Date: Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:10:33 -0500 From: Keith Yates Subject: Devyn's Struggle V2-49 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. 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 Readers note: The events currently taking place in Devyn's Struggle are slightly behind the events taking place in Brent's Struggle. I allowed the timelines to get out of sync with each other. I'm working on correcting that mistake in the next couple of chapters. Thanks for reading and for the feedback. I'll be looking forward to more feedback. Please send the comments to me at keith.96@att.net. Devyn's Struggle Chapter 49 After the fantastic weekend Devyn had spent with Charlie, he had not been looking forward to Monday morning. He had anticipated things at school would be worse but he was pleasantly surprised. He did not run into Dale, Terry, or Dewayne all morning. Even Mr. Tanner only glared at him. He wanted to avoid all of them as much as possible. He also noticed that Mrs. Jones and Mr. Hanks were around more than usual. He wondered if they were taking turns trying to prevent things from escalating. "So, what did you do over the weekend?" Julie asked him at lunch. Devyn could feel Charlie look at him but he restrained the urge to glance at Charlie. "Oh, you know, I just hung out at the farm. With the harvest and all there is always a lot of work to do." "You know I have only been out there that one time in the winter," Julie said. "Oh, it is cool in the summer," Sam said. "You were out there?" Julie asked. "Yeah," Sam said. "We went camping. Devyn has this cool lean to and hiking to it was a bit of a chore but it was fun." "It sounds like it," Stacy said, looking from Devyn to Sam. "Knock it off," Devyn said, noticing the looks the two girls were giving him and Sam. "We camped and that is it. I'm not Sam's type. I have the wrong equipment for him." "Shit," Sam said. "You two know better. Besides, Charlie was there too." "Oh, all three of you," Stacy said teasingly. "What is the word for that?" "Geez," Charlie said. "Don't get any rumors started," Devyn said, his eyes pleading. "I get enough crap as it is." "You are right," Julie said soberly. "We are only joking and it isn't right." "Yeah," Stacy said. "Sorry guys." "Well Devyn could do a lot worse," Sam said. "I have," Devyn said. "Remember Mindy." The five of them started laughing then. Devyn was glad to get the focus off the camping trip. He did not want anyone to start drawing lines between him and Charlie. He did not want his friend to get any more fallout from him. As they started to go to their separate classes after lunch Stacy put a hand on Devyn's arm. "I almost forgot. Mrs. Roger's said that rehearsals will start next week." "Rehearsals?" Devyn was confused. He did not know why Stacy was telling him. "Yes, for the play. It's going to be fantastic!" Devyn could hear the excitement in Stacy's voice. "I never..." "Oh, but you did," Stacy said, interrupting Devyn. "Mrs. Rogers agreed you were perfect for the role." "I never tried out!" Devyn protested. "I told him he was going to end up in that drama crap," Sam said, as he was trying to hold back the laughter. "Oh, but we know you're perfect for it." Stacy's voice was adamant. "In other words, there were no other boys that tried out for the part. I gotta go." Sam hurried away but they could hear him laughing. "I, um, better go too," Charlie said. He too was trying to hold back the laughter. He wanted to help Devyn but he also found the whole situation amusing. "I'll, um, see you in Study Hall." "Some friends!" Devyn watched Charlie disappear and then heard Charlie and Sam's laughter. "Devyn, I'll see you in Algebra," Julie said. "Um, try not to be late." "Look Stacy, I don't know the first thing about acting." "Devyn please, it will be fun. You will see. Please!" Devyn sighed. He knew he was not going to be able to say no to her. "When are the rehearsals?" "They are right after school and before you say you won't have a way home; I've already thought of that. Simon said he could give you a ride or I will get my dad to do it when he picks me up. Honest, you won't regret this." "Remind me next week," Devyn said. "I have got to get to class." "Thanks Devyn." Stacy moved in and hugged him. "You're the best." Devyn made it through the rest of Monday without any trouble. He was surprised. He was hoping that maybe things had calmed down. Maybe people were getting bored with him and moving on to something new. # # # Devyn and Travis came into the house after school. Devyn