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. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

I do not believe that you have to read Devyn's Struggle to follow the storyline but it might help. You can find the story here: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/devyns-struggle/

Brent's Struggle Chapter 46

Brent lay on his bed on his back. He was looking up at the ceiling of his room. He was not able to sleep. All he could do was think about the activities of the day. It had been more emotional than he had imagined.

Brent wondered if Devyn was up there awake like he was. They had both gone through an emotional wringer. Brent just was not sure yet if it was a good thing. He knew it had felt good to hold Devyn again. He had not even felt the panic that normally came with being touched or touching someone.

Brent saw his phone light up and then vibrate on the nightstand. He picked it up and looked at the screen.

"You still up?" The message was from Steven. Brent wondered if he should answer it.

He decided it would be rude not to. He had seen earlier that there had been several other messages from both Alex and Steven.

Brent had barely taken his finger off the send button before the phone started ringing. "Hey, Steven."

"Damn dude, I didn't think you were ever going to answer me."

"Sorry, it has been...well...a busy day."

"I bet. How did it go?" Steven had known that this was the weekend that Brent would finally get to see and talk to Devyn.

"It was...er...odd. I mean I just did not know what to say to him. I used to be able to just talk to Devyn about anything and today I was having trouble talking to him about everything."

"Well, you've both changed."

Brent hated that everyone was telling him that. He knew it was true, but he did not need the constant reminders. "I know. I just... well wanted our old friendship to be there."

"It may just take time," Steven said.

"Yeah, we got there...well sort of. I mean we talked." Brent paused. "Steven, he forgives me. He forgives me for being a total dick to him."

"Brent, that's great." Steven was relieved for his friend. He knew how Brent and Devyn's relationship had ended and how that had weighed on Brent.

"I expected him to hate me. I was such a total ass..."

Steven cut off Brent's words. "You were messed up by that psycho bitch and your ass of a father."

"Yeah, but it is still..."

"No, don't take all of the blame," Steven said. "She had you messed up. She fucked with your head."

On one level, Brent knew Steven was right. The number Wilson had done on his mind had pushed him to turn on Devyn. He had also felt that extreme pressure from Richard to blame Devyn, but it had not been Devyn who had been cold and hard. That had been Brent. He knew he had that responsibility. "I should have been stronger."

"Don't forget she also had you on some sort of medication," Steven reminded Brent. "Lord only knows what the effects of it could have been."

Brent knew that was also true. He could remember her prescribing a medication. When Wilson had him and Steven locked away from the other residents in the clinic, she was pumping him full of drugs to make him perform sexually. Brent had no idea what the medications she had prescribed before his accident might have done to his mind.

"The important thing here is that the dude forgave you," Steven said.

"Right, and he was great about it. He said he was hurt but that we had both been under some tremendous stress."

"So, is he still as cute as he was in that picture I found?"

"What?" Brent chuckled.

"He was damn cute. Is he still?"

"Yes. He...er...might...no he is hotter than I remember and than he was in that picture."

"Shit, you lucky dog. So, are you two getting back together?"

"Steven!"

"Well, you said he forgave you and he's damn hot, so why not."

"We've got to figure that out. He's...um...got this whole new life."

"Yes, but you two have all this history. It seems like after all the two of you have been through, who better to be with."

Brent had to admit that made sense. He and Devyn had been through quite a twisted path. They even had things in common on that path. They had both been manipulated by people that they had trusted. They had both been abused by those people that they should have been able to trust. They had both been rejected by their parents. "Maybe we could build on that history."

"You so could," Steven said.

"But he's got a new life and...and a new boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" Steven did not like the sound of that. He knew how hopeful Brent was that the two could have a relationship.

"Yes," Brent sighed. "I'm not sure how serious it is. We didn't get into that."

"Well, it might not be serious."

"Maybe."

"Well, if things don't work out with him, you still have Alex. He's damn hot too."

"I don't know."

"What, have you not looked at him? He's hot."

"No. I know he's hot." Brent could not keep the exasperation from his voice. "I just don't know where things stand with Alex."

"The dude is so into you. I could see that when I met him at the hospital. You're damn lucky. I'm a bit jealous."

"There's nothing to be jealous about."

"There is. You have all these hot gay guys after you. All I've got is Jessie to fantasize about and he's straight."

"You are so obsessed with him. You need to get over him."

"But he's so damn hot. Plus, he doesn't mind me checking him out. I think it turns him on."

"That's kind of odd if he's straight."

Steven shrugged but Brent could not see that. "I think he's just comfortable with his sexuality."

"Maybe he's bi."

"That would be awesome," Steven said. "I've kind of wondered that too. If he is, then maybe I've got a shot at getting him."

"Geez Steven, you make him sound like a trophy or something."

"I'd just like to have some sort of sex besides with my hand."

Brent had to hold back the chuckle. "You'll find the right guy."

"Yeah, maybe." Steven knew the right guy and that guy did not see him as anything but a friend. "Well, I'd better get some sleep. My Uncle is going to have us up early. We are moving some cattle to a new range for the winter."

"You know you and Devyn have a lot in common. You have both grabbed onto this ranch and farm life. He's talked about raising animals, growing crops, and seems to genuinely like living on the farm."

"Well then maybe we are made for each other. If he breaks up with this loser boyfriend and you stick with Alex, then send him my way."

"I'm not sure his boyfriend is a loser."

"Well, if they break up, he is. Devyn sounds hot."

"You've got a one-track mind, but he is hot. He's also caring and compassionate."

"You're still in love with him."

"I don't know." Brent was not sure where his feelings were with Devyn. He thought he still loved him but how could they work out all of their differences? "We are both different."

"You just need time," Steven said.

"Maybe."

"Call me after he leaves," Steven said. "I want to hear everything and send me some pictures of the hottie. I'll send you some of Jessie. I got a few new ones that you haven't seen yet. He was wearing these tight cut-off jean shorts. They were tight and they were cut off up high. He filled them out so damn good."

"Stop being a peeping perv."

"Hey, he was the one putting on the show, and besides... it's so much fun."

"Later Steven."

"Bye, Brent."

The call ended but in only a moment Brent felt his phone vibrate. He looked at the message from Steven. "Send me those pictures. Here is one for you to try jerking too." Brent pulled up the picture of Jessie in tight-fitting cut-off shorts and no shirt. Brent had to admit the man was hot and it did look like the guy was purposefully putting on a show for Steven. He wondered if Jessie had any idea that Steven was snapping pictures and then sharing them. Maybe the man was bi after all.

As Brent went to clear the photo from the screen his phone started ringing and he accidentally answered the call. Brent froze as he saw it was Alex. He would have sent it to voicemail, but now it was too late. He heard Alex say hello.

