Anton_Cloche

@ComicalityI was so going to ask (okay beg) for some more chapters for this story. Granted it's a short Christmas story, but between Aric being home alone (no pun here) for Christmas due to dysfunctional family issues, and his walking to the strip mall hoping (knowing) that Blake would be there? Then seeing the light go on in Aric's head about Blake's situation. And finally a realization by Aric that he might make even a brief difference in Blake's life. Aric is showing how much he is more 'adult' than his parents and grandparents in terms of the true meaning of Christmas, (if I'm not presuming too much). If we learn nothing else from the last 2 years (and probably the next few) is that too many people, especially the 2+ Million children who are homeless, hungry, and desperate, crying out for help, even if they don't know how to ask for it. Blake is at an age where it's not so much pride, or fear of pity that keeps him from asking for help, it's not knowing how to (and frankly children shouldn't have to). Let me offer this... those unfortunate people (of all ages but especially youth) at risk of dying from exposure during winter (or other bad weather) in towns and cities where government leaders say things like, "there's no more space in the shelters"? There IS a simple, temporary solution that EVERY city, town CAN use, and it's called 'Eminent Domain', which is the right of any government to expropriate (even temporarily) private property (buildings) for public use. It's not a long-term solution, but it can be for Emergency Use only. People need to force their governments to do the right thing. Open up the shut down stores, offices etc. as 'Pop Up' Warming Centers. Most if not all of these buildings have to keep minimum heat on to avoid pipes bursting. So even a +50 degree INSIDE is a life-saver versus below freezing weather conditions OUTSIDE. Maybe get the Salvation Army, Veteran's groups or others groups to provide coffee, soup or a sandwich. As my grandpa would say, "getting off my soap box" (that's like some towns and cities having a 'Speaker's Corner?). Please try for a 5-chapter story arch?? 👀

Is Alexander having flashbacks to Deepdale Island and his late father Huon's family home at Deepdale Station? Will Alexander have a visit in his dreams from his father giving him reassurance that his (Zander's) decision to stand up to Sebastian is right? And will Huon give Zander a message to give to Seb that will validate what he is saying could only have been known to Huon, Kyle and Seb?

Because you asked: Foggy Bottom is the name originally given to the low-lying NW quandrant of land adjacent to the Potomac River and nearby Rock Creek. The area was essentially swamp and marsh or 'bottom land' susceptible to flooding and was of no use for farming or constructing buildings due to its unstable land structure. Being in a virtual basin, it was frequently shrouded in early morning fog, and later industrial smog. Over time, due to dredging, and landfill from other DC construction, the ground became sturdy enough for construction of the Georgetown area, George Washington University and in 1939 the U.S. State Department complex, although extensive use of piles was necessary for additional support. (sounds like work for Abellõ Construction). In 1971 the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (aka The Kennedy Centre) was added to the Foggy Bottom area.

Wow, Thank You Carlos for the bonus New Years chapters. better than Black Friday (nobody in their right mind wants to deal with that FUBAR). Speaking of; @CincyKris hope that Yevgeny not survive CDMX story? Nice wish but FSB agents and "cock-a-roaches" survive nuclear winter. And unlike a politician's career being over if found in bed with a live male or a dead hooker, both of those can be (so we're told) FSB spycraft Merit Badges. Invoking Jack Ryan? Yes please! Austin surviving CDMX (and saving someone's life / lives) earns him a spot on the 'Squad' and in CJ's DC going forward. (What have I been reading ?) Hold the presses. (Waited years to use that). You replied to @Phoenix1977 "As a teen, unless I was writing Alex Rider stories ...". You're not saying you 'were" Anthony Horowitz", just that you wanted to write like that? Friday can't come soon enough.

Clear as mud, or the weather at 'Foggy Bottom', or (to quote someone else) "A clear as a politician's answer".

OMG. Poor Oscar! He could have a bruised kidney, internal bleeding and possibly loose a testicle. 🤬 The penny drops and so to will the boys who rattled the garden fence door. 🚪

HNY one and all. May 2022 'begin' to deliver some of what we hoped for in '21, in terms of getting a handle on the virus and finding a way forward. But as friends in various medical research fields said, "We're not out of the woods yet. We can barely see the forest for the trees". And what's with all the 'old person' talk? Is it time for the 4pm Blue-Hair Special? (Or Blue-plate special?) Now back to the story. The Liston wine tasting will be VERY interesting 👀 to say the least. It's badenov that Russian spy Eugene will be on hand skulking around. Maybe you can stick him with Northman? Is Liebe's reaction to the smudging and the scary face painting just a tired toddler or foreshadowing? She's usually interested in everything.

Nouveau Riche 'French' owner or as I expect to discovered... "Much more, possibly illegal" going on with the MYOA, possibly a stolen vessel? ALWAYS be wary of anyone selling anything at less than market value and eager for 'settlement' in cash (okay Bank Transfers) or even worse EFT involving CyberCoin. "If it looks to good to be true..." And NONE of this leaves Sebastian above suspicion.

