Devyn’s Struggle II

Published: 23 Jan 2025

Devyn had walked a few blocks from the school. He purposefully turned a corner so that Tanner would not be able to watch him. He paused for a moment on the sidewalk. He took a deep breath. His whole body felt like it was trembling. He knew it was mostly from anger. He did not understand why some people hated him so much. He had never done anything to Tanner, Dale, or Ted. He had never even done anything to Howard. He had been nice to all of them until they turned on him.

Devyn took another deep breath and let it out. He reached up and ran his fingers through his chopped-up hair. He wondered if he should just go home and shave his head to fix the mess that Dale had made.

Devyn tried to think clearly, he had missed his bus, and his phone was at home on his dresser. He never brought it to school as he was afraid Tanner would find a reason to confiscate it. Devyn knew he needed to get a hold of Julie so he could tell her he wasn’t going to be able to take her to the dance. He felt like shit for letting down one of his best friends. He wondered if he should walk straight to her house. Charlie’s house was closer, but Devyn was sure Howard would be there. Devyn wasn’t sure that he would be able to hold back. If Howard started something, Devyn knew he’d end up kicking Howard’s ass. He was certain he could do it. His lips curved up into a devilish smile as he watched the scene of him beating Howard into a blubbering mess. It would feel so good to take down that bully. Devyn knew though, that doing that would just cause more problems for Charlie.

Devyn sighed. His shoulders slumped. He started walking again. Standing in one place was doing him no good. He started walking to Sam’s. Maybe Sam’s Mom or Steve could give him a ride to Julie’s and then home. If they could not give him a ride, at least he could call Joe from Sam’s to come in and get him. Devyn wiped the back of his hand across his eyes. He was not going to cry over this. He was just too mad to think straight. He wanted to kick something. He wanted to punch something.

Devyn heard a car coming from behind. He heard it slow down and come alongside him. He spun ready to take on Ted, Dale, or that royal asshole Howard. It was none of them. Devyn relaxed a little at the sight of the familiar police car.

“Hey,” Lee called from the window.

Devyn moved closer to the car. “Hi, Lee.” Devyn could not keep the anger out of his voice. He was sure it was also written all over his face.

Lee’s perceptive gaze took in the tension in the teenager. He could see the fury simmering in those chocolate pools. The golden flecks seemed to be burning with fire. “You alright?”

“Do I look fucking alright?” Devyn knew there was no reason to snap at Lee like that. He just could not help it. “Sorry… I’m not….”

“I see that… um… Um…what happened to your hair?”

At the question, Devyn could not help himself. His voice got louder with each word. “Those fucking pricks and that fucking homophobic dick wad!”

“How about you get in? I’ll give you a lift home.”

“I need to get to Julie’s,” Devyn said. He moved around the car to the passenger’s door. He did not want to tell Julie that he could not take her to homecoming over the phone. That just seemed rude to Devyn. He opened the door and slid into the seat next to Lee.

Lee pulled away from the curve. He glanced over at Devyn. He could see the tension in the teenager. “You want to tell me what happened?”

“Those motherfucking homophobic pricks.” Devyn almost shouted. His voice grew louder as he ranted a bit more about Ted, Dale, Tanner, and then Howard. “He’s not even in fucking high school and yet there he was just waiting to fuck with me.”

Lee listened to Devyn. He could hear how torn up the teenager was. He could not believe all of these years later and Devyn was going through some of the same shit Joe went through. “Do you want to press charges?”

“Could you… I mean really, could you arrest them?” Devyn was almost hopeful.

“I could and I will if you want to press charges…”

“I hear a ‘but’ in there.” Devyn already suspected the answer that Lee was about to give him.

“It would be your word against theirs. We do have the haircut and that is… um… well almost comical.”

“Don’t you fucking laugh.”

“Nope, not going to laugh but Lee could not stop the corners of his mouth from twitching. The kid did look funny with the hair sticking out all over. Some of it was long, and some of it was short. It was definitely a mess.

“I know it looks like shit.”

“Anyway,” Lee continued. “I could arrest them, but it is their word against yours. There is also Tanner. Folks are more likely to believe his version of events.”

“Of course, they will,” Devyn sighed. “I’m fucked once again.” Devyn realized then that Lee was not driving him over to Julie’s. He had not even been paying attention to where Lee had been driving them. “Hey, I thought you were driving me over to Julie’s.”

“Oh, sorry,” Lee said. “You want me to turn around?”

Devyn wondered if Ethan would agree to take Julie to homecoming. Ethan was a nice guy, and he was hot. Julie would get to go to the dance with a college guy. That had to be like some sort of status symbol…didn’t it? “No, that’s alright,” Devyn said. He would call Julie as soon as he got home. She was going to be so disappointed, but Devyn was sure if he begged and pleaded, he could get Ethan to take her. Having a hot guy like Ethan on her arm would hopefully make up for Devyn letting her down.

Lee drove out to the farm and parked the car. “Let’s go in and see what Joe thinks you should do about pressing charges.”

Devyn let Lee lead him up the sidewalk and inside to the kitchen. Joe was in the kitchen as he had been expecting the boy’s home early. “Lee, what brings you out?” Joe asked as Lee came through the door. Then Joe saw Devyn following Lee inside. “What the hell happened?”

Devyn launched into the story. He did not hide anything this time. He told Joe exactly what happened. “Mrs. Jones believes me. She did not believe that load of bull shit the pricks were spewing. But that homophobic prick Tanner believed it. I did nothing wrong. I defended myself and I got banned from homecoming. Do you think there is time for Ethan to bring some nice clothes? He could take Julie to homecoming. He’s hot and…”

Joe had already pulled out his phone. “Hey, I need a favor. We need you to bring some nice clothes to go to homecoming.” There was a pause before Joe continued. “No, Devyn’s date did not back out. But you have a date now. Yes, me.”

“You?” Devyn said when Joe hung up the phone. “What about Julie?

“You are going to the homecoming and taking Julie.” Joe was already bringing up another contact. In another moment he had placed a second call. “Hey Sus, do you still need some extra chaperones? Yeah, I just heard. I’ll be bringing a date. Sure, let him just try that shit with me.”

“But what about my hair?” Devyn said once Joe had ended the second call.

“Maggie’s my next call,” Joe said.

