Mancunian

Ian and Kevin are good likeable hardworking lads who, like many young gay men, were rejected by their families. After a poor start to independence, they met and became attached to The Major who is a father figure to them. They never forget their beginnings or the new 'family' they meet on that journey. Their future has its complications, but is interesting.

Christian is a remarkable young man, he knows what he has lost, but he also knows the joy of what he had. Naturally as the author I will say that it is to be believed, but then it is fiction. The character Christian is loosely based on a mix of a few different people that I have known and consider myself lucky to have met. That is the case fo many, but not all, of my characters.

Unfortunately, you are right about Carl. I think you are right about Gary and Eduardo, it won't be a spoiler if I tell you they are together for a long time. We have to wait until Christian arrives home before we find out what's happened, but it does sound ominous.

I think most of us have met a Simon or two, luckily there are some good genuine people around too. It is a sad time for Christian losing his adoptive mother, she was there to love and care for him as he grew up, he loved her then and still does. Christian will be strong for his father and will be there for him as any good son would. Let's hope he is around for a long time to come.

That would make it two dinners in one day for me 😀 It's been a hard but fantastic day, over 80 dinners served and no complaints

Phillip and Emily love John/Christian unconditionally and that love is returned. Any more would be a spoiler.

I didn't like keeping John in the dark at the start of the chapter, but it was done with the best of intentions. I think John's reaction at the end was the best part. I'd keep the tissues handy if I were you, just in case those allergies bother you again while reading.

Entering puberty is a confusing time for any child, add it to the trauma of losing parents and it's no wonder that John flipped. It looks like Phillip was the right man to calm John down. Maybe you're right @Summerabbacat, this could be the start of something good.

I won't comment on your first paragraph, I want you to read and discover. A full English breakfast can be a huge meal, especially for early in the morning, most of us will have small portions to make it more manageable. Considering what the day held for young John his reaction is more than understandable. Given the trauma he has suffered the behavioural signs you describe are not surprising.

Thank you for your kind comments about the story and Major Alexander 'The Ox' Oxley. You are right, he does have flaws, as do we all, and he does treat people with decency and respect, loyal to his friends and those he considers family. He gains the respect of others by earning it. It is a shame that a man like Ox ended up on the streets, but he could no longer cope, something that could, and does, happen to anybody.

Andy's journal entries should be believed, he has no reason to lie in his journal. Ox's grief is beyond anything he has felt before, he lost men whom he regarded as family in combat which would be hard to deal with but at least in combat, there was an explanation. Andy's death was a senseless accident and harder for Ox to comprehend. Ox's stubbornness coupled with his sense of pride and independence is probably why help was discontinued. Ox was career-minded, but not of the cold hard-nosed type, he was caring and respectful. I have no doubt this was a contributing factor in Ox's downfall.

Marty is that publican and a close friend of Ox. Andy's death was accidental. He had recently been promoted to sergeant and had been transferred to an active unit that would see him enter the field of combat. The slightly longer hugs were probably his way of having a positive memory to take with him, reminding him of what he had to come home to. Marty probably picked up on this as he knew how close Andy and Ox had become. It is safe to say that Ox has hit a devastating low by hitting the bottle.

Being an avid Beatles fan I have to declare The Beatles version as the best, but I will agree that Elton does a very good cover version. Having pet names for a loved one and being romantic isn't exclusive to straight relationships, it exists in gay relationships too and I like to show it. I'm happy that you see and like the normality of their relationship. Ox headed a tight-knit unit and 'adopted' his men as family, warts and all. He accepted his men for who they were, not how others wanted them to be and built trusting relationships with them. That is a part of life in the armed services, especially when in the theatre of war and conflict. Ox is straight, confident in his sexuality and comfortable in his skin, this has resulted in him being totally gay accepting. I'm happy that you like this first chapter, thank you for your comments.

I'll try to remember that. I'm just trying to work out the best place for them to keep them out of direct sunlight.

I'll make it New Year resolution to try.

Maybe they need some of your orchids to help put them in the mood.

I love it, I can't grow anything so I appreciate seeing the orchids you grow.

A great positive chapter too

If Lucas was upset at not seeing Jubal for a full day he didn't let it show, after seeing and hearing what Jubal had been up to helped to lift his spirits. There is an element of tension between them but it is slowly disappearing. The conversation has been fairly light so far and is enough to give hope to both men. Jubal has let it slip that he likes being on the farm/ranch with Lucas and Lucas has let it slip that he likes Jubal being there and would like him to stay, but you only get that by reading between the lines, both men need to be more honest with each other and speak plainly. I hope they do that soon. Lucas can see that Jubal is making it more than a house with his work; those wolf hides would make great fireside rugs or blankets. or maybe one of each. The larger one could be a blanket to share and the smaller one either a bedside rug or a fireside rug. That would keep them warm and comfortable while they wait for the wildings to return. Jubal putting his gold in the bank could be taken as another sign he is ready to settle. Or am I being too optimistic?

That is so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. It's not almost an entire story, it IS an entire story

I love it, thank you Albert. It's the only time I have alcohol, when it's in food.

Aloha Albert

Some of us have been awake for a while, but then I am in a different time zone than most, lol. I'm off out in a bit then back to bed when I get home. Have a good Christmas everyone, I'll catch you at different times through the holidays.

Adds this to a list of possible future stories. ✍️

Max is known for being calm and placid, his fear is that he doesn't want to repeat the behaviour he witnessed from his father as a child. Max is nothing like his father and doesn't like to talk about his past. I hope that you enjoy the festive period in your chosen way and have a happy and healthy New Year.