This is a fictional story that may involve sexual acts between two or more males.

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.

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Character is much easier kept than recovered. Thomas Paine

Brent's Struggle Chapter 28

Brent was riding across the yard on the riding lawn mower. He had insisted on Bryan letting him help with the yard work. After a quick lesson on how to operate the mower, Bryan let Brent mow the yard. Brent really did not mind. It gave him something to do. If he were not busy, he would end up thinking too much about the past. His appointments with Dr. Drake were forcing him to face some of his memories. H still had not talked to the doctor much about what had transpired in the clinic. Instead, he was focusing on his memories of Devyn and their feelings for each other.

"Didn't he just mow the yard?" Matt asked Bryan. He was standing on the back deck watching Brent driving the mower across the yard.

"I think he's trying to stay busy," Bryan said. It was Saturday and the two men were enjoying a late start to the day.

"Maybe it is time he starts school," Matt said watching Brent.

"The semester has already started," Bryan said. "We probably should get him started. We would not want the courts to hold that against us."

When Brent came in from mowing the yard, the mentioned starting school next week."

"No!"" Brent was not going to school He was not going to face all those kids.

"Brent, you have to finish high school," Matt said his voice firm but gentle.

"I can't be around those kids," Brent said.

"It will be a different school Brent," Bryan said. "No one will know you and your name has not been released."

"I cannot be around that many people, I just can't." Brent felt a panic attack at the thought of going to school. He would not know how to act. He would know how to talk to anyone.

"Brent," Matt's voice was stelle still gentle as he tried to explain the need for school to Brent. "You have to finish and we need you enrolled for the custody case. It will look bad if we don't have you going to school."

"I'm, I'm not sure I can." Brent's voice was trembling as he spoke. He was trying to fight down his emotions.

"You need to at least try," Bryan said. "I don't think it will be as bad as you think. It is a smaller school. There will be fewer kids."

"I didn't even finish last semester," Brent said. "I'll be behind everyone."

"So, what," Bryan said. "It will make the classes easier."

"We can take you in on Monday and get you signed up for classes," Matt said. "It won't be that bad."

"Hasn't the semester already started?" Brent knew it had. No school year would start this late.

"Yes, but it's only been a couple weeks," Matt said.

"You will get caught up easy," Bryan said.

Brent was reluctant but agreed to at least try going to school. He decided if he just kept to himself and talked to no one everything would be fine.

#

On Monday Brent was feeling even more apprehensive about going to school. He knew he needed to do it so he could continue to live with Bryan and Matt. He was pushing down his panic as Bryan was driving him to the local high school.

"Relax soldier," Bryan said seeing how nervous Brent was. "You will be fine."

"What if I'm to," Brent said his voice soft. "What if I can't handle it?"

"You can Brent," Bryan said. "You are one of the strongest guys I know."

"What?" Brent's shock was evident in his voice.

"Look at what you survived." Bryan was glancing over at Brent to make sure the teenager was listening. "You went through hell. Yeah, you have some PTSD from it but that is to be expected. You survived it and you are getting better every day. I know some Marines that would not have been able to handle what you went through in that clinic and I don't even know the details."

"They are pretty bad," Brent said looking down at his hands.

"I'm sure they were." Reaching over Bryan touches Brent. The boy glances but Bryan is used to that response. "Matt and I will listen whenever you want or need to talk about that. It does not matter what it is or when it is, we are here for you."

"Thanks," Brent said. He did not know exactly how he got so lucky. He guessed he owed Devyn for that. If it had not been for Devyn, he would not have had Matt and Bryan to call for help.

The school did look considerably smaller than his old school. He thought that was probably good. There would be fewer people looking at him. He followed Bryan into the school and he got Brent registered. The staff just seemed to assume Bryan was Brent's dad and neither Brent nor Bryan corrected that assumption.

"I'll come back and pick you up," Bryan told Brent before leaving. "We can go shopping and pick up any stuff you need after school."

"Sure," Brent said. "Um, thanks."

Brent bit his lower lip as he was watching Bryan leaving. He followed the guidance counselor to his first class. It so reminded Brent of how nervous he had been that first day of school after just moving into the house across the street from Devyn. The difference was that he had Devyn. Devyn had been great showing him around and introducing him to other kids. It had made the whole thing easier. This time there was no one. He was alone.