had been surprised to see Lee's car in the driveway. He had known that Lee and Joe were loading cattle this morning but did not expect Lee to still be there. "Hey guys," Devyn called, coming through the door. "We are in here," Lee called back. "Send Travis upstairs." Devyn was a bit confused but told Travis to go upstairs and change out of his school clothes and then they would go out and do the chores. Devyn then went into the living room and saw Lee helping Joe put on his shirt. Joe's ribs were bandaged. "What the hell happened?" Devyn's voice was an octave higher as he saw the bruises and the bandages. "He's alright," Lee said. "I've been hurt worse," Joe said. "I just didn't want Travis to see the bruises and bandages first thing." Devyn took a couple deep breaths. "Are you really alright?" "It's just a couple cracked ribs." Joe eased himself down on the couch. "I'll be fine." "What happened?" "It was that old cow," Lee said. "We were trying to get her into the trailer to haul her off and the fucking thing went berserk." "She went right through the gate and knocked me down under it. She smashed my phone into a hundred pieces." "Shit," Devyn said. He moved to Joe and knelt. "Are you sure you are alright?" "I'm fine, Boy Wonder." "I'm going to head out," Lee said. "I told Melissa I'd be home by 2 and I've already blown that." "You should have left," Joe said. "What and give up the chance to see you in pain. Hell, I ain't missing out on that after all the sore muscles and bruises from the workouts in the barn teaching "Boy Wonder" how to defend his cherry." "I appreciate the help," Joe said. "I'll check on you tomorrow," Lee said. Devyn got up and followed Lee to the door. In a soft voice he asked, "Is he really alright?" "He is," Lee said. "He's been hurt way worse." Lee reached up and squeezed Devyn's shoulder. "Just call me if you need anything. Try and keep him resting for a few days." "Thanks Lee," Devyn said. Impulsively Devyn stepped in and hugged Lee. "Hey, don't go putting the moves on me," Lee teased but returned the teenager's hug. "Oh yeah, right, I forgot you have a girlfriend...one that I've never seen." "Watch it, Boy Wonder." Devyn watched as Lee went down the porch steps. He then went back to see if Joe needed anything. "You doing alright?" Devyn asked, watching as Joe tried to find a comfortable position on the sofa. "Don't worry. I will be fine. I'll be even better when we turn that old bitch into hamburger." Devyn chuckled a bit. "I guess that is one way to get your revenge." "Did school go okay?" Joe asked. "Yeah," Devyn said honestly. "Nothing happened. I didn't get called fag once." "Good," Joe said. "You still have a detention tomorrow?" "Yeah," Devyn said. "Tanner isn't going to let me out of it." "If he is too hard on you, you let me know." Joe looked at Devyn, his voice and eyes stating he would not accept anything less than the truth from Devyn. "I can handle it," Devyn said but before Joe could protest, he added. "If it gets worse, I will let you know. I'll send up the bat signal or something." "Okay, Boy Wonder," Joe said. "You take it easy and I'll go out and do the chores and I'll do them before school in the morning. I have my stupid detention tomorrow after school but I can get them done when I get home after that." "Thanks, but I'll..." "You will rest." Devyn stated. "I'll get them done." Joe chuckled. "Yes sir. How about one day we go after school and get new phones. Mine is beyond fixing and it is time you had your own." "That would be cool. I'm glad the only thing that was broken was your phone." # # # Devyn made it through Tuesday. "You still riding home with Travis?" Devyn asked Charlie between classes. "Sure," Charlie said. "Travis is cool to ride home with. Plus, um, I like, um, when you get home." "Oh, you do huh," Devyn's lips curved up. He had to fight the urge to kiss Charlie right then. "I'm glad not too many people know how to sign. I would not want Travis to slip up and, um, say something." Devyn understood after how Howard had talked to him how hard it was on Charlie. He understood better why Charlie was not wanting to be out. It was even worse for Charlie having lived in the small town and everyone knowing him. He really could not get away with anything. "You don't need to worry about Travis. Joe and Travis had a talk about everything months ago. Travis understands that what we do at the farm needs to stay at the farm. He isn't going to say anything. He is a smart kid." "Good," Charlie said and sounded a bit relieved. "I know there are not many people that