Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:33:56 -0500
From: Keith Yates <farmerboykeith@hotmail.com>
Subject: Devyn's Struggle 22

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.

For those of you who have read my previous stories The Coach's Office
(Athletic section), Jake's Tale (College Section) and Rick's Barn (Rural
section) you will find this story a bit different than those.  I hope you
will give it a chance and if it isn't what you are use to from me then
don't worry as there will be additions to Jake's Tale and Rick's Barn that
you might find more interesting.

Character List

Devyn Roberts -- Main character

Judy Roberts -- Devyn's Mom

Frank Roberts -- Devyn's Dad

Brent Watson -- The boy across the street and Devyn's new friend

Linda Watson -- Brent's Mom

Richard Watson -- Brent's dad

Sue Henderson -- Devyn's Girlfriend?

Tracy Rogers -- Brent's Girlfriend?

Matt -- Works at Devyn's father's construction site and is gay.

Bryan -- Matt's partner

Tom fisher -- Man who befriended Devyn

Henry -- Devyn's first client.

Russell -- Devyn's most physically abusive client

Todd -- New boy Tom brought home.

Chapter 22

"Damn Joe," the female cop said into the phone, "the kid is so messed up.
He is on drugs and he is so skinny that it is actually gross.  He has been
sexually, physically and emotionally abused.  I wish you could help as
well.  It hurts when I see kids like this."  She felt better after talking
to her brother about Devyn.  She was glad that the kid's parents were on
their way.  The district attorney had agreed to the deal.  Devyn would
still have some rough roads to go down, but he would not rot in jail.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Roberts," she said greeting the man and woman at the
front desk.  "I am one of the officers that arrested Devyn."

The man did not look happy to be here.  The mother looked worried and
nervous and the little old lady with them looked like a stern school marm.

"This is my mother," Judy said introducing her as Roberta.

"We would like to see Devyn," Roberta said.

"Just follow me," she said.  "My partner is already leading Devyn to the
interview room.  He has been very cooperative."

"Come on kid," the male voice said.  Devyn looked up from the floor into
the stern face of the cop that had arrested him.  "Your folks are here."

The man seemed more at ease now.  He seemed calmer and less threatening
than he had before.  "Come on we don't have all day."

Devyn had not slept at all.  He felt filthy from being in the dirty cell.
He had been roughed up from some other men in the cell and he had dark
circles under his eyes from the lack of sleep.

"Oh," Judy gasped as she saw Devyn.

"Oh dear boy," Roberta said her voice tender.

"What the hell happened to you?" Frank snapped.

"I am sorry to have brought you down here," Devyn said his eyes glued to
the floor.

"You are a sorry excuse," Frank barked.  "You get your fucking ass into
trouble and then expect us to get you out of it.  You are worthless.  You
are a worthless faggot."

"FRANK!" Roberta snapped.  Her brown eyes were like Devyn's and the golden
flakes en them were almost glowing with her anger.  "Shut up."  Her voice
was calmer and actually sounded more commanding than her initial outburst.
"Are you alright?"  Roberta's question was directed at Devyn.

"I'm ok," he said looking at the floor.

Roberta stepped up to him and gripped his chin.  She lifted his face until
his eyes looked into hers.  "It will all be alright."

"Grandma," Devyn said his voice cracking.  His eyes glistened with the
tears he was holding back.

"It will be okay," she said again.  She took his hand and found it shaking.
She gripped it tighter.  "What do we need to do?"  Roberta turned her stern
gaze onto the cops.

"Devyn has been very cooperative," Jim, the assistant district attorney
said.  "He gave us a lot of information and this was his first offense.  I
have talked to Judge Warner and he has agreed to five years of probation,
Devyn must be enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program and get back into
school."

"Where is he going to live?" Frank asked.

"um, he will be turned over to his parents," Jim said a little surprised by
the question.

"He isn't living in my house," Frank said bluntly.

"Frank," Roberta said.

"It is not happening.  He is a screw up.  He is dirty.  He is perverted.  I
won't have him destroying our good name.  He can just go to jail.  Serves
him right for choosing...choosing that lifestyle."

"Sir," Jim began.  "If Devyn does not have a home to go to, then he will be
placed back into jail.  He could end up in a juvenile facility for the next
couple of years and then be transferred into the prison community when he
turns 18 to finish serving out his sentence.  I believe Devyn is basically
a good kid.  I think he just got messed up a little."

"Mr. Roberts," the male cop said.  "You do not want your son to be put into
that situation.  Right now you have a good chance at having him back, but
letting him go to prison could destroy him."

