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 and Chad swayed back and forth to the music. “I wish I could tell the world, ya know?” Chad said.


“How much I love you. Even that I do. It’s not fair.”


“People were, like, all happy for you and Savannah. That you were a couple. Are.”


“But we’re not. She’s with someone else now.”


“Except no one knows you’re not. And no one can know we are. And that’s not fair.”


Chad kissed him. “I know.” He pulled away and picked up the blanket that Roy had cleaned himself with, trying his best to dry the front of his underpants as Tucker pulled up his.


“I hope we can do this again,” Tucker said. “I hope you’re not upset you…” He nodded toward where Chad was rubbing himself with the striped, fringed fabric.


“It was primo, to tell you the truth. And we still have lots of things we haven’t done—stuff to look forward to someday. In the future.”


Chapter 50