Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:22:10 -0600
From: Keith Yates <keith.96@att.net>
Subject: Devyn's Struggle V2-38

This is a fictional story involving sexual acts between two or more men.
If this offends you, why are you here?  If you are under the legal age to
read sexually explicit material then do not read any further.  This story
in no way represents any person living or dead.  Any resemblance to any
real person is purely coincidental. This story is the property of the
author and no copying or posting to any other website is permitted without
the author's written consent.

Here you go loyal readers. I hope you like this installment of Devyn's
Struggle. Feel free to reach out and let me know what you think at
keith.96@att.net.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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Devyn's Struggle V2
Chapter 38

It had been almost impossible for Devyn to fall asleep. He had tossed and
turned most of the night. He could not stop thinking about Lee. He knew it
was crazy to become so attracted to Lee. The man could not return the
feelings. He was straight and involved with someone else. Devyn lay on his
bed, looking out the window. He could see the sky beginning to grow
lighter. Devyn pulled on a t-shirt and shorts. He quietly padded barefoot
downstairs and made coffee. He took the hot beverage to the porch and sat
in the swing. Sitting there with the coffee, he watched as the sun crept
slowly higher in the sky. The golden rays fell across the pasture and lit
up the brilliant shades of green from the leaves on the trees to the
different kinds of grasses.

The leaves and grass glinted as the morning sun started to burn off the
dew.

The vibrant colors of the morning sunrise were reflected in the calm waters
of the creek. He was reminded once again of the beauty of this place. In
some way the place had almost felt like home from the beginning. There had
been some part of him that had been attracted to this place from that first
day when he and Joe had pulled into the driveway. It was so peaceful just
sitting there in the shade of the porch watching the sun climb higher and
the soft sounds of the birds starting their morning chirping.

He tried not to think about Lee, but the man kept creeping into his
thoughts. The memory of his shower fantasy came back into his head. He had
to remind himself that Lee was straight and practically married to
Melissa. Maybe he just needed to have Ethan fix him up with someone. Maybe
a trip back to the gay bar was what he needed. Maybe some good old
anonymous sex was what the doctor ordered. Of course, Joe probably was not
going to let him get away with a backroom hook-up. "You are driving
yourself crazy," he told himself.

Devyn was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he did not see someone coming
up the road. It was not until he heard the tires skid in the gravel drive
that he knew anyone was there. He looked towards the noise. "Charlie!"
Devyn's voice and face were shocked at seeing Charlie. He had not expected
the guy to come out after how things had gone in the hardware store.

"Um, Hey," Charlie said, sitting there astride his bicycle. He slowly
removed his helmet. His blonde hair was damp with the boy's sweat. It was
hard to tell if it was from the workout of riding or Charlie's
nervousness. He was nervously playing with the straps as he waited for a
minute. He was worried that Devyn would tell him to get lost.

Devyn was struck again by how cute Charlie was. His blonde hair was
glistening in the morning rays from the sun. His body was lean and
wiry. The biking clothes he wore clung to his body, showing off his lean
physique. "You rode all the way out here?" Devyn asked.

"Yeah," Charlie said looking down at his bike. He could not meet Devyn's
gaze. "I'm sorry for, um, just showing up."

"Do you know what time it is?" Devyn asked. Devyn wondered why Charlie was
there. He wondered why he would ride all the way out from town.

"I, um, am sorry about coming out so early." Charlie hesitated for a minute
before moving off his bike. He held onto it with one hand and wiped his
sweaty palm on his shorts. After looping the straps of his bike helmet over
the handlebars he leaned the bike against a fence post. As he was standing
against his bike, he took another look at Devyn sitting on the porch. He
nervously ran his tongue over his lips and was fiddling with his
bike. After he was sure it was not going to fall over, he began walking
towards the house. He tried to relax by taking a few deep breaths as he was
walking. He knew he needed to do this but he was also afraid of what Devyn
might say to him. He could remember how hard and cold Devyn's voice had
been in that dream. Charlie could also remember how good it felt being held
by Devyn and kissing Devyn. Charlie wondered if there was any chance of
that happening. He could not help but believe he had destroyed any chance
of that but he had to try and salvage what he could of the
friendship. Charlie wished he could go back in time and stop himself from
being a jerk to Devyn at the hardware store.

Reaching the bottom of the steps, Charlie paused. He stood there for a
moment and then placing one foot on the bottom step he slowly looked up at
Devyn. "I, um, wanted to talk to you." Nervously he pulled his gaze from
the teenager and looked down at his feet. He could feel the back of his
neck burning. He took another breath and let it out.

"Sure," Devyn said, not sure what the two of them could have to talk about
after the other day. Devyn thought Charlie had made his feelings well
known.

Charlie stood at the bottom of the steps and glanced up at Devyn. The guy
appeared so relaxed to Charlie. He seemed so self-confident sitting there
with the coffee cup in his hand. Charlie looked down, not able to meet
Devyn's eyes. He could feel boulders rolling around in his stomach. He
didn't know why he was not stronger. He was surprised Devyn was even
talking to him after how he acted.

"You want some coffee?" Devyn asked. Devyn wished Charlie would look up so
he could see into those bright blue eyes. The guy looked so damn hot
standing there, one foot bent up on the step the other flat on the
ground. His legs were tan but looked completely smooth. The moisture
wicking t-shirt clung to Charlie's lean chest and tapered down to his
narrow waist. Devyn wished the guy were wearing the skintight spandex bikes
shorts but instead Charlie was wearing baggy bike shorts. The baggy shorts
were hiding Charlie's male attributes.

Taking another breath, Charlie took the few steps up to the porch. He moved
towards Devyn. He felt even more nervous the closer he got to Devyn. "Um,
no thanks." Charlie looked at Devyn and then down at the porch floor. He
leaned against the porch railing and crossed his arms over his chest. Then
he put his arms down at his sides to only a minute later cross them back
across his chest. "I, um, didn't ask you how you were doing." Charlie's
voice was a little shaky as the teenager began talking. "I mean you know
after all that happened this summer. I mean you seemed to be coping when my
Mom and I came out but I should have asked about you. I mean with Travis
living here now and all." Charlie knew he sounded stupid. He was just not
sure how to break the ice.

"Travis is a cool kid," Devyn said. "It is like having a brother." Devyn
was still puzzled by Charlie showing up. He still felt hurt by how Charlie
had treated him at the hardware store. He wanted to tell him to get lost
but the guy had ridden all the way out to the farm. For Charlie to ride
that far, Devyn assumed he wanted to talk. Maybe Charlie wanted to explain
about how he had treated Devyn. The words Devyn had told Judge Warner came
back to him. "I have always thought that everyone is entitled to make
mistakes and that they should be given a chance to fix them." Judge Warner
had given that chance to Devyn. Now Devyn knew it was his turn to give that
chance to Charlie. "This summer got so crazy," Devyn said looking past
Charlie at the rolling hills of the pasture and the creek.

"I know," Charlie said. "You had so much going on this summer. I wanted to
talk to you about stuff but it didn't feel right when you were coping with
everything.

"I understand," Devyn said. Devyn was not sure where this was
going. Telling him he was sorry about not being around more did not seem
enough of a reason to take such a long ride this early in the morning.

"I thought that we would talk after things settled down for you but then my
grandparents surprised me with that trip to California." Charlie glanced at
Devyn and his eyes briefly met Devyn's. He did not see the anger and hurt
that he had anticipated. "I thought that the trip would help me figure
things out on my own."

"Did it?" Devyn asked, trying to meet Charlie's eyes. "Figure stuff out?"

Charlie sighed before he answered. "Not really. It just made me more unsure
of stuff."

"What do you mean?" Devyn wanted to understand why Charlie had turned on
him and now seemed to be turning again.

"I, um, wasn't very nice to you in the hardware store." Charlie's words
were getting faster and his pauses shorter. "I'm sorry for that. I just
felt like I was being watched and judged. Maybe Dad, Howard, my
grandparents. The trip and church and girls and I, I..."