"Er, hi Alex," Brent managed to say.

"I didn't wake you, did I?" Alex asked.

"Er, no. I actually just got off the phone with Steven."

"How is he?" Alex had liked Brent's friend when they had met at the hospital.

"He's good. Just as perverted as ever." There was a note of humor in Brent's words.

"Perverted? He seemed normal enough to me."

"He's lusting after this straight guy," Brent explained.

"Nothing wrong with that," Alex said. He knew he had lusted after a few straight guys before.

"I should give Steven your number. You two might get along well." Brent wondered if Alex and Steven would hit it off. Maybe they would do more than just hit it off and that sent a surge of jealousy through Brent's guts. He knew he had no reason to feel that way. It wasn't like he and Alex were boyfriends. Oh, Alex thought they were in some way but Brent was not sure how he felt about Alex.

"I liked him. He seems like a good friend." Alex wanted to jump right to the true reason he called but he also was afraid of hearing about the day's events.

"He liked you too and he...er...well, thought or thinks your..."

"I'm what?" Alex asked when Brent's words trailed off.

"He thinks you're hot."

"Yeah, I definitely like him," Alex said with a bit of laughter in his voice. There was a pause, and it was driving Alex crazy. He wanted Brent to volunteer the information, but it seemed he was not going to do that. "So, um, how did it go today?"

"Alright."

Alex waited but it seemed Brent was not going to say more. "Um, Brent, could you give me a little more."

"It actually went better than I thought it would," Brent said into the phone. He felt a little odd talking to Alex about this but then everything with Alex had been odd. "Devyn's an understanding guy."

Alex waited for more, but it seemed Brent was not going to be forthcoming. "So, you two talked?"

"Yes, we did, and...well...he forgives me. He understands and forgives me."

Alex knew that Devyn's forgiveness was important to Brent. Brent had told Alex about how their relationship had ended and Alex knew it had not been the choice of either of the teenagers. It had been the unaccepting attitudes of the two boys' parents that had caused the two to break up. Alex had a tough time fully understanding the attitude of both Brent's and Devyn's parents. Alex's own dad and mom had been accepting and supportive when he told them he was gay. He had never even considered hiding it from them. He had never considered them disowning him or kicking him out like Devyn's family had. He knew they would never do to him what Richard and Linda had done to Brent. They would never have subjected him to a clinic for conversion therapy.

"Brent, that's great." Alex meant it. He was happy that Devyn was a big enough guy that he could give forgiveness to Brent.

"I shouldn't be surprised...I mean Devyn was always considerate and understanding. That has not changed despite what all he went through."

"He does sound like a great guy." Alex wanted to hate Devyn but knew that was not fair since he had never met the boy.

"We went through so much that was similar but also so very different." Brent started opening up to Alex about what he had learned about Devyn. Alex had always been so easy for Brent to talk to, and the man was always understanding and genuinely concerned about Brent's feelings and recovery. Brent guessed both Alex and Devyn had that trait. Maybe it was what had drawn Brent to Alex to start with. Brent wished he could remember their meeting and their relationship. He wished he could remember those feelings.

"Hold it," Alex cut in, stopping Brent. "What did you just say?"

Brent had been talking about Devyn and how their lives were similar and different. "Er...about what?"

"A boyfriend. Did you say Devyn has a boyfriend?" Alex tried to keep the hopefulness out of his voice. He knew he should not be hoping for Devyn to be in a relationship, but he did. He wanted Brent so badly. He wanted to hold Brent again. He wanted to kiss those lips. He wanted to caress that fair skin. He wanted to run his fingers through that soft blonde hair. Alex wanted to show Brent what acceptance was and what a love like theirs could be.

"Er...yeah, he's been dating a guy from school. Devyn likes him but the guy isn't out so that makes things hard for them."

"I understand that," Alex said. "I remember how we had to sneak around so your dad and mom would not know about us."

"I still don't remember that." Brent hated the hole in his memory. It seemed if he and Alex were as serious as Alex stated that Brent would remember that. The memories of his and Devyn's feelings for each other were so clear to Brent.

"Well, we had to be kind of sneaky about seeing each other. You did not want your dad to know about us. He thought you were dating a girl. In fact, he thought you were quite the stud as you were dating two girls."

"Two girls?" Brent wondered if Alex telling him about this would trigger a memory.

"Yeah, Cassey and well...me."

"You are not a girl," Brent said but there was a lilt to his voice that Alex had not heard for a while.

"Thanks for noticing," Alex said. "But your dad and mom thought I was. They knew me as Alexis."

Brent felt a fluttering at the back of his mind at the name. He felt like there was a memory there, but he just could not grasp it. "You went through a lot so we could...er...date. I...well...guess I never considered just how hard that was on you."

Alex's lips curved into a smile. Maybe Brent was starting to remember what they had shared. Maybe meeting with Devyn was going to finally release some of those missing memories and feelings. "It was worth it. I mean you are worth it. Plus, honestly, it was kind of exciting sneaking around."

Brent snorted. "Yeah, I remember you telling me about our adventure in the changing room of the clothing store. You kind of like the dangerous side of being caught."

"I guess, maybe, I do. I know I like being with you and making you laugh and smile."

"Alex..."

"I know, Brent. You don't need to remind me that you don't remember those feelings. I just think eventually you will."

Brent tried to focus on the name Alexis and the memory that had almost been within his grasp. Maybe he would remember but would those feelings be what Alex believes them to be? Brent was not sure. He knew his feelings for Devyn were strong. They were even stronger now. But Devyn had a boyfriend. Or at least someone he was dating. Could Devyn's feelings for that guy be stronger than what they had shared? Brent knew that he and Devyn needed to spend more time together to figure that out. "I don't know Alex, those memories...well...maybe they will never come back."

"I don't believe that," Alex stated. "It has not been that long since the accident. I mean it hasn't even been a year yet. Plus, what happened to you in that hell hole of a clinic? It is no wonder they haven't come back yet. But they will."

Alex sounded so certain to Brent. He tried again focusing on the name Alexis. He could almost grasp the memory. He could feel his mental fingertips brush against it, but they could not grasp it to pull it forward. "I'd like to remember Alex. I truly would."

"I know that, Brent. I think you will. Just relax and let it happen. It will come to you."

"You sound so certain." Brent knew that Alex did not lack confidence.

"I am. My mom always says you can't stop love."

"Alison, Matt's Mom, said the same thing."

"They are wise women."

They talked a while longer until Alex could hear the sleepiness in Brent's voice. "I'm sorry I've kept you up so late."

