A/N-I'm trying to make Jeanne more sympathetic. I still think she's an ignorant, conniving, selfish bitch that made a horrible (series of) choice(s), but I sort of want people to understand where's she's coming from and that things are difficult for her as well. Let me know how I'm doing with that.

Ch 2: Arrival

The next three days seemed to pass in a blur.

Zach was busy with school, working at the CalArts bookstore, homework, and the seemingly never ending job of looking after Cody, although that was the only thing he didn't mind spending more time on.

Shaun spent the days staring at the blank laptop screen that was supposed to be his second novel. He already had the whole idea and concept planned but he just couldn't force himself to sit and write the damned thing. He shook his head slowly, knowing deep down, he was just scared. He stared at the blank screen for a minute longer before starting to type.

Cody…well, Cody had school, and homework. Of course, his homework was coloring some fall leaves and learning how to spell ten words.

Zach was more than a little annoyed by his jealousy of the kid, particularly as he slaved over a six-page research paper on Baroque and Rococo art styles.

It was with a mixture of relief and anxiety that he realized it was Thursday night, the start of his weekend. Cody had been fed, bathed, and put to bed by Shaun as Zach made up the guest room.

Zach wandered into the kitchen where Shaun was making his famous margaritas. Zach threw his arms around his waist from behind and rested his head on Shaun's back.

"Hey babe, you okay?" Shaun asked

Zach mumbled something. Shaun smirked.

"Help me carry this stuff into the living room. I want to celebrate in there."

"Celebrate?" Zach's mouth quirked and his eyebrows rose

Shaun, halfway down the hall to the living room with their two glasses, turned around and began to walk backwards.

"Oh yes, didn't I tell you?" he began airily. "I finished the first chapters of my second novel today, you see…"

However, he didn't get to finish his statement because an ecstatic Zach ran to him and started kissing him with all he had. The kiss was tender and sweet, yet powerful and forceful. After a few seconds, Zach pulled back.

"SO proud of you, man. This is incredible! I-wow."

Zach's smile was so radiant and warm; Shaun knew if he hadn't already fallen for him that smile alone would have killed him. He smiled back.

"I'll be right back," Zach said dashing into the kitchen to grab the pitcher.

They each helped themselves to a glass.

"Ready for movie night?"

Zach nodded, snuggling close to him. It was something they did most Thursday nights; after Cody was asleep, they would put a movie in and have a sort of date night. He knew some might consider it lame, less than a year ago, he would have thought the same. But that was before… before everything.

More often than not, they'd end up kissing and Zach would fall asleep on Shaun's shoulder. He'd seen half (or less) of several recent films including Babel, The Good Shepherd, Nanny McPhee, and Man of the Year.

Shaun looked at him sternly.

"You better stay awake, mister. You picked this one out."

Zach couldn't help it, he giggled even though he knew Shaun was being semiserious. He pouted slightly.

"I'll trrrryyy."

He whined before sitting up to kiss Shaun again. They kissed through the previews and stopped when they heard the movie's main theme, and for breath.

He snuggled up against Shaun again, and was asleep within half an hour.

Shaun looked down to comment on the lead's great acting (and really tight pants) and stopped, rolling his eyes at Zach's sleeping form.

Typical.

He ran a head through Zach's hair watching the film distractedly. He couldn't help thinking about this weekend. He knew Zach was anxious and although he would never admit it, he was too.

He had fought and worked hard for Zach and Cody, making sure they accepted him and their relationship, making sure they were both comfortable and knew how important they were to him. He wouldn't let Jeanne swoop in and destroy everything. His mind was so fixated on those thoughts, he barely noticed himself drifting off to sleep next to Zach.

The next morning, Zach woke up, wondering why the bedroom was so bright…and why the bed was so narrow. He moved slightly and nearly fell off.

Next to him, he heard Shaun moving and opened his eyes more. It took him a few minutes to realize he must have fallen asleep during the movie. But, looking over, he realized that Shaun had too. He saw Shaun realize the same thing and look at him.

"Not one word, dude."

"You officially can no longer tease me about falling asleep! For all I know, you do it just as often as I do!"

"I do not, last night was the first time ever."

"Mhm, well I gotta get Codes up for school."

"I'll make his lunch," Shaun offered.

Zach got Cody awake and dressed for the day, Shaun handed him his backpack and they left to drop him off. Cody chattered excitedly about his day.

"Can I go to Michael's house on Saturday afternoon?" He asked.

Michael was in Cody's class and lived nearby. Cody really liked going to his house and hanging out with him.

Without thinking, Zach replied.

"Of course, little man. We'll see you this afternoon, okay?'

With a cheery goodbye, Cody rushed off to join his classmates.

"Does anything else need to be done before Jeanne arrives this evening?"

Zach thought for a moment.

"I should probably clean the bathroom before she gets here," he wrinkled his nose.

Shaun frowned.

"I'm pretty sure the bathroom is clean. It just needs fresh towels and the sink is sort of cluttered. Why don't you grab a couple of fresh towels and a wash cloth, and I'll wipe down the sink?"

Zach grabbed his hand and Shaun pulled him into a hug.

Zach said quietly "Thanks, Shaun. For being so cool about this Jeanne thing and everything else really."

They parted ways, both smiling despite their uneasiness.

Zach found two fluffy light blue towels and two darker washcloths. He put one of each into her room and went into what they called Cody's bathroom.

The room was much brighter than before and he noticed Shaun had replaced one of the bulbs. Feeling stupid that he hadn't noticed one was out, he quickly put the towel and washcloth on the rack.

They both decided it was fine and moved room by room through their place. Everything looked good. Zach discreetly closed the door of their room.

Shaun started the coffee maker, but gently stopped Zach from grabbing a cup.

