Author's Notes

There has been speculation in the fandom, and I tend to agree, that Monty Burns is bisexual. He's been shown to flirt with men as easily as he flirts with women, and seems completely unconcerned over it. In my first uploaded story, "Nuclear Attraction," Burns says to Waylon Senior: "I've enjoyed the conquest of both fair sexes, and am clearly none the worse for it."

In the final version "Revelations," if one looks between the lines, one can see evidence that might support the idea Burns and Lawrence Harlgrove had more-than-friends relationship in Burns' teen years.

In this piece, that vague allusion is shattered, and any suspicions about Burns' bisexuality and his interests towards Lawrence are completely confirmed.

It was removed because, well, this is a story of how Burns came to be who he is - and of Ryan and Waylon getting to know each other. It was never supposed to be a story about Burns' sexuality, and this part was pulled because it ventured too far away from the primary narrated objective.

DELETED SCENE - Burns' sexuality

April 9th, 1898.

Charles approached me today, a look of consternation on his face. I was hardly in the mood for interruptions, but I humored him. He has become, after all, a young master of Belledouleur himself. He shall be departing for Yale come fall. Courtesy at least dictates I listen to his concerns.

I bade him sit, and he did. He's become quite the handsome young man, lean and chiseled, with his dark hair flowing freely about his shoulders when he's not tied it back. Stunning, one might say. I've watched with great intrigue the way he courts the ladies. He has all the makings of a true southern gentleman: the charm, the social graces. Combine that with the same ruthless intellect as my own, and I am proud to say he's the perfect specimen that ever could be created.

Last summer, he spent great time and interest in a young woman from Colien, the daughter of a wealthy landowner. I was hoping he might chose to take her as his wife. I believe her father and I both were, but alas, it was not to be. I am fine with that. Aside from children, there is little Evelyn provided me with that I could not attend to on my own, or live without.

The boy, I should say man now, knotted his long fingers in apprehension. I had no idea what could possibly disquiet him so. After waiting a moment for him to reveal the source of this dis-ease, I finally rapped my cane on the floor and commanded his attention. "Out with it Charles!" I demanded. "What on earth has caused you such worriment?"
He met my eyes, unflinching. Good, good. He's getting the look of the eagles yet.

"It is Harlgrove's son," he began.

"Edmond's boy? Lawrence? What of him?" It had been a long time since I'd had occasion to think of Harlgrove. That man, and his preachy upstanding ways that always sought to intrude in my quiet domain. He would speak of charity, and lawfulness to such a degree that my stomach churned at the thought. Why he'd chosen me as his pet project those years ago, I'll never know. His attempts at solicitation served little than irritation; and yet at the level of manners and etiquette I was still obligated to invite him each December to the festivities at my home.

This past December, he had brought his son, a single youth Charles age, by the name of Lawrence. I had observed the two mingling, but had not given it thought again… until this moment.

Charles hesitated. Unusual. He was not one to keep his mind from me. I had thought I'd done too thorough a job of shaping him for him to be so reticent. I scrutinized his face, his eyes, then it dawned upon me.

"The nature of your friendship with him, is it then? Something you find both fetching and disconcerting in one?" I leaned forward on my cane, bringing my faces inches from his. "Do you… desire him, boy?"

Charles did not move his head, but his eyes flittered down for a second. In that little gesture, I had my answer.

"To the exclusion of women?" I pushed, gently.

He raised his eyes. "To the equal of women," he confessed.

Ah, so the boy has no great preference then? And who truly cares? Intriguing.

"So what then causes you such trouble? Is Lawrence aware of your thoughts?"

Charles raised his head. "Father, it is Lawrence himself who first gave me pause to consider them. The boy is reserved in his private nature, and open in women for sport, but I am given to realize he fancies me over any of them."

I leaned back, to give Charles more space. "So now the question remains. Do you want him, boy?"

Charles' face contorted, flashing through so many unspoken words and emotions that I didn't bother to keep track. Finally, he settled on one. "It's not natural."

I gave a mocking laugh. "Natural? Bah, what are the laws of nature but rules for governing the beasts in the field, and lesser men? We are exempt from such things, you and I. You are a Burns! It is your right to go where you wish, do what you wish… take whom you wish."

"But," I added, pressing close once again, "I will impress upon you one caveat. Discretion, in all things. If you deign to use Harlgrove's boy for your own amusement, be sure it is not you who takes the fall. Lay to rest any foolish, romantic notions. The only law of nature we have to follow is that of the supreme predator: solitary, private, and powerful. Take this boy, and when you've had your fun, cast him aside. Do not let yourself be drawn into trappings of pleas and emotions. If you need to, you have my blessings to ruin him." I chuckled. "If fact, if you get the opportunity to ruin his father in the process, I'd bless that little act as well."

So thinking, I ordered Charles to take his leave of me. I have little worry that he'll handle his personal affairs without incident. I care nothing about what he does in his private life, whom he chooses to pursue. I am not concerned that he will bring shame on either of us. He is too confident and too proud himself these days to risk it now.

The boy has been a success in every definition of the word!

And now, I must get back to my research.

Wainwright M. Burns, Belledouleur Plantation. April 9th, 1898