Summerabbacat

My eyes watered just reading of the torture Jared's balls endure. I know if I sit on mine (a not infrequent occurrence as one matures and gravity becomes your arch enemy), or one of my cats claws them when sitting in my lap (I am fully clothed for those of you with a mind in the gutter), I will recoil in pain.

@Wombat Bill Speaking NOT from personal experience as I actually don't like Tim Tams (I know, how very weird, but then I also loathe Vegemite, mangoes and watermelon), think of them as a smaller carrot, zucchini or cucumber. I am sure we have all read of boys/men experimenting with these three vegetables, "just to see what it feels like". Need I say more.

I thought I heard a chuckle @Wombat Bill as I was reading this chapter, particularly the reference to the hot pink overalls and the Tim Tams. I wondered at first if the Tim Tams were going to make an appearance as a sex toy of some sort.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss Andre. It does however, explain the sincerity with which you write the character of Rascal. The death of a beloved pet is as devastating as the loss of anyone you love. I can well understand your grief and ongoing sense of loss. When my first feline companion died in 2007 at the age of 14 I was grief stricken. I still think of him to this day. It was not until I adopted two rescue cats 6 months later that I felt life was complete again. In the past 9 months I have come close in varying degrees, to the loss of my three eldest feline companions, all of whom are 14 years of age or just shy thereof. The only good thing that has come out of the worldwide pandemic has been my ability to work from home and care for them full time. Fortunately the one who came closest to death from a sudden liver infection made a full recovery after a lengthy stay in hospital and ongoing intensive care at home, although she too now has the onset of kidney disease, the scourge of many cats as they age. My eldest two also have it and declined very quickly initially, but fortunately have now plateaued. I look forward to the continued inclusion of Rascal in this story of he and his human family.

There is much to like about this story, beautifully drawn characters, interesting storylines and well crafted narrative; but the thing that sets it apart from the majority of other gay-themed stories I have read and is a delight to witness, is the inclusion of Rascal. He is as an integral character to the story, a much loved member of the family who is included in most of its adventures, and not merely as an afterthought. Too often I have seen a pet adopted and initially adored, only to be relegated to an afterthought when human children are brought into the family unit. Andrew and Ryan are to be commended for their ongoing care for and love of Rascal, who time and time again has shown his devotion to, and understanding of, his human companions. Thank you Andre for including Rascal and for recognising and celebrating the human-pet bond.

The delight found in the simple pleasures of life - love, companionship, family and the joy of nature, are this story's greatest attractions. I am country born myself, but have lived nearly all my adult life in Australia's largest city. I occasionally yearn for a simpler life, particularly in these challenging times in which we find ourselves, and a story like this challenges one to reassess what is important for happiness and contentment. For me, the companionship of my beautiful feline family is the source of the greatest joy in my life, the simplicity of their needs a reminder that much of what we humans regard as essential for happiness is trite, shallow and transitory. As stated by @re2, a beautifully written chapter in this nourishing and rewarding story.

Well my fellow readers, the Captain of our ship has revealed all as predicted by @ReaderPaul. In doing so, he has given us, his readers, food for thought. @CincyKris appears to have already had a softening of his opposition to an ongoing relationship between Jared and Thomas, which dare I say, in retrospect and with additional facts, is not unexpected. I think @Wombat Bill has cleverly and perhaps intentionally, ignited a passion in us, his readers, for healthy debate. This for me, only increases the joy of his story telling. I am taking a different approach in my comments on this chapter to that which I took on the last chapter. In defence of Jared, I too would likely have assumed it was understood that a relationship that had moved to the stage of living together, was one where fidelity was taken for granted. I also think Jared was entitled to be very angry with Thomas for lying to him when questioned about the threesome. That for me was much the greater offence and breach of trust. This does not however, lessen my sense of fairness to Thomas that I raised in the last chapter's comments. Andy, proving what a loyal and just friend he is to both Jared and Thomas, has given Jared something to think about in raising the question of fidelity having been discussed or assumed. Some may question this, but the relationship between Jared and Thomas appeared to be nurturing both, therefore, a decision to end it hurts both, not just Thomas. Thomas has taken the first tentative steps to repair the damage done by his actions. In contrast to Jared’s characterisation of Thomas as a “cocky little bastard”, Thomas’ e-mail to Jared appears to be quite timid in its language, or is it because he is expressing contrition for his actions. Oliver, what an unpleasant character, but one who was no match for Edward in full “Ed Wiener mode”. I suspected we had not seen the last of Oliver from the first book, but did not anticipate he would appear again in this context. Edward has revealed a side of himself which I felt sure was there, but was well-hidden beneath the acid-tongued wit and playful bitchiness that is his usual behaviour. I suspect the loyal and loving traits exhibited in his efforts to right the wrongs committed against Romel are the real Edward; the “drag queen” persona is a form of self-protection, armour worn against the hurt he has likely encountered as he has travelled through life. A truly marvellous chapter @Wombat Bill, one of the best yet I think as you have revealed so much more about some of the beloved characters of this story.

