Three young men from very different homes, just coming into their own sexuality, bond at a time when information about homosexuality is scarce to the average teen. Their strong connection cannot survive high school and heartache, however, and their triangle collapses under the weight of prejudice and a need to escape.<br><br>Ten years later, Tucker is bitter and hurt by all the tragedy in his life since those long ago happier days. Reclusive, somewhat animalistic, and completely content to stay that way, he’s brought up short by an unexpected confrontation with the past and feelings that won't stay buried.

Fur, Feathers, and Claws

“What’s happening, Sister Kisser?” Roy interrupted. “How was your summer, hummer?” There was no time to answer. “Guess who has to repeat senior year,” he said.


He’d flunked English and Calculus. So, Tucker did half of his work for him, and tried to tutor him through the other half, resulting in a lot of time spent together and Roy learning nothing. They were both on the ‘69 Webutuck High track team as well. One day, in the locker room, after a particularly grueling practice, in awe of Tucker’s fuzziness, Roy came up with a new name, one better than “Skunker.”


“Check it out, man,” Roy said. “This guy isn’t all human. You’re as furry as a grizzly or a killa gorilla. Part animal, man. I’m going to call you animal.”


“Hey, Animal!” Chuck Wallace screeched.


“That’s your new name, dig. You down with that?” Roy asked.


When Tucker couldn’t come up with answer, Roy took him in a bear hug, his wet, supple, poking-out, fat dick pressed against Tucker’s damp ass crack.


Chapter 15