My Twin Brother and I

The remaining 7 of us who were left at Heathrow to our own devices were herded by our in-house main honcho, the self-appointed alpha male, Juan to get moving. If we were to be left to ‘the first-born with rights’, we’d ultimately find our way, but with many deviations and lots of commotion. My darling brother is an accident – not really, but figuratively speaking – waiting to happen.

We pushed our trolleys to the Lufthansa weigh-in counters, got our boarding passes and went through customs. Then we sat down in one of the coffee shops. We were very quiet and were thinking of the amazing week we’ve had in London.

I was still a bit teary about Giovanni, Clive, Santiago and Rafael who remain behind. What a difference they’ve made in our lives and to make our trip to London just that much better and memorable. Yes, the sex with those hung hunks was awesome, but they didn’t just bring big dicks and testosterone and sex to the group – they were super guys and most would soon be welcomed in our lives.

The people we’ve met – Giovanni, Gareth, Alexander, Clive, Rafael, Diego, Kamran, Santiago and all the others, including the bellhop Peter – were such nice guys. The one mishap I’ve had with Luke – albeit him having and enormous beautiful cock … ahhh! – was forgotten, especially after Luke and I had a ‘reconciliatory session’ which I thoroughly enjoyed (what’s not to enjoy with that monster spewing litres of thick white cum from its huge opening?) and we only reflected on the good times.

We were still sad, some more tears and with red eyes, we were discussing our interactions with them all, including Sadek Sharif, the Egyptian restaurateur. The guy at Harrods, Blake Shah and many others. We’ve met some guys who were going to be friends for life.

We browsed the so-called ‘duty free’ shops at the airport and after being introduced to Hugo Boss The Scent, we only wanted buy some of this perfume for ourselves. Not everybody knew about the 200ml bottle Alexander gave me … The shop assistant couldn’t believe he sold 7 bottles in one go! Each one of us bought only a 100ml of this fantastic perfume for everyday use after our morning showers. We already have a 50ml spritzer bottle in our new Boss shoulder bags Alexander gave us.

We decided we’d buy ourselves 200ml bottles at the Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome before our flight home. But, with Luigi’s family in a business, he might be able to get some for us at a discount from a relative or a friend of a family member of a family member. With Italians, one never knows!

A short time later there was an announcement that our flight was up. We got our belongings and went to the waiting area near the gate. Outside it was snow-white and we saw there were trucks de-icing the planes. Our A350 stood right outside the window. What a majestic engineering marvel!

Apart from being engineering students, airplanes are one of our passions. The whole Airbus family were our favourites, but the Queen of the Skies, the beloved Boeing 747, the 777 (hopefully the new X with all its variants would be flying soon?) and the 787 Dreamliner (not without its faults and troubles) were favourites too. Boeing’s fiasco with the 737 MAX is one of the costliest problems in aviation history.

I took out my iPhone and Googled the A350 to get some more info on this aircraft. The A350-900 and A350-1000 are favourites with most airlines, and Airbus has overtaken Boeing in most markets with their modern and luxurious, safe aircraft options.

I was glad we’d be flying in an A350-1000 which has so many modern features (some of it included here only for the benefit of other aircraft junkies amongst some of you, like me!):

The Airbus A350-1000 is a long-range, wide-body aircraft designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. It features advanced composite materials, including 53% carbon fibre, reducing weight and enhancing fuel efficiency by 25% compared to previous models. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines (we are really interested in this engineering marvel!), it offers a range of approximately 16,700 km and operates with lower noise levels, meeting stringent environmental standards. The spacious Airspace cabin provides a comfortable environment with features like larger windows, improved air quality, and customizable lighting.

It’s also popular for its low operating costs per seat and has been the A350 family’s hallmark. With numerous product improvements applied since its service entry, the A350 is amongst the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class as it provides unmatched per-seat costs for its category, maintaining its position as one of the most economical twin-aisle regional airliners.

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When we entered the A350 via the airbridge, my mouth opened in astonishment to see the interior: it was magnificent, beautiful and so luxurious! Even the LED lighting was super!

I ended up with Luigi in the centre of the business class with Juan and André behind us, also in the middle. In front of us it was Johann and Gunther. Across the aisle it was Pierre in the same row as Luigi and I.

The business class wasn’t as opulent as on the A380 but the flight to Berlin was only 1 hour 50 minutes long. No sooner have we sat down, a tall blonde flight attendant (his name tag read Werner) came in with warm towelettes he handed out with tongs.

Then he brought out a small trolley and handed out flutes and some salty snacks. Next, he poured us some Moët. We were still pampered!

Werner was tall and blonde. He was very friendly, with light blonde hair, dark eyebrows and blue eyes – a true member of the ‘Herrenvolk’. And he was super-efficient.

“Guten Mittag! Good afternoon! Bonne journée! You’re from South Africa, yes? Welcome aboard and we hope you’ll enjoy the flight with us. Gentlemen, my name is Werner and I will be your flight attendant on this short flight to Berlin. As soon as we’re airborne, I’ll serve your hot meal. Here are the menus. Please make your selection now so I could prepare your meals.

“Thank you. Please get comfortable and please fasten your seatbelts. A short video will be shown on your monitors regarding safety measures. I’ll demonstrate it to you too,” Werner said and went through the drill showing us how to lengthen and shorten the belt, fasten the seatbelt buckle and of course the lifejacket.

The info card in the pocket had all the information too and I was intrigued to see the layout of the plane, the three different classes, the location of the doors, the toilets and of course the other info on the plane itself described in the inflight magazine. Airbus really was a leader.

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While the airplane was pushed back, Werner quickly went through the menu with us and took our orders.

The menu was short.

There was a mixed salad, a smoked salmon entrée or liver pâté, and then there was a choice between a beef dish and a chicken lasagne. It would be served with freshly prepared vegetables and baked potatoes. I was sure Werner didn’t have to prepare everything from scratch but it sounded good.

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Once we were airborne and the seatbelt lights were switched off, another flight attendant appeared from the back, a beautiful blonde lady with hazel brown eyes and her hair in a bun. She served our fruit juice, some more Moët and then she went into the galley to help Werner.

They served the meal, which tasted like real freshly-prepared restaurant food. We did have a very nice breakfast but this light lunch was tasty and good.

Luigi’s hand came over the partition between us and took my hand in his. He lifted it to his mouth and kissed it. I saw Werner out of the corner of my eye as he was busy collecting the trays. When I looked up, he smiled a knowing smile. Ahh! Family!

He brought us each a freshly prepared filter coffee and some German Stollen. It was to die for!

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The inflight entertainment had a wonderful selection of music and one playlist intrigued me. It consisted of a wide selection of the German and Austrian masterpieces, also some choral works, opera highlights, concerto movements, solos and even a few very classical Kammermusik highlights like the love songs of Brahms. I closed my eyes, holding on to Luigi’s hand and enjoyed the music.

I must have dozed off. “Mio caro! Mio caro! Svegliare il mio tesoro (My darling! My darling! Wake up my darling)!” Luigi said, gently squeezing my hand. My man, ever so kind and gentle.

“Hi mio caro! Yes, I did take a nap … sorry!” I said and squeezed Luigi’s hand. “What’s up?”

“Hi there sleepyhead! How are you, Ant?” Pierre said from across the aisle. He was nursing a G & T and was paging through the inflight magazine. “There are very interesting things to do in Berlin! Come on. my beautiful sexy man! We’re about to land!”

I stretched out and leaned over the aisle, and took Pierre’s drink to have a sip. He gladly let me take a sip … not what André would’ve allowed! His hand lingered on mine as I took the glass from him. Our eyes met and I was so thankful he didn’t stay in London like my three other darlings, Clive, Santiago and Giovanni.

“You’re OK after saying goodbye to our other guys? I’m very sad about Clive, but I know he’ll be in Cape Town or Stellenbosch soon. I love him so much, like you too. And Gio is such a nice guy, and Santiago is going to fit in so well in our group. No man! No more tears! You’ll make me bawl again! I’ll make it up to you tonight … OK?” Pierre said and squeezed my hand.

“Thanks Pee-AIR! I will hold you to that promise! Yes, I miss them terribly. How is it possible that we could’ve been so lucky to meet such great guys and fall in love with them that easily? Shows you what spectacular guys they are! You're such a nice man! And what is so interesting in the magazine? What’s happening in Berlin?

“Thanks Ant! You too. You’re the glue that holds us all together, of course with the help of our sticky baby batter we donate regularly …! They’re glued to us forever, and us to them! Oh, Berlin. Many things happening in Berlin! I wonder if a week would be enough!” he said.

Just then Werner came up to me with a tray and on it … a glass with ice and a slice of lemon, a small bottle of Gin and a tin of tonic water. Wow! How did he know?

“Danke schön Werner! Du bist ein kluger Mann (Thank you Werner! You are a clever man)!” I said in my best school German, but it was good enough to impress him.

“Ach so! Denn können Sie auch Deutsch sprechen, ja (Oh so! Then you can speak German too, right)? I saw you taking a sip from your friend’s glass and here you are! But, where did you learn to speak German?” Werner asked. He poured the Gin and then the tonic.

“Ich habe mein Deutsch in der Schule gelernt. Mein Lehrer war sehr gut (I learnt my German at school. My teacher was very good),” I said and took a sip. “We’re from South Africa.”

“Ahh! Südafrika! Ja, ich wollte gern noch dahin gehen (Oh, South Africa! Yes, I also want to go there). Are you visiting Bhêr-leehn” (he pronounced ‘Berlin’ like the Germans) “as a tourist?” Werner asked.

“Yes, tourists. Gunther here in front of me is from Berlin. We’re visiting his parents. Do you have some suggestions other than the obvious? I’m sure the Müllers have some ideas for us. Bist du ein Berliner (Are you a Berliner)?” I said and took another sip.

“Jawohl! Ich bin ein Berliner! Ich habe doch etwas im Vorne. Wart mal bitte (Yes! I’m a Berliner! I do have something in the front. Please wait)!” Werner said and went back to the galley.

“I’m impressed Ant! If it’s not with Italian you’re bombarding our poor ears, its German … my godd! You are one clever cookie!” Pierre said. “All the more reason for me to love you, my darling!”

Gunther was right in front of me and when he heard we were discussing Berlin, he took his earphones out and turned around to chat to us.

“My Mom has all the time in the world now that she closed her practise. She let me know she has everything under control, pamphlets, flyers – the whole Spiel. She even organised a concert for us for tonight! But, let’s see what Werner shows us,” Gunther said.

Just then Werner gave some of the literature he brought from the galley to Pierre, some to Gunther and some to me.

“Vielen Dank! Ja, die sehen vielversprechend aus. Meine Mutter hat aber alles im Griff. Trotzdem glaube ich, dass die Broschüren nützlich sein könnten. Danke! (Thank you Sir! Yes, these look like they could be helpful. But my mother has everything under control. But, I believe these brochures could be useful. Thanks!).”

“Ja wirklich? Gut zu hören. Vergessen Sie nicht, zu Himmelreich, ein schwuler Bar zu gehen (Oh really? Good to hear. Don’t forget to go to Himmelreich, a gay bar)! Werner said and asked Gunther if he’d like a beer.

“Ja, bitte. Danke schön (Yes please. Thanks).” Gunther said. “Sorry Pee-AIR! No more German. He just said the brochures could be useful and said we must go to Himmelreich, a gay bar. We’ll see what the parents have organised for us, but we could go for one night - it could be fun,” Gunther said.

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We landed at Tegel International Airport and walked through an airbridge straight into the warm building. We went down an escalator to retrieve our baggage and then stood in a queue to go through customs.

“Oh, I just got an iMessage from my Dad. They are waiting in the arrivals hall. They’re here. Oh dear! I hope it goes well with my Dad!” Gunther said. “He’s very keen to meet the twins, for obvious reasons: he himself is also an Electrical and Electronic engineer. I’m only imagining what the house will be like with you three chatting away!”

“It will be OK. Just don’t let it get to you! Once your Dad has met the twins and us, he’ll change his mind about gays. André, please behave … for a change?” Juan said and put his one arm around André’s neck, and his other hand over André’s mouth.