"Charlie," Devyn said, interrupting him. "You are not making sense dude."

Charlie knew he had been babbling. The lack of sleep was beginning to catch
up with him. When Charlie had seen Devyn at the hardware store, he had felt
backed into a corner. He knew his parents were there and his brother Howard
had been just a few yards away in the office. He knew Howard's feelings
about being gay. He had been at enough family events with Howard and his
cousins to know about the put downs and slurs. When Charlie had opened to
Devyn that night in Devyn's truck, he had not fully considered the possible
fallout of having a gay friend. He had not considered that it might also
out Charlie to his family. He was not sure how long he would be able to
hide his inner feelings if he were friends with Devyn. He thought just the
association would put a spotlight on him. The trip to California had even
reinforced his fears.

"I know I'm not making sense." Charlie turned away from Devyn and looked
over the rolling hills of the pasture and the trees that lined one bank of
the creek. He took a deep breath. He did not know how to tell Devyn what he
felt. Hell, Charlie was not sure what he was feeling.

"That night in your truck," Charlie finally began, "things felt right for
me. I mean things between us." Charlie was not positive about a lot of his
feelings. The one he was sure of was, he wanted Devyn as a friend. He had
seen the hurt he had caused Devyn and Charlie knew he did not want to do
that again. He had seen the hurt feelings in Devyn's eyes. He had moved and
watched him leaving the store and how the boy had wiped away tears. Charlie
had felt horrible at causing his friend pain. "I don't have this all
figured out. I'm just not that together." Charlie looked over his shoulder
to see that Devyn was still listening. He glanced back out at the creek.

"I'm not all that together," Devyn said softly. "I do have an idea of the
struggle you are going through."

"Maybe you do," Charlie said. He looked down at the lawn. Then he glanced
at the rose bushes growing to one side of the porch. He watched a bee fly
from one flower to another as he gathered his thoughts.

Devyn waited, watching the back of Charlie's blonde head. He could see the
tension in the teenager's shoulders. He could see the muscles along
Charlie's arms flex as the teenager was gripping the porch railing. Devyn's
eyes traveled over Charlie's back and down to the shorts. The padding in
the butt of the bike shorts added to the boy's butt. Devyn wondered how
much of that butt was padding and how much was Charlie's own
muscle. Devyn's eyes went lower, looking at Charlie's tan legs. They looked
completely smooth. Devyn wondered just how much or how little hair Charlie
had. For a moment, he had the image of Lee's hairy body and Charlie's
totally smooth one standing side by side. Blinking he tried to push that
image out of his head and focus on what Charlie was saying.

Charlie's voice was soft as he began speaking. He was looking around the
farm not ready to look at Devyn. "My folks are wanting me to be more like
Howard. He always did well in school, you know mostly straight `A', plus
he's an athlete. I think they wanted me to play sports but you know I'm no
jock. Howard also wants me to be more like him. He's always asking me about
girls and sports. We just aren't that much alike but he's a cool big
brother. I wish I was more like him. Then when I went to California, I
thought it would be a chance for me to sort everything out in my head. The
first couple days were great. I went to the beach, we did some sight seeing
stuff and we went to DisneyLand. The trip was awesome and I thought once I
got back, we could talk and maybe see where we were. Then I went to church
with my grandparents. I know it could not have been planned but the sermon
kind of talked about being gay. It made me feel like they were watching
me. I could not help but think my grandparents had seen me do something or
say something that they thought was gay. It just made me paranoid. I know
it all sounds crazy. Hell saying it all out loud makes it sound crazy to
me."

Charlie paused trying to organize his thoughts. He did not want to start
babbling again. He just wanted Devyn to understand how he had felt. He
needed to explain that his feelings that night in the truck when he and
Devyn had talked were still there. He still felt attracted to Devyn. He was
just afraid of his parents and brother's reaction. He knew, when Devyn
showed up at the store, that they were all watching him. Charlie had just
talked to Howard in the office and knew he was still there. He knew that
Howard would be able to see him and Devyn and probably hear anything they
had said. Charlie was certain that Howard would have heard about the gay
kid in school from Dewayne or one of Howard's other friends.

"I needed to clear my head," Charlie said. "So, I went for a ride this
morning. Riding always seems to help me think." Charlie turned to face
Devyn. He wanted Devyn to understand that he did not mean to hurt him. He
had just not been ready to confront the feelings.

Devyn could see Charlie was nervous. He was going to hear what Charlie had
to say. He guessed the guy deserved a chance to explain.

"I hope you can forgive me for being a jerk the other day." Nervously
Charlie turned to again look out over the creek. He could not figure out if
it were easier to look away or face Devyn. Part of him did not want to look
into Devyn's eyes but he also needed to know if Devyn was understanding
what he was trying to explain. "I was just stupid and scared. I'm not sure
you can understand how nervous this makes me." Charlie once again partially
turned to look at Devyn. "I am worried that..." Charlie's voice trailed off
as he saw some understanding in Devyn's eyes.

"I do have some idea of that fear," Devyn said. It had been the fear of
being gay that had pushed Devyn into hanging out with Dewayne, drinking,
and smoking. "I had similar feelings when I was coming to terms with being
gay. It was a struggle to understand myself."

"I guess most guys have that fear in the beginning." Charlie turned around
fully. He decided it was better to face Devyn and own up to the mistake he
had made. He needed to face the situation and that included facing
Devyn. He leaned against the porch railing. His hands gripping the railing
as he looked at Devyn sitting on the swing. He flicked his tongue over his
lips and his blue eyes investigated Devyn's brown ones. "I was not sure my
folks would be alright with me having a gay friend. I mean you knew once
you were out it would not be long before everyone knew."

Devyn had already been considering the fallout that he might get for having
come out. He had seen a little of that with Dwayne at the ice cream
shop. "I guess some people are going to not be very accepting."

"I thought my Dad and Mom might not be willing to accept you as my friend."
It hurt a little bit to admit that to Devyn, but Charlie also felt better
having said it. "That was until yesterday. They have never had a problem
with Joe and when he and his boyfriend came into the store yesterday, I
realized they were fine with it."

"Joe and Ethan went to the hardware store yesterday?" Devyn was surprised
about that. Joe had not said anything about picking up something from the
hardware store.

"Joe picked up a couple of things," Charlie said. Charlie knew that it had
been Joe's visit to the hardware store that had been the catalyst to his
dream and to him riding out to apologize to Devyn.

Charlie looked at the sexy guy sitting on the porch swing. He glanced over
Devyn's tan legs; the shorts were riding up a bit revealing even more of
the boy's tan skin. Charlie looked into the depth of Devyn's chocolate eyes
and saw golden flecks of sunlight reflected in them.

"So where does that leave things with us?" Devyn was looking directly at
Charlie. The teenager was still leaning against the porch railing. His arms
were flexed and his hips were out as he leaned back; his tan legs were
crossed as he stood there. One over the other. Devyn could see the tight
shirt clinging to Charlie's lean upper body. The moisture wicking fabric
was showing off Charlie's chest and flat abdomen.

Charlie could feel beads of sweat sliding down his back. Riding all the way
to the farm was hard but even harder was trying to explain his feelings to
Devyn. How could he make Devyn understand when Charlie did not really
understand the feelings flooding him? "I, um, am not sure. It kind of
depends on you accepting my apology. I was a jerk yesterday and I truly am
sorry for being an ass." Charlie said. He looked into Devyn's eyes. To
Charlie they looked warm and inviting. He wondered how he could have ever
hurt this guy.

Devyn could hear sincerity in Charlie's voice. He was willing to accept
Charlie's apology. He understood how hard it was accepting yourself and
becoming comfortable with being gay. "So, you want to be friends?"

"If you can forgive me, then yes." Charlie wanted more than just Devyn's
friendship. He wanted some peace of the dream he had that morning. He
wondered if Devyn could forgive him enough for them to explore that sort of
physical relationship. Charlie was hoping that he had not damaged their
friendship beyond all hope.

