Published: 26 May 2025

“Matt, I am not going to do it. I don’t want to see them.” Brent’s voice was adamant. Matt had just told Brent about the upcoming court date when the judge had ordered one more visit between Brent and his parents. Matt’s attorney had tried to get the judge to reconsider this last visit, but the judge had been firm. He wanted one last chance for the family to reconcile.

Matt had held off telling Brent about this court date until the week before the appointed date. He had not wanted to upset Brent and Matt knew it would. He knew Brent would not be able to put it out of his mind and would stress over the possible outcome.

“I don’t like it either,” Matt said. He placed a hand on Brent’s shoulder. He looked into Brent’s blue eyes and could see the pain in those blue depths. Matt was once again reminded of how much Brent resembled Bryan. No one would question those two being father and son. “This is the last time though. After this, the judge will terminate their rights and finalize us adopting you.”

“What if they don’t?” Brent could not stop the sinking feeling in his guts that he would end up back with his parents. He knew if that happened Richard would try to somehow get Brent back into some sort of clinic like Wilson’s. Just because hers had been shut down, did not mean there wasn’t another one out there somewhere.

“The judge will, Brent. You are going to be stuck with me and Bryan from here on out.”

Matt’s voice was filled with the confidence that Brent needed but it could not stop the nagging doubt. “But it could go the other way, right? I mean he could order me back with them.”

“It isn’t going to happen, soldier,” Bryan said.

“There is too much evidence that the best place for you is right here with us. There is the report from Dr. Drake. It clearly states for your mental health, you need to be with us.”

“What about that fucked up social worker. She kept trying to push me back to them.” Brent refused to call Linda and Richard his parents.

“I don’t think even her report would recommend that after that last visit,” Matt said.

“Yeah, but what about how it ended? I mean with…um…you and…”

“You mean Matt almost mopping the floor with Richard?” Bryan asked. There was a twinkle in Bryan’s blue eyes at the memory.

“Yeah, it probably didn’t look too good to her.” Brent had been so torn up by Richard, blurting out that Devyn was dead that Brent had not fully understood what was happening around him. He remembered calling out and Matt cradling him in his arms as the grief overwhelmed him. Richard had not been lying to Brent, the man had believed like so many that Devyn had died. It had been Devyn’s father, Frank, who had started the lie with Matt and then Devyn’s high school girlfriend, Sue. It was Sue who had told Linda and Richard. She had come to check on Brent after Frank had told her Devyn was dead.

“I’ll admit that I lost my temper. I just could not stand seeing you in so much pain.” It had been like a knife in Matt’s heart to see Brent overwhelmed with grief.

“So that is against us then…” Brent was not as confident in winning the court case as Matt was.

“Brent, it was one episode,” Bryan said.

“It wasn’t the only one, though. Matt and…Dick head were always at odds. Didn’t she even comment on your temper before that last visitation?” Brent could remember a number of times where Matt had been close to punching Richard. It was so out of character for the normally levelheaded man. It was more in character for Bryan. Matt only seemed to lose his cool when it came to protecting Brent. Brent guessed that was what made Matt a better dad than his own father.

“It doesn’t matter, Brent.” Matt took Brent’s shoulders in both of his strong hands. His green eyes looked into Brent’s blue eyes. “I made you a promise that you would never have to see them again. I’m not able to keep that promise, but the one where you never have to go to live with them, I will keep. No matter what happens, you will not go back to Linda and Richard.” Matt then pulled Brent tightly and placed his strong arms around the boy. “You have my word on that.”

Brent rested his head on Matt. It felt so safe in the man’s embrace. Could Matt keep his word? Brent knew that Matt would do everything within his power to make sure he kept that promise.

“Trust us, Brent,” Bryan said. He moved up and encircled both Brent and Matt in his arms.

Brent thought being sandwiched between the two men had to be one of the safest feelings in the world. He could hear the beating of Matt’s heart and feel the hardness of Bryan’s body against him. There could be no better place to be than right where he was.

“Are you alright?” Devyn asked.

“Um, yeah, why?” Brent asked. He was pacing in his room talking to Devyn on the phone. Devyn had been telling Brent about the homecoming dance and the date with Julie.

“You sound a little tense,” Devyn said.

Brent should have known that Devyn would notice his stress. The guy had always been able to read Brent’s feelings. “I’m a little stressed. They set a court date and…and well…I’ve got to see them again.” Bret hated that the judge had required that he meet one last time with his mom and dad. He did not want to see them. He knew Richard would do or say something that would press all of Brent’s buttons.

“You have to see your folks?” Devyn asked.

“Yeah,” Brent sighed. He then filled Devyn in on what Matt had told him.

“Brent, it sounds like just a formality,” Devyn said.

“Maybe, but he could send me back to them,” Brent said. That was his biggest fear that he would be sent back to the hell of living with his parents.

“It won’t happen, Brent.” Devyn could understand Brent’s fear. Devyn did not want to go back to live with his dad and mom either. In fact, he would not. If he had been ordered back, he would have run away. He would have gone straight back to his home with Joe and Travis. They were his family now and they both loved him just as he was.

“That’s what Matt says too but I can tell he’s also a little worried that it might go against us.”

“Relax,” Devyn said. “It won’t. Matt and Bryan are great dads. Plus, you’re sixteen and not too far from turning seventeen. The judge will listen to what you want.”

“But, but what if…”

“What if pigs fly? What if the Martians land tomorrow to take us all to their leader on Mars?”

Brent chuckled. “Be serious.”

“Alright, let’s look at the worst-case scenario,” Devyn said.

“The judge sends me back to them and they stick me in another clinic to cure me.”

“Well, you run-a-way. You can hide out here until you’re eighteen.” Devyn made the offer without even thinking about it. How messed up would hiding Brent make his own life?