"He made his bed...Now he gets to sleep in it."  Frank turned walking from
the room.  He paused just outside the door.  Devyn thought for a minute
that he was changing his mind.  His eyes looked up filled with hope.  "Come
on Judy.  We have no more business here."

Judy looked from her husband to her son and then her mother.  "Judy,"
Roberta said.

"He is my husband mother," she said and she followed Frank from the room.

"What if I take him," Roberta asked turning to the ADA.

"I do not know how that will sit with the judge.  You are, um, well
advanced in your age."

"Yes, I am an old lady and could drop dead any minute.  He is my grandson
and I love him and I want him to get the second chance he deserves."

"I am not sure," the ADA said.  "He is going to be a handful."

"Jim," the lady cop began.  "I have an idea.  I just need to make a phone
call but there is someone else who might offer Devyn a place to live and
get him away from the bad influences he has been around.  "Well, I don't
know.  It will be up to the judge."

Devyn watched as the lady cop left the room.  The male officer walked back
over to Devyn.  "Come on kid," he said softly.  "I'll take you back to the
holding cell."

Devyn could not believe the guy was being nice to him now.  He wondered why
his attitude had changed.  "Can, Can I ask you something?"  Devyn's voice
was rough and trembling as he said the words.

"Sure kid," he said.

"Why?"  Devyn's eyes met the gray eyes of the officer.

"you look like you could use a friend," he said and grinned at Devyn.

"No, I don't.  I just need...well, I need a lot of things.  Right now I
just need to die and get it over with."

The officer stopped walking.  He took Devyn's arm and pulled him into an
empty room.  He closed the door behind them.  "Look kid," the man began.
"I know things look bad right now.  I know you are probably at as low a
point as you have ever been.  It will turn around though.  Don't talk about
killing yourself.  Don't even think about it.  Things are never that bad."

"I thought you would be happy to be rid of one more faggot.  I know my Dad
would be happy with the results."

"Your Dad just doesn't understand.  He is...well...he is an asshole."

"And you understand?"  Devyn remembered this man slamming him up against
the wall.  He remembered the rough treatment.  Now the guy was actually
being a decent person and it was confusing Devyn's already confused mind.

"No, I don't understand.  I don't know why you are...well gay.  I don't
understand that part of you.  It is...well...to me it is gross.  Sorry kid,
but it is.  I cannot change that inside me.  I am sorry I was rough with
you though.  My partner gave me a hard kick in the ass over that.  She
reminded me of...well...that you have the same rights as every other person
including me.  She also pointed out that being gay was not a crime and it
was not a choice.  It is just another difference and we should accept those
differences even if we can't understand them."

"It would still be easier to just die and get this over with," Devyn said
looking down.

"Kid, you let someone here you saying that and they will put you in the
psych hospital.  It is worse than prison kid.  You do not want to go
there."

Devyn saw something in the man's eyes.  He saw a sorrow that he had not
seen before.  "Have you been in there?"

"I have been inside, but not a patient.  Someone...someone I cared about
was and it...well for him it was pure hell.  He was never the same after he
came out."

"I am sorry."

Devyn's words were filled with his sympathy and were clearly truthful.
"thanks kid.  Now just knock off the death talk.  Hanna is going to get it
fixed for you.  She...well when she puts her mind on something, nothing
stands in her way."

"She seems really cool," Devyn said.

"She is.  She is one of a kind."

"You have a crush on her," Devyn said grinning for the first time in days.

Dean was surprised at how the kid could go from looking like a half dead
puppy to an attractive young man.  His face changed when he smiled.  He was
a good looking kid.  "No, I don't.  Besides she is married."

"that doesn't mean a thing...at least it doesn't mean you can't have a
crush on her."

"Kid we are not in high school here.  Just drop it."

"Sure dude," Devyn said.  He felt a little better.

"Now let's get you back into your cell.  Don't worry it won't be too long."
The cop had noticed the curtain of sadness fall back across Devyn's
features.

They stepped out of the room and Devyn was face to face with Tom.  "shit,"
he breathed.

"What the fuck did you do?  What the hell did you fucking do?"  Tom was
shouting and lunging for Devyn.  It happened so fast that everyone was
stunned.  Tom's head slammed into Devyn's face.  There was a crunch as
bones broke and Devyn skull slammed back into the wall.  He went down to
the floor of the hallway.  Blood rushing from his broken nose.  He saw
stars and the edges of his vision was tinged with darkness.  "You fucking
sick little queer.  You fucking mother fucker.  You told them shit that
isn't true.  I tried to help you.  You fucking ungrateful worthless peace
of shit.  You fucking deserve every fucking thing that happens to you.  You
are fucking scum.  You are worth nothing.  You aren't even a good fuck.
You are a loser..."

