Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2021 17:18:26 -0500 From: Keith Yates Subject: Devyn's Struggle V2 42 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 or devyn.96@protonmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you. Please help keep Nifty going by making a donation to the awesome service. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture. Thomas Paine Devyn's Struggle V2 Chapter 42 Devyn was looking forward to seeing his friends at school. He had missed hanging out with Sam and Julie. He had even missed Stacy's drama. He knew he was going to enjoy seeing Charlie every day. He was not going to like playing down their feelings for each other but he understood Charlie was not ready for that to be public. Devyn was dreading the confrontation he knew was coming with Dewayne. He thought Terry might be an alright guy if he did not have Dewayne influencing him. He was also dreading finding out what the other kids might think of him. He knew that him being gay was going to be all over the school. "Come on sleepy head," Joe said, pulling Devyn out of his daydream. "The past few days you have been up at the crack of dawn and now that you are a schoolboy again you don't want to get up." "I didn't sleep too well," Devyn confessed. He had been sore all over from the work out with Lee plus he could not stop his mind from thinking about the sexy man. He wondered why he was fixated on Lee. Was it because Lee was the one guy who, like Joe, had accepted him? Devyn knew Lee was straight. He had a girlfriend that he had been living with since before Devyn moved in with Joe. He wondered just how long Lee and Melissa had been together. Lee sometimes made them sound like an old married couple the way they bickered. Melissa sounded like a bit of a nag. But then Devyn had never met her. That too was kind of surprising, as much as Lee had been out here, Melissa had never been with him. He would have to ask Joe about that sometime. "Get some coffee," Joe said. "You have extra time. You don't need to get the bus. I'm taking Travis for his first day." "Great," Devyn said. "I can go back to bed for a bit." "No, you can't," Joe said. "Get your sleepy butt in gear and get ready for school." Devyn managed to get himself together, and was soon in the truck with Joe and Travis. He went into the elementary school with Joe. He met the sign language interpreter. She was impressed with both Joe and Devyn's ability to sign. Travis hugged them both tightly before they left. Devyn felt a little sick to his stomach as he and Joe left Travis. "Crap," Devyn said as Joe started the truck. "I didn't think it would be hard like that." "Pulls at the heart don't it," Joe said. Yeah," Devyn said. "I don't think I have ever felt anything quite like it. I always want to protect him." "That is the reason I put you down as the emergency contact," Joe said. "Just in case they are not able to reach me." "That means a lot to me that you trust me that much," Devyn said. "You know this is the part of you that Hannah saw," Joe said. "You protected Todd from Tom just like you try to protect Travis." "I guess," Devyn said, shrugging. "Just remember to also take care of Devyn," Joe said, as he was pulling up in front of the high school. "You want me to walk you in?" "Oh yeah," Devyn said, sarcasm dripping from the words. "That would be just great. No teasing involved there at all." "I'll take that as a no," Joe said. "I'll pick you up tonight. I'm picking Travis up. I want to talk to the teacher and see how his first day went. Then if things are good, you two can ride the bus." "Sure," Devyn said. "See you later." Devyn slid from the truck and walked to the front door. He moved to his locker. It was the same one from last year. Once it was assigned, it stayed your locker until you graduated. There were quite a few kids already lining the halls. He glanced at the clock and saw it was only 10 minutes before first period. He opened his locker and found his class schedule. He glanced to see where he needed to be and then looked for Charlie or Sam or any of the kids he knew well. He spotted Terry but did not go to him. Terry was too much under Dewayne's thumb to be a friend any longer. "Hi Devyn," Julie said. "Hey," Devyn said, relieved to finally see someone he knew. "How is my hero?" she asked. "What?" Devyn was a bit confused by the statement. "You saved my party," Julie said. "Remember?" To Devyn it seemed like years ago since Julie's party. Of course, punching DeWayne and breaking his nose he remembered all too well. "I didn't really do anything," Devyn said, shrugging. "I'm sorry about Joe's