“Really?” Brent liked the sound of living with Devyn. Since Devyn made that offer, did that mean that Devyn wanted them to try and be boyfriends again?

“Um, sure,” Devyn said. “Joe would not mind.” Devyn hoped Joe would not mind helping Brent. “Honestly, I do not think it will come to that. But at least this way, you know there is an option.”

“Thanks…Devyn, you’re…um…a good friend.”

“I try to be.”

“Do you think you could come back this weekend? It would be nice to see you before the court date next week.” Brent paused before he added, “we can work out the plan for you to help me get away from Linda and Richard if things go badly.”

“Sorry, I can’t this weekend. I have the play.”

“Oh, right.” Brent had forgotten about Devyn being in the school play. “That’s Saturday, right?”

“It is,” Devyn said. “I’m dreading it, and I also want it over with. It has…um…taken up a lot of time.” All of the rehearsals had interfered with Devyn hanging out with his friends, and of course spending some quality time with Charlie. Devyn was glad that he had made some new friends among the other kids in the play. Simon and Adam were both good guys. So was everyone involved in the play.

“Maybe I can talk Matt and Bryan into going to it. It would be cool to see you in the play.”

“Um…I guess that would be cool,” Devyn said.

Brent thought he heard some hesitation in Devyn’s voice. “Would us being there make you uncomfortable? I just thought it would be cool to see you in the play.”

“I’m just a little self-conscious, I guess. It is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. I’m already expecting to get some teasing from Ethan. He’s a little like Bryan and if you all are there, well Bryan will be ribbing me a lot.”

“We can try and keep Bryan in line,” Brent said.

“The key word there is TRY,” Devyn pointed out.

“Well, maybe we can threaten him with a spanking from Matt.” The idea had popped into Brent’s head due to his conversation with Steven and how Bryan might be into spanking. Brent wondered if that applied to Bryan being on the receiving end.

Devyn could not hold back the laughter. “You know that is the same thing Joe said to make Ethan behave. Of course, he said I could watch. Now if Matt would let me watch the big bad marine getting his ass spanked…well that might be worth the teasing.”

“You and Steven are so alike. He gets into that sexual… um… limits stuff. He seems to look at everyone as a well… sex object. At least it seems he looks at every guy that way.”

“Does he look at you like that?” Devyn asked.

“Um… well…” Brent suspected that Steven had a small crush on him. Brent guessed in a way he might also have some interest in Steven. The guy was attractive with his red hair and green eyes. Brent knew from their time in the clinic that Steven was smooth except for his red pubic hair and a little under his arms. He also knew that Steven had a nice butt. “Steven and I bonded in… in the clinic. It kind of goes beyond a romantic type of interest.” Brent did not want to go into how Wilson had tried to break their bond, but in fact, she had only made that bond stronger. What she had forced them to do and to watch being done to the other had forged a bond that Brent did not think could be broken.

“That’s great,” Devyn said. He was glad that Brent had someone like Steven. “Everyone needs that sort of friend.”

Brent wanted to get the topic off him and back onto Devyn. “So how did you end up doing this play? It is not something I would have ever considered you doing.”

“You are right, it wasn’t really something I ever considered. Stacy just… well… was not going to take no for an answer.”

Brent felt a little left out when Devyn talked about his new friends. It caused Brent to realize that he had not made new friends at his school. He wished he and Devyn could go to the same school. They would have a better chance of becoming close like they used to be.

“I guess girls are like that,” Brent said.

“Stacy is for sure. I’m not sure why she didn’t try to get Sam and Charlie involved.”

Brent felt a stab of jealousy when Devyn mentioned Charlie. Brent wondered if that guy were out of the way if they would have a better chance at rekindling what they had shared. “So, about the play?”

Devyn was nervous about Brent coming for a visit. It wasn’t just seeing him in the play. It was also Brent meeting his friends. Or one friend in particular, Charlie. Devyn knew he should not feel apprehensive about that. He should just relax and let Brent and Charlie meet. It just felt odd having your first boyfriend meeting your current boyfriend. Devyn knew that if Matt and Bryan agreed to the visit that it would help take Brent’s mind off the court date next week. “Sure, come and see just how bad I am.”

“You won’t be that bad,” Brent said. “You seem to be good at whatever you try.”

“Thanks, but I don’t know.” Both Stacy and Mrs. Rogers had been telling Devyn how good he was. Simon had said he was a natural. Devyn just felt a bit out of place up on the stage with everyone watching him. He should be more relaxed about it. It wasn’t like this was the first time he had put on a show. Of course, the shows he had put on for Tom and Tom’s customers had involved him naked.

“You’ll be great,” Brent said.

“Thanks. So do you think you will really come?”

“I’ll ask Matt and Bryan. I think there’s a good chance.”

“I’ll check with Joe but there should not be a problem putting you up here,” Devyn said. “Travis can sleep with me; you can have his room and then Matt and Bryan can have the spare room.”

“I’ll let you know what they say,” Brent said.

Brent wasted no time in going to ask Matt and Bryan about going to see Devyn’s school play. “I think it will be fun,” he said. “Don’t you think?” Brent looked from Matt to Bryan. He thought Bryan was up for it and Matt seemed to have a definite glint of interest in his eyes.

“It would be good to see where he lives now,” Matt said. Part of him wanted to make sure that Devyn was in a good place. It sounded like he was from what Devyn had told them. Joe and Matt had only talked briefly but Matt thought Joe seemed like a good man.

“It will be fun,” Bryan said. “I’d like to meet some of the friends he talks about.”

“Then we can go?” Brent could not keep the excitement out of his voice.

Matt and Bryan exchanged a look. It was the first true excitement Brent had shown in a long time. The men knew they could not say no. “As long as Joe’s comfortable with it, then we can go.”

“Thanks Matt!” Brent hugged Matt and then Bryan. “You two are the best. I’ll call Devyn and let him know. He said we can stay there.”

