The Civilised Guy
The cast gaze down on Cape Town from Woodstock Cave. The dissociation from the city facilitates some contemplation on life’s ever increasing complexity.
The pick up this week exploits women’s affection for puppies, we find the characters wandering Camps Bay Beach flaunting their endearing accessories. Trevor feels Maurice is not making an effort to get any action, and is joined by Henri in their criticism of Maurice’s floundering approach. Neither Henri nor Kaizer are able to pin point what exactly women are looking for, though they both seem to be able to spot and capitalise on attraction when it emerges. Kaizer meets a couple of girls who seem interested but by not taking their numbers he’s unable pursue them.
Kaizer sees homosexuality as a pursuit foreign to black custom. His father believed that if he slept in the same room as his sisters, he’d become gay. Seeing two white men together doesn’t concern Kaizer, but if he sees two black men together he’s, “like what the fuck?” He also believes moving out of a strictly black culture and into the more cosmopolitan Cape Town has expanded his horizons. Trevor on the other hand believes you can’t fight what you are, and don’t need to make excuses for who you are.
Date day arrives, and Henri and Darden sip champagne at the Twelve Apostles Hotel. A fellow French student, Darden is completely smitten with Henri, although she confesses, “I thought you were gay when I first met you.” To which Henri replies, “Well, I kinda was.” Henri allays her bewilderment, although bisexual, when he’s with someone, he is entirely with that person. It seems to matter little to Darden, “when you’re with the hottest guy in Cape Town is doesn’t matter whether he’s gay, or bi, or straight.” After a few oysters, Darden steers Henri, and the remainder of the champagne to the bathtub. Reclining on Henri in the bathtub, Darden asks him, “Am I going to get lucky tonight?” Henri responds, “Do you want to get lucky tonight?” Darden’s affirmation leads Henri to grant her wish, “Well, then you’re going to get lucky tonight!” When Darden mentions the amatory effects of the aphrodisiacs, Henri downplays the delicate oysters, preferring to simply pop a Viagra if the need arises.
Trevor and Armien are collecting muscles for a home cooked dinner. The couple are becoming easily affectionate, and their relationship appears to be developing amorously. After some intimate time on the rocks they head up to Trevor’s friend’s house to make lunch. The remote setting, home made meal, wine and budding relationship create a perfect afternoon. As Armien concludes, “Sweet!” Despite everything appearing perfect, and an undeniable sexual chemistry, Trevor still harbours some hesitation, fearing sex will mean a relationship.
Kaizer expects to join Trevor and Armien, but Claudia’s modelling shoot over runs, leaving him without a date. Instead Kaizer treats himself to a lie in, a late breakfast and a day lounging on the couch at home. In fact, Kaizer seems quite pleased to have time to himself and miss the date, the weathers gloomy, and muscles aren’t really his thing, a pursuit of white folk. Kaizer claims he is still single because he is testing the waters and enjoying dating, he does however drop Marleen an affectionate facebook message. It seems Marleen is looking for a job in Cape Town.
Maurice and Sherry attend a tantra session. This ancient Eastern practice marries sexuality with spirituality. Through intimate engagement tantra scholars develop a sensual understanding of each other. Game for experimentation, Maurice hopes the Tantra session will promote an open-minded atmosphere. Acknowledging women as more complex, Maurice admits to typically ignoring the delicate interactions one can engage in when having sex, often being content to blow his load and fall asleep. The couple begin by sensuously eating a peach, as the session progresses, so too does the level of intimacy, and the degree of awkwardness. Sensing Sherry’s discomfort Maurice suggests they try less intimate exchanges. This clearly impresses Sherry, “Maurice is very kind and gentle, he has qualities I’d look for in a man. He’s very in tune to what you’re feeling. He’s the perfect man.” As the couple explore touch, Maurice suspects Sherry “is quite a sexually empowered,” but she might, “point blankly not be attracted to me.” Kept guessing, Maurice seems to enjoy this conjecture. Sherry is not disinterested in Maurice, just a bit uncomfortable with intimacy through this medium, she’s content to let things develop gradually, “if people are meant to be together, they’ll be together.”
Back at Woodstock cave, Henri explains he can’t go down on a women unless its dark. It transpires Henri lost his virginity at fourteen, with his dad’s best friend’s daughter, bols banana liqueur and a joint. Although, “I got my first up the naught when I was twelve at the Centurion in Sea Point. He did me in the naught, I did him in the naught, and we decided we’re not gay, this is too fucking sore.” Kaizer reckons satisfying your partner is more gratifying that satisfying yourself. Maurice pushes Trevor’s button, claiming its not important whether your partner climaxes or not, “as long as you cum.”
