Summerabbacat

I am running out of patience with Diego. He needs to ditch Rachel even if it means he remains single. She is a leech and he seems to have a "thing" for leeches, except maybe Audrey. And it may be that Sean is not as happy with Oliver as we have been led to believe. If not, perhaps there is a chance for Diego to have a relationship with someone who finds him attractive and interesting, without having a secret agenda, which it appears he has not experienced with any of the mothers' of his children (except maybe Audrey) and certainly not with Rachel. Diego needs to grab her phone and stick it where the sun don't shine. She is a rude, ignorant c*$t. Lance Lovecraft is equal parts heroic and annoying. I have not decided if I like him yet. He has likely experienced much homophobia due to his "flaming" nature (this I find absolutely repugnant, especially when it is at the hands of other gay men who think they are butch and straight-acting, bitches are just fooling themselves and are equally homophobic) and has every right to stand up for himself. I think though he needs to drop the superior attitude (with regard to his talent) and learn a little humility could serve him well in getting along with others who understandably feel threatened by his talent.

I was surprised Billie did not kick up more of a fuss, although he may still manage to "escape" the shelter for a while to rescue Porridge.

Diego you need to dump Rachel now. Even if you take her phone off her and smash it, she will still be a rude, ignorant, self-centred, selfish, princess. She is almost as hideous as Zoey. Speaking of that ho, if Diego has not already had those brats DNA tested then he should. Jillian is a spoilt fucking little bitch who needs to be shown who is the boss. Julian appears to be OK apart from the gluttony. Diego's growing attraction to Sean is hardly surprising after all the hideous girlfriends he has had, but I would suggest it would not be wise to attempt to mess with Ollie's man as he could find himself in some unscripted wrestling. I am enjoying the character development @AusGlitterati, even though three of the characters are truly vile, Rachel, Zoey and Jillian.

OMG no wonder Diego has a "bug in his arse", Jillian and Julian and their truly vile mother Zoey. Jillian is a horrible child, the apple did not fall far from her mother's tree. Julian is not much better, eating until he threw up. What a brat. Has Diego ever had them DNA tested to ensure he is their father. It sounds as though their mother is an opportunistic ho who may have just used Diego for monetary gain. And I am sorry Diego, but what the fuck were you thinking to sleep with a woman named Marisol? And have you never heard of condoms? They can be used to prevent STI's AND pregnancy. Methinks he needs to "lose" Rachel too, no one should be that desperate for sex, especially as it seems he is not even getting much of that. Ollie is a hoot, especially with his comment about Sean being a Beyonce-loving insatiable power bottom. He made a very good point though, which could have been made even funnier if it were he, Ollie, who was the insatiable power bottom. And the pomegranate martini. Now that sounds delicious. There is much to delight in this story and much to detest (Zoey and Jillian at least and perhaps Julian).

This is not the type of story I would normally be drawn to; in fact, I only read this first chapter because I have enjoyed all the stories I have read thus far by @AusGlitterati. Having done this, there appears to be enough interesting characters and opportunities to develop them and the story, to pique my interest to read further chapters. I know nothing about wrestling and have never seen a wrestling match in my life (apart from the occasional gay porn film where the characters wrestle as "foreplay" to the real event, which they always seem to segue into when one of the wrestler's cocks or arses is presented for worshipping and/or pleasuring). The only wrestler I have ever heard of (as far as I know) is Hulk Hogan. He was somewhat of a celebrity in the 1980's, but I have never seen him wrestle. Lance Lovecraft sounds like a character from a film by John Waters. I had a vision of such a character swathed in leopard or zebra print clothing (tight), sufficient make up to conceal any imperfections, lip gloss (clear or a soft coral pink) and perfectly coiffed. It appears my vision was not that far off. I also imagine Lance is not going to be the "weak sissy" Diego believes him to be, in fact I imagine (or at least hope) Lance is going to challenge Diego's narrow bullshit attitude regarding what "makes a man". Who knows, Diego might enjoy being a bottom to Lance's top. Now that would be a flip of the stereotype, something which I always enjoy when presented in porn.