"I kind of understand." Devyn was hurt but he also still liked
Charlie. Everyone made mistakes and Charlie had admitted to being a
jerk. "I can accept your apology. I do not have many friends and I would
like to keep you as one."

"I want you as a friend too," Charlie said. He swallowed mustering up his
courage. "Is there, um, I mean that night in your truck, it um, felt like
maybe we might be passed being just, um, school friends."

This was the Charlie that Devyn had been attracted to that night in the
truck. This was the boy that he had seen at school and been interested in
having more than just a friendship with. "I told you that night that I like
you. I still like you. Where we go is kind of up to you. It seems you are
still trying to figure stuff out so I'm not going to push."

Charlie took a long minute. He looked at Devyn and then he looked at the
trees and the flowers around the porch. He took a breath. "I like you too,"
Charlie said looking down at the porch floor. "I know I want you as a
friend." Charlie took a deep breath. "I also know I'm gay. And I don't
think I can change that."

"You can't," Devyn said. "This guy Matt I knew told me once that he
wouldn't change being gay if he could. He would not give up the love he and
Bryan had to be straight."

"Really?" Charlie said surprised.

"That is what he said," Devyn said, recalling the conversation.

"I thought, given the option, anyone would choose to be straight." Charlie
was having a hard time wrapping his mind around that idea. He knew if he
had a choice he would be attracted to girls. But he also knew he was not
attracted to them and he was attracted to Devyn.

"Not Matt," Devyn said. "And I don't think I would either."

Charlie's eyes popped wide and his mouth hung open. "Really!"

"If I were straight, I wouldn't be here," Devyn said. "I wouldn't be who I
am and I think I am starting to like who god made me."

"You know I had never said that before. I mean that I'm gay." Charlie could
not believe he had said it aloud for the second time in just a few
minutes. "I don't think I'll ever get to the point you are. I mean
accepting yourself like you do." He did not think he would ever have
Devyn's self-confidence to be openly gay. He did not think he would have
Devyn's strength to overcome what others think about him. Would his parents
be able to accept him as their gay son? Charlie did not know. He was not
sure he had the backbone to ever find out. How could he hide from them
forever? After yesterday he was sure his folks would be fine with Devyn as
his friend but he was worried what Howard would think. Charlie had heard
enough of Howard's comments over the years to know that he probably was not
going to accept Devyn being around.

"You might," Devyn said. "With a little help from a good friend."

Charlie was not sure but he knew one thing. He wanted Devyn as a friend. He
wanted to be friends with this boy. He also knew that he would have to keep
his family from finding out that he was gay. He would just need to make
sure they believed that he and Devyn were nothing but school friends.

 "I would like that," he said. "Are you alright with us keeping, um,
keeping anything that might happen between us, um, secret?"

"Coming out is up to you," Devyn said. "You do it when you think it is
right for you. I will never out you to anyone." Devyn's lips twitched up
into a smile. "It is nice to know that you think something might happen
between us."

Charlie could feel his face burn a little. He hoped that Devyn would think
it was just the heat of the summer morning. "I, um, like you," he said. "I
hope that is okay."

It is good to know," Devyn said. "But there is one thing." Devyn saw
Charlie's blue eyes lock onto his. "I won't out you. I am fine keeping you
being gay a secret. I understand you need time and that is fine with
me. However, being shut out like you did to me at the hardware store..."
Devyn paused feeling once again the hurt. He wondered how much of the pain
was hurt from Charlie and how much was hurt from Brent. Charlie had come
out to make things right. Devyn had given Brent that chance and Brent had
not been able or willing to do that. "I understand you wanting to keep us
being more than friends a secret but I don't want to feel like I did at the
hardware store. The way you treated me hurt. Even if you did not want your
parents to know we were close you did not need to be so cold."

"I won't do that again," Charlie said with conviction. "I made a mistake by
treating you how I did. I have no problem with everyone knowing we are
friends. I'm just not ready for them to know we, um, are more or that I am,
um, gay. I was just afraid yesterday. I was worried you would say something
or do something or..."

"Maybe just showing up wasn't my best idea," Devyn said. "I was just
frustrated with never getting to talk to you."

"That is my fault," Charlie said, looking down, ashamed. "I wanted to talk
to you but when we were, um, alone. I did not have much privacy and was
avoiding the subject and maybe avoiding my true feelings. Can you, um,
forgive me for all that?"

"Well...first tell me about this girl you dated?" Devyn asked. "You know
the one you had a blast with."

"Oh," Charlie said. "Well, that was, um, not much. I mean we went out and
all. We kissed a little bit but that was it. She was the daughter of
friends of my grandparents. I think they wanted to fix me up or
something. She was a little shy and not much interested in me."

"You two didn't, um, do more than kiss?" Devyn asked.

"Would it bother you if I had?" Charlie asked.

"No," Devyn said. "I'm curious. If you have doubts about being gay, then
you really need to explore a relationship with a girl."

"When I was with her, it didn't, um, feel right." Charlie felt his ears
burning at the admission. He glanced at the porch floor and then his eyes
looked back at Devyn. He looked directly into Devyn's warm chocolate
eyes. He wanted Devyn to know that what he was going to say was true. "It
did not feel natural. When we kissed," Charlie began and paused. "I didn't
feel anything. I mean I didn't get excited. But that night in the cab of
your truck when you touched me," Charlie's face burned with his
embarrassment at what he was confiding. "I, um, did feel something. I felt
more from one touch from you than kissing her. It feels more real with you
than anything did with her."

Devyn could not help but smile. They guy looked so damn cute when he
blushed. "Well, then I would say that if nothing else, you like me."

"I do," Charlie said. "I just need to figure out how to be, well, how to be
me and how to accept me being gay." Charlie could not believe he had just
said it for a third time. Was it becoming easier each time? Was he
accepting himself more each time he said the word aloud?

"What are your plans today," Devyn asked.

"Nothing really," Charlie answered.

"Then hang out with us," Devyn said. "Joe and Ethan are still asleep and
Travis will be getting up soon. I am not sure what we are doing today but
you can see how a bunch of queers spend the day."

"Um, I guess I could do that," Charlie said.

"One thing to keep in mind Charlie," Devyn said seriously. "It is probably
going to be all over town, if it isn't already, that I am gay. If you are
hanging out with me, then you might get some fallout from that."

"My biggest concern was with my parents," Charlie said. "I think they are
going to be just fine with us being friends." Charlie was not as sure about
how his older brother was going to feel about it. He was not going to tell
Devyn that. "I'm just not ready for anyone else but you to know that I'm
um, gay." Charlie saw the hesitation in Devyn's eyes. "I know at some point
I will have to tell them," he said. "I just am not ready. They might be
fine with having gay friends but who knows how they would be with a gay
son." Charlie was more than a little worried how his brother would react to
Charlie having a gay friend let alone being gay himself.

"If we need to put distance between us at school, just let me know." Devyn
was determined to try and make this easy on Charlie. He understood the
struggle the boy was going through and he wanted to help him through it. He
wanted to give Charlie the support that Devyn needed and had not
received. "I will understand if we need to play down our friendship in
public."

"I guess we will see," Charlie said. "Um, just keep in mind I am not as
confident and strong as you are. You are so much more together than I am."

Devyn could not stop a laugh from popping out. He was far from together. He
had more doubts and insecurities than anyone he knew.  "Come on in," Devyn
said, getting up from the porch swing. "I'll fix some breakfast. Have you
had anything to eat?"

"No, I left early to ride," Charlie said. "I needed to think and I guess
talk to you face to face before school started."

"I am glad you did," Devyn said. He reached out and took Charlie's hand. He
gave it a squeeze and Charlie returned it.

Devyn felt like the talk on the porch had cleared the air for him and
Charlie. Devyn understood a little better the different emotions going on
inside Charlie. It was going to take time for Charlie to really grow to
accept himself. Devyn hoped he could help Charlie come to terms with those
feelings.