“Well, make sure that is good with Joe. In fact, have Devyn text me Joe’s number. I’d like to hear it from him.”

“Sure,” Brent said and hurried to his room to tell Devyn.

The closer they got to Devyn’s, the more nervous Brent felt. He knew he needed to relax. He was feeling more out of his safe zone the further from home they got. Other than his stay in the hospital, he had not stayed anywhere but in his room at Matt and Bryan’s since his escape from the clinic.

Devyn had seemed reluctant when Brent had first mentioned coming to see the play, but when Brent had called Devyn later, he seemed excited about it. “Between my friends, Joe, Travis, Ethan and now you guys, it will be like I have my own cheering section.”

“We will be rooting for you,” Brent said. “So, break a leg.”

Brent had been excited until they started getting close to Devyn’s. Then he started getting nervous. He reminded himself that it was Devyn. Devyn had forgiven Brent for all the things he had done wrong. The guy was great and maybe if they spent more time together, they could reconnect.

Brent was not convinced that Devyn’s feelings for Charlie could be that strong. Devyn was out, and from what Devyn had told Brent, Charlie was very closeted. “Remember he’s not out,” Devyn said, “so remind everyone to not mention us other than friends.”

“Sure. sure,” Brent agreed and had reminded Matt and Bryan.

“It looks like a quaint little town,” Matt said from the passenger’s seat. Bryan was driving the SUV.

“It does,” Bryan said. “Nice and sleepy and boring.”

“Sometimes boring can be good,” Matt said.

“It sounds like they have lots of events,” Brent said from the back seat. “Devyn was telling me about the football game, a bonfire after the game and of course that dance.”

“Right,” Bryan said. “Now this play. I guess for a small town, they’ve got a lot going on.”

“Devyn sure does,” Brent said. “he’s also tutoring some other student.” Brent looked down at his hands and then back up at the men in the front seat. “He’s changed so much, but yet… um… he’s still Devyn.”

“He’s grown up so much,” Matt agreed. “He’s matured and gained a lot of self-confidence.”

“He has,” Brent agreed.

“This is our turn,” Matt said looking at the directions Devyn had given him. “He said the GPS got it wrong when we were to turn onto his road.”

“Do you think those are their cattle?” Brent asked. He was looking out the windows at the herd of cattle in the field on his side of the car.

“I bet they are,” Bryan said. “It sounded like Joe owned quite a bit of land and had a large herd.”

Brent could not believe his friend as this boy who worked with livestock. Of course, he found it hard to believe Steven as well. Brent wondered if Devyn and Steven met if the two might hit it off. They had this farming or ranching thing in common.

They crossed over a bridge and then drove up a hill. The house was larger than Brent had expected. He looked at the different outbuildings. There were several and some were huge in Brent’s mind.

“I bet the big one is where Joe stores all of the equipment,” Bryan stated as he turned and parked the car.

Brent looked at the building that Bryan mentioned. “I wonder which one has Devyn’s calves in it.”

“I’m sure he’ll show you,” Matt said.

“He might put you to work,” Bryan said. He then added, “I hope you didn’t wear those new shoes.”

“Knock it off,” Brent said. He looked towards the house and saw Devyn coming down the sidewalk. Damn the guy looked so good.

“Wow, he’s better looking with that new haircut,” Bryan said.

Brent slowly got out of the car with Matt and Bryan. He rubbed his sweaty hands against his jeans. He knew he shouldn’t be nervous, but he was. It was like he was meeting the guy for the first time.

“Did you have any trouble finding us?” Devyn asked.

“Not at all,” Matt said and moved to give Devyn a hug. “Your directions were perfect.”

“I like the new haircut,” Bryan said. “It shows off that ugly mug of yours.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. He knew Bryan was teasing him.

“You look good,” Brent said.

“Thanks,” Devyn said and moved to hug Brent. He paused before touching Brent. Devyn could remember how sometimes physical contact would cause Brent stress. “Can I get a hug?”

Brent stepped up and put his arms around Devyn. He could instantly feel his already rapidly beating heart start beating faster.

“Who’s your friend,” Bryan said, indicating the dog.

“This is Sirius,” Devyn said. “He was originally a gift to Joe from Travis, but since Travis came to live here, well he’s become more Travis’ dog. Barkley, the other dog, is inside. He’s having more trouble getting around with the cooler weather.” Devyn knew part of Barcley’s problem was due to a gunshot wound. When Devyn’s former pimp had shown up to reclaim his property (the man had considered Devyn his property), Barkley had tried to protect Devyn. Tom had shot Barkley. At the time Devyn had been sure the shot had killed Barkley, but it had just wounded the big dog. Barkley’s distraction had given Devyn the time he had needed to get away and to dial 9-1-1. “Let me help you with your bags,” Devyn offered.

“We’ve got them,” Matt said. “We traveled light this time.”

“Come on in and meet everyone,” Devyn said and started leading the way back to the house.

“Everyone?” Brent said nervously.

“Matt and Bryan have met Joe and Travis, but you haven’t. Ethan is also here. He’s Joe’s boyfriend and he’ll be going to the play tonight too.”

Brent was nervous as he followed Devyn up the sidewalk and onto the front porch. He knew he would be meeting Devyn’s new family but now for some reason it was feeling a bit overwhelming.

Brent followed Devyn into the front foyer. Devyn and Joe rarely used it. They normally went in through the back porch and the kitchen.

“Everyone’s in the living room,” Devyn said. “Just sit your bags here and we can carry them to your rooms later.”

Brent’s eyes traveled around the house as he followed Devyn. It was obvious that the house was old but either well maintained or restored. Brent liked the way the afternoon light showed through the stained-glass windows in the living room. The house definitely had a masculine feel to it. The hardwood floors, the large comfortable furniture and deep oak trim seemed to fit the house.

