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

After all of that, there were still sixty minutes of riding ahead of them. Savannah put her head on Tucker’s shoulder, and he wished it was Chad’s. In the theatre, Chad sat on one side of Tucker, Savannah on the other. As soon as the place went dark, Chad took Tucker’s hand. He held it until intermission, offering an extra squeeze during “Maria,” because of its tender and romantic theme, Tucker figured. Tucker was a little freaked out, like even in the dark, someone would know. Just before the lights came up, before the final measures of the big “Rumble” faded out, Chad let go. “Don’t be mad,” he mouthed, as everyone else around and scrambled to stretch their legs, and Tucker wasn’t. It was actually sweet.


They held hands again during Act 2, until both needed to wipe their eyes when Tony died.


Chapter 36