Paladin

And will forgive but not forget.

Yes @chris191070 he is, but he still misses his dad.

Is Bruce really the type of kid, who would treat not going to school for a couple of days, a punishment?

Clean and with freshly brushed teeth, Ollie said goodnight. We hugged and watched him slide into bed. We turned out the light and closed the door. It was the first night of us living together. Tuesday morning, we didn’t have to wake Ollie as, dressed in his clean new school uniform, he joined us for breakfast in the kitchen. I hoped this enthusiasm for school would continue into next term. Andre and I both decided that outside of our bedroom we needed to be more “modestl

You are so right about bullying @Cane23 which is why it continues, not just in school but in society and relationships. About the school contacting Manny. It's possible that Manny only gave his name when the school asked for a contact person. He should have included Bass as a contact as well and not answered his own phone in hospital. At the same time the school hasn't shown much sensitivity.

I'm pleased that the school principal took some action over the fights. Witnesses always help in deciding consequences, if asked. I hope Bruce ended up with more than some detention. It looks like Rocky is facing a dilemma: remain gay hating or have friends. He does seem to be starting to recognize that he's not going to be molested by every gay guy, and importantly there are gay guys he likes. The psychiatrist has really helped Manny and he is being more realistic about his future. It all seems to be going too well.

I'm hooked already. So much covered in the first chapter that leaves me wanting to know more; Nathan's relationship with Ollie, Rafaella's illness, John's feelings towards Ollie, Sophia and Jason and Ollie, and finally how will Ollie's feelings for Niko play out. Thank you. I just have to keep reading.

It was Tom, co-pilot, who said it and anyway I still think he was pranking Mac, and Mac fell for it. Maybe all that time without having sex clouded his thinking.

Yeah a very interesting chapter. Matt is still refusing to reveal his TER score. They could be the lowest in the group or they could be irrelevant. His interest, knowledge and ability working with cars is shown in his restoration and now respraying his car and he works in a car related shop. He could see his future working with cars, not going to university. If that is the case he will find training and work wherever they end up together. Barbie doll Candice hasn't garnered any support from readers and it does seem that their fiancee relationship was not going well even before the kiss. I am worried that Luke described Phil's look towards Hoss early on as "predatory". I hope it wasn't. I also hope that Candice doesn't create problems for Hoss by telling his parents. Country towns can be wonderful places to live but they can also be lethal. What do you do with an engagement ring that has been thrown back at you?

A very enjoyable chapter. The boys are safely back home and enthusiastically looking forward to next year's adventure. They are both doing well in their studies and, on that, I hope they told their parents how well they had done. Transitioning in the SUV will now be easier for Devin. All is looking good for the boys. Now cousin Ben. Is he or isn't he, that is the question. My fingers are crossed!

No, it’s not your imagination and the flights westward always takes less time, due to the rotation of the earth,” Tony said. “When we fly east, the earth rotation keeps moving our destination farther away, so we have to travel farther and it takes a little longer to get there. When we’re flying west, however, the destination is moving toward us, thus decreasing the flight time.” I think Tony was pulling Mac's leg as it were. Flying East is usually faster than flying west. for example flight calculator gives flight time between LA and NYC as 4hr 47m and flying NYC to LA as 5h 23m. The difference is due to wind at altitude. Flying East (from West coast to East coast) planes have a tail wind and higher ground speed while flying West (from East coast to West coast) they have head winds and slower ground speed.

We saw a very realistic response from Manny immediately after having his hand amputated. Rocky certainly had a dramatic introduction to his new school. The teachers seem to be taking a very laissez-faire attitude to violence between students. If the bully's parents decide to take legal action they will find Rocky has the money to fight them in court.

Another delightful short story @chris191070. Matt and Tom's compatibility and tension nicely told. Matt seems sure that his family will accept his love for Tom. 🤞

Harry is right to have a plan of action for when they go to court. Pleading guilty could have short term appeal but it could also have long term repercussions. Luke seems to be planning something. If he is, I hope it doesn't backfire. Hoss is clearly interested in guys and having great difficulty coping with that reality. At least he has supportive friends. Well they now have their results and Luke's score gives him a choice of university courses. So far we don't know what he wants to study or his preferred university. We don't know if Matt's score would get him into a university course. The boys will have to have some serious discussions about what they are going to do. Loving each other so strongly will help them. There's a lot there for the next chapter.

Then it's fun for all involved

Yes, you certainly should, but only if you keep reading the wonderful stories by @Justin4Fun

Another great chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters that is keeping me involved with the story. The mystery phone calls have me remembering the early days of mobile phones when features like called ID did not exist. I remember my first mobile phone which was analogue and so large and heavy it was affectionately referred to as a 'brick'. Like @Summerabbacat, I suspect Tony is the mystery caller, well that is after I ruled out Davo. The tiff between Dwayne and DJ was nicely handled. DJ knew he was wrong and like so many adolescents his age didn't know how to fix it. He needed the push that Matt provided. Luke's father may not have turned 180 degrees but he is trying to. Still hanging over them is the police charge. Looks like their solicitor has some information. Is it good or bad?

Horrible cliffhanger @chris191070! What's that expression about kettles and pots and the colour black?

Ah the art of the short story. Tell a complete story in 4000 to 6000 words and leave readers satisfied but wanting more. This is a delightful, neatly crafted story. The Tyler and Ollie subplot is a wonderful bonus along with Melissa''s acceptance of gay love.

Another wonderful chapter. I'm even prepared to overlook that Greg is still naked even in downtown Pittsburgh. There's no reference to him getting dressed after he fought as his beast. Surely Robert would have had something in his shop that would have fitted Greg Like everyone else I'm wanting Jake to be "perfect", and can't wait for the next chapter. I'm also interested to find out what the Viscount and the Baronets thought of Baron Evans. It's possible that some of them knew what he was doing and even approved. Some of the Baronets may have participated. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, especially if they resent Greg killing Baron Evans and banning the sordid behaviour.

Thank you @Lee Wilson for this sad and dramatic but excellent chapter. You have drawn out the tension around Manny's recovery and I, for one, am waiting with bated breath for the next chapter. I love that Manny has the love and support of everyone in the house and all the staff in the bar. That will certainly help him through his recovery.

OK I give. Looks like Ollie (and Andre and Chris) will need to acquire a pet. The only problem is that a cat will offend the dog lovers and a dog will offend the cat owners. Maybe a ferret

I certainly didn't expect this chapter to stimulate a discussion on cat ownership. Without competing with @Summerabbacat and @Al Norris, my cats are two black and white sisters. I have a shopping bag with the statement "If cats could text you back, they wouldn't".

Thank you @Al Norris for saying this. I saw their relationship as slowly deepening over the three weeks.

OK @Lee Wilson musical beds and bedrooms (without involving Ollie) could be more fun than I was thinking. I agree the awesome foursome are proving to be . . . well you know.