Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2023 12:49:49 -0600
From: Keith Yates <keith.96@att.net>
Subject: Devyn's Struggle 57

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.

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

Please help keep Nifty going by making a donation to this important service.
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Readers Note: The events in this chapter of Devyn's Struggle take place
after the events in Chapter 39 of Brent's Struggle. If you have not been
reading Brent's Struggle, you may want to check it out before reading this
chapter. You can find Brent's Struggle here:

https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/highschool/brents-struggle/

As always, I appreciate the feedback. Please send me your comments to
keith.96@att.net.

Now on with Devyn's Struggle.

Devyn's Struggle
Chapter 57

Devyn watched Matt leave the waiting room. He could tell the man was
physically and emotionally drained.

"You doing alright?" Joe was concerned that Devyn might be bottling up his
feelings regarding Brent.

"It was...well...a little harder than I thought it would be." Devyn closed
his eyes and tried to ignore the hurt.

Joe placed a comforting hand on Devyn's shoulder. "I'm sure it was. This
weekend is becoming a lot more than you had anticipated."

Devyn snorted. "There was no way we could have planned for this. Hell, who
knew Brent would be living with Matt and Bryan? That whole thing is crazy."

"They are good men taking him in like they did." Joe could tell that Matt
honestly cared for Brent.

"Yeah, you and them must be made of the same good stuff."

Joe's lips twitched. "I don't know about that but maybe we both recognize a
good kid that needs our help."

"Well, I am glad they were there for Brent. He...um...doesn't deserve what
it sounds like he went through."

"Neither did you."

"I had you."

"We have each other's backs."

"Yes, we do."

Travis made a noise and both Joe and Devyn turned to look at him. "Can we
get food now?"

Devyn chuckled "Yes. Let's go."

"I am sorry that took so long," Devyn said, as they were leaving.

"It isn't a problem," Joe said as he was pulling out of the parking
lot. "This weekend was for you to reconnect with Matt and you did."

"Yes, I just didn't expect to find Brent in the hospital like that." Devyn
looked out the window as Joe was driving. He was watching the traffic
around the busy medical center. So much of the anger and disappointment in
Brent that he had felt was dissolving. It felt like Brent had been put
through his own kind of hell. "Matt didn't tell me what Brent had been
through. It just seems like his parents were not very accepting either."

"It sounds like you two have that in common." Joe glanced over at Devyn. He
could see that Devyn was hurting more than he was letting on.

"I guess we both always knew our parents were not going to accept us being
gay. You know the last time Brent and I talked, he said his parents were
going to fix him. They were getting him some kind of help. I guess maybe
that kind of help was worse than mine just throwing me out."

"My Dad thought he could beat being gay out of me and Brent's thought some
sort of therapy would fix him." Joe shook his head at the craziness of
it. "If they only understood, it isn't wrong. It can't be changed.

"It is how God made us. Why can't folks just accept it? Why can't they just
look at the person and not at what they don't consider normal." Devyn made
air quotes around the word `normal.'

"I don't know Boy Wonder."

Devyn had grown to like hearing that term from Joe. It gave him a tingly
feeling in his belly every time. "Maybe when I'm king we can get their
minds changed."

Joe chuckled. "Well, good luck on that. It takes a long time to change
societal norms. Did Matt say when Brent might get out?"

"He hopes next week. I guess Brent's lucky that he was not hurt worse and
that Matt and Bryan found him so quickly. Matt told me to hold all my
questions for Brent. Matt doesn't want to betray Brent by telling me what
Brent has been through these past two years."

"I agree with him on that. It is Brent's to tell when he is ready."

"Yeah, that sounds just like some other man I know." Devyn had sarcasm
dripping from his words.

"I don't know who that would be," Joe teased back.

"Sure, you don't," Devyn said.

"While you were visiting Brent, Travis picked burgers for dinner."

"That is fine with me. I am a little hungry." None of them had anything to
eat since breakfast that morning.

"Then get that GPS thing on your phone going and find us a good place to
eat."

Devyn pulled out his phone and looked up some nearby burger places. He
found one that he remembered going to with Brent. He decided to just go
ahead and pick that one.

It did not take them long to get to the restaurant and be seated. Travis
signed that he was starving.

"You will live," Joe said.