Devyn showed them into the living room and did the introductions. Brent thought that Ethan did not look much older than himself. Brent remembered Devyn saying that Ethan was in college. He was a nice-looking guy with his light brown hair, grey eyes, and fit body. The burnt orange sweater was tight across the man’s chest and the design flowed down to emphasize his narrow waist. Joe was maybe a little younger than Matt and Bryan, in Brent’s estimate. He was quite a bit older than Ethan. He was also damn good looking. His blue eyes seemed to see right into you. His shoulders were broad and the white button up shirt was tight across his powerful chest and filled out the arms with his solid biceps. The black pants were also filled out well with his endowments.

“This is Travis,” Devyn said and signed as he spoke. “You met Matt and Bryan at the hospital,” Devyn reminded Travis. “This,” Devyn placed a hand on Brent, “is my friend Brent.”

Brent was amazed at how fast Devyn could sign for Travis. He wondered if there was anything his friend could not do. He acted, doing sign language and tutoring. Brent wondered what other talents Devyn had that Brent had not known about. They had been so close before and Brent would have said he knew everything about Devyn.

“You want to help me carry the bags upstairs?” Devyn asked. He could tell the men were getting along well. It seemed that Joe, Matt, and Bryan were becoming fast friends.

“Um… sure.” Brent followed Devyn back to the foyer and grabbed his bag. Devyn grabbed the other two bags. “I could carry…”

“I’ve got ’em,” Devyn said.

Brent followed Devyn to the stairs and to the second floor. Brent had been expecting a hallway, but the stairs opened into a decent sized room. There was a couch with an end table and lamp. There was a flat screen television across from the couch. There was also a window that was letting in the late afternoon sunlight. There were shelves that housed books and games. It seemed that Devyn and Travis had their own little family room up here.

“This is Matt and Bryan’s room,” Devyn said as he deposited the bags. “It was mostly just storage, but Joe moved that junk out to the loft of the carriage shed.” Devyn stepped back out of that room. “This room is mine.” Devyn indicated the room as they passed it. “Your room is over here,” Devyn led Brent to the last room. “It’s the largest room up here,” Devyn stated. “Sorry about the Transformers sheets and blankets.” Devyn’s lips curved into a smile. “That is what Travis is into these days. It’s all clean though.”

“It’s cool,” Brent said. “I’ve watched the stuff myself.” Brent sat down with his one bag.

“I bet you don’t have Transformer underwear,” Devyn said. “Or maybe you do?” Devyn arched an eyebrow at Brent.

Brent laughed. “No. No transformer underwear.” They were silent for a moment and Brent tried to think of something else to say as he glanced around the room. There was a closet on one wall. A window looked out over the back of the house, and you could see the start of some woods on the other side of a field. There were also shelves filled with toys and stuff. Brent spotted a picture of a man, a woman, and a younger looking Travis.

“That’s Ben and Hannah,” Devyn said when he noticed Brent looking at the picture. “Those are Travis’s Dad and Mom.”

Brent could see the resemblance to Joe in the woman’s eyes. Brent knew from what Devyn had told him that it had been Hannah that had set everything up for Devyn to come to live with Joe. That had been after she had arrested Devyn. “She’s pretty,” Brent said.

“She was,” Devyn agreed. “She was one special person.” Devyn could not keep the sorrow from his voice. He owed his second chance with Joe to her. If she had not arrested him, he probably would have never gotten out of Tom’s clutches. He probably would have ended up continuing to sell his body and using drugs. “I owe her so much.”

“It’s crazy how people like her, and Matt and Bryan have given us… um… a whole new life.” Brent knew like Devyn; he owed just as much to Matt and Bryan as Devyn did to Hannah.

“We got lucky,” Devyn said.

“We did,” Brent agreed.

“You’re looking good,” Devyn said. “I mean better than when I was at your house.”

“I feel a little better. I’ve gotten back some of my strength. Bryan’s going to be making me work out with him again after the court thing.”

Devyn could tell that Brent was stressed about the upcoming court date. He moved closer to Brent and placed a comforting hand on the blonde’s arm. “Don’t stress about that. It is just some stupid formality.”

Brent felt a surge of electricity at Devyn’s touch. “I hope you’re right.”

“You know I’ve been through that,” Devyn said. “Actually, twice now. Once when Joe was given custody of me after… after I was arrested and then when he adopted me. We’re both old enough that the judge will listen.”

“You think so?” Brent looked hopefully at Devyn.

“They will,” Devyn reaffirmed.

“Matt and Bryan, both tell me that too. I guess I’m just worried. I think more about seeing my folks again. I’ve been such a disappointment to them.”

“NO,” Devyn said a bit sharply. “You have not. They are disappointing. Just like Frank and Judy.” Devyn stepped so he could look directly into Brent’s face. He used a finger to brush a stray lock of Brent’s blonde hair back into place. “You are not a disappointment. They are disappointing parents, and they don’t deserve a son like you.”

Brent felt a thickness in his throat. “Thanks.”

“You and I both got a raw deal. Our parents are crap. Ethan’s folks were surprised by him being gay, but they loved him and accepted him as he was. They didn’t kick him out like mine did or try and change him like your parents tried to do to you.”

“Matt said his parents were like that,” Brent said. “Bryan got our kind of parents.”

“So did Joe. His dad was damn hard on him. He thought he could beat being gay out of him.”

“Shit. It’s hard to believe anyone could beat him,” Brent said. “I mean he’s kind of big.”

Devyn chuckled. “Yeah, he is now but he was a scrawny kid.”

“It’s crazy that four out of six of us had parents that couldn’t accept us being gay,” Brent said.

“I know,” Devyn said. “That is why it’s been hard on Charlie to come out. He’s worried his folks will react like mine.”

“Do you think they will?” Brent asked.