# # #

Devyn set about fixing breakfast for the group. He knew Joe and Ethan would
be up soon and the smell of food would probably pull Travis downstairs.

"Wow you really are cooking," Charlie said. "I was expecting cereal or
something easy like toast."

"Nope not here," Devyn said. "We're having eggs, sausage and biscuits. I
would do gravy but Joe's always turns out better than mine."

Charlie was amazed by Devyn. He liked watching the other boy moving around
the kitchen. He was so glad that Devyn had been understanding and was
giving Charlie a second chance. Charlie just hoped he would get more than
just a second chance at Devyn's friendship. "Hell, I can't cook. I mean
other than like simple stuff."

"I had to learn or starve," Devyn said. "Where I was living before here, I
had to do all of the cooking for me and Todd. Besides, it isn't really hard
to make eggs."

"Um, who is Todd?" Charlie asked, wondering if he already had competition
for Devyn.

"Todd is this cool kid that I lived with," Devyn answered honestly. "He had
some mental deficiencies but he was cool. He's older than me but mentally
he's probably closer to Travis in age."

"Oh, so he wasn't like a, um, boyfriend?" Charlie asked.

"No," Devyn said. "Not at all. He was just an innocent kid that needed
someone to protect him. Again, I think I was in the right place at the
right time."

The smell of the food cooking brought Travis downstairs. Devyn introduced
Charlie to Travis. "Nope he doesn't know sign," Devyn said. "We can teach
him if he wants to learn."

"Damn is there anything you can't do?" Charlie asked.

The smells also pulled Ethan from the bedroom. He strode out in nothing but
his boxers. "Something smells good..." His voice cut off when he saw the
other boy sitting at the table.

"Morning," Devyn said. "Charlie, this is Ethan. As you can see, we don't
dress for breakfast."

"Um, I didn't know anyone else was here," Ethan said.

"Hi," Charlie said looking over Ethan's body. Charlie's eyes traveled over
the man's disheveled hair that only made him look more attractive. His eyes
lingered on Ethan's bare chest. It was smooth and muscular. It was obvious
the guy worked out. Charlie could feel his face growing warm as his gaze
was traveling over Ethan's navy blue boxer briefs and how they hugged every
curve of his maleness.

"I'll just go throw something on," Ethan said, turning and hurrying from
the room.

Charlie could not help checking out Ethan's butt as the man left the
room. The boxer briefs hugged every curve of the college boy's hard
ass. "Um what, um will we need to tell Joe about us?" Charlie's voice was a
bit shaky as he asked the question. He had not thought about exactly how
hard it would be to keep his secret.

"Joe and Ethan aren't stupid," Devyn said. "If we are hanging out here
together, they are going to put one and one together and get two."

"They, um will keep it quiet right?" Charlie asked his eyes half pleading
as they met Devyn's eyes.

Devyn could see the fear in those soft blue eyes. "Joe would never out
anyone and neither would Ethan."

"That is good to know," Charlie said. Then he added, "He is um," Charlie
paused and then said, "Hot."

"Yes, he is," Devyn agreed. "But don't let him know. Ethan is one guy that
does not need any ego stroking."

Ethan returned wearing shorts and a tank. Joe was following behind him in
jeans and a t-shirt. "It smells good," Joe said and moved to the stove.

"It is almost done," Devyn said.

"Hi Charlie," Joe said.

"Um, hi," Charlie said.

"You joining us for breakfast?" Joe was pleased to see the blonde boy. He
was hoping that this meant that Charlie and Devyn might be able to work
things out.

"Um, if it's alright," Charlie said softly. He was still nervous about
letting more people know he was gay. He was sure Devyn was right and Joe
was not going to tell anyone but, for the blonde boy, it still felt strange
having someone else know. He had been hiding for so long that it did not
feel natural.

"Of course it is," Joe said. "You are welcome here any time."

"Thanks," Charlie said.

"We were actually going to hang out today." Devyn could see in Joe's eyes
that he was pleased that Charlie and Devyn were repairing their friendship.

Taking a seat at the table, Joe looked at Charlie. The boy looked a bit
nervous to Joe. "It is fine with me. We can put him to work."

Sitting down next to Joe, Ethan's curiosity was obvious from the way he was
studying Charlie. "So, can I ask?

Joe knew exactly what Ethan was wanting to know and Joe had to admit if
even to just himself that he too was curious. He had wondered from the
moment Ethan had said there was a cute boy in the kitchen what the
relationship might be. "You will anyway, so just ask."

"Is this a friend, a boyfriend?" Ethan asked.

"Does that matter?" Devyn asked putting the breakfast on the table.

"Only if he is going to hit on him," Joe said, taking a biscuit from the
plate Devyn had placed on the table.

"Nope," Ethan said. "I got what I want right here." He slid his hand across
Joe's back.

"Ethan likes to joke around a lot," Devyn told Charlie. "Just ignore
him. The rest of us do."

"Hey!" Ethan cried, in mock outrage.

They all sat down and started to eat breakfast. It was quiet, for a while,
as the 5 of them ate. Ethan finally broke the silence, "So you never
answered my question. Boyfriends?"

"We are friends," Devyn said.

Charlie felt his face blushing. He hated that with his lighter complexion
everything showed up on his face in a red blush.

"Ignore him," Devyn said.

"Yeah," Joe said. "Ignore him." Joe shot Ethan a back off look and Ethan
took the hint.

After finishing his breakfast, Devyn ran upstairs to change into work
clothes. Joe went to the office to check the weather forecast. Ethan and
Charlie were alone in the kitchen. "I am sorry about earlier," Ethan
began. "I did not mean to put you on the spot."

"It's, um, alright," Charlie said.

"You know Devyn's a special guy," Ethan began. "I can tell he likes you a
lot."

"You can?" Charlie asked. He was hoping that Devyn still liked him for more
than just a friend.

"Yes, and I think you like him too." Ethan could see the fear and yearning
in Charlie's warm blue eyes. He could see why Devyn was attracted to the
boy. "You do, don't you?"

"I, um, guess so," Charlie said shrugging his shoulders.

"It must be hard being gay in a small town like this," Ethan said.

"I, um, well um," Charlie stammered. He was not sure how to respond to
Ethan.

"Don't worry," Ethan said sliding his arm around Charlie's shoulders. "We
won't tell." Ethan could almost feel some of the tension leave the boy.

"Thanks," Charlie said softly. "I'm still, um, figuring stuff out."

"It takes longer for some guys," Ethan said. "I was one of the lucky
ones. My parents were surprised but supportive. I did not have the
experience Joe and Devyn had."

"Devyn doesn't talk about it much," Charlie said.

"Have you asked him?" Ethan asked.

"Um, not really," Charlie said.

"Maybe he is just waiting for you to ask," Ethan said.

"Um, I didn't want to seem pushy about it." Charlie was wondering if he had
done the right thing by not asking Devyn about his past. Should he have
been more interested in the guy's history?

"I think you should," Ethan said. "It might help both of you."

"I'll think about that," Charlie said, just as Devyn was coming back
downstairs.

"You tormenting him again," Devyn said, coming back into the kitchen.

"I was being nice," Ethan said.

"He was," Charlie agreed.

"Come on," Devyn said heading towards the door. "We can talk while I do my
chores."

"Sure," Charlie said.

# # #

Charlie followed Devyn around, watching him feed the calves, put out new
bedding and mix up the milk. Charlie was realizing how easy he had it. His
folks only expected him to take out the trash and sometimes help at the
hardware store. He did not have to do nearly as much as Devyn did. It was
no wonder Devyn was filling out so well. All the manual labor was going to
provide him with a great body. Charlie watched Devyn's butt flex in the
tight-fitting jeans as the teenager bent and stretched with the
pitchfork. He watched the cords of muscle on Devyn's forearms flex as he
forked the straw into the pens.

"You are being quiet," Devyn said, stabbing the pitchfork back into the
bale of straw.

"I was just thinking," Charlie said.