Devyn was looking around at the restaurant. He could remember eating here
with Brent, Sue, and Tracy. Devyn knew he should probably let Sue know
about Brent. He decided he would call her tomorrow.

"Does it mess things up too much if I go back to visit Brent tomorrow? He
really wasn't awake this afternoon." Devyn was looking at Joe. They had
already placed their order with the waitress.

"That is fine. We can do whatever you want to do."

"I was also thinking about coming back when he is out of the hospital."
Devyn picked up the soda that he had ordered and took a drink. "I think we
have...um...a lot we should talk about."

"I'm sure you do, and yes we will work that out."

"Thanks, Joe."

"I did call and reschedule the appointment with your folks."

"We can just skip that. It isn't important." Devyn was dreading seeing them
again anyway. He wasn't sure adding that stress to the day would help
anything.

"I know you aren't looking forward to it but I think you should do it. I
think you need to do it." Joe was watching Devyn closely. He could see the
sadness hanging on the teenager like a cloak.

"It's just going to make the day worse. It will be hard enough."

"That is how life goes."

"I'll think about it. What time am I supposed to see them?"

"Well, not tomorrow. They had some other appointment."

Devyn cut off what Joe was saying. "On a Saturday!"

"Well, it was a last-minute change," Joe said softly.

"Bull shit. They don't want to see me. They probably don't want anyone to
find out that I'm fucking alive." Devyn's voice was filled with his
anger. It was growing louder as he spoke.

"Devyn..."

"Screw it. I don't want to see them anyway."

"Devyn," Joe tried again. "It is your choice. I'm not going to force you to
meet with them. I think you should. I think it might help you deal with
some unresolved feelings."

"I don't have unresolved feelings!"

Joe raised an eyebrow at Devyn's statement. "You sure about that?"

Devyn realized his voice had been raised. He glanced around and saw a few
people were looking at them. He took a deep breath and let it out
slowly. "Well, maybe I do have some feelings I haven't dealt with."

"Better Boy Wonder." Joe gave Devyn's knee a squeeze under the table. "We
don't have to decide anything right now. They couldn't meet tomorrow, so I
set it up for Sunday morning. We can drive over there and then drive home."

"Or we can just skip it and go home."

"Or we can do that. You think about it though."

Their food arrived then and they stopped talking to eat. Devyn had been
hungry but when the food arrived, he lost his appetite. He nibbled at a
couple of French fries. He tried not to think about Brent or his parents
but could not stop his mind from going down those paths. He could remember
how angry he had gotten at Brent that one Sunday afternoon. That meeting
had been so strange. Brent had been so cold and aloof. It had not been the
Brent that Devyn had known.

Devyn picked up the burger and took a bite. He chewed but was finding it
hard to swallow. He put down the food and forced the bite down. So, what if
his parents did not want him. It did not matter anymore. He had Joe. He did
not need them. He did not want them. He was not going to be sad by their
rejection any longer. He kept telling himself it did not matter but he
could feel the tears burning in his eyes.

Travis tapped Devyn's arm to get his attention. "Are you worried about your
friend?"

In addition to the emotional turmoil over his parents, Devyn was worried
about Brent as well. It had been hard looking at Brent asleep in the
hospital bed. He had been so angry with Brent for so long but now the anger
was all directed at Frank and Judy. Maybe he should also direct some of
that anger at Brent's parents. Why could the four of them not see what they
had done to their sons? "Um...yeah, I am. He looked pretty sick."

"I'm sorry." Travis then hugged Devyn.

"Thanks." Devyn did not know why but that little gesture from Travis did
make him feel a little better.

"Is it really Brent or is it meeting with your folks?" Joe had been
watching Devyn trying to force down the food.

"I guess it is both. I'm worried about Brent. Matt said Brent would recover
physically but he has some emotional stuff to cope with."

"Maybe you can help with that. I mean you have coped with a great deal of
shit." Joe was proud of how much Devyn had overcome in just a couple of
years.

"It is going to be hard." Part of Devyn wanted to help Brent but part of
him wanted to avoid reopening those old wounds.

"Did Matt tell you anything about how Brent ended up with them? I mean
besides what he said in the waiting room?" Joe was curious about that. The
men seemed like good people to Joe but it still seemed odd for them to be
sitting vigil in the hospital with Brent.