“I think I had better go,” Lee said. “I’m thinking I might need to be at the high school tonight in my official capacity.” Joe and Lee’s eyes met. Lee knew Joe well enough, and he knew one way or another Devyn would be at that dance. Lee just hoped he could stop things from escalating to where someone got into real trouble.

After Joe had placed the call to Maggie, she showed up around an hour later to fix Devyn’s hair. “Wow, they did a number on it. Never go back to that barbershop.”

“Trust me, it wasn’t my idea for a haircut. I liked it the way it was.” Devyn was trying not to be too cross. The lady had dropped everything to do Joe this favor.

“Well, they left me enough to work with here.” She patted Devyn’s shoulder. “Don’t worry honey. When I’m done, you’ll look like a teen model…hell a teen heartthrob.”

Devyn felt half bald after his shower. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. He thought he looked better with the longer hair but there was nothing he could do about that.

There was a knock on the bathroom door. “Hey, I’ve got your new clothes,” Ethan said through the door.

Devyn wrapped a towel around himself and opened the door. “Thanks.”

“Damn, nice haircut, dude. I’m glad you decided to get it cut. You look good.”

“Thanks, but the haircut… well… not really my idea.”

“It looks good.” Ethan’s eyes traveled over Devyn’s smooth chest and down the towel around his waist. “You look so hot in just a towel, but I bet you will look even hotter in these threads.” Ethan held out the garment bag with the clothes he had picked up from the Taylor shop. “Put them on and give us a show. That is when Joe gets here… where is he anyway?”

“Out doing chores. He’s taking care of my calves so I could get ready.”

“Doesn’t he have to get ready? I mean I thought we were going to this thing too.”

“You are, but I’ve got to leave a little earlier to pick up my date.”

“Alright, well drop that towel and put those on. I want to see how they look on you.”

Devyn stepped back into the bathroom and closed the door. “Hey, I wanted to see what was under the towel!” Ethan called from the other side of the door.

Devyn chuckled. “You’re crazy and you have a boyfriend.”

“Yeah, I look under his towel all the time…and all I can say is WOW!”

Devyn laughed again. Ethan’s joking around actually helped release some of the tension Devyn was feeling. He began getting ready. By the time he finished, Joe had returned from doing the chores. “Damn you do look nice,” he said.

“You sure do,” Ethan said seriously.

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “It feels a little snug.”

Ethan moved around Devyn looking him over. “It is supposed to feel that way. It shows off…well all of your substantial assets really well.”

“Um… thanks.” Devyn could feel his neck burn a bit. “Do you really think I look alright?” Devyn looked up into Joe’s vivid blue eyes.

Joe sometimes found it hard to believe that a kid as good-looking as Devyn seemed to need the reassurance that he looked good. “The haircut makes you look more polished. You could definitely be one of those teen heartthrobs.”

“It does,” Ethan agreed. “You look like you are ready to walk some Hollywood starlet down the red carpet.”

“Knock it off,” Devyn protested.

“He’s right,” Joe added. “Now let me get some pictures. Roberta will be expecting them.” Joe added that the last part when he saw Devyn had been about to complain about taking pictures.

“You do look handsome,” Travis signed.

Once Joe had finished taking a few pictures Ethan held his car keys out to Devyn. “I had it detailed.”

“You, um, want me to use your car?” Devyn’s eyes met Ethans.

“Well, you can’t pick up your date in that old dirty pick-up.”

Joe put his hand on the small of Ethan’s back. “I was going to wash up the truck until Ethan told me his plan.” Joe slid his arm around Ethan’s waist and pulled the younger man to him. “Having it detailed was a sweet thing.” Joe lightly kissed Ethan’s lips.

“Yeah, it was,” Devyn said as he took Ethan’s keys. “Now what about Tanner and…”

Joe held up a hand. “You just pick up Julie and have fun tonight. You let me manage everything else.”

“Alright.” Devyn turned to Ethan. “But if they don’t let me in, will you escort Julie?”

“That won’t happen,” Joe said. “You are going into that dance, and I’ll be watching you dance with your date.”

“Yeah, will I see you dancing with your date?”

“Maybe you will,” Joe said. He pulled Ethan a little tighter to his side.

Devyn drove to Julie’s house. Her father made him sit through the picture taking things again. “You two just look amazing,” Julie’s father stated. “I so wish your mom was here to see you looking so beautiful.”

“Don’t start Dad… I’ll start crying,” Julie said.

“Hey, no crying,” Devyn said.

“He’s right,” he said and took the last of the pictures. “I’ll get copies made for Joe.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Devyn agreed with Julie’s father. She did look amazing in her gown. They were going to make quite a striking couple.

“I love the haircut,” Julie said. “You look polished or something.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “It was a last-minute thing.

He parked Ethan’s car and then escorted Julie to the doors. They were running a little late because of Devyn’s extra time to get ready and then the picture taking.

“What are you doing here Mr. Roberts,” Tanner asked as the teens approached the door. “You have been banned from this event for fighting at school.”

Julie looked at Devyn with a panicked look on her face. “What fight?”

“It’s a long story,” Devyn said.

“I suggest you turn around and just take yourself home,” Tanner said.

“Why would he do that when he has such a beautiful date,” Joe said, as he stepped next to Devyn.

“He’s been banned due to his fighting,” Tanner stated.

“Devyn told me all about that. Were the other students involved in that fight banned?” Joe asked. Joe’s voice was firm but calm. Anyone who did not know him would not see the tension in every muscle in the man’s body. They would not see the blue flames burning in the man’s eyes.

“They were not,” Mrs. Jones said, coming up beside Tanner. “I just saw them inside.”

“You need to stay out of this,” Tanner told Mrs. Jones. Mrs. Jones only looked at Tanner. It was obvious from the look on her face that she had no intention of staying out of the situation.

“Hi Sus,” Joe said.

“Hi Joe,” Mrs. Jones said. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“If they are allowed to go then so is Devyn,” Joe said. “Or do you have a problem with Devyn going to this dance for a different reason?”

“He’s not going to this dance!” Tanner stated.

“So, the other boys are allowed to go but not the gay boy,” Lee stepped up next to Mrs. Jones.

“That’s because this one is a troublemaker and we don’t really have enough chaperones,” Tanner said. The excuse was lame no matter what anyone thought about Devyn being a troublemaker.