“His Mom has been cool with me. I was just over at her house and she’s awesome. I haven’t been around his dad as much, but he’s been nice. He and Joe are friends to some extent.”

“Well, don’t worry, we won’t out him,” Brent said. Brent wasn’t sure if he actually wanted to meet Charlie or not. He knew it was not fair, but he disliked the guy for being so important to Devyn.

“Thanks for that,” Devyn said. “You want to take a quick walk around? I’ll have to leave soon to get to school and get into costume.”

“Um… sure.”

Brent once again followed Devyn. He kind of liked to follow Devyn. It gave him ample time to check out Devyn’s back side. It looked good in the snug fitting blue jeans.

“That’s obviously the garage,” Devyn indicated a building that was near the house. “Joe keeps saying we’re going to clean it out, but we haven’t. There is only enough room in there for his truck and sometimes not even room for it.”

Brent followed Devyn over to the largest building, and like Bryan had said, it was where all of the large machinery was stored. “You drive this stuff?” Brent asked, as he looked around at the various pieces of farm equipment.

“Yeah,” Devyn confirmed. “Joe had me driving tractors shortly after I got here. I didn’t even have a learner’s permit yet. Heck, I drove his truck without one too. I actually was freaking out as the cop pulled up next to me.”

“Shit did you get into trouble?”

Devyn chuckled. “No. It was Lee and he’s Joe’s best friend. He’s turned out to be a good friend to me too. He is kind of like a favorite uncle.”

“He sounds nice,” Brent said. He followed Devyn out of the large barn and to a second barn.

“This is where we store the hay for the winter.” Brent looked at the large round bales. They were stacked and filled the whole shed from wall to wall and from the floor to the rafters. “Wow, that’s a lot.”

“Heck, that isn’t even all of it,” Devyn said. “There’s more out behind the other barn. We never have room for all of it.”

Brent followed Devyn to the next barn. Devyn pushed the door open, and the smell of livestock greeted Brent. He stepped inside and Devyn slid the door shut. He flipped on a light and Brent could see the pens with little calves. “Are these yours?”

“Yes,” Devyn’s voice had a note of pride. “They are mine. Joe loaned me the money to buy them, and I have to pay him back when I sell them. I get the profit from them, but I have to do all the work.”

“Do you like it? The work I mean?”

Devyn leaned against the wall. “You know, I do.” Devyn could see a glimmer of disbelief in Brent’s eyes. “I know. It is odd, isn’t it? I’d never guessed it of me either, but I like working with the animals. It’s… well… relaxing or something.”

“I’d never guessed it before,” Brent said.

“Me either. I thought I’d be like Frank and get a job at the construction company. He was kind of grooming me for that.”

“I remember the weekends when you would go to work with him. I thought you kind of liked it.”

Devyn sighed. “I didn’t mind it. I mean… I… um… looked up to Frank. I liked spending time with him.”

Brent could hear the tears in Devyn’s voice at the lost relationship with Frank. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

Devyn held up a hand. “It’s fine. Yeah, it still hurts but it’s kind of like it died… the relationship I mean. Maybe that was why Frank was telling the people that I was dead. He felt like the father and son relationship was dead.”

“He killed it though,” Brent stated. “Just like Richard killed his and mine.”

“They are two of a kind, aren’t they?”

Brent could only nod in agreement. Like Devyn, he felt sorrow at the death of the father and son relationship.

Devyn stepped up and slid his arm around Brent. “We got lucky though. Joe’s a great father figure and I am sure Matt and Bryan are as well.”

“They are,” Brent confirmed. “What about… um… Ethan? Do you like him?”

“Ethan’s cool. He’s fun. He’s made Joe a little more fun.”

“He seems a little young for Joe,” Brent said.

“Ethan likes older men and Joe kind of likes younger guys,” Devyn explained.

“Younger guys?” Brent looked into Devyn’s eyes. “Did you and Joe…”

“No, not that I didn’t try. I told you about me trying to put the moves on him our first night together. I slid naked into his bed. It was… well… a bit embarrassing. I was so messed up by Tom.”

“I guess Joe did…um…not take advantage of that.”

“He definitely did not. He resisted every time I tried.”

“You tried after that first time?” Brent was surprised.

“Yeah, a few times. I was messed up by Tom. I thought the only thing I was good for… or good at was a fuck. If I’d ended up with some other foster dad other than Joe… well… I’m sure they would have taken advantage of the number Tom had done on me.”

Brent was surprised at how bluntly Devyn was being. Brent knew a little about what Tom had done to Devyn, but he seemed more willing to talk about it here. “I guess Tom took advantage of your… um…”

“I was naive and innocent. Not so much now. Tom seduced me and manipulated me. I thought, in the beginning, that he loved me. I guess that was my second father figure to kill a relationship. Tom only loved what I could bring him and that was returning customers.”

“I’m so sorry Devyn.” Brent felt guilty. If he had not turned his back on Devyn that day so long ago, then Devyn may not have had to go through that trauma with Tom.

“It’s alright,” Devyn said. “If it had not been for Tom, then I would not be here and here is where I belong. Just like you belong with Matt and Bryan and the judge will see that next week.”

“I hope you are right.” Brent felt a little reassured by Devyn’s words. Devyn had been through the custody hearings which gave Brent some hope. He just could not stop the nagging feeling that it would all end up going wrong.

Devyn moved back to Brent and slid his arm around his friend’s shoulders. “I am right. I’m always right.”

Brent laughed. “Yeah, sure you are.”

Devyn squeezed Brent. “Look, I’ve got to get going. I’ll come and find you after the play.”

“Alright.” Brent watched as Devyn moved to the pens of calves and scratched a couple of them on the head before moving to the door and flipping off the lights.

Brent followed Devyn out of the barn. He watched as Devyn closed the door and then followed Devyn back towards the garage and the truck parked there. “Joe’s letting me use his truck,” Devyn said. “He’s going to ride in with Ethan in Ethan’s car.”