"Neither Matt nor Bryan went into that. All I know is that Matt and Bryan
are seeking permanent custody of Brent. I guess the rest is for Brent to
tell me."

"Just let him do it in his own time."

"I will but I have to say I'm curious about what might have happened to get
Matt and Bryan involved." Devyn could not imagine the circumstances that
would have brought Matt and Bryan to Brent.

"They seem like good men but it is odd how they ended up with a teenager,"
Joe said.

"Oh, you think so?" Devyn had his eyebrow raised in disbelief at Joe's
words. "I guess I would not know what kind of man would take in a troubled
teenager that was going to turn his life upside down."

"That's different," Joe began.

"Sure, it is..."

"Hannah was involved. She read your good heart..."

"Yeah, stop that BS about my heart."

"It is true," Joe said.

"So basically, Matt and Bryan are like you. They see a guy in trouble and
they come in like white knights."

"Oh, going to get sappy now?" Joe's lips were curved up in a smile. He
thought maybe talking was helping Devyn explore his emotions. "Next you
will be going for that happily ever after fairy tale ending."

"Well, we are fairies." Devyn paused then and then looked from his plate
into Joe's eyes. "You know the happy ending would be me and Brent
together."

"Is that what you want?" Joe was watching Devyn closely. He could tell that
Devyn was almost overwhelmed with the cascade of emotions.

"I don't know. A month ago, I would have said definitely not. He betrayed
me and I could not forgive him for that."

"And now?"

"I don't know. I still care about him but there is Charlie."

"Yes, there is."

"What do I do?" Devyn was looking imploringly at Joe.

"Exactly what you are doing. Be there for Brent. Listen to him and try to
empathize with his situation. You're going to have to get to know him all
over again."

"I don't want to hurt Charlie." Devyn's voice cracked. He could feel his
chest tightening at the thought of hurting Charlie.

"Be upfront with him. Don't hide any of this from him."

Devyn knew Joe was right about that. At the first chance, Devyn would tell
Charlie everything he could.

"I will. I had planned to do that anyway. He knows I'm here to see my folks
and an old friend. I did not tell him about Brent. I really did not expect
to see him. Brent hurt me so much that last time. I was so mad at him for
turning on me like that. If he had just reached out at school. He could
have talked to me. He could have helped me some. It would have made all the
difference."

"Remember he was as scared as you were. Maybe he was even more."

"Maybe," Devyn said, looking down at his food. "I don't know."

"Didn't you tell me Brent had not lived across the street for very long?"

"Right, they had only moved in like that summer."

"So, he had lived there for what, 8 months before you two got caught?"

"Um, yeah, I guess."

"So, his best friend, you, and how many other friends?"

"Um, well, not many. I mean not close ones. It was mostly just us."

"New boy in a new city and he's just trying to fit in..."

"I see where you are going with all of this."

"Weren't you doing whatever you could to fit in? Isn't that why you started
hanging out with Dewayne and Terry?"

"Yes, so Brent and I are not very different..."

"You two took different forks in the road you were on together. That
doesn't mean Brent had an easier path than you."

"I guess not. I guess I'll just wait and hope he fills me in."

"Does it really matter? Will knowing how he got in the hospital change how
you will feel about him?"

Devyn thought about that before answering. The anger was gone. He was still
disappointed in Brent for not supporting him when he needed Brent the most
but Brent had been fighting his own battle then. He still felt sympathy for
his friend. He still wanted to help Brent if he could. "No, it really
wouldn't change anything."

"Good, then let him tell you when he's ready. Let the bad feelings go. They
won't help you or him."

"Thanks, oh wise one."

Joe chuckled. "Now eat."

Devyn took a bite of his food. He wished he had more of an appetite. Travis
was almost done with his food. Devyn just did not feel like eating.

"So, what else?" Joe could see in those eyes that there was something else
nagging at Devyn.

"Did I cut Brent out too fast? I mean after that day he hurt me. I should
have gone back. Should I have tried harder?"

"Brent made his decision. Maybe things would have worked out
differently. You will never know. You might not be here with us if you had
made just one other decision."

Devyn knew that was true. If he and Brent had gone off together, he would
not be here with Joe. If he had not walked into that bar on that cold and
rainy night, he would not have met Tom. He would have never met Hannah and
would not be here. Would Hannah be alive if Devyn had not come into their
lives? Devyn looked at Travis. Did the Universe put him on this path so he
could be there to ensure Travis stayed with Joe? If that was the reason,
then Devyn knew he would do it all over again. He would pay the price of
his first love, Brent, and the time with Tom. Those were small prices to
pay to protect Travis and help Joe.