"It's alright," Brent said. "I was too keyed up to sleep earlier."

"Well close your eyes and let sleep come." Alex softly started to sing. He only had to sing for a few minutes before he could hear Brent's soft snores coming through the phone. "Good night, my love." Alex then ended the call.

# #

Devyn stared up at the beams of the roof. After talking to Charlie, it had taken him a while to drift off to sleep. He had then woken up too early to get up. The events of yesterday had kept playing through his mind. Opening up to Brent had seemed to help the other boy open up. The talk in the woods had been therapeutic for them. It was horrible what Brent went through due to his stupid parents' misguided idea that being gay was something that needed to be corrected.

Devyn was not sure which was worse, his time with Tom or Brent's time in the clinic. Yes, Tom had abused him and manipulated him, but it seemed Wilson had tried some sort of brainwashing on Brent. She had actually used the fact that Brent had lost his memories to try and convert the guy. It was as though she wanted to create her idea of the perfect man. Where does someone become that twisted?

Devyn knew Tom was no win for him. The man had manipulated him. Tom had gotten him addicted to drugs and had prostituted him. Maybe Tom had also been coaxing Devyn into being an adept sexual partner or at least a sexual plaything for the wealthy and powerful.

Devyn waited until he heard movement downstairs before getting up. He stretched and then grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it on. He was already wearing a pair of loose-fitting shorts. He slowly climbed down from the loft. He found Matt in the kitchen making coffee.

"Good morning." Devyn thought Matt looked good with his disheveled hair, tight-fitting green t-shirt, and tan shorts. Devyn was half tempted to run his hands over the man's bare legs. He wondered if the hair on those muscular legs was as soft as it looked.

"Hey, good morning." Matt's eyes and voice were filled with happiness at seeing Devyn. "Do you drink coffee?"

"Sure," Devyn said.

"How did you sleep?" Matt asked as he started the coffee maker.

"It took me a while to drift off, but I slept alright."

"It wasn't too warm up there for you, was it?"

"It was a bit warm but not too bad."

"Sorry about that," Matt said. "All of the warm air gets trapped up there. We always used the extra room for guests but now that's Brent's.

"Honestly it was not too bad," Devyn said. "It might be worse in the summer."

The two continued to make small talk while the coffee brewed. After Matt poured a cup of the hot beverage for Devyn he moved towards the desk in the living room. "I've got something I'd like you to see."

Devyn padded barefoot behind Matt to the computer. "Brent wanted you to see this. He asked me before you got here to let you watch this. He might have told you something about this." Matt clicked the link he had saved and then moved so Devyn could sit down.

Devyn took the desk chair that Matt had vacated and watched as the news coverage of Wilson and her conversion clinic was shown. There was one close-up of Wilson's face and Devyn could not believe how cold her eyes were. There was something missing in those blue depths.

"Brent was not mentioned in that news coverage," Devyn stated after he had finished watching the news clips.

"The boys were all minors, so their names were not released."

Devyn looked up into Matt's warm green eyes. "From what Brent told me, it was much worse than what that news report portrayed."

Matt nodded. "I wasn't sure how much Brent would tell you. He wanted you to see the news coverage...I guess so you could understand what he went through."

"He told me about it when we...um...we were in the woods yesterday. I can't believe his dad and mom did that to him. I am glad that Frank kicked me out instead of subjecting me to that."

"Neither of you should have had to go through what you did. I do not understand how Frank and Richard could do that to their sons."

"It doesn't make sense, does it?"

"My parents were accepting and supportive," Matt stated. "My Mom jumped in with both feet joining gay groups for parents and marching with us at Pride."

"That's great," Devyn said. "She sounds like a wonderful mom."

"She is," Matt said. "She thinks of Brent as a grandson. She wants to spoil him but he's...um...so restrained."

"Well, after what he told me and watching this, I think that is understandable."

"It is," Matt agreed. "We were hoping that he would become...well...more like the boy we remembered from that meeting at the mall but..."

"Neither of us are those kids anymore," Devyn said.

"I know," Matt agreed. "You have changed so much from that uncertain teenager I met at the construction site."

Devyn's lips curved into a rueful smile. "Yeah, it is hard to believe now that I was so...um...dumb and innocent."

"I'll go with the innocent but not dumb."

"I messed up a lot," Devyn said.

"We all do that," Matt said. "I've made mistakes."

"Mistakes but you didn't get sucked into...into being and doing what I did."

"You did what you had to do," Matt said.

Devyn wondered if that was true. Did he do all of the things for Tom because he was pushed into it or did he do some of it because he enjoyed doing it? "I don't know." Devyn shrugged.

"Have you talked to anyone?"

"Do you mean like a therapist?" Devyn saw the slight nod from Matt and continued. "I had court mandated group sessions for the drug addiction," Devyn said. He looked down so he would not meet Matt's piercing green-eyed gaze. "My case worker was more focused on the drug problem than what exactly I had done as...as Tom's boy." Devyn could not force the word prostitute or whore with Matt's piercing green eyes looking at him.

Reaching out Matt took Devyn by his chin and lifted his eyes to meet his. Matt was once again stunned by the warmth in the dark chocolate pools and the golden flecks that seemed to glow like the sun. "I'm not disappointed in you, Devyn. In fact, I'm impressed by your strength. What you went through, and I know you have not told me much of it, just demonstrates what a remarkable young man you are."

Devyn's voice was thick with emotion when he spoke. "Thanks, Matt. That means...it means a lot to me." Devyn stood from the desk chair. He turned towards the back deck and pushed back the emotions that were starting to churn inside him. Having Matt's acceptance meant a great deal to Devyn. He had bonded with Matt so quickly when he had met the man at the construction site. It had been like finding an older brother that he had lost. An older brother he had not even known he had. Devyn wondered on some level if he had known there had been an older brother who had been gone before he had even been born. Was his soul searching for that lost potential connection?

Matt moved closer to Devyn. He gripped Devyn's shoulders and turned the boy back to him. He then pulled the teenager into a tight hug. "I wish I had been there to help you when you needed it. I wish I could have prevented you from having to go through all that you did."

Devyn slid his arms around Matt. It felt good being in the man's strong embrace. It was sort of like being hugged by Joe, but different somehow. "It all worked out. I found my home. I found where I was meant to be."

Matt squeezed Devyn tighter. "That makes me happy for you."

Devyn rested his head on Matt's shoulder. It felt so good being pressed against Matt's body. It felt so good to hold the man in his own arms. Devyn squeezed Matt tighter. It was hard to believe that this man whom Devyn had only met a few times could be so open, tender, and caring.

