne is the dowager duchess is still valid even today. I think Sydney's greatest natural asset is the harbour and its greatest man-made asset is the Opera House (surely one of the most unique and greatest architectural feats in the world). Without these I consider it would pale beside Melbourne.

@Andre Delport my reference to the lavish lifestyle was not a criticism nor a comment on the meals, it was more a comment on the frequent travels and the manner in which the Devlin-Major family travels, although I must admit at least some of this travel is a mix of work and pleasure. I must confess I had forgotten the employee profit-sharing scheme which I agree is philanthropic, even though it benefits the Devlin-Major family too. I only mentioned the charitable foundation because of Andrew's emotional reaction to the death of some employees, particularly Thomas, and his upset at the loss of jobs at other hotels/resorts which failed during COVID leaving these employees with nothing. He appears the ideal "candidate" for establishing such a foundation, perhaps in honour of his parents or in honour of Beth and Nicky. I daresay Ryan shares his ideals, he is just not as demonstrative as Andrew. Although they may be insensitive in the current South Africa, I just love the names of some of the towns/cities/locations because of the absurd length of the names. Pietermaritzburg is a classic example.

Lygon Street Carlton v Norton Street Leichhardt. It is many years since I have been to the former, but if it remains as it was in my younger years then Norton Street is no match for Lygon Street. I am a Sydneysider, but Melbourne is a wonderful city, it just has horrible weather (way too cold in winter and way too dry in summer). I love the trams and the restaurants, Brunswick Street and Lygon Street to name but a few. And it has not one, but two great shops which sell vegan leather products which one can buy in person or online. I have bought all my shoes, belts and wallets from one of these stores as Sydney has nothing like it. Mamma Rosina may be a stereotype, but stereotypes are invariably based on real-life examples and she is a real-life example of the Italian Nonna. I have met a number in my lifetime and she is so very much the Italian Nonna. The boys are enjoying themselves, even though their trip is tinged with sadness. Let us hope that Nonna's oncologist has caught the cancer in time and that it can be successfully treated.

OMG @Andre Delport with the amount consumed and the frequency of the meals Andrew and Ryan partake in it is a wonder they are not the size of the kudu bulls. Just as well they are also "horny" like the bulls and did all that hot sweaty smelly work to shed those excess pounds. "His happiness was dampened however, whenever he, out sheer force of habit, looked around for Thomas and realised that their beloved old doorman was no longer there. The sudden welling up of emotion was very unexpected and he had to go get himself a glass of water and move to a quiet corner to compose himself." For all his wealth and lavish living, Andrew is at heart still an unpretentious, kind, caring and generous man. Wealth has not spoilt him and the "power" it has brought to him has not made him immune to the plight of those less fortunate than himself. If I may be so bold as to suggest this @Andre Delport, with the likely expansion of the Devlin-Major portfolio, perhaps they may be in a position to establish the Devlin-Major philanthropic foundation, which in a country like South Africa would certainly be of benefit to many.