“Hmmmmphh! Sies man! I’m calling my Dad! I’ve not even mét Pierre’s Dad and listen to the threats I get! I do have an inner and very soft delicate side! A very soft inner self! Sob! Sob!” André put in and we burst out laughing. I just hoped Gunther’s Dad would appreciate André’s odd banter.

“Do your parents speak English?” Pierre asked.

“Yes, very well. My mother was a general practitioner and had quite a number of British and American patients, but she has retired now. My Dad used to be a professor, lecturing at the university. They both have attended many conferences and workshops, which were sometimes held in English. Yes, they’re trilingual: German, French and English,” Gunther said.

“That’s a relief!” Pierre said. “All these strange languages are too much for my sensitive little boertjie-ears!”

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We cleared customs, got our luggage, put it on trolleys and headed for the exit. When the glass doors slid open, there was a throng of people waiting for passengers. I didn’t have an inkling what Gunther’s parents looked like, but I was looking for blonde people … oh dear! Half the people there were blonde or had light brown hair!

I looked at Gunther and saw him smiling slightly. He spotted his parents and raised his hand.

“Mutti! Vati! Hier sind wir!” Gunther said as he put his arm up and approached two very distinguished-looking people. Wow! His mother looked like a film star and his dad like he was some kind of businessman. Oh, actually he is a businessman after he retired from teaching at the university.

Gunther’s parents smiled shyly, eyeing the group of men approaching them. Gunther kissed his mom on the cheek and shook his dad’s hand – no hugging, no kissing. Very reserved. My Dad would NEVER allow us to leave or arrive without kissing and hugging us.

“Mutti, Vati, darf ich denn Englisch sprechen bitte? Die alle hier könnten nicht Deutsch sprechen (Mother, Father, may I please speak English. Not everyone here can speak German).”

“Yes of course! Please tell us who are the gentlemen? Ahh, the twins! My dear! You're perfect examples of identical twins! How do you know the difference?” Mrs Müller said and took both mine and André’s hands in hers. She has a warm personality.

“Gentlemen, these are my parents, Herr Tobias and Frau Sabine Müller. Erm, Mutti, you’ll learn very quickly but this one here is André and this is Anton. Some like to call him Antonio,” Gunther said. “This is Johann Blignaut, my very good friend,” Gunther said without actually saying it is his lover. “And this is Juan, my colleague in the lab, and André’s friend. Mutti, here is Luigi Moretti, a urologist. He is Antonio’s friend. The tall man over there is Pierre. He is the university squash champion.”

No mention of lovers or that Pierre is part of the big group. It was enough for the moment.

“Young men! I’m so pleased to meet you! As Gunther has told you, I’m also an engineer and I’d like to show you my business sometime during the week. My wife and I have worked out a detailed programme for you. Gunther, please have a look at it and if you want us to change something, please let us know in time so we could change the bookings we’ve made,” Herr Müller said.

“Jawohl Vati. Danke schön. I’ll have a look but I’m sure you’ve selected the best places for our guests to visit. How are you?” Gunther said as he put his arm around his mom’s shoulder.

“We’re good. We’ve just missed our only child a lot. Are you OK? How is the research coming along?”

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We chatted as we moved to the exit where a small 15-seater Mercedes Benz Vito midi-bus was waiting for us. We loaded our baggage on the last two benches and sat down on the other seats. A mature gentleman drove the bus.

Herr Müller was chatting to us about his business but he also asked questions about Gunther and Juan’s research. He really was impressed with the advances the two men were making in their work.

“Vati, Johann is a photographer of note. It was his photographs that have played a big role in getting the twins and us into the modelling business which made the trip to London possible. Johann is a virtuoso with a camera!” Gunther bragged about his boyfriend’s work. It is obvious he is very proud of Johann’s work and achievements.

“That would be interesting! So, he was the photographer who set the boys on the road to stardom? Really? I’d like to see some of the pictures please?” Herr Müller asked.

The trip to the neighbourhood where the Müller family lives, took about 25 minutes because of the snow and slippery roads. It wasn’t too far from the zoo.

The Charlottenburg district is the wealthiest and most commercialized in western Berlin. It’s along the famous Ku’Damm, which runs through it. There one finds the best concentration of hotels, restaurants, theatres, cafes, nightclubs, shops, and department stores.

There is the 22-story Europa Centre, a shopping centre and entertainment complex (Berlin’s first, dating from the 1960s), which rises just across the plaza from the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis Kirche (Memorial Church). Charlottenburg’s regal centrepiece is Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace), with its lovely gardens and nearby museums: the Bröham Museum and the Berggruen Sammlung (Collection).

Charlottenburg also is the home of the Deutsche Oper Berlin (German Opera House), one of Berlin’s three opera houses.

Upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes fill the neighbourhood around Savignyplatz, a tree-lined square a short walk north of Kurfürstendamm. Charlottenburg, which has plenty of hotels and pensions (B & Bs), makes a convenient base for visitors.

The Müller home is on the banks of the Spree River. It is a big house with park-like gardens. It is clear money isn’t an object.

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At the mansion, Herr Müller spoke to the bus driver and opened the door for us to get out, we took our baggage from the small bus and followed Frau Müller to the front door. The bus driver took off.

Frau Müller opened the door that led into a foyer that could’ve been from a movie set …. It was spectacular with an opulent crystal chandelier hanging from a two-storey dome with a lot of glass to let in light. The floor was polished marble. Mom would’ve loved to see this.

“Gunther, bitte die Männer zum Westflügel nehmen. Es gibt 3 Zimmer jedes mit ausreichend Platz für 3 Personen. Es gibt Handtücher auf den Betten (Gunther, please take the men to the west wing. There are 3 rooms with enough space for 3 persons in each. There are towels on the beds).” Frau Müller. “Dann Kaffee für die alle, ja? (Then coffee for everybody, yes)?

“OK guys, grab your baggage and follow me up the staircase. We’re in the west wing and then we’re having coffee. Come!” Gunther said and took his bags and led the way.

Everything looked brand-new although I was sure the house must have been 40 or 50 years old. The Müllers looked after the house with utmost care. The paintings and busts and ornaments were proof of fine taste. Just the best and very tasteful.

Our rooms were beautiful. In one room there were a double and single bed with an en suite bathroom, and only a double bed in each of the other two, with a shared bathroom between the rooms … my, my! So, the Müllers have accepted the fact that they were putting up 7 gays for a week!

Juan and André took one of the rooms with a double bed, Johann and Gunther took the other one. The last one with the single bed – which was not going to be used … come on! – was occupied by Luigi, Pierre and yours truly! All three of us on the double bed of course!

We took the chance to freshen up, take a pee and organise our baggage. Gunther came in and asked if we needed anything.

“Welcome to my parents’ home. As you can see, I don’t really fit in here! This was my room and my nanny’s room was just down the passage. I was well-cared for but it wasn’t a happy child life. After I told them I’m gay, things went … how do you say? Things went south. I’m surprised my Dad was so friendly today. Perhaps it’s because of you. I’ll corner my Mom and ask her what happened. Come guys, if there is one thing this German lady hates, it’s waiting for people! Come! The coffee is served in the solarium. Follow me.” Gunther must have had a lonely life as an only child growing up alone in such a mansion. Jeepers!

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The coffee machine was on and the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted us in the solarium. Being winter, the infrared heaters attached to the walls were on and the room was a comfortable 20ºC.

Frau Müller had real German cakes such as Stollen, Honigkuchen (honey cake) and of course my favourite: Apfelstrudel (apple tart)! She had the most beautiful plain white cups and side plates. Stylish and plain – no frills and no nonsense.

“Come,  please help yourselves. Gunther, bitte?” Frau Müller requested.

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While we were having the cakes and coffee, Frau Müller handed each of us a printout of things to do and things we had to see in and around Berlin. All printed in full colour.

“I have taken the liberty of booking us 9 seats at the Sonntagskonzert. Boys, from roughly September to June, we gather at 7pm on Sundays in the elegant early 20th-century Spiegelsaal (Mirror Hall) for piano concerts, opera recitals, string quartets and other musical performances,” Frau Müller said. “Tonight’s concert is Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Any fans of Mozart? Ahhh! Mein Sohn, du hast gut gewählen! Sie haben Kultur (My son, you have chosen well! They have culture)!”

“Ja, the concerts are very popular, even in winter. We try to go as often as we can and seeing that you are here tonight, and the concert that is on, we thought we’d take you out tonight. We’ll eat at the concert, in the same hall. We’ll go in two cars. Both my wife and I have E Class Mercedes Benzes, so 4 in one car and 5 in the other. Gunther, wirst du bitte das Auto deiner Mutter fahren (Gunther, will you please drive your mother’s car)?” his dad said.

“It’s now 4 o’clock. Let’s give you time to unpack and we’ll be leaving here around half past 5. The Mirror Hall isn’t too far from here, but … we do not do things last minute. So then, everybody please be ready in 90 minutes’ time, OK?” Herr Müller said and it was clear why this man is such a successful man.

We thanked Frau Müller for the coffee and cake and excused ourselves. We took the flyers and brochures with us to have a quick look.

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Back in our room, all the guys agreed that Gunther should give his parents carte blanche to take us wherever they wanted.

“That solves a lot of problems I can tell you. She has organised some nice things for you to do and see. And it will make her very happy that we’ve accepted the plans she made. Just one last thing: guys, they’re not totally accepting the gay thing. So please, show as little affection as possible in front of them. They’re old-school and I can’t expect them to be like your parents, André and Anton. And something else, my Mom won’t intrude as she is too much of a lady and their wing is on the other side of the house, but we can’t continue the sleeping arrangements we had in the hotel. We could have some fun but then everybody back to his room, please. It’s bad as it is. I don’t want to offend them or to be confronted by them for ‘indecent behaviour’!” Gunther air-quoted the last two words.

“Fully understood. Perhaps we should tone it down for the few days in Berlin and we could continue when we’re in Firenze? Did I get it right Ita?” Pierre said.

“Sì signore! The Italians are the people who invented love! Here we will obey the rules of the house! Right mio caro? But we sleep together and perhaps it’s time I have my man to myself for a change, hmm?” Luigi said and hugged me.

“And me! I’m sleeping with you in the same bed! And that’s final!” Pierre said.

“Yes, but use your bed at least a little. Two to a double bed are a stretch in this house. Three? I don’t know! OK?” Gunther said. “Mom’s not the problem – she’s always loved me – but Dad …. He is always a gentlemen, and with you he’ll go out of his way, mainly because of the twins and their studies. But, please guys, try to avoid any affection in front of him!”

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We unpacked our clothes we wanted to use, and sorted the rest in our suitcases. Then the three of us lied down on our bed to see how we would fit in … the perfect fit in the cold Berliner weather!

I was in Luigi’s arms and Pierre snuggled up behind me, putting his arms around me and hugged me. “Ahhhhh! I will never get tired of this … even if the Pommie were with us! I love you so much my darling! But damn it, I miss my Pomme Clive man! Damn it!”

“Yes, what’s not to like! I’ve loved this fine young bhoorkie man from the moment I saw him. In our case I think it was love at first sight, although we did exchange some pictures beforehand … ‘nê’ mio caro? And he didn’t run away when he knew the size of my big Italian salami!”

[Nê (pronounced as “n-heh”) = a totally unique word in Afrikaans. It could be translated as ‘yes’, or ‘really’ or ‘do you agree’?]

“I love you both, but my love for Luigi is just one small bit more, Pierre! He’s going to be my husband but I also love you very much, and now Clive and Giovanni, and Luigi is convinced I’m going to fall in love with Piero. But we’ll see. That young d’Antonio is a very sexy young man with a very big cock and apparently, a love-machine! After Firenze, I might have to go get stitched up!” I said.

“No, I’m sure you’ll survive! Piero is hung like a horse, but he is a real loving guy with a huge sexual appetite and multiple loads to prove it! And I’m sure you will enjoy my nephew,” Luigi said and kissed me. A long, soft and lingering kiss before his tongue tip parted my lips and touched my tongue. Oh dear lord! I was hot on the spot!