Devyn used his thumb to push away the tear that was threatening to slide
down his cheek. He had to keep his perspective. Past events were outside
his ability to control. All he could do is try his hardest to make the
right decisions for future events. One of those would involve being there
to help Brent. That is if he could help Brent. It was going to make it
harder since they did not live close to each other.

Devyn could not help but wonder how that would affect his and Charlie's
relationship. Yes, they had grown closer but they were still new in their
relationship. Hell, the last couple of weeks they had not spent much time
alone together at all. Devyn had been so busy with school, tutoring, and
the play that he had not had much free time. Likewise, Charlie had been
busier at the hardware store. It almost felt like someone was keeping them
apart. Devyn could not stop from wondering if that was all Charlie's
brother Howard or maybe Charlie's dad. Did they suspect Devyn and Charlie
were more than just friends? Devyn knew from his confrontation with Howard
that Charlie's brother did not want him around Charlie at all. On the other
side, Charlie's Mom did not seem to have any concerns at all about them
being friends. She had invited Devyn over for dinner and after school so
they could do homework. Devyn wished Charlie would just tell his folks that
he was gay. It would make it easier. Of course, Devyn understood why
Charlie was hesitant to do that. If Charlie's Dad was like his older
brother, then...well Devyn knew how badly that could go. Although Devyn did
not see Charlie's Mom turning her back on Charlie like Devyn's own mother
had turned her back on him.

Devyn tried to swallow down another mouthful of food as he remembered the
hurt of Judy turning her back on him in the police station. Her words still
echoed in his head. "He's my husband, mother." It had made Devyn feel like
less than nothing. He was unimportant to her. All of those fun times they
had had together laughing and teasing each other were nothing. All the
times they had watched a sappy movie together meant nothing to her. He
meant nothing to his folks. Devyn could feel his eyes burning with unshed
tears. Fuck but he hated feeling like this. He hated that even after all
this time his parents still had so much power over his emotions.

Devyn felt Travis squeeze his knee. He looked at Travis. Travis removed his
hand from Devyn's knee. "Please don't be so sad. It is a good day. We're
adopted now. The bad stuff is behind us. Your friend will get better."

Devyn's lips curved up into a smile. Travis was right. The harmful stuff
was behind them. He should just focus on the good stuff. Being here with
Joe and Travis. The fact that Brent was going to recover. Plus, the future
he might have with Charlie. It was the start of his new life as Devyn
Erikson Vitanova. Frank and Judy Robert's son Devyn Allen was gone. There
was only Devyn Ericson now. He had a new life with a new family.

Devyn looked across the table at Joe. The man was his rock. He knew Joe
loved him and would be there for him no matter what. Joe would never turn
his back on him. Joe would never walk away from him. Devyn turned his gaze
upon Travis. He loved the kid just as much as he had ever loved anyone
before. He would do anything to protect him. He could also see in Travis'
eyes that the kid loved him too. Those eyes were so much like Hannah's. It
reminded Devyn how lucky he had been. Who would have thought selling drugs
to an undercover cop and then propositioning that same cop would have been
so damn lucky for him.

"I love having you as my official big brother," Travis signed.

"I love being your official big brother."

Devyn knew the rejection of his parents was going to hurt but the love of
his new family was better and strong enough to overcome that pain.

Devyn tried to push down the emotions. He could work them all out over
time. As long as he had his new family. Devyn turned his eyes from Travis
to Joe. He watched the more than attractive man. Devyn knew they loved each
other. There was still a part of Devyn that still wanted to move their
relationship to the romantic level. He just knew the sex with Joe would be
more than hot. He believed it would be mind-blowing. He was sure it had
blown Ethan's mind a few times. "Um, so how is Ethan doing? He's going to
miss you this weekend and he wasn't around last weekend either." Devyn had
been so busy that he had not thought about Ethan not being around as much.

"He spent the weekend at the farm when you were gone with Sam," Joe
said. "He's been busy working and he had a family event to go to. He had to
go to his grandmother's ninetieth birthday party."