"Hey now," Bryan's voice came from the kitchen. He had just come from the hallway and saw Matt and Devyn having their moment by the desk. "Just what is going on here?"

Devyn lifted his head from Matt's shoulder. "Just what does it look like is going on here?" Devyn's eyes met Bryan's and he could see the teasing glint in the blue of Bryan's eyes. Devyn's eyes also took in the olive-green army t-shirt that was stretched tight across Bryan's powerful chest and the gray shorts that hugged the man's package. The blonde hair on Bryan's legs seemed to glow golden with the morning sunlight coming in through the kitchen windows.

"It looks like you are putting the moves on MY man." Bryan placed extra emphasis on "my."

"Yeah, and that's exactly what I'm doing." Devyn slid his hand down Matt's back and cupped the man's ass. He squeezed that hard butt cheek.

"Hey now," Matt protested but his voice had the same teasing tone as Bryan's.

"Damn nice ass," Devyn said. "I've wanted to do that since I first saw you at the construction site." I've also wanted to do this." Devyn leaned in and gave Matt's lips a quick peck. "Thanks for everything." Devyn removed his hand from Matt's ass. He had to fight to keep his sexual excitement from showing in his loose shorts. He hoped neither man would notice that.

"Wow, that's some balls you got," Bryan said. "Putting the moves on MY man right in front of me."

"You're quite a bit bolder than you used to be," Matt commented.

"Not most of the time," Devyn said. "But the big bad Marine brings out my...um...playful side."

Bryan moved closer to the two. He slid his arm around Devyn's shoulders. "Well, keep in mind that this Big Bad Marine will tan that playful side of yours if it gets too playful with MY man."

"Oh, you promise?" Devyn's lips curved into an impish smile.

"You're impossible," Bryan said. He then moved quickly and had Devyn in a headlock.

"Ouch...Hey..."

Devyn was bent in half and Matt could not resist planting a few hard smacks to Devyn's tempting ass.

"OUCH!"

Brent stood at the entrance to the hallway watching the three guys having fun with each other. The three looked so playful with each other. Brent had not seen Matt and Bryan so relaxed for quite some time. Devyn was laughing despite being bent in half and being in a headlock. Brent could not stop himself from thinking what a hot scene it was with the two men and Devyn. All three were in shorts. Bryan's sleeveless shirt drew Brent's eyes to the man's flexed muscles as he had Devyn in that headlock. Matt was laughing as he swatted Devyn's firm ass. Did Brent feel himself growing aroused? Was he getting sexually excited at the three being so playful with each other?

Brent took his phone from his pocket and snapped a couple of quick pictures of the scene. He thought he owed Steven something and he was curious what his friend would think of it. Would Steven find it sexually exciting like Brent? Brent believes he would as Steven seemed to think anything with a hot guy was hot and these three guys were definitely hot. "Stop this!" Wilson's voice began ranting inside Brent's head. "It's perverted. They're twisted. You can see that. They are all morally deficient." Wilson's voice began ranting. "They aren't. They are having fun!" Brent's mental voice yelled back at Wilson. "NOW. GET. OUT!"

"Hey Brent," Bryan said, noticing the teenager standing there.

"Looks like...um...someone's in trouble?"

"Yeah, he's been bad," Matt said and playfully swatted Devyn's butt.

"Join us, we can all take a turn at Devyn's ass," Bryan said.

"HEY!" Devyn protested.

"Could I?" Brent asked. He moved a little closer. Wilson's voice was silent, which encouraged Brent.

"Hey, you should be on my side," Devyn said from inside the headlock.

Bryan twisted his body forcing Devyn to move and present his backside to Brent. "Go on. Take your turn. He's been bad, trying to steal MY man."

Brent looked at Devyn's firm round ass. The shorts the teenager was wearing were stretched tight due to the guy's bent-over position.

"Nice and hard," Bryan encouraged. "He deserves it."

Brent could remember touching that firm butt before. He could remember the feel of that smooth skin under his hands. He could remember the feeling of it as he had positioned himself to enter Devyn. He could almost feel his cock touching the smooth trench.

"Come on, Brent, help me out here. They're ganging up on me."

Brent took another step towards Devyn. He could feel a stirring inside his sweatpants. He could feel teenage blood surging towards his groin. If he touched Devyn there, if he joined them, would he get even more aroused? Would he be able to become fully erect? Would he be able to jerk off to that memory? Brent brought back his hand and smacked Devyn's ass.

"Ouch!"

"That's it but harder," Bryan encouraged.

Brent placed his hand on Devyn's firm ass. He could feel the heat of the teenager through the thin fabric. Brent suddenly wondered if Devyn was wearing briefs, boxers, or maybe some sort of skimpy bikini underwear. Brent drew his hand back and smacked Devyn again.

"Now this is so not fair, three against one," Devyn protested.

"Just teaching you to keep your hands off other men's men," Bryan said.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll keep my hands off your man."

"I'm not sure I believe you," Bryan said.

"I promise," Devyn said. "I'll pinky swear if you let me go."

"What do you think Brent, should I let him go...or should we jerk those shorts down and really go to town on that ass."

Part of Brent wanted to jerk down Devyn's shorts. Part of him wanted to see that firm ass again. He wanted to touch it. He wanted to see if it was as smooth as he remembered. He wondered if it would be as tight, as warm, and as wonderful as he could remember being inside Devyn had been. "Stop this. Don't be perverted like them. Run away from them. Leave now." Wilson's voice was back. Her shrill voice echoed inside Brent. "Shut Up, Bitch!"

"Hey now! I promised," Devyn protested at Bryan's words.

"He did," Matt said. "You should let him go now."

"You think so, Brent?" Bryan asked.

"Um...well...yes I guess." Brent had once again been able to push Wilson's voice off to a corner of his mind. He wanted it gone forever.

Bryan released Devyn. The teenager's face was red from his attempts trying to break Bryan's hold. He had been tempted to try some of the maneuvers that Joe and Lee had taught him, but he had known Bryan was just playing. "It is so not fair ganging up on a helpless kid like that."

"Yeah, well, I'm not too sure you're helpless," Bryan said. "You've added some muscle there." Bryan slid his hand up Devyn's arm to squeeze the teenager's bicep.

"He's added some to his chest too," Matt noted.

"Yeah, he has. You should come and join us in a workout," Bryan said. Bryan then glanced at Brent. "Well, it might be too soon for that."

"You two can go," Brent offered.

Devyn looked from Bryan to Brent. "I think I'd rather hang out with you. No telling what this hulking Marine would do to me."

"He is a harsh drill sergeant," Brent said. Brent could remember the early morning runs with Bryan and their workout sessions in the fitness shed.

