Summerabbacat

I cannot explain this @Lee Wilson, but I am upset Phil was beaten to death, essentially assisted suicide. After all he had done to his family he should not be forgiven, but for some reason I am saddened by his death, which after Steven's visit was almost a fait accompli. Perhaps it is because there are so many other people in the world who are far worse than Phil, who are in positions of power or who have extreme wealth, who go unpunished for their brazen disregard for the law, and for their fellow humans and/or other non-human animals.

I think you have mentioned this story was written about 20 years ago @Josh Aterovis. Given this, it would be perfectly natural to believe attitudes towards "gay professions" might have changed, that the average person may be a little more enlightened, but alas I suspect this is not the case in many parts of the world, with right-wing governments elected by right-wing constituents, turning the clock back. I read a startling example of this on the weekend, when I read of a decision handed down by a judge in 1977 in the case Renee Richards, an American transgender female tennis player, who had taken legal action to be allowed to play as a woman professionally. The judge based in New York was scathing in his decision, finding that she was a female and that the relevant authorities/governing sporting bodies had no business demanding she have tests to determine her sex (this is a much simplified summary of his decision). Here we are, almost 50 years later and the hysteria associated with "bathroom usage" continues unabated, and has been the cause of much vitriol aimed at some transgender women by certain people. Israel Meeks offered a perfectly credible explanation for his income source which has allowed him to furnish and decorate his apartment with expensive items, which I seem to recall he indicated his girlfriend had selected. No doubt he would not have been able to select because "every one knows all men who are involved in home decorating are gay, just like all male hairdressers, florists and ballet dancers". "Does that mean you're staying with Micah?" "No. We broke up." "Over me?" "That was part of it. He saw us kiss the other night. But there were a lot of other issues as well. We just weren't at the same place. He wanted more than I was ready to give." "I don't understand. If you're not with Micah, why don't you want to get back together with me?" Arsehair just doesn't get it. His ego is such that he cannot believe Killian just isn't into him enough to want to resume their relationship, which ended in no small part due to his demands on Killian, and his total refusal to compromise. He should return to George Mason University and stay there. Those red herrings multiplied in this chapter @Josh Aterovis, although on this occasion I think they are not merely red, but a rich pansy red, taking on a more floral colouring. Obviously "gay" fish in the world according to Israel Meeks. LOL.

A very natural transition as he matures and becomes more aware of the world around him and its inequities, which will I imagine be significantly enlarged due to his newfound fame and possible wealth. If he continues acting, and his coming out may restrict his suitability for roles in the eyes of many, his father may need to become his manager, or at least take an active role in this aspect of his life. His father is no fool and should continue to be an asset to him.

I don't think that would have worked @Mark Ponyboy Peters as neither Charlie nor Brayden had shown any political interest in LGBTQ rights, apart from Brayden calling out Martin and his goons for teasing Charlie on occasion and "accusing" him of being gay. If Charlie had made comments during his speech it may have come across as disingenuous. Now he has come out he may find himself being invited to functions speaking on behalf of or to gay teens. Perhaps Harry might contact him to enquire if he is interested in assisting Tony in some way or another to raise the profile of homeless gay teens for example. Sooner or later everything circles back to Thompsonville.

That sounds positively kinky @Paladin. Now I have a ghastly image of Scragtasha fermenting in my mind, dressed in a dominatrix outfit of black leather (😠 😠) stalking Martin and lashing him with a whip every time he disobeyed her or failed to cater to her latest whim(s). CatWoman without the beauty or the camp persona.

Could we perhaps describe these additional touches, flavours, whatever one likes to name them, as paladinesque.

Especially if she is rabid.

Jeez Louise you are quick off the mark.

What a superb epilogue @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with the revelation surprising, but not shocking me. Perhaps Rachel's revelation encouraged Charlie to acknowledge his true relationship with Brayden, but I would like to think he realised what a huge part Brayden had played in his success and felt it was worthy of acknowledgment to the world at large. It is unlikely he would realise what a huge impact his bravery could have on other same sex attracted teenagers, especially those who are struggling with acceptance or who have little or no access to services others take for granted. He may become the poster boy for young teenage LGBTQ in Australia after his revelation, but it will also make him the target for those whom you referred to as the "righteous brigade" aka zealots of many flavours. His mother will no doubt have a conniption, an added bonus of Charlie's coming out. You were almost right about the tissues @Mark Ponyboy Peters, except I don't use them. I had an instantaneous reaction, but managed to get myself "under control" fairly quickly.

Hear, hear @Josh Aterovis. That other "minor celebrity" has no talent and has contributed nothing of worth to society.

If he is not a fan of body hair he is going to be in for a painful and expensive continuation of hair removal treatments to rid himself of it. If he is comfortable with it, then the power be to him.

More treats await us @Gary L, @drsawzall, @pvtguy, @centexhairysub, @Daddydavek, @VBlew, @Carybr and @CCinPS.

He may work best under pressure @Gary L. So busy story writing, producing his classical music programme Planet Hugill, singing with The Pink Singers, designing swimwear and underwear for Morrie's website and searching for that bloody Nimrud Panther. When does he get time to eat and sleep and go dancing at The Admiral Duncan or the King's Arms ?