"Oh, that is cool." Devyn took another bite of his food. He was finding it
a little easier to eat now that he was thinking about Joe and Ethan rather
than himself.

"She sounds a lot like your own grandmother. She was totally supportive
when Ethan told her he was gay. He actually told her before he told his
parents. That's why he was going to be gone for a few days. He wanted to
spend some time with her. He also thought he'd look up friends while he was
back at home."

"Damn wish I had told my grandma first." Devyn had never considered before
that day in the police station that his grandmother would be more
supportive than his parents. He should have gone to her but he had not
considered that. He assumed incorrectly that she would turn her back on him
like his parents. He knew he needed to stop thinking about that. He was
going to bring up the harmful emotions again.

"I wish you would have," Joe said. His eyes were serious. He knew if Devyn
had made one change it would mean that boy would not be there with them
now. Joe could not picture his life without Devyn. He knew just a little of
the pain Devyn had gone through with Tom. If he could prevent that from
happening to Devyn, he would. He would do anything to protect this amazing
young man.

"I am right where I belong," Devyn said. "This family is where I want to
be."

"I love you kid. More than you can probably understand." Joe's voice was
thick with his caring for Devyn. If things had been different, Joe knew
Devyn was the kind of man he could love. It is odd how the fates weave the
fabrics of our lives. Are they cruel, showing us possibilities that can't
be? Joe knew that Devyn had been more than willing to go to the next
step. He was sure their sex would have been scorching but he also knew
Devyn needed something other than a lover. He hoped he had given the boy
what he needed most.

"I love you too, Batman."

They finished up their dinner and then headed to the hotel. Devyn was tired
physically but more emotionally. He had promised Travis a swim in the pool
and he did not want to disappoint the kid. He knew sitting in the waiting
room had to be boring as hell for the boy. So, Devyn and Travis changed
into swim trunks and headed down to the pool. Devyn thought the swim might
do him some good as well.

As Devyn swam and played with Travis, he could feel some of the stress
leaving him. Travis had an infectious personality and watching him have fun
made Devyn feel better. He might have lost Frank and Judy but he had ended
up with more. He had ended up with so much more than he had started out
with.

There had only been a few other guests in the pool when he and Travis had
entered the indoor pool area. Now they were the only ones left. He glanced
up at the clock and could see why. The pool would be closing soon.

It appeared that they had spent enough time swimming and playing that even
Travis had exhausted his almost bottomless store of energy.

"Let's sit in the hot tub," Travis said after they had pulled themselves
out of the pool.

"Sure." Devyn led the way to the tub. The water was warm and felt good as
he stepped down into the recessed pool. He glanced at the clock again to be
sure they would have enough time to enjoy the soak. Devyn positioned
himself so a jet was massaging his back. He leaned back and closed his
eyes. He could almost feel some of the tension leaving his body.

After several minutes he was just about to doze off when Travis poked his
side. Devyn opened his eyes and looked at Travis.

"You tired?"

"Yes, you ready to go to the room?" Devyn thought maybe Travis was also
tired. Maybe they would both sleep well tonight. Devyn needed a good
night's sleep to recharge his emotional batteries. He was going to need
that reserve to get through the next couple of days.

"Can I ask first?"

"What's on your mind?"

"You know that new friend of mine, Seth?"

Devyn did remember Seth. Travis had talked about him a lot over the past
few weeks. "I remember him."

"He did something to me."

Devyn sat a little more upright. He tried to stay relaxed but more of his
attention was now focused on Travis. "What do you mean?" Devyn knew this
was the important thing that Travis had wanted to talk about.

"We were alone and playing. You know I'm actually teaching him sign. He's
learning good."

"That is good. So, what happened."

"I helped him with his project for class and he thanked me. He, he kissed
me."

"He kissed you. You mean on the lips?" Devyn wondered if Seth might be gay
or if it was just that the kid was naturally affectionate.

"Yes, it was quick. Do you think it is strange?"

"It is a little unusual but not really strange." Devyn wanted to choose his
words carefully. He had not met this Seth so he was not sure how to take
this. "Has he ever done that before?"

"We've hugged but this was the first time he kissed me. It is not wrong, is
it? You and I kiss and me and Uncle Joe kiss so it is not wrong, is it?"

"No, it isn't wrong. Seth might just have an affectionate family."

"The thing is, it doesn't make me feel like it does when a girl kisses me."