Its the legalities you have to worry about and plan for every conceivable situation (as Carlos via CJ, Owen and various other main characters have previously addressed). As a 'legal eagle' associate once said; "it's like carpentry to the nth degree. Instead of measure twice and cut once, it's measure 100 times and then cut".

Maybe it's a Gila Monster? 🐲

I love when Donnie makes another nocturnal visit to Tim, whether to impart some important information or just to boost his spirit. (unintended 👻 pun) There's a can of whup ass that's been opened and Bruce, Benny and company are not going to like it. A note to those who complain the chapters are too short. Normally I'm fairly reserved but am known to speak up on occasion . The author, CL, could give us chapters that are two or three times longer, but only give us 1 chapter each week. Or do you want more frequent gratification (with occasionally cliff-hangers)? There's also a need to consider that this wonderfully prolific scribe, @CLJobehas supplied us with over 43 stories totaling some 1,418,373 words, posted on Gay Authors, (almost 3 times the words in Tolstoy's famous tome War and Peace). Finally, (speaking with all due deference and not because I'm afraid of being hit with a ✏️ ), he's not 65 any more and I for one will enjoy his writing as long as he keeps cranking it out. T@B

Good Chapter. A couple of things come to mind: 1 - It's too bad Carson didn't get to spend more time with young Toby to verify that he and his Mum were no longer living with the abusive boy friend, who hopefully went to jail; and that Toby and Carson bonded. 2: Although stories are Fiction, authors should keep in mind using references to real places, distances, etc. need to be fact based. For example saying you're in Canberra doesn't mean it's 200 kms flying distance to Uluru. Distance from Fredericton NB to closest Quebec university or Cegep (college) with geology 'degree' (not Volcanology) is UQAC (Université du Québec Chicoutimi) but it is 225 AIR miles / 362 nm NOT kms distant. FYI - The smallest Twin Engine Otter (DHC-6 300 with amphibious floats for water/land TOL) has a range of up to 540 nm at realistic unpressurized ceiling of 11,000 feet (12,000 max). Over a 250nm route, an amphibious Otter burns approx 15% more fuel than a wheel only version (floats increase weight and air-drag resulting in higher fuel usage). Checking my flight manuals. DrSawzall reply to Philippe mentions some factors that apply to commuting via seaplane. Winter and foul weather conditions (apt description for much of Canada but especially in New Brunswick, Québec and coastal destinations) suggests Carson stay on/near campus Mon. to Fri. and fly home on wknds. Plus there's no fly-up dock on campus, with the closest facility being near the 'Old Port of Chicoutimi' on the Saguenay River, about a 20 min drive to campus residences just off rue Newton Rd.

I'm afraid that Sebastian has stepped WAY over the line IF he's behind this. It seems that his husband and supporter Sir Lewis, despite trying to stop Seb from taking rash action against Alexander, may now have to step in and have him declared temporarily mentally unfit. ( I am guessing doctors uncover a brain tumor that's causing his actions. But good news as its operable).

WHOA! This is all over the place. I understand Puppy's very real concern that Hunter will try to commit suicide and probably succeed in prison, even though with 'good behaviour' he could be out in a month. Hopefully they catch that in time to prevent it happening. Then there's Steven and his lust for Puppy (or pfft just a convenient hole). Now you've thrown Joey into the mix, who wants a divorce and has a little son Noah to worry about. And Joey is interested in a relationship with Puppy. And finally, Puppy wants to get his degree (child psychology?) and take over and fix Greenstone? Pfft, not a large task at all, Reminds me of adage that 'Truth is stranger than fiction", especially with news that Prince William has proven to be a chip of the old block (#princewilliamaffair) by taking on the Royal habit of having a mistress (one Rose H. and being father of her twins) all while Kate was looking after their 3 children at home. (FYI Williams' kids same age he was when Chuck & "Rottweiler" were knocking boots). So during Covid William made 47 trips in flying himself in helicopter from his home to Norfolk for a few hours then returning home. (checking fluid levels 📏 ?) Threats of lawsuits by both Charles and William have silenced British press, but not Scottish. UK relatives are having a fit. Another Annus Horribilis for HM?

Bloodless perhaps but painfull all the same until that final CRUNCH that tells you the fun is over for Bruce. I was thinking leave his alone in a room, naked, strapped to a operating room table and let his victims have 1 hour each with him - but promising not to kill him. Then put him in GenPop at prison as opposed to 'Protective Custody'. Oh wait, that doesn't sound fair. he he he

I think 'Bad Kitty' Aunt and Uncle Henry* will learn a hard lesson from a stern magistrate when when apprehended. Child abusers don't do well in prison especially if charged with attempted murder for pushing Austin's younger brother Oscar from a moving car. *(or is it Frank? You introduced him as Henry in the first paragraph. As an Editor, I catch these and others errors and mark them up with my Red Pencil ). The people leasing his Gran's home are also in for a shock, especially when Mr. Masters reminds them and the property management company that the owner lives in the 'Guest Cottage' on the adjacent lot on the 'block'. And who's rattling the locked gate? Hmm. Mr. Masters (first name Robin?) not relating well to 17 year old Austin, living in Guest House on 'Estate' . Perhaps he's not had an underage client. Under Australian law, Austin can legally apply to be an Emancipated Minor and act on his own behalf. He can then retain Mr. Masters in an advisory roll. Masters just has to stop acting like a Major Domo. (Sound like a plot for a TV show).