"Get him the fuck out of here," Devyn's cop shouted over Tom.  "Get this
fucking scum bag out of my sight and do it now!"

The other officers had reached Tom.  They grabbed him and were dragging him
off.  Tom was continuing to shout obscenities at Devyn.  His whole body
straining to get to Devyn and finish him.

"You okay kid," Dean asked Devyn.

Devyn's hands were still cuffed behind his back.  He could not reach his
nose to stop the blood that was still flowing from it.  Dean pulled Devyn
back into the empty room.  He took the key from his belt and released
Devyn's hands.  "Stay there.  Don't you fucking move."

Dean was gone for a little over a minute.  He came back with paper towels
and some ice.  "Here let's see if this bleeding will stop.  Tilt your head
back."

"My head is already tilted," Devyn said.  "It has almost stopped."  The
front of Devyn's orange suit was now dark from the red blood that had
flowed from his broken nose.

"damn kid," Dean said dabbing Devyn's face with a wet cloth.  "I am sorry
about that.  I had no idea they were bringing him in today."

"Not your fault." Devyn said.

"So that is the guy that..."

"Yelp, that is the guy.  I thought he was so damn nice at first.  I thought
he cared...I fucking thought he loved me.  I was so fucking stupid.  I am
fucking stupid."

"No kid," Dean said squeezing Devyn's shoulder.  "You made a mistake.  You
trusted the wrong guy.  The man is a user.  He is scum."

"Yeah, and so am I."  Devyn's voice lacked emotion.  He sounded beaten.

"Don't give up kid.  Things are going to work out.  Just wait here while I
get you a new suit."

Dean was gone again and back in only a couple minutes.  "Here you go kid.
Take that one off and wear this one."

Devyn stood and began lowering the zipper in the front of the suit.  "I,
um, well, um don't have anything on under this."  Devyn's fingers had
stopped half way down his bare chest showing behind the half lowered
zipper.

"It is okay kid.  No one else is here and I have already seen everything
you got...or did you forget."

"No, don't think I can ever forget that."

Devyn turned and finished lowering the zipper.  With his back to Dean he
stepped out of the jumpsuit and pulled on the fresh one.

Dean was once again struck by how young the kid looked.  He was also struck
by how thin the boy was.  "You need to eat more," Dean said as Devyn turned
back.

"Were you checking me out?" Devyn grinned.

"Most definitely not...but you are too skinny."  Dean smiled to let Devyn
know that he could take the teasing in the manner it was intended.

Dean led Devyn back out to the bullpen and sat him on a bench.  He cuffed
Devyn's hands in front of his body.  "Here," Dean said handing Devyn the
ice.  "Put that on your nose and maybe it will help."

"thanks, Sir."

"My name is Dean."

"thanks Mr. Dean."

"You're welcome kid."

Devyn looked down at his cuffed hands.  He found it hard to believe that it
was not that long ago that he was the happiest he had ever been.  He could
not believe he was sitting in a police station in handcuffs.  He could not
believe a lot of the things that had happened to him.  He hoped that this
had all been a bad dream.  He prayed he would wake up and this nightmare
would be over.  Devyn put his head back against the cool bricks of the
wall.  He closed his eyes.  He remembered how happy things were not too
long ago.

Devyn jerked as someone rushed by him.  He wondered just how long he had
been asleep.  He wondered where his grandmother and parents were.  He knew
his Dad and Mom were done with him, but his grandma was willing to try and
help him.  He hoped that she had not given up on him as well.  He hated
himself for being gay and for ending up in jail for his bad choices.

Devyn stretched his arms over his head trying to work the kinks out of his
cramp muscles.  He had been sitting for far too long.  He wondered just
what time it was.  It felt very late to Devyn.  He felt very tired.  Devyn
glanced around the room.  Not much had changed.  The cops were going about
their business.  The lady cop that had arrested him was there and she was
looking at him.  When she saw Devyn looking she smiled.  Then she looked
toward the other end of the room.  She raised her hand and made a couple of
gestures.  Devyn looked in the direction she was looking.  Devyn saw a man
who seemed a bit out of place and a bit uncomfortable.  He made some sort
of answering gesture to the lady cop.  The new man's eyes traveled from the
cop over to Devyn.  The guy then started walking toward Devyn.

Devyn watched interested in the out of place man.  He noticed the man was
dressed casually in tight fitting blue jeans and a western style shirt.
The shirt was tight across the man's chest and was tucked into the waist
band of the man's jeans.  The man had on a pair of boots and a ball cap,
but the logo was not of any team Devyn recognized.  The man was now almost
directly in front of Devyn.  "Mind if I take a load off?"  His voice was
deep and masculine and Devyn felt a shiver run up his spine.

