Paladin

Quote: Oh, not much, to be sure, but it’s still alive and things are happening, and it has a future . . . even if it is as the grass capital of the world.’ I think @Mark Ponyboy Peters at that time Griffith would have had a greater claim to that title.

I had assumed that sooner or later Blake would be faced, in battle, with the choice of saving Vane or letting him die. I did not believe Jamie would be that callous, as we just saw. However, I don't see Vane as being gracious for being saved. I can only hope.

A wonderful start with a link to a previous story. I always wondered how things worked out for Danny and Jake. I guess I'm about to find out along with how Nimbin weaves its spell on Nate and weave a spell it certainly did on the residents there.

A great place to leave this story. Our lovers out and accepted by their friends and fellow students. Timmy publicly revealed for who he is and shunned. Zack taking martial arts lessons for self defense was an appropriate and delightful reveal.

Everyone wants honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made.

Probably the most famous frescoes are those in the Sistine Chapel. They are definitely not al fresco.

Is that why I'm frequently directed to an outside table?

A very busy chapter which moves from loving fun filled interaction to the implementation of an evil plot against our heros. With a cliff hanger like that you deserve tickles. @Ticklishboy30, did you just say you're 'in the closet'? 🤣

Kat got what he deserved and the best bit is that no one will believe him. Even better they may even question his sanity.

Dallas has certainly changed and is fast becoming a loving, in your face, gay young man. The party should be very interesting. The party organizer, Gemma Campbell, hasn't been negative about Dallas and JJ being gay and most of their year cohort are being supportive or indifferent. That means the anti-gay contingent may be loud but will be outnumbered.

I think you got and extra "D" in there somehow. I agree with you and I'll miss the Sunny Hill mob. By Eco-Jesus, I assume you mean Connor who was brought down by our own wonderful cotton tail, John Hearst Smith, and deserves the oblivion he now inhabits. I agree, the epilogue could have given us at least a glimpse of life in the castle with Hamilton and Maddox, especially given it's role in Rusty's operatic performance. I still loved the ride

I'm not going to argue with the author; well maybe nudge a little. My point was that Pitt wasn't the one to turn away and Blake thinks he has learnt far more from the "incident" than he has. I would see Blake's acceptance of the unfair punishment as showing to Vane that he can take whatever Vane hands out but also for Pitt to see, understand and be with him in his suffering. He is seeing it from his lofty perch only from his point of view, and understandably so. Your quote above suggests that saying "sorry" would have been enough. I don't think so. But what does Pitt need to feel sorry for? Vane's grievances? Huxley's compromised position because of Vane's influential contacts, his own inability to stop a punishment under the rules, or in face of all that not revealing that he loves Blake? Pitt is sorry for a them meeting in a confined setting where they have to hide their feelings for each other. I don't think Blake knows what he wants Pitt to be sorry for. Life certainly looks different from that lofty perch.

I love the idea and I would think that not being allowed to join would be so atrocious that I my response would be ferocious.

Well, @andy cannon you promised action in this chapter and it is not what I expected. I am not surprised that the vain Vane instigated the action, although I'm not sure it was purely directed at Pitt. I believe it is very much directed at a subordinate who is more capable, more a leader and more respected than Vane is himself. He has just heard that he is, again, being passed over for promotion, and that is despite the influence on his side. I am intrigued by Blake's final words in his letter, regarding those who stood by and those who tuned away. While that could refer to Pitt as having turned away, it was actually Vane who turned away. Pitt may not have watched, but he stood by and later reached out. Jamie thinks he has learnt. Not yet.

I agree and would add that we frequently run into atrocious with reference to behaviour, often coupled with words such as despicable and disgusting.

A nice rounding up of the Sunny Hill campus stories with two unlikely roomies ending up in solid relationships with two friends who both had reputations for playing the field. It is delightful to know that Rusty and Jamie are both pursuing successful musical careers. Thankfully, no one has stepped up to continue Xpress. Thanks for a wonderful story.

Lots of positives are happening for our lovers and for the school in general, but there are still problems circling. Dallas' father has not changed in his thinking. Timmy and his few friends are still ready to cause trouble and the party could be the venue for that trouble. If Timmy does cause any trouble I suspect Zack will show how strong he has become.

A "quiet" chapter with underlying tension. Vane is back, but more powerful and seemingly more vain. Huxley is quietly fuming about his authority being undermined. Blake and Pitt each believe the other is rejecting and/or avoiding them. I'm keenly waiting for the next chapter which I can't see being Quiet.

Thank you for reading past the clothes sorting. The key to the chest had to kept somewhere personal, rather than with the regular house keys. I'm sincerely pleased @Lynx003 that my writing was able to resonate with your personal experiences.

@chris191070

There's nothing wrong with emotions leading to tears @Daddydavek. More men should allow themselves to cry.

I'm pleased that you did stop to read this story, enjoyed it and then commented.

@Flip-Flop. It is a very emotional story like a lot of family stories.

Thank you @George Richard. I'm pleased that you liked reading this story. It needed a heart-warming conclusion.

Thank you @Ivor Slipper I appreciate your ongoing support.