"Hold on. You are kissing girls?" This was news to Devyn.

"Faith, she is in the other class. She kissed me. We've been spending more
time together. She rides our bus and since you haven't been riding, we've
been sitting together."

Devyn was glad that Travis had someone to ride the bus with. Between the
tutoring sessions and the play, Devyn had been staying late in town. He
would get a ride home from Simon when it was the play. When it was
tutoring, it was either Danny or Randy giving Devyn a ride home.

"So, you and Faith are kissing on the bus?" Devyn was surprised but he
should not be. Travis was a cute kid and he had a relaxed personality.

"No, it was behind the tree on the playground. She did that after the day
she told me that I was cute. She actually typed it on my iPad."

"Well, you are cute." Devyn then tousled Travis' wet hair. "So why aren't
you sitting with her when I'm on the bus?"

"I don't want you to sit alone."

Devyn had to swallow down the lump in his throat. God, but he loved this
kid. He would do absolutely anything to protect him. "Thanks for that,
little bro." Devyn and Travis had made up signs for little bro and big
bro. "But if you want to sit with Faith, it won't hurt my feelings or
anything." Devyn wondered which of the girls on the bus was Faith. He was
going to have to figure that out.

"There's something else."

Devyn could see some concern on Travis' face. "What is it?"

"The thing is. I..." Travis paused then continued signing fast as if he
wanted to rip the band-aid off quickly. "I think I like girls and not
boys."

"There is nothing wrong with girls."

"I used to think they were icky but when Faith kissed me, I got a funny
feeling in my belly."

"You didn't get that when Seth kissed you?"

"Not the same kind of feeling. It wasn't as exciting. Is it alright that I
like girls?"

"Of course, it is." Devyn could tell that it was liking girls that was
causing Travis to be concerned. Devyn guessed with him and Joe both being
gay, that might make it a bit confusing for Travis.

"But I wanted to be like you and Uncle Joe."

"You can be like us. Who you like doesn't matter. If it is a girl, we will
be fine with that. If it is a boy, we will also be fine with that."

"You're not mad."

"No silly." Devyn stopped signing and pulled Travis to him. He held the
younger boy's wet body against him. Devyn then released him and began
signing again. "No matter what, I love you and so does Uncle Joe. You like
who you want. There is nothing wrong with liking boys or girls."

"Thanks." Travis moved and hugged Devyn this time. He kissed Devyn's cheek
before releasing the older boy.

"One other thing though." Devyn was trying to look serious so Travis would
understand that this was important. "It is alright for Seth to be
affectionate but if he does something you don't like or makes you
uncomfortable, tell him to stop."

"I will."

"If he doesn't you have to tell me or Uncle Joe." Devyn hoped that Travis
was understanding how important this was.

"I will."

"That goes for Faith too," Devyn said. "If you don't like what she does,
tell her to stop."

"Sure, but I like it when she kisses me."

Devyn could not stop from smiling a little at that. "That goes for you
too. If she tells you to stop, you stop."

"Right."

"One more thing and this one is really important." Devyn made sure that he
had Travis' attention before continuing. "If someone does something you
don't like or that makes you feel wrong, you tell me or Uncle Joe. If you
think it is wrong, talk to us. Do not try and hide it from us. We won't be
mad. Even if they tell you we will be mad or that you can't tell...you can
tell me anything. It won't change us being brothers and I'll love you no
matter what it is."

"Sure."

"This is very important. You gotta promise me."

"I promise."

Devyn glanced at the clock on the wall and saw it was almost ten. He knew
the pool closed at ten. "We are going to have to go back to the room. It's
past your bedtime."

"I'm getting tired anyway." Travis started to get out of the hot tub. He
paused and turned so Devyn could see him sign. "You are the best big
brother in the whole world."

Devyn had to swallow down that knot in his throat again. He was glad he did
not actually have to speak. "You are the best little bro in the whole
entire universe."

Travis beamed at that as he climbed dripping from the warm water. It was
then that the door opened and one of the hotel staff came into the pool
area. "Sorry Sir, the pool is closing."

Devyn stood up and worked his way out of the tub. He felt more relaxed than
before. "We know. We were just getting ready to leave."