Somehow Brent managed to make it to the end of the day. Several other kids had talked to him and he had been polite but reserved. He was not sure how he should act any longer.

Once he slid into the SUV beside Bryan, he felt like a huge weight had been lifted from him.

"How was it?" Bryan asked as he was pulling away from the school.

"Horrible," Brent said.

"Was it that bad?" Bryan was concerned. Maybe Brent was not ready for this yet.

"I survived," Brent said. "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger."

"That's right soldier." Bryan was glad Brent was trying to adapt.

They picked up a few things Brent needed and then went to a local restaurant for dinner. "What about Matt?" Brent hoped Matt was not having to work late because of him again.

"He's got a meeting tonight," Bryan was explaining as they were waiting on their food. "He was going to meet us but it came up at the last minute."

"He having to work late because of me," Brent said looking down at the table.

"No," Bryan said taking Brent's hand. He felt the boy tense up but at least Brent did not pull away this time. "It happens. It is just the nature of his work."

Brent believes Bryan is telling him the truth and tries to relax a little. Their food was awesome and Brent enjoyed talking to Bryan. He told him a little about school and classes and the teachers.

"So, any cute boy?" Bryan asked his lips twitching at the corners.

"I, um didn't really notice any," Brent said.

"Not one of them?" Bryan asked. "Not one of those hot jock boys?"

Brent could feel his ears burning. He could not believe Bryan was asking him this. "No."

"Brent," Bryan began his voice more serious. "It is alright to notice boys. I would be checking out every boy in school if it were me."

"I, um, just, um, you know, um, feel, um, uncomfortable." Brent stammered the answer and tried to stop from blushing.

"Did you notice Devyn right away?" Bryan asked.

"Yes, the moment we moved in," Brent said. "I saw him mowing the yard." Brent proceeded to tell Bryan exactly what Devyn had been wearing and how he had pushed his chocolate brown hair out of his eyes.

"Well, your memory of Devyn seems to be really clear," Bryan said as he was paying the check.

"Do you, um, do you think there is something wrong with me?" Brent asked

"Nothing that a little time wont' cure," Bryan said.

"I, um, just, um, haven't really been looking at guys." Brent had looked at anyone since the clinic. The only guy he had really checked out to any extent had been Bryan when they were working out. He could not stop himself from studying the man's body. He could not stop from looking at the muscles as they bulged when Bryan was lifting. He could also remember that day in his room when Bryan's tall had fallen off and he stood there naked. Brent could remember the light brown curls around the limp cock and the two large balls that it was hanging over. He had wanted to do more than just look and that had set off the internal battle with himself. "That will come back," Bryan said as he began guiding Brent through the restaurant and too the SUV.

#

Matt fixed himself a drink. It had been another long day of meeting after meeting at work. He was glad to be home. He wished he had been able to finish earlier. He moved to the sofa and flipped on CNN. There was new coverage the clinic and the torture that had been perpetrated. The congress woman from Ohio was champion the FBI for their quick intervention. The congressman from some other State that Matt had missed was criticizing the FBI for overreaching. "You are a fuck tard!" Matt told the image on the television.

Thanks to the media coverage the judge in Brent's guardianship case had bumped up the hearing. It was going to be Friday. The judge wanted it over before the case against Dr. Wilson began and Brent was required to testify.

"Matt took a long drink. He needed to relax. He did not want Brent and Bryan to pick up on his stress. The pressure from the Watson's attorney's was getting worse. They were asking for everything but his and Bryan cock size. He wondered if that would be in the next demands. Matt had just asked Albert to give them whatever they needed, "within reason.".

"Hey babe," Bryan said coming through the door.

"Crap," Matt said. "I did not hear you drive in."

Brent was frozen on his way to the living room. He had seen Dr. Wilson's face on the television. At least he thought it had been her. Matt had flipped the channel so fast that he was not sure.

"How was school?" Matt asked looking at Brent.

"Was, was that her?" Brent asked.

"Brent," Matt said his voice soft. "I, was just watching..."

"Was it her? Is she out?" Brent's voice conveyed his fear and panic.

"It was Brent," Matt said. "It was CNN coverage of the clinic and the upcoming criminal trial. I'm sorry."

"But she isn't like free?" Brent knew in his head that he was safe from her but some voice in his head told him she was coming to get him.