know Sign but I have still been a little concerned that he would let something slip to someone that does know." "He won't," Devyn said. # # # "Good Mr. Roberts," Mr. Tanner said as Devyn entered the office. "You are actually here on time." "Yes sir," Devyn said. He had run from his last class to the office so he would not bring down more of Mr. Turner's anger. "Get to work," Mr. Tanner said. "Be sure to keep it legible. Some of your prior work is bordering on the kindergartener level for penmanship." Devyn doubted that was true but said, "Yes sir." He was not going to do anything to extend his detention. He wanted it over with. Sally once again drove Devyn home. "Thanks again," Devyn said, getting out of the car. "I hope this is the last time." "Me too. Thanks again." "No problem." Sally waved as she drove out of the driveway. Devyn noticed that Joe's truck was not sitting in its usual place. He wondered where Joe was. The man was supposed to be home resting. Devyn went into the house to find Travis and Charlie playing a game. "Hi guys." "Hey," Charlie said and felt his heart jump at seeing Devyn again. "Was this your last detention?" "Yes, at least until Tanner busts me for something else." Devyn placed his hand on Charlie's shoulder and leaned down and kissed the blonde boy's lips. "Urge!" Travis cried and signed. "You two kiss a lot." "We like each other a lot," Devyn signed back. "We like each other and we don't kiss that much." "Oh, you want me to kiss you." Devyn moved to Travis and kissed him. "Is that better?" "Oh, I guess I should kiss you too." Charlie's signs were slow but he got the point across. Travis started to jump up but Charlie caught him and kissed him on the forehead. Joe came in and found the three of them laughing and blowing kisses at each other. "Um, what is going on?" "Just being silly," Devyn said. "You had better not have been out doing the chores." "No, I was taking care of some other business. I had my orders." "Your orders were to rest," Devyn said. "I did rest," Joe said. "Good," Devyn said. "Charlie and I will get the chores done. Um, that is if you um, don't mind helping." "You know I don't," Charlie said, heading towards the door. "Let's get to them." The two boys set to work getting all the chores done and watching the sun sinking lower in the sky. "Thanks for doing all of this." "This isn't that bad," Charlie said, putting the last flake of hay in the stall for the calves. "Inventory at the hardware store is horrible. Dad snaps on everyone and we have to count everything over and over." "Well, I like having you helping me." Devyn moved closer and pulled Charlie against him. Charlie's arms went around Devyn and the two boys kissed there in the barn doorway. The setting sun casting evening light across them. "Yeah, this is way better than that stupid inventory," Charlie said after the kiss broke. He was looking into Devyn's chocolate eyes. "Way better!" "They are better for me when you are here." Devyn kissed Charlie again "And this tells me you really like doing chores with me." Devyn put his hand on the bulge in Charlie's jeans. The blonde boy's cock was stretching out the front of the denim material. "It has a mind of its own," Charlie said and felt his ears burn a bit. "It is your fault though." "My fault?" Devyn was massaging Charlie's basket as he was looking into Charlie's blue eyes. "You are so damn sexy. It is no wonder every girl in school has the hots for you." "Well, the only one I have the hots for is you." Devyn kissed Charlie again. "Since this is my fault, I guess I should take care of it." Before Charlie knew it his zipper was down and Devyn was pulling Charlie's erect cock out through the fly of his faded jeans. Devyn enjoyed the feeling of Charlie's erection in his fist. He ran this thumb across the head and smeared the pre-cum around. "Oh shit." Charlie closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling of Devyn's stroking hand. He could not believe just how good Devyn was at stroking cock. "You like that, huh?" Devyn's lips were curved up in a smile as he was watching the expressions of pleasure passing over Charlie's face. "Oh yes." Charlie opened his eyes so he could look into Devyn's. "I will never get enough of you." "I won't ever get enough of you either." Moving in closer Devyn kissed Charlie. Devyn's fist was still pumping and stroking Charlie as they were kissing. Devyn pushed his tongue into Charlie's mouth and squeezed and stroked Charlie faster. "Oh, I'm going to..." Charlie barely got the words out before he began shooting. His