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I felt the cool air on my face as I sat out on the back deck, listening to the sounds around me. Fall was my favorite season. I loved seeing all the different colors of the trees as the leaves began to change color. I brought my mug of hot chocolate up to my lips and sipped on it little by little, not wanting to burn my tongue. Suddenly arms were wrapping around me as I sat in the chair, and I tilted my head up to look at Sean.

"You're home early," I said. He brushed his lips against mine and kissed me gently.

"Yeah they let us go early," he replied.

"How was your day?" I asked.

"It was good, just the usual. How about you?"

"It was alright, kinda boring," I shrugged. "I'm so glad it's the weekend. I always look forward to the weekends." Sean smiled and came around the chair. He sat down in the one next to mine, taking my hand in his as we looked back out at the scenery. Our apartment had it's own little deck off the back and there was grass and trees out back, giving us the perfect view of the colors of fall. Sean and I had settled into our new place together about a month ago. Sean looked at places just like he said, but he made sure I really liked it before he picked this one. He was so sweet. So far, it's been absolutely amazing living on our own together. I couldn't be more thrilled with how things have turned out as far as our relationship goes.

"Have you heard from your dad at all?" Sean asked. I could tell he was genuinely curious. However, he regarded me carefully, searching my face for the emotions he knew I was attempting to hide. I drew in a big breath and exhaled slowly.

"Yeah..I..uh, talked to him a little bit ago. He says things are alright, but I can't help but feel bad," I replied slowly, licking my lips as I took another sip of hot chocolate. Sean reached over and rubbed my back.

"Hey," he said, pulling me out of my thoughts that I didn't know I was getting lost in. My parents were now separated. I haven't spoken to my mom since everything happened. Dad told me things weren't looking good. They just had so many differences. Even though he didn't say it, I knew it was because of me. My mom just couldn't accept that she had a gay son. As far as she was concerned, Collin and I had both died in that car accident. I suddenly felt a sharp pang of sadness twisting its way around in my chest. I placed my hand over my heart, clutching my chest without thinking.

Sean stood up from his chair and knelt down in front of me, positioning himself between my legs. He grasped my hand away from my chest and held it with both of his hands. His touch was gentle and soothing. I felt warmth washing over me. Our eyes met.

"Jake. This is not your fault," he stated, his gaze piercing mine with such intensity. I realized in that moment that he was right. He was usually right about things like this. I didn't change, I was still the same person she gave birth to. I had just been enlightened. I discovered who I was and what I wanted in life. The man sitting in front of me, was my everything. He gave me all the love and then some that I had missed since losing Collin and my mother. He was there for me in the good times and the bad. I was so grateful for him and incredibily in love with him.

"I know it isn't," I smiled. He gently stroked my cheek with his fingers, brushing them over my cool skin. The warmth and intensity he transferred to me was amazing. I felt like I was enveloped with electricity; a spark that would never flicker out. I brought my face slowly closer to his, before reaching his lips and kissing him fiercely. I felt Sean relax into the kiss, as if I convinced him with my actions that I truly was okay. His hand moved behind my head and pushed me into him.

"I love you," he murmured against my lips, I smiled against his.

"Love you," I whispered huskily, desperately wanting more of his lips. I loved the feel of him touching me. He pulled back when his phone vibrated. He reached into his pocket for his phone and I grumbled under my breath, slightly annoyed at the interruption. Then I remembered we were outside on the deck and my cheeks heated up. Sean answered the call and flicked my nose. I scrunched my face at him playfully. He chuckled.

"Hey mom," he said into the phone. "Oh shit. Sorry I forgot. Yeah. Yeah. Okay we will. Love you too, bye." He ended the phone call and I arched an eyebrow.

"You're mom?" I asked. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled my up to my feet.

"Yeah. We totally forgot about dinner!" He said exasperatedly. I laughed and slapped my forehead.

"Shit. That was today? I was thinking we were going over tomorrow!" I said as I followed him back into the apartment.