“Yes! Yes! Oh yes! Luigi, you’re driving me nuts!” I groaned and felt Pierre’s huge cock pulsating against my hole. “You too Pierre! You’re not playing fair! Sheez!”

“All’s fair in love and war!” Pierre said, pushing his hand down my front and squeezing my hard cock. “Ahhh! Pot calling the kettle black, eh?!”

“Luigi, I’m only now remembering you and Pierre had to have a photo shoot for your hands and feet …” I said, remembering the plans made in Cape Town to use their hands and feet for sandals and jewellery.

“Mio caro! We forgot to tell you. When you went to Wimbledon, Johann and Santiago took the pictures. We went into a shoe store Gareth has contacted, and agreed with the owner, who was very reluctant at first because of the snow, but you know Johann! He told Pierre and me to take off our shoes so the guy could see our feet … that did it!” Luigi said. “Then Santiago took off his shoes and socks too, and even the owner was dumb-struck!”

“Yes, sorry man! We were so engrossed with everything and jealous of you going to Sven and Alessandro, we forgot to tell you,” Pierre said.

“The second that guy saw our feet, he said ‘yes’! He had and an agreement with Gareth, but we convinced him that if we used his merchandise, he could get the pictures to use in advertisements. The bulk was going to Alexander. Taken care of! Done and dusted … that’s what you guys say? Well, it was taken care of. I have a few pics on my iPhone. I’ll show you. You’d be very proud of your man and this big man behind you!” Luigi said and kissed me. “But Santiago has ships for feet! It’s MASSIVE and beautiful!”

“I’ll have you know, we had that guy at the shoe store salivating over our feet!” Pierre put in and pushed his big bulge between my butt cheeks.

“Then I’m glad. I wonder what Alexander will do with the photos? I’m sure you guys will get more orders, so to speak,” I said and turned my head to kiss Pierre.

One thing I knew for sure: my men had the most beautiful feet ever. I haven’t seen Piero’s feet … yet! Little did I know just how beautiful a man’s feet really could be!

“But I agree, Santiago does have enormous and beautiful feet!” I said.

There was a knock on the door and it opened. It was Johann.

“And what have do we here? You heard what my love said and just look at you, in broad daylight! Pierre, is it you who started this? Ugly donkey dick man! Keep it in your pants, man! We’re in my in-law’s house now! Behave, you street cat!”

“Jealous much? Come here and let me taste that moustache mouth of yours!”

“Yes, of course! Jealous like an eagle soaring in the sky, that is jealous of a sparrow flitting amongst the branches in a tree. Kissing you? I’ll have to ask my Jerry man if I’m allowed to kiss street cats! Listen, it’s just after 5 – what are we wearing to such a ‘do’? We don’t have much else, other than denims and some fancy jackets. A denim and our Boss jackets?” Johann asked. He walked towards Pierre, took his face between his hands and kissed the man. Pierre gasped and I felt his dick getting even harder between against my butt.

“Fuck! For a street cat you kiss like a Hollywood bitch! Yumm! Thanks Mr Rubber Man! Why don’t you ask your Gunther man … ahhh! And there he is! Jerry, what do we wear? Your man doesn’t know and in fact, we don’t either!” Pierre said, and let go of Johann when Gunther walked in.

“Oh, you are enjoying my moustached man’s kisses behind my back, eh? Delicious, right? May I kiss you too?” Gunther said and put action to his words: he walked to Pierre, sat down on the side of the bed and kissed Pierre deeply. I heard Pierre gasping, as Gunther’s kisses are divine!

“Guys, I’d say denim and jackets would be fine. There will be people dressed like they're attending the Oscars, but the theatre has relaxed its rules to include the tourists who don’t come with fancy clothes. Are you guys getting ready? Guys, my Dad is serious: he doesn’t wait! You can set your watch on his word. If he says we leave at half past 5, we’ll leave at half past 5! I’ve come to ask who wants to come with me in my Mom’s car?”

“Us three and Johann, right? Juan and André can go with the parents. Hopefully they’ll shock André so he could keep quiet for a change!” Pierre said and we snickered.

“I heard my name being taken in vain! Really, baby bro? I’m shocked! I’m in pain! My own twin brother … sob! My very own, forsaken me! After all I’ve done for him, given him … Stabbed in the back! Et tu brutus?” He could be such a damn beautiful prima donna!

“You don’t even know what we’ve said! We said you and Juan, being the most respectable of us all, could go in the car with Gunther’s Dad and these lot and Gunther will go with him. OK?” Pierre said.

“Oh … OK. But Mr Müller … erm … he … oh hell man! You know I never paid attention in the German class! I can’t speak to them!” André said.

“Speak English to them! They said you could! Sheez! It’s not just in the German classes you didn’t pay attention!” Pierre said and of course André retaliated … never ending story!

We cracked up laughing and prepared to take a shower.

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We were on time! Almost to the minute! At 25 past 5 we were in the foyer, dressed to the nines, and all of us smelled of Hugo Boss The Scent. Snazzy! We wore denims, our Hugo Boss jackets we got from Gareth a week ago and our new scarves Alexander gave us with our leather shoulder bags.

[Just a short explanation of German grammar: In German, a double S is usually written with ß: specifically used after long vowels and diphthongs (e.g. Straße (street), Schloß (castle) and beißen (bite)). It is not used after short vowels, where ss is required (e.g. Fluss (river)), and never appears at the start of a word.

Also, all nouns are written with a capital letter: das Auto, the car; der Hund, the dog; die Katze, the cat.]

Then Herr Müller entered the foyer, and I gasped. He was dressed in a black suit, a white shirt with a bowtie and a white scarf. Wow! One could see where Gunther got his good looks from. The man could easily get a contract with a modelling agency for older models. His perfume smelled like old leather and spices. Valentino? Versace? Gucci?

When Frau Müller entered from the East wing, I gasped again. This was one classy lady! WOW! She had her blonde hair in a loose bun with a black bow. She wore a black dress with a slight shimmer and a single string of pearls. Over it all she wore a black pashmina with flecks of gold and silver and of course black shoes. On her right wrist she wore an obviously expensive golden bracelet and on her left wrist a very exquisite watch – Rolex? And her perfume … wow! Perhaps some variant of Chanel? It looked stunning. Her lips were dark red to tone in with the black clothes and her nails in the exact same colour. Gunther, you do have a classy mom!

“Vati, Mutti. Erm … Darf ich mal aufs Englisch bitte (Dad, Mom. Erm … May I please use English)? OK? We do not have suits to wear. We apologise for the way we’re dressed. OK with you?” Gunther said.

“No problem! You look fine! There are many tourists here, dressed ten times worse than you! No! Don’t worry! Ahhh! What is the perfume you have on? All of you the same?” Frau Müller said.

“It’s Alexander’s fault! He introduced us to Hugo Boss The Scent. I’m glad you like it!” Pierre said.

“It’s lovely! So, are you all ready? Tobias, bist du bereits? Und du Gunther? Wirst du noch in der Lage sein, auf der rechten Seite zu fahren (Tobias, are you ready? And you Gunther? Will you still be able to drive on the right-hand side)?” Frau Müller said.

“Jawohl, Mutti! Wo sind die Schlüßel zum Auto (Yes Mom! Where are the car keys)?”

“Just remember, this week is on us! We haven’t seen Gunther for a very long time, and you’re his closest friends. Tonight, at the Spiegelsaal, we’re having our dinner in the same venue as the concert. You’re allowed to talk, but it has to be very muted. They try to fit the music in between courses. Come, let’s go!” Herr Müller said and led the way.

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The drive was fairly brief and I was surprised that Gunther was so adept at driving on the right-hand side of the road. At the Spiegelsaal, we found parking space for both cars close to a covered walkway and proceeded into the building.

Herr Müller handed out the 9 tickets and then led the way to a counter and bought us some real German Glühwein, the warm mix of red wine infused with orange, herbs and spices. It was a taste we experienced in London and it was nice.

Then we went into the old hall … wow! It was all in dark wood with stylish old chandeliers. The stage was smallish but it could accommodate a small orchestra, a piano and of course space for the conductor.

We were seated right next to the stage … wow! We sat down and three waiters came to take our orders. There was quite a selection of wines and Herr Müller ordered a nice bottle of red and a bottle of white wine. Frau Müller started with a sparkling water – Gunther’s Mom! That’s why he likes water too! And, he ordered a water too! And Luigi too! I decided to stick to the wine.

The first course was a salad with cheese, croutons, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and onion rings. It was followed with a dainty fish dish with a creamy sauce.

By then the orchestra has warmed up; we heard the feint sounds of a clarinet from beyond the wooden doors.

The conductor and the soloist entered and we all clapped hands. But it was a muted affair: very reserved. I hoped André held it up. He sat next to Juan and I haven’t heard him say squat the whole night! So far, so good!

The first movement of WA Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, K622 (Allegro in A major) started and I got tears in my eyes. It was excruciatingly beautiful. And to hear it alive, performed by professional artists … wow!

I felt Luigi’s hand under the tablecloth squeezing my thigh. I put my hand on his and squeezed. What a privilege it was to be in such wonderful company, enjoying such classy music. Wow!

Of all the classical instruments, the two that stand out for me are the clarinet and the piano. And Mozart’s music was in a class of its own. He gave wings to music and this concerto was no exception.

At the end of the first movement a respectful silence hung over us and then it erupted. The Germans and guests clapped hands. But no whistling!

Next was our main course. It was Rouladen (Beef Rolls) with Sauerkraut (sour cabbage) and gebratene Kartoffeln (fried potatoes). I ate like a king and saw André gingerly trying the sour cabbage. It’s not a favourite with everybody but lo and behold, my brother ate it! I loved it.

The second slower and more angelic movement (Adagio in D major) started and I so desperately wanted to put my head on Luigi’s shoulder. It was so hauntingly beautiful. The soloist was a master with the clarinet.

They went straight into the third and final movement, the Rondo (Allegro in A major). It was lively and full of joy. The perfect concerto! I loved it.

How I wished Dad and Mom could’ve been here with us. I know they both love Mozart and this concerto ranks amongst one of their top favourites. Dad jokingly refers to the sound of a clarinet as the ‘nasal goose sound’! But he loves clarinet music.

When the last notes faded away, the Germans surprised me! They all got onto their feet as if a lieutenant gave the order! And they clapped hands. After a minute of the standing ovation, the soloist and the conductor left the stage. They returned and the whole orchestra stood up and bowed.

I was so taken aback by the venue, the music, the food and the company. This tour can’t get any better than this, I thought. I was in for a few pleasant surprises!

When calm returned to the audience and the orchestra vacated the stage, most people sat down for dessert and coffee. Some older people left and we could see they have enjoyed it very much.

The discussions around the tables were lively and we could hear lots of laughter. Herr Müller got up and came to talk to us. What a distinguished civilized gentleman!

“Did you enjoy that? Did you know the Mozart?” he asked.

“Ja, Vati! My friends have very good taste. I hear much classical music in their houses. Dad and Mom … erm … the twins’ parents … we all call them that … play lots of classical music. I know Dad loves this clarinet concerto! Right boys?” Gunther said and I saw he blushed cherry red.

“Yes, our parents have exposed us to classical music since we were toddlers. Mom wanted us to learn the piano but that just didn’t fit in with all the sport and the farm work. So … did you enjoy it, Herr Müller?” André piped up.

“Ja, of course! Sabine and I have a big CD collection, but we’ve digitalised most of it on our MacBooks now. I think the days of musical CDs are over, don’t you think so too? Twins?” Herr Müller said.

It led to a lively discussion about the demise of vinyl and the advent of CDs, and now the same might happen to CDs as most people buy downloads now or stream in on Apple Music or Spotify.

“Herr Müller, I'm only law student, but I have all the gadgets and iThings a man my age has. I have read that CDs will largely be replaced with DVDs for programmes, and music CDs will become a rarity. I’ve started to give my CDs away after I’ve recorded them on iTunes on my MacBook Pro, but have subscribed to Apple Music which is replacing iTunes. Less storage and one more thing – or hundreds of them! – out of the way. Once we get married, there won’t be a fight about CDs … erm … I mean, digital is the keyword … that’s all …” Pierre was flustered when he realised his boo-boo!