"Brent, she will never get near you again," Matt said. He put down his drink and getting up from the sofa he moves to Brent. "The closest you will ever be to her again is in court when you testify against. When you tell what happened so that the fucking bitch can be locked up for ever. That is the last time you will ever see her." Matt grips Brent's shoulders. He feels the boy tense up but he holds him anyway. "She's never hurting you again. You have my word on that. She will NEVER harm you again."

Brent looked into Matt's fiery green eyes. He could see the lion in there that Dr. Drake had mentioned. It probably should have made Brent afraid but it made him feel safe.

"Um, thanks Matt." Brent put his hand on Matt. He wanted to do more. He wanted to step forward and let Matt put his arms around him. He knew all he had to do was make one little move. He just had to do that and Matt would do the rest. Matt would pull him in tight and hold him. "I was just surprised. Thanks." Brent did not make that move. He stepped back pulling his walls back around him.

Matt thought Brent was going to reach out to him but the boy had pulled back again. "I do have some other news. The guardianship case has been moved up. It is set for Friday."

"That is good news," Bryan said trying to lighten the mood. "That's when Brent become our soldier."

"That is right," Matt said. He was not quite as confident as Bryan but he was not going to let it show.

"You will need to meet with Dr. Drake again tomorrow so he can get his final report to the judge by Friday." Matt was watching Brent closely. He could see the worry on the boy's face. "Try not to worry about it Brent. The attorney is confident that it will work out."

"That is right," Bryan agreed. "You are ours now."

Brent could not stop his lips from curving up into a half smile. It felt so good to have guys fighting for him like Matt and Bryan were.

#

Brent had become more comfortable with Dr. Drake. The man was very sympathetic and was willing to listen about everything and anything. He had confessed the doctor about his physical attraction to Bryan. "He's the only guy that I've really, um, well, um, you know." Brent could feel his face blushing as he was trying to come up with the right words.

"Bryan is an attractive man," Dr. Drake said. Bryan shot Dr. Drake a look. He could not help but wonder now and it was written on his face. "No, I'm not gay Brent. But I can still tell who is an attractive man.

"I'm so fucked up," Brent said.

"It is alright to be attracted to Bryan. It is a good sign. It shows that you are fighting through the horrible treatments from Wilson."

Brent had noticed that Dr. Drake never gave Dr. wilson the doctor status. "There is a boy at school that I, um, thought was looking at me."

"Well, you are an attractive fellow too," Dr. Drake said.

"It, um, made me feel uncomfortable." Brent had seen the boy at school looking at him a few times over the past two days. They had several classes together but Brent had not tried to talk to him or any of his other classmates. He was afraid of the boys because of possibly finding them attractive. He was afraid of the girls because he did not find them attractive.

"That can happen with unwanted sexual interest," Dr. Drake said. "Of course, part of it might be that you are a little sensitive because of your experience at the clinic."

"I always feel like I'm a little off," Brent said. "I want to be attracted to girls but I know I'm not. I want to be attracted to boys but that just causes me to feel sick."

"You will get over that," Dr. Drake said. "It still has not been that long. Maybe pushing yourself will help. Go talk to this boy. If he is interested that will not be that bad. If he is just wanting a new friend, that will be good."

"I'm not sure I would know what to say," Brent said. "It was Devyn that made the first move with us. He is the one that came over to my house. He was the one that showed me around the school."

Brent could remember that first meeting in the kitchen when he had walked in with nothing on but his boxers. He had not known Devyn and his mom were sitting there. He had felt like a total idiot. He had hoped the ground would open and swallow him.

It had worked out though. He had gone back and talked to Devyn and then they had even gone to Brent's room. Devyn had set in helping him do his unpacking.

In those few weeks before school started, they had become friends instantly. From that first day their friendship had only grown stronger. "Devyn took me around the school showing me where all my classes were. He introduced me to his friends and made sure that he hate lunch with me every day." Brent was remembering those first days of their friendship. It had been the best time of his life. He and Devyn were learning about each other and learning about themselves.

Dr. Drake listened and let Brent tell him about Devyn and their friendship. It was good to know the boy's memory was so clear after all the time he had suffered.

"Yu see that is why I have to tell him how fucked up I am." Brent was looking down at his shoes and then up into Dr, Drake's kind eyes. "Even if he hates me, I still have to tell him I'm sorry. I turned my back on him when he needed me the most. That is something he would never do. If it had been the other way around, he would have helped me. He would have found away, even if he had to hide it from his parents. I don't know why I wasn't stronger. I'm, I'm so worthless."

