"Ok, just a few quick rules, no elbows on the table, only look at your phone if no one is speaking to you, speak in complete sentences with good grammar, when my dad is talking to you, look him in the eye and whatever you do, do NOT let my mom or dad know we almost did it at your place." Zack told his boyfriend as they got close to his house.

"I feel like that last one goes without saying." Freddy commented.

"Another thing, no smart ass remarks." Zack warned.

"But that's pivotal part of who I am Babe." Freddy whined.

"No whining." Zack said bluntly.

"What do you do for fun at home?" Freddy asked.

"Leave to go see you." Zack said before opening the front door. "Dad, I'm home! And I brought Freddy like you asked me to." Zack's father came out of another room and look the boys up and down.

"Glad to have you Freddy." His tone made it difficult for Freddy to tell if he was being serious, but Zack could tell he was suppressing anger.

"Thank you Mr. Mooneyham, I'm was glad to hear you wanted me over." Freddy replied in a calm mannerism that had Zack impressed. He didn't know Freddy could be this calm. Well, on the outside. The drummer was no doubt having a panic attack on the inside. "What's for dinner, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Spaghetti and meatballs," Zack's father told the teenager.

"I'm gonna go upstairs and change. I'll be back down in a minute." Zack told him and walked upstairs. Freddy felt immediately more vulnerable with Zack gone. He knew that if Zack's parents weren't around, he'd be allowed to go upstairs with him.

"Why don't you go wait in the living room?" Zack's dad suggested. Freddy nodded and walked past him and sat down on the couch. He was still amazed by how huge their house was. He used to live in a big house too, but had to downgrade after his father passed. Even so, Zack's house was still pretty big. No one was in the room with him so he took out his phone to keep him occupied.

"Well, well well, look what we have here." Freddy looked up as saw Zack's older brother enter the room.

"Ashton, right?" Freddy asked, not sure if he remembered his name.

"That's my name, don't wear it out. How's banging my brother working out for you?" He asked.

"W-what? We haven't-that's not our relationship at all." Freddy said, panicking a bit. He really hoped their dad didn't hear them.

"Relax, I'm just fucking with you man." He said, punching him in the arm. "Good answer though. Personally, I don't care if you sleep with Zack or not but always tell our mom and dad you don't."

"Uh, right. Thanks. If you don't mind me saying, you don't really act like anyone else around here."

"I'm a senior. Almost eighteen and out of here." Ashton told him.

"Makes sense I guess."

"My parents weren't all that happy when I started acting different from how they wanted, but they've lightened up lately. Zach, however, is turning way earlier than I did. You're doing quite the number on him."

"Assure you, I'm not doing anything. I actually was worried when he decided to start lying to see me." Freddy told him.

"Wow, who know my little brother had such a rebellious streak to him?"

"I'm back, oh hi Ashton." Zack said, walking in. "*Has he been given you a hard time?*"

"I'm fine Babe."

"Better not call each other that in front of Mom and Dad."

"Good to note." Freddy commented.

"Dinner's ready boys," Zack's mom said walking into the room. The three of them got up and walked into the dining room. Zack's parents sat at opposite ends of the table while Zack and Ashton sat across from each other the short way. Freddy took the seat next to Zack.

"*So, am I supposed to say anything or...*" Freddy whispered in Zack's ear.

"*Just take a bite and say it's good even it sucks.*" Zack told him. Freddy nodded and dug his fork in and took a bite. He didn't know what he was supposed to expect, but he was very surprised at how good it was.

"Wow, this tastes amazing." Hey commented without realizing he said that out loud.

"Well, thank you very much Freddy." Zack's mom said. "David and I worked very hard making it."

"It's really great, I don't get alot of home cooked meals at home." Freddy told all of them.

"I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of meeting your parents. What are they like, may I ask?" Zack's dad (who is apparently named David) asked.

"My mom is working three jobs right now to support me and my brother. Speaking of my brother he's not home that often, he's usually out with his friends doing something stupid I'm sure."

"You're mother seems to work very hard, I admire that. And what of your father?"

"My father passed away a few years ago." Freddy said, looking down.

"Oh dear, I'm very sorry to hear that." Zack's mother told him. Zack put a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder. Everyone felt awkward as the room grew silent.

"Freddy, I want to apologize for my outburst when you and Zack started dating." David said, breaking the silence. "My actions were rash and I judging you solely on rumors I heard from other parents."

"No, it's my own fault. I thought I was too good to just commit to a relationship and then with my dad leaving us, I thought dating around would make me feel better, but it didn't. It made me feel worse and now there's alot of people from middle school refuse to associate with me anymore. Honestly, I can't blame them. That's why I really want to thank you for giving me a chance that, by all accounts, I really don't deserve." Freddy finished up, leaving Zack's parents speechless.

"That was very mature of you to say Freddy, I'm impressed." Zack looked surprised hearing his father say that. "I'm impressed" were words he'd never heard his father say to him until Battle of the Bands and never again since.

After dinner, Freddy and Zack were cuddling on the couch. Freddy offered to help with the dishes, but Zack's parents insisted he was there guest and shouldn't have to clean. "I can't believe you impressed my father. Even I had a hard time doing that."

"I still can't believe he apologized to me." Freddy said. "It's getting pretty late, I really should get going."

"Do you have to babe? It's nice having you around." Zack told him.

"My mom's already got one kid that's never around to worry about, she doesn't need two staying out super late." Freddy explained.

"That's fair."

"Hey, we'll see each other tomorrow right? You don't need to worry."

"Sorry, I know I must sound super needy right now." Zack said looking away."

"Hey," Freddy said placing his hand on Zack's chin. "Stop be so negative about yourself." Freddy said leaning up and giving Zack a small peck. Zack smiled and pulled Freddy in for a longer, more passionate kiss. They pulled apart and hugged each other tight before Zack walked Freddy towards the door, They shared one more quick kiss before Freddy leaf into the night. He walked upstairs with his head hung low and went into his room to watch Freddy go from the window.

"You know something son," Zack turned around surprised as his father entered his room. "I think I was all wrong about Freddy. I give you my full permission to date him. Though, I feel you would regardless of what I say." He said with a wink before leaving Zack's room. Zack smiled and immediately grabbed his phone to text Freddy.

Freddy was almost to his house when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. His face lit up when he saw Zack's name on the screen.

Z: Hey Freddy, you really left a great impression on my dad tonight. He even gave me full permission to date you! I can't wait to see you tomorrow and kiss you freely. I'm going to bed, goodnight Babe.

Freddy smiled as he entered his house. He saw his mom sleeping on the couch and placed a blanket on her. He walked upstairs and saw a light under the door of his brother's room. He sighed before opening the door and saw him playing video games. "Hey, go to sleep. It's late, and we have school tomorrow." Freddy told him.

"Aw, but Freddy-" He started to complain.

"No but's mister, go to sleep." He said as he left the room, He went into his room, stripped off all his clothes (yes, he slept naked) and lied down and went to sleep with a smile.

Sorry for the short chapter this time.