"Oh, um sure, go ahead," Devyn stammered.

The man sat on the bench next to Devyn.  Devyn caught a whiff of grass or
something mixed with sweat.  It was not unpleasant.  "My name is Joe."  The
man held out a hand to Devyn.

"Um, hi," Devyn said and reached for the offered hand.  He was still cuffed
and was forced to bring his left hand with his right.

Joe's grasp was both firm and gentle.  He squeezed tight enough to give
Devyn a firm hand shake, but not so tight that it hurt.  "Do you have a
name?"

Devyn thought that Joe's voice had a calming effect.  His light brown hair
that was curling out around the rim of the hat and soft blue eyes also
seemed to be making Devyn feel more relax.  "I'm Devyn," Devyn said his
face blushing.

"Nice to meet you," Joe said and his lips quirked up into a half smile.

Devyn wanted to melt.  This guy was hot, sexy and seemed very nice.  Of
course Devyn reminded himself that he had thought that about Tom as well.
Devyn wanted to say more.  He wanted to make the man talk so he could hear
that deep baritone.  "  "What brings you in here?"

"Oh, I just have a little business to take care of."  Joe smiled again.
"what about you?"

"Um, well, um arrested," Devyn said holding up his hands.  He wondered if
maybe Joe was not the smartest bulb in the world.

"Yeah, I saw the handcuffs...they were a good indication that you had been
arrested.  Mind if I ask what you were arrested doing?"

"I, um, well, I um..."  Devyn could feel his ears burning and knew his face
had to be a dark read.  "I got caught with some drugs."  There that was
true and it was not as bad as admitting that he was a male whore.

"Sorry to hear that dude," Joe said.  "Drugs are never good to be involved
with...they will screw you up every time."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Were you using them, holding them or selling them?"

"Um, well, I um guess selling them," Devyn answered.

"You guess?"

"A friend set the deal up," Devyn explained.  "I was just delivering them
and collecting the money."

"Oh, I see," Joe said.

"I screwed up...I thought a friend was something he wasn't.  he used
me...well and here I am."

"Sometimes we have to learn some hard lessons," Joe said.  "It will get
easier as you get older."

"I don't know if it will or not.  My folks have turned their backs on me.
My life is so screwed up.  I am useless...I'm worthless."

Joe placed his hand on Devyn's hand that was resting in Devyn's lap.  He
squeezed the young man's hand and looked into Devyn's eyes.  "I don't
believe that is true.  Maybe you just need a second chance.  Maybe you need
to start out with a clean slate and just start over."

"Is that possible?"

"Sure it is," Joe said confidently.

"I don't think I will get that chance," Devyn said.  "I screwed up royally.
No one wants me.  No one cares."

"Don't be so down kid.  It will get better."  Joe leaned in close to
Devyn's ear.  Devyn could feel the warm breath of the man on his neck.
'Don't worry things have a way of working out."

When Dean walked passed them, Devyn stopped him to ask about Todd.  "He is
in the custody of DCFS," Dean answered.  "The Department of Children and
Family Services," Dean explained.  "They will find him a good home Devyn."

"Do you think I could see him sometime.  I, kind of miss him.  He was like
a little brother even though he is older.  I just want to be sure he is
okay."

"I'll see what I can do," Dean said.

Devyn continued to chat with Joe.  They talked about unimportant things.
Joe was great at keeping Devyn's mind off of his trouble.  He just wished
everyone would be more like Joe.

"I am sorry I have been talking your ear off," Devyn said.  "I am sure you
have stuff to get done.  I mean you came in for a reason didn't you?"

"I just came to help out a friend and to see my sister," Joe answered.

"Your sister works here?"

"Yeah, that is her over there," Joe said pointing.

"Oh shit," Devyn said.  "She is the one that arrested me...well her and her
partner."

"You got lucky then kid," Joe said grinning.  Devyn saw her make some sort
of gesture in his direction.  He had no idea what it meant.  He looked at
Joe.  "I need to go," Joe said.  "we will talk more later."

"Um, sure," Devyn said.  "thanks for listening man."

"No problem," Joe said.

Devyn watched Joe walk.  His stride was confident.  His tight jeans clung
to his firm muscular legs.  His back was broad and well muscled.  His arms
filled the sleeves of the shirt.  Devyn wondered if the man was a weight
lifter.

"It is time kid," Dean said.

"this is where it all ends," Devyn sighed.

"It could all just be beginning," Dean said.