“Oh, then you are in luck,” Joe said. “I’ll be happy to chaperone, and I even brought a date.” Joe pulled Ethan up beside him. Joe’s hand remained possessively on Ethan’s back.

“We can’t,” Tanner began.

“You can’t what?” Mrs. Jones asked. “Have extra chaperones? You already said we needed them.”

“Yes, and I think with his parent here, that Devyn will be on his very best behavior,” Lee said. “That is unless you are preventing him from attending due to his sexual orientation. If that is the case,” Lee stepped up closer to Tanner, “then I’ll shut the whole thing down for obvious discrimination. You can explain that to the parents and the board.”

“You won’t do that,” Tanner stated.

Lee’s lips curved into a devilish smile. “Try me.”

“You will be overstepping your authority!” Tanner almost shouted.

Lee took another step closer. “Discriminating against a student is a crime in my book.” Lee’s eyes looked directly into Tanner’s. “Also allowing a student to be physically attacked by other students seems to me like negligence on the part of the principal. How far would you like my investigation to go?”

“He’s a twisted troublemaker!” Tanner’s voice was getting louder.

Joe stepped closer to Tanner. “You know perfectly well he is not. Your problem is with me. Stop taking out a stupid childish grudge on him. If you have something to say, then say it to me.”

Devyn could see Tanner’s blood pressure rising. The man’s hands were at his sides, but they were clenched into fists. “You twisted bastard. You have no idea…”

Joe cut off Tanner’s words. “I know exactly what your issue is with me.” He was not backing down. Joe and Tanner were standing toe to toe. Joe’s body might look relaxed but for those that knew the man well, it was clear that if Tanner threw the first blow, that Joe was ready.

“You’ve been a sick and twisted little manipulator and user your whole fucking life,” Tanner said. “I should have put you in your place years ago.”

The tension was growing thicker with each passing second. “You tried back then. You haven’t changed much, you’re still the big bully picking on guys who are smaller than you. Here’s your chance again. Go on and try and put me in my place but know that you only get one chance. You had better make it count.” Joe’s voice was low and there was no doubt about the threat laced in the words.

Ethan looked from Joe to Tanner. He could see the tension in Joe. He could also see something else in those blue eyes. It sent a shiver up Ethan’s spine. Those blue eyes were normally so warm but when they looked at Tanner, they were as cold as blue ice.

Lee tapped Devyn’s arm. “Take your date inside… now.”

“But… but…” Devyn was hesitant to leave Joe there. He felt bad that it was his fault all of this was happening.

“I said now.” Lee’s voice held a sharp command.

Devyn guessed with Lee there, that he wasn’t leaving Joe alone with Tanner. Maybe it would be better if he got Julie and himself out of there. Devyn slid his arm around Julie. “I think we should go in.” Devyn escorted Julie past Tanner and towards the gym. He wanted to turn and look at Joe and Tanner. He could feel the waves of anger rolling off of both men. Devyn wondered if Lee could keep the situation from getting worse.

Devyn heard Tanner starting to get louder as they approached the gym. Devyn thought he heard the man telling him to stop but unless those instructions came from Joe or Lee, Devyn was going to escort Julie inside. They stepped through the door and the music and laughter coming from the gym drowned out whatever Tanner was saying.

“That was intense,” Julie said.

“It was,” Devyn agreed. “I’m sorry about it. I guess Tanner and Joe have more of a history than I know.”

Julie glanced back at the door and then at Devyn. “Tanner seems to hate Joe even more than you. I think all this time he’s been picking on you because of his feelings towards Joe. Will everything be alright out there?”

“I think so…I think that is why Lee is here.” Devyn hoped Lee would be able to keep the peace with the two men ready to come to blows. “Come on, let’s go in.”

Devyn and Julie were the last couple to arrive. The music seemed to pause when they stepped through the inner doors. It felt like everyone was watching Devyn as he escorted Julie through the other kids to a table.

“We were beginning to wonder if you were going to make it,” Sam said when Devyn and Julie made it to the table.

Devyn and Julie slid into the seats that their friends had saved for them. Devyn was finding it hard to relax. He glanced at Charlie who was sitting next to his date, Heather. They did make a cute couple, Devyn thought. It made Devyn feel a little jealous. Stacy was sitting next to her date Justin. Devyn guessed that Simon had not gotten up the nerve to ask Stacy. Devyn knew Simon had a big crush on her. Sam and Lori seemed to have reconciled their differences. Devyn knew Sam had wanted Gabby as his date but that had not worked out for him.

As the conversation flowed around Devyn, he kept glancing at the door. He wondered if Joe and Ethan would be coming in or if Tanner would come in to drag Devyn out of the dance.

“I’m sure it will be alright,” Julie whispered to Devyn.

Devyn finally saw Joe and Ethan step through the doors. They were soon followed by Mrs. Jones but not Tanner. Devyn hoped that maybe Lee had arrested the prick.

“See there is Joe now,” Julie said.

Devyn nodded. He felt some relief at seeing Joe and then even more when Joe gave him a thumbs-up sign to let the teenager know everything was alright. “I guess it worked out.” Devyn wanted to find out what happened, but he stayed in his seat. He could find that out later.

“I guess Tanner decided not to stick around,” Julie said.

“Wow, Joe is here,” Sam said.

“He’s chaperoning,” Devyn explained.

“He even brought a date,” Stacy said. “That is so cool. The guy is hot!”

“Hey,” Justin complained. “You shouldn’t be checking out other guys.”

“Why not?” Stacy asked. “That guy is hot.”

“How would you feel if I said that?” Justin asked.

“If you want to say a guy is hot, go ahead,” Stacy said.

“You know what I mean,” Justin stated.

“Alright, I’ll have eyes for only you,” Stacy said.

With the Tanner situation resolved for the time being, Devyn was able to relax and start enjoying himself with his friends. He was glad that Joe was there, and that Tanner was not. It allowed him to relax and just have fun. The only drawback was that he wanted to be able to be there with Charlie.

“You look good,” Charlie said when they were alone for a few moments getting drinks for themselves and their respective dates. “The haircut… it makes you look… um… hot.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “You look nice too. The suit fits you well.” Devyn brushed a bit of lint off the jacket and then glided his hand down Charlie’s arm.

Charlie could feel his heart rate picking up. He had a tough time not thinking about what they had done just the other night. He really wanted to do that again. He wanted to touch Devyn. He wanted to hold Devyn’s hand. He wanted to kiss him.