“Well… um… I’m looking forward to seeing you in the play,” Brent said.

Brent felt a little odd hanging out at Devyn’s without Devyn there. He had watched Devyn climb into the truck and drive off down the hill and then cross the bridge.

Brent returned to the living room with the men and Travis. Travis was sitting engrossed in his tablet. Matt, Bryan, and Joe were talking. Brent wondered where Ethan had gone. Brent took the closest seat. Brent glanced over at the men. They appeared to be on their way to becoming friends. Maybe that would allow him and Devyn to visit more often.

“You took my seat,” Ethan said, standing next to the chair Brent was sitting in.

Ethan had not been in the room when Brent had come back in from outside. He had just picked the closest seat. “Oh… um… sorry.” Brent started to get up, but Ethan placed a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s cool buddy.” Ethan pulled up another chair. “You want a soda or something?”

“Um… sure.”

Ethan handed Brent the bottle of soda that was in his hand. “You can have this one. It’s open but I haven’t had a drink yet. I’ll just go grab myself another one.”

Brent took the offered drink and watched as Ethan left the room. The college guy wasn’t gone long before returning and sitting next to Brent. Brent took a drink of the cold soda that Ethan had handed him. He had not realized how thirsty he was. He was glad to have the bottle as it gave his hands something to do. He was trying to think of something to say to the college man. Devyn had said he was nice, and Ethan had been polite so far.

“Did you watch the game last night?” Ethan asked to break the ice between him and Brent.

“Um…no. I’m not much into sports,” Brent answered.

“Me either,” Ethan said. “My roommate Lance is though, so we had a couple of beers and watched it. It was a close one, so it was more interesting to watch.”

“You’ve got roommates?” Brent guessed that was kind of normal but wondered if Ethan and this roommate were more than just roommates.

“Yeah, there are four of us sharing an apartment. It helps with the costs. They’re cool guys. They were fine with me being gay.”

“So… um… they’re all straight?” Brent was a bit surprised by that.

“Yeah, although I think Alan is at least bi but he’s afraid to admit it.”

Brent started to relax and found Ethan easy to talk to. The man seemed to be honestly interested in the conversation. Brent started asking Ethan about college. Both Matt and Bryan were encouraging Brent to go to college, but he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after high school. It might have been the questions Brent was asking that led Ethan to guess that about Brent.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do when I started college,” Ethan said. “I briefly considered business like my dad. I even took the courses, and I may still take a few more. I figure it doesn’t hurt but Occupational Therapy seems a better fit for me.”

Brent definitely believed that Ethan had the people skills for that. Plus, the guy was damn good looking and appeared to have a nice body under the sweater. Brent could see him being able to encourage patients to do their best.

“My… um… well I had considered business but that doesn’t seem a fit for me.” Brent had begun to say his father had been pushing him towards the business route but had changed it. He wanted to stop thinking of Richard as his father. “I thought about being an architect like Matt.”

“That could be cool,” Ethan said.

“I don’t feel I’m cut out to be a marine like Bryan.”

“The military is definitely not for me,” Ethan said. “I’d never be able to keep my hands off guys if they looked like him.”

Brent chuckled. “Yeah, that is a concern.”

Ethan leaned closer. “I’ve got it bad for that farmer, but there is something about a man in uniform. It just makes me… drool… if you know what I mean.” Ethan gave Brent a seductive wink.

“Um… yeah…” Brent could feel his cheeks heating up at Ethan’s sexual innuendo.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Ethan said.

“It’s alright. I blush kind of easy.” Brent was glad that the conversation with Ethan was not causing Wilson to rear her ugly head. It had been nice the past couple of weeks having not heard her voice even once.

“You’re cute when you do,” Ethan said. “I try to get Devyn to blush but he’s a bit harder. Charlie on the other hand is easy. He’s fun to mess with.”

“Do… um… you know Charlie well?” Brent was curious what Ethan thought of the guy.

“Not really,” Ethan said. “I mean he’s been here some when I’ve been here, but we don’t know each other too well. He’s kind of shy or at least not very talkative about himself. That is because he’s still hiding being gay. I’m so glad I don’t have to do that. It’s much easier just putting it all out there.”

“I guess.” Brent was more comfortable when he didn’t have to hide his sexual orientation. He knew he was safe with this group. Every one of them was gay. Well, except for Travis. Brent wondered if having so many gay men around the boy would influence him. Would Travis want to be like Joe and Devyn?

“I know you and Devyn had a hard time coming out,” Ethan said. His voice was compassionate. “That sucks for both of you. My parents were great. They were surprised but accepting.”

“Devyn mentioned that and it’s great. I wish mine had been. I wish Devyn’s had too. Things would be so much different if they had.” Brent knew if his and Devyn’s parents had accepted them, that he and Devyn would be together now. They would be exploring their sexual relationship and thinking of their future. They would be picking out colleges where they could go together. They would be sharing either a room or an apartment when they went to college and thinking about getting married. Brent glanced over at Matt and Bryan and knew that in that world of having parents like Ethan’s, that they could be like the two men.

“You doing alright soldier?” Bryan asked from the front seat of the SUV. They had left to drive into town for the play. Matt was driving, following Joe in Ethan’s car as Devyn had taken Joe’s pickup.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“It looked like you and the college boy were getting along well,” Bryan said.

“Ethan’s nice,” Brent said. “We talked about college and stuff.”

“He’s a good-looking kid,” Bryan said.

“Yeah, he’s younger than I expected,” Matt said.

“Yeah, me too,” Brent said. “Devyn said Ethan likes older guys and I guess Joe likes a younger guy.”

“I’m sure he’s hot in bed,” Bryan said. “But I don’t see the two of them as a long-term thing.”

“You don’t?” Brent was surprised. Joe and Ethan seemed to be fine together.