"Let's think about this Brent," Dr. Drake said. He led Brent through it step by step. "Yes, some of the things you did that day to Devyn were hurtful. You two had just been discovered."

"I felt like the whole world had come apart," Brent said. "I was afraid and did not know what to do."

"You were afraid and that caused you to take actions in haste."

"But a week later when he showed up..." Brent could remember his surge of excitement at seeing Devyn at the door and the words he had said. The hateful words.

"Remember, you were already seeing Wilson." Dr. Drake was taking Brent through it. "You had her words poisoning your thoughts. You had her corrupt influence guiding your actions."

"Dad's right," Brent said. "I'm weak. I let people manipulate me."

She was someone you were supposed to trust," Dr. Drake said. "The ones we trust have the most influence over us."

The two continued to talk long passed Brent's scheduled time. Dr. Drake always made sure Brent was his last appointment of the day. He knew that the boy needed more of his time to cope with the trauma caused by Wilson and her so called treatments.

Brent felt emotionally drained by the end of the sessions. He was even a little horse from talking so much. "I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time."

"No," Dr. Drake said. "I think we made great progress today."

"Um, what about, um the court case? Brent had realized that during the entire session he had not talked much about Wilson or the clinic.

"I think I'll have more than enough for my report," Dr. Drake said rising to walk Brent to the door.

"Um, will you, um, be, um...I mean will I get to stay with Matt and Bryan?" Brent was worried now thinking about what he had told the doctor about his attraction to Bryan might be a problem.

"Is that what you want?" Dr. Drake asked. He placed his hand on Brent's shoulder. He felt the boy tense up at the friendly contact.

"Yes," Brent said. "I need to live there. I feel safe with them. I can be myself to some extent with them."

"Feeling safe is very important for your recovery," Dr. Drake said. "I'll be sure to add that to my report."

"Thank you, Dr. Drake." Brent still felt nervous about the case but maybe Dr. Drake was going to give him a good shot at staying with Bryan and Matt. If the courts sent him back to his parents, he would run away. They would have to lock him in to make him stay there.

#

The day before the hearing Brent met with the social worker from Family Services. She came to the house to interview all three of them. Brent thought she was nice enough. She tried to make him feel relaxed but nothing was going to do that until after the court case. She interviewed them together and then individually.

Brent believed his interview with her went well enough. He was sitting on the back deck waiting while she interviewed Matt and Bryan. He wanted to be in there to hear what she asked them and what they told her but she had wanted to interview them separately.

Brent heard the door open and saw the social worker stepping out onto the back deck. "Hi Brent," she said walking towards him and taking a seat in the lounge chair next to Brent's. "It is very pretty here." She was looking around the large back yard.

"It is," Brent agreed. "Um, did, um, everything go alright with, um, Matt and Bryan?"

"Yes," she said. "They seem like well-rounded men."

Brent bit his lower lip. He was not sure how to interpret that statement. Did it mean she would be recommending him to stay with Matt and Bryan? "So, um, what is next?"

"I'll write up my report this afternoon and send it over to the judge." She was watching Brent intently. "You know you are a lucky young man. You have many people who love you deeply trying to do what is best for you."

"What is best for me is to stay with Matt and Bryan." Brent's voice was firm. He wanted to slap her if she thought his parents were trying to do what was best for him. They were only doing what was best for them. Brent was sure his dad was trying to protect his reputation. What would Richard's work buddies think of him if they knew his son was a queer?

"That will ultimately be up to the judge." She reached over touching Brent's hand.

Brent tensed up. He did not know why everyone always wanted to touch him. He wanted to jerk his hand away but he was able to control his response and withdrew his hand more slowly from her touch.

"Everything will be fine Brent." She noticed the distress her touch caused. It verified what she had read in Dr. Drake's report. "Try and not be to be stressed about tomorrow. Like I said you have everyone wanting to do what is best for you."

She rose then turning towards the door. "I'll see you in court tomorrow."

Brent was not sure what to say. He managed a "um, right." He heard the door close. He wanted tomorrow to be over with. He wanted it to be over and he be left to stay with Matt and Bryan.

"You alright?" Matt asked coming out onto the back deck and taking the seat the social worker had vacated.

"I just want this over with," Brent confessed.