"Go take a nap, you look exhausted."

He felt exhausted and had to admit this whole thing was wearing on him especially being so close. He finished his cereal and started to their room.

"Be there in a sec," Shaun winked at him.

"If you know what's good for you!" Zach yelled back.

He knew Shaun usually did go back to sleep for a bit after dropping off Cody so he wasn't at all surprised to feel warm arms wrapping protectively around him as he fell asleep.

Shaun reawakened as usual at 9:30. He did his usual morning routine, and then woke Zach up. Zach got up and went into the living room to do some work, while Shaun continued to write.

Shortly after noon, Zach got up to see if Shaun wanted to eat. Zach made a quick salad and they ate quickly, intent on their work. Zach reminded him that they had to leave for the airport right after picking up Cody and Shaun nodded, returning to his study.

Zach called Jeanne and confirmed the details of her arrival. As the plane was preparing to take off, she did not have time to chat. He felt guilty for being grateful. He quickly packed a small snack for Cody to eat while they waited for Jeanne. He did a final inspection and tried to see their deliberately simple townhouse the way a nasty, rude, person would. He shrugged and gave up. Putting his school stuff away, he began to sketch.

He heard the clock strike two, and put his portfolio away. He showered and put on jeans and a button up shirt. Then, he changed into better looking khakis. He switched back to the jeans. He was about to change into a sweater when he heard a confident voice.

"The khakis look better with the sweater but if you're wearing that shirt-which is mine by the way-go with the jeans. Of course," Shaun said emphatically, "you look amazing in whatever you're in…or out of." He smirked.

"Shut up," he said before he could stop himself.

He still wasn't good with compliments. Shaun didn't seem to mind, instead grabbing him and pulling him out of the bathroom. He kissed him on the nose.

"Let's go, beautiful. It's 2:55."

He groaned as he grabbed the packed crackers, his phone and followed Shaun outside.

Cody was waiting when they arrived at his school.

Zach carefully addressed him.

"Do you remember where we are going Codes?"

Cody shook his head confusedly.

"We have to go to the airport." he began.

"Mom!"

"Good job, little dude." Shaun said, his face grim despite his light tone.

They arrived at the airport just as Zach's phone started buzzing.

"Hey, we just pulled up."

"Ok, we've landed. I'll be on the sidewalk in about ten minutes."

Zach took a deep breath.

"Come on, Cody, let's wait outside so your mom knows where we are."

They only had to wait a few minutes before Jeanne appeared. As soon as she saw them, a huge smile appeared on her face. It weirded Zach out a little bit, but he supposed separation did that to people.

She picked up Cody and grabbed Zach in a big hug. Zach noticed the surprise in her eyes when she saw Shaun's car.

Jeanne couldn't believe she was finally here. Seeing Cody immediately put her at ease. Zach looked happy too. She knew she had been wrong to use and manipulate him, but he had been all she had for so long.

She glanced over at the car, and was surprised to see something so simple.

Probably expected a Mercedes or a Lexus, Zach thought wryly. He opened the door for her and gestured for her to get in.

"Shaun, how are you?"

"Great, Jeanne. You?"

They were both pleasant, their tones identically light. However, if you knew both of them, you'd realize the awkwardness and uneasiness that punctuated every word.

"Good. I'm good. Um Shaun, I really…I'm sorry. For everything. I had no right-"

Shaun cut her off.

"You don't need to apologize, Jeanne. It's over now."

Zach looked at Shaun and knew he was slightly surprised but was reserving judgment on Jeanne, even though his face stayed perfectly level.

The car was silent as Shaun drove home.

As they pulled in, Zach and Shaun took turns speaking.

"Cody, get changed and put your clothes in the laundry." Shaun instructed.

"Jeanne, I'll take you to your room so you can rest or unpack while we make dinner."

As they walked into the house, they discussed the possibilities for dinner. They looked so...Jeanne struggled to find the word.

She thought of her mother suddenly. Surely, she wouldn't have had a problem with Zach being…gay. She almost couldn't bring herself to use the word. She was so lost in thought that she had stopped walking. Zach and Shaun were already in the kitchen. Zach, however, noticed she wasn't following and came back to see what she was doing.

"Hey Jeanne, you okay? I was going to show you to your room?" He questioned.

"Um yeah fine, just thinking."

"About?" His eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Mom."

Even before she said it, she knew he wouldn't believe her. He hadn't really understood her and to a lesser extent their father. They were similar: practical, no nonsense, cold sometimes. But they did have emotions, and she did think of their mother, she just tried to avoid it because it was so painful.

He just nodded and showed her to her room. He showed her the bathroom and pointed out Cody's bedroom. He wasn't sure how to tell her he shared a bedroom with Shaun, or how far away it was.

He knocked on Cody's door and asked how he was doing.

He opened the door wearing an old yellow tee shirt of Shaun's that reached past his knees, bright orange pajama pants, and his trademark huge smile.

Zach stared at him for a few seconds before telling him to go help Shaun with dinner.

"I do miss him you know. I mean I know you think I'm…" Jeanne trailed off looking at Zach.

She struggled, trying to make him understand.

"You did what was best for him Jeanne."

Eventually, he thought with a touch of bitterness.

"Dinner will be ready in about half an hour," he said as he walked past her.

She looked at him feeling her emotions running wild inside. She was confused about the whole situation, frustrated that she didn't think neither Zach nor Shaun understood her, happy that Cody seemed happy and well adjusted, and of course sad that she had to say goodbye to him the day after tomorrow.

She washed her face and put her hair up before walking briskly into the kitchen. She would make them understand, they had to.

A/N 2-this chappie was LONG! Had a lot of info to throw out. I just hope it all made sense. Let me know! Thanks for reading! I also am going through each chapter and editing it for continuity and other errors.