Growing up is hard enough, but it’s worse as a pacifist whose country is at war. Jim and Brian are neighbors, best friends, and high school graduates heading for college. In 1970 the Vietnam War raged, and Brian and Jim, both pacifists, worry about being drafted. To make matters worse, both men are gay and far from out. When Brian finally admits his feelings for his friend, he’s surprised and pleased Jim feels the same. Brian’s father teaches jujitsu, and the two men learn the ancient art, though neither believes in fighting. They struggle to overcome their pacifist tendencies amid racial tension and homophobia that threatens to tear their lives -- and their love -- apart. Can Brian and Jim turn fear into courage and learn to defend themselves, and each other, to create a life of love?

Fear and Courage

“Brian, I want you to fuck my ass. It’s virgin, but I’ve been practicing with my fingers.” He sucked for air. “I’ve dreamt of this day forever.”


“Jim, tell me the truth. Do you really think you can take my dick? As far as I know, it was the biggest in high school.”


Brian ran upstairs for cooking oil. He returned with some in a small jar and almost tripped running downstairs. He tossed Jim face down, lubed his ass, then his own dick, and pressed it to the hole. “Dude, it’s not going in. Are you tightening up?”


“I don’t know. I’m sort of scared it’ll hurt.”


“Man, of course it’s gonna hurt.”


Brian pulled back. “Okay, take slow deep breaths and think of how awesome it’ll feel.”


Jim teased. “‘Awesome’ is a gay word.”


Brian laughed and almost fell off the bed. Then as Jim laughed, Brian shoved his cock in the virgin ass.


Chapter 12