Dean led Devyn out of the station and across the street to the court house.
They went up several flights of stairs.  They then stood before a well
polished door.  "You are shaking like a leaf," Dean noticed.  "you going to
be okay?"

"I, um, I um think I am just nervous."  Devyn's hands and shoulders were
shaking as he waited to enter the door.  The door opened and Devyn stepped
through.  He had been expecting a court room, but he found himself in a
small conference room.  The ADA was there with his grandmother.  His
parents were nowhere to be seen.  The lady cop was also there and coming
through a second door to the south side of the room was a man that Devyn
assumed to be the judge as he was wearing black robes.

"Is everyone here," the judge asked.

"Just about," the ADA said.  "We are waiting on Mr. Ericson."

"Is this the young man that has brought us here?" the judge asked
indicating Devyn.

"Yes, this is Devyn Roberts," the ADA said.  "Devyn Judge Warner."

"Hi Sir," Devyn squeaked out.

"you got into some trouble didn't you son," the judge said kindly.

"Yes Sir," Devyn said truthfully.

"do you think you deserve a second chance?" the Judge asked.

"Um, well, I have always thought that everyone is entitled to make mistakes
and that they should be given a chance to fix them.  I, am not sure if I
know how to fix this."

"Well, time will tell," Judge Warner said.

The door opened behind Devyn and Devyn felt someone else move into the
room.  He started to turn but the judge began speaking and Devyn thought it
would not be a good idea to look around while the man was talking.  "Now
that we are all here," the Judge began, "we can get started.  It is my
understanding that the boy's parents have abandoned him?"

"Yes Sir," The ADA stated.

"that is a shame," the judge stated.  "Mrs. Grub," the judge said turning
to a stern looking middle aged woman who stepped up beside Devyn.

"Yes your honor," she said in a soft voice that Devyn found musical.

"I am assuming DCFS is taking custody of the minor?"

"Yes," she said.  "We have an order signed by you turning Devyn Allen
Roberts over to our custody.  We have a Foster parent that has agreed to
take Devyn in on this very short notice."

"Mr. Ericson," the Judge said looking again over Devyn's head.

"Yes your Honor," Joe said stepping up on Devyn's other side opposite from
the social worker.

"You are approved by the State to be a foster Parent?"

"Yes Sir," Joe answered in his deep baritone.

"You have no other children in your home?" Judge Warner inquired.

"No, just me and the animals...of course they stay in the barn."

"Have you had a chance to talk with Devyn?"

"Yes, we spoke briefly earlier this afternoon.  He is a good kid at heart."

"You got that from your brief talk this afternoon?" judge Warner asked.

"I am normally good at reading people.  Devyn made some mistakes and...well
with some help, I think he can work through those mistakes.  He just needs
love and understanding.  I happen to have both."

"He may also need a stiff kick in the ass," Judge Warner said his green
eyes sparkling.

"I have a good pair of ass kickers," Joe said smiling.

"What does DCFS find?"

"We find Joe to be a suitable placement for Devyn.  We will of course do an
in home visit very soon and have follow up services promptly every month.
We believe this arrangement would be better than the group home
alternative."

"How does the boy's grandmother feel," Judge Warner said turning to
Roberta.

"I would prefer to have Devyn live with me, but that would require him to
leave the state...which I understand is not an option.  I would move here,
but Mrs. Grub thinks my advanced years do not make me a suitable guardian."

"It is of concern for both you and the boy," Judge Warner said.

"I have met with Joe and I have a good instinct about him.  I think he
might be a good role model for Devyn...after all his father has turned out
to be not such a good role model."

The talking went on and Devyn's mind spun.  It was amazing he was going to
go live with Joe.  He was going to live with someone he did not know.  He
had no idea what was going to happen to him.  Joe could turn out to be like
Tom.  Devyn could not keep his mind from filling with thoughts of Joe
selling him just like Tom had.  Would he be Joe's slut.  He wondered if Joe
was looking for a teenage boy to have in his bed.  It sounded like he was
going to get one if that was what he was wanting.  Devyn was glad the man
looked damn fine.  He just did not like the idea of being a male whore
again.  Of course he would do what he had to do.

The judge entered an order granting Joe guardianship. He also entered an
order of child support against both Devyn's parents.  The payments to be
made to the state to reimburse DCFS for their expenses.

Devyn Roberts was now a ward of the foster-Care system.

Devyn was left in the room with Joe, Roberta and the lady cop.  "I thank
God that that worked out," Roberta said.

"We did get lucky with Judge Warner," Hanna said.  "he is normally a very
fair judge and today he was really more than fair.  Hanna turned to her
brother.  "thank you big brother."