“I’m not saying there isn’t chemistry there,” Bryan said. “I just don’t see that boy being a farmer and I don’t see Joe ever leaving the farm.”

“I’d agree with that,” Matt said. “Joe’s roots run deep on that farm.”

“Do you think Devyn would leave?” Brent asked softly.

Matt and Bryan exchanged a look. “Honestly Brent, I doubt it.” Matt glanced in the rearview mirror but could not tell how Brent was feeling.

“Devyn’s putting down some strong roots there,” Bryan added. “He loves Joe and Travis. He might go away to college, but he’ll go back there afterwards.”

Brent felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. Having Bryan and Matt confirm what he, himself, had felt was dashing his hopes of a relationship with Devyn.

“How would you feel about living on a farm,” Matt asked.

Brent shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I mean I never gave it much thought and… well… I don’t know much about farming and animals.”

“It would be a big change,” Bryan said. “But Devyn seems to have thrown himself into it.”

“He truly likes it,” Brent said. He had seen that from how Devyn had talked about the farm and taking care of the animals.

“It gives you a lot to think about,” Matt said.

“I’m not sure it does,” Brent said. “Devyn’s got a boyfriend.” Saying the words made Brent’s sick feeling stronger. He did not like the idea of Devyn with some other guy.

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Bryan said. “I want to see what kind of boy Devyn is with.”

“Do you think we will meet him?” Brent was not sure how he felt about that. He wanted to see what the guy was like. Devyn had shown Brent a picture of Charlie and the guy was good looking enough.

“Devyn said he would be there,” Bryan said.

Matt was pulling into the parking lot now. He followed Joe and pulled into the spot next to Ethan’s car. “It looks like the whole town is here,” he said.

Brent looked around at all the cars filling the parking lot. He had to agree with Matt’s assessment. It did look like everyone had turned out for the school play. Brent slid from the car and followed the others into the auditorium.

“I’m kind of surprised that a school play brings out this many people,” Bryan commented to Joe.

“There does seem to be more here than normal,” Joe said. “Normally plays bring out the family of those in the play. It could be due to last weekend being the big football game. The two events are not usually that close together.”

“You don’t think it’s because of the dance, do you?” Ethan asked, looking at Joe.

“Maybe,” Joe said.

“Brent told us a little about the dance,” Matt said.

“It sounded like you two started something,” Bryan said.

“Just dancing with my man,” Ethan said and slid his arm around Joe.

“It was great of the other kids to show the support that they did,” Joe said. “It was unexpected.”

As they waited in line, Brent noticed how many people spoke to Joe. The man seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed friendly. Brent wondered if the people wondered who he, Matt, and Bryan were.

It took them a little time to get through the line and find their seats. Brent ended up sitting next to Travis. He wished he could talk to the boy. He felt odd sitting there and not being able to communicate. Travis showed Brent the tablet that he had brought with him. It seemed that was how Travis was going to communicate. Travis had opened a notepad app.

“Devyn set this up for me,” Brent read. “It’s got the script from the play. He put time stamps in it but said it might not be too accurate.”

Travis passed the notebook to Brent and Brent typed back. “I’ll try and help you keep up with what is going on.”

“Thanks,” Travis said. Brent was a little surprised by Travis speaking. Until then, Brent had not heard Travis speak so assumed that he couldn’t. Brent realized the younger boy was more accomplished than Brent had believed.

Brent motioned for the notepad again. “Do you see Devyn’s boyfriend here?” Brent wanted to know if Charlie was there and wouldn’t mind getting a look at him. Maybe the guy was not as good looking in person.

Travis stood up and scanned the crowd. He tried to spot Charlie but did not see him. He looked behind them and saw him coming in with Heather. “he’s just getting here,” Travis typed on the tablet. “Want to meet him?”

Brent turned a bit and tried to be not obvious about looking at the boy. They were coming closer. “He’s with a girl?” Brent passed the device back to Travis.

“Yeah, that’s new,” Travis typed. “She’s just a friend though. He’s in love with Devyn.”

Brent felt like he had been kicked with that statement. Having Travis put it in writing seemed to make it more real for Brent. Brent was glad when Charlie stopped a few rows back. He was afraid that if he passed by them, they would be close enough for Travis to try and introduce them. Brent did not believe he was ready for that.

The lights in the auditorium went down and the audience started to get quiet. The curtain went up and the play started. Brent watched as the students played their parts. Brent knew he might be a little biased, but he thought Devyn was better than the rest. It was hard to believe that Devyn had not done this before.

“He’s good, don’t you think?” Matt said leaning close to Brent so he could hear him.

Brent nodded. The other performers were also good. The lead girl was maybe even a better actor than Devyn. Some of the other performers seemed to tend to overact their roles.

“For a school production, it isn’t too bad.” Brent heard Brian whisper to Matt.

Brent felt a tap on his arm and looked over at Travis and then at the tablet. He helped Travis find the right place in the script that Devyn had loaded onto the tablet. It reminded Brent again how thoughtful and considerate Devyn was. It was obvious that despite everything, that part of Devyn had not changed.

The school production could have dragged on, but watching Devyn had made the time speed by for Brent. All too soon, the cast was taking their bow. Brent clapped along with the rest of the audience. It was obvious that the students had put a lot of work into the play.

“It actually was kind of good,” Bryan said. “Better than I had anticipated.”

Matt agreed with Bryan. It had turned out to be better than Brent had anticipated. The crowd slowly started making their way out of the auditorium. It took a while as the cast was lined up in the lobby area in their costumes. It took them a while to reach Devyn. “You were great,” Matt said.

“You were so much better than expected,” Bryan said with a teasing twinkle in his blue eyes.

Devyn chuckled. “Thanks Jarhead.”

“You were good,” Brent said.