Devyn quickly pulled his hand away from Charlie when he saw Ted moving towards them. “So, you found a way in,” Ted said.

“I guess Tanner had a change of heart,” Devyn said. He could not keep the satisfaction out of his voice.

Ted stepped closer. “You’ll get worse next time.”

“Oh, and who’s helping you next time? It took three of you this time.”

“I don’t need help to teach you a lesson,” Ted said. “I’ll teach you one too.” Ted glared at Charlie. “It’s obvious your brother isn’t man enough to manage you.”

“Is there a problem?” Joe’s deep baritone made Ted jump.

“No problem here,” Devyn said.

“I suggest you move along,” Joe was looking directly at Ted.

Ted did not say a word, but he turned and hurried away. He glanced back a couple of times and glared at Joe.

“It’s amazing how you can do that,” Charlie said.

“Do what?” Joe asked.

“Just give them that look and make them tuck tail and run.”

Joe chuckled. “He’s a bully, Charlie. They are afraid of anyone that will stand up to them.”

“I guess,” Charlie said.

Devyn could not believe how relaxed Joe seemed. “Um… you doing alright?”

“I’m fine,” Joe said. “But you and I will need to talk. It seems you have been keeping a couple of things from me.”

Devyn glanced down. “Not really.”

“Have fun tonight,” Joe said. “Enjoy this time with your date and your friends. We will talk tomorrow.”

“Sure,” Devyn said. He wondered just what Joe had figured out about Tanner and how the man had been treating Devyn.

“You two had better get back to your dates or someone will steal them out from under you.” Joe looked from Devyn to Charlie. “Then you’ll be stuck with each other.”

“You’re so not funny,” Devyn said.

They did return to their dates though. Devyn could not help but think about how sexy Charlie looked in the dress clothes. He wondered how much fun it would be to undress his friend. It would be hot taking off each piece of clothing.

Despite the way the evening had started, Devyn ended up having an enjoyable time. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and dancing with Julie. He also danced with Sam’s date, Charlie’s date, and Stacy. It seems his friends were not into dancing with their dates. Devyn understood Charlie but not Sam.

Devyn noticed that Dale and Ted were watching them all the time. It had to burn them that he had not been banned from the event and that his haircut had not turned out how the two had planned. Devyn could not tell if the two football players were watching him or if they were watching Charlie. It seemed to Devyn they were watching both of them.

When Charlie left to use the restroom, Devyn waited a few moments and then excused himself. He found Charlie in the restroom. Adam and Simon were just leaving as Devyn went in. “Having fun?” Simon asked as they passed.

“Yeah, I am,” Devyn responded.

“Let’s hope the play is as much fun,” Adam said.

“I doubt it will be,” Devyn said.

He then stepped into the restroom and let the door close behind him. It blocked out some of the noise. He glanced around and saw he and Charlie were alone. Charlie was just stepping up to the sink to wash his hands. “Hey,” Devyn greeted.

“Hi,” Charlie said.

Devyn walked up and placed his hand on Charlie’s back. “Have I mentioned how sexy you are tonight?”

Charlie could feel his ears begin to burn. “Um… no.”

“You are.” Devyn slid his hand down Charlie’s back and then under Charlie’s jacket to feel the blonde’s firm butt. “I wished it was you I was dancing with when I was dancing with Heather.”

Charlie could feel himself growing excited at Devyn’s touch. “I wished that too.” Charlie glanced at the door. Someone could walk in anytime and find them like this.

Devyn saw where Charlie looked and removed his hand from Charlie’s ass. “You know your friends will be fine with you and me together.”

“I guess,” Charlie said. “But not everyone else will.”

“You mean Dale and Ted?”

“You noticed them watching me?” Charlie looked in the mirror at Devyn’s attractive face. The guy was even better looking with his new haircut.

“Yeah, at first I thought it was just me, but it seems it is both of us.”

“They’re… um… expecting me to get Heather alone and… um… you know.” Charlie could feel his neck burn a bit at the admission.

“Really,” Devyn was surprised. “This is your first date, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Charlie said. “I mean we’ve hung out with other people before some… but this is our first date.”

“Then why would they think you and her would be doing that here?”

Charlie let out a big sigh. “My brother.”

“Oh, to prove just what a man you are.”

Charlie nodded. “It’s stupid. Even if I was… um into her, I wouldn’t do it here in a dirty storeroom.”

“You’ve got more class than that. Well, except when the mood strikes you and you are in a dirty loft.” Devyn’s lips curved into a sensual smile.

“That was different,” Charlie said. “It wasn’t exactly our…” He glanced at the door before continuing… “first time.”

“True,” Devyn agreed. “We should do something romantic though.”

“Um, we should?”

“Yeah, don’t you think?”

“Um, I guess.” Charlie shrugged. He wasn’t sure how to be romantic. Did he need to buy Devyn flowers? Maybe a box of chocolates. Those both felt lame to Charlie.

Devyn had seen Charlie look at the door. He knew his friend was worried about being caught. Devyn knew how being caught when you were not ready to be open about being gay could have catastrophic consequences. He grabbed Charlie and pulled him into the end stall. He closed and latched the door.

“This isn’t really what I think of as romantic, but I’ve wanted to do this all evening.” Devyn leaned in and kissed Charlie.

Charlie’s breath caught at the contact of Devyn’s lips on his own. He moved closer and before he knew it, they were in each other’s arms. Their kiss deepened and lingered.

“Wow, it’s hot in here,” Charlie breathed once the kiss broke.

“You are hot.” Devyn kissed him again. They began swaying to the muffled sound of the music coming through the door.

They stayed there in the end stall dancing in the small space until the song ended. “I’m glad we got to have a dance together.”

“Me too,” Charlie said. “We’d… um… better get back to the others.”

“Yeah, we should,” Devyn said. “You’ve been gone longer so you go out first. I’ll wait a bit.”

“Thanks… um… for the dance and for being so… understanding.” Charlie moved in and kissed Devyn once more before slipping from the stall and the bathroom.

Charlie almost ran into Joe when he came out of the bathroom. “Oh… sorry.”

“Everything alright?” Joe asked.

“Yes… um… thanks.” Charlie realized that Joe had been standing guard for them. No wonder they had been able to spend so much time alone together.