"for what?" he asked smiling.

"for coming so quickly.  I know you have lots of work to do."

"The work isn't going anywhere.  I got Lee to feed the livestock and I will
get the work done when I get it done.  Maybe Devyn will give me a hand once
he gets settled into the place."

"Um, sure," Devyn said.  He wondered if he had gone from boy toy to free
labor...maybe he was now both.

"He is a good boy," Roberta said to Joe.  "I hope you can bring back the
grandson I use to know."

"the kid is probably gone," Joe said seriously.  "I think we will replace
the boy with a man you can respect and who respects himself."

"that would be just fine," she said.  They talked longer and then Roberta
left.  She had to take a cab to the airport to catch her flight back to
Florida.  She was flying straight back to her condo and refused to even go
and get her stuff from Devyn's parent's house.

"This is your second chance," Roberta said as she pulled her grandson into
a tight hug.  "These don't come along very often.  Grab it with both hands
and don't let go."

"I'll do my best," Devyn said.

"I know you will," Roberta said.  "I am sorry your parents are such a
disappointment."

"I was the disappointment," Devyn began but was cut off by his grandmother.

"You were not!"  Roberta grabbed Devyn's face between her hands and held it
tight.  She forced the teenager to look directly into her eyes.  "You are
not a disappointment for being gay.  You made a mistake.  You were forced
into that mistake by circumstances that were beyond your control.  Your
parents are the disappointment.  They should have done better.  They
should...Well I won't say what I am thinking.  Just know that despite their
tragic behavior you are a good boy.  You can be an even better man."

Tears began to leak from Devyn's eyes.  He was trying his best to hold them
back.  He did not want to start bawling like a baby.  If only he had called
his grandmother in the beginning.  He had never considered that she would
be more accepting and loving than his parents.

"thank you," Devyn choked out.

Roberta wiped Devyn's tears away with her thumbs.  "I love you with all my
heart."

"I love you to Grandma."

Joe watched Roberta turn and start down the hall to get the cab that was
waiting for her.  He noticed that her eyes were also brimming with tears.
Joe decided that Roberta was one spunky lady and that he liked her a whole
lot for standing up for her Grandson.

"We had better get going to sis," Joe said.  "Give Travis a hug and a kiss
from me.  You can give Ben one too just to freak him out a bit."

"Oh that doesn't freak him out.  He knows how you are just a big tease."
She stepped into Joes embrace and she was lifted effortlessly off her feet
as the two hugged and kissed each other's cheeks.  "You take care," she
said squeezing Devyn's arm.  "I hope we will get to know each other better
real soon."

"Um, thanks for everything," Devyn said.  He was still a little shocked.

Devyn followed Joe from the court house to a dusty Chevy pick-up.  They had
stopped to pick up Devyn's personal effects and Devyn had changed into his
clothes.  He was happy to be out of the orange jump suit.

"Are you hungry?" Joe asked as he drove through the city traffic.

"Um, yeah, I guess so." Devyn answered.  He had not realized until Joe
mentioned it that he was starving.  He was not sure when it was that he
last ate.

"There is a great place just outside the city if you can wait," Joe said.
"I always try and stop there when I am in the city."

"Sure," Devyn said looking out the window.

They drove in silence until they reached the restaurant.  There was no name
on the place that Devyn could find.  It looked like a very greasy spoon.
"The food here is good?"

"yep, it is," Joe said.  "come on.  I bet you are starving."  Devyn's
stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly.  Joe chuckled.  He led the way
into the restaurant and took a seat at a nearby table.

"Order anything you want," Joe said.  "The burgers are great."

"Um, okay," Devyn said.  He glanced through the menu and decided to just
follow Joe's advice.

"Joey honey," a voluptuous red head said approaching the table.  "It is
about time you bring your cute darirair back in here."

"Hey Floe," Joe said in greeting.  "You are looking as hot as ever."

"You know it baby doll.  What can I get you?"

They both ordered burgers and fries.  "Is that going to be enough for you
baby boy?  You look like you need to eat more.  You need some meat on the
bones of yours."

"Um,..."  Devyn was not sure exactly how to respond.

"You are just too skinny hon," floe said reaching out and rubbing Devyn's
shoulders.  "All bones.  Girls like a guy who has some meat on him.  It
makes more fun when we snuggle up against you."

Devyn's face flushed red.  "floe don't tease the boy," Joe said chuckling.
"He is just a kid and not ready for you just yet."

"Hell, I have taught a lot of boys what it is all about."

"I am sure that is true.  Today though, just the food."

"sure thing sweet man," floe moved off leaving them alone.

"She is...well...weird.