OMG @Wombat Bill Perish the thought of her watching Mr Price and a conquest. This opens a whole new can of worms, Mrs Price the voyeur watching Mr Price "in flagrante delicto".

The practical one in me speaks "imagine the state of the bed linen". With five sets of drained balls, the crust on the sheets would likely enable them to walk to the laundry without human intervention. The room would likely need a good airing too I should think. I wonder if Mrs Price has a fetish for watching two or more guys "get it on together"? There could be a ready made market.

An interesting twist on the old cliche that every straight guy's favourite fantasy is to "get it on with two lesbians". You made me laugh yet again @Wombat Bill with Roger's angle. He certainly does not lack initiative and appears to be industrious. He may be just what Mrs Price needs, a "virgin" to a different type of "catering with benefits". I think we have encountered Dean before at another bar as I seem to recall a barman named Dean admiring Justin's then new nipple jewellery. I cannot remember where though. Looking forward to more, more, more.

I suspect you are correct ReaderPaul that @Wombat Bill will reveal all to we his readers, particularly if Jared and Thomas do repair their relationship. Another point which I did not raise in my ramblings above, is that I was surprised by Jared's swift and vitriolic reaction to Thomas' actions, and I wonder what motivated this. Was he angry with Thomas because of his infidelity, or because Thomas attempted to deceive him, or because he did not have the opportunity to participate in the "afternoon delight" himself, or something else entirely? I was also surprised (and guilty once again of stereotyping) that a man with such an unusual fetish i.e. pain-lover (or perhaps it is not so unusual), would have such a conventional attitude to fidelity in a relationship. I only hope that Jared's reaction was motivated by his expectation of fidelity and not some desire to "own" Thomas or belief that he, Thomas, is his property in a relationship. He certainly has not displayed any behaviour to date that would suggest this, but one can never be sure. @Wombat Bill your readers wait with bated breath for your revelation(s) to follow (hopefully). I for one hope that Jared and Thomas can repair their relationship as I thought it was one of great promise and they appeared to be well suited.

The black armbands were a lovely touch. The inclusion of spoken words in Maori is a great addition to the story. I don't understand a word of Maori, but it is such a pretty and joyful sounding language The measured pacing of this story is spot on, it matches the family's apparent stoic acceptance of the death of their husband and father, and the pace of the travel being undertaken by the family after such a shattering event.

I have not read any of your stories before Quokka, but may have to revisit your "back catalogue". I must confess the title of the story is what grabbed my initial attention as I immediately thought of The Seekers song, which I learnt to play on the guitar when in primary school back in the mid 1970's. The Seekers of course were considered very daggy when I was growing up (your parents listened to them), but I have come to appreciate their music in later years, not least of which the exquisite vocals of Judith Durham. Love the reference to 'Morningtown Ride', the first line of which is 'Train whistle blowing makes a sleepy noise'. Very apt, using a song by an Australian group which was one of the first to have significant hits in overseas markets, including the USA. A damn good song too. The leisurely pace of the song matches perfectly the leisurely pace of this chapter. Although I have not been to SA, apart from a short visit to Adelaide in 1990, nor travelled on the Indian Pacific or the Ghan, it seems familiar with the author's delightful descriptions.

Wombat Bill, you have certainly challenged your readers with this chapter and provoked a strong reaction (dare I say another sign of a good writer). Given the comments of other readers it appears there is no sympathy for Thomas for the predicament he now finds himself in because of his actions. In my comments below, I am certainly not in any way denouncing or ridiculing the comments of the other readers; I am merely playing "devil's advocate", not because I necessarily agree with Thomas’ actions, but because I am not sure of all the facts. I think there is no doubt Thomas fully intended to have the threesome with Justin and Craig as he proposed it and was not drunk at the time he made the proposition. It certainly appears from the statement Thomas made in his conversation with Andy that he believed he could engage in the threesome and Jared would be none the wiser. This does suggest I think that on some level Thomas believed that by engaging in the threesome whilst Jared was away, that he was deceiving him. Is this belief that it was a deception because he was aware of what Jared's reaction would be if he were to learn of the threesome, or because society at large equates a relationship with fidelity? This we do not know. Have Thomas and Jared discussed being exclusive with each other? This we do not know. If they have and Jared had stated his expectation of fidelity, then I too have no sympathy for Thomas and believe he got what he deserved. If however, Jared and Thomas have not discussed the topic of exclusivity then I think Thomas’ should be "cut some slack" and given an opportunity to redeem himself if that is what both he and Jared desire, which appears to be the case.