As Charlie went back to the table where Heather was sitting, he glanced around for Dale and Ted. He spotted both of them with their dates. They were still watching the table where he was sitting with Heather and the others. He knew that they would be reporting back to Howard that Charlie had sat at the same table as Devyn. Charlie sighed as he knew he’d be getting another lecture from Howard. He wasn’t sure he could keep living under the same roof as his older brother.

Charlie slipped into his seat next to Heather. “I was beginning to think you got lost.”

“Um… no, just, um talked to a few people.” That wasn’t exactly a lie. He had said hi to both Adam and Simon. He had also talked to Joe in addition to Devyn. He had just spent most of the time away from his date with Devyn and that made Charlie feel like a jerk. Devyn had been right about not using Heather. She was sweet and Charlie knew she deserved better than him. “Do you want to dance again?”

“That would be fun,” she said. Charlie took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor.

“Hi Bruce,” Devyn said to Joe when he came out of the restroom.

Joe raised an eyebrow in question. “Bruce?”

“Yeah, when you are all dressed up like this, you’re Bruce and not Batman.”

Joe chuckled. “Right.”

Devyn brushed at the front of Joe’s jacket even though there was no lint there. “Of course, you’re kind of hotter than Bruce ever was.”

“Oh yeah, which version?” Joe asked, his lips curved up in a smile.

“Any version.”

“Thanks, Boy Wonder… or should I call you Dick.

“I’ll just stick with Devyn. Where is Ethan? Or should we call him…um…Cat Woman?”

Joe could not stop a laugh from escaping at the image Devyn’s words created. “He is kind of agile.”

This time it was Devyn who laughed. “I’m not sure I needed to know that.” He then took on a more serious tone. “Things did not get to… um… heated with Tanner, did they?”

“Thanks to Lee, we came to an understanding.”

“What, that you would not tear into each other in front of the cop?”

“Something like that,” Joe said.

“About that talk you want to have,” Devyn began.

“That can wait until tomorrow,” Joe said. “Mrs. Jones filled me in a little while we were dancing.”

“You danced with my teacher?”

“We’re old friends so yes we danced and talked about you.”

“Crap,” Devyn sighed. “What did she tell you?”

“We can talk about it later. You need to get back to your date and mine is headed in this direction. He just finished dancing with one of your other teachers.”

“Ugh! I’m thinking it was a mistake to have you two here.” Devyn said hi to Ethan before returning to his table and his date.

Joe watched Devyn and was glad the teenager was having an enjoyable time with his friends. It seemed Joe’s date, Ethan, was also having fun. The college guy was back out on the dance floor dancing with Deloris again. Ethan had danced with just about every female chaperone there.

“Well Joe, it is so nice to see you taking an interest in school functions.”

“Hi, Leslie,” Joe said. He groaned inside as the woman moved closer. She seemed to slink rather than walk. The dress she wore was tight across her chest and hips. It seemed too low-cut to Joe for a high school dance.

“How about a dance,” she asked. “It’s been so long.”

“It has. Since, what, my high school freshman year? Joe could still remember how nervous he had been when meeting Leslie at the school for what Joe believed was their date.

“Oh, you do remember.”

“Yeah, I remember how you were paying off a debt to Hannah by dancing with her scrawny brother.”

“Oh, you figured that out,” she said. “It was so long ago.”

“It was,” Joe agreed.

“And you are no longer that Geeky little boy.” She moved in closer. “you’ve grown into a big strong man. In fact, I bet everything is bigger now.”

Before Joe knew it, her hand was on his crotch. Her fingers were fondling him through his slacks. “Leslie.” Joe’s eyes showed the man’s surprise at the woman’s boldness.

“Yeah, that is big. I bet it gets even bigger.” Her nimble fingers were working at his zipper.

Joe grabbed her hand. “Leslie, you’re married.”

“Yes, and poor Donald just can’t…well perform anymore.” Joe knew Leslie’s husband was twenty-five years her senior. “I bet you have no problem performing.” She used her free hand to stroke Joe’s cheek and then slid it inside his jacket to feel his chest. “Oh, this is silk. It feels so nice.”

“Leslie, you’re going to get us thrown out of here,” Joe grabbed her other hand.

Leslie laughed. “Hell, I’m on the school board. They are not going to throw me out.”

“Leslie, this is most definitely not the place and as you know, I’m gay. My boyfriend, in fact, is headed in our direction.”

She looked where Joe indicated. “Oh Joe, he’s nice looking. We could make it a three-some.”

“I don’t think so,” Joe said. “I’m kind of possessive.”

“Come on Joe, I have needs and I think you’re just the man to fill them.”

“Look Leslie, the answer is no. You’re married and I’m gay and have a boyfriend.” Joe released her hands. He hoped that with Ethan coming to join them that she would keep her hands off.

“Everything alright?” Ethan asked as he stepped up to Joe and Leslie.

“Ethan, this is Leslie,” Joe said. “Leslie, this is my boyfriend, Ethan.” Joe placed extra emphasis on ‘boyfriend.’

“It is so nice to meet you,” Leslie said. Her voice flowed with mock sugar. “You won’t mind if I borrow Joe for a dance, would you, sweetie.”

“Um…” Ethan was not sure how to answer. He seemed to be noticing a vibe from Joe that the man did not want to dance with the lady. “I guess…”

Joe cut in before Ethan could answer. “I just explained I was sitting this one out.”

Leslie’s eyes slid over Ethan’s body. He was more than just attractive in his suit. She ran her tongue across her lips. “How about you?” Leslie asked, turning her attention to Ethan.

Ethan had the impression that she was sizing him up like a side of beef. “Um…I think I’m going to sit this one out. That Deloris Rogers wore me out.”

Leslie let out a huff and moved away from the two men. “She seems upset,” Ethan said.

“She’s a little frustrated.”

“Did you know your… um… zipper is down,” Ethan said. His lips were twitching at the corners.

“How the hell…she has a third hand somewhere.” Joe quickly zipped up.

Stacy grabbed Julie’s arm. “Look, Mrs. Jones is headed towards the stage,” she said.

“They must have finished counting the votes,” Lori said.

“Were we supposed to vote?” Devyn asked. He had missed that all together.

“Just for homecoming King and Queen,” Stacy said. “The ballot box was over there by the chaperone table.”

Devyn had not even noticed that. He had been too busy thinking about Tanner, watching Ted and Dale, and of course, looking at how good Charlie looked in his new clothes.

