Paladin

Three vowels and a consonant! Should be easy for me to write if I wasn't so listless and lacking in enthusiasm.

There are two physical things in this chapter that I think are significant. The first is Lyn was about to reply to the guy with a sharp retort, but a warm hand came to rest on his shoulder. Just as Lyn was watching Alexander interacting with with a group of students at the function, Alexander was more carefully watching Lyn. The hand is reassuring, protective and possessive. The second is Lyn grabbed his hand. No, he tried to, because Brad was faster and he just ended placing his hand over his. This was Brad getting between Lyn and Alexander physically and leaving Lyn once again holding his hand (literally and academically) rather than Alexander's. We know that "something happened" between Lyn and Brad at the end of College. That is still a mystery along with the lack of contact between the three of them since leaving Collage and what Brad has been up to during those years.

After two years Lyn is not only prepared to acknowledge and call Alexander a friend but also to protect him from being slighted by other students. That they are both honors students highlights their academic compatibility. Lyn's social inadequacy is also on display. Even then, Brad is lurking in the background ready to pounce when they leave the function and assert his claim over them.

Now choler as word of the day has highlighted a specific use and meaning of the word humour; a use that has nothing to do with being funny, no matter how much we might joke about it.

Quote: The words "Do Not Press" near a large red button induces a cacoethes to press the button anyway. Along with signs saying "wet paint".

Now we know that Jack calls Theodore "Theo" from their first meeting and Theodore is attracted (including sexually) to Jack from their first meeting. Why does Jack smell of cinnamon and is cinnamon scent significant? OK I'm ready to get on board for this ride.

Not much to add to the comments already made. I like this quote: “He doesn’t,” Lyn said in a clipped manner. His ass throbbed, and he wanted this dinner to be over already. He’d have to sleep on his belly. If Alexander’s fingers could make him feel like this, that monster cock of his had to be a real damage-dealer. “What can I say, man? The chick needs to leave the coop. I can’t be your mother hen all your life.” Lyn is doing three things at once: Defending Alexander answering for him; Justifying being less attentive to Brad; and Thinking of further sex with Alexander.

This chapter neatly captures the early days of the Nimbin community. People who were prepared to live roughing it, making do with what was available, using what can be repurposed and dreaming of their future, usually an alternate future. My memory (often fallible) is the the Aquarius Festival was a nod to the the song The Age of Aquarius from the musical Hair.

A very enjoyable story with room for much more. I keep remembering that Nick took photos of Jack's back after his last stay with his parents. Even without going through CPS it could be useful evidence while seeking help from grandmother. Mr J is appalling. Hopefully the school's review of Mr G will have him reinstated as house parent. 🤞

Well, truth will out and Mark and Jonathan are together. I'm still not certain about Carl. The sooner he gets a boyfriend the better. Threesomes are messy. The same for a twosome with a third wheel.

@Myr epitomizes perfection in his selection of word of the day for at least as long as I've participated in this blog.

Danny and Nate have finally admitted what their feeling are for each other. What else will this visit reveal about his sexuality and love? His biggest decision is about his future, and he has limited time to sort that out.

@Myr has chosen an alluring gif to complement alluring.

Glad I've been able to help. ❤️

Noel Lawson is the Australian Federal Police Inspector in charge of the case, so he would have news about the police investigation. I agree @Lynx003, that there would be a revolt in the car if they drove to Brisbane and didn't stop for the night in Stingray heads.

I'm working on it @RoyKing.

Maybe @Philippe, just maybe

Yes @pvtguy Cupid's been working triple shifts with this lot. ❤️ While things are going well here, the police are still working in the background.

Absolutely loved this story. I hope the card that's now missing from the fortunetelling pack isn't important in the sequel.

🪨🌟??

I'm sorry @Summerabbacat, but you will have to wait to find out why the Inspector is calling. Now did I include any of your speculations? Hmm. I'm always pleased when my writing elicits emotions in readers. Thank you for your comments.

You're right @chris191070 the families are coming together with love and support.

Sometimes @Daddydavek swimmers have to cope with a tumble turn at the end of the pool.

Leaving the two sets of siblings the others moved towards the food and drinks where Jordan and Cameron assumed the role of hosts and offered the guests snacks and drinks. Jordan lit the BBQ to warm up for cooking and turned around to accept a glass of wine from Cameron, only to discover that he was standing with Adrian, Brody, Oscar and Cameron watching the BBQ while the women were in another group having an animated discussion. Standing next to Brody, he directed his gaze to Kevin and Dani