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

“You want I should come pick your lazy ass up, or you think you can haul it to my house?”


Roy drove a ‘Vette the same color as the sleeves on his shirt. It was only three years old, but loud as hell, which was a blessing, because it made conversation next to impossible. All Tucker got was, “What’s the skinny? You and Scooter, like, best buds now?”


All Tucker said was, “Chad’s alright.”


Tucker pulled into the clearing in the woods close to forty minutes later, with Roy right behind him. Once inside the van, Roy immediately started sorting through the 45s. Sitting across from Tucker, he picked out five to put on the changer.


Tucker leaned over to turn on the player. “I don’t know if the batteries are any—” Roy was on top of him before he could finish the sentence. He pinned him to the floor, and Tucker didn’t know if it was playful wrestling or something else completely.


“You and Scooter, like, suck each other’s peters, right?”


Chapter 30