Ryan's Point of View:

We were sitting in Troy's driveway, thinking of what to do next. We left my house after Troy was able to vent out much of his tears and sadness. I couldn't help but tear silently. How can someone so strong be so vulnerable? Nevertheless, I wanted to be there for him. Because if it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't have ever found happiness. I placed a gentle hand on his lap.

Troy responded well by looking into my eyes and gave me a reassuring smile; worry still plagued his eyes.

I leaned in closely and whispered softly, "It's going to be okay Troy. If anything happens, I'll be here for you. Okay?" I kissed him softly on his cheek so he knew that I meant every word.

"Thanks." He replied with a half smile; reassuring my emotions.

We stepped out of his car and walked slowly towards the front door of his house. As we stood in front of the old worn-out welcome mat, we looked at each other and quickly took hold of each other's hands. I grasped his hand tightly; igniting confidence within the tanner boy.

He nodded silently as he reached for the doorknob and turned it open.

Troy's Point of View:

We stepped inside to the smell of fresh baked cookies as the sound of the nearby television was blaring random gibberish. I held on tighter to Ryan's hand as I led him to the kitchen where my mom stood; oven mitts and a sunflower apron with a fresh tray of chocolate chip cookies was all we could comprehend.

"Troy!" My mom quickly removed her baking gear and walked around the kitchen counter and hugged me tightly. "I've missed you so much!" She continued on about how she missed me and how she didn't feel right without me in the house. I assumed she couldn't help it, it was her motherly instinct after all.

"Oh and you must be Ryan Evans?" She released me from her iron grip and went to give Ryan a hug as well though not as long and powerful as mine was. She smiled brightly at both of us.

"Help yourselves to some cookies. I just baked them." She motioned towards the tray of heavenly delights laying on the counter. We both looked at each other and laughed as we walked over and engorged ourselves with cookies.

"I'll get you guys some milk." She headed towards the fridge and pulled out a clear, glass bottle of milk and poured us two glasses. She handed them over with a grace only a mother could wield.

Through a mouthful of cookies, I tried to let my most dreaded thought out. I quickly gulped my milk and down some cookies in the event that I might've choked.

"Where's dad?" I asked wiping my mouth off with the sleeve of my shirt. I eyed Ryan from the corner of my eye. He was obviously in awe at my question; especially since he's the main reason that I'm gay. That, and myself. He looked at my mom as I followed suit. My mom was speechless for several moments until finally she took a deep breath and began to speak.

"He's upstairs. He's been sitting in your room, wondering what ever happened to the son he thought he knew." My mom's face was pulled so sternly it was if she was finding it difficult to form another sentence. She placed her hand at her hip and continued slowly.

"He still feels guilty after hitting you and he didn't mean any harm. He was just really overwhelmed by the entire situation. While you were away, I signed him up for some anger management classes. Knowing your father, he was of course nothing but stubborn. But then one night, he walked by your room and realized that you were the only son he had. And he didn't want to lose you. So when I brought him to his first anger-management class, he was more than willing to go through with it, especially since you were on the line."

After my mom's talk, all I could do was placed my head in my hands as I propped my elbows on the counter.

Wow, I'm such an idiot. Of course my dad cares about me. I guess I was just too worried about myself to even realize that. God, why am I such an idiot?!

I felt someone's hand on my shoulder and turned to face a blue-eyed boy with a smile that comforted me. Ryan always did have a way of making me feel better, even when the circumstance didn't necessarily fit in with the current atmosphere of emotion.

I heard someone coming downstairs, the large sound of footsteps echoing as they descended; it was the only other person to explain myself to.

"Is that my boy Troy?!" My dad's voice boomed throughout the small kitchen. He swiftly stepped into the room and opened his arms; inviting me for a hug. I ran off my chair and followed accepted it greatly.

"I missed you so much. And so does the team." My dad's voice sounded more positive than our last encounter. I smiled apologetically as he ran his hand through my hair like he always did when I was younger.

Maybe things will work out. I thought to myself quietly.

"And who's this young man?" My father motioned towards the direction of where Ryan was standing. Ryan lifted a hand and smiled meekly.

"This is Ryan." I said with slight disdain. I was hoping to achieve a better response if I played on the right type of words.

"Oh yeah, you're the Evans' kids right?" My dad stuck his hand out for Ryan to shake. Ryan reached forward and shook; applying enough pressure that represented what a gentleman he was.

"Yeah that's me Coach Bolton." Ryan's voice was just as nervous as mine. I could see a bead of sweat starting to form around his brow.

"Good grip there son." From the look on my dad's face, he was obviously thinking and most likely trying be cautious with the next few words that were going to come out of his mouth.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" There was a feeling of seriousness to my dad's tone. Apparently, he wanted answers. And as of this moment, it was now or never. Ryan gulped so loud that I could hear it from where I was standing.

"Well Coach Bolton, you see, the thing is..." Ryan looked over at me with his captivating blue eyes. I couldn't help but nod; even though my own fear was overpowering all other emotions.

Ryan quickly strode over next to me. He looked at me and nodded; inadvertently asking me if I was sure about doing this. I nodded in approval; hoping that this will all end well.

The tension in the air became more and more awkward with each passing moment. The silence started to grow unbearable.

At that moment, I felt Ryan's hand quickly grabbed my hand and he squeezed it tightly. I squeezed back approvingly.

"Troy and I are boyfriends." Ryan said; his voice becoming tiny, almost a whisper. I braced myself; judging by the new found strength in Ryan's gasp, he was tensing up as much as I was.

"Well," My dad eyed Ryan carefully, scanning him from head to toe. He sent a double take from Ryan to me and from me to Ryan. Then, as if by some strange, unknown reason, a wide smile spread across his face.

"Welcome to the family."

And for the first time in my life, I started crying. Not because of anger or depression or any of those negative emotions that most people associate with crying.

I was crying because I could finally breathe easier…

A/N: Sorry for the extremely long update. School and life have really gotten to me the past few months. Enjoy.

Will update soon.