jets of cum firing out of his cock. Devyn moved but not quick enough. The first two blasts of Charlie's boy milk splattered onto Devyn's leg. "Oh Wow!" Charlie rode the waves of pleasure. He could not believe just how good it felt shooting with Devyn. It was so much better than when he stroked himself off. "Damn you shoot a lot." Devyn was looking at the pool of cum on the barn floor and the strands of Charlie's jizz that had landed on his leg. "You are awesome." Charlie moved and kissed Devyn. "BOYS! Dinner!" Both teenagers jumped at hearing Joe's voice. It was closer than either of them thought. "Shit!" Charlie was trying to push his softening teenage cock back into his pants. He felt his face, neck and ears burning. He wondered just how much Joe had seen. "Um, coming." Devyn gave Charlie a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I'm sure he, um, didn't really see anything." "I hope not." Charlie could feel his face and ears burning as he worried about what Joe might have seen. "We had better go eat." Devyn started for the barn door. "Um, what about you?" "Maybe I can get you to, um, help me with it after dinner." "For sure." They went into the house and washed up. It was Travis that noticed that Devyn had something on his pants. "What's that?" he asked, pointing towards the streaks of cum on Devyn's pant leg. "Um, I, um got some of the milk on my pants." The muffled laugh that came from Joe told Devyn that he had known what they were doing in the barn. He saw Charlie turning a deep shade of red. "You, um, might want to step back in the shadows a bit in the future when you are, um, mixing up that milk." Joe could not help teasing the two a bit. They were both so damn cute when they were blushing. # # # "Thank your mom for the cobbler," Joe told Charlie when Devyn was about to drive Charlie home. "It was fabulous." "I will," he said as the two teenagers were walking out the door. They stopped beside the truck in the driveway and kissed. "We should do this now," Devyn said. "I have wanted to be with you like this all week," Charlie said. "Dude it is only Tuesday," Devyn said. "It has only been two days." "It feels like longer," Charlie said. "For me too," Devyn said. "It is rough having to hide at school." "I'm sorry about that," Charlie said. "It isn't your fault," Devyn said. "It is what it is. We have what we have. It is enough." "Thanks," Charlie said. "You are the best boyfriend." On the drive back to Charlie's house Devyn asked something he had been wondering about. "You know I noticed your brother hasn't gone back to college. What is up with that?" "Oh, he took this year off," Charlie said. "He is learning how to run the hardware store. He will go back to school next year and his plan is to get a degree in business or management or something like that." "Does it bother you that he is taking over the store?" Devyn asked. "Are you going to both end up running it?" "I don't really know," Charlie said. "The plan has always been for Howard to take it over. I am sure I can work there too. I am not sure what I want to do yet." "Me either," Devyn said. "I like working on the farm with Joe but I am sure that will all go to Travis someday. Joe treats me like family but we aren't really related." "Joe owns a lot of land," Charlie said. "I bet he will divide it up. I can see how he looks at you. He loves you just as much as Travis." Devyn felt himself blink back tears. "Thanks," he said. "I know he does but the farm belongs in the family." Charlie reached over and placed his hand on Devyn's knee. "Dummy family is more than blood. Trust me Joe thinks of you just as much as family as Travis." "Thanks," Devyn said. He reached down and squeezed Charlie's hand. "I know you are right. It is just sometimes I feel..." Devyn's voice trailed off. "You feel like what?" Charlie asked. "Like at some point Joe will realize I'm not worth as much as he thinks and I'll be out." "Not going to happen," Charlie said. "Just push those thoughts out of your head." They pulled into the driveway then. "See you tomorrow," Charlie said. "Bye," Devyn said as Charlie slid from the truck. Charlie watched Devyn pull out of the driveway. He then went into the house but barely made it through the door before Howard was there stopping him. "Why were you with that faggot again?" Howard pressed Charlie back against the wall. "Shut up and get off me." Charlie pushed Howard back. There was a part of Charlie that wanted to just punch Howard. "I've told you and told you. Stop hanging out with that fucking worthless faggot. He's a slacker