"About?" Devyn asked.

"Um, several things," Charlie said. "I was realizing how easy I have it. I
don't do nearly the work you do. Do you do all of this every day?"

"I don't have to do the bedding everyday but the rest of it," he answered,
shrugging his shoulders. "I don't really mind it. I like working with the
calves and the work isn't that hard. It will be worse when I have to clean
out the pens. What else were you thinking?"

`Um, that you have a hot ass,' Charlie thought but could not bring himself
to say it. "Um not much," he said aloud.

They walked together to the water trough and Devyn turned on the water to
fill it up. A few of the cows came up and started drinking. One was swiping
its huge tongue into the stream of water and splashing it. Charlie jumped
back trying not to get wet but was too late. "Damn," he said.

Devyn laughed, "Looks like you pissed yourself."

"I guess it does," Charlie said and laughed too. They watched the cows and
the water for a few and then Charlie asked, "Do Joe and Ethan always act
like that?"

"Like what?" Devyn asked.

"The way they touched each other." Charlie paused trying to not seem too
interested in the older men. "I have never seen guys so comfortable with
each other. They are so willing to touch each other. I do not do that with
anyone. When I was little, I would hug my dad but I don't really do that
anymore. I used to hug Howard, my brother, but he kind of put a stop to
that."

"Yes, they are perfectly comfortable expressing themselves physically,"
Devyn said. "Sometimes I don't even think they realize they are doing
it. You know what, when I was a kid I used to be a lot more physically
affectionate with people. I'm not sure at what point we learn not to be
that way. I think it is a mistake we make. I would much rather be able to
touch my friend than to have to keep him at arm's length all the time."
Devyn then reached over and slid his arm around Charlie's shoulders. He
felt the other boy tense up. He almost saw Charlie's eyes darting left and
right to see if anyone was nearby. "No one will see you out here," Devyn
said. "Only Joe and Ethan and they aren't going to talk about what they
see."  Devyn still felt the tension in Charlie's shoulders so he removed
his arm. He understood Charlie needed time.

"Sorry," Charlie said. "I am always worried that I will do something gay."

"I understand," Devyn said.

"No, it is more than that," Charlie said. "I guess you know I look gayer
than just about anyone else in school."

"I don't think so," Devyn said.

"Oh, don't lie," Charlie said. "I bet you spotted me as gay right off the
bat. The truth is when I was a kid, I use to be more gay."

"Charlie," Devyn began. "I think you don't see yourself clearly. You really
don't act one way or the other. Did you think I was gay before I told you
at Julie's party?"

"No," Charlie said. "With your reputation with Dewayne and Mindy I thought
you were just another kid."

"I thought you were the same," Devyn said. "You were always around girls so
you being straight seemed to fit. I will admit I was attracted to you that
first day when I saw you in Biology. You were really cute with your spikey
hair."

Charlie could remember that day clearly. Like everyone in school, he had
been curious about the new boy. He had been even more curious when he had
seen how damn cute Devyn was. Charlie had thought Devyn had stepped right
out of one of those teen dramas.

"You thought I was cute with that hair?" Charlie asked, studying Devyn's
expression.

"Yes, I liked it," Devyn said. "You did not keep it that way very long."

Charlie had thought the hair looked cool. He had been hurt when Howard had
come home from college for the weekend and teased him about it. It had been
after that weekend that Charlie had gotten a haircut and did away with the
spikes. Now he just kept it cut short.

"I wanted to run my fingers over it," Devyn said. "It was cute on you."

"Cute," Charlie repeated. "Cute, that is the problem. I'm always cute and
never handsome or hot."

"Cute is good," Devyn said. "I happen to like cute blonde guys."

"Don't tease me." Charlie said it harsher than he intended.

"Hey," Devyn said, touching Charlie. "I'm only playing but I do think you
are cute."

"Sorry," Charlie said, looking down at the grass. "I am just a little
sensitive about it. You know, always trying to be on my guard."

Leaning back against the fence post, Devyn was looking at Charlie. He no
longer had that spikey hair, but he was still cute. The baggy bike shorts
did not show off Charlie's male equipment but the shirt did emphasize the
boy's lean physique. The sunlight glinted off his blond hair. His body was
lean and wiry. He probably rode all over town on his bike. "What do you
mean?"

"I guess I was more flamboyant about everything," Charlie said. "I can
still remember my older cousin was driving me and my older brother to
school. I think I was in the fourth grade Howard was probably in the sixth
grade. Chris, that's his name, had just gotten his driver's license. Howard
and I both looked up to Chris because he was older and fun. He always made
sure to include me when he could. Anyway, I don't remember what we were
talking about but I was being my usual self. I was probably talking fast
and bouncing and excited and whatever and he said to me "Knock it off
Charlie. You don't want to be a little queer. My brother said Yeah stop
being queer."

Devyn did not say anything. He let Charlie continue. "I didn't know what
queer even meant. I just knew that it was something my brother and cousin
didn't like and it was bad. He dropped us off at the door and drove off. My
brother said if I didn't stop acting like a sissy, he and Chris were going
to stop hanging out with me. I looked up to my cousin and brother. They
were both so cool. I felt like I wanted to cry. I kind of worshiped
them. Hell, I guess I still kind of do. He is a cool big brother. Anyway,
after that I started working hard to act more like him and to blend into
the shadows. I know I am gay. I know that because I was just checking out
your ass. I just don't know how to be gay or straight. I just don't know."

Devyn could hear the tremble in Charlie's voice. Charlie was looking down
and not meeting Devyn's eyes. He thought Charlie was going to cry. He
stepped closer. And this time, he pulled Charlie into a full hug. He felt
him tense up but this time Devyn did not pull back he rubbed Charlie's
back. "Then don't worry about how to be gay or straight. Just be Charlie."
Devyn looked into Charlie's soft blue eyes. He wanted so much to lean in
and kiss those red lips but he knew Charlie was not ready for that. He felt
Charlie's arms tighten briefly hugging him back.

"I wish it was easier," Charlie said. "Thanks for, um, being so
understanding. I cannot believe you are so understanding about everything."

"No problem." Devyn slowly released Charlie. "I don't mind that you were
checking out my ass." Devyn's lips curved up into a half smile. "I actually
kind of like that."

"Stop it," Charlie said but was grinning now.

"It's always nice to be checked out by a hot guy," Devyn said.

"Now I know you are joking, but thanks." Charlie did not know what it was
about Devyn but the guy always made him feel better.

"To tell you the truth," Devyn was leaning in a little close as if to tell
Charlie a secret, "I was looking at yours too."

Charlie could feel his face burning. He was not sure if Devyn was totally
serious but it sent a surge into his boy parts.

"You know," Devyn said, his voice serious again, "Joe is much better at
this advice-giving stuff. Maybe you should talk to him."

"No," Charlie said. "I couldn't do that. It would be too weird."

"Maybe talking to your brother would help?" Devyn suggested.

"Definitely not," Charlie said. Charlie knew all too well that Howard would
never understand anything about the feelings Charlie was having for Devyn.

"Okay," Devyn said, walking with Charlie. "I'm always here whenever you
want to talk."

"Thanks," Charlie said.

They spent the rest of the morning walking around the farm talking and
learning more about each other. Once Charlie started to loosen up, he had a
good sense of humor. Devyn also noticed that Charlie had a nice butt. He
wondered if some of it was just the padding in the bike shorts the guy was
wearing.

# # #

In the afternoon they caught up with Joe and Ethan in the big shed. Devyn
often called it the super barn as it was twice as big as any of the others
and it dwarfed the smallest shed. It was where Joe kept most of the big
farm equipment and where he did the regular maintenance of the tractors and
other equipment. Tools lined one wall; machinery sat in the center. The
other wall had supplies and spare parts. Devyn had never figured out Joe's
organizational plan in here but Joe knew where everything was. The only
time he had to search for something was when Devyn had not put it back in
the right spot.

"There you two are," Ethan said.

"How is it going?" Joe asked.

