Drew and Oliver were playing video games in the basement when Sean walked down there. "Hey, guys."

"Hey, dad. You're home early."

"I couldn't concentrate." He sat down on the couch and asked, "How are you guys doing?"

Drew shrugged, "I'm okay now that I know everybody's alright."

Sean asked Oliver, "And you?"

He shrugged, "I still haven't heard from my mom. Or my dad."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine." Sean looked at Oliver, and Oliver said, "Okay, it's not fine, but I can't do anything about it."

Sean nodded, then looked at Drew, "Friday's off."

"What? Really?"

Sean stood up and walked toward Drew's bedroom. Drew paused the game, followed him, and Sean said, "After everything that happened today, I realized that I need to do it before Friday."

"Are you doing it tonight?"

"No. At least, I don't think so. We'll see how I feel."

Drew opened his desk drawer and handed Sean the ring box. "So are we going to say the school canceled the dance?"

Sean shrugged, "I don't know. I don't have a plan right now."

Drew could tell something was up with Sean, "Dad, are you okay?"

"No." Sean peeked his head out of Drew's room and said, "Oliver, can you come in here for a sec?"

Drew asked, "Are we in trouble?"

"Nope, you're fine." Sean looked at both boys and said, "Please sit."

As the boys sat on Drew's bed, Sean said, "You're not in trouble. I have something I need to tell you." He closed the door and took a deep breath. "Okay. You know that I know Mr. Del Rossi." Drew and Oliver nodded. "And that I've known him since our days at Degrassi."

"Yeah."

Taking a deep breath, Sean said, "One time, we were playing basketball, and I noticed he was staring at me the entire time, and I called him..." Sean paused then said, "The f word." Both boys nodded, and Sean continued, "I was really an idiot as a teenager, and back then, idiots like me used that word and didn't think of the meaning behind it. To us, it was just a word." He said, "After that, nothing happened for a while, but when I first started dating Ellie—"

Drew interrupted Sean and said, "The girl you lived with?"

Sean nodded, "Yes. Well, I wasn't very nice to him then either. I didn't say outwardly homophobic things to Marco, and I never laid a hand on him or bullied him or anything like that." Drew's eyes widened, and Sean continued, "He did get roughed up pretty bad one night in a park."

Drew said, "Really?"

Sean nodded, "Yeah. Some random guys in a park jumped him on the way to a hockey game."

Oliver said, "That's scary."

Sean nodded again, "It is," and said, "My issue was I didn't want him around so much, especially because I was trying to get to know Ellie better, and he was constantly around. I was selfish."

"Kind of like with mom, grandpa, and the laptop?"

Sean nodded, "When I like someone, I want to be with them all the time. I've always been like that. It's probably because of my parents kicking me out at such an early age. I cling to things or people sometimes."

"So after that?"

Sean shrugged, "Nothing else happened. Thankfully, I've evolved since then." Drew nodded, and Sean added, "But I was talking with your mom last night, and I felt awful about it. I cringed thinking about it and thinking about people doing that to you or saying horrible things to you." He looked at Oliver, "To both of you."

Drew asked, "But you're not that guy anymore, right?"

"God no. I love you, and I support you, and you make me proud every day. I just wish I could have been as brave as you are at your age. Anyway, I wanted to tell you all this because I needed you to know that people can change. So if anybody is a jerk to you now, they're ignorant, and they'll hopefully grow up and know better."

Drew walked over to his dad and hugged him.

"I love you, kiddo."

"I love you too."

"Mr. Cameron?" Sean pulled away from Drew and looked at Oliver, who said, "That night when you talked to my mom on the phone, she used that word, didn't she."

Sean nodded but didn't say anything.

Oliver chuckled sadly, "Yeah, she clearly hasn't evolved at all."

"I'm so sorry, Oliver."

He nodded and stood up, "I'm going upstairs for a little while."

Sean said, "I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't." Oliver walked to the doorway and said, "Just let me know when dinner is ready."

"Will do." Oliver walked out, and Sean shook his head, "Shit. Now I feel bad."

"Dad, it's fine." Sean wiped his face, and Drew asked, "So you're really not doing it on Friday?"

"Why? Do you think I should still do it then?"

Drew nodded, "Yes. I think mom needs a night like that now more than ever."

Sean smiled, "You're right. She does deserve that, but maybe we'll go out on Friday to celebrate our engagement instead."

Drew nodded, "Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know."

Sean put the ring box in his pocket and nodded, "You'll be the first to know if I change my mind."