and no good." "SHUT UP!" Charlie could feel his face turning red with anger. "Charlie, is that you?" His mom's voice came from the kitchen. Charlie pushed past Howard and went from the mud room into the kitchen. "Yes. I brought home your pan. Joe said your cobbler was great." Charlie placed the pan on the kitchen island. "I'm glad they liked it," she said. "Did you have a nice time?" "Yes, I helped with the chores and then we had dinner." "Be sure to invite Devyn for dinner," she said. "We can't have that fag over for dinner," Howard said. "You watch your mouth," Barb snapped. "Never use that term in this house again." "We cannot be around that...kind of person," Howard said. He had almost used the word again but saw his mom grab the dish soap and slam it down on the counter. "There is nothing wrong with Devyn or Joe," she said. "They aren't right," Howard said. "They are..." "He is a perfectly fine young man," she said. "You will not talk bad about him because he is gay." "But..." Barb cut Howard off again. "This topic is done." "Whatever," Howard said and stormed off. "I expected better of him," she said, watching Howard's retreating back. Charlie did not understand his brother. It seemed that Howard's attitude towards Devyn was getting worse. It did make Charlie feel good that his mom had stood up for Devyn. "I do not know why so many people have a problem with Devyn." "Is he being mistreated at school?" Barb was looking at Charlie and he could see the concern in her eyes. "Um, he's, um, been called some names and stuff." Charlie was not sure how much he should tell his mom. It was not like she could do anything about it. "I expected better of us. It should be easier on Devyn than it was..." Barb's voice trailed off. "Joe had it rough, didn't he?" Charlie asked but he already knew the answer. He could see it in his mom's face. "People should learn from the past," she said. "I'm glad you are friends with Devyn." "It is really only a couple kids that are giving him a tough time," Charlie said. "That dirtbag Dewayne and a couple of his buddies. There are a couple of the football players that like picking on kids." "Well, I had better not learn you are doing any of that," she said. Then she looked at where Howard had gone. "I had better not learn that your brother is either. He might legally be an adult but he's still my kid and will be respectful or..." Her voice trailed off again. "Not me," Charlie said. "Sam and I like Devyn. So do a lot of other kids." "Good, maybe it will be easier this time. Now go on and get cleaned up. You smell like you helped Devyn with his chores." "I did," Charlie said. "Joe got hurt loading cattle and needs to take it easy for a few days." "He wasn't hurt too badly, was he?" Barb's voice showed her concern. "No, just some bruises mostly. Devyn said he had a couple cracked ribs. He's, um, tough." "He is definitely that," Barb said. "He's probably the toughest man around here. Now get a shower." "Sure," Charlie said and headed towards the door. "Oh, um, Mom, I love you." Barb smiled at her youngest child. "I love you too Charlie." # # # Devyn was up early trying to beat Joe to the morning chores but found the man already up and out. "I told you I would do the chores before school." "I'm fine." Joe winced as he lifted the bucket of feed. His ribs were bothering him more this morning. "Don't overdo it," Devyn said, taking the bucket from Joe. "I think you should take it easy for a few more days." "Stop worrying about me. Yes, it hurts some but I'll be fine." "I just don't want you to overdo it." Devyn was worried about Joe injuring himself more. He did not know what would happen to him and especially to Travis if something happened to Joe. "I appreciate the concern." Joe placed his hand on Devyn's shoulder. "It is going to take more than one crazy fucking cow to do me in. Now stop worrying or Travis is going to notice it." "Sure, but please take it easy. I can do the heavy lifting for the next week or so." Joe sighed and his lips curved up into a smile. "You do like taking care of people." "I like taking care of you. You are my Batman." "Well, Boy Wonder, what do you say to me picking you up in the Batmobile and going and getting you a new Bat phone?" "Really? That would be cool." "I need one too and it is time you had your own." "Um, sounds good but um will it be too expensive?" Joe looked at Devyn a little strangely. It was the first time the boy had mentioned money in a while. "We are not broke." "I, um, just know with the legal bills..." "Just what do you know about the legal