sister," Julie said as she was lightly touching Devyn's forearm. "That had to make your summer rough." "Thanks," Devyn said. "It was rough for a while." "I heard that Hannah's son is living with you now," Julie said. It was obvious to Devyn that you could not keep anything quiet in this town. "Travis is great. I like having him as a little brother." They quickly compared schedules and found they had a couple classes together. "We have Algebra," Julie said. "Maybe you can help me with it. I am horrible with math and Algebra is like math on steroids." "I may not be any better than you," Devyn said. "But we can definitely study together. Um, have you seen Sam or um Charlie or anyone?" "I saw Sam a little earlier," Julie said. "He was looking for someone. I am sure Charlie is going to show up at the last minute. You know he is tardy half the time." "Oh yeah," Devyn said. He had forgotten that Charlie was normally late for everything. Then Devyn spotted a blond head coming through the doors. He wanted to wave and call out to him but he knew that would do Charlie no good. "Dale is glaring at you," Julie said. "Did you do something to him?" "No," Devyn said as he tried to remember who Dale even was. He vaguely remembers a guy named Dale at some of the parties. "Oh, and there is that skank Mindy," Julie said. "She is all over him. Oh crap, she is coming over here." "Hi Devyn," Mindy said, her voice dripping with syrup. "Hey Mindy," Devyn said. "How was your summer?" Devyn was not curious about Mindy's summer but he also did not want to be too rude to her. He had used her to try and appear to be something he was not. "It was ok," she said. "I missed you." She put her hand on his arm and softly squeezed. "Oh, you have been working out." "I was really busy this summer," Devyn said. He did not know how to get her to remove her hand. "Busy with someone?" Mindy's hand was sliding higher on Devyn's arm as she was also glaring at Julie. Mindy's fingers were feeling the solid muscles that Devyn had developed over the summer. "Um, just work, you know farm stuff," Devyn stammered. "Well, we should get together," she said. "I could use your talents again. There are some people that just don't know how to...well you know." She laughed and squeezed his arm again. "I like all of these hard muscles." Julie rolled her eyes. She could not believe that Devyn had been with this girl. "I think Dale needs you," Julie said, "and I need to get to class. Walk me Devyn." Julie pushed herself between Devyn and Mindy. She grabbed Devyn's arm and pulled him down the hall. "She is such a slut." "Thank you," Devyn said. "I didn't want to be a jerk but she..." "I can't believe you and her were together," Julie said. "That is what she meant about your talents isn't it?" "Um, I guess so," Devyn said and felt his face growing red. "I just don't understand," Julie said. "To be honest," Devyn said with a crooked smile, "I don't really understand it either." "Hi guys," Charlie said, joining Devyn and Julie. Charlie did not let his gaze linger too long on Devyn. He wanted to touch the guy but knew that he could not do that in public. "Hi," Devyn said. He wanted to say more and he wished Charlie would meet his eyes. He liked looking into Charlie's warm blue eyes. "How have you been?" Julie asked. "Same old stuff," Charlie said. "You got your schedule?" Julie asked. Devyn was relieved she had asked. He wanted to know Charlie's schedule too but did not want to seem too interested. Charlie showed them his schedule and again Devyn had a couple classes with Charlie. He had hoped for more but maybe having two together was better. If they were together too much and got too friendly it would not be good for either of them. "Dewayne is glaring at you," Julie said. "Everyone seems to have a bone to pick with you today." The first bell rang and they headed to their classes. Devyn felt like people were watching him as he walked towards his first class. Luckily, it was with Mrs. Jones and he liked her. She was strict but fair. With her you always knew where you stood. She stuck to her curriculum and if you were putting in the effort, she would give you all the help she could. "Morning Devyn," she greeted him as he entered the room. "Morning," he responded. "I hope you had an interesting summer," she said. "It was eventful," Devyn said honestly. "Good," she said, "Because you are going to be writing about it." "Oh crap," he thought. He dropped into a desk and waited for the class to begin. # # # Devyn finally caught up with Charlie in third period. They sat next to each other. "Are you doing ok?" Charlie asked. "Yeah," Devyn said. "But I