"Yeah me too, but she's waiting for us. Luckily it doesn't take long to get there. I'll be ready in five," he said over his shoulder, hurrying into our room. I loved the fact that it was our room. There was no better feeling than laying in bed cuddled in each others' arms at night. I always felt so relaxed and slept better than I ever have because of it. Cheesy? Probably, but I don't care.

I followed him into the bedroom as he stripped out of his clothes walking towards the closet. I chuckled.

"You're changing?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. He gave me a pointed look.

"I want to be more comfortable," he said innocently. I smiled at him, enjoying the sight of his bare chest.

"I'm up here Jake," he laughed playfully, pointing at his face with his finger. I waved my hand dismissively.

"Just hurry up and get changed so we can leave," I replied. He smirked.

"I thought you were enjoying the view. Now you actually want me to cover myself with clothes?" He joked. I glared at him.

"Stop tempting me with your sexiness!" I said groaning. Besides, your mom will be on my case if we're any later than we already are." He laughed.

"As you wish." He threw on a plain black tee and some grey sweatpants. I rolled my eyes.

"What? It's just my mom's house. It's not like we're going out to dinner," he said shrugging. I smirked at him.

"I just like to tease you about your sweatpants that's all. Whenever you get home you have to change into those things," I replied. He just shook his head.

"Nothing like being comfortable," he explained, walking towards me. He was just about to pass me when he leaned in and whispered into my ear. "Especially when they're all I'm wearing." He then briskly walked out of the room as if he didn't just say that, leaving me there to gasp and quickly try to stop myself from reacting. My pants were feeling a little tight down there.

"Tease," I said as we went out the front door. He simply winked in response.

* * * *

"Boys! How have you been? I feel like it's been too long!" Kristen chirped, hugging us both and closing the front door behind her.

"It's only been three days mom," Sean whined. I shook my head at him.

"Really? Well that's still a long time!" She said, smililng.

"It's always nice to see you Kristen," I said as she hugged me.

"I miss you two so much! Why did I ever agree to let you both move out," she sighed. I put my hand on her shoulder.

"You wouldn't want us still living here, believe me," I said, before biting my lip. I realized how that must have sounded. She chuckled.

"Oh Jake!" She said playfully as we walked into the kitchen. Sean wrapped his arms around me from behind and rested his chin on my shouder.

"It smells delicious," he observed as he held me tightly in his grasp.

"It's fettucine alfredo. I know Jake really likes it," She replied, looking over at me as she busied herself in the kitchen.

"Thanks Kristen. Is it almost done? I'm starving!" I said playfully. She shook her head and chuckled at me.

"You boys set the table. It's almost ready," she replied. "Oh Jake I almost forgot. I invited your dad over." I froze in my tracks.

"Oh?" I said lightly.

"Sorry it was kind of last minute. I hope that's okay," she said apologetically. I shook my head.

"Oh no it's fine," I said, looking down at my hands. I really didn't mind seeing my dad, I was just worried about the unpleasantness of what was going on with my mom to ruin the evening. Kristen and Sean seemed to sense what I was thinking.

"It'll be fine babe," he said, setting the dishes on the table.

"Yeah hun. I just figured you guys would just enjoy a light dinner for a change. You don't get the chance very much with everything that's going on," Kristen said carefully, clearly hoping she hadn't upset me.

"Yeah it'll be good," I said quietly, arranging the utensils for each plate. "There's just a lot happening right now. Well...a lot has already happened. A lot has changed. I'm just waiting for when everything finally settles down a little." Sean and Kristen nodded in understanding. Just then the doorbell rang.

"That must be him," said Kristen.

"I'll get it," I cut in, smiling at both of them before heading to the front door. I took in a deep breath and shifted my weight as I stood in front of the door. Since when did things have to be so tense all the time when it came to my family? I sighed and pulled open the door. My dad looked shocked at first but quickly hid it with a smile.

"Hey kiddo," he greeted.

"Hey dad," I said softly, "Come in." He stepped over the threshold and I helped him with his coat.

"Thanks. How have you been Jake? Work alright?" He asked as we walked into the house.

"Yeah, everything has been pretty good," I replied.

"Hey," Sean greeted awkwardly, he pretty much didn't know how to act around my dad nowadays.