"She is one of a kind," Joe said.  "she was right though, you are too
skinny."

"You think so?"

"A little more weight would not hurt you at all," Joe said.

"How much do you know?" Devyn asked.

"what do you mean?" Joe said looking seriously into Devyn's eyes.

"I mean about me...how much do you know about my, my history."

"I know why you were arrested," Joe said.  His voice was soft and tender.
He did not want anyone to overhear and he wanted to make Devyn feel at
ease.  "Is there something I should know?"

"Well, I just didn't know if they told you about me.  I was just wondering
how you felt...I am not sure why you are doing what you are doing."

"Isn't it enough that I want to help you?"

"You have to have a reason...I mean what is in it for you?"

"Just knowing that I did what I could to help out a young man that needed
it...that is all there is in it for me."

"Yeah, sure," it was obvious from Devyn's tone that he was not believing
Joe's explanation.

They ate mostly in silence.  Each of them lost in their own thoughts.  Floe
kept coming over to check on them.  Devyn was surprised at how friendly the
red head was.  At one point she practically pushed her breasts into Joe's
face.  Devyn wondered if maybe the two of them were sex partners.

"How far is it to your place?" Devyn asked once they were back on the road.

"It is quite a ways," Joe answered.  "I have a room rented at a motel in
the next town.  I stopped on the way in to clean up a bit before meeting
you."

"Oh," Devyn said.

"I have been awake since before sun-up and need to get a few hours of
sleep.  I would let you drive, but you don't know the way."

"Yeah, sure," Devyn said.  He was sure Joe was just making that offer to be
nice.  He was certain that he would not allow Devyn to drive his truck.

They pulled into the parking lot of the motel.  The neon sign flashing near
the street named it the sleep over inn.  Devyn followed Joe into the room.
The room was clean but small.  It contained two beds.  "why don't you go
take a shower," Joe said.  "I bet you would feel better."

"Yeah, that is a good idea," Devyn said.

"I am just going to run out and pick up a couple things," Joe said.  "Here
is some soap and shampoo."  Joe passed Devyn a small leather bag.  "there
is also a razor and shaving gel in there if you need it."

"Um, thanks," Devyn said.

"I'll be back in a few minutes."

Devyn watched Joe leave and then he headed into the small bathroom.  There
was a sink, toilet and shower stall.  Again it was all clean, but very
small.

Devyn stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower.  He let the hot
water wash over his naked body.  It felt good.  He could not remember the
last time he had showered.  He soaped up his body and shampooed his greasy
hair.  It felt so good letting the grime wash down the drain.  His body was
tense and the hot water was causing his muscles to relax.  He washed his
hair three times and his entire body twice.  He stood under the warm spray
for long minutes letting the water pound against his sore muscles.  He
wanted to stay in the shower forever, but knew he couldn't.  he shut off
the water and stepped out.  He dried himself quickly and then looked at the
dirty clothes.  He did not want to put them back on.  He wrapped the towel
around his waist and stepped out into the outer room.

Joe was there sitting on the bed with the TV on watching the news.  "Do you
feel better?"  He turned and gasped when he saw Devyn.  Devyn's body was
bruised and the red marks stood out against the boy's skin.  He quickly hid
his surprise.  "Those look painful."

"Yeah, they sting a bit."

"I, um got you some stuff," Joe said indicating a bag on the bed.  "I think
I'll take my turn in the shower now."

Devyn watched Joe grab some clean clothes from the duffle bag he had
carried into the room and watched the man's firm ass go into the bathroom.
Joe closed the door behind him and Devyn sat down on the bed.  He felt
tired.  He felt partially sick.  He wondered if he was coming down with the
flu or something.  He noticed his hand tremble as he reached for the
plastic Wal-Mart bag.  He took a breath and struggled to control his
shaking hand.  He pulled a package of briefs from the bag.  He also found a
package of socks and sweat pants, tee shirt and a pair of jeans.  Devyn
tore open the briefs and pulled out a pair.  They were not sexy or anything
like other men liked to see him wear.  They were just plain white Hanes.
Devyn dropped his towel and pulled on the briefs.  They were a little
loose, but not a bad fit for guess work on Joe's part.  Devyn did not know
what to do next.  He reached in the bag again and found a tooth brush.  He
did need to brush his teeth.  There was also a tube of toothpaste.  He was
about to go into the bathroom and brush his teeth when Joe came out.  He
saw Joe glance at his almost nude form and then look away.  Devyn wondered
if the man was shy, embarrassed or what.  "I found the tooth brush and
thought I would brush my teeth.  Thanks for, um, the stuff."