As someone (Hugh Hefner, George Burns et al) once said: "If You're only as old as you feel, grab two 25 year olds and feel younger immediately." Groucho Marx's version was: "Take to blondes and call me in the morning" 👀 . At 77 Tony Randall became a first time father, with his 26 year old wife. Or perhaps this: "There's snow on the roof but fire in furnace". Whatever you do Cal, feel younger soon. Tony

More insight into the HELL Robert went through in WW I, (although I pretty much knew where that was going based on stories my late Great Uncle had passed on, and how he was gassed in the trenches). As for Karl, I'm hoping for two things. First that he recovers. Second, and more important, it that Rosemary also survived the damn Blitz, otherwise Karl will find himself in a situation similar to Robb, blaming himself, and never quite getting over it.

Another intense chapter! Donnie is back, whispering in Tim's dreams to give him leads and suggestions (sometimes vague). Is it possible these 3 guys (and others) were involved in Donnie's 'accidental' death? Cal, one typo error appears at the end of the very first paragraph when it says: "... the three boys who raped a senior female student in 2087." I'm pretty sure you meant 2017. Tony

Poor Tommy. As the youngest child he'd only been copying his big brother Malcomb. Tommy's the ones who will be most shattered by Lydia leaving. In her inebriated state she didn't consider that. Awww

Another really good and informative chapter, and with the arrival (thank you) of Sebastian, Sir Lewis (not 'Hamilton' 🏎️) and group, new questions arise. Alex asks: "...why such a short distance in regards to mining restrictions?” with regards to them 12 km / 6.5 nautical mile exclusion zone around the island and reefs. My immediate thought (and probably that of anyone who's read your related stories) is certain Asian interlopers such as C.H. Ina Inc. Just saying, Sir Lewis and Sebastian have every reason for caution. Sorry if this is a 'Spoiler Alert', 😆.

Hello Albert and thank you for this very illuminating autobiographical essay. Which I've now read twice. Why 'essay' and not 'story'? Well a story can often be perceived as something that may be made up or involves 'not quite real' events. And read twice ? Just to make sure I know where you're coming from. With that aside, I'll apologize for saying something that is not intended or meant to convey pity. I'm sorry for how you are feeling on this Christmas (or any other holiday or event) without 'human' company. There. I said it. The 'S' word. Blame me, I'm mostly Canadian and most people (Americans foremost) say "that's what Canucks say" and "they're too damned polite". But 'sorry' is probably the first thing children say when born. We hear 'wah, wah, wah' but the infants are actually apologizing for causing the worst pain ever to their mothers. 😉 As for spending the day by yourself (well the dog will be staring at you with one eyebrow cocked, seeing if it will guilt you into a treat), being alone does not mean lonely (as others have stated). And according to statistics, you're not the only one. In U.S. some 38 Million Americans spend Christmas Day alone. And if you use the antiquated 1 in 10 quotient, then almost 4 Million gay people spend Christmas alone. So what does this mean ( because if I don't stop writing GA will charge me by the word - just joking)? I feel for you. I understand how you spent Christmas, as I did too after 12 hrs in ER. So feel better, don't feel guilty. Reach out to others anytime you need to (DMs work). Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year in 2022. And remember Tiny Tim's famous words that Christmas Day ... 'Pass the gravy'. Tony (aka Anton)

Listen carefully everyone ... Do you here that? Click - the 💡 going on in A-M's mind. Followed by 💥 when her father lowered the BOOM. Then a swish when the 🪃 came back and hit her in the head. Not encouraging violence, but it's all coming back to bite somebody in the ass.

A good read so far but one that has me both sad and glad for Austin. Sad for the losses he's suffered in his life and for the uncertainty he was facing at the start of his story. The loss of his only remaining support system of his 'Gran' and an uncertain immediate and future. Glad that some of his schoolmates started to reach out to him, especially George who seems to want to be his best mate. Now having read the heartfelt letter his Gran wrote him, he knows worries over where he'll live are resolved and Gran is supporting his education and life. (without any 'Eruptions' 😉) Looking forward to see how this goes forward (in the next 10 ? chapters or so). Hope you had a good 🎄. Thank you and cheers.

The rolling vowels en español work better when you, (as Robin Williams said), "Use Mr. Lips 👄 & Mr. Tongue 👅". Those rolling 'Rs' will get better with practice by CJ and Owen. The only way they're getting Liebe out of the water is when she tuckered out 😪 (not to be confused with a foxy tuckered 😉 which is a patoot). Being obscure on Christmas is hard. Thanks 🎅 Carlos for the extra 🎁. Tony B. (aka Anton)