“And who is your husband-to-be?” Herr Müller asked without batting an eyelid. We were stunned. Oh fuck! What now?

“Erm … I’m not sure … but I think it will be Clive … he’s studying medicine … he’s still in London but he’s moving to Cape Town to continue his studies at Tygerberg … erm … we’re not sure yet … oh … yes …”

How adorable! Pierre, at a loss for words … falling over his own words! But I was impressed with Herr Müller for breaking the ice this way.

“Look, we know about Gunther. We’ve known since he was a teenager, but we’ve hoped it was only a phase. Now we’ve accepted it, mostly because of what he told his Mom and me on the phone about you and your families and the love you’ve bestowed on him. Why do you think we’ve invited you here? Relax! We’re not living in the Middle Ages!”

“Are you all going to get married in a big group?” Frau Müller asked.

“Yes, we think so, but the twins have to finish their studies first and also this tall man here. Right Pierre?” Juan said.

“Oh of course! My Dad will disown me if I didn’t finish my studies before I marry Clive … erm … Yes,” Pierre said.

“Sabine and I spoke this afternoon that we’re pleasantly surprised to meet you all. You appear like very special down-to-earth gentlemen. You all look like very fine young men. What we appreciate most, is that you’re reserved and very masculine. But enough of that. Twins, by Wednesday I want to show you my office. And I want to talk business with you. I have a proposition for you. Think about it and when Sabine and I come visit Gunther in March or April, we’ll discuss it. Ahh! Here is our dessert. Something from Bayern! Ja Sabine?” Herr Müller said and went back to his seat.

The waiters put large slices of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cherry cake) in front of us … Ahhh! The decadency dripped off the plates! It looked delicious! Next was very nice strong and flavourful filter coffee. Wow!

I cut into the tip off the cherry cake and put it in my mouth … it felt as if it melted in my mouth. It was like an explosion of flavours. It was rich but not too sweet, right up our alley. And the coffee … divine!

“Erm, Herr Müller, this is delicious but … erm … may I have some more please?” André at his best behaviour, begging, like Oliver Twist in the begging scene in Oliver!

“But of course! Herr Kellner, bitte bringen Sie diesen jungen Mann noch ein Stück von der Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Waiter, please bring this young man another slice of the Black Forest cherry cake). Danke schön. Who else?” Herr Müller said.

“Erm … we’ll share a slice please,” Luigi said.

“That’s not necessary! Herr Kellner, bringen Sie bitte ein weiteres Stück für jedermann! Sabine? Nichts mehr, ja (Waiter, please bring another slice for everybody here. Sabine? Nothing more?) Dass meint noch 8 Stücken bitte (That means another 8 slices please). Danke schön. Are you guys enjoying it?”

“First class! Thanks! It tastes so good! Wow!” Juan said on behalf of us all.

The cake really was delicious and we were making pigs of ourselves, but to have real genuine German Black Forest cherry cake? The first time in our lives? Then I’m a pig!

“Herr Kellner, noch Kaffee bitte? (Waiter, more coffee please?)”

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The evening was a roaring success. After Herr Müller has settled the bill, we made our way out of the Spiegelsaal. Herr Müller wouldn’t hear of anybody making a contribution or anybody paying for anything. I didn’t have the slightest idea what he paid, but it must’ve been a small fortune.

Back home Frau Müller invited us into the formal sitting room and Gunther’s dad picked up a Bang & Olufsen console from the coffee table and the sound system in the room came to life. Wow! It was one of the wireless systems which could store up to a 1 000 CDs and is accessible from anywhere in the house where there is a wall-mounted console.

It’s not streaming like Apple Music or Spotify, but the system dates back a couple of years.

“After Mozart, I thought we’d listen to a bit of Beethoven. What about the Choral Fantasie, it’s Opus 80 if anyone wanted to know! Yes? It’s not a long piece and the choral section is astounding! Gunther, einige Liköre bitte (some liqueurs please)?”

I took a Drambuie that Gunther served in the finest of crystal glasses. Wow! There was quite a selection of German, Italian and French liqueurs.

The music was dreamy and of course totally different from the Mozart, but very pleasant nonetheless. When the choral part started, it brought tears to my eyes. It really was a masterpiece. I snuck a hand to Luigi’s hand next to him on the couch and our little fingers intertwined.

“Questa musica tedesca è bellissima, ma credo che la nostra musica italiana la eguagli in una certa misura, non credi? (This German music is beautiful but I think our Italian music equals it to some extent, don't you think?)” Luigi said quietly to me. My knowledge of Italian music is not that good.

“Some more liqueurs? Anybody? Just ask and Gunther will bring you the liqueur you chose. Or go to the cabinet and choose which one you prefer. None more for me, thanks Gunther,” Herr Müller said.

“About tomorrow,” Frau Müller said, “I thought we could do the sights here in the area. That includes the Zooligische Garten (the zoo), the Fernsehturm (the TV tower), the Technische Universität (the Technical University) and then the Reichtagsgebäude (the Reichtags-buildings, the parliament). That will keep us busy most of the day. We could have lunch at one of the quant restaurants at Potsdamer Platz. Ja? Gunther?”

“Ja, genau Mutti (Yes, exactly Mom)! I think everybody is in agreement. It’s a good selection and I’m sure my friends will enjoy it very much. Right guys?”

“Jawohl! Then it’s settled. We’ll have breakfast at 8 o’clock and will leave at 8:45,” Herr Müller said.

We all got up and thanked the Müllers for their hospitality and the wonderful evening. We headed up the stairs to go to our rooms.

“I suppose it will be only my old man and I tonight? Right?” André said and looked at me with puppy eyes.

“Behave, you delinquent! You heard what Gunther said and besides, I’m not ‘old’ and to sleep one night with me is not going to kill you. Come, let’s get our teeth brushed and into bed. I’m cold and I’m tired. It was a long day. Good night my darling boy! Sleep well and if that tall hairy monster molests you, just call me …” Juan said and ducked when Pierre aimed a swipe at his head.

“I’ll let you know that I’m not a hairy monster! The big monster is still hidden away … want to say goodnight to it?” Pierre quipped and put his hand on his zipper.

We cracked up laughing and Johann and Gunther tickled André.

“Goodnight, everybody and remember, breakfast is at 8 o’clock. Don’t be late! A shit, a shower and not a shave before we go down. OK? André?” Johann put in and we went into our rooms laughing.

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After brushing our teeth, I was ensconced between Pierre and Luigi. We were tired but not too tired for Pierre to park that monster cock between my legs. He kissed me with his soft lips and nestled behind me.

Luigi’s big cock was semi-hard and he too kissed me. Then he kissed Pierre and settled in my arms for a well-deserved night of sleep. Just sleep.

I wasn’t so sure about Pierre …

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During the early morning hours of the morning, Pierre couldn’t hold it in anymore … the huge cock was sopping wet and slipped right in. When I woke up, the head was in me already. I groaned and Luigi mumbled in his sleep. He was fast coming awake …

Needless to say, I was fucked good and it was like a prelude to our lives back in Stellenbosch, except that Clive, Giovanni, Santiago and Rafael, and perhaps Diego, George … and … Piero … Piero … hmmm … weren’t there. The two hunks who were here with me, gave me a good fuck and they alternated to pump their multiple cumloads into me. They rounded it off with a deep, sensual double with more white useful baby batter in me ...

I was on Pierre and Luigi entered me from behind, pushing in deep with one long continuoous thrust. Ahhh! Within a minute I was cumming … and then the two hung hunks came again too. Ahhh!

After our hearts calmed down, we disentangled ourselves and I went into the en suite to get the cum off me. I took the hand shower attachment and rinsed it off. Quickest way and surest way not leave any track.

The cum of the other two was inside me … and as always, they were big loads!

Back in the room Luigi was lying in Pierre’s arm, each one stroking the other’s chest, tummy, touching their cocks, their thighs.

“This is a picture I’ll always remember. You guys are such wonderful men! Thanks for the impromptu session,” I said and took my iPhone and pressed the home button. It was just before 5 o’clock. Still some time to be with my two hung hunks.

I aimed the iPhone at them and took a picture. Then Pierre pushed the duvet down to show their big cocks and said: “Take another pic!” I did. The big cocks looked so inviting!

“Come lie between us. You OK? I’ve pumped an unholy amount of cum into you. OK, my darling?” Pierre asked.

“I'm fine, but let’s see if we can get some more sleep before we have to get up. I’ve set my alarm for 7:15. Ahhh!” I said as I pushed in between the two hunks. Another 2 hours of sleep … or whatever!

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Our breakfast consisted of all sorts of cold meats (hams: Black Forest ham (Schinken), boiled ham, and prosciutto-style, cured meats, sausages (sliced): Lyoner (mild pork sausage), Jagdwurst, (sausage with ham bits), Bierwurst (garlicky pork sausage)); fried Bratwurst, a variety of cheeses (Rauchkäse – a piquant and very tasty smoked cheese, Allgäuer Bergkäse – cow’s milk cheese with tiny pea-sized holes in the soft yellow flesh, Butterkäse – mild, semi-soft cow’s milk cheese, usually sold pre-sliced), fried cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, eggs to order, a variety of yoghurts, honey, wild berry jam infused with whisky, Dreikornbrot, Vollkornbrot, Landbrot, Pumpernickel and Brötchens, and very tasty butter!

Wow! I fell in love with the small German breads (Brötchens) on the spot! They were like buns, but with a harder crispy crust, almost like a mini bread with a soft centre. It is almost like a small roundish mini loaf of bread, which is what the name means. It is delicious and I had three of them! Two with different cold meats and different cheeses, and one with wild berry jam and Butterkäse – butter cheese.

“Is this the first time you’ve had Brötchens? It seems you like it!” Frau Müller said and smiled when I put my third Brötchen down, smiling guilty at her. “Not to worry! You’re a growing boy and this is the case with most people who have it for the first time! They’re delicious, aren’t they?”

I blushed cherry red but damn! The Brötchens were really that good. The third one was with real farm butter and wild berry jam infused with whisky and topped with slices of cheese. Yum! I put some cheese on top as well, and … delicious!

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After very good coffee, we brushed our teeth, got our jackets and scarves and met the Müllers to do some sightseeing.

When I walked past Johann and Gunther’s room, I saw them in an embrace of note. Johann was almost devouring Gunther’s mouth. My godd! I knew they loved each other, but … is there something they didn’t tell us?

We got in the cars and in the other car Juan and André had the double sources of info in the person of the Müllers, while in our car, we had Gunther. Our first stop would be the Berlin TV Tower to get an overall picture of Berlin.

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We drove the short distance to the TV Tower and one thing that was very obvious, is the absolute cleanliness of the streets. There was literally nothing, but nothing lying around! Not a single paper or wrapper or bottle or anything. Nothing! The Germans rose quite a few notches in my estimation. Wow! I wondered what they’d say if they saw most cities and towns in South Africa …

Considering the large number of visitors to Berlin, it is well worth booking one’s tickets in advance online, which Frau Müller has done. We stopped and got into the tower almost immediately as we had our tickets. We got into the elevator and read the flyer Frau Müller gave to each one of us.

“Der Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower) is the place to start a trip in Berlin as it gives you a 360° panorama of the city. There are virtual views on a computer but it can never compare with the live-experience at the top of the TV tower!” Frau Müller said.

Do you want to discover Berlin 360°? Then you’d be in just the right place at the TV tower. The Berlin Television Tower, which is known to locals as the Fernsehturm, and is instantly recognisable from a distance, as it stands out on the skyline at 368m, making it the tallest building in Berlin. Built in the 1960s, visitors to the tower can enjoy a unique 360° panoramic view of the city.

From 203 and 207 metres high one can look out over the entire city with its large number of tourist attractions: one can see Die Reichstaggebäude (Parliament Buildings), Der Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) and Der Hauptbahnhof (Main Railway Station) from here, as well as Das Olympiastadion (Olympic Stadium), Die Museumsinsel (Museum Island) and Der Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square).

With almost 1.2 million visitors every year, the Berlin TV tower is one of the most popular attractions for tourists in Berlin.”