I had the same thoughts Chris. I wonder if the "afternoon delight" might be the cause of the difficult times the relationship faces as alluded to in the synopsis of this story. I was a little surprised myself, particularly that Craig so readily agreed to the threesome. The title of this chapter immediately had the 1976 pop, country-tinged hit by the Starland Vocal Band doing loops in my head. I had no idea as a naive 12 year old (at the time of its release) what the song was about, and did not much like it (I was averse to anything which had a country flavour, except for Linda Ronstadt). Ageing has broadened my musical tastes such that I quite like the song now, and it certainly set the scene well for the romp between Justin, Craig and Thomas. Wombat Bill you are to be commended yet again. This story arouses the whole gamut of emotions. This chapter surprisingly because of the title, nostalgia for a time long gone, the simple joy of youth. Luckily for me, I have the song on CD so shall take great joy in listening to it this evening.

Wombat Bill has been very kind in his original assessment of the Liberal Party. In addition, the Liberal Party at both the state and federal level are in a coalition with the National Party, which traditionally is strongly supported in rural Australia. It was created to represent the voice of "the bush" e.g. farmers. It generally attracts very conservative politicians who invariably blame "greenies, gays and chardonnay socialists (city dwellers who vote Labor)" for all the woes that beset the country. They (the National Party that is) are also largely to blame for Australia's appalling live trade export of cattle and sheep to nations whose people have even less respect for animal rights than the bastards who raised them for a life of misery. The big difference between the conservatives in Australia and the dreadful Republicans in the USA is that our conservatives are usually not fanatically anti-abortion or bankrolled by a NRA equivalent. That is not to say that there are not members who are anti-abortion and/or pro-gun, but for now anyway they at least appear to be in the minority. Australian's on the whole are far less religious than Americans and support for abortion and gun control is sufficient to curb extremists at this point in time. This is of course, a generalised and very simplistic explanation. Our former Liberal Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, was a strong believer in climate change, supported environmental protection laws, was pro-marriage equality and was generally socially progressive; likewise, the Labor Party has had its share of very conservative members who were not socially progressive. Interestingly, we have an elected politician in NSW (the most populous state in Australia) who is a member of the Labor Party, who is a Muslim, and who publicly supported marriage equality. He indicated that whilst he himself did not necessarily agree with the policy due to his religious beliefs, he supported the policy nevertheless because the constituents he represented, including GLBT residents. supported it. I think one has to respect him for putting aside his religious beliefs to represent his constituents.

A thought-provoking chapter Wombat Bill, with a light infusion of your usual humour. Jared is to become another casualty of one of the many scourges of a Liberal Government, outsourcing. Stripping the public service on the pretence that it is more cost effective to outsource to private enterprise and that private enterprise always performs any function more efficiently. Complete bullshit, but the truth is rarely revealed as any reporting WILL show a superior performance by private enterprise. Thomas' readiness to help Jared in any way he can, and particularly his spot-on explanation of all Jared would need to consider and/or acquire to establish a business of his own, illustrate once again Thomas' true, caring and loyal nature. Thomas is the greatest surprise of all the characters introduced into this story, he is so much more than I imagined he would be.

I admit to being a little biased as the story is quintessentially Australian and, being Australian myself I am able identify with much of the language and settings of this wonderful story. The author, Wombat Bill, has a wicked and quirky sense of humour as demonstrated quite often in the chapter titles and the inspiration for the titles. Witty repartee between the characters, particularly if Edward is involved, is one of the many attractions of this story. The story is character-driven. Wombat Bill plants his characters, warts and all, in settings both ordinary and melodramatic, realising characters that are believable and for the most part likeable. The introduction of the additional characters into the lives of our protagonists Craig and Justin is never forced; the said characters woven into their lives in a rich tapestry of events, expanding their horizons both in business and their private lives which s a joy to behold. A beautifully written story that kept me intrigued, delighted and wanting more from beginning to end.