"I bet he is," Devyn said.

"Just for that soldier, when you're fit for duty, it will be double workouts for you."

Brent smiled at Bryan. He might sound like a drill sergeant, but Brent knew the man was mostly more like a teddy bear. At that thought, the memory of Bryan standing naked in Brent's bedroom popped into Brent's mind. He could remember every hard muscle of the man's chest, the blonde hair between the pecs, the blonde pubic hair around the ample cock. Once again Brent felt a stirring in his groin. Was he recovering some of his sexual desire?

"Only when he's been cleared by the doctor," Matt warned.

"But once you are, no mercy."

# #

As the day passed, Brent could feel his feelings for Devyn growing stronger. The guy was just as nice and considerate as Brent had remembered. It was easy for Brent to relax more and not panic when Devyn touched him. In fact, Brent found himself wanting Devyn's touch. The warmth he felt each time that other boy casually touched him was exciting to Brent.

Brent was also finding it easier to silence Wilson's voice. He wondered if, in time, he would be able to do more with Devyn than just talk. If he and Devyn were to go beyond just a casual touch Brent wondered if he would be able to have an orgasm. Maybe with Devyn, he would be able to climax. Brent glanced over at the trees where Devyn had just walked behind to relieve himself. Brent could hear the sound of Devyn's stream of piss hitting the dried leaves. Brent could picture Devyn standing there with cock in hand and relieving himself. Brent could also picture himself coming up from behind Devyn and wrapping his arms around the other boy. "Need some help with that?" Brent would then replace Devyn's hand. He would hold the other boy until the stream of urine stopped. He would then slowly start to stroke him. He could feel Devyn's cock responding to the stimulation and growing harder and harder.

"That's better," Devyn said. He moved from behind the tree and zipped himself up. "I guess I should not have had so much lemonade with lunch." Devyn moved back to where Brent had been waiting on him. "You alright?" Devyn thought Brent had a strange look on his face. "This hike wasn't too much for you, was it?"

Brent could feel a slight blush on his cheeks. He could also feel that he had grown slightly aroused. He hoped Devyn would not notice that. "Er...yeah, I'm fine. It is good to get out here in the fresh air. I...er...was just...er...thinking." If Brent told Devyn what exactly he had been thinking about, what would Devyn think of him?

"We can take a rest if you need," Devyn said. "There's a log just over there." Devyn pointed past the trees where he had urinated. "Then we can start back."

Brent wished everyone would stop treating him like he was so fragile. "I'm fine. We can keep going."

Devyn picked up a note of frustration in Brent's voice. "As long as you're sure. I just don't want you to overdo it."

"I'm not going to overdo it," Brent said, annoyed. "I'm not as breakable as Matt and Bryan think I am. I wish they'd stop being so...so damn protective."

"They're just concerned, Brent. We care about you and don't want you to injure yourself."

Brent felt a surge in his stomach at Devyn's words. Devyn did care about him. Could they build on that and get back what they had once had? "I know." Brent looked down at the ground and then back at Devyn. "Let's go a bit further." Brent started back down the trail.

Devyn walked with Brent down the trail. The wind was still, so even though the weather was cold it was not bad inside the woods. "Matt showed me the news coverage," Devyn said, breaking the silence. "It sounded bad for everyone in that hell."

Brent did not look over at Devyn. "It was."

"From what you told me yesterday, it sounded...um...like for you it was worse." Devyn glanced over at Brent. The other boy was looking ahead down the trail.

"It was," Brent said. "She took a particular interest in me... I...er...am not sure why. She singled me and Steven out."

"Maybe she saw the friendship you two had formed?"

"She had already...er...targeted Steven. I think the more he pushed back, the more she..." Brent paused trying to find the right words. "The more she needed to break him. My torture," Brent had started to say treatment, but he knew that it had not been a treatment but true torture, "got worse when I fought back." Brent could still remember standing up to Wilson in the group therapy session. "I actually...er...used my memories of us to royally piss her off."

"Of us?" Devyn was curious now.

"Well...I...er...described touching you and kissing you and...well having sex with you."

"Wow!"

"I...er...did it in front of the whole group. Steven thought it was awesome. You...er...aren't upset about me...um...using you like that."

"Hell, no! If it helped you, then it is fine."

Steven knew exactly who I was talking about but of course, no one else did. I may have said your name. Honestly, I don't remember. I just...well...once I got started, I just could not stop."

They reached the top of a hill and they both moved to a log to have a seat and look down at a small stream that was at the bottom of the other side of the hill. "I'm glad in some way that I was able to help you."

"You did. The memories of us, well it kept me sane in there. Steven helped too. It was good having a friend. He thought it was awesome when I stood up to her."

"I'd like to meet him sometime. He sounds like someone I'd like a whole lot."

"You might. He's a good guy and a loyal friend. He lives on a ranch with his uncle now, so you have that in common. He's a little...er...bit of a rebel. He kind of marches to his own drum and he's very...er...obsessed with sex."

"Nothing wrong with that."

"He's fixated on this ranch hand guy who is straight. He keeps stalking him, taking pictures of him, and sending them to me." Brent pulled his phone from his jacket pocket. He pulled up the pictures that Steven sent and showed them to Devyn. "He says Jessie likes the attention."

"Well, the man is hot," Devyn said.

"It's just odd that the guy is straight and is fine with Steven looking him over. It doesn't seem normal to me."

"Oh, I don't know. I know a straight guy like that. Lee, Joe's best friend, is like that. He's fine with being looked at. He's comfortable with just about anything. I've wondered if he might be bi, but he has only been with a woman as far as I know. Maybe he and this Jessie are just so confident with their sexuality that being ogled by a couple of gay guys doesn't bother them at all."

"Do you ogle Lee?"

"I've checked him out. When he and Joe were teaching me that self-defense stuff, well I got to have my hands all over him. It was hard to not get turned on. He's hot and he's got some amazing blue eyes. Plus, he's got a perfect patch of chest hair. I think he must sculpt it or something. I've often wondered just how hairy he is below the waist."

"Yeah, you and Steven would get along great. That is exactly what he would be wondering."

Devyn tapped to the next picture of Jessie. "Damn nice-looking chest. I think the guy is purposely showing off for Steven."

"Steven has one of the guys...er...bare ass." Brent felt his face blush a bit at that admission.

Devyn chuckled. "Yeah, I like Steven already. Have you been sending him pics?"

"No, who would I send him pictures of?"

Devyn looked at Brent with a bit of a surprised look in his eyes. "Well, you live with two really hot men."

"Well, that wouldn't be right."