I first speculated Martina was the murderer in the comments I made after reading chapter 3. I have become more convinced with the reading of each chapter this speculation has some merit. My speculation has largely been intuitive; I have not that I can recall ever presented a reasoned and well documented argument, certainly not of the calibre as has been presented by either of the good doctors i.e. @drpaladin and @drsawzall on occasion, to support my speculation. I have given my speculation much thought after reading this chapter, particularly after reading the comments of my fellow readers. I recognised I have never trusted Martina but have not consciously considered why. I realised I have strongly doubted she is what she presents herself to be; in her interactions with the staff and volunteers at Brother Wolf, particularly Micco, she has always struck me as disingenuous. I don’t believe our author @Libby Drew has necessarily written Martina's interactions as such, but in the interactions she has had with Rory and Micco I heard her words spoken with an air of autocracy and condescension, almost daring them to challenge her authority. I still believe Martina is the murderer, but I don’t recall ever believing her to be the architect behind the plan to release the wolves and panthers. I believed that in this venture at least her motives were as she presented them to be, a genuine desire to protect the wolves and panthers. This I now strongly doubt. I think Martina's desire to frame Micco has something to do with her husband, who may or may not have died from the effects of COVID, a husband who I have previously speculated may have been involved somehow in the murder of Micco’s mother and sister. I must wonder though if perhaps her husband is not dead, he may still be very much alive but very ill, such that he has an odour like rotten meat. Riveting again @Libby Drew. You ramped up the tension and suspense twenty-fold in this chapter. I despise Martina, even if it emerges she is not the murderer of Sam and Kane. I have only one gripe about this chapter, a predictable one from me, but I was very disappointed in Chase’s dismissal of Billie’s concern for Porridge. It is easy for me to say as I have not lived through a hurricane (cyclone), but I could not contemplate leaving my cats behind, even if it meant being arrested for disobeying the law.

My aircon had to be disconnected and removed as there is major remedial work being done at my apartment complex at present, with both of my balconies undergoing major work because of water ingress (common problem in inner-city apartments in Sydney which is built on sandstone). I am sure this also is affecting "the girls". I recently bought a fan for them. Kiki will lay on the floor in front of it, the others run away. Zelda and Missy are "sneezers" on an off for most of the year, although it appears to be worse in spring and summer. Zelda is worse than Missy, perhaps her lymphoma may affect her too. It does not affect her appetite though which is always good. I am forever cleaning "the evidence" of her sneezing off surfaces, especially the front of the refrigerator and pantry, both of which are near a large glass water bowl from which she drinks (and always seems to get water up her nose).

I reiterate what my fellow readers have stated in their beautifully written reviews, @Mancunian, has created a heart-warming and at times devastatingly sad tale of two brothers whose lives are at an all-time low due to being homeless. What happens after they meet a kindly builder, Max, and his extended family and friends, is a joy for the reader to witness. This story is populated by characters from all walks of life and of all ages. What particularly impressed and delighted this reader was the exploration of the burgeoning relationship between the brothers and their “Gramps”, and the appearance of a most beautiful and intelligent non-human character, Missy. She is an integral part of the story and @Mancunian is to be congratulated for her inclusion in the story and for his respectful, sensitive and joyous portrayal of such an important family member. An entertaining, enriching and occasionally enraging read from start to finish. Special mention should also be made of @raven1, who from accounts provided by @Mancunian, proved to be an invaluable editor and support during the writing of this tale. Well done men.

As well as giving the world the musical gift of the brothers Gibb, Manchester has gifted us at least three other acts in my lifetime whom I like and have at least some of their music on CD, 10CC (and their offshoot Godley & Creme), the marvellous New Order and the mega-fabulous Lisa Stansfield. My allergies have miraculously settled since reading the Epilogue, however, Zelda continues to be plagued. Her biological sister, Frida, who has never been much of a sneezer (her "specialty" is vomiting instead as she has a very thick coat, even in summer) has been sneezing as has my Missy, although she is very much like Zelda in that she is allergy-prone. The only one who has not been sneezing is the grand duchess, Kiki, my soon to be 17 year old. It has been warm in Sydney (some would say hot) with very high humidity (85% plus on most days). My kind of weather.