Matt could hear the stress in Brent's voice. "I want to tell you will all workout fine but I do not know that for sure. I do believe it will though. No matter what happens tomorrow, Bryan and I are here for you. No matter what that judge decides we will support you."

"What if I get sent back to my parents?" Brent's voice trembled as he spoke. "What if he sends me home and they want to put me in another clinic."

"You are not going back to a clinic," Matt said. "I can promise you that."

"You won't be able to stop them." Brent looked at the yard trying to fight back the fear that was building in his stomach.

Reaching over Matt takes' Brent's hand and holds it tight. Brent stiffens but does not pull his hand away. "If we must, we will kidnap you. It is not like we haven't done that before. If they think they are sending you to a clinic again, they have another thing coming. If things go that south, well let's just say Bryan has Red and Miguel on standby."

Brent's eyes met Matt's. "Are you joking?"

"I do not really understand what exactly those two do but you and Steven have become important to them. I think Red pulled some more strings to get your case in court so quickly" I think he and Miguel are stationed nearby just in case we need them. I'm not sure how the judge will rule tomorrow but I do know for a fact that you will never go to a clinic like that again."

#

Brent did not sleep at all the night before the court case. The car ride to the courthouse made him feel like he would blow chunks at any moment. He tried taking some deep breaths as he was following Matt and Bryan inside and down the corridor.

"You alright?" Bryan asked putting a hand on Brent's shoulder. "You look a little green."

"I may need to stop at the restroom," Brent managed to say without blowing chunks.

"Come on," Bryan said leading Brent down the corridor and into the men's room. "You going to be sick?"

"I, um, don't know." Brent was taking deep breaths trying to keep from vomiting

"It is going to be alright soldier," Bryan said. "Between the reports from the social worker and Dr. Drake it will work out. You are going to be stuck with us."

Brent tried to pull himself together. All he could do was think about being sent home with his parents. He knew if that happened his dad would be shipping him off to a clinic or military school. Of course, maybe the military school would not be so bad. He would at least not be home with his folks. He could probably easily run-a-way and get back to Matt and Bryan.

The restroom door opened and Matt came in. "Everything alright?"

"Just a little queasy stomach," Bryan told Matt.

"I thought so," Matt said. "I got a Sprite from the vending machine. Try taking a little drink and see if that helps."

Brent took the offered soda. "Thanks Matt."

"I saw your parents in the hall," Matt said after Brent had taken a drink. "I just didn't want you to be surprised to see them when you step out into the hall.

"Right," Brent said. He took another drink. The soda did seem to be helping.

"Come on soldier," Bryan said. "Time to stand tall. That's it straighten those shoulders and face down your demons."

"The enemy has no chance with us," Matt said lightly touching Brent's shoulder.

"Thanks guys." Brent felt a little better.

The three stepped out of the men's room and with Matt and Bryan on either side of him Brent walked down the corridor and towards his parents. They were standing outside the door to the court room.

"Honey," Linda said stepping towards Brent. "You look so handsome in your suit."

Matt saw Brent stiffen and he reflexively put a reassuring hand on Brent's back. He saw the glare from Richard and Matt returned it with a cold stare of his own.

"Hi," Brent said.

"Honey we..."

Brent cut off Linda's words. "We had better get inside." Turning from his parents he went into the court room with Matt and Bryan. He could feel the glares of his parents on his back and he did not care of his coldness hurt them. After all the pain they had caused him, he believed they deserved some of their own.

#

Brent sat in the back of the car not sure what he should be feeling. He had known that the day would be rough. He felt so tired. He just wanted to crawl into bed and pull the covers over his head. He did not know why things had not gone better. The reports from both the social worker and Dr. Drake seemed straight forward to Brent. He did not know why the judge had not seen it the same way.

Brent looked out eh window watching the houses and trees sliding passed. He was once again wishing he had just gone with Devyn that day he had showed up at the house. "What the fuck was the matter with you," he thought. He could have gone with Devyn and never had to experience the clinic and Wilson's tortures.

The car pulled into the driveway. Brent slowly opened the door and stepped out. He moved slowly inside. He headed straight to his room. He did not want to talk to anyone.

"Hold on one-minute Soldier." Bryan's voice stopped Brent. He turned to look at Bryan and Matt.

"Where do you think you are going?" Matt was watching Brent. The teenager had been quiet on the ride home from the hearing.

"We've got celebrating to do." Bryan was pulling out his phone. "What kind of food do you want?"