The man grabbed a couple of towels out of a bin and walked them over to
Devyn and Travis. "Here you go." His eyes took in Devyn's glistening chest,
smooth skin, flat belly, tan legs, and lean muscles. They were not large
but nice. He was trying to determine if Devyn was old enough to be in
college. He looked young but had an aura of maturity about him.

"Thanks." Devyn took the towels and handed one to Travis. Devyn felt the
man's eyes on him as he was drying off. He looked over at him. The man
could not be much older than Devyn. Probably he was in college. He looked
to be fit and had a cute face with hazel eyes. His dark curly hair was
about the same shade of brown as Devyn's own hair.

"Are you staying with us very long?" He could not stop himself from looking
at how the wet trunks clung to Devyn's butt. He wondered if those firm
cheeks felt as good as they looked.

"Just tonight and tomorrow night," Devyn said.

Travis had finished drying and was handing his towel back to the young
man. Travis gestured and Devyn translated. "He says thank you."

"He's deaf?"

"Yes."

"That's cool that you can understand him."

"Everyone ends up saying that. It isn't that big a deal."

"I think it is. I bet girls find it attractive. I mean you talking with
your hands like that."

Devyn looked at the guy a little more closely. Was the man fishing? Was he
trying to find out if Devyn was single or maybe even gay?

"I guess some people would think it means I'm good with my hands, which I
am."

"Oh, you are?" The man raised an eyebrow and looked a little more closely
at Devyn. Was this guest flirting with him? He sure hoped he was. This guy
was the hottest guy he had seen at the hotel. He was fit, young and it
looked like he was hung. He wished the guy were wearing a speedo instead of
the baggy trunks.

Devyn could not stop a smile from curving up the corners of his
mouth. "I've had no complaints."

The man stepped a little closer to Devyn. "I bet you haven't. Maybe you
could show me. My name's Pete." Pete smiled at Devyn. He wanted to touch
that bare chest. He wanted to run his hands over that hot body. The guy
even looked a bit like Alex and that was only adding to Pete's desires.

"Nice to meet you, Pete. My name is Devyn." Devyn held out his hand. Pete
took it and the two shook.

"I wish you were spending a little more time with us, Devyn. I think I'd
like to get to know you better." Pete had wanted to do so much more than
just shake the guy's hand. He wanted to pull the stud to him and kiss
him. He wanted to grind his body against all that wet flesh.

"Only one more night."

Pete did not like the sound of that. "Maybe you do not live too far away?"
Pete gave Devyn what he hoped was a sensual smile.

Devyn could not believe that this sexy man was flirting with him. He half
wanted to get to know the guy better but he reminded himself that he had a
sexy boyfriend. The smile the guy gave him though definitely made Devyn
feel the blood surging to parts that he did not need it surging to right
then. "It's a few hours away."

"Well, that is better than the other side of the country."

"Um, Pete, I have a boyfriend at home."

"Shit. Figures." Pete knew a guy as hot as Devyn would not be alone. Or at
least not alone for long. Pete sighed.

"Sorry man." Devyn lightly punched Pete's upper arm. "Do you come on this
strong to all your guests?"

Pete looked down at the floor. "No, not at all. I've actually only been
working here for a few weeks. It helps me pay a few of my college bills."

Devyn had been right. Pete was in college. Pete probably believed that
Devyn was also in college. "Yeah, I'll need a job for that too. That is
when I go to college."

"Shit not in college?"

"Not yet."

"Damn are you like jailbait? Am I in deep shit?"

Devyn could not help but laugh. "No, you're cool."

"Thanks. I really thought you were older."

"That is odd. Most people think I'm younger than I am."

"You do look young," Pete said. "It's just how mature you act
plus...um...you are well built." Pete could feel his face blush a bit at
his bold statement. He used his hand to indicate Devyn's chest and arms. He
was surprised at just how bold he was being with Devyn. He was not usually
like this. He did not come onto guys at work but this guy was just...well
Pete could not put his finger on what it was but whatever it was, Devyn had
IT.

Devyn felt his ears burn a little at the compliment. He had filled out some
from working on the farm but not that much. "Thanks."

Pete started moving around the pool picking up other discarded towels and
tossing them into the laundry bin. Pete looked up at Devyn through his dark
eyelashes. He could not believe how sexy this guy was. He wanted to pull
those swim trunks down and see what the guy looked like without them. He
watched as Devyn turned and began signing to Travis. Pete could not help
but look at Devyn's firm round ass. The trunks were clinging to the solid
flesh of the teenager's ass.