"Fine," Devyn said.

Ethan studied Charlie's face. His eyes were filled with more humor than
earlier today. He had never seen anyone with a shade of blue like that in
their eyes. It was kind of soft and pulled one in. He also noticed the
short blonde hair was setting off the boy's face. He could see why Devyn
thought the boy was cute. Ethan agreed but Devyn was the more
attractive. Plus, Ethan thought Devyn had the better body. Charlie looked
kind of skinny. But the boy did have one nice butt.

"I was just trying to convince Joe to go swimming," Ethan said.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea," Devyn said. "As hot as it is out, a
dip in the pond would feel good. How about it Joe?"

"I have a lot of work to do," Joe said. "But you boys can go."

"How about it," Devyn said, turning to Charlie. "Want to go?"

"These won't really work as swimming trunks." Charlie felt a little
uncomfortable swimming in his bike shorts especially with Ethan and Joe
there watching.

"Let's just go skinny dipping," Ethan said.

Charlie knew he was not going to be comfortable with that idea at all. He
would not be able to stop his teenage cock from popping a full-blown
erection with Joe, Ethan and especially Devyn naked. Just the thought of
that was sending blood rushing to his cock.

Joe saw the tension in Charlie increase at the idea of going skinny
dipping. He could remember being a skinny kid and not ready for everyone to
be checking him out. "I'm not so sure that is a good idea."

"Sure, it is," Ethan said, turning to Joe. "You won't have to worry about
losing your pants this time."

Joe thumped Ethan on the head with the wrench he had just been using. He
only hit him hard enough to get his attention but not hard enough to really
hurt.

"Ouch!" Ethan cried. "What was that for?"

"Just checking," Joe said.

"Checking what?" Ethan asked.

"How thick that skull is," Joe said. The look Joe shot Ethan told him to
give the boys some alone time.

Ethan picked up what Joe was saying with his eyes. The thump on the head
helped a little. "I'll just stay here and give you a hand getting some work
done."

"I'm sure I can find a pair of swim trunks that will fit you," Devyn
said. "We are close to the same size."

"Um, I guess," Charlie said.

"Should we take Travis with us?" Devyn was asking Joe. He thought that Joe
might want some alone time with Ethan.

"He can hang out with us," Joe said. "You two just have fun."

"Come on let's go to the house and see what kind of trunks I can find for
you," Devyn said to Charlie.

Charlie and Devyn headed across the driveway and up the walk into the
house. "You know if you don't want to go it is OK," Devyn said as they went
up the stairs to his room.

"It is fine," Charlie said. "It is hot out so it would be a good day for
it."

"Oh, and don't worry, I'll make sure you don't drown," Devyn said looking
for the swim trunks.

"Ha-ha," Charlie said.

Devyn tossed him a pair of trunks. "Go on and try those on and see if they
fit."

Charlie caught them and held them up. They looked like they would fit. He
glanced over at Devyn who had pulled out another pair of trunks. Devyn
turned and looked at Charlie. "I'll go over to Travis' room and change. You
can change here."

The two quickly changed and headed down to the driveway. "Let me just check
with Joe and make sure I can use the truck. I really don't want to walk all
the way back there."

# # #

After getting Joe's permission to take the truck Devyn and Charlie drove
back to the pasture to the pond. "You don't have your license, yet do you?"
Devyn asked as they bounced across the pasture.

"Um, no," Charlie answered.

"I just got it last spring," Devyn said. He could still remember how
excited he had been passing the test on one try. It made him feel one step
closer to being an adult. Now he just wished he could have his own car. It
would be cool to drive himself to school. He could even take Travis to
school every day. Devyn was a little worried Travis might get picked on for
being deaf.

"We had so many classes together, that until Julie's party I assumed we
were the same age," Charlie said.

"Um, I, well," Devyn hated to let Charlie know how behind he had gotten
because of missing so much school when he had been kicked out. "I'm just
going to be straight with you. I missed a lot of school and last year I had
to retake several classes."

"Oh," Charlie said. "You mean before living with Joe?"

"Yeah," Devyn said. "I made some bad choices and now am paying for
that. Plus, I did not do so well that first semester. I messed up by
hanging out with Dewayne and Terry."

"Well, everyone needs second chances," Charlie said. "I am actually glad we
had so many classes together. It let me get to know you." Charlie
hesitantly reached over and placed his hand on Devyn's bare knee. He could
feel the heat of Devyn's tan skin. He felt his own face warm and pulled his
hand away after only a second. He looked out the passenger window and
missed the smile Devyn gave him.

They pulled up at the pond. "It looks really nice here," Charlie said.

"It is," Devyn said. "I have wanted to camp out here so I could look up at
the stars but haven't done it yet."

"That would be cool," Charlie said. "My brother and I went camping last
summer at a lake. It was so cool. We went on a big hike and it was fun. It
was like our last chance. We talked about doing it again this summer but I
got that trip from my grandparents. Dad has plans for Howard to get a
business degree and take over the store."

"What about you?" Devyn asked. "You interested in taking over the store
with him?"

They had slid from the truck and walked to the edge of the water. Devyn
pulled off his t-shirt and let it drop to the ground. Charlie studied
Devyn's bare torso. His eyes drank in the tan skin, the muscular arms and
chest and the tight flat belly. All the smooth teenage skin was sending
blood rushing to Charlie's teenage member. "Um, um, he and I probably won't
be able to work together," Charlie said trying to answer Devyn's question
and keep himself from popping a boner.

"Why is that?" Devyn asked, walking out into the water.

"He isn't going to be able to accept me being gay," Charlie said. Charlie
watched as Devyn moved into the pond. He watched the broad shoulders, the
tan skin, the narrow waist, and the tight butt in the swim trunks. He and
Sam had gone swimming before and he had never felt like this. He had been
swimming with other friends and never been so turned on by the sight of a
shirtless guy as he was by the sight of Devyn.

"I'm sorry about that," Devyn said and turned to look at Charlie. Charlie
was still standing there with the sun beating down on his blond head. It
made the teenagers blonde hair glow. His soft blue eyes seemed a little
bluer. "Well take your shirt off and come in," Devyn encouraged. "The water
is not too bad."

Charlie hesitated a minute and then finally pulled his shirt off and
dropped it on top of Devyn's. He then began moving into the water. His feet
slowly entered the water and he was feeling the mud squish between his
toes.

Devyn watched as Charlie dropped his shirt and finally began moving into
the water. Charlie had a much slenderer build than he did. His body seemed
to be completely hairless. No hair on his legs that Devyn could see and not
on his chest. His skin was also much fairer than Devyn's. His nipples stood
out pink against his light golden tan.

See the water is not too bad," Devyn said as Charlie joined him.

"No, it is actually kind of nice." Charlie moved further into the pond,
letting the water move up and cover his lower body. At least now Devyn
would not be able to see the tent in his shorts if he did pop a
boner. Charlie noticed the rope hanging from the tree at the other end of
the pond. "What is the rope for?"

Devyn looked where Charlie was looking. He remembered last week watching
Ethan climb that rope and then him having to do it himself. Then Devyn saw
the image of a fifteen-year-old Joe standing there with the rope around his
neck. Standing there considering stepping off and committing suicide. Devyn
closed his eyes. He felt something inside of him twisting. Devyn could
hardly stand just the idea of Joe feeling so desperate. "Thank you,
Hannah," Devyn thought. He glanced up at the blue sky. "Thank you for
saving him and me." Out loud Devyn said, "We can climb it and jump into the
deep end." The big knots make it easy to climb."

"Easy for you," Charlie said.

"It is," Devyn said. "Want to see."

"Sure," Charlie said.

Devyn swam over to the rope and started climbing up. He hesitated at the
top looking down at Charlie. Leaping off the top he dove into the water
putting on a nice show for Charlie and causing a nice splash as his teenage
body penetrated the water.

"Wow!" Charlie cried. "That is cool."

Devyn surfaced next to Charlie. "Go on and give it a try. It is really
easy."