"Is there really anything to celebrate?" Brent did not feel like celebrating.

"You are looking at this all wrong." Matt took a few steps towards Brent. "The judge sided with us. You get to stay here."

"It is only temporary." Brent had felt his stomach drop when the judge had award temporary guardianship to Matt and Bryan. He wanted it to be permanent. He did not want to go through this again.

"He's hoping you and your parents can get passed the issues and be a family." Matt took another step and placing his hand on Brent's shoulder he gave it a squeeze. He felt the teenager tense up but ignored it.

"We aren't going to get passed it," Brent said. "My Dad thinks I'm sick. He thinks we are all sick and perverted."

Matt moves his hand from Brent's shoulder to Brent's back. "Let's sit and talk about it." With a little effort he got Brent to move to the kitchen island and to take a seat.

"Alright, I've got a large meat lovers on the way," Bryan said. "I hope everyone is alright with that."

"Sounds good," Matt said. "I'll get some drinks."

"There is nothing worth celebrating!" Brent spat the words.

"You are wrong," Bryan said. "The judge could have given immediate custody back to your parents."

"Instead, he gave us custody," Matt said giving brent a root beer and beer for him and Bryan.

"Temporary!" Brent could not understand why they were ignoring that word.

"Look Brent," Matt said. "Yes, it is temporary but that is just to give you and your parents time to adjust. If they cannot adjust, then he will leave you with us permanently."

"Like I told you before, you are stuck with us." Picking up his beer Bryan takes a long drink.

"You are sixteen and next summer you'll be seventeen. By the time we are done with temporary guardianship and continuations, you will be eighteen. It won't matter as you will decide for yourself where you live."

"Um, I didn't think about that." Brent was feeling a small ball of hope beginning to grow in his stomach.

"All you have to do is do these visitations with your parents," Bryan said. "It's one day a week and only for a couple of hours. It will be a breeze."

"Um, will you guys be there?" Brent was looking from Bryan to Matt.

"The only one that can keep us away is you," Matt said, "If you want to be alone with them, then we will let you do that."

"But if you want us there, then we will be there by your side," Bryan added.

"Um, thanks guys." Brent said. "I, um, definitely want you there. I, um, want both of you there if, um, you can miss work." Brent was looking at Matt.

"If you want me there, then nothing will keep me away."

"Thanks," Brent said his voice thick. He picked up the glass of root beer and took a drink. "Sorry if I was, um, being stupid. I just didn't think it all the way through."

"So is a meat lovers alright?" Bryan asked. "I can still order something else."

"It is fine," Brent said. "It is actually what Devyn and I ordered, um, the night we, um, had our first night together."

Matt and Bryan exchanged a look. It had been a little while since Brent had mentioned Devyn. They both seemed to be asking the other if this was the right time to tell Brent.

"That sounds like you two took a serious step," Matt said cautiously.

"Devyn didn't tell you?" Brent was again looking between the two men.

"He never mentioned it," Matt said. He felt bad about the deception but he also could not bring himself to tell Brent. He just could not hurt the boy any more than he already was.

"You can tell us anything Brent," Bryan said putting his phone down after having placed the order. "Come on sit on the couch and tell us about it."

Brent followed the two men over to the sofa. He sat down but did not start talking.

"Maybe talking about it will help give it a different perspective." Matt was watching the boy closely. He wanted to help him but was afraid of causing the boy to retreat into himself again.

"You might hate me," Brent said softly looking down at his shoes.

"Brent," this time Matt did reach out and take Brent's hands before continuing. He felt the boy tense up but this time he held onto Brent until Brent met his eyes. "No matter how bad it is, we are not going to hate you. No matter what happened we will try and help you cope with it."

"We were both so excited." Brent's voice was soft as he spoke. His fingers closed around Matt's and he held them tight as he spoke. "I know Devyn talked to you about us, um, having, um, sex."

"He did," Matt confirmed.

"He told me about the talk and the fight with his dad at the construction site." Brent was looking at Matt. He could see something in Matt's eyes. Was it a sadness? He was not sure. "We made plans to try some of the things you two talked about. His parents were going to be gone and we were going to spend the night together." Brent proceeded to tell them about the evening. He told them everything up to them going up to bed after devouring the pizza and the oral sex they had done to each other on the couch. "We went up to Devyn's room and snuggled up to each other. I think it was the best night's sleep I had ever had."

"That sounds like a good memory to me," Bryan said.

