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

“Tucker…I want to tell you something. Don’t tell anyone, though. Promise me.”


“Don’t tell anyone what? You’re confusing me, man.” Tucker raised his palms. “I told you a secret. Don’t you tell.”


“I swear, I never will. Although I swore, I’d never tell anyone this.”


“What secret?” Tucker’s face brightened. “Are you a homosexual, too? Out of sight!” He thought about it. His brows came together. “Can girls be homosexuals?” Tucker hadn’t found any books about girl homosexuals. Then again, he hadn’t looked for any.


“No.” Savannah laughed. She was so beautiful when she laughed. “I mean, I’m not. I assume girls can be. Right? I’m not an authority on the subject, Tucker. I never, like, even heard of homosexuals until…”


“Look at this freaky shit.” Tucker grabbed the sepia magazine from under a pile of more blankets off to one corner. “I thought, like, at first, this might be for ladies. But girls don’t want to look at naked men, right? Only men are into that stuff, I kind of think.”


Chapter 18