Likewise @drsawzall. Makani's cockiness appears to be a cover up for the abuse he suffered at the hand of his ex-boyfriend. It appears to have left him emotionally fragile so living with Charlie and Joey and having his uncle, aunt and cousins nearby is bound to do him good. A very revealing and thought-provoking chapter @Karl Anders. Hopefully there is much more to come.

How many children do Kekoa and Alani have @Karl Anders as there seems to be a new one appear each chapter?

I do hope Hudson's description of Otis as a beautiful accident is restricted to the context to which Hudson applied it. I fear however it may portend more painful situations ahead for Otis', situations which may be directly or indirectly caused by the actions of Hudson, but situations which only Hudson can rescue him from. The metallic voice, Robot Voice, belongs to Grandma. She is not dead after all. Just ask the writer's of any of the daytime soapies or Dallas, characters can die in a plane crash or be the victim of vehicular or an any other type of homicide, only to emerge later on with a "perfectly plausible" explanation for their "resurrection". Grandma was aware of the darker side of Watkins' business, so she bought her way into the business. She is double-crossing Watkins, setting him up for a fall. She also engineered Hudson's involvement in the investigation as she is an old friend of his boss. She believes Hudson is a very suitable life companion for her beloved Otis', whom she knew was gay and needed a strong man to help protect him from the stench of humanity that has surrounded Watkins and his followers. The tension is building chapter by chapter @Laura S. Fox, such that my wild imagination has been actively engaged to speculate the most ludicrous and far-fetched theories of what awaits Otis and Hudson. Perhaps I should be writing scripts for daytime soapies.

Owain and Colin are setting a fine example for Joe of what a healthy relationship looks like and are positive male role models for him, far more than his holier-than-thou, sexually repressed but predatory, sperm donor. Joe appears to be relishing the burgeoning friendship with Colin and has found a vocation, even if only temporary, that he appears to enjoy and have some talent for. This should hold him in good stead if he follows what appears to be his dream (for the time being anyway) of acting. Even if he is very good at this I daresay there will be lean times when his experience with assisting Colin may be the difference between keeping his head above water and poverty. Colin is a gem and a treasure trove of contradiction. He is built like a "bloke" (complete with the obligatory hairy builder's crack), is a tradesman with little experience in the ways of the "gay life", but he can cook a decent meal and has at least a smidgen of the gay "decorating gene". He is also very caring, to the point of perhaps smothering Owain at times, but for this he should be given. If only you could "bottle" him @Robert Hugill. You may able to market the said product as an essential help around the house. Perhaps IKEA could stock the product. The pinnacle of this story so far @Robert Hugill. Joe's relationship with his uncle and "step uncle" is beginning to look a little like Toby's with Brian and Gordon, although obviously not as close or as developed as yet.

This explains why they appear so authentic @raven1. @Mancunian's homeless characters are written without apology and for the most part without lament. This is not to say that many have been the "victim" of sickness, tragedy, cruelty or unemployment, which has left them in perilous circumstances. But even in the face of all this adversity they have by and large held their heads high and hoped for a brighter future.

Unlike my unfortunate "sinus-compromised" fellow reader @drsawzall, I read the tissue warning at the beginning of this chapter and was therefore puzzled by his lament that it was "missing". It was only after reading the good doctor’s tale of woe that I verified that what he stated was correct. I could have sworn you had given us the warning @Mancunian, such is the power of your written word. My "allergies, which have mainly been under control of late, “exploded” when I commenced reading the 2nd line of this chapter (straight after the first word was) and they did not let up for the whole chapter @raven1. At one point I felt like I was suffering a little Night Fever (it is 8pm in Sydney, Australia), rather appropriate given the Bee Gees “originated” from Manchester, the birth place of both of their parents. My beloved Zelda, a tortoiseshell goddess who has lymphoma (she was diagnosed with it 5 months ago and given 4-6 weeks to live) came and sat near me as I was reading this chapter on my laptop. As far as I know she cannot read, but lo and behold she started sneezing profusely within moments of sitting near me (and I have showered and was not wearing any strong smelling deodorant, aftershave or the like). There were for me many highlights in this chapter, none more so than Missy’s elevation from “supporting actress” to “best actress” with her starring role in An Old Man, His Neighbour, His Dog and Her Two Puppies (eat your heart out The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover – a film I adore). Some may describe Missy’s behaviour and the response of the two puppies as far-fetched or somehow “supernatural”, but I for one can easily imagine something like this happening. Many non-human animals are far smarter than they are given credit for, and in some cases far smarter than some human animals (think right-wing female Republican senators). I loved the names chosen for the puppies by Emma. Cagney and Lacey. Very appropriate, doubly so for Cagney. I could not help but be reminded of Sharon Gless’ wonderful performance as Debbie Novotny in the American version of Queer As Folk, based of course on the UK version which was set, why in Manchester of course. A “spooky” connection. The benefit night held in memory of Mikey was another “allergy seizure inducing” event in this chapter. What a wonderful tribute to blonde Mikey and in many ways a tribute to Harry and Mikey’s mother too. No wonder Harry was equal parts moved and proud. It was also very pleasing to read how Max’s altruism is reaping benefits for not only those he is providing gainful employment but for the man himself, allowing him to employ even more people and provide for a more financially secure future for himself, Stacy and their “boys”. And finally thank you to @Anton_Cloche for the wonderful Mini photograph which accompanied his posting. What a spectacular looking car, and unlike the good doctor I am not a car fanatic, but this is something else.

