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

“It’d be cool to take their picture,” Chad had said, and the two devised this whole setup with a velvet bed, faux diamonds, and a silver chow dish, even as Tucker wondered if any one of his hundred cats would sit still long enough for a portrait.


“Hey. Come over some day,” Tucker offered.


“To your house?” Chad’s eyes got wide.


“No, man. Like to my van, back in the woods at the end of Mayflower lane. I hang out there and play records.”


But Chad said no thanks, to that invitation and a few more that followed. Then, one day, to Tucker’s surprise, Chad just showed up. His face, when he saw Roy, read pure horror. Roy hadn’t been very nice to Chad over the preceding months, alternating between calling him “Scooter” and “Queerbait” on a regular basis in gym. That was where “Scooter” had begun.


Chapter 19