FanLit

“You could have heard a feather smack a tree, folks be so quiet.” That is quiet, indeed, lol. So the “performance” was perfectly executed and properly received; Albert’s doubts have been dashed for now….it’s good August and Fletcher leave the next day, before any other complication can arise. I'm glad August and Fletcher agree to let Willy James and Runyan have a refuge and am equally glad that it was impressed upon them by Roland that “Under no circumstances can you take either of them with you.” There will be far flung journeys before they can meet up in one place. Godspeed in your travels, gentlemen. When will Willy James take his leave? When will Runyan? Will Ms. Lorraine ease up on the “necessities”? 🙂 Find out next week on “Roping the Moon” 📿🌕 🍻

I’m sorry to hear of your physical pain @CincyKris, severe pain can affect our quality of life. I wish you as much relief as you can get.

I hope you are aware that I did enjoy this chapter, Gary; in light of Willy James’ and Runyan’s predicament, maybe “enjoy” is not the right word…. I was fully engaged in this chapter, (as I am in all your chapters and stories. ) It’s a testament to your writing that I got pissed at Runyan’s father and sister like they were real people, lol!! You are a conscientious storyteller, I know you approached this chapter with sensitivity and discretion; I’m able to relate to it on a level different from yours and you are right about little Sis, she wasn’t wrong in telling her father about what she saw….I just believe she wasn’t right, lol (I did say rightly or wrongly, had to acknowledge my gut feeling) Now you have us invested in the welfare of two couples; if they can eventually meet up, away from their respective concerns, that’d be ideal….if not, the hope is for these four young men to safely and successfully escape the hazards they currently face. 🙏 🤞

That “scene” between Roland and Fletcher can’t come fast enough. It makes you wonder though, how both Rob and August were nurtured by the same woman and turned out so differently….I'd say it’s genetics but Rob bears some type of envy for his little brother, which I guess can still be an argument for genetics, lol, one’s predisposition to insecurity.

Ah, yes. Thank you for that iPhone “memories” reminder (I don’t know if androids do the same) as opposed to it being Mark sending the pic…. I didn’t make the connection because my head was with their bumping into each other & the story of Harry’s missed opportunities to tell Mark how he felt about him; that must mean he got that reminder every New Year’s Eve….no doubt a painful reminder ever since, particularly during the Josh years. I shouldn’t have used the word clueless after the NYE kiss, I meant more along the lines of what you detailed, which was closer to my approval statement.

At least twice!! 👏 🎉

I’m glad Harry got laid….his pipes were backed up. (Emotional and physical) Sometimes a fling is just what’s needed. I’m especially glad he did that after Mark sent that picture, WTF?!?! “Harry pulled away just far enough to breathe. “Was that all right?” Harry at 36 year old asking this of a 26 year old was a misalignment to me, is he really that clueless? Christ almighty, the man expects you to fuck him later and you’re still asking for approval? Let’s see how many other bed mates the New Year brings Harry.

#TeamHarryNeedsTherapy. He’s showing some spine in his interactions with Lewis but his self confidence and self respect is in the toilet, he needs professional help to get them out.

Really. Sometimes he gives me the impression of a child sneaking something behind his mother’s back and then acting like he wasn’t doing anything when she comes in the room.

I’m #TeamMarriedScot AND #TeamHarryNeedsTherapy. That golden retriever, though….he’s a sleeper; not out of the running.

I read somewhere once, that Native American parents used to hold their babies noses and cover their mouths when they cried to teach them to be quiet….I can’t vouch for the accuracy of that information but I understand the logic behind it; when you are a certain type of people, living in a certain type of place, you cannot afford to draw undue attention to yourself; I find it hard to believe Preacher Brown did not instill the ways of right and wrong, of fire and brimstone, into all of his children, so I get what you’re saying, Gary, but if she was old enough to tell, she should’ve been old enough to be taught what & what not to tell….the kissing of someone of another race alone should have kept her quiet (if not her, then definitely her damned Daddy should’ve known better)….if Collier and his “klan” decide a lesson should be taught (whether or not Runyan is there), this’ll be a traumatic, guilty burden little sis will carry for the rest of her life….if she’s allowed one.

“You won’t be meeting Virginia, and I’m not sure that’s a proper thing a’tall. Feels like both my sons should be here to welcome her to the family.” 🙄 What a contrary bastard-first it’s “here’s your hat, what’s your hurry”, now it’s a procession to welcome the queen, Geez. Albert nodded as he turned his stare to his empty glass. “She’s an understanding woman and I’m sure she’d appreciate such a gesture.” August’ll have to take his Pa’s word for that, since he didn’t think it was important his future wife meet his children, and how understanding could ol’ Ginny be when she was displeased at the thought of Albert’s grown children still living at home….what the heck was in that snifter? Rightly or wrongly, I’m mad at Runyan’s sister- what the hell was she thinking?!?! The Reverend ain’t no better, practically putting the noose around his son’s neck. As an AfroCaribbean American woman raising a queer child, this situation hits me hard on several levels, a reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same; people of color cannot afford to be this naive, then or now. 😔 💔 “Well, I know I can speak for Fletcher when I say we feel the same ‘bout you, that we care what happens to you… and Runyan too.” August and Fletcher owe Willy (tee hee, writing his name had me thinking of it in another way, even though I’ve read it in the story several times. 🍆) and his strategic information sharing for getting them together; I’ve no doubt Fletcher would be okay with the other couple coming along, but discretion is the better part of valor in this instance. “What is bedeviling Albert besides drink? Can anything exorcise the devils of prejudice and bigotry from Mr. Collier? Here’s to hoping Willy and Runyan find a safe way to be together. Until next week’s installment of “Roping the Moon” 📿🌕 🍻

Ben is a gem. 💎

I’m actually leaning more towards Harry/Lewis, too but their interactions are straight out of Junior High and both their balls need to drop if anything’s going to happen. Besides his blood family, Emma is still in Nottingham, she’s supported Harry through the Mark and Josh shit show and its aftermath, as well as high school (which seemed a nightmare of harassment for Harry), you hold on to friendships like that and you make an effort….he is right to be with his chosen family at Christmas; Edinburgh 90210 will be waiting in the New Year, lol.

Accidentally? 🤔