Connor and I packed all his shit up in my car. We didn't say anything as we did it.

The staff seemed confused as we did it, following us about: it wasn't until we packed everything that we sought Richard out. And he was in his office, talking to Mark and Todd.

We came in as he finished up a conversation.

"-for his own good."

"Kicking your son out is for his own good? What type of shit father are you?"

The trio turned towards us, and Richard seemed surprised I was there too.

"What was it that compelled you to do that? You aren't homophobic, so why does that matter?"

"He's my only son, it's not a good l-"

"Fuck that. Man up and just admit the truth! You are all pissed I didn't play into your game, get fucked by all of you at the expense of our feelings. You're mad I chose Connor and forgave him. I'm not dumb."

"Egotistical much?" Mark snorted, looking away.

"Ah yes, because telling me that everyone wanted to fuck me into next week was a lie? Grow up."

Richard looked away from us, rolling his eyes, "if he wants to come back, he needs to break up with you."

"Like hell I will!" Connor exclaimed angrily. "I love him!"

"You think you do."

That was enough, so I walked over to him and backhanded him. Slapped as hard as I could.

"How d-"

"What? You going to file charges? Who's believe you? You're the monster who disowned his own son for dating a guy. We're done here."

We left, and staff stopped us before we left.

"Did something happen?"

"Yeah, I'm dating Connor and Richard threw Connor out because of it. Your employer is a dick."

"I'll be staying with Tim for the time being, I hope to see you all again," Connor said solemnly and we continued out, heading back to mine.

I was so beyond pissed at Richard. Todd and Mark seemed to at least be opposed.

Ugh.

The entire way back, murder flooded my mind.

"God, I can't believe I was ever attracted to that asshole."

"Hey, we live and we learn," Connor consoled.

I sighed, "yeah, I know. How are you holding up?"

Connor slumped and leaned back in his seat as I drove, "I honestly don't know. I thought things would be fine."

"Well, you can stay with us for as long as you want. We could save up money and look for a place for just us if you want that. Whatever you want to do from now on, I support it."

"You're the best," he said with a content sigh. And we continued the drive. He seemed lost in thought, and i let him be.

But he did speak up as we reached my house, "what if what I wanted was to come out as a couple?"

"I have no problems with that. We just have to set up a conference for it."

"Ugh, politics suck."

"PR sucks babe." I parked the car and looked over at him, "we could get around a press conference at first, but we have to have one eventually."

"I know," he groaned. "I've always despised press conferences."

I laughed, nodding in agreement. "Definitely. Both my sister and I deal with plenty regarding our live lives since we reject marriage proposals all the time. At least now they'll have an answer."

"You're gay for your childhood best friend?"

"I'm gay for my childhood best friend."

He smiled a bit, his mood a bit better. Thankfully.

"Seriously through, whatever you need, want, I'm here to support you. I love you."

"I love you too." He pecked my lips, blushing.

We started bringing his things in and my family was very quick to help, moving him into the guest room next to my room.

And none of us really said anything else regarding what happened. We wanted to power through it. Pretend as if it never happened in the first place.

Though, we didn't forget it. All of us were confused and angry. Richard was a family friend for so long and he shredded up every piece of trust we placed in him in a single year.

But for now, we didn't say anything, just let Connor get settled in. And I stayed in his room that night, hoping it would help him adjust easier to a new environment.

And I held my arms around his waist, our legs tangled together, my head in his shoulder.

I was a bit smaller than him, but that didn't mean I couldn't be his big spoon.

"Can you believe all this bullshit is because everyone was thirsty?" Connor joked softly.

"I mean, we were all thirsty, but you were very much the respectful thirsty. Todd just grabbed my ass and insisted I wanted it."

Connor shook his head at that, "he's a dumbass. I know they didn't mean any harm, but everything about the way they approached you made me uncomfortable."

"You and me both."

He put his hands over mine, squeezing them and he kept leaning into me. "Honestly, before shit hit the fan, I was a cocky bastard. I've changed, but I was so hung up on what made me masculine and what was expected of me. I should lead relationships, I should never show emotions, I should be bold..."

"I loved you then and I love you now. Your dad was a dick for letting you believe that you had to be that way."

"Thank you," he whispered. "I like being vulnerable with you. I like that you lead sometimes but are okay with me leading to, and seem to enjoy whatever we go through."

I pressed a kiss to the side of his neck, "I do. I like that I can bare my all for you and you aren't afraid to bare your all for me."

He giggled at that, and I loved the way it sounded.

"Now, we," I began, hugging him tightly, "should get some sleep. I wanna help you unpack properly."

"Mmmhmmm. Alright. Love you."

"Love you too baby."

"Pet names already? Sweet cheeks, you warm my heart."

"Babe, don't make me break out the corny ones."

Connor snickered and relaxed into me, "alright, alright, I'll sleep. Goodnight."

"Night."

And we passed out like that, staying closeZ