We went up to the viewing section almost at the top of the tower and looked out over the city. There were clear pictures with annotations below the windows indicating the different places of interest. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

At 984 square km, Berlin is one of the 75 biggest cities in the world. Wow.

One thing that was very obvious, is the fact that in comparison to other cities, there were few skyscrapers in Berlin. Most of the few higher buildings, were offices or hotels. The charm of buildings like the Reichstaggebäude was endearing. Some of these higher buildings were on Potsdamer Platz, close to the TV Tower.

We got the most breathtakingly beautiful photos of the city and of many places we’re going to visit. It gave us a spectacular view and perspective of the city and where these places are in relation to the rest of the city.

It is obvious why Berlin is considered one of the most beautiful cities of the world, despite its sad past under the Nazis … and during World War II. Then the years of the divide, until the shameful Berlin wall the Russians built to divide the city into two, fell on 09 November 1989. The city has recovered and it rebuilt most damaged buildings, plus renovated many older buildings, restoring them to their former glory. The Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin was severely damaged during World War II and subsequently restored. It was actually destroyed twice during the war – first in 1941 and again in 1945 – before being rebuilt and restored in the 1950s to its former glory.

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Once down on the ground, we got in the cars to drive the short distance to Potsdamer Platz.

Once the bustling heart of the city before the Second World War, then a no man's land from 1945 until the fall of the wall in 1989, the history of Potsdamer Platz has been eventful to say the least. It changed completely after the fall of the wall and is now dominated by the presence of the Sony Centre, skyscrapers (lower than in other world cities) and endless shops. What's more, Potsdamer Platz is the main place to be seen for stars and celebrities, and not only during film festivals.

The place is well developed and there is a wealth of new shiny buildings, and shopping centres galore. I wondered what the merchandise would cost in such shops. Good thing we were merely driving through.

“On our way back this afternoon, we could stop here for some coffee and Käsekuche (cheese cake). And I’ll show you some of the posh shops. One hardly ever comes here as it is too expensive. My darling, this is where Luigi should buy you a present to remind you of Berlin!” Gunther was joking.

I’d never expect Luigi to do something like that and I was quick to tell him so: “Mio caro, non ti azzardare a comprare qualcosa di costoso qui! Ti aspetto per Firenze (My darling, don’t you dare buy something expensive here! I’ll wait until Firenze)!”

“Don’t worry mio caro! I already know what I want to buy for you in Firenze!” Luigi answered, and kissed me. I hugged my man and just knew it would be something very special.

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To the north of Potsdamer Platz was the Brandenburg Tor (Brandenburg Gate).

Without a doubt, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin's signature attraction. Built in 1791, it was just one of many old city gates around the city of Berlin which, at that time, was still a manageable size. The decorative Pariser Platz was laid at the foot of the gate and is now home to many of the city's important buildings, for example, the Hotel Adlon with its wealth of history and the Akademie der Künste (Academy of the Arts).

The Gate is spectacular and there are quite a few tourists taking pictures. We parked the cars some way off and walked to the gate. It is spectacular and in the class of the Arc d’Triomphe in Paris. We took photos and called on another tourist to take a group photo … of course all the iPhones came out and the poor guy – he didn’t mind: he just smiled and asked his friend to hold our iPhones – had to take photos for us all.

I looked up at the gate and realised how privileged the Europeans are: they preserve their heritage, even the bad ones. Back home, there were elements hell bent on destroying our heritage, the history and the culture of the other people … Statues are defaced, faeces flung at dead artefacts, burning of, or cutting, or paint thrown at precious paintings, paint thrown on statues or defaced by graffiti, statues overthrown and destroyed … too sad.

We got in the cars to drive up the road to our next stop: the German parliament buildings.

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Just up the street are the buildings of the Reichstaggebäude, the Reichstag Buildings – the German parliament.

After reunification, when the decision was made to move the Federal Government back to Berlin, it was time to reawaken the Reichstag Buildings from its long years of slumber on the Mauerstreifen (Wall Strip), the military zone between the two sides of the Wall. The building has since been completely modernised, and today's visitors to the Reichstag can look out from the building's glass dome to get a bird's eye view of the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also a number of government buildings in the vicinity of the Reichstag, for example the Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery) and the Brandenburg Gate.

We parked the cars and went inside. We didn’t have time for a full-blown tour but we did see the entrance and we did go up into the dome. From there we saw the TV Tower, the gardens to the back of the zoo, Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Tor.

Everything in the Reichstaggebäude was spic and span, German-style clean, classy and a true testament of German precision, even in the upkeep of buildings. We have such a long way to go back home …

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Right behind the Reichstaggebäude on the other side of a big park, is the Zoologischer Garten (Berlin Zoo). The entrance is on the western side, thus directly on the opposite side of the Reichstaggebäude.

The zoo is world famous as it is the most species-rich zoo worldwide. On a visit one could discover a wide variety of wildlife in Berlin Zoo, the first zoo in Germany. There weren’t only polar bears, elephants, seals, lions and giraffes living there, but one could also visit many endangered domestic animal breeds there.

We parked the cars and went inside, just in time for one of their varied feedings and animal shows. We observed the feeding of the penguins, sea lions and saw the hippos underwater. They also offer a night safari in the Nocturnal Animal House for night visitors.

Zoo Berlin supports species conservation worldwide. One could also make a contribution to help in their support of the conservation cause.

One could take part in guided tours with trained zoo guides but we didn’t have time for that.

“Liebling (Darling), how about some coffee and Obstkuchen (fruitcake). Boys, how about you?” Herr Müller asked.

“Just coffee for us thanks. Right guys?” Pierre said and we agreed. It was too soon after the substantial and scrumptious breakfast we had. Plus, we were looking forward to get something to eat at Potsdamer Platz.

We got coffee to go, and got in the cars. “Guys and my darlings, please be careful not to spill any coffee. My Mom would have my head for it!” Gunther said. We had no intention of messing up the cream leather and matching carpets.

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Next up was Die Technische Universität Berlin, known as TU Berlin for short and is unofficially the Technical University of Berlin or Berlin Institute of Technology.

“This is where Dad used to teach. It is one of the best in the world and I know if my Dad could have it his way, he’d urge you two to relocate here, Antonio. The lectures are mainly in German but most are now also available in English.”

It is a research university and one of the largest and most prestigious research and education institutions in Germany. The university was founded in 1879. It has the highest proportion of foreign students of all universities in Germany. The university alumni and professor list include National Academies elections, two National Medal of Science laureates and ten Nobel Prize winners.

We drove through the campus and were astounded by the buildings, the gardens and here too, everything was spotless. Nothing lying around – no litter whatsoever … We couldn’t help to notice it …

“You will find it interesting to hear that there are always students or lecturers or professors or researchers at the university at all times of the day or night. These guys really mean business!” Gunther said.

Once again, we only had time for a drive-through. The whole place is really spic-and-span, no building defaced with graffiti, no statue covered in paint … and the ultimate example of the way Germans do things: correctly and according to standards. Just a damn pity that Hitler and the Nazis tainted the German good name for quality. However, most of that glory has been restored now.

---------

By then it was just after 1 o’clock.

Herr Müller stopped in one of the parking spots on the campus and got out. He came to our car. Gunther got out like the gentleman he is and I heard them speaking in German. It was clear Frau Müller suggested we went back to Potsdamer Platz as she wanted to show us the centre and get something to eat.

“Bitte folgt mir (Please follow me),” Herr Müller said and got back in his car.

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We drove back to the Potsdamer Platz, to the south east of the Fernsehturm. We went into one of the parking garages and I was pleased to see it was only €2,50 per hour!

Gunther is the perfect tour guide and said: “The underground car park here at Potsdamer Platz is conveniently located near Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Tor, the Judisches Museum (Holocaust Memorial), the New National Gallery, the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Berlin State Library), the Kulturforum and the Martin-Gropius Bau which hosts international exhibitions on art and cultural history each. It forms part of Berlin's lively centre, and its more than half a million exhibits.

“In addition, the parking is situated directly under the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, theatres, cinemas, hotels and restaurants. We’re going in the Arkaden first, get something to eat and drink and then we’ll do some shopping …” Gunther lifted his eyebrows at Luigi but we just laughed – no shopping! “Then we’ll go see Checkpoint Charlie, the main entrance between East and West Berlin, a quick trip to the Judisches Museum and a quick visit to the Martin-Gropius Bau. There is just so much to see! I wish I could have you here for 2 weeks to properly show you some more of my beautiful city! Johann, are you still OK, my love?” Gunther said as he deftly parked the car next to his dad’s car. “I'm fine, Jerry. Just overwhelmed. It's nothing I've expected …!”

The arcade and shopping malls are breathtakingly beautiful! It is like an encyclopaedia of posh shops were realised to come to life! Wow! There is just every shop imaginable and many more we’ve never heard of before! And true to style, all the exhibits carried no prices … sneaky!

Herr Tobias Müller led us to a modern but very classy restaurant with tables that poured out into the open area in front of it. Being winter, there gas burners to warm the area.

Gunther pulled out one of the chairs for his mom and pushed it back gently when she sat down. My man! A true gentleman. Dad would be in awe and pleased to see the Jerry is the man we all think he is: a top-notch gentleman to everybody.

We sat down and made it a point not to touch each other but it was hard. I so wanted to touch my man, hold his hand in his pocket … but, we had to honour Gunther’s request.

The menu was fairly extensive and included light lunches like belegte Brötchens (Brötchens with toppings … yes! … Panini, toasted sandwiches but also some pasta dishes, meat sandwiches and something new … Rohhackbrötchen! We asked the Müllers what it is and they looked at each other with a sparkle in their eyes. My German is fairly good and the name of the food sounded like … no! I was sure it meant something else!

“Denken Sie, sollten wir ihnen sagen (Do you think we should tell them)?” Frau Müller said and winked at her husband and Gunther. They had a good laugh and made a suggestion.

“Tell you what, we’ll order half a Brötchen for each of you and then you taste it. If you like it, we’ll order more. Tuh-tuh-tuh!” Herr Müller looked at me as I was about to say something and he put his finger on his lips … and I kept quiet. “Kein Wort, bitte! Wart mal! Versuchen Sie es zuerst (No word, please! Wait a bit! Try it first)!

Herr Müller placed the order and it comprised of 7 half Rohhackbrötchens for the strangers, and three full Brötchens for each of the Müllers and filter coffee for each.

“Guys, the Brötchens are only appetizers. We’ll order some more or something else too. Just … when the Brötchens arrive, take a bite with an open mind. It really is a German delicacy and one you’d fall in love with once you’ve tasted it. It’s a promise!” Herr Müller said.

I looked at André who was staring at me with urgency in his eyes, his mouth in a question mark. He wanted me to spill the beans, but I wasn’t sure myself … so I shrugged. His eyebrows pulled up and I could see he didn’t believe me.

The two waiters arrived with the trays and put the half Brötchens in front of us and the double half ones in front of the Müllers. We looked at it, looked at each other … this looked like raw … meat paste with onion pieces in it. What?

“Is this what I think it is …?” André said with trepidation.

“Don’t make a decision before you’ve tasted it. Go on! Close your eyes, take a bite and hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as we do,” Gunther said and pushed André’s plate closer to him.

We took our first bites and chewed … wow! It was like an explosion of tastes, flavours and textures in my mouth. I took another bite and … damn! I loved it!

“So then …?” Frau Müller said. “Do you like it?”

“Yes! If this is raw mincemeat, I’m blown away! I never thought it …” I started.

“No! Really? But it tastes so nice! Raw meat?” André said with some disgust but he took another bite.

“Yes, but I believe you eat raw meat all the time in South Africa … don’t you? You just dry it first. Bheelthong … or something like that?” Herr Müller said.

“Yes, it’s called ‘biltong’” [pronounced ‘bhul-tong’] “but it tastes totally different. Come on André! You’ve never died of biltong, why such a wuss now?! Frau Müller, it’s finely minced beef and chopped onions, plus salt and pepper I presume, and some herbs … what else?”

