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

As Chad had taken off for home, he had still been pulling at the front of his pants. He had asked Tucker the next day, in chorus, if it was okay if he came over again that afternoon.


“Of course, man,” Tucker had told him and Chad had smiled. Poor Chad “Scooter” Burke had never smiled much in school. “You can come over anytime you want. To the van,” Tucker stressed. “I’m never home, dig?”


“Four? Like, I thought your curfew was at four,” Tucker teased. “Sneaky boy.”


“Yeah. Well. Um. Like, I have a plan. I have to stay after school for real.”


“I’ve been telling my mom I’m staying after every night. She’s…strict. But today, I, like, really will. I’m tutoring. Anyway, yeah. Four. I think I can get out.”


Tucker was already hard when Chad showed up just after 4 p.m. He’d been watching the time, anticipating. Chad was out of breath: excited, rambling.


Chapter 24