Have you got another Hugillicous story lined up ready to start publishing @Robert Hugill when this one is finished? Not that we Hugillites are greedy, but we simply cannot live without regular trips to the Hugillverse as is evidenced by their popularity.

This one could be Kyle @weinerdog as he appears to be quite skinny too.

He does not look hairy enough @weinerdog, and he is way too handsome.

All is not what it seems, with Jack, Vince and especially now Theo surrounded by the forces of evil, by "those" who seek to only feather their own nest. Mmmmm, sounds awfully like many current world leaders @Laura S. Fox. The darkness is closing in on Theo, which reminded me of a song by The Human League, from their masterpiece Dare. The lyrics of the song match the predicament Theo currently finds himself in.

I am just so pleased @Josh Aterovis has seen fit NOT to present we readers with an AI generated image of Kyle. And if the shaving cream is for Kyle, a razor will not suffice @drsawzall. It may take a chainsaw to manscape that particular "beast". I had a great laugh initially too @Josh Aterovis as I nearly always misread the name Kyle as Kylie in deference to our beloved Ms Minogue, an Aussie icon. I then very very briefly had an image of a hairy Kylie, which is what prompted the laughter. A hairy Kylie Spinning Around, would just not do.

Especially if, as @weinerdog commented above, he keeps killing off his soldiers who fail to do what he wants or do something he deems stupid.

The Nimrud Panther has taken on a "character" of its own @pvtguy, but I have to agree the story is so good without it that its discovery will almost be a non-event. I think what it has been used for is of the most interest, particularly after some of the humorous uses @Quarterbear listed for it several chapters prior.

Another call (beg, grovel) for PJ and Joss to have a story of their own @Robert Hugill. I think it goes without saying that many of we Hugillites have found them a delightful addition to this story. Of all your couples featured to date in the various stories, I think PJ and Joss contrast the most, although Russ is quite different from Brian and Gordon too.

This theory has merit @weinerdog.

"As I entered, I noticed what appeared to be a skinny gorilla in a basketball jersey and cutoff sweat pants sitting on the couch playing some first-person shooter video game on the TV." When I read this description @Josh Aterovis, I assumed the person in question was wearing a gorilla costume. But no, he really was gorilla-like. "I took the only other chair in the room and glanced over at Kyle again. I'd never seen anyone so hairy. A dark pelt covered almost every square inch of exposed skin, including his shoulders and what little of his back I could glimpse from where he sat leaning forward on the couch. He was almost enough to make me believe in the existence of Sasquatch." A good friend of mine from college was at the time dating a guy of Palestinian descent (he had been her boyfriend in high school). The first time we went to the beach and he was wearing a yellow/lime coloured Speedo I got the shock of my life. It was like he was wearing a full body Flokati rug; the hair was so thick and dark you could see through the Speedo and he was very hair everywhere. It was so long too; you could have plaited the hair on his back. My friend loved it; suffice to say I did not. Killian is hyper-critical of himself, finding it difficult to forgive himself for making what he deems stupid mistakes (clearly this does not apply to his driving @drsawzall). He was perhaps a little careless in downloading images from his Bondesque pen/video camera in the vicinity of the antique store, but he will learn from this mistake I believe. I wonder if Skye might be a good "match" for Ricky Wong. Israel Meeks is certainly looking more suspicious as the possible looter at least. I have just had another thought regarding the murderer. What if Israel and Bridget were in partnership carrying out the looting and Bridget murdered Professor Healy in a crime of passion, encouraged by Israel to do so. Israel then murdered Bridget because she was becoming unhinged from having committed murder and Israel was worried she would blow their cover. Just a thought @Josh Aterovis.

It has begun, with Chandar recognising departure from the south of Highshaw Valley will elude Judayah of Enkarra and his soldiers, as they are not aware of the trail which has been cleared by the mountain clans in the hills for this very purpose. Willem of Shalamar aka the Warlock has prophesied a future of bravery and altruism for Jamal, who was also received and revered by the spirit of his father, Lucius of Jeebath. For a moment I thought we had a cross-over appearance in this story @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with a question posed to Chandar by the knight Sir Brynden, which I misread as Sir Brayden. LOL. I thought he was too young to be a knight yet anyway, but with a recommendation from King Elwyn of Geronia anything is possible I guess.

I have just re-read the paragraph in which Martin refers to both Benjamin and himself receiving the unpleasant texts from Scragtasha. Only Martin and @Paladin are privy to the content of those texts, but I would urge Martin to consider having the police accompany him when he and Benjamin go to collect Benjamin's belongings if there is even the hint of physical harm to either or them. If not, perhaps he should consider having Simon accompany them, or at least recording their visit in case Scragtasha makes any threats to either of them or to Justin. I also would not put it past Scragtasha to fabricate a story and report Benjamin and Martin to the police, anything from one or both assaulting her to Martin threatening to kill her. We already know their divorce was acrimonious and it appears Scragtasha is itching for yet another showdown with Martin. She appears to be quite the narcissist so I am surprised Martin even considered she may have quietened down by the following morning. If anything, I think not reacting to her texts will inflame her rage even further.