The music paused as Mrs. Jones made her announcement. “It seems our students have made their voices heard. With a whopping seventy-two percent of the votes going to Julie Cassiday and Devyn Roberts as the choice for homecoming queen and king.”

Stacy let out a shriek of joy. Devyn was stunned. He could not believe that he had been voted to be homecoming King. “Come on Devyn,” Julie said. “We’ve got to go up there.”

Devyn shook off his shock and offered Julie his arm. He walked in a bit of a daze up to the stage to receive their crowns. Flash bulbs went off as they turned and faced the crowd and Mrs. Jones placed the tin crowns on their heads.

“If pig blood starts pouring down, I’m running for the doors,” Ethan told Joe.

“This isn’t Stephen King’s Carrie,” Joe said.

“They do make an attractive couple,” Ethan said watching as Devyn and Julie took to the dance floor for their solo dance.

“They do,” Joe said. “I am actually glad I am here.”

After Devyn and Julie’s solo dance, other couples started taking to the floor. Joe held out his hand to Ethan. “Can I have this dance?”

“Really?” Ethan asked.

“It is time this town sees two men dancing,” Joe said. “If you are alright with that.”

“I am alright with anything that involves me in your arms,” Ethan said and took Joe’s hand.

They made their way to the floor. Eyes tracked their progress as they went to the floor and Joe pulled Ethan in for the slow dance. Joe wanted to kiss the man’s lips. He wanted to do more than just dance but dancing was enough for now.

Stacy was watching Joe and Ethan. “That is hot.” She made the statement to her few theater friends who were clustered around her.

“It is,” Amber agreed. “They look so good together.”

“It’s two guys,” Stacy’s date Justin said.

“It is,” Stacy said. “And you had better not have a problem with that. In fact, why don’t you and Adam dance.”

“What?” he asked.

“Yes, you two should,” Amber said. Adam had been her date for the dance, and she turned to him. “you’ll do it, won’t you?”

“Um… well…” Adam glanced at Justin and then back at Amber. He was not sure about dancing with another guy.

“Oh, come on,” she said. “It isn’t like we are asking the two of you to make out or anything.”

“Although that could be hot,” Stacy said. She had a devilish twinkle in her eye.

“I don’t know,” Justin said. He looked from Stacy to his best friend Adam.

“I dare you,” Stacy said.

“Go on Adam,” Amber said and gave his arm a nudge.

Justin looked down at the floor and then at Adam. “What do you say, dude?”

Adam decided it would be no different than playing a role in a play. “Shit man, who leads?”

“I don’t know,” Justin said. “I guess…um…you.” Justin then turned back to Stacy and Amber. “We will do it if you two girls do it.”

“Sure,” Stacy said, grabbed Amber’s hand, and pulled her onto the dance floor.

“They had better give us more than a good night kiss,” Adam said as he and Justin went onto the dance floor.

Next, Danny dragged Kevin towards the floor. “It’s one dance dude,” Danny said.

Charlie watched as Randy and another football player made their way to the floor. He could not believe what was happening. “How about it,” Sam asked Charlie.

“You mean us… dance?” Charlie’s voice went up a bit on the last word.

“Why not? Everyone is out there supporting Devyn. We’re his best friends. We should be out there.”

“Really?” Lori said surprised.

“Of course,” Sam said. “You and Heather can dance while Charlie and I dance.”

“Sure,” Heather said and stood up. She headed to the floor with Lori.

Sam grabbed Charlie. “Come on.” Charlie wanted to be dancing this dance with Devyn, but he had made that not an option. If he had been out, then he and Devyn could have come here together.

“Hey, I’m leading,” Sam stated as they tried to figure out their steps without stepping on each other.

Charlie felt like he had slipped into some strange parallel Earth. He was on the dance floor with his best friend and his boyfriend was dancing with a girl.

“You started something,” Ethan said looking at the number of same-sex couples on the floor.

Joe glanced around. It did look like something was going on. “I guess times have changed some. Ed would be flipping out.”

“I’m glad he left,” Ethan said.

“So am I,” Joe said.

“That scene in the parking lot earlier… it was a bit intense,” Ethan said. “You two seem to have a… um… tense history.”

Joe chuckled a bit. “That’s putting it mildly,” he said.

“And that’s all you are going to say on that topic,” Ethan said.

“Yes.”

“Well tell me about that cop.”

“Lee, what about him?” Joe asked.

“That’s Lee? Your best friend Lee?”

“Yes.”

“That’s the pig that’s been writing me tickets,” Ethan said. There was definite annoyance in the younger man’s voice. “He does it just about every time I’m over. Do you tell him that I’m coming?”

“Tickets for what?”

“Speeding and shit. Have you been telling him when I’m coming over?”

“Well… I guess. He either asks or I mention it.”

“That’s why he’s always fucking waiting on me. Now for the big question… Why does he have a hardon for me?”

“That’s a good question,” Joe said.

“That was the most amazing night,” Julie said as Devyn drove her home.

“It was,” Devyn agreed. “I can’t believe things turned out like that.” Devyn was still amazed at being homecoming King. He understood why Julie got it. She was popular with just about everyone. He was surprised that Randy was not voted King. He was the more likely candidate. He was popular, the quarterback and damn hot, at least in Devyn’s and most other’s opinions.

“I know I never expected all of those guys to get out there on the dance floor like that. It was great. It was so great that Joe and Ethan started that. It took a lot of nerve to do that.”

“But you did expect us to be King and Queen?” Devyn had thought Julie had been anticipating the announcement.

“What do you mean?”

Devyn thought her voice was just a little too innocent sounding. “You planned it or something. Come on, be honest.”

Julie sighed. “Well, it was never a sure thing. I mean it was a free election. Everyone could vote for whomever they wanted.”

“But…”

“Well, Stacy and I and a few other kids started campaigning for you.”

Devyn wondered how he had not realized that. He guessed he had been so busy with the play, his chores, tutoring, and with Brent that he had not noticed what the girls had been up to. “For me? Why?” They had reached Julie’s house and Devyn parked and turned so he could see her face.

“Devyn… the way the school year started for you. I know it was rough, and it just wasn’t right.”

Devyn could not argue those points. It had been a rough start to the term, and it had been unfair how he had been treated.