"We only meant to sleep for a little while but we woke up the next day." Brent could still remember waking up to Devyn stimulating him. It had been so good sleeping through the night with Devyn next to him and then to wake up with Devyn tenderly stroking him was the perfect morning wake-up. "We did not realize exactly how long we had slept. We started to go to the next step. We were, um, well, I was and Devyn was..."

"Getting ready to do anal." Bryan smiled at the boy's embarrassment. The blonde was damn cute when he was blushing.

"Yes," Brent admitted and could feel his ears burning hot. "Devyn was letting me, um, inside him. It was amazing. We were both so into it."

"I'm sure you were." Matt gave what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze to Brent's hand. The man had not released it since the boy was giving into this physical contact.

"It seemed to go so quickly." Brent could still remember the pleasure he had felt at being inside Devyn. He could not understand how he had forgotten that. He would never let anyone take the memories of Devyn from him again. "I was on the edge of, um, Cumming."

"You do not need to worry about the terms," Matt said. "We know them and they are fine with us."

"I was just about to, um, cum and the door opened." Brent could still hear the man's voice. He could still feel the world shattering. "Devyn's parents had found us. They started yelling at us. Frank told me to get out and to never come back."

"Shit," Bryan muttered.

"I slipped passed them as best I could. I just wanted out of there. I hurried downstairs and pulled on my clothes. I just had to get away. I ran across the street and up to my room. I hid there trying to pretend that we had not been caught. I left Devyn there alone to face his parents."

"That had to be rough for both of you," Matt said giving Brent's hand another squeeze.

"Devyn's dad told my parents what he found us doing," Brent said. "I, I, lied. I let them believe that Devyn forced me into it. I lied to them and I hurt Devyn. He came over and told me he had been thrown out and I turned my back on him." Tears were running down Brent's cheeks as he was reliving the experience. "He hates me now and I don't blame him. Hell, I hate myself."

Matt shoots Bryan a look. Bryan nods understanding they now know a little more about what might have led to Devyn's death. Matt wants to break the news to Brent but with the boy hurting so much, he does not believe it is the right time.

Matt wanted to comfort Brent. He wants to hold him and without thinking he moves closer pulling Brent into his strong arms. He felt the boy tense up and try to pull away. `Not this time,' Matt thinks as he is tightening his hold on Brent.

Brent pushed at Matt but Matt only pulled Brent tighter. Brent was not going to break Matt's grip. He slowly stopped fighting and rested there letting his tears fall onto Matt's shoulder. "You understand I need to tell him. I have to let him know how sorry I am." Brent was forcing the words out between his sobs. He felt movement and then he felt another warm body and strong arms around him. Bryan had move to Brent's other side. Brent was sandwiched between the two men.

"Get it out," Bryan said softly hold Brent and Matt. Bryan's eyes finding Matt's over Brent's head. Both men knew that the teenager needed this release. It was the first real sign that Brent was recovering.

"Don't you see how fucked up I am. Don't you hate me like Devyn?" Brent could feel the tears sliding down his cheeks and onto Matt's shoulder.

Matt's breath is warm against Brent's ear as he begins speaking. "I see two teenagers that were in love. I see them both scared at having their love misunderstood. I see them trying to cope with a situation that was outside their control."

"But I lied and turned my back on him," Brent said. "I should have gone with him that day. I should have just gone with him."

Matt wished Brent had gone with Devyn. He wished the two were safe and sound together right now. He did not understand why Devyn did not call him. He would have helped them both.

"You cannot change the past." Bryan's voice is soft as he hold Brent. He leans in and lightly kisses the back of Brent's blonde head. "All you can do is learn and grow from the past."

"Brent moves a little to look up into Matt's eyes. He sniffs trying to stop the tears. "He hates me doesn't he. He told you he does not want to ever see me again."

"No," Matt said softly. "He never said that to me." Matt hates himself for deceiving Brent but he does not feel the time is right. The day was too emotional for the boy to deal with the news Matt was told by Frank.

"If Devyn knew the whole story, he would understand," Bryan said. "If he knew everything, he would forgive you."

"Will you help me find him?" Brent asked a hint of hope in his teary blue eyes.

"I'll find him," Matt said. He was going to find out what happened to Devyn and where the boy was buried. Maybe taking Brent to the grave would help him have closure.