"But you won't."

Sean laughed, "If I keep the proposal between your mom and myself, I promise to make it, so you are heavily involved with the wedding. I mean, you are going to be my best man."

"Really? It wouldn't be Jay?"

"Nope. It'll be you." Drew smiled, and Sean hugged him again. "It's going to be fantastic. I'll have everything I've ever wanted."

Drew pulled away and said, "Me too."

Emma was about to start dinner when Oliver walked upstairs. "Is everything okay, sweetie?"

"Yep. I need to lie down for a little while."

"Okay, I'll let you know when dinner is ready."

"Thanks."

Emma watched as Oliver walked to the stairs. A few moments later, Sean came back up, and she smiled at him. "Are you okay?"

Sean nodded and sat down at the island. "I'm okay."

"Is Oliver okay?"

Sean shook his head, "I don't think so, and now I feel bad."

"Don't feel bad. He's going through a lot, and his family isn't helping."

Their doorbell rang, and Sean and Emma both looked at each other, bewildered.

Emma said, "I wonder who that could be." They both walked up to the front door, and Emma opened the door, "Mr. Middleton?"

"Hi, can I come in?"

"Of course." She let Oliver's dad in and said, "John Middleton, this is my…" Emma stopped herself.

Sean continued for her, "I'm Sean Cameron, Drew's dad."

"It's nice to meet you."

Sean extended his hand, "You too."

After Mr. Middleton shook Sean's hand, he said, "I'm sure you're both wondering why I am here."

Emma said, "I'm assuming you heard about what happened at Degrassi today?" Mr. Middleton nodded, "Well, the boys ran out as soon as they heard the gunshots, and they went to the cafe nearby."

Mr. Middleton breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness." Emma nodded. He then took a deep breath and said, "I miss my son, and I do not agree with anything my wife did or said." He looked down at the floor and said, "I finally left her last night."

Emma said, "Really?"

He nodded, then looked at them, "Yep. I'm staying at a friend's house for now, but I'm looking for an apartment for Oliver and me."

Sean said, "My apartment is currently empty if you need to be alone while you look for a new place."

"Are you sure?"

Sean nodded, "It's only a one-bedroom, and it's in Corktown, but it's better than staying in someone else's place, right?" Mr. Middleton nodded. Sean smiled and said, "We'll work out the details later."

Emma pointed at the couch and said, "Please sit down. Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thanks, I'm okay." He sat down and asked, "Can I see my son?"

"Of course." Sean walked over to the stairs and said, "I'll get him." Sean jogged up the stairs and knocked on Oliver's door. "Hey, your dad is here."

Oliver sat up, "He is?"

Sean nodded, "Yep, and he wants to see you. He's downstairs in the living room."

Oliver stood up, and Sean walked ahead of him down the staircase. When Oliver got downstairs, his dad stood up to greet him.

"Hey, dad."

"Hey, kiddo." Mr. Middleton walked over to Oliver and hugged him, "God, I've missed you."

"I've missed you too."

Emma looked at Sean and said, "How about we give them some privacy?"

"Yeah, uh, I'll help you cook."

"You will?"

Sean nodded, "Yes."

"Okay." Sean and Emma walked into the kitchen, and Sean sat at the island. She chuckled, "I thought you were helping."

"I can't help from here?"

Emma smiled, "You goofball."

He chuckled, "I know."

Emma watched as Oliver, and his dad sat on the couch. After a few minutes, she called out, "John, you can stay for dinner if you'd like."

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"You're not imposing at all." She smiled and said, "We'd love to have you."

Sean added, "Yeah, stay. The more, the merrier."

"Thanks."

Sean walked around the island and over to Emma, "So, what are we making?"

"Well, I was thinking about making this dish I looked up online the other day, and I just happened to buy all the ingredients today."

"Oh yeah?"

Emma nodded, "Roasted cauliflower lasagna."

Sean jokingly wiped his mouth and said, "Well, now I'm drooling."

Emma smiled at him and looked out toward the living room, "I'm happy Oliver's dad is supportive."

"So am I. And I was serious about the apartment. Someone might as well use it."

Emma pursed her lips, and Sean kissed her. She said, "I love you."

"I love you."

Drew came upstairs and noticed Oliver with his dad. He walked over to his parents and whispered, "Is it a good visit or...?"

Sean smiled, "It's a good visit. Mr. Middleton is staying for dinner."

"Oh good. That will make Oliver happy."