“André … no, Anton? Yes, that’s correct but there is one more ingredient that most people find unappetizing. We put one egg yolk in for every 250g of very fine Hackfleish. But it has to be topside, all sinews and fat removed, and it must be minced with a very fine sieve. And the mixing must be done lightly with only a fork to keep it fluffy. Do you like it? Bitte noch mehr, mein Liebling (Please more, my darling)?” Frau Müller said and her husband ordered some more Rohhackbrötchens. Wow!

“I don’t know about you guys, but damn! I could get used to this! This raw meat tastes wonderful! I wonder what Dad and Mom would say about this! I wonder if Mom would ever try it!” André said and we laughed. Yes, Mom eating raw mince, even dollied up with chopped onion, plus raw egg yolk added in? I doubted it!

After the Brötchens, we had some nice toasted meaty sandwiches and some more coffee. When the cheque arrived, Gunther intercepted it and produced his credit card. “Nein Vati, ich zahle fur diese. Klar (No Dad, I’m paying for this. Clear)?”

“Warum dann hat ich nicht Kaviar bestelle (Why then didn’t I order caviar)?” Herr Müller joked.

“Tobias!” Frau Müller said and stood up. Gunther stood behind her to pull her chair back. What a gentleman! We all got up when Gunther stood up, to show our respect to Frau Müller, but we were about to leave in any case.

We browsed the shops on our way out to go and see Checkpoint Charlie. We passed a gift shop that had a Christmas sale. Rare for a shop in that centre! We stopped and looked at the exhibits in the window. Frau Müller told us to have a quick look inside. We saw some wonderful embroidered handkerchiefs for Mom and exquisite male handkerchiefs with a monogram embroidered in one corner. Yes, we’d buy them each two handkerchiefs. Frau Müller selected a few examples for Mom and André and I took two pure white linen and cotton mix handkerchiefs with an elegant blue ‘A’ embroidered in one corner. The 4 handkerchiefs set us back €10. Money well spent.

“Come, before you spend more money. Let’s go see Checkpoint Charlie!” Gunther said and we took the escalator out of the centre.

Outside it was damn cold so we wrapped our scarves around our necks and zipped up. It was a few blocks away and Herr Müller and his wife led the way. At one crossing over the street, Frau Müller almost lost her balance and I grabbed her by the arm, preventing her from falling.

“Ahh! Thank you so much! Anton … André …? Your mom has raised two very courteous young men! Gunther has chosen his friends well!” She gave my arm a squeeze. I squeezed her arm too and the bond was made. She might be classy beyond any definition, but she was a lady and appreciative. The fact that a gay man was gallant towards her, did mean something to her.

She looked me in the eye and smiled. I smiled my most endearing smile. “You're welcome! You’re the perfect hosts and are showing us the beautiful city that is Berlin! Danke schön!”

“Dein Deutsch ist bemerkenswert gut. Ein guter Lehrer? Ein guter Schüler (Your German is remarkably good. A good teacher? A good learner)?”

“Die beiden (Both)! Danke schön!” I said and stepped into the street and held her by the elbow.

The walk to Checkpoint Charlie was pleasant despite the cold. When we approached, it was like I imagined it to be from pictures I’ve seen. The guards’ house behind sand bags, soldiers on duty. Of course, it’s done for appearances sakes only as this is a very popular spot to visit. On the one side there is a McDonalds and opposite it Das Mauermuseum (The Wall Museum).

Just a short distance from the gate, there is still a portion of the horrific wall standing. It carried lots of graffiti.

We looked at the remains of this once important place in the lives of East and West Berliners. It was a terrible time in the lives of people since Die Mauer (The Wall) went up until it was brought down just more than 29 years later in 1989. Many people tried to escape East Berlin and lost their lives. Very little of their hardships was still visible except of course the portion of The Wall still standing and no man’s land still visible in places.

It was just unbelievable that outsiders could cut a country into pieces, cut its capital in two, divided it between different countries to oversee the sections and then build a wall to separate them. Horrific to say the least.

Herr Müller told us that there are a few places in Berlin where there are still sections of The Wall, including a re-erected portion at the Potsdamer Bahnhof (train station). He told us he has a few pieces of The Wall at home, which he took from a piece of fallen Wall on Friday 10 November 1989. If we wanted a piece, he’d gladly give it to us. I thought of Dad and immediately accepted with gratitude.

“Yes, I have a few pieces. Pierre, would you like a piece too? Johann?” Herr Müller asked. They all accepted gladly. “If you wanted to buy a piece today, it will cost you around €10 to €20 a piece, depending on where you buy it and how big the piece is. If you bought it at Potsdamer Platz or here at Checkpoint Charlie, it might even be as much as €30. You could rather use that money in Italy to buy some nice gifts for the parents,” he said.

“Vati, ich glaube wir sollten zurück gehen. Ich denke Mutti ist kalt. Ja (Dad, I think we should go back now. I think Mom is cold. Yes)?” Gunther said.

“Genau (I agree). Come on boys, let’s take a quick trip to the Judisches Museum and a quick visit to the Martin-Gropius Bau. We’re just passing by both places as it’s already past 3 o’clock. One needs much more time to go through these buildings. We’ll see later in the week if we could fit in a visit to some of these places. But … we have a surprise for you later the week. We’ll inform you about it later. Come. Sabine, ist alles in Ordnung, mein Schatz (are you OK, my dear)?”

“I’m fine thanks but yes, I am a bit cold now. Let’s take a brisk walk back to Potsdamer Platz,” Frau Müller said and took the lead towards the parking arcade ...

“The Judisches Museum is a very modern zig-zagging building paying tribute to the millions of Jewish people killed in WWII. It is a sad part of our history, but these poor people are remembered in a proper way now. Come!” Herr Müller said. “We’ll go get the cars and drive to the Museum and The Martin-Gropius Bau. It’s a bit far and I know you’d like a sundowner, not so?”

---------

We got the cars and drove southwards to the Martin-Gropius Bau. It is an impressive building but I wasn’t in a mood to look at a lot of art at that stage. If time allowed, perhaps later in the week I’d come to take a look, but not now, I thought.

We stopped and took some pictures but when we got in the cars to go see the Jewish Museum, Herr Müller came up to Gunther and they discussed the plan of action for the trip to the museum and then back home. They both agreed we might as well have some hot chocolate or coffee in the restaurant in the foyer of the Museum. If time permits it, we could have a quick look at perhaps the exhibition on Auschwitz.

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The Museum was astounding … heartbreaking and we were silent – even André. Wow. The modern architectural elements of the Libeskind building comprised the zinc façade, the Garden of Exile, the three Axes of the German-Jewish experience, and the Voids. Together these pieces form a visual and spatial language, rich with history and symbolism. They not only house the museum with its exhibits, but they also provide visitors with their own unique experience as they walk through the spaces.

In 1995 the architect Daniel Libeskind said the building he designed is "an irrational and invisible matrix".

The façade of the building barely enables conclusions to be drawn as to the building's interior, the division of neither levels nor rooms being apparent to the observer. Nevertheless, the positioning of the windows – primarily narrow slits – follows a precise matrix. During the design process, the Libeskind plotted the addresses of prominent Jewish and German citizens on a map of pre-war Berlin and joined the points to form an "irrational and invisible matrix" on which he based the language of form, the geometry and shape of the building.

The positioning of windows in the New Building was also based on this network of connections.

The whole of the New Building is coated in zinc, a material that has a long tradition in Berlin's architectural history. Over the years, the untreated alloy of titanium and zinc oxidized and changed colour through exposure to light and weather.

We only got to the foyer and coffee shop as the lady at the ticket counter also said it was too late to see the whole museum and she couldn’t let us see only the section on Auschwitz.

We settled for coffee or hot chocolate. André was so frustrated to behave like a human being for a change that he came up to me and gave me a warm, unexpected hug. He whispered in my ear: “*I wanted to touch and hug Juan and you and the rest so many times today! Damn! It’s hard work being straight! I hate it!*”

“*And also to be a normal human being for a change?*” I joked and got a jab in the ribs for it.

“*I thought you were my super special brother and friend! Ek bel nou vir Pa (I’m calling Dad now)*!” He retorted and ruffled my hair. André, my darling brother. Always up to some mischief to make our lives a misery or to most of us, a delight! He is who he is, and we love him.

After the refreshments, we looked around a bit, and saw there was a gift shop (the fancy name for a ‘tourist trap’). We just looked at the merchandise at sky-high prices, and walked out, without buying a thing. Jews and people with a connection to the Holocaust might be more interested. We didn’t have the gold of Fort Knox to back us up, and we still have to travel to Italy. We deliberately didn’t want to buy additional, unnecessary stuff.

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Back home, Herr Müller told us to be down in the solarium at half past 5 for a sundowner or another snort we’d like.

We went up to our rooms and had a pee, and a hug and a kiss and of course, with Pierre there, a grope! Ahh! It was true what André said: it was tough not to show our affection towards each other. Damn! And there were still 5 days left of these concentration rules.

At half past 5, we joined Herr Müller in the solarium. Frau Müller was in the kitchen getting a stew ready to go into the oven.

When we sat down, we saw there were 5 pieces of Die Mauer (The Wall) on the coffee table. They were about the size of half a brick and consisted of mainly the plaster with some shards of brick attached to it. There were no full bricks attached to them. In any case, how would one pack a brick in one’s baggage? The plaster was covered in graffiti paint. Obviously, it originated from the Western side of The Wall.

“Here you go. Pierre, you get a piece, the twins each gets a piece, Johann you get a piece and I’m sending a piece to the twin’s dad. Luigi, do you mind sharing with Antonio and Juan, do you mind to sharing with André?” It was clear the Müllers have made peace with the fact that Gunther was gay. And that he brought a house full of gay friends with him. Here we were treated so well throughout the day, and were offered pieces of The Wall!

“Thank you very much Herr Müller! No, we don’t mind to share, not so Luigi? You’re too kind Herr Müller! This might not be worth much in monetary value, but this is very special as we’ve seen parts of this horrific wall, and here we’re getting authentic pieces from a dear friend’s father. Thank you!” Juan said and shook Herr Müller’s hand. We all did the same.

Frau Müller joined us and Gunther and his dad immediately got up when she entered the solarium. We were not used to such chivalry and followed suit. Frau Müller was treated in a proper gentleman fashion! We were being taught a valuable lesson in the proper treatment of a lady.

“Thank you, gentlemen!” Frau Müller said and sat down next to Gunther. I was amazed to see this reserved lady putting her hand on her son’s knee. They must’ve missed him!

“Don’t mention it. I’m glad to give you something of our history to take back home with you. Now, Gunther, drinks please. We do have Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein. No other apple wine has won more awards. For about the past 140, it is made and is of the highest quality. Yes, Gunther told us some of you like cider. But there is also whiskey and for the brave ones, we have Scottish whisky too, some German wine, German beer or a Gin and Tonic perhaps? Sabine, möchtest du vielleicht ein Glas weißer Wein (do you perhaps want a glass of white wine)?” Herr Müller said. “Gunther, bitte mein Sohn (please my son)!”

The atmosphere was warm, relaxed and jovial. The Müllers have thawed towards us and it was clear they liked us. Well, the feeling was mutual: we like them too.

We discussed the day’s events, and what we’ve seen thus far. Pierre was very interested in the Jewish Museum and Herr Müller said we could go back during the week.

“However, we have a full programme for you guys and of course we’ve planned a surprise for Thursday. We wanted to take you to München and the Black Forest, but it’s just too far and would take up a lot of time spent on just traveling. Tomorrow Sabine and I have some business to take care of. Gunther, we want to suggest to you to take them on the Hop-on-Hop-off tomorrow. We know you’d like to have some time by yourselves without the stuffy parents present all the time … we know, don’t worry. And we’re OK with it. You guys have opened our eyes and we accept it, so relax and thank you. Gunther, bitte könnte deine Mutti und ich für ein bisschen zu dir sprechen (please, could your mother and I speak to you for a bit)? Boys, we just have to talk to Gunther for a bit. We’ll be back soon. Gunther, bitte?”

“Aber natürlich Vati. Please excuse me guys!” Gunther said. We all got up when Frau Müller got up. Gunther followed his mother and father into the study at the far end of the solarium, leading to the rest of the house on the northern end. Herr Müller waited for Gunther to enter and put his arm around his son’s shoulder before he followed him into the study.