Brent rested his head back on Matt's shoulder. It felt so good being held like this. He felt safe inside those strong arms. He had not felt like this for so long. He wondered how long Matt would sit there with him.

The doorbell ring breaking in on the feeling of safety. "That was fast for the Pizza," Bryan said getting up.

Matt however did not move. He continued to hold Brent. Brent started to push but Matt held him tight. "The pizza guy," Brent said.

Matt's lips curve up into a ruthful half smile. "I do not care what some pizza boy sees or thinks."

Brent's lips rests his head back on Matt's shoulder. It feels so good being held like this. It feels so safe in Matt's arms. He misses having Bryan on his other side. Brent wants this feeling of safety to last forever. He has not felt anything as good in a long time. Brent decides that Bryan was right, Matt does have shoulders large enough for any problem.

Bryan opened the door and was surprised. It was not the pizza boy. "Hey!"

"I have cake and ice cream." The female voice is musical as she speaks holding up the cake and ice cream. "I also brought presents." She holds up a large gift bag. "I hear there is reason to celebrate!"

"Mom!" Matt said from the sofa. Matt still did not move. He continued to hold Brent. Matt's hand was gently caressing up and down Brent's back.

She took in the scene on the sofa with Matt holding Brent and the boy's puffy eyes and knew that he had been crying. "Did I miss read the text? Is everything alright?"

"Everything is good," Bryan said kissing her cheek and taking the ice cream, cake, and gift bag. "I'll put this in the freezer." Bryan indicates the ice cream. He moves putting down the cake and gift back on the kitchen island and then to the freezer to put away the ice cream.

"You alright?" Matt asked looking at Brent.

"Yes," brent answered. "I'm um sorry." The words were punctuated with his sniffs. He hated being caught crying like a little kid.

"I'm sorry I did not call," she said. "When I saw your text that you got custody, I went out and had the bakery make a cake and then I went shopping and picked up ice cream."

Matt looks into Brent's glistening blue eyes. "Thank Mom."

"I'm alright." Brent removes his head and sits back from Matt.

"You sure?" Matt asked looking at Brent.

Brent understand now that Matt would have sat there with him all night. He would have gone on holding him no matter who came to the door. "Yeah, um, thanks."

Getting up from the sofa Matt moves to his mother kissing her check and getting a hug of his own. "Brent this is my Mom Alison."

Getting up from the sofa Brent went to stand a little behind Matt. He felt a little strange meeting Matt's mom for the first time after just having been crying on Matt's shoulder. Um, hi."

"That is not how we do things in this family," she said. Pushing her way passed Matt she pulls Brent into a hug. She lightly kisses his cheek. "Welcome to the family. I finally have my first grandson."

Brent felt awkward but tolerated the contact. He did not want to do anything to upset Matt's mom. "Um, thanks." Brent decided he liked her. Her eyes were green like Matt's and just as affectionate. He could tell where Matt had got his caring personality. "I'm just going to, um go use the rest room."

"Don't be gone to long," Alison said. "I want to get to know my grandson."

Matt and Bryan exchanged a look. Brent was not freaking out at the contact. Maybe they had turned a corner. "I was not expecting you to come over." Matt was looking at his mom. He was glad to see her. He had been keeping her posted on what was going on with Brent.

"I would have been over sooner but I knew the three of you needed your space." She looked from the two men to Brent's retreating back. "When I saw your text that you were granted custody, I just could not stay away any longer."

"We are always glad to see you," Bryan said.

"We are just surprised," Matt said. "We were just going to have pizza and celebrate the court's decision."

Her voice was soft as she spoke. She did not want her words to carry to the bathroom and be overheard by Brent. "Is he alright?"

"It was an emotional day," Matt said. "He, I think, had a small break through."

"Sometimes we all need to cry," she said. "Like I told you when you were a boy..."

"Real men cry," Matt said his lips twitching.

"Don't worry I won't stay and interrupt your celebration," she said.

"Um, it would be nice if you did," Brent said returning to the room. He felt better after blowing his nose and washing his face. "We're having pizza."

Matt and Bryan exchanged another look. They were both surprised by Brent's readiness to include Alison.

"Pizza isn't really on the Jenny Craig plan," Alison said. "But to hell with that bitch for tonight. Bryan get me a beer."

"Yes Ma'am," he said smiling.

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

No copying, reposting, or distributing is permitted without the author's written consent.

Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it. Thomas Paine

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. Thomas Paine

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