"Maybe in a bit," Charlie said. "I should work up to that."

They swam around the pond doing a couple races to see who was faster then
set to trying to dunk each other. Devyn had a hard time not becoming
aroused as his hands were sliding all over Charlie's wet body. He wondered
if Charlie was having the same reaction. He had a momentary thought to jerk
down Charlie's shorts. He wondered if he could get Charlie to climb naked
to the top of the rope to retrieve them. Devyn was curious if Charlie was
as smooth all over as the rest of his body appeared to be. In the end Devyn
decided not to do that to his friend.

After being dunked a couple times by the smaller guy Devyn realized that
Charlie was stronger than he looked. Every lean ounce of the boy was
muscle. "You win," Devyn said, surfacing after being dunked. "I think I
swallowed something besides just water."

Charlie could not believe how much fun he was having. He felt so relaxed as
he started just floating there on the water. His fears and worries seemed
silly out here alone with Devyn. He wondered if they could just stay here
like this.

Devyn was floating only inches from Charlie. He felt relaxed and excited at
the same time. He felt like he and Charlie were on the edge of
something. Turning Devyn found his eyes meeting Charlie's. He looked into
the warm blue of Charlie's eyes. Devyn leaned in closer until his lips
found Charlie's. The kiss was soft and Devyn felt Charlie tense up. He
pulled back. "I'm, um, I'm sorry," Devyn said. "I um thought..."

Charlie did not give Devyn the chance to finish the sentence. Grabbing the
other boy, Charlie pulled him closer. Charlie's arms were wrapping around
Devyn and holding him as they locked lips. The kiss seemed to last a long
time. They finally broke the kiss to look into each other's eyes
again. Their bodies were still held together by their arms. Their chests,
stomachs and crotches were pressed hard against each other.

"I, I, have never done that with a guy before." Charlie thought the kiss
felt better than the one he remembered from his dream. Kissing the real
Devyn was a hundred times better.

"I'm your first kiss?" Devyn asked, smiling.

"Um, yeah," Charlie said and his face turned red with his
embarrassment. "At least the first boy."

"Damn you are so cute when you blush," Devyn said.

"Stop it," Charlie said pushing against Devyn but Devyn was not letting go.

"I mean it," Devyn said. "You are. I find it incredibly attractive."
Leaning in Devyn kisses the tip of Charlie's nose.

Charlie stopped struggling and looked again into Devyn's gaze. He saw the
golden sparks firing in Devyn's eyes. "You have the most amazing eyes."
Charlie's wet body was against Devyn's and Charlie's hands were holding
onto Devyn's slick skin. "All of those gold specks. I have never seen
anything like it."

"Um, thanks," Devyn said. "I think yours are really nice too."

Charlie's hands began to move. They slid over the tan skin and traced the
cords of muscle that formed Devyn's biceps. "You are so damn hot," Charlie
said. "I'm not sure what you are doing with me."

"Hey," Devyn said. "Stop that. I like you. You are damn cute. You are also
sweet and kind and incredibly special."

"I don't have all of these muscles," Charlie said as his hand traveled over
Devyn's chest.

"I'm not that muscular," Devyn said. "You should see Joe without a shirt."

"He is hot," Charlie said. "But I think you are hotter."

Devyn felt his own face blush a bit as he moved back in and kissed Charlie
again. He pulled him in tight and felt Charlie's erection pressing against
him. The kiss broke and Devyn looked into Charlie's eyes. "It feels like
you do like me."

"Sorry," Charlie said. "I'm so sorry." Charlie felt his face burn even more
red.

"Don't be," Devyn said and moved so that Charlie could feel Devyn's
erection.

"Damn," Charlie said. "I hope that is you and not some monster snake."

"Well, that snake really likes you," Devyn said and lightly kissed Charlie
again. "And so do I."

They swam for a while more and horsed around and Devyn finally convinced
Charlie to climb up the rope and dive in. Charlie was hesitant but
eventually agreed to do it. Charlie climbed slowly and Devyn enjoyed
watching him. His fair skin in the brilliant sunlight stood out against the
rich green of the tree's foliage. As Charlie was climbing Devyn could see
his muscles popping out. The boy definitely had more muscle than was at
first obvious.

Charlie took a deep breath and dove into the water. He hit harder and at a
bad angle. He could not stop his intake of breath and swallowed water. He
was coughing and could not figure out which was up for a moment. Then he
felt strong arms gripping him and pulling him to the surface. "I got you,"
Devyn said. "Are you going to be alright?"

Charlie coughed up more water and tried to say yes but the words would not
come out. He knew he had panicked when he hit the water. He knew he was
fine. He knew he liked the feeling of Devyn's arms around him.  "I'm, I'm
okay," he said, between gasps of air.

Devyn pulled them so they were able to touch bottom again. "I am so sorry,"
Devyn said.

"I'm fine," Charlie said. He was standing in waist deep water with Devyn's
arms still around him. "I am more than fine. I may do it again just so you
can save me. Maybe next time I'll need mouth-to-mouth."

"You don't need to scare the shit out of me for mouth-to-mouth," Devyn said
and kissed Charlie hard on the mouth, his tongue probing at Charlie's lips
until they parted.  They broke away after long moments. "You taste like
pond water." Devyn's lips were quirked up into a slight teasing grin.

Charlie thought it was the sexiest thing. "Well, then no more kissing."

"I didn't say I disliked it," Devyn said. "In fact, on you it works."

"It works," Charlie said. "What does that mean I am pond scum or
something?"

"No, it means you are so sweet that you can make even pond water taste
good," Devyn said teasingly.

"Ugh," Charlie said.

"Was that too sappy?" Devyn asked.

"Definitely," Charlie said laughing.

"Let's take a break," Devyn said.

Charlie agreed and they worked their way out of the pond and up on the
grassy bank. Devyn pulled the blanket from the truck and spread it out on
the ground and they stretched out side by side letting the sun dry them.

"I always wondered what it would be like," Charlie said, finally breaking
the silence.

"What?" Devyn asked.

"What it would be like," Charlie repeated.

"I mean what do you mean what, what would it be like? Devyn asked."

"This," Charlie said. "Us. Being with another guy. Being gay with another
guy."

"Oh," Devyn said. "And how is it."

"It is awesome," Charlie said. "I feel free here."

"You are," Devyn said. "Just be yourself."

Turning onto his side, and propping himself up onto an elbow, Charlie was
studying Devyn's face. Devyn's hair was wet from the water. It made the
brown even a deeper color. His eyes were closed and his lips were curved up
into a smile as he was lying there soaking up the rays of the summer
sun. Charlie's eyes traveled from Devyn's face down over the boy's tan skin
and muscular torso. Charlie reached out and touched his shoulder. Then his
fingers were sliding over Devyn's arm and then his chest. "I love the feel
of your skin. I love being able to touch you and not worry about someone
seeing."

"That is the nice thing about being out here where the only ones watching
are the cows." Devyn lay there, letting Charlie explore his
chest. Charlie's finger slid over his pectoral muscles and down over his
tight flat belly. Charlie's fingers stopped at the elastic waistband of the
trunks, though he had a momentary urge to push his hand inside. He had a
desire to run his fingers through the brown curls he had seen in his
dream. He wondered if they were the same brown he had dreamed about. He
wondered if Devyn's boyhood would feel the same in his hand. Instead of
pushing his hand into Devyn's trunks, he slid it back across Devyn's belly
and back to the boy's chest. Charlie began teasing Devyn's nipple. The nub
stiffened under Charlie's teasing fingers. "Wow your nipples get hard,"
Charlie said.

"Don't yours," Devyn said, opening his eyes to look into Charlie's face.

"I never had any one mess with them before," Charlie said but could
remember how it had felt when his dream Devyn had touched them.

"Oh well, let's see," Devyn said and rolled over pushing Charlie back onto
his back and sliding on top of the other guy. Devyn's fingers expertly
teasing Charlie's small pink nipples.

