34. Page 34. Rule 34.
YES

“Hey Al, wanna play doctor?”

I think, judging by his reaction when he first sees Brendan, that Al knows his orientation all too well. But he puts himself down for it, berates himself whenever he feels something for another man, which is why he is so frustrated. I think that is what they are talking about starting on page 27. Al is afraid of his peers knowing he is gay.

I’m really interested to know Al’s backstory, especially now. I wonder how aware he was of his orientation up to this point, and whether it is even an orientation per se. Who knows, maybe Brendan is the first man for whom he felt this way in all his life – things happen like this sometimes. And I wonder what events have led Al to becoming this cautious and reserved – judging by how he befriends Sulla, and so quickly, I thinks it’s fair to say that he’s not a loner by nature and personality, but rather it’s something conditioned…

Maybe he’ll just solve it by promoting Brendan and giving him an office all of his own.