feel like people are watching me." "I think they are," Charlie said. "Dewayne has been spouting off." "Figures," Devyn said. "Um, you might want to keep your distance." "Do you want me to keep my distance?" Charlie asked. Charlie both wanted to be around Devyn but he also did not want his secret to come out. He could not have people thinking he was gay. It would get back to his brother and then to his parents. He was afraid of the outcome if that happened. "I just don't want you to get fallout from me," Devyn said. Charlie knew he should not be afraid of the rumors. He should be able to be friends with whomever he wanted. "We will see how things go," Charlie finally said. "I'm sure it will settle down after a day or two." Charlie wanted to stand by his friend. He wanted to be there for Devyn but Charlie was afraid. "I hope so," Devyn said, as the class started. # # # He joined Julie, Charlie, and Sam for lunch. "Where is Stacy?" Devyn asked, as he was sitting down at the table with his friends. "She is still in Mrs. Rogers's room. She is being overly dramatic," Julie said. "Who, Stacy?" Sam said in mock shock. "She never gets over dramatic." "She is trying to get Mrs. Rogers to do a new play this year. They have been doing that corny Cinderella forever. Stacy wants it to be something more dramatic, something with more meat." "Of course, she does," Sam said. "She wants to get the lead and over act." "Well," Charlie said grinning, "She over acts really well. She is our little drama queen." They ate and talked and Devyn realized that with this group his tension left him. He left them to go to agriculture class. He was taking his first semester of Ag. It was a class he had never considered before. He got to the room early and Mr. Hanks was already there. "You must be Devyn," he greeted. "Yes," Devyn said. "How is Joe these days?" Mr. Hanks asked. "He is good," Devyn answered. "I'm glad to hear it," Mr. Hanks said. They talked more about the farm and livestock and the cattle. "You should raise cattle for your FFA project," Mr. Hanks told Devyn. "You are joining FFA right?" "I hadn't really thought about it," Devyn said. "Joe was in FFA when he was in school," Mr. Hanks added. "He had a natural gift for farming and livestock. I guess coming from 4 or 5 generations of farmers it is in his DNA." "Yeah," Devyn said. "He loves it. He loves the 16-hour days. It is something I never considered before but the more I learn the more I kind of like it." "Then talk to Joe," Mr. Hanks added, "Raise calves as your project. I'm sure you will have a head start on it. Joe has quite a few calves, doesn't he?" "We have been bucket feeding about 50 head all summer," Devyn said. "As soon as we wean some, he gets more." "Perfect," Mr. Hanks said. The man seemed so excited. Devyn took an instant liking to this teacher. # # # The final bell rang and Devyn headed to his locker. He was glad the first day was over and that he had survived. He was putting his books into his locker when he was grabbed and spun around. "You stay away from Mindy!" Dale said, pounding Devyn's chest with one finger. "What?" Devyn said, not sure he heard correctly. "Just stay away from her or else," Dale said. "Is there a problem here," Mr. Tanner asked, looking from one boy to the other. "No sir," Dale said, backing away from Devyn. "Do not cause any problems Mr. Roberts," Mr. Tanner said, looking at Devyn. "Um, no sir," Devyn said. "I will not tolerate it," He said, looking daggers at Devyn. "Um, right," Devyn said, surprised by the anger on the man's face. The man seemed to be angry with Devyn and nothing had really happened. Mr. Tanner glared at Devyn for another minute and then moved off. "Wow what did you do?" Charlie asked, coming up to Devyn. "Nothing," Devyn said. "Well, he sure looked at you like you did," Charlie said. "He is probably just stressed over the first day of school," Devyn said. "Are you taking the bus home?" Charlie asked. "No," Devyn said. "Joe is picking me up. I had better get out front." "I'll wait with you," Charlie said. "I'm sure we can give you a ride home," Devyn said. "Or you could come out if you wanted." Charlie knew he wanted to spend more time with Devyn. He was a little concerned about being seen with him outside of school. Charlie was worried about what might get back to his brother. "No, I want to hang out with a friend," he thought. "That is none of Howard's business." Devyn picked up on the hesitation. "Um, it is alright if you can't," Devyn said, a little hurt by Charlie's hesitation. "I can," Charlie said. "It will be fine. You think it will be alright with Joe?" "I'm sure Joe won't