Emma put her arm around Drew and kissed his cheek.

"Wow, Emma, this is really good."

"Thanks, John."

"So, while I look for a new place, I'll give you money for Oliver for as long as he stays here."

Sean asked, "Are you sure? Because we have no problem with helping out."

Emma nodded and said, "Right."

Mr. Middleton shook his head, "I couldn't do that. You're already opening your home to my son, and I'd feel bad not helping out while I can."

"I can help you find a place, John."

"Oh, that's right. You're in real estate."

Drew chimed in and said, "Mom's one of the best realtors in Toronto."

Emma smiled then said, "I can definitely help you out. Just let me know a price range, whether you want to lease or buy and where and I will find something great for you."

"Thanks." He smiled then asked, "Sean, what do you do?"

"I owe an auto shop."

Oliver said, "Dad, Mr. Cameron has worked on Drake's car!" Then he looked at Sean, wrinkled his nose, and asked, "Was I allowed to say that?"

Sean chuckled, "It's fine."

Mr. Middleton turned to Sean and said, "Wow, that's impressive."

Sean smiled and said, "Just one of his cars."

Drew said, "And Kyle Lowry's."

Mr. Middleton said, "That's great. I heard Drake has 10 cars, and his collection is worth more than I'll see in my lifetime or anyone else's."

Both Emma and Sean laughed. Sean said, "Yeah. I've heard that too."

Drew and Oliver ate their food but stayed quiet after that. Mr. Middleton looked at the two of them and said, "So, are you two a couple now?'

Oliver said, "Yes."

Mr. Middleton said, "I'm sorry your mom is so unreasonable about this." He looked at Sean and Emma and said, "I have no idea what happened to make her so cruel. She wasn't always like this. She has a gay cousin. Someone she was very close to, and then suddenly after she joined this group at church, she cut off her cousin and became so hateful."

Sean said, "I'm glad you're supportive."

"I'll admit, I was a little shocked at first, but," He looked at Oliver, "I love you, and I support you no matter what."

Oliver's eyes teared up, and Drew grabbed his hand under the table.

"How did you two react when Drew told you?"

Emma looked at Sean and said, "Wanna start?"

"Drew told me first, and considering I only just appeared in his life a few months back, I was honored that he felt comfortable enough to tell me, and I was so proud of him for telling me."

"Oh?"

Emma nodded, "Long story."

Mr. Middleton said to Sean, "You two look so alike."

Sean laughed, "Yeah. It's uncanny."

Emma said, "I kind of had a feeling but was waiting for Drew to tell me himself. I didn't want to put any pressure on him." She smiled at her son, "I am so proud of him, and I'm proud of Oliver. They're good kids, and coming out is not easy." She sighed, "I would have hoped it would be by now, but..."

Mr. Middleton said, "People like my wife don't help."

Emma nodded.

Mr. Middleton asked, "Is everyone okay with you at school?"

Drew said, "Well, it's not like we're making out in the hallway." Both he and Oliver shuddered, and their parents laughed.

Sean said, "You don't have to make out in the hallways."

Emma added, "We never did that."

"No, we just made out in the ravine." Emma smiled, then Sean said, "Or, at least tried to."

Emma put her hand on Sean's thigh and felt the ring box. She turned her head towards him, and her eyes widened. The color drained from Sean's face. This was not how he wanted things to go. He didn't have time to put the ring anywhere, and now he didn't know what to do. Luckily Mr. Middleton asked another question.

"So you two have known each other since you were kids?"

Emma grabbed Sean's hand and said, "Since seventh grade." She added, "But we had been apart for a long time, which was my fault."

"You're back together now, and you're a family. That's nice."

Emma nodded, then Sean said, "We're working on it. In fact," He rubbed Emma's thumb with his, then let go of her hand. He stood up and said, "This was not what I had planned, but..."

He moved his chair, got down on one knee, and Emma gasped. "Oh my God, Sean."

Sean held Emma's hand, and both Drew and Oliver stood up to watch. "Emma, I've loved you since I was 13. And I remember the day it happened so clearly. Like it was yesterday. You were wearing your striped turtleneck and your new skirt. I had invited you to look at horoscopes with me, and at first, you said yes, then you said no, and I remember being confused and a bit disappointed because I wanted to be alone with you." She smiled, "And then you came into Ms. Kwan's classroom, and well, that was it. It was over for me. You stood up to JT and Toby when they were teasing you, and I thought to myself, 'Man, I really dig this girl.' And yes, we've gone through some break-ups and make-ups, and we've been with other people along the way, but no one could hold a candle to you. Ever."