“I knew that if everyone got to know you, that they would realize how good a guy you are. Stacy already wanted you in the play and she worked a little harder to get you in. We needed kids to start getting to know you. Then when you were so good at tutoring, that was when I brought Danny and Danny brought Kevin… it all just kind of started falling into place. Tonight was to just show you that the majority of us like you for who you are.”

Devyn could not be annoyed with Julie. Her heart had been in the right place and the work that she and the others did mean a great deal to him. He felt a lump in his throat. “I think…no. I know this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. You are so sweet.” Devyn leaned over and gave her a soft kiss. “Thanks for… well for being such a good friend.”

“You’re a good friend too. You know I think… well… it doesn’t matter.”

“What do you think?” Devyn asked.

“Well, if things were different. We could… Well, be more than just friends.”

“Yes, if I wasn’t gay, I could definitely see that, but I know I wasn’t your first choice as a date tonight.”

“That’s true but I had a fabulous time with you. You’re the nicest guy and well… you look so good all dressed up.”

“Thanks, so do you.”

“So, you aren’t mad about what we did?” Julie had been concerned that Devyn might not appreciate the girls working so hard on his behalf. She knew her friend wasn’t as comfortable being the center of attention. She was sometimes amazed that Devyn had agreed to be in the play with Stacy. She knew that was mostly due to Devyn being a loyal friend rather than Stacy’s abilities at persuasion.

“No, I’m not big on being in the spotlight like that but you were being a wonderful friend. I deeply appreciate all the effort you and the others put into this. Did Charlie and Sam know of this… um… conspiracy?”

“Conspiracy makes it sound so sordid. It was just a campaign to get everyone to see what a good guy you are.”

“So did they know?” Devyn asked again. He could not believe either of his best friends kept all of this from him.

“Oh, of course not. They would not be able to keep it from you and would have just been in the way of our plans.”

Devyn chuckled. He was a little relieved that his two friends had not been hiding this from him. “You are probably right about that.”

“Charlie and Heather looked so good together. Do you think things will work out for them?” Julie had known Charlie practically her whole life and always thought he was a sweet guy. He was nothing like his brother and she thought Heather was the right girl for him.

Devyn was not sure how he should answer that question. He knew things were not going to work out between the two. He honestly had been a little jealous of Heather getting to dance and hold his boyfriend. Devyn wondered if Charlie would kiss her. He hoped Charlie would not do what his stupid brother wanted and do more than just a good night kiss. “I don’t know her that well. So, I don’t know.”

“I hope they do. Heather’s nice and so is Charlie. They would make such a good couple.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Devyn felt like Julie had wanted some sort of response and the two words were all he could think of saying.

“Well, we had better go in. My dad has come to the window at least three times to check on us. He should know that with you, I’m completely safe.”

“Well, let’s put his mind at ease,” Devyn said. He got out of the car and moved to Julie’s door. He opened it and gave her a hand up out of the car. “You are such a gentleman,” she said. Devyn escorted her up the sidewalk, up the steps, and to her front door.

“Devyn, it really was a nice evening with you,” she said.

“I had fun too. Thanks for asking me.” Devyn leaned down and gave Julie another quick kiss. As he did, the front door opened.

“Dad,” Julie complained.

“Sorry…but I thought you were going as JUST friends.” He placed extra emphasis on the word just.

“We are and we did,” Julie said.

“That did not look like just friends right now,” he said.

“Geez Dad,” Julie said. She turned to Devyn. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” Devyn said. He turned to Julie’s father. “We are just friends but really good friends.”

“Then come in,” he said. “I want to hear about the evening and so does your uncle.”

Devyn and Julie followed her father inside. “I sent him some of the pictures. He told me that I should be very worried sending my daughter out on a date with a boy that looks like that. Those are his words.”

“I’m Uncle Julian’s favorite niece,” Julie explained.

“I told him that you were just friends but I’m not sure he believed that,” he said.

“I don’t know what they would do if I had been out on a real date,” Julie said.

“Hey! What? This wasn’t a real date?” Devyn teased.

“I mean with…you know a different boy.”

“I know what you mean,” Devyn said. “I’m glad we went together. It made the evening more fun.”

“I think so too,” Julie said.

Julie got out her phone and called her uncle so he could hear as she told her father about the dance and then them being voted homecoming king and queen…

“Well, congratulations… to both of you. I guess you’re both royalty now,” her father said.

“I’ve always thought she was a little princess,” Julian’s voice came through the speaker of the phone.

“Julie is,” Devyn said, “but I’m just a peasant.”

“See how sweet he is,” Julie said.

“Yeah, he seems to know just what to say,” Julian said. “I’m not so sure I’d trust her alone with this boy.”

“Oh, Uncle Julian,” Julie sighed. “He’s like you. He’s gay. I told you that.”

Devyn had forgotten about Julie’s uncle being gay. She told him that so long ago and he had not thought any more about it. He wondered if Julian was in a relationship. He would have to ask Julie sometime.

“I’ve got to go,” Julian said. “I’ve got an early morning. Get some more pictures of them. I’ll have to show off my queen…and I mean my niece and not that boy. Gay or not, keep your eye on him, Ken.”

“I will definitely be doing that,” Julie’s father, Ken said.

Devyn sat through the picture taking thing again. He was definitely regretting having to deal with all of the photo taking. There had been a lot of that at the dance.

Charlie held Heather’s hand as he walked her to her door. They had been quiet on the walk from the gym to her house. Charlie was glad that she lived close enough for them to walk home.

He had not wanted to have to ride with his dad or mom. Even worse it might have been Howard to give them a ride.

“Um… I… um had a nice time,” Charlie said. He wanted to break the silence.

“I did too,” Heather said. “I’m glad you asked me.”

“Um… yeah, me too… I mean that you said yes when I asked.” Charlie knew he was sounding stupid.

Heather paused and turned towards Charlie. They were on the sidewalk only a block from her house. They were in the shadows between two streetlights. Charlie wondered if she was expecting him to kiss her. He had been wondering if he should. It seemed like the right thing to do. Maybe she wanted it to be more than just a quick kiss.

“You know Charlie, I had made up my mind not to go to homecoming. But I did have fun with you. It was fun being there with your friends.”

“Yeah, it was.” Charlie did not know what else he should say to that. “I had fun too.”

Heather paused. She looked into Charlie’s eyes. “I know I wasn’t your first choice as a date.”