Travis started moving around the pool area picking up the other discarded
towels. He brought them to Pete and dropped them into the wheeled bin.

"Thanks, dude," Pete said to Travis. He then turned to Devyn. His eyes slid
over Devyn's chest and arms. He could not stop from wondering how that tan
skin would feel under his hands. "Come back down tomorrow night. I'll be
here to supply you with towels or whatever."

"I'll do that." Devyn picked up his towel and tossed it into the laundry
bin. He bent down and grabbed a couple of other towels to toss into the
bin. When he straightened up, he winced in pain. He wondered what he had
done to his back. Maybe it was just from riding in the truck and then the
uncomfortable chairs at the hospital.

"You alright?" Pete had noticed Devyn wince and try and stretch his back.

"Oh, I probably overdid it playing in the pool with Travis." Devyn bet that
was it. He had strained his back horsing around with Travis.

Pete tossed the towels into the laundry and moved to Devyn. "Turn around."

"What?"

"Trust me, turn around."

Devyn was not sure why he did it, but he turned around. He soon felt Pete's
strong hands on his shoulders. He felt them working the knotted-up
muscles. "Oh shit."

"Is that a good `oh shit' or a bad `oh shit'?"

"I'm not sure yet. Devyn could not believe how good Pete's strong hands
felt. They seemed to be able to seek out knots and force them to unknot.

Pete's fingers worked their way down Devyn's spine. He could not believe
how good the tan skin felt. He enjoyed finding those knotted-up muscles and
working them out. He wanted to move close and pull Devyn's body against his
own. He wanted to grind his growing cock against that ass. He wanted to run
his hands all over Devyn's chest and then down into those wet trunks. "This
would be easier if you were lying down on your stomach."

Devyn turned his head to look over his shoulder in Pete's direction. His
lips curved up into a mischievous smile as he spoke. "I bet you say that to
all the boys."

Pete laughed. "No, only to the ones that are hot."

Pete's hands were at the elastic band of Devyn's swim trunks. Pete
hesitated for only a moment before pushing them down a little and then a
little more.

"Ah, dude..." Devyn was a little worried how far this was going to go. He
already understood Pete was interested and Devyn's own body was starting to
show his own interest.

Pete dug his thumbs into the muscles of Devyn's lower back. He could feel
the knots slowly releasing. He worked a little lower and heard Devyn let
out a sigh. He knew he should not be doing this but it was hard to resist
this guy. Pete leaned a little closer to Devyn so that his lips were close
to Devyn's ear. "You getting a little nervous?" Pete edged the trunks down
just a little more.

Devyn could feel Pete's strong hands on him. He could feel them moving
lower. If Pete pushed his trunks down much further, they would end up going
too far. Devyn glanced around the room. He was glad no one else was there
but Travis was watching them. "Um, Pete..."

Pete's hands were on Devyn's bare skin. He could feel the smooth skin on
the top of Devyn's ass. He so wanted to push the swim trunks to the
floor. He wanted to do lots of naughty things with this guy. Pete knew he
wouldn't though. Devyn said he had a boyfriend and Pete would only go so
far knowing that.

"Are you a little worried where I might be going? Or are you excited where
I might be going?" Pete moved his hands and pulled Devyn's shorts back into
place. "Don't worry I wouldn't go too far with your little brother here. Of
course, tomorrow night if you came back down alone for a back rub..."

Devyn chuckled. "Um, thanks, Pete. The back rub sounds good but...um...like
I said, I've got a boyfriend at home. Now I had better get Travis up to
bed." Devyn knew that if Charlie wasn't in the picture, then Devyn might
just come back down tomorrow for that back rub and hope that it did not
stop with Pete just rubbing his back. The guy was attractive and seemed to
be a friendly and nice all-around guy.

Pete more than half wished that it was him that Devyn was taking up to
bed...of course, if that was the case there would be no sleeping going
on. Not if Pete had his way. "Sure Devyn. Tell your boyfriend Pete said
he's a lucky dog."

Devyn could not help but chuckle at Pete. Pete seemed to be a really cool
guy. Devyn felt comfortable with him. It was odd to make that connection so
quickly. It had happened that way with Brent and with Matt. "I will."

# # #
Copyright 2023 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