Cane23

What amazing story this is. I have been restrained by the topic at the beginning, expecting some bitter memories from the past (full of regret and disappointment) but, as always @Ronyx you haven't disappoint. You combine present and past so nicely that story keeps attention all the time, leaving as wanting more. Phil's past is just one segment of this multi leveled tale. There is also the down of new romance, Colin's family, Stanley's story, 'prodigal' son and who know what more cooking in author's imagination.

Hearing the story about Andre's rapist is going to be hurtful for Beau and their parents. How can one parent feel to find out that his child has been abused as young boy and they knew nothing about, didn't prevent it or stopped it. They might feel rage, guilt, pain...luckily there is lot of love in this family to heal the scares of the past.

That's the point, Pete is braking stereotypes and cliches. There is something Spartan in him. He bruised his characters having difficult childhood. As a quote says - What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger! The reaction from teammates has been surprisingly positive. It is sad Arlie has to quit team just not to be beaten by homophobic father. Not because being gay but being on the same team with gay...ridiculous, specially knowing that there is at least one more closeted gay in team...and how many more closeted professional sportsmen around the world! Another kind of homophobia, living like ostrich with had in sand - if we don't speak about homosexuality, then it doesn't exist!?! Relationship with Mitch might be completely new, romantic experience for Pete. Till now, it was all about surviving, maybe even surprising sexual tension and hormones. He can be a teenage boy now, not only 'soldier'!

Rather open-minded vicar and his wife! 🙂

Bridge goes over the river; this is viaduct because it crosses the valley. By the way it looks, I would call it 'copy or Roman aqueduct, with railroad on it'.

If you mean this one, it is monstrous indeed! No windmill can make more view pollute than this...'object'! 😱

I have bitten my nails till the end of the chapter! Very tense situation... Regarding heritage, I believe Jamie's youthful anger is speaking for him! Keeping heritage, no matter how it looks to us is very important. Preserving cultural relicts from a past can be a good foundation to build a future. I don't know much about UK internal politics, and it might look like the conservatives use the heritage for rigid policy but believe me, it is much worse having politicians who things that history starts with their reign and all that was before is not good enough or has to be removed to make a space for new, 'ingenious' projects.

I'm really impressed by Pete! There is no weapon as strong as truth directly told, without hesitation, diplomacy or political correctness - spoken while watching directly in the eyes. Ugh, that can kill!

My kid, he was around five when said that it is - A very rude lady because 'she was speaking' all the time while we were driving! 😁

Nice 'bridge into the storm' @lawfulneutralmage. 😉 Just a little calm down after press outburst in previous chapter, before bomb explode in next one! 😁

I don't know what Satnav is, I know what GPS is...

Just to inform you, @kbois has authorized answer 'We'll see'! 😁

Something tells me we are going to discuss Mr. Heyward, chapter after chapter in Russ Kahn's manner, analyzing is he good or bad, or imposter, infantile friend looking for attention or dangerous tycoon looking for pray or good friend wanting Entertaiment...while @Robert Hugill is cooking us slowly like a frog! 😂

Oh my...what a turbulent chapter!!! You made me feel like a Jamie, till the level that I felt the same relieve after phone call with RMW (who is, btw, a mind reader!?!? 🤯). Well, this elephant in the room cannot be hidden any more, Jamie will have to find the way to speak openly with Mike. Although this tabloid article made Jamie's already messed life messier, there have been some (un)expected support that really helped. First of all, thank you God for a friend like Nam. Everybody needs Nams in their life. Then, there is Rob. We didn't have much information regarding Jamie's relationship with his brother and I'm glad that they are close and on a good term. Although, all this situation seems entertaining to Rob, huh, he is even making money of it! 😆 The press conference is finest example of witty, intelligent, English political and diplomatic tradition. Coming from a country where MP's are literally fighting in the parliament, I'm always astonished by the level of democratic culture in UK. Mother is...well, probably very much concerned about her own reputation...'what will our friends and neighbors say?' 🤮 Once again, great chapter @lawfulneutralmage.

Father's reaction was horrendous! On the other hand, Donald was not pervert for being gay but for being predator and sexually exploitering young boys. All these left big impact on Keith's growing up. Too bad that Keith and Tim didn't have possibility to explore their sexuality in 'natural' way, together.

😂 Yea, good point...no parent would allow their teen children living like married couple, f*cking like rabbits in next door room! No matter sexuality!

Oops...I don't know, should I say 'sorry'?! 🤐

It's amazing how self-confident Peter is! He stands for himself and his principles no matter what. Of course, the fact that he knows how to fight is not bad either! 😉

What's wrong with this woman?! Looks like she needs a psychiatric treatment...

Maybe shorter, but chapter that reveals a lot! We were waiting for this moment between Liam and Mike to happen and I'm thrilled it happened but, a point that Mike has been bullied and banished for attempted kiss...makes me angry!

'Watering the plants'...so, that's how it's called nowadays?! 😉😁 I'm wondering, is Dan working at 'Ares'? 🤔

Welcome back @lawfulneutralmage, what a great action scene. The problem is that RMW and Jamie are still rather defensible, still waiting bad guys to come instead of chasing them. I was wandering, why are those creatures after RMW, why is he the main target - does he know something, or he has some ability to stop them?

Sounds like a plot for a good story!

Two ordinary guys in extraordinary story make this tale unique. Openly gay Owain, disowned by his religious fundamentalist parents is coming home at his father's funeral. Closeted gay Colin, belittled by his own mother and older brother is insecure, lacking in self-confidence about his sexuality and his body. Owain engages Colin's constructing company to renovate the house, and that's how their journey starts. Following this story has been like sitting in a traditional English pub and listening two very good friends speaking about their everyday life: ups and downs, insecurities, family issues, holidays. There is no big melodrama with these guys but, at the end of the story, when we look back, we can see how much they achieved, both personally and as a couple. Hope that author will find inspiration for book 2, as with Owain, Colin, their families and friends, you can never get bored.

Choosing to end the story with this famous quote from Bible, author is sending strong message to readers. Both protagonists have baggage from the past but, being 'forced' to share friend's house as roomettes make them help each other heal, leave the past behind and embrace the happiness which future brings them. Being able to finally accept the truth and proudly share it to the world freed them from the chains of past and shame. Story deals with abuse, prostitution, domestic violence; but it promotes family values, love and fight for better life.