Herr Müller closed the door …

“Baby bro, what’s going on? What’s happened? What did they say? Did you kiss my baby bro in front of the Müllers, Ita?” André ranted on.

“Herr Müller said they wanted to talk to Gunther … I have no idea and no, you delinquent, my Ita didn’t kiss me in front of his parents!” I retorted.

“Well, perhaps we could get some more drinks? I’d like to try one of those ciders please?” Johann said.

---------

After about 5 minutes, the door opened and Gunther called Johann to join him and his parents in the study. Oh-oh!

“Oh, fuck guys! I didn’t steal or break anything! What did you do, André? I’m not taking the flack for whatever you broke or did. What is happening?” Johann said as he got up to go to the study.

We looked at him with beady eyes and wondered what happened. He disappeared behind the door and the atmosphere was very muted … what the hell was going on?

After another 5 minutes the door opened again and Frau Müller appeared, followed by her husband and Gunther and Johann … hand-in-hand! My fuck! What happened?

“Boys, please relax. There is nothing to worry about,” Gunther said.

“It’s clear you know we’ve had our differences, as Sabine and I have always wanted grandchildren. We were disappointed when Gunther told us he is gay. We had words and he left home and eventually he went to South Africa. Today we are happy to announce that we’ve made peace with the fact that he is a happy and very successful 29-year old gay man.

“And, we’ve accepted Johann as our son-in-law … Then, let’s drink a toast! Prost! On my one and only son and our new son-in-law. Johann, you’re not what we’ve hoped for, but you make our son happy – happier than I’ve ever seen him in his life. That makes us happy. Gunther, prost, and to you and your happiness. Thanks for making us proud and thanks for choosing such a fine young man as your partner. Mutti and I are not dinosaurs! You’re the finest bunch of guys we’ve had in this house at any one time! Prost!” Herr Müller said and raised his glass. “Komm mal hier mein Sohn (Please come here my son)!”

Gunther got up and when he approached his dad, the latter opened his arms and pulled his son into an embrace, his face in Gunther’s neck. The man kissed his son in the neck and hugged him tight.

“Entschuldigt, mein Sohn. Ich liebe dich über alles! Bitte verzeihst du uns (Apologies my son. I love you so much! Please forgive us)?”

“Aber natürlich Vati! Ich liebe Sie auch sehr viel! (But of course Dad! I love you also very much)!” Gunther said and pulled his face back to kiss his dad on the cheek. Herr Müller looked his son in the eyes and kissed him on the mouth! My godd! Was that even possible?

It was clear Herr Müller had a warm heart after all. He pretended something came in his eye and took his glasses off to ‘remove the irritant’!

When Gunther turned to his mom, the tears literally streamed from his eyes. His mom’s eyes were very wet but she presented a strong façade. She hugged her son and when he pulled back, she too kissed him on the mouth.

“Es freut uns viel dass du Johann in deinem Leben hast. Er ist ein sehr guter Mann (It pleases us that you have Johann in your life. He is a very good man)!” she said and kissed him once more.

Well, I never. And here we were afraid to even touch each other!

Herr Müller stepped closer and put his arm around Gunther’s shoulder.

“Denn Gunther, deine Mutti hat bereits Fahrkarten auf dem Hop-on-Hop-off für morgen gebucht. Ihr wird sie am Hauptbahnhof abholen. Klar? Mit Untenbahn fahren, ja? Ich und Mutti nehmen sie alle am 9 Uhr (Then Gunther, Mom has already booked your tickets on the Hop-on-Hop-off for tomorrow. You will pick them up at the main station. Clear? You’re going with the underground, yes? Mom and I will take you all at 9 o’clock),” Herr Müller said.

“Yes, thanks Dad, but the Green U-7 is not too far. We’ll walk” Gunther said in English and explained what his dad has said. We were all in agreement. “That means we’ll be out most of the day. Do you want us to get something to eat before we come home or do you want us to come eat here?”

“Oh, I think you could get something in the city for lunch and then you could come home when it suits you. I could prepare dinner for tomorrow night. Just let us know so we could fetch you from the U-bahn if necessary. Gunther, bitte stellst du sicher, dass unsere Gäste ein paar mehr Getranke haben. Ich bin auf dem Abendessen Überprüfung (please ensure our guests have more drinks. I’m checking on dinner),” Frau Müller said, got up and left. We all got up when she stood up. We were becoming real gentlemen! Mom would be so proud!

“Vati, Mutti – darf ich Ihnen etwas geben, das ich in London gekauft habe? Nichts Großes. Ich hole es schnell.(Dad, Mom – may I give you something that I bought in London? Nothing big. I’m fetching it quickly),” Gunther said and ran up the stairs to fetch his parents’ small gifts.

Gunther gave his Dad the beautiful pen and for his Mom a pashmina he bought in London. The pen was a beautiful stainless steel pen with gold detail, and the pashmina was made using the softest wool, in shades of brown, dark beige, cream and white. It looked perfect with her blonde hair when she put it around her shoulders.

“Mein Sohn! Danke schön! Diese Geschenke sind toll und sehr nützlich! Vielen Dank! Die Pashmina sieht um Mamas Schultern wunderschön aus! Ich freue mich sehr über die Geschenke und werde den Stift für die gesamte Korrespondenz verwenden, die ich noch handschriftlich erledigen muss! (These gifts are great and very useful! Thank you very much. The pashmina looks great around Mom's shoulders! The gifts are welcome, and i'll use the pen for all the correspondence I still have to do by hand!)”

“Kein Problem! Es freut mich, dass Ihnen die Geschenke gefallen. Sie sind auch ein kleines Dankeschön für Ihre Gastfreundschaft. André möchte Ihnen ein Set Kristallgläser und noch ein paar Liköre besorgen! (No problem! I am glad you like the gifts. It is also a small token of our gratitude for hosting us. André is looking into buying you set of crystal glasses and some more liquors!)”.

“What is it you're saying about me?” André piped up.

“Sorry guys! I just told them I bought them these small gifts as a small token for their hospitality, but added that you’re looking into it to buy them a set of crystal glasses and more liquors, André!” Gunther said with a twinkle in his eyes.

“And since when are you in charge of my wallet and finances, Jerry? I’ll buy them whatever I want and you have no say in the matter! Juan, did you hear how this man is misbehaving, right in front of you and his parents? Ek gaan nou my Pa bel! (I'm calling my Dad now!)

“”Jerry’? Who is Jerry, André?” Herr Müller asked.

“Vati, it’s their nickname for me because I’m German! I was only joking with you André! Once in a while, you need to get what you dish out so freely!”

“I’ll get my chance and there will be no hostages. You’ll pay dearly, Jerry man! And baby bro, you say nothing to defend this super specimen from South Africa? Am I your twin brother or am I your twin brother? Mrs Müller, we’ll get you something to thank you for your hospitality to put up with us all, especially my ugly brother. He was issued this way, and the hospital didn’t want him back!” André at his best.

“André! Behave please!” Juan reprimanded André.

“So you see, Vati und Mutti, this is what we have to endure with him, and why we need to keep him on a short leash!” Gunther said.

His Dad and Mom caught on quickly, and they had a good, reserved chuckle.

“André, we’re just a bit slow with your quick wit, but come to think of it, a new set of crystal glasses for our red wine would actually be welcome, thank you!” Herr Müller put in and André’s face went pale, and we had a good laugh.

“He’s joking, André! We’ll be happy with whatever you decide to give us, although it's definitely not required, and we don’t expect anything. Thanks for the thought though!” Frau Müller said and winked at André.

“Thanks Mrs Müller,” André answered, looked straight at Gunther and stuck his tongue out. “Your son needs to be disciplined. We’ll investigate that next time we’re on the farm and the the vineyards to be weeded. Then he’ll sing another tune! Wheh, Jerry! Don’t forget Dad has a very sharp knife that needs to be broken in …! Watch it!”

The two Müller parents had a good laugh and it was clear Herr Müller appreciated and enjoyed André’s sense of humour. Score, André!

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Dinner was a delight. Frau Müller prepared mustard and honey chicken with knusprige Bratkartoffeln (crispy fried potatoes – not chips), Gemüseeintopf (one-pot vegetable stew, consisting of carrots (dice-sized cubes), potato cubes (dice sized), thinly sliced leeks, and peas, cooked in a chicken broth, seasoned with nutmeg, pepper and salt, and served on Basmati rice. There was a mixed side salad too.

Dessert was a baked pudding that reminded me of our South African Jan Ellis pudding, but it was served with whipped cream, not custard or ice cream.

[Please see Chapter 48 for the Jan Ellis pudding recipe. It is very good!]

After some Jägermeister (a world-renowned herbal liqueur featuring 56 herbs and spices), popular after a meal), or a nice Bärenjäger (a traditional honey-flavoured liqueur), and some coffee, we were off to bed.

Before we headed to our bedrooms, both Herr and Frau Müller hugged and kissed their son. Frau Müller took Johann by the arm and pulled him into an embrace. My fuck! The Jerries did have hearts pumping blood and made of muscle and nerves after all! Herr Müller shook Johann’s hand and added his left hand on top of Johann’s hand … he was millimetres away from hugging Johann!

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All of us gathered in our room and took stock of the day and what happened earlier, and to discuss our plans for the next day.

“Does this mean I can kiss Juan now?” André, of course.

“Yes, but no! Don’t push it! My mother-in-law has just given us the green light. No need to yank the carpet from under her. Touch Juan, but no lovey-dovey. OK? Pierre, keep your hands off Anton’s butt, you hear?” Johann said and we all giggled.

“Well, at least we know now not to be scared to death of them anymore!” Pierre said and took me in his arms. “Right Ant? A few times today when I saw you from behind, I wanted to touch your butt! Fuck! You drive me completely nuts!”

“OK guys, my mom said she booked us tickets on the Yellow Line. That means we’ll see some of the stuff we saw today already, but we don’t have to get off at these places again. We’re going to have a long day with lots to do and see,” Gunther said.

Pierre’s iPhone started to ring. It was Clive!

“Guys, hold that thought! I have to talk to this beautiful Pommie!” Pierre said and answered his phone. “Hi there you pale white boy! Missing your boertjie much, are you?” We heard Clive greeting Pierre and it was clear he was missing the squash champion a lot.

Pierre moved into the passage to have some privacy.

We heard him talking to Clive but it was too soft to hear what he was saying to Clive. But then he screamed: “Whaaat? What are you saying?! Really? You’re joking! Clive, my love, are you putting me on?”

He rushed back into the room and shouted: “He's coming! He’s coming! Yes! My man is coming to South Africa! All has been sorted …! Yes, of course I’m here! I’ve just told the others!”

We all cheered and shouted ‘Hi’ to the beautiful Englishman on the other side of the line.

“Oh fuck! You have no idea how happy it makes me! Pommie, Ant I can never live without you again! Not after last week! Oh fuck! I love you!” Pierre said and his lower lip started to quiver … One big tear ran down his cheek and he turned around in an attempt to hide it from us. I walked to him, put my arm around his shoulders and hugged him. He whispered in the phone: “Oh fuck! I’m sorry, but I’m bawling here! This is the best news ever! Now get your fucking butt over there as soon as possible, you hear you damn snow-white man! I love you so much my beautiful man! Here, Ant wants a word …” Pierre said, sniffling.

“Hi there you big beautiful oaf! That is fantastic news! Congratulations!”

“Hi Ant! I’m so excited! I heard this afternoon all the papers have been sorted out. Tomorrow, I'm starting to pack! Oh, I’m so excited! I’ve jacked off three times today! I miss you guys so much!” Pierre said.

“We miss you too, my beautiful man! Wasting the baby batter now are you, it seems? Here is Pierre again. Bye now and my love to your Dad,” I said and gave the phone back to Pierre.

He walked back into the passage to talk to Pierre.

“Wow! Two down, one to go. I hope Diego gets his move sorted out,” I said and lied down on the bed with my head in Luigi’s lap. His big cock was rubbery … hmmm! I turned my head and kissed his crotch … How many times more was this big cock going to fuck me …? Until one of us is too old, I hoped.