I cannot take credit for the title Chris; all credit must go to Justin. I just ran with the idea of Stephen Sondheim providing the music because of his mega-successful musical 'Follies', which included the brilliant 'Losing My Mind' (which every diva worth her weight in salt has covered, but I must confess to loving Liza Minnelli's Pet Shop Boys produced rendition from 1989 the most). There was a very successful short-lived UK TV show which was made in 1976 and 1977 called 'Rock Follies' which starred then unknown Rula Lenska and Julie Covington. It aired in Australia too and I liked it. I cannot recall any songs from it though which would be suitable for inclusion in a ballet entitled 'Fellatio Follies'. I am sure there are a number of songs which could be suitable for inclusion in 'Fellatio Follies' given their title and lyrical content, but would they lend themselves to a ballet. The most obvious I can think of off the top of my head are 'Cream' by Prince and 'Relax' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. If the ballet were extended to include other "raunchier" sexual acts you could also include Grace Jones' marvellous 'Pull Up To The Bumper' (anal sex) and Alaska Thunderfuck's 'The Fisting Song' (the title really says it all). A few songs by US queercore band Pansy Division have sexually explicit titles, but I have not heard the songs, so have no idea of their melody.

The friendship developing between Justin and Tristan is a delight, with both seemingly sharing their true selves without fear of ridicule. I foresee this friendship continuing to blossom and provide both with something that is uniquely for them to share. The quirky humour arrived late in this chapter Wombat Bill - "Fellatio Follies". Imagine the outrage. I can see the theatre marquee - 'Fellatio Follies' choreographed by Tristan Coyle, based on an idea from Justin Haynes, with music by Stephen Sondheim.

Agreed Chris. A most informative, and I believe very importantly, a respectful interview. Having lived very near 'The Wall' in Darlinghurst for a number of years in the early 90's I am somewhat aware of the danger faced by the rent-boys, and am very aware of the disparaging comments and judgment that many in society level at sex workers. A housemate invited a rent-boy to our home one day. I found him to be an intelligent and very witty young man, who regaled us with some very entertaining stories of some of his clients, some at least who identified as "straight" married men. Now to the chapter title; never would I have guessed its source. What a novel way to invite a lover to share your home. If the old adage that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, it begs the question is the way to a man's home through his arse? I shall leave others to ponder this. Once again Wombat Bill if you keep writing like this, you will keep your faithful readers in good health if nothing else.

OMG I had a vision of Michael Hutchence and what reportedly happened to him, when Jared was sweating and his face was turning red. I don't think I could do this anyone for fear of them having a heart attack or a seizure.

I for one would like all the characters retained from 'Catering With Benefits' (even Craig whom overall I like). I actually really liked the characters of Rani and Daniel from 'Mile High Benefits', especially because they were "cast against type". I must confess I was guilty of stereotyping both. I immediately assumed Daniel was gay given his profession (a straight Qantas flight attendant; perish the thought); and, likewise immediately assumed Rani would not be attracted to a white boy, let alone sleep with one in the Mile High Club. She was a great revelation, made me think of the British comedienne Meera Syal whom I saw in an hilarious interview talking about her female cousins from India, who were anything but "blushing virgins". A great lesson to be learnt. With regard to the title, is it possible to have the story titled 'Catering With Benefits - The Second Course' on the 'Stories' page, and then shorten the title to 'The Second Course' on each chapter? Just a thought.

I have to agree with chris191070, an awesome start to 'The Second Course" Wombat Bill. The synopsis has me very intrigued, particularly the reference to Justin baring all for Liberace. Given Liberace died almost 34 years ago, all my limited imagination has been able to envisage is Justin baring all for a drag king named Liberace. I guess I will just have to stay tuned to find out (this should not be an onerous task). Now if I may be so bold as to pose two questions to you Wombat Bill, the first of which is not meant as a criticism. I am wondering if the title of this story should have been 'Catering With Benefits - The Second Course' (lengthy I know). The only reason I even pose this question is that some readers may only look at the title of the story and not the synopsis, thereby missing the fact that it is a continuation of the telling of the lives of these wonderful characters. My second question is what prompted you to finish Part One at the juncture that you did?

A terrific conclusion to Part One Wombat Bill. Perhaps it is the public servant in me, but I was initially "challenged" by Andy's acceptance of the "gift for his silence", but then given how manipulative, sleazy and dishonest Price is, I had second thoughts. Love the wit of Mr Smidmore's wife when describing his appearance. I don't think it could have been anymore vivid even with an accurate description of his physical attributes.