bills?" Joe asked, cutting into Devyn's words. "I, um, saw one on your desk." Devyn looked down at the barn floor. "I wasn't snooping or anything. It was just there and I was looking for the stapler and..." "The bills are adding up, but I have more than enough to cover them. It is not anything you need to worry about. Plus, the paperwork is just about done. That was the other stop I was going to make this afternoon. The attorney said everything is mostly done. He's just waiting for a court date to get the judge to sign off on everything." Devyn looked up, his eyes meeting Joes. "You mean the adoption?" Joe chuckled. "Just how much legal stuff do you think I'm dealing with? Yes, the adoption. Travis' grandparents are not fighting it. It seems that his grandfather had a mild stroke and is still recovering. I was going to take Travis to see them this weekend." "After they..." "They are still his grandparents," Joe said. "I'm not leaving him with them but they want to see him and I don't want to keep him from them." "You are a good man," Devyn said. "I'm glad legally Travis will be yours." "Well, looks like you are also going to be mine," Joe said. "The only thing the attorney is waiting on is some paperwork from your folks. Then I think we all meet with the social workers again and then it is to court to make it all legal." "Thanks Joe." As gently as he could, Devyn hugged the man. "I owe you so much." "You don't owe me a thing," Joe said, his voice thick as he held Devyn. "This is just what family does." They started walking back to the house. The dog was running circles around them as they were walking. "Um, there is one thing, um, if you could ask the attorney for me..." "You aren't having second thoughts, are you?" Joe asked. "No, no not that. I, um, I don't want the last name Roberts anymore. Somewhere that kid named Devyn Roberts died." Devyn glanced over at Joe and then down at the green grass. He was hoping Joe would understand what he was trying to say. He was not that same person. He was no longer that kid that got tossed out. Joe looked over at Devyn. He could see the teenager trying to hold in the emotions. This was not the same kid that Hannah had arrested over a year ago. Joe agreed with Devyn that that kid was gone. There were still parts of the boy there. There was still the loving heart, the protective personality that was always trying to help the underdog, and there was the loyalty there. Those good traits had only matured and become stronger over the past year. Joe could not be more proud of the boy. "Are you sure about that?" "Yes, I have been thinking about it for a few days. I, um, kind of started thinking that night Charlie was here. He said something and it made me start to think. I just don't feel the same as I did." "You have changed a lot this past year." Joe put his large hand on Devyn's shoulder. "You have really proven the faith that Hannah had in you. Somehow she saw a hell of a good guy inside that frightened teenager." "I guess she did, but I could not have done it without you." Devyn was fighting back the tears. Hannah had given him a chance that he probably did not deserve. He swallowed trying to push down the lump in his throat. Joe took a deep breath. Like Devyn his emotions were still raw when it came to his sister. "Well, you are not enough of a deva to just be DEVYN." "You are not funny," Devyn said dryly. "I thought about taking your last name." "That would be alright with me but you sound a little hesitant," Joe said. "I don't want to hurt you by not taking your name." "Devyn, names and blood do not make the bond we have." Devyn blinked back tears. "You aren't hurt?" "Not at all, kid." Joe slid his arm around Devyn's shoulders. "I would be honored if you did but like I said our bond is beyond that of blood and last names." "Then, I'd like to ask Grandma if I could take her last name." "I think Roberta will be fine with that." "I thought it would be a good way to honor her and Grandpa. She was the only family that stood by me through everything. If I had been smarter, I'd have called her." "You did the best you could." Joe knew that if Devyn had called Roberta that the boy would not be there now. He felt his chest get a little tight at the thought of a life with no Devyn in it. "I probably could have done stuff different but you know, I ended up where I belong. I belong here with you and Travis." Now it was Joe's turn to blink back tears. "I love you kid." "Thanks, and I love you, Joe." # # # # # # Copyright 2022 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