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

Chad turned. He held out his hand to Roy. “Good luck.” When Roy took hold, Chad pulled him forcefully closer, planted a kiss on his lips, and then shoved him back hard on his ass; hard enough to kick up dust. “You and Tucker have fun while I’m away, jerko, ‘til you have to go. But it’s really me and Tucker, you dig? Tucker and I, I mean. You’re number three.” Then he turned to Tucker, and kissed him one more time. “I need your lips to be the last ones I taste.”


Chad walked away, then, and Tucker joined Roy on the ground a while, watching. When Tucker finally stood, Roy did, too. He dusted off Tucker’s bare ass, exposed, because Tucker hadn’t buttoned or zipped up his jeans. The move—the touch—was surprising.


“Can I suck your dick?” Roy asked, doing that hands-down-his-shorts thing again. It was still erotic, but also a little bit sad this time.


“Don’t you mean to ask if I’ll suck yours?”


“I said what I mean, Dean. I meant what I said, Fred.”


Chapter 68