Fiddleford keeps finding himself agreeing to join people at rallies and protest. Most of them either being against the war or for gay rights. However I usually abstain from those sorts of things for fear of being arrested or assaulted or possibly being seen as "problematic" from people whom i'm trying to impress. It's not that I don't care, I just don't wish to be in a large rowdy crowd. But fidds has told me about one that he swears won't be some big crowd or too rowdy. He said it's more of an activist gathering than a protest. He also mentioned that if I wanted to leave we would and that we would not stay long. I for some unknown reason agreed to attend. We would leave in the morning and probably stop for breakfast along the way. Fidds could never pass up a good breakfast.

The next morning we got up after convincing Fiddleford to get out of bed with some good morning kisses. We got ready, packed a small lunch and headed out. Once we got into town we found a place to eat and headed to the park we were all meeting at. We arrived earlier than most people. Fiddleford unpacked a blanket he had and kept the lunch he packed for later tucked away. It was beginning to look more like a date and I hope that's not why he brought me here. He knows I dislike big crowds and pda. After a few moments more people started to fill in. Mainly other same sex couples, some people I reconised from Backupsmore. However once the crowd reached its largest size I noted a glimpse of a very familiar face. One I haven't seen in years but knew anywhere. But I knew he would never attend something like this. Why he loved women almost as much as he loved himself. I convinced myself that it was just someone who looked like him.

I must have looked stressed out trying to see that face again because fidds grabbed my hand asking, " Ford… what's wrong honey? What's on your mind?".

I shook my head and just said, " I thought I was a familiar face is all".

Then saw him again. I sat frozen as he passed near me. I wondered if he saw me or if he did, would he tell our family. I decided I did not want him to get away without asking. Only the best or worst could come out of asking. So I worked up the courage, risked the odds and asked him why he was here.

I took a deep breath and swallowed what fear I had, "Stanley" I called out into the crowd. He turned around and looked for who called his name until he saw me. I dropped Fidd's hand once I remembered I was holding it.

I could see some worry in his face. He could tell what I was about to ask him, "Stanley… What on earth are you doing here?" I blurted out. I breathed and tried not to come across as angry,"I'd expect to see you at a riot if anything".

He looked away, still nervous to say anything. I stood up slowly to keep this conversation just between us. He took a small step back. I tried to look at him the best I could, "Stanley I don't care all too much. As long as neither of us tell dad. You can trust me".

Stan laughed nervously and swatted at the air, " don't get me wrong sixer I love women. I came here with the idea it would be more like a riot… also someone promised free food". There was a small pause as he turned to face me," I really want to know why you are here" He let out a laugh and gave my arm a shove.

I knew this question was coming when I stopped Stanley. I took a large shaky breath. I knew we had each other's word when it came to never mentioning this to anyone. I calmed myself and found the right words to say. I told him about Fiddleford and how we have been dating for over a year now. I didn't mention how to me dating did not seem like the right word. We felt more like each other's support system who kisses goodnight. I introduced the two men. I was relieved to see that Stanley had no outward objections to all of this.

But when I asked him about it the only thing he said was, " we both know Pa would be furious… but I'm not pa". I looked away but he continued, "Ford we all knew you were different. But none of us would have guessed you were this kind of different". He gave a small gesture to the crowd.

I knew he meant well with what he said. I turned towards my brother and thanked him. Telling him it meant a lot to me that he was not upset or going to tell anyone. I gave Stanley a half smile and felt a weight light from my shoulder.