"I don't think Bryan would mind. He seems to like to flirt a bit. Matt's a little more conservative, but we might be able to talk him into a snapshot or two."

"Maybe, I don't know. Steven...er...well you know uses the picture to...er...masturbate."

Devyn grinned. "Well of course he does. Surprise Brent, we all jerk off. I know for a fact you do."

Brent felt his face burn a bit more. "Well... er..."

"Oh, come on Brent, we jerked off together before we did most anything else."

"I know we did."

"I think we even talked once about how hot Matt and Bryan were."

"Yeah, but they're my...er...sort of my dads now."

"Yeah, and Joe is like that for me but he's still hot and so are Matt and Bryan."

Brent could not argue with that. Matt and Bryan were hot. Brent had tried to use his image of Bryan's naked body to jerk off, but it did not work. Wilson's voice had interfered every time.

Devyn reached into his pocket and brought out his own phone. He brought up a few pictures of Joe. There was one of Joe with his shirt off and his chest was sweaty from working in the sizzling summer sun.

"Wow, he is built," Brent commented. "Steven would definitely like that."

"This is Ethan, Joe's boyfriend." Devyn proceeded to show Brent pictures of his new family and his friends at school. "You know we should put together a surprise for Steven. We could get some good pictures of these hot men and send them to him for Christmas." Devyn could remember how erotic he had found some of the photo sessions with Carl. At least back in the beginning before he fully understood what exactly Tom and Carl were doing with the pictures of Devyn.

"I don't know about that. It seems a little weird."

"Of course, everyone would know and agree. I know Ethan would be up for it. I think I could talk Joe into it." Devyn was starting to like the idea. "I'm just talking shirtless, nothing too erotic...unless you want to do that."

"Me!" Brent could not keep the shock out of his voice.

"Well, yeah, you have to be in them."

"No, I can't."

It was Devyn's turn to be surprised. "Why not? You're hot."

"What?"

"Brent, I've always thought that. You know that. I've been attracted to you since that first day when you walked into the kitchen in nothing but your boxers."

Brent felt his face burning at that memory. He had not known Devyn and his mom were there and he went right into the kitchen in just boxers.

"Yeah, you blushed just like that back then too." Devyn's voice carried a teasing tone. "It was so damn cute. I knew then I wanted to get to know you better and we hit it off right from the start."

"We did," Brent agreed.

"You're still just as hot as back then...maybe even hotter."

Brent did not know what to say but the words were sending new or old familiar sensations into his stomach and lower into his groin.

"I bet Steven would definitely want a hot picture of you. I'd be glad to be the photographer."

"I...I can't. I'm not...I'm messed up."

"Messed up?" Devyn was a bit confused.

Brent could hear Wilson's voice in the back of his mind, starting to rant at him. He knew this conversation had strayed into some uncomfortable topics. He needed to get Devyn off the picture concept. "I'll...er...think about it."

Devyn could sense Brent's distress at the topic. "I'm sorry if I sounded pushy. I just thought it would be fun for you and Steven."

"Oh, Steven would definitely enjoy it. I think...I think he's kind of got a bit of a thing for me. I could be wrong, but I've noticed that a couple of times."

"How do you feel about him?"

"We were through so much that we have a strong bond. But I don't have those kinds of feelings for him. He's just a good friend...a really good friend."

"Well, if he's crushing on you, then maybe pictures of you would not be good. It might give him the wrong idea."

"Yeah, it might."

Devyn glanced at the time on his phone. He had not realized that they had been talking for so long. "I guess we had better start back. I'm going to need to get started home soon."

Brent wanted to keep Devyn there talking. He was not ready for him to leave yet. He thought that maybe after what Devyn had said they might have a chance. Brent thought they could get back what they had once had if they just had enough time together. "Do you really need to leave already?"

"It's a long drive and I've got school in the morning."

"Right," Brent said.

"I'll come back though. Maybe when we have a long weekend so I can stay longer."

"That would be great."

"You could also come to the farm. You could meet Joe and Travis that way."

"Er...yeah, that would be cool. Joe wouldn't mind?"

"No, he'd be fine with it. It would be nice to introduce you to my friends."

Brent wondered if that would include Charlie. Could he face meeting Devyn's current boyfriend? How awkward would that be? Brent was sure that Charlie would feel as odd as he, Brent, would. "Er...that would be..."

"I know it would be awkward."

"I just...er...am not good with a lot of people."

Devyn stood up and stretched his back. "We will take it slow. Don't worry I'll keep it from being overwhelming."

Brent's eyes slid over Devyn's body as the other boy stretched. He could not help but look at how the jeans hugged Devyn's butt and how his package filled out the front of them. He could remember the times he had touched that butt and handled that package.

"You alright?"

"Er...yeah."

"You looked a bit odd." Devyn moved closer to Brent. He placed a hand on Brent's shoulder. "Joe and Travis will like you. Don't worry about that. My friends will too. They are nice."

"Right." Brent was glad Devyn had not seen where he had been looking.

"Let's start back." Devyn held out his hand to the other boy.

Brent looked at the offered hand and took it. He allowed Devyn to pull him up from the log where they had been sitting.

# #

"I wish you could stay longer," Matt said. Matt had liked having Devyn there and he believed that Brent was better. At least, Brent had seemed better last night. The teenager had not been quite as upbeat when the two boys had returned from their hike.

"Yeah, me too but I've got school tomorrow," Devyn said. He glanced around the room but did not see Brent. He had just come back from the bathroom. His backpack was by the door for him to grab on his way out. "Where did Brent go?"

"He got a call from Steven," Bryan said. "He stepped into his room."

"I think he's finding it a little harder to say goodbye," Matt said softly.

"I'll just step in there then and say goodbye," Devyn said.

Devyn stepped to Brent's bedroom door. The door was not closed all the way. Devyn could hear Brent on the phone. Devyn pushed the door open and stepped into the room. He pushed the door closed behind him.

Bret turned at the sound of the door. "Oh...sorry...I was just..."

"It's alright," Devyn said. He stepped further into the room. "I just need to get on the road soon."

"Look, Steven, I'll call you back in a bit." Brent ended the call. "Sorry about that."

"It's no problem," Devyn said.

"I...er...wish you didn't have to go already. I feel..."

"Like?" Devyn prompted when Brent's words had trailed off.

"Well, like we are getting to know each other again."

"Me too. Maybe you are a little worried that we will have to start all over next time?" That thought had occurred to Devyn but he knew that he and Brent had made considerable progress.

"Er...maybe but more that...well...that there won't really be a next time."

"There will be Brent, I promise." Devyn's voice was filled with his conviction. He honestly wanted to be friends with Brent. Devyn just was not sure if he wanted more than just a good friendship with the attractive blonde boy.