“Um… yes… you were,” Charlie stammered.

Heather’s lips curved up in a smile. “Don’t lie Charlie.”

“No, you were. You were the first girl I asked.”

“I’m sure that is true, but I wasn’t the one you wanted to go with.” She paused and placed a hand on Charlie’s chest. “You wanted to be there with Devyn.”

“What… no… I mean yes… but not…” Charlie could feel the panic building. He could feel the blood draining into his feet. How could she know that? Why would she think that?

Heather smiled at Charlie. “I may be kind of quiet, Charlie but I do pay attention to everything. My grandma and I used to sit in the park and people-watch. She taught me a lot about body language, and how to read people.”

“Um…well…you…misread something…”

Heather sighed. “I saw the way you looked at him and the way he looked at you. It was not obvious,” she said when she saw the panic in Charlie’s blue eyes, “I’m sure no one else picked up on it.”

Charlie looked down and then back into Heather’s eyes. “I…I…”

“I am sure no one else noticed,” she said.

Charlie knew he could deny it. He could tell her that they were just friends, he, and Devyn but he also knew she would not believe him. He let out a breath that he had not even realized he had been holding.

“I won’t tell anyone, “She said.

Charlie believed her when she said that. “Thanks.”

“I do understand why you would want to keep it a secret. Everyone was so hard on Devyn at the beginning of the year. I’m glad most of them have come around. He’s such a nice guy. He’s also a good dance partner.

Charlie remembered Devyn dancing with Heather and several other girls. “Yeah, he’s better than I am.”

“I thought you were good too,” she said.

Charlie’s lips curved up in a smile. “Thanks for saying that but I know I’m just passable.”

“Well, maybe you can get Devyn to teach you. He’s so graceful. Did he take dance lessons?”

“Um… I don’t think so,” Charlie said. He honestly wasn’t sure, but Devyn had never mentioned taking dance lessons.

“It would have been nice if you and he could have danced when all of those other guys were out there dancing with each other. I was hoping you would, but it didn’t seem to work out.”

“I’m sure Devyn wanted to but… well… I’m not ready for that.” Charlie paused and looked into Heather’s eyes. “It could be very bad for me if… if anyone found out.”

“I promise, Charlie, they won’t find out from me.”

“Thanks, Heather.” Charlie then leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’m very glad I went with you.”

“Me too. Maybe we should make plans to go to all of the school dances.”

“Um… really? You would want to?”

“Sure. I had fun with you and your friends,” she said. “I don’t mind helping you keep your secret.”

“But wouldn’t you rather go with a guy that… um… isn’t…t gay?” Charlie could not believe he had said the word. He was now officially out. Everyone else who knew was also gay. Heather was his first non-gay friend, that knew.

She giggled. “None of the other boys would ask me. I’m too shy and quiet for them.”

“Um…you haven’t seemed so shy to me,” Charlie said.

“I think because I’ve gotten so comfortable with you,” she said. “So how about it? We can go to all the school functions as a couple.”

Charlie liked the sound of that. Heather knew his secret and she was still willing to go with him. It would maybe get Howard off his back and maybe even Ted and Dale. “We can if you want but what if someone else asks you to do something.”

“If everyone thinks we are dating, they probably won’t ask me. If someone does…. Well, if it is the right boy then I’ll dump you.”

Charlie could see the twinkle in her eye and the curve of her lips, so he knew she was teasing him a little. “I’d be heartbroken, but I’d understand.”

“You won’t have to worry. It would have to be the right boy,” she said.

“So, who would the right boy be?” Charlie asked. He wondered if maybe Heather had her eye on someone.

“Don’t worry Charlie,” she said. “It won’t happen.”

“Maybe it will,” Charlie said. “you’re pretty and sweet and well, just great.”

Heather felt her cheeks burn at Charlie’s kind words. “Thanks.”

“It’s true,” Charlie said. Charlie took Heather’s hand again. “I really am glad we went together tonight and… well… I’m glad you know. It’s nice that someone else knows.”

“Thanks, Charlie.”

He leaned in and kissed her softly again. “If…if I were straight, I’d definitely want to go to all of the dances with you.”

“I think you might be one of the sweetest boys,” she said. “You definitely have a silver tongue.”

Charlie giggled at that. “I don’t know about that. Most of the time I barely know what to say.”

“Well, I think you are great,” she said. “That’s why I’ll be looking forward to going with you.”

“Me too,” Charlie said. “But I will understand if you decide you want to go with someone else.”

“Thanks, Charlie. He’d have to be just the right guy for me to break a date with a dreamboat like you.”

Charlie felt his ears burn. “I’m not… My brother got the good looks.”

“He did not!” Heather’s voice was firm. “You are much better looking than Howard.”

“You don’t have to say that,” Charlie said. “I know Howard’s better looking.”

“He most definitely is not,” she said. Her voice was emphatic. “You are the better-looking Atwood.”

“Thanks,” Charlie said. “I don’t hear that very often about my brother.”

“It’s true.” She touched Charlie’s smooth cheek lightly. “You are,” she insisted. “Maybe you’re not as tall or as muscular as say…Randy but you are sweet and kind and…” her voice trailed off as she thought she was saying too much.

Charlie picked up something in Heather’s voice when she mentioned Randy’s name. “So, if Randy asks you to the next dance….”

“That will never happen,” she said.

“But if he did.”

“Then I’m dumping your ass.”

Charlie chuckled. “I don’t blame you. He’s damn hot.”

“Do we have a crush on the same boy?”

“No, I might have at one time. He is… well hot and he’s nice but now well…”

“There’s Devyn,” she supplied.

“Yeah, and well Randy’s straight.”

“And he doesn’t know I exist,” she said, with a sigh.

“I’ll see if I can help with that,” Charlie offered. “I’ll be sure he hears just how sweet you are. He already has to know how pretty you are.”

Heather felt her cheeks blush again. “Stop it.”

“If he doesn’t… well then I’ll be sure he gets checked for glasses.”

“You’re funny,” she said.

“We had better get you home,” Charlie said. “I wouldn’t want your dad and Mom to send out a search party.”

“They know I’m with one of the nicest boys in school,” she said.

Charlie offered her his arm. Heather looped her arm through Charlie’s and then started walking towards her house. Charlie felt relieved that someone knew his secret and the world had not imploded.

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