"We will get you more later.  I just wanted to get you the stuff you would
need for tonight.  I, um, think you are probably old enough to pick out
your own clothes."

"Yeah, true."  Devyn went into the bathroom and took a deep breath.  He
knew what he had to do.  He squeezed tooth paste onto the brush and
vigorously brushed his teeth.  He left the brush and paste on the sink
knowing he would need it in the morning.  Then he stepped back into the
bedroom.  The room was dark except for the neon light coming through the
window from the sign outside.  He could see Joe stretched out on one of the
beds.  His chest was bare and the sheet was covering his lower body.  Devyn
moved between the two beds and slid down his briefs.  He climbed onto the
bed with Joe and his mouth quickly found Joe's left nipple.

"What are you doing?" Joe almost shouted.

"Just relax," Devyn said.  "I know what I am doing."

"No, I mean stop," Joe said a little more forcefully than he needed.

"what's wrong?" Devyn asked.

Joe pushed Devyn off him and sat up.  He looked into the weary eyes of the
teenager.  "I, was not expecting this," Joe said.

"Sure you were," Devyn said.  "Or did you want me to wait until we got to
your place?"

"No," Joe said and then cursed.  "No, I don't want that here or there."

"What?" Devyn was confused.  ""I thought this is what you wanted."  Devyn
placed his hand on Joe's basket and began a very light massage.

"No!" Joe was shocked and a little sick by what Devyn was thinking of him.
"I...look...I know you have been through a lot."

"Don't worry," Devyn said and grinned.  "I am okay to take care of you."

"You don't need to do that," Joe said.  "I mean I...fuck!"

"Devyn's hand was still rubbing Joe's basket.  He could feel the male organ
starting to fill with male excitement.  He leaned in and kissed Joe's
chest.  His warm lips caressing the left pectoral muscle.

Joe slid from the bed and stood on the other side.  The bed between his
body and Devyn.  "I, am not handling this very well," Joe began.  "I think
you have the wrong idea Devyn.  I, I am not wanting to have sex with you.
I do not expect you to give me any sexual favors for anything...Ever!"

"You don't like me?" Devyn looked a bit afraid in the dim light of the
room.

"If I did not like you, you would not be here."  Joe stood next to the bed.
His arms across his bare chest.  His tight briefs filled out in front with
his manhood.  His big biceps popping out as he looked down at Devyn.  "I
truly just want to help you.  I want to be your friend.  I want you to have
the chance that you almost missed out on because of your Dad."

"Then you want to be my new Dad?"  Devyn was starting to realize that he
had made a wrong assumption about Joe.

"More like a big brother...I am not old enough to have a kid your age," Joe
said.  He moved back to the bed and sat down.

"You aren't?" Devyn said.  He felt his body tingling at being so close to
this man.  He was even more attracted to Joe than before.  The man was like
a magnet pulling Devyn's attention to him.

"Well, I am old enough in years, but I don't think I am in here," Joe
tapped his chest and then his temple.  "I like the idea of having a little
brother.  I already had a little sister, and always wanted a little
brother."

"Um, so you don't expect me to suck you or anything?"

"No," Joe said.  "I will find someone my own age for sex if I need that.  I
just want you to be a kid again.  I never want you to think I am expecting
anything sexually from you.  I will expect other things, but not that.
Devyn, you do not have to prostitute yourself anymore.  You just have to do
your best and try your hardest to straighten things out in your life.

Devyn did not know men like Joe existed.  He could feel his eyes burning
with tears and his face growing red with embarrassment.  He had humiliated
himself.  "I, I, am, sorry," he choked out.

"Don't be," Joe said.  "It was just a miss understanding.  I should have
thought far enough ahead.  That man did a number on you and it will take
time for you to realize not every man is after your...well...your boyish
good looks and sexual talents."

"I, um, guess not...at least you aren't."

"No, I am not," Joe said.  "Now how about getting some sleep and we will
talk more tomorrow.  We still have a couple hours of driving to get home
and it will give us plenty of time to talk about all of this stuff."

"Okay," Devyn said.  He stood and grabbed his briefs from the floor.  He
pulled them on and slid into his own bed.  He thought he felt Joe's eyes on
him as he bent over and stepped into his briefs.

"Good night," Joe said sliding back into his bed.  He could feel his
semi-erect cock pressing against the cotton fabric of his briefs.

"Um, good night," Devyn responded.

Okay guys, there is another chapter in Devyn's Struggle.  What do you think
of Joe?  Do you think Devyn has a true friend in Joe?  Will Devyn follow
Roberta's advice and grab onto this second chance and hold on for dear
life?

We will find out in future chapters and hopefully I will have it up soon.

K Y