Sean took out the ring box and opened it. Emma gasped, then covered her mouth with her free hand.

"When I saw you the day you showed me the apartment, I was ecstatic. And when I found out you were single, I was even more ecstatic because I decided that day that we needed to be together again. I was alone for so long and realized I was just waiting for my person to show up. And you did."

Emma wiped her face and smiled.

"Then I found about this one over here." He smiled at Drew, "And after the initial shock, I realized we needed to be together. Forever." Sean then said, "The Degrassi dance was a rouse. Your dad and the kids were helping me out. I was going to propose to you where we first met and where we first danced, but then today happened, and I realized I couldn't wait anymore." Emma caressed his face, "I had to propose to you as soon as possible." He took out the ring and said, "I love you so much, and I love our son, and nothing would make me happier than being your husband, officially being a family, and spending the rest of our lives together, so, Emma Nelson, will you marry me?"

"Oh my God, of course, I will!"

"Oh, good." Sean slipped the ring on her finger then she cupped his face in her hands. Sean smiled and said, "I love you."

Emma smiled and kissed him. Mr. Middleton, Oliver, and Drew clapped as Emma and Sean kept on kissing.

Drew joked, "So that you know; we're going to be here a while."

Emma and Sean pulled away laughing, then she said, "I love you too."

They stood up, hugged, then kissed again.

Mr. Middleton joked, "Should we leave them alone?"

Sean pulled away, "No." He wrapped his arm around Emma's waist, "Sorry to interrupt dinner."

Drew smiled at his dad, "Are you kidding? That was incredible."

Sean winked, and Emma kept looking at her ring, "Sean, this is gorgeous."

"You like it?"

"Like it? I love it."

"I had it made for you."

"It's perfect." Emma looked at the food on the table and said, "Well, it's a good thing I bought a cake for no reason because we have a reason to celebrate!"

They all sat back down, and Sean held onto Emma's hand.

Emma said, "I can't believe you just did that."

"Neither can I. Was it okay?"

"Okay?" Emma wiped her face, "Look at me. I'm a mess."

Mr. Middleton asked, "So you were 13 when you fell in love with Emma?"

Sean told him the story of what actually happened that day, and Mr. Middleton smiled, "That's a sweet story."

"Then I asked her out, and we had the first date from hell."

Emma laughed, "Yeah, it was terrible."

"We dated for a little while then broke up. We reunited at her mom and stepdad's wedding, dated her again for a while then broke up. Then I left Toronto for a year and a half, came back, and we dated again for a while. We conceived Drew right before I was shipped to Afghanistan, and well, here we are."

Mr. Middleton asked, "You were in Afghanistan?"

Sean nodded, "Did a pair of tours."

"Wow."

Sean nodded again.

Emma said, "So when we're done with dinner, we'll have some cake and ice cream."

Sean smiled, "Sounds good to me."

Drew added, "Me too."

Oliver smiled, "Me three."

Mr. Middleton chuckled and said, "Uh, me four?"

They all laughed and continued with dinner.

While the adults were still at the table eating their dessert, the boys were in the living room.

"I can't believe your dad did that."

Drew shook his head, "Me neither. He made it seem like he was going to do it later tonight while they were alone."

Oliver smiled, "I'm glad he did it. That was cool." He looked over at the table, "I'm also glad my dad left my mom."

"What do you think your brothers will say?"

Oliver shrugged, "I don't know, but I don't think they'll support my mom. At least I hope not."

Drew nodded and looked at his parents. "They're going to have so much sex tonight."

"Maybe I should sleep in the basement."

Drew stood up and asked, "Can we go downstairs and play video games?"

Mr. Middleton stood up, "Can I hang out downstairs with you? I promise not to embarrass you."

Oliver laughed, "I'm not worried about that, dad."

Drew said, "Sure. We'll show you how to play some stuff."

Mr. Middleton said, "Cool."

Emma and Sean smiled at each other as the boys and Mr. Middleton walked down into the basement.

"I still can't believe you did this." She held out her left hand and admired the ring.

"Neither can I, but after what happened today, I realized I didn't want to waste any more time. I was going to do it while we were alone, but when you felt the box, I had no choice."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's my fault for not putting it away someplace safe." Sean kissed her and sighed, "We can't have celebratory sex tonight."

"No. But we can on Thursday."

Sean smiled, "It's a date."