Pierre came back in the room, all smiles but his eyes were swimming in tears.

“Do you guys realise what this means? My husband is going to come live with us! Ant, we’re going to fuck you mercilessly! I can’t wait! Oh fuck! I love him so much … It’s been only two days but I miss him like crazy! I wish he were here!” Pierre said and wiped the tears from his face.

Juan went to him and hugged him. “Things are looking up for you, mate! Imagine your parents’ response … hehehe!”

“Oh fuck! Don’t even mention it! That tannie (aunt) is a tough cookie and no-one’s mate!“

[Afrikaans people usually call any lady 10 years older, ‘tannie’, which means aunt, and any gentleman older than 10 years, ‘oom’, which means uncle].

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Gunther cleared his throat. “OK, the big white hung hunk from London is coming to live with you guys soon. I’m happy for you Pierre! But, that’s in 2 or 3 weeks’ time. Let’s look at tomorrow’s programme my darlings.”

‘My darling’ has become the new mantra it seems … Well, I love them all very much, so I’m not complaining!

We chatted about the next day and looked at the brochures and other pamphlets Gunther’s mom gave us the previous day. Sabine gave each one of us a flyer in full colour with 10 different top places to see, as well as one on a Segway tour and the other on the ever-popular Hop-on-Hop-off bus trips.

Berlin Hop-on Hop-off Tour Stops (Yellow line) with a Berlin Pass:

01 Karstadt am Kurfürstendamm 231

02 KaDeWe, Tauentzienstraße

03 Lützowplatz, gegenüber Hotel Berlin Berlin

04 Philharmonie, Herbert von Karajan-Straße

05 Potsdamer Platz, Potsdamer Straße, vor dem Kollhoff-Tower

06 Topografie des Terrors, Martin-Gropius Bau

07 Checkpoint Charlie, Friedrichstraße, vor dem Mauermuseum

08 Gendarmenmarkt, gegenüber Taubenstraße

09 Neptunbrunnen, Alexanderplatz, Spandauer Straße

10 Aquadom, Museumsinsel, Karl-Liebknechtstr.5, Berliner Dom, Übergang zum Schiff. [I’ve only included it, as it used to be a huge tourist attraction. The AquaDom in Berlin was a 25-meter-high, cylindrical, free-standing aquarium located in the Radisson Collection Hotel that unfortunately and famously burst on December 16, 2022. It contained 1 million litres of water and 1,500 fish, most of which died. The collapse caused massive structural damage, injuring two people, and the attraction was closed permanently.]

11 Humboldt-Universität, gegenüber Bebelplatz, Unter den Linden

12 Unter den Linden 36, vor dem ZDF-Hauptstadtstudio

13 Unter den Linden 74, vor Madame Tussauds Berlin

14 Brandenburger Tor, Reichstag, Ebertstraße

15 Hauptbahnhof, Ausgang Rahel-Hirsch-Straße

16 Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Peter-Foster-Dulles-Allee

17 Schloß Bellevue, Spreeweg

18 Bikini Berlin, Budapester Straße

19 Zoologischer Garten, Hardenbergplatz hinter Taxistand

We decided to go on this particular bus tour of the city, and do as much as we could, see as much as we could, as we also saw most of the points of interest from Der Fernsehturm.

Gunther told us in winter these buses run from 09:45 to 15:00. “That means we’d have to fit in as much as we could between 10 o’clock and half past 2. After that we could take the U-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz. The place has many bars and much more to see than what we saw today,” Gunther said. “I know the owner of one of the restaurants. He’ll give us a good deal and discount.”

Wow! That sure was a lot to see and do! The current pass costs €35,30 each for a group of up to 5 people. Therefore, if we buy 2 of these, it’s €70,60, costing each one of us around €10 per ticket on the bus, and free entry to up to 30 points of interest.

“Guys, I have an idea. We’ll obviously start at the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), a tourist attraction in itself, and will end there again. Then back with the U-bahn. We’ll be on the bus most of the time but there will be lots of walking as well when we get off the bus at the points of interest. We’ll decide where we’ll get off and go into the points of interest. Do you trust me? Shall I take the lead?” Gunther suggested and put his arm around Johann’s shoulders.

“Yes, of course my love! Do you think we can tell them … hmmm?” Johann said and kissed Gunther. The two looked each other in the eye, hugged each other and then a deep, loving kiss.

“Oh puhlease! Where are my shades? We know now the parents have given their blessing to this unholy union of ugly ducklings! Get a room!” Ten guesses who would make such a remark …

“Shut up André! We could always leave you here to clean Frau Müller’s carpets with an old tootbrush! Behave, delinquent!” Juan said and put his arm around my brother’s neck.

“Ek sê maar net (I’m only saying)! Don’t be so touchy, you tall hung hunk! Of moet ek my Pa bel? (Or do I have to call my Dad?)”

“You were to say something Gunther …” Juan said.

“We could tell them, if you wanted to. Go ahead, we’re one big family and they might as well know. Go ahead and tell them,” Gunther said and kissed Johann. It was a soft kiss, filled with love and adoration?

“My shades, please …?”

“Well, you know what happened between Anton and me in London … well, last night the Jerry man has confirmed that I’m actually an active versatile guy. He fucked me last night!” Johann said and blushed. He looked at Gunther who pulled him into a big hug, protecting him.

“Whaaaat? You jackal you! Really? I hope we get to see that soon! Wow my man! How does your ass feel? Tender, eh?” André, of course.

“It’s fine now, after putting some Vaseline in there! Yes, the Jerry pushed that big old German sausage into me and … it hurt like hell … but in the end I loved it! Anton, you may fuck me again with my cock in my hole. I’ve missed out on so much fun!”

“Well, we’re glad! That means you’ll actually have something to do on your honeymoon, other than blowjobs!” Pierre put in and squeezed my butt.

Lots of whoops and laughter.

“I’d love to do … that … with you again some time,” I said and hugged Johann from behind. He wiggled his butt and rubbed it against my cock … the double fucking I gave him with his own cock in his hole was memorable and awesome. Very few guys are capable of getting their own cocks up their own butts.

“Well, let’s give the ‘newly-weds’ some private time. They do have the parents’ consent now! Off, baby bro! Let them go and go do the ugly! You ogre, don’t get any ideas!” André said and stepped away from Juan.

“Guys, it will always be up to my love if he wants me to put my big cock into him, but my darling boy, don’t think for one second both of us will stop loving you! We still want to fuck you too, right Luigi?” Gunther said and kissed Johann on the cheek.

“This group has become one weird fuck besotted lot! Fuck! A therapist’s nightmare! And I’m glad I’m not part of it!” André, who else!

“So then, OK for tomorrow? Of course, OK. For once, I’m ‘da man’! Shut up André! And I have my parents’ blessings and I’ve fucked my love last night! I’m invincible! Want to take me on André?” Gunther joked and took up a boxing stance with his fists at the ready.

“Nah … usually I prefer my opponents to be more muscular and somewhat of a challenge … nah, just let it go Jerry … “ André said and looked at Johann, gawking at his man. Gunther put his fists down and André pounced! Snake! A rough and tumble ensued with them ending up on the bed. Of course, Gunther pinned down André and made him remember who was the boss.

“Want me to fuck you white boy?” Gunther said, pinning André down.

“Please, don’t hurt me! You're the boss! No, please no fucking! Please man! I’m just an innocent boy … Baby bro, call Dad! This ugly Jerry is abusing me! Please man! I’ve only bestowed pure unadulterated love on you! Did I waste it?” André gave up the fight and then Gunther surprised us all. He leaned forward and kissed André. And not just a peck, no it was a real kiss, lingering and with gusto. My brother was putty in his hands!

And André was quiet for 13 milliseconds afterwards …!

Gunther was sitting on André and let him go, stroking his chest, squeezing his nipples and then touched his cheek. My, my!

“Juan, this man is seducing me! He’s tasted ass and now he wants mine too! Oh fuck! You rubbish! I’m getting hard here and it’s your fault! Oh no! No! Yes! If Johann is OK with it, you may fuck me with that insanely big cock of yours! Yes! Baby bro, don’t call Dad!” André put in and looked deep into Gunther’s beautiful blue eyes. It was a special moment … until both broke out laughing out loud.

Clowns!

“Don’t get ideas you delinquent! I love my man very much but … if there is the odd occasion, I’d plug you!  But don’t go crying to Juan that I’ve hurt you!” Gunther said and grabbed André’s ass with his long middle finger running down André’s crack …

“That remains to be seen Jerry! Ogre, did you hear that? Did you see that? Your so-called ‘colleague’ wants to rape me! He wants to take advantage of the purest and most innocent and purest of boys! I’m calling my Dad now!” André said and we cracked up laughing.

We were such a jolly bunch together and with the likes of André and Johann with us, we had a laugh a minute.

“OK guys, back to our plans. The trip itself on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus, will take most of the day. Then on Wednesday, we’ll do a boat trip on the Fluß Spree … erm… River Spree. We’ll go to a few of the museums. There is so much to do and see!”

“It sounds so good, mein Mann! Ye-ess, I do know how to address the man in my life in his mother tongue!” Johann said, nodding, and he put his hand on Gunther’s neck. They looked into each other’s eyes and kissed. They have really fallen in love!

“On Wednesday we’ll go back to the Judisches Museum and tomorow night, we’re going to the Schaubühne. They stage some very well-known plays with subscripts in English for some productions.

“On Thursday it is the Olympiastadion, and then to the Charlottenburg Schloß. After that, all of the other museums on the Museuminsel that we can fit in. Thursday night we’re going to a gay bar, Himmelreich.

“Friday we’re doing the Segway tour – it’s pricey at around €45 per hour – and wrap up our visit to Berlin going to all the places we haven’t seen by then. Friday night it’s either the Berliner Philharmonie or the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Dad will take care of this and wants it to be a surprise. Which would you prefer?”

“I’d love any Beethoven Symphony or Piano Concerto, or a Mozart Concerto, like the 20th Piano, or the 21stPiano, or the one for 2 or 3 Pianos! Or his Clarinet Concerto? Or any of Mozart’s operas,” I put in and hoped the others felt the same.

“After all the punishment you’ve taken for our pleasure, I think this is one kindness we could bestow on you! In any case, we’re all gay and we all like classical music. What’s not to like if it’s Beethoven or Mozart!” Luigi said and hugged me.

“I concur. In any case, it depends on what is on. Hopefully there is that, or a Schubert concerto, or Verdi opera, or one of the other masters. My Dad will sort that out. I’ll tell him tomorrow we’ve narrowed it down to the Philharmonie or the Oper Berlin.”

“Then on Saturday, Mom wants us to have a day at leisure in the Grunewald Park. It’s beautiful in summer, but it’s still worth a visit in winter. We’ll take a stroll and see the forest, the walkways and the mansions there. It’s beautiful. I’m sure you’ll love it. There are places where we could have lunch. It’s too cold for a picnic, but with my Mom, anything is possible! We’ll see,” Gunther said and hugged Johann.

“Jerry, you’re such a nice man! I’m so glad I stuck it out with you … last night was fucking amazing! I’m a bit tender but fuck … Anytime again!” Johann said and palmed Gunther’s crotch.

“Ahem … OK then. Then it’s all settled for tomorrow? My love, come let’s brush our teeth and get into bed. Erm … I think we need to give the others a chance to get some rest … erm … OK guys? We’ll have breakfast at 8 o’clock again! Don’t be late! You too you … you beautiful delinquent!” Gunther said and kissed André again.

If I didn’t see it for myself, I wouldn’t have believed it! André kissed him back and he too palmed Gunther’s crotch.

“An unlicenced large-calibre weapon or … an illegal spitting viper ... Best of luck, Johann!”

Before Gunther could say or do anything, André took him in his arms and kissed him deeply …

“Goodnight my boy! Sleep well, and make sure this huge spitting viper is fed properly!” He hugged Gunther and ruffled his hair. He let go of Gunther and ran to his and Juan’s bedroom.

Nobody like my brother …! And luckily for bro, Gunther is a beautiful man with an equally beautiful persona.

= To be continued =

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