Brothers In Arms

My brother's moving to greener pastures.

At least metaphorically. In truth probably more dry, dusty climes than green. Somewhere in the near future, he's thinking of moving the entire family over lock, stock and diaper.

Still not sure what to think about it! Never ever thought about living apart from my brother. Though we've never been particularly chummy, for the past three decades he's always been there. Kinda like a part of me. Possibly a sore ache somewhere at the back of my neck but hey, I've grown accustomed to that sore.

I'd miss it if it wasn't there, ya know!

Probably because we're so much closer in age but he's always been just a... brother to me. Not older. Not younger. Though he's always tried to pull the authoritarian regime over me, I've always been pretty much a guerrilla rebel with dozens of wily anti-totalitarian tactics up my sleeve. So it's a nice balance.


What did you do now, squirt?
Though my mother insisted that he keep an eye out for me ( since we were in the same school ), I don't particularly see the need. Certainly never had a need to look out for me when I was young. I was quite a peculiar kid blessed with a pretty smart mouth - and fast nimble feet - so I was alright though I accidentally stumbled into a handful of scuffles. Doubt he ever saw a need to offer a helping hand ( fist? ) since I could do that myself, thank you very much.

I wouldn't have minded him helping me out with the downpayment on my car though :P

Not the best of buds but he knows my secrets as I do his. I know where he keeps his stash of girlie porn while he's obviously figured out my homosexuality. Probably known for a good long while. Like any Scorpio, he's good at keeping secrets.

But what always amazes me is his... surprising support for me on the rare occasion. Though he's the most rigid, conservative fella around ( shades of the young Republican going down the traditional route of the family man! ), shockingly he's the most obvious advocate of gay rights in the family waving the rainbow flag vigorously even during our most casual breakfast conversations.

Brother : Gay men should have the rights to get married dammit.
Paul : Huh.
Brother : They should be able to adopt!
Paul : Huh.

And then he's off on his lecture campaign.

Maybe he's trying to show some solidarity for me. Maybe he's trying to prod me into a confession. Maybe he's secretly a member of PFLAG. But here you have this straight married man shouting support for gay rights while the avowedly homosexual brother stares at him in bemusement.

I know. Bad gay man.

So yeah, I'll miss the lug once he's off.

BTW my family reads the papers together on weekends. Since I'm the youngest, as usual I get left with the entertainment section.