"That tickles," Charlie said.

"Oh," Devyn said a mischievous glint in his soft brown eyes. "How about
this?" Devyn's fingers danced up and down Charlie's sides teasing the other
boy and making him break out into bouts of giggles.

"Yes," Charlie said. "Yes, it tickles."

"And this?" Devyn asked and leaned down and softly sucked on Charlie's left
nipple. He grazed the little nub with his teeth. The pink nub was growing
erect. "Hmm, yours get hard too." Devyn looked down into Charlie's face. He
was breathing hard. Devyn's body was atop him and their teenage rods were
pressed against each other. They were both fully erect.

They stared into each other's eyes for a long minute. Charlie's hand slid
up from Devyn's elbow, to feel the solid muscle of his upper arm and then
around to pull him into a hug. Charlie's hands slid over the tan skin of
Devyn's back and down to the elastic waist of the swimming trunks. Their
mouths found each other and they kissed. Charlie's tongue this time
exploring Devyn's mouth.

After the kiss broke and the two caught their breath Charlie looked at the
sexy boy wanting to ask so many questions. "Can I ask you something?" he
asked, staring into Devyn's warm eyes.

"Sure." Devyn was enjoying the feeling of Charlie's body under him and the
heat of the sun on his back. Leaning down he softly kissed Charlie
again. "Ask me anything."

"You have, um, been with other guy's, right?" Charlie asked.

"Yes." Devyn did not want to lie to Charlie. `Do I tell him just how many
other guys I have been with?' Devyn wondered. He wanted to be honest with
Charlie and he also did not want to scare Charlie off by telling him
everything about his past. "Does that bother you?"

"No," Charlie said. "I kind of like that one of us has some experience. Um,
I know you went all the way with Mindy but have you gone all the way with a
guy?"

Devyn decided honesty was the best way to go with Charlie. He did not want
to start off a relationship by having secrets. Devyn took a long breath
before answering. "I have done it all." His voice was soft as he spoke.

"And you like it all?" Charlie asked.

Devyn had to think about that. He had been with guys and he enjoyed sex. He
masturbated often enough. He had enjoyed all the stuff he and Brent used to
do. He had always climaxed when he had worked for Tom's customers. He might
have climaxed but he wasn't sure he had truly enjoyed it. It had just been
a job. "I guess the answer is when it is with the right guy," he said.

"Does it hurt?" Charlie asked. "I'm mean...well you know."

"It can," Devyn said honestly. "It can hurt more or less depending on how
gentle the guy is with you. Of course there is a lot more two guys can do
together than just that."

Rolling off Charlie Devyn stretched out next to the blonde boy. He could
feel the heat of the sun beating down on him as he rested there next to
Charlie. He closed his eyes and rested for a bit waiting for his erection
and heart rate to subside. It had been a long time since Devyn had his
emotional feelings returned by another guy.

Turning his head Charlie was looking at Devyn's closed eyes and then lower
over Devyn's smooth chest. He watched it rise and fall with Devyn's slow
breathing. Charlie's gaze slid lower to the bulge in Devyn's trunks. He had
an urge to reach over and touch that. It did not look quite as big as it
had felt pressing against him. "I, um, felt you pressing against me
earlier. It felt kind of big. I'm not sure that will, um, fit there."
Charlie was surprised at his boldness and felt his face blush at the
words. Devyn had to think he was a complete idiot. He was back to looking
at Devyn's attractive face. He could see the lips twitching in a grin.

"It is not something you have to worry about right now," Devyn said. "We
came out here to swim and have fun. I didn't expect you to have sex." Devyn
could feel his male member responding to the thought of doing more with
Charlie than just swimming. Devyn wondered if they should do it now. Should
they see just how far they could go today? Should he see if Charlie was
ready for more than just kissing? He decided it was better to take things
slow. Charlie was still figuring out his emotions and Devyn thought sex
might only complicated it for the blonde boy. If things worked out they
would have plenty of time for sexual exploration.

"You know I have never had sex," Charlie said. "Not with a guy or a girl."

"I kind of thought so," Devyn said. "I kind of like that you haven't."

"You might want a guy that knows more than I do." Charlie lay back on the
blanket, his eyes looking up into the blue sky with just a few light, puffy
clouds. Moving his arm just enough so that his skin was touching
Devyn's. Charlie could not help but worry that Devyn would want a guy with
more sexual experience.

"Don't worry about your lack of experience. If we do anything together, I
think it is going to be fun watching you enjoy stuff for the first time."
Devyn remembered Joe's words telling him that it would be like Devyn
enjoying his firsts, for the first time again.

"Thank you," Charlie said. "I can't believe how awesome this day has turned
out to be and how understanding you are. I'm not sure I would have been so
forgiving if you had been such a jerk. Again, I am sorry for that."

"You would have been," Devyn said. "Don't underestimate yourself."

"I'm not so sure," Charlie said. "But you are awesome. You are a true good
friend."

"Um, thanks," Devyn said, feeling his face blush a bit.

# # #

Once they were mostly dry, they put away the blanket and slid back into the
truck. Devyn drove them back to the house. Joe was just getting ready to
throw burgers on the grill. "Are you two hungry?"

"Starving," Devyn said.

"I could eat," Charlie said.

"I'll wait before putting these on the grill," Joe said. "Go hit the
shower."

"You can go first," Devyn said. "Just don't take too long."

"I'll hurry," Charlie said.

"Do you need to call home," Joe asked Charlie while Devyn was in the
shower.

"I probably should," Charlie said. "I left before anyone was up."

Charlie's mom was a little ticked that he had left so early and had not
told anyone where he was going in the note he left. He apologized and said
he would be home after he ate.

While they ate Charlie learned a few signs and was fascinated how Joe and
Devyn signed everything to Travis so he could be part of the
conversation. "I don't know how you do that so fast," Charlie said watching
Devyn's fingers and hands fly through signs.

"Me either," Ethan said. "He learned it a lot faster than I am."

"I was motivated," Devyn said. "Plus, it helps having Travis to practice on
every day."

Near the end of the meal Devyn asked, "Um Joe, would it be okay if I used
the truck to take Charlie home. We can throw his bike in the back."

"Sure," Joe said. "I don't think I need to go anywhere."

"Nope you need to stay right here," Ethan said. "I haven't had enough of
you today."

"Maybe we will take Travis with us," Devyn suggested.

"That would be great," Joe said.

"You don't mind about Travis?" Devyn asked Charlie as they put his bicycle
in the bed of the truck.

"No," Charlie said. "Joe and Ethan need time together and Travis is a cool
kid."

To Devyn, the trip into town did not seem to take any time at all. He
wanted it to last so he could spend more time with Charlie but all too soon
they were pulling up at Charlie's house.

"Um, thanks for everything," Charlie said, reaching across Travis to
squeeze Devyn's bare leg. Devyn had pulled on shorts and a T-shirt after
his shower. "Especially for giving me this second chance. I'm not sure I
deserve it."

"I'm really glad you came out to the house," Devyn said. "Everyone deserves
a second chance. We all make mistakes. Hell, I have made a lot of them. It
was a great day."

"It was a great day for me too," Charlie said. "It was probably the best
day of the summer."

They both slid out of the truck and Devyn helped Charlie get his bike from
the bed. "I guess I'll see you in school next week."

"Or maybe sooner, um, if that is alright," Charlie said.

"Definitely," Devyn responded.

Driving away, Devyn could not help but believe that he and Charlie might
have something special. Everything was going well for the teenager. He had
Joe, he had a cool little brother in Travis and now there was a possible
boyfriend in Charlie. He even had good friends in Sam, Julie, and Stacy. Of
course, there was also Lee who was like the fun-loving, crazy uncle. It
might have taken Devyn time to overcome some of his inner struggles but it
was feeling like everything worked out the way it was meant to be.

# # #
Copyright 2021 by Keith yates (keith.96@att.net) all rights reserved.

Character is much easier kept than recovered. Thomas Paine