"Yeah, but you are so busy. You said you could not come back for a few weeks." Brent had wanted Devyn to come back next weekend but Devyn had stated he had other plans.

"No, it will be a bit for me to get back. I've got Homecoming and the play. There is just a lot going on this time of year. You could come for a visit but...well with those two things, I'll be extremely busy." Devyn knew he also needed to sort out his feelings regarding Brent, and he needed to talk to Charlie.

"Yeah, I know." Brent looked down at his feet. He knew Devyn had a whole new life and he could not expect the guy to just drop everything for another weekend trip.

"We will work it out though. We've reconnected and I'm glad of that. We can talk and Facetime." Devyn moved closer to Brent. He reached out and put his hand on Brent's shoulder. He felt the teenager tense up, but the guy did not flinch like before. "We are going to get over everything that was done to both of us. I think together we can help each other."

Brent looked into Devyn's warm eyes. "Thanks, I'd like that. There is so much that I just don't want to talk to anyone about."

"But you can talk to me, Brent. You know that, right?"

"It's just...well...there are things I haven't told you."

Devyn knew he needed to get on the road but if Brent needed to talk, then he would start back later than planned. "Do you want to tell me now?"

Brent hesitated. He wondered if Devyn was the one to help him. Would Devyn want to help him if he knew all the twisted stuff that Wilson had done to him? "What Wilson did, it has messed up my...er...head."

"I know that," Devyn said soothingly. "It's hard for you to be touched but that is getting better." Devyn brought his other hand up and gripped Brent's hand.

"It's more than touching, but that is a part of it."

"Is it anything physical?"

Brent nodded. "After you were abused by Tom, did you...I mean were you...shit."

"Brent, just say the words you want. It is not going to freak me out or change our friendship."

"Did you ever have trouble jacking off?" Brent could feel his face burning. He knew Devyn had to think he was a twisted pervert.

"No, I have never had that problem. I'm guessing you have?"

Brent nodded. "Since I got out, I haven't been able to. The last time...the last time I climaxed was with...was with Wilson. I can't get that out of my head." Brent chose not to mention the wet dream when he had climaxed. He still was not sure if the guy in that dream had been Devyn or someone else. He had never figured out who Cody was. Should he ask Devyn if he remembered a guy named Cody?

"You were raped, Brent. I'm sure that is hard to overcome. What I went through...well...I was a willing participant. Yes, Tom kind of manipulated me and blackmailed me into it but in the end, it was me doing it. I might have had some encouragement from the drugs Tom provided but still, it wasn't being tied down and raped like you were."

"I may never be able to...to have sex again." Brent could not believe he was talking so openly with Devyn about this. Brent knew that he had been able to talk to Devyn about anything before and it seemed that feeling was still there.

"You will. Do you ever feel...well...are you ever getting turned on at all?"

Brent hesitated. He could feel a blush creeping up his neck. "I can't believe I'm actually talking to you about this."

"It's natural Brent." Devyn looked into Brent's blue eyes. He could remember all the times he had looked into those warm pools of blue. He could also remember kissing those red lips. "We were each others' first so it seems natural that we could talk about this."

"I guess that is true. Only you or Steven." Brent knew he could not talk to anyone else about this. He had confided some to Alex, but not as much as he had to Devyn.

"So, have you gotten turned on at all?" Devyn asked again.

Brent remembered the scene from this morning with Matt, Bryan, and Devyn. If they had been less dressed or naked, Brent thought he might have had a full-blown hard-on. "Sometimes, but I'm never able to...er...you know."

"Cum," Devyn supplied. Brent nodded, so Devyn continued. "I think, if you are feeling some sexual excitement, then in time you will be able to cum."

"But if I can't let a guy touch me, how can we...er...you know."

"I'm touching you right now." Devyn pointed out.

"Yeah, my hand."

"Well, it is your jacking off hand."

Brent chuckled. "You would remember that."

Devyn moved his other hand to the hem of Brent's long-sleeved shirt. He pushed it up a bit and let his fingers find the soft skin of Brent's side. "If you get too uncomfortable, tell me."

Brent felt a fluttery feeling in his stomach. He waited for Wilson's voice but for once the bitch was silent.

Devyn slid his hand higher. His fingers and palm feeling the soft skin of Brent's side.

Brent squeezed Devyn's hand. It felt so good standing there with his friend. He could feel caring and tenderness in Devyn's touch.

Devyn released Brent's hand and moved that hand to Brent's shirt. He pushed it up higher. His fingers slid along smooth skin.

"Devyn, I...er...you had better stop."

"Devyn paused with Brent's shirt halfway up the boy's torso. Devyn was looking into Brent's eyes. "Is it too uncomfortable?"

"Not exactly but...but my accident..." Brent's words trailed off as Devyn slid the shirt up higher. Brent could feel Devyn's fingers sliding along the smooth skin of his sides. He could feel them gliding over his ribs and then higher.

"No, but there's..."

Devyn did not take his eyes from Brent's. He was watching for any sign of discomfort or stress from his friend. Devyn's fingers glided higher on Brent's smooth skin. He was finding the sensation both new and familiar. He had lifted Brent's shirt like this before. He had touched Brent like this before. Devyn worked the shirt up higher and then hooked it behind Brent's head.

Brent felt slightly exposed standing there like this with Devyn. He had not been like this with anyone except for Steven and that had not been like this. "Devyn, please...it's..."

Devyn could see some anxiety in Brent's eyes. "Relax Brent."

"But the wound...it's gross." Brent was glad that there was still a large surgical bandage hiding the ugly wound.

Devyn looked at Brent's stomach. The wound was covered by a large bandage. "I will be careful and not touch it."

Brent was not as worried about Devyn touching it as Devyn seeing how ugly it was under the bandage.

Devyn was careful to avoid the injury as he lightly touched Brent's pale skin. His fingers lightly caressed the smooth skin.

Brent felt a jolt of electricity shoot through his skin as Devyn's fingers touched his bare skin. No one had touched him there since the clinic and that had been Wilson. She had enjoyed digging her fingernails into him as she had forced herself on him.

"You alright?" Devyn hoped that this would help Brent. He could only imagine Brent's sexual frustration at not being able to perform. Brent had to find it humiliating even though it was understandable after what the blonde had been through.

Brent could feel Wilson's voice stirring in the back of his mind. He could hear her telling him how perverted this was. "Walk away from him. Push him away. Stop this!" He wanted the bitch to shut up so he could enjoy Devyn's touch. He wanted to enjoy the sensations that had started surging through his body. "It's just...that..."