"Thanks so much for coming!" Kristin said as soon as she saw him. Dad chuckled a little.

"Thanks for inviting me," he said. "Sean," he said, acknowledging him with a slight head nod. I found myself rolling my eyes.

"Well let's all have a seat, dinner is ready," Kristen said as we all shuffled over to the table. Sean and I sat on one side with his mom and my dad sat on the other. For a while it was silent as we started eating, the clanging of forks reverberating around the room.

"So, um how are things?" Kristen said, turning to my dad. He dabbed his face with his napkin.

"Er..things are good. Things are good," Dad replied a little too quickly.

"You don't have to pretend dad," I cut in, Sean looked sideways at me before his eyes flicked over to my dad in surprise.

"I'm sorry Jake. I just wanted to not have any drama today. Kristen invited me and we were both just excited to see you boys. How are you guys enjoying your place?" Dad asked. Sean shrugged.

"It's great. I know for me, I've never been happier. It's kind of crazy to think how much things have changed, but I love everything about it. I couldn't ask for anything better with Jake," Sean replied, looking at me affectionately. I felt like melting under his gaze. I smiled back at him.

"Yeah I feel the same way. It's been pretty nice having our own place together." Kristen smiled.

"I remember when I had my first place," She reminisced.

"Me too. Those were the days," Dad replied. He chuckled slightly.

"I know right? Things were simpler then," Kristen said, sighing deeply. Sean and I both looked at each other. This was getting awkward. Hell it already was awkward. I mean Kristen invited my dad over for dinner?

* * * *

"Well thanks for the wonderful dinner," Dad said as he slipped back into his coat.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you could make it," Kristen replied genuinely. "I know things have been hard, and if anyone understands it's me. I hope it got your mind off of things for a little while," She told him. I stood there awkwardly before clearing my throat, causing Sean to laugh.

"Watch! Now our parent's are going to be best friends," he joked playfully. I couldn't help the grin that spread on my face. It was really weird to be honest. I mean, our parents had known each other forever, but it was just weird seeing my dad here with Kristen. I mean, why did she really invite him? I can take care of seeing him when I want to.

"Sean," Kristen shook her head. My dad just laughed.

"Bye Jake," He said when the laughter subsided. I pulled me into a quick hug. "Love ya kiddo."

"Love you too Dad," I replied. He opened the door and stepped outside. I walked back into the kitchen when Kristen closed the door.

"Thanks for making it Jake, sorry if it was awkward," she shrugged. "I thought it would help." She started cleaning up the kitchen and I helped her clear the table.

"You're welcome. And thanks, I'm sorry if I made it awkward, I just..it's just different now," I said. "I mean my dad is being a lot better, but I know things with my mom aren't any different then they were when she found out I was gay." She nodded in understanding.

"I'm sorry honey," she said. "You know, with Sean's dad, it just...things didn't work out. Sometimes it happens and people change. I just don't want you to blame yourself for anything that happens between your parents like Sean did. They're making their own decisions. No one is making it for them."

"Thanks, I know it isn't. It's just so much has happened. Collin's gone, Sean and I are together, my parent's are fighting. I mean can I blame her for having a hard time adjusting to me? I mean, I've had a hard time with knowing that she doesn't accept me? Doesn't that go both ways?" I asked. She searched my face for a moment, her eyes shining.

"You're a great kid Jake to think like that. I understand what you're saying. The thing is though, it's one thing to have trouble adjusting to new things in life, but it's a whole other thing to be rude and uncaring because of it," she answered matter-of-factly. I sighed.

"Jake you don't have to worry about anything," Sean suddenly said, walking into the room seemingly out of nowhere.

"Where've you been?" I asked, knitting my eyebrows. Sean and Kristen exchanged awkward glances with each other.

"Does everyone know something I don't know?" I asked.

"You'll know soon," Sean replied flatly. I was utterly confused.

"What?"

"Jake it's nothing. Nevermind," he said, crossing the room. Kristen shrugged and tried to go back to cleaning, but I was now feeling suddenly very suspicous. What was going on? They were both acting weird. This whole dinner has been weird. Sean pecked me on the lips and smiled brightly at me.

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