Travis pushed between Brent and Devyn so he could hug Devyn. “You are good.” He said aloud.

“Thanks,” Devyn said and signed.

“Hey, I didn’t realize he could… I mean, that he…” Brent realized he was about to stick his foot in his mouth.

“We practice so he can say some phrases. He’s getting better,” Devyn explained.

“Loading that script onto his tablet was a great idea,” Brent said. “He followed along really well.”

“Good. I am glad. Thanks for helping him.” Devyn paused and then asked. “There is a cast party at Stacy’s. It’s just pizza and stuff. Do you want to go with me?”

“Um… I wasn’t part of the cast,” Brent said.

“The cast can bring a date. You want to be mine?”

Brent looked from Devyn to Matt and Bryan. “Go on,” Matt said. “Joe is taking us out to dinner, but I think it’s alright if you go with Devyn.”

“Sure, if it’s alright.” Brent knew he would be meeting Devyn’s friends and that made him nervous, but he also wanted to spend time with his friend. If he had to share him to do that, then he’d have to do that.

Brent moved on so the rest of the people that wanted to congratulate Devyn on a wonderful performance could get to him. He waited over by the door that he thought went to the backstage area. It wasn’t too long before Devyn had finished and came towards Brent. “Dang, I thought that was never going to end,” Devyn said.

“You seem really popular,” Brent commented. He had noticed all of the kids that had congratulated Devyn on his performance. Although Devyn had been well liked at their old school, Brent did not remember Devyn being as popular as he was here.

“I’m not really,” Devyn said. “I still need to change out of this costume. Come on back with me.”

“Um…you sure it’s alright for me to go backstage?”

“Sure, I’m giving you a backstage pass.”

Brent followed Devyn backstage. It seemed the party had already started. Most of the cast were still there congratulating each other. The lead girl actor came rushing over to them and threw her arms around Devyn. “It was impressive. You were great! Of course, we knew you would be!”

“You made it easy,” Devyn said, hugging the girl. “Stacy, this is my friend Brent. He’s visiting from out of town.”

“Hi,” she said. “You coming to the party?”

“Um… yeah,” Brent said.

“Great!” Stacy seemed to be genuinely excited that Devyn had invited him. “She seems… um… enthusiastic,” Brent said when Stacy had left them.

“She’s over the top, most of the time,” Devyn said. “She’s a damn good friend though.”

Brent followed Devyn through a door where the male cast members were changing back to street clothes. Devyn introduced Brent to just about everyone. “You’re coming to the party, right?” Simon asked when Devyn had introduced Brent to him.

“We are,” Devyn said.

“Awesome!” Simon said. “See you there.”

Devyn moved to the locker where his clothes were and started undressing. Brent could not stop himself from watching Devyn strip down to his underwear. His eyes drank in the smooth skin and the tight-fitting boxer briefs. He could feel himself growing sexually excited as he looked at Devyn’s chest, arms, and flat belly. When his eyes landed on Devyn’s package, he felt his own teenage equipment growing. He tried to stop himself from popping a boner. For so long, he had not been able to become sexually aroused and now it was going to happen to him in this room full of guys. Brent pulled his eyes off Devyn, and they landed on another guy who was undressed. That guy’s bubble butt was flexed as he was bending over to find socks or something in his locker. In every direction Brent turned, there was a guy that was only partially dressed. Brent briefly closed his eyes to try and stop the sexual urges. Closing his eyes did not help. He could still see Devyn’s bare chest. He could remember how good it felt to touch the bare skin. He could see in his mind’s eye his friend completely naked with the erect teenage penis sticking out from the brown curls. Brent opened his eyes. Devyn had pulled on pants but was still shirtless. He was looking at Brent with some concern.

“You alright?” Devyn’s voice was coated with his concern.

“Yes, just… um… never been backstage before.” Brent tried to keep his gaze focused on Devyn’s face but could not stop from looking at his sexy chest. Brent wanted to touch that smooth skin. He wanted to rub his fingers across those little nipples. He wanted to run his tongue between the pectorals and taste Devyn’s skin. He told himself to stop these thoughts. “You’re going to wake up Wilson,” he told himself.

Devyn pulled on a long sleeve tee. Brent could not stop himself from watching Devyn’s body flex and stretch as he pulled the shirt over his head. He hoped that no one would notice that he was half hard inside his pants. He needed to think of something besides Devyn’s sexy body.

Devyn was pulling on his shoes and socks. He looked up at Brent. “You sure you are alright?”

Brent swallowed. He was willing himself to settle down. He could feel his body breaking out in a sweat. He wondered if he was blushing. “I’m fine… it’s… um… a bit warm in here.”

“It felt a little chilly to me,” Devyn said. “But then I had been almost naked.” He chuckled a bit as he grabbed his jacket from the locker. “Come on, let’s get outside where it’s cooler for you.

Devyn placed a hand on Brent’s back as he guided him through the maze of the backstage and towards the back exit. They passed more kids, and they all spoke to Devyn. It took them several minutes to step out into the cool evening air.

“You alright?” Devyn asked when they were outside.

“Yeah,” Brent responded.

“You know when I asked you backstage, I didn’t think about… well… that we would be changing. I mean me and the other guys. Did it… um… did it cause you any problems?” Devyn was concerned that being around other half-naked guys might have caused Brent’s trauma with the psycho doctor to reopen.

“No, she’s been silent since that night in the woods,” Brent said. “I think that is due to you.”

“I’m glad that seeing us… I mean, me and the other guys did not cause you a problem.” Devyn lightly rubbed Brent’s arm.

“I was afraid for a moment that seeing you and some of the others…um…in your underwear would but it didn’t.” The only problem Brent had experienced was almost popping a boner. He was glad that his sexual urges had settled down a bit.

“Good. I told you that bitch would not win. Come on. Let’s get to Stacy’s before all the pizza is gone. I’m starving.”

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