The less said about Jason the better. He is gone and will soon be forgotten. The other heterosexual men all seemed to take the "gay party" in their stride and recognised it as a good wage-earning opportunity. Sensible men all. Russ' PA sounds like a dream come true. I would not mind borrowing him/her even if only for one day per week to do all those chores I hate (cleaning, occasional ironing), and an occasional cleaning of the cats' litter trays would not go unnoticed (I clean them every day and some days it can be a "challenge"). A light and frothy chapter @Robert Hugill with a dash of biblically-inspired intolerance thrown in for good measure. Alas, there was not even one local idiom in this chapter, although most of these have perhaps been appearing in No Going Back rather than Brian: Taking Courage. Nevertheless, bonzer job mate and I reckon that Philippa's an alright sheila (please note I never have nor will I ever speak like this, but could not resist a little local idiom of my own as spoken by the likes of Crocodile Dundee).

Andre's encounters with the older man as a younger teen well may have been consensual, but Andre was still taken advantage of. Putting aside the law regarding pederasty, Andre may have been physically mature enough to have participated in these sexual encounters, but he was not emotionally mature enough to make an informed decision to participate. Had he been emotionally mature enough he would not have carried these feelings of guilt and worthlessness for such a long time, and he would surely have recognised the lies told to him that he needed to find a girlfriend now just as his abuser had. What a crock of shit and Andre fell for it, which perhaps he would not have if he had been a little older. Chris and Andre are both fortunate to have the full support of their parents, and in Andre's case at least one set of grandparents, of their relationship. The Hunter Valley winery tour sounded delightful, apart from the food. In my limited visits to non-capital or larger cities in Australia in more recent times @Paladin I have found the concept of one being a vegetarian is something many still struggle with. Well @Paladin I thought you depicted Andre's youthful sexual experiences with great sensitivity and understanding. In keeping the narrative largely factual and avoiding hysteria, melodrama and judgment, I believe the impact was far greater than what it would have been in the hands of an author who wrote it for drama and effect as one would a soap opera. I have a better understanding of Andre and his reluctance until now to commit to living with Chris, although I still hold a "grudge" over the "bedlinen affair" (that will not be easily forgiven or forgotten).

Reggie showed a sensitivity I did not think him capable of, even Elijah thought so. Although plastic rather than real gold, the hanukiah was a thoughtful, all inclusive gift. Mr Kingston's assumption a boarder had deliberately removed the hanukiah as an act of antisemitism was perhaps understandable, but he should have exhibited a little more restraint and commonsense, particularly when all the boys united behind Elijah not having to serve detention because he was the "victim". Methinks Mr Kingston has a serious case of overinflated ego or a small cock or both. Elijah is a regular little Avraham Avraham. Perhaps this will be his "calling" in life. I have but one question to pose @AusGlitterati. Oakfield is happy to accommodate Elijah's religious objection to pork (which I would assume also extends to Rajesh Laghari), but is it happy to accommodate the objections to all meat by vegetarians and the same plus all other animal products by vegans?