have a problem with it," Devyn said relieved that Charlie wanted to come out and spend time with him. They talked a bit longer and Devyn felt eyes on the back of his neck. He turned and saw Dewayne glaring at him. Dewayne had a cigarette between his lips and was glaring at Devyn. His eyes filled with contempt. "You know a broken nose actually looks good on him," Charlie said, trying to lighten the mood. "If you say so," Devyn said as he was turning away from the senior. Joe then pulled up with Travis. "Hi guys," Joe said. "Are you coming out to the place Charlie?" "There's your answer," Devyn said, grinning and moving to open the truck door. "Um, if that is OK?" Charlie asked. "It is fine with me," Joe said. "Do your folks know?" "Um, no," Charlie said as he slid into the seat next to Devyn. "We will just swing by so you can tell them," Joe said. "They won't mind," Charlie said. Charlie was worried that Howard might be at home. He would rather not have Howard knowing he was spending time with Devyn. "It will only take a minute," Joe said. "Besides, it is the right thing to do. You don't want them to worry unnecessarily." "I guess," Charlie said, sighing. Devyn was deep in conversation with Travis hearing all about his first day at school. They pulled into the Driveway at Charlie's house and Charlie jumped out. "I'll be right back," he said hurrying to the house. "It seems like things went fine with Travis," Devyn said, as they were waiting on Charlie. "The teacher said everything was great," Joe said. "I'm really glad he had a good first day. I was a bit concerned." "I'm glad too," Devyn said. "I was worried he might get picked on for being deaf but he says nothing like that happened." Charlie's Mom came out of the house and headed for the driver's side of the truck. "Hi Joe," She said, leaning against Joe's door. "Hi Devyn and this must be Travis." "Hi Barb," Joe said. "Yes, this is Travis. He just had a good first day of school." "Did it go smoothly for him?" Barb's voice conveyed her concern. She was watching as Devyn was signing to Travis. "I was worried, but both Travis and the teacher said everything went fine," Joe said. "That is very impressive Devyn. Did you know sign language before?" Barb was curious about Devyn but did not want to pry. "No, Mrs. Atwood," Devyn said. "Joe taught me so I could talk to Travis." Devyn was still signing as he was talking. "So, you sign everything you say?" Her eyes arched up in a little surprise. "Yes," Devyn answered. "Travis should get to know what everyone is saying." "Very impressive." Turning she was looking back at Joe. "I guess with the boys being friends, we are going to be seeing more of you now." "I guess that is true," Joe said. "That is good," she said. "We do not see enough of you in town." "I'm just so busy," Joe said. "Well, now that our kids are friends," Barb said. "We had better see more of you." "Oh, you might," Joe said. "Do you want me to come out and pick him up later?" she asked. "Nah, we can bring him home," Joe answered. "OK," she said. "Love you honey." "Gee, Mom!" Charlie said, his face turning red. "Wait and I can put on my lipstick and give you a kiss goodbye," she teased. "Ugh" Charlie groaned. "Bye Barb," Joe said laughing. "If he causes you too much trouble," She said as Joe started to back out of the driveway, "just keep him. No need to return him." "Will do," Joe said, laughing Devyn felt a sharp pain. He was remembering how his own mom and he used to tease each other like that. He remembered how good their relationship had been. He also remembered how she had turned her back on him. How she had walked out of that police station with his father. How she had abandoned him and not looked back. Devyn swallowed hard and blinked back tears. He would not let them see him tear up. He would not. "You are a lucky guy," Joe told Charlie. "You mom is a great lady." "I guess," Charlie said. "She just is...a little sappy sometimes." "It is good man," Joe said. "Enjoy it. You never know when you might not have that chance again." "He is right Charlie," Devyn said, managing to keep his voice level and not cracking. "It can all change in an instant." Joe looked at Devyn. He saw the hurt there. He saw it and wanted to take the pain away. He wanted to take that hurt away but knew he could not. He cursed Devyn's parents. He cursed them for not knowing how to love their son. He cursed them for being so shallow and insecure. # # # Charlie helped Devyn with his chores and then the three men worked together to fix dinner. They played a few games with Travis and before they knew it, it was getting late. Joe took Travis upstairs