Devyn could see the stress in Brent's eyes. He considered stopping but something inside him told him to push forward with this. "You know I'm not going to hurt you, right?"

"I know, but..." How did Brent tell Devyn he had a psycho bitch's voice in his head? How did he say that without sounding crazy?

"Just close your eyes," Devyn instructed. "Take a few deep breaths."

Brent tried doing as Devyn said. He tried forcing Wilson's voice to the back of his mind. He wanted to wall her off. He wanted to strangle her so he would never hear her again.

"Just breathe," Devyn said. "Just listen to my voice. You know you are safe with me. You know I won't hurt you."

Brent concentrated on Devyn's voice. He focused his attention on Devyn's touch. He pushed the voice down and forced Wilson to be silent.

"Breathe in and then out. Just relax. It's just me and you here. It's just me caressing you."

With Wilson now silent, Brent was starting to feel things stirring that he had not truly felt for some time or had only felt during his dreams.

Devyn's fingers slid across the smooth skin of Brent's chest. He circled a finger around one of Brent's pink areolas and then across the pink nub. "Just relax, think only of my fingers on your skin." Devyn had no idea if what he was doing was the right thing or not. He was just doing what felt correct.

Brent could feel his blood pumping faster. He could feel a heat growing in his groin. He could feel Devyn's fingers on his skin. He could hear Devyn's voice and so far, Wilson's voice was pinned up in the back of his mind.

Devyn rubbed his thumbs over Brent's nipples. He lightly pinched the small pink nubs. He thought he heard Brent gasp, and he could see a slight blush of excitement on Brent's fair skin.

Brent felt jolts of current shooting from Devyn's fingers into his skin. He felt like an electrical current of sexual excitement shot down from his nipples to his cock when Devyn had pinched them. He could feel his pants growing tighter as blood was pumping into his penis.

Devyn slid his fingers lower across Brent's fair skin. He was careful to avoid the bandage that covered Brent's wound. He glided his fingers along the waistband of Brent's jeans. He moved his fingers to the button and undid the clasp. Then he deftly lowered Brent's zipper.

Brent opened his eyes. He looked into Devyn's warm chocolate eyes. He was not sure what Devyn had in mind. He did not know how far they were going to go with this. If Devyn touched him down there, would that cause the cage around Wilson to break? Could Brent keep her pinned up and enjoy where this might go?

"You still alright?" Devyn's brown eyes were looking into Brent's blue eyes.

Brent concentrated on the golden flecks in Devyn's eyes. They seemed to be glowing from the inside. In answer to Devyn's question, Brent nodded. He was more alright than he had been in some time.

Devyn slid his hand inside Brent's open pants. He felt the heat of the other boy's growing organ. He cupped it and lightly massaged Brent. Only the fabric of Brent's underwear separated Devyn's fingers from Brent's growing member.

Brent could feel himself growing harder and harder under Devyn's talented fingers. He could feel things surging through his body that he had not felt since before entering the clinic.

Devyn heard a moan of pleasure escape Brent's lips. He leaned closer. He kissed the bare skin of Brent's exposed upper chest. He could remember doing this before to his friend. He could remember all the times they had stayed up late exploring each other's bodies and stroking each other to orgasm.

"Oh shit," Brent moaned as Devyn's fingers rubbed across the sensitive head of his cock.

Devyn had never planned to go this far with Brent. He had never contemplated them doing more than just talking but he felt a need to help Brent. Devyn also needed to remember that he had a boyfriend waiting for him at home. He and Charlie had just talked last night and doing this with Brent was betraying Charlie.

Brent could feel his underwear growing damp. He could feel the juice oozing from his sensitive head and being absorbed into the fabric of his underwear. Brent wanted to reach out and touch Devyn's bare skin. He wanted to fondle Devyn; the way Devyn was fondling him. Brent was just not sure how far they could go. He was feeling the storm at the back of his mind gathering strength. He could feel the sensations of pleasure starting to also pull up the intense pain of the touch of another guy.

Devyn slowly withdrew his hand from Brent's open jeans. He could feel the dampness on his fingers, so he knew Brent had been enjoying what Devyn's fingers had been doing. "Brent, I...I..." Devyn knew things had gone further than either of them had planned.

"Devyn, I...I don't know how to say what I'm feeling. I mean what you managed to do." Brent's eyes were locked onto Devyn's. Did he see compassion in them? Did he see sexual desire? Was it for him?

"I hope...um...that helped. Maybe...maybe you will be able to..."

"It did...you did."

Devyn reached down and adjusted himself inside his own jeans. He had grown hard while massaging Brent.

Brent's eyes followed Devyn's hand and saw the sizable bulge in Devyn's pants. It seemed his friend had grown down there as well as being taller now. "Devyn, I...er...missed this...I mean this closeness with someone."

"Yeah, I've missed it too. I mean having a friend that I could be so comfortable with." Devyn wanted that closeness between himself and Charlie, but they did not have that yet. Devyn had not confided in Charlie about his past and Charlie was still not ready to be out about being gay.

"I'm glad we have that back," Brent said. "I hope that we can keep this...er...I mean when we are living so far apart."

"We will," Devyn said. "We can Facetime and talk. If you need help with..." Devyn gestured to Brent's open pants, "I think I can help you there too." Devyn made that offer before fully considering the implications. How would Charlie feel about this? Did he and Charlie have a shot as a couple with Charlie being so closeted?

Brent gave Devyn a half smile. "I think you can. What you were doing, it kept those...er...memories at bay." Brent wondered if they had done more, if it would have stayed that way. Would the treatments Wilson had put him through have prevented him from completing the sexual act? If Steven had managed to overcome the conditioning, then could he also?

"Good," Devyn said. "I should...um...get going."

"Will you call me when you get home?"

"Sure."

Devyn hesitated and then stepped closer to Brent. "I'm glad we could have this time together. I mean so we could talk and work through everything." Devyn wasn't sure they had worked through everything, but they had definitely made a big start.

"Me too." Brent took the last step and put his arms around Devyn. "Thanks."

Devyn returned the hug. His hands stroked the soft skin of Brent's back. The two looked into each other's eyes.

Brent hesitated for a moment and then leaned in and kissed Devyn's lips. He felt Wilson beginning to rage in the back of his mind but with a force of will, he pushed her voice down.

Devyn returned the kiss but broke it off after a brief moment. "I'll call you and we can talk as often as we want."

"I'd like that."

Devyn knew he needed to get on the road, and he knew he was more confused than ever about his feelings for Brent and for Charlie. "Bye, Brent."

# #

Copyright 2024 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

Character is much easier kept than recovered. Thomas Paine