A quirky story about a group of boys, most of whom had their own idiosyncrasies and for the most part were likeable, although I have to confess I found Reggie the least likeable, in fact, I found him somewhat annoying at times (perhaps I am showing my age and lack of patience). Of the group of four Elijah was the one I felt the greatest affinity with. I was surprised it transpired that Tiger (the origin of whose name I thought very clever) was Admirer X. Out of the four boys he seemed the most confident and least concerned about others perception of him. I am intrigued @AusGlitterati why the story is part of the Melbourne Teens series when Oakfield is located in Sydney. Was this a little ploy on your part to "trick" international readers? I am going to read the second "book" in the series now whilst listening to some fabulous 70's soul from lesser known exponents of same (Gloria Scott, Love Unlimited and Loose Change).

As a long-time vegetarian @drpaladin I find the smell of lamb, pork and eggs being cooked particularly unpleasant (to the point where I dry retch, especially bacon and eggs), so I can only imagine what rotten meat must smell like.

Some people say it is wise to edit honesty, to clear up any possible misunderstandings or offence to others. Your "lack" of editing this latest vignette @AusGlitterati is the greatest part of its appeal. I saw the first hint of humour in Declan's discussions with Jason since the latter's death "You'll work it all out. Stop crying. Stop wearing Mum's shoes." Perhaps there have been others, but this is the first one which resonated with me. Superb writing again @AusGlitterati. I am now going to read the two one chapter stories featuring the Jewish boy, Elijah. Although I am a gentile, I am drawn to stories with Jewish characters with a strong Jewish identity. I find Judaism interesting and invariably thought provoking, although I am anything but religious.

The thing which struck me most in this vignette @AusGlitterati was Declan's dislike and disquiet that his parents appear to have conquered their grief and returned to living their life as lived before Jason's death. This very selfish attitude on Declan's part is exactly how I have felt, and at times continue to feel, with my grief from 2021. I have at times felt "betrayed" by some who appear to dismiss my grief as unwarranted or long overdue for resolution. Declan's ramblings and self-pity to some would seem indulgent and pathetic. I see them as self-aware and an essential part of his coping mechanisms. He may never overcome his profound sadness at the suicide of his twin, but is this is "wrong" as some would say. He also appears to have unresolved guilt over the death, whether there is any basis for this is debatable, but no one has the right to question or criticise him for this or any of his other feelings. Beautifully written once again @AusGlitterati.

I agree with @flamingo136, the chaotic ramblings expressed by Declan resonate with me. My most profound grieving, which has occurred on three occasions in my life, was very much like what Dec has experienced with his twin Jason. Two of those occasions which occurred in 2021 still feel "raw" at times when I am once again reduced to rambling reminiscing and self-recrimination. Potent, authentic and gut-wrenching @AusGlitterati. My first exposure to your writing, which I intend to investigate further based on this impressive debut.

The school of red herrings grew exponentially in this chapter @drsawzall. Danny should probably be thankful that Long Ears smelt like rotten meat rather than rotten fish. Though I don't recall ever having smelt rotten meat, I have smelt rotten fish and I cannot imagine rotten meat could smell as bad or any worse. I have to agree with my fellow readers who have remarked it appears Micco and Chase have encountered Long Ears before, or have at least heard stories about him/her which convinced them of his/her existence. I am still inclined to believe the killer is Martina, although in this chapter I am again concerned it may have in fact been Burke. One thing which has emerged in the last few chapters for me is that Sam was a user in more ways than one. I felt great sorrow for Danny in this chapter; I think he was very poorly treated by Sam, who appears to have used Danny's adoration of him to his advantage with little thought of how much he was hurting Danny. Whatever else emerges in this story @Libby Drew, I am hoping Danny will overcome his addiction to drugs and find someone who is kind and caring as he appears easily manipulated and craving love. Arlene's fury is becoming increasingly prominent in this story and Libby's writing of this fury is very convincing. Although I have never experienced the fury of a hurricane (or a cyclone as we refer to them in Australia), I vividly recall the images of Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin (the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia) in the early hours of Christmas Day in 1974. To a relatively recent 11 year old the images were catastrophic, with 80% of the city destroyed, 71 people killed and mass evacuation of the residents of the city to other parts of Australia, many of whom never returned.

A bit like Colin himself @Robert Hugill.