to get him ready for bed. Devyn and Charlie were finally alone for the first time that day. "I have wanted to do this all day." Leaning in, Devyn kissed Charlie firmly on the lips. His arms wrapping around Charlie and he was pulling their bodies tight together. "I have wanted you to do that all day." Charlie was holding Devyn tight. Charlie's lips found Devyn's again and the two teenager's kissed. Devyn's tongue finding Charlie's tongue inside Charlie's mouth. Devyn's hands were sliding up and down Charlie's back. They slid down to the firm round buns that were snug inside the boy's tight faded blue jeans. Their bodies ground together as they kissed. It lasted longer than either boy realized. Joe cleared his throat as he returned to the kitchen from upstairs. Charlie quickly pulled himself from Devyn. He could already feel his neck and ears burning. "Um, guys," Joe said. "You should think about wrapping things up. It is a school day tomorrow." "Um, sorry," Devyn said. Charlie's face was bright red. He could not believe they had been caught kissing. "I'm guessing you want to drive Charlie home?" Joe was sure the two wanted to have a little more alone time. He could not stop his lips from curving up into a smile. He was happy for Devyn. He could tell the teenager liked Charlie a great deal. "Yes, I'll drive him," Devyn said. Devyn wanted to spend a little more time with his friend. # # # "It is so cool you already have your license," Charlie said, as they were climbing into Joe's truck. "Yeah," Devyn said. "It means I can drive in to see you more often. Well, as long as Joe isn't using the truck." The two talked the whole way into town and all too soon they were pulling into Charlie's driveway. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Devyn said. "Yep," Charlie said. "Later," Devyn said and squeezed Charlie's knee before the boy slid from the truck and went inside. # # # Charlie had barely gotten through the door before Howard was there to lecture him. "I warned you," he said. "You aren't listening. You need to stay away from that pervert." "You need to mind your own business," Charlie said. "You little Bro are my business," Howard said. "That little fag is going to get it. Stay away from him. You don't want any part of what is coming down on him." "What are you talking about?" Charlie asked. "Dewayne already told me that he found you hanging with that pervert." Howard was thumping Charlie's chest as he spoke. "He said you were at the ice cream shop. I won't have my kid brother hanging around him. You listen to me and stay clear of him. Dewayne is already saying you are going to end up being just like him and I won't stand for that." "It isn't contagious dumb ass," Charlie said standing his ground with his brother. "You just stay away from him," Howard said. "I won't have my little brother hanging out with fags. People will begin to think you are one. You don't want to be around him when he gets what he deserves." Charlie started to say something but his Mom was there. "Did you have fun honey?" Barb asked her son. "Yeah Mom," Charlie said. "I guess you ate out there?" she asked. "Yes," Charlie answered. "Then go get cleaned up for bed," she said. "Tomorrow is another school day." Charlie headed off to the bathroom. He paused when he heard his Mom's voice again. "You stay right there," she said. Charlie realized she was talking to Howard and he stopped to listen. "I heard some of what you said," Barb said, pointing a finger at Howard. "You will not use that language again and you need to keep your opinions to yourself. Devyn seems like a perfectly fine young man and Joe, I know for a fact, is the most honorable man there is." "You don't understand," Howard said. "Charlie is in trouble if he hangs out with, with that kind of person." "We did not pick your friends for you," Barb said. "You will not pick Charlie's for him. If there is a problem, Dad and I will deal with it, not you." "I am just trying to protect my little brother," Howard said. "He can't be around, around that sort of sickness." "You need to be more accepting," she said. "There is nothing wrong with Joe or Devyn." "You need to wake up," Howard said. "They aren't right." Barb's eyes narrowed. "You need to mind your manners," she said. "Just because you are an adult does not mean you can talk back to me." Howard grunted something that would have taken a linguistic team to translate. He stomped off to his room. Copyright 2021 by Keith yates (keith.96@att.net) all rights reserved. Character is much easier kept than recovered. Thomas Paine A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. Thomas Paine