The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are entirely fortuitous. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. If such content offends you please leave now. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written authority from the author. Write Bobby at this address with your comments.

"Dad, wait a second, I can explain this!" Brett began. I stood behind him cowering in fear of what was coming.

"I can't believe what I am seeing in here!" his dad shouted.

"Dad, please, I can explain!"

"No, there is no excuse for this, Brett. You should be ashamed of yourself! That is so disgusting!"

"Please...dad..." Brett pleaded, tears flowing from his eyes.

"Get out of this room right now. Go wait in my office." President Malcolm ordered.

"B-but dad..."

"No buts! I said get out! Now!" His dad stepped towards us, but Brett was too fast. He pulled me out of his room, and we ran down the hall to his dad's office.

When we entered the room, Brett was shaking from fright. Tears were gently rolling down his cheeks. I can't say I was in any better shape. Being outted to the President was one thing, but when he finds out in a way that was never planned, especially considering he's your dad, well that can be devastating. Brett definitely seems devastated. It seemed like an eternity before his dad came storming into the office.

"What have you got to say for yourself, young man?" his father asked him.

"I'm sorry for being a disappointment, dad. I'll leave as soon as I can if you'd like." Brett sadly spoke. The words were so desperate, so very, very sad. It took a lot of inner strength to keep from crying out in a fury.

"Disappointment? Move out? Why would I want you to move out?" President Malcolm confusedly asked. He moved closer to Brett slowly as if not wanting to scare him.

"For what you saw. I'm so sorry that I'm a disappointment to you, but I'm not sorry for who I am." Brett said, looking up and meeting his father's confused gaze.

"Sorry for who you are? Brett, what are you talking about?"

"What you saw when you walked in my room."

President Malcolm sat next to him on the sofa and grabbed him in a hug. "Brett, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. How could you even think I would kick you out over something so small?"

"You freaked out when you saw me and Tanner."

I looked up and met the President's eyes. They were warm and bright like Brett's, but there was major confusion showing in them. The way he keeps looking at us is getting me confused as well. All of a sudden, President Malcolm began to laugh hysterically.

"What could possibly be so funny?" Brett asked. His father didn't answer, however. He just kept laughing. Brett hung his head in shame.

After a few seconds, his dad finally was able to talk. "Brett, I wasn't angry at what I saw you and Tanner doing!"

"What!?" Brett and I both said in shock.

"There was a dead rat in the corner of your room. I just didn't want you boys in there while it was removed."

"Eww, a dead rat?" I said.

Brett chuckled. "I have no idea how a rat even got in my room."

"Luckily I saw it before it started to rot!" his dad said.

"So, you're not mad that I'm...I'm gay?" Brett asked.

"Nope," his dad replied. "Your mother and I already talked about every possible thing you could become. Being gay was the least of our worries." He stood up and paced around.

"Wait, how did you already know I was gay without me telling you? I know for a fact that I don't act gay."

"When you were still in your mother's stomach, the two of us discussed everything about you. The topic of homosexuality was brought up by my brother. We didn't falter, though. If you turned out to be gay, then we would easily accept that." President Malcolm was being much more rational than I had previously suspected. I was actually getting ready to be thrown out of The White House. "You see, Brett, good parents don't wait until something happens to their child to discuss it. Good parents already resolve everything before they even happen."

"Wow, thanks, dad." Brett gushed. "What about Tanner?"

"What do you mean?"

"He's allowed to come here and stuff still, right?"

"Of course he is! I'm assuming you two are boyfriends?"

"Yes, sir," Brett answered, smiling at me.

"Well, that's great. We do need to discuss something important though." President Malcolm began. "You two must be very discreet outside of this property. I'm not ashamed of having a gay son, but you both must understand that something like this could ruin my term."

"I understand, dad," Brett said, still smiling as wide as ever. "Thanks for being so understanding." He stood up and hugged his dad.

President Malcolm did something that surprised me. He walked up to me and gave me a hug. I felt a tad bit uncomfortable seeing as how I was in just boxers and a shirt. Of course, Brett was in just boxers so I felt a little better about myself. After our little talk, the two of us went back to his bedroom and got into bed.

"Brett, you know how you knocked on my front door today?" I asked him.

"Yeah,"

"Well, don't do that again, okay? I don't want my mom to see you. I'll show you where my bedroom window is." I said sadly.

"How're things going at home?"

"They're okay. Mom hasn't beat me in a while so that's pretty good."

"Tanner, whenever she touches you in any way I want you to call me and I will be at your house before you know it!"

"We don't have a phone at my house, Brett."

"Oh, well, that does appear to be a problem. Just get out of the house, okay? I don't want you to get hurt."

"I don't know, Brett. That would only make her-"

"I don't want excuses, Tanner. Promise me, okay?"

"Okay, I promise."

Brett kissed the back of my neck, then held me tighter against his chest. Today was filled with surprises, all of which were pleasant. I now have someone special that I can call my boyfriend. The best part is his dad knows about us and is completely okay with it. Only his mom is left to tell, and according to his dad, she should be just as okay with it. Enough worrying tonight, though. Thursday I graduate from high school and then real life begins.

* * *

I was sitting on a bench with seven hundred other seniors surrounding me. For the past forty minutes, the principal of the high school and the Superintendent have talked about the goals that everyone has reached and the pride they should take in that. The moment everyone has been waiting for finally arrived; the moment your name was called and you would be able to walk up onto the stage and receive your high school diploma. The excitement level of everyone was at an all time high. Not only is it the excitement of being here today, but also the pure pride of wearing a cap and gown.

Most students invite their parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings. I, however, invited no one as I have no one. I did invite Brett, but him and his parents were at some sort of party. He seemed very sad that he couldn't be here tonight, but I understand. The party he's at is surely more fun than this stupid event...

When it was my turn in line to walk up on the stage and take the diploma out of the principal's hand, I looked out into the crowd. Hundreds of faces stared back at me. The fright began to build and legs suddenly felt like Jell-o. But that all changed when I saw three people rushing into the small stadium. It took me a moment to realize who they were, but when I did, all of my fears were suddenly lifted away. Those three people were Brett and his mom and dad. My gaze met Brett's and I just couldn't stop the smile that began to grow.

"Tanner Foreman," the principal said.

With pride and glory, not to mention sheer happiness, I calmly walked up to the podium and slowly took the diploma out of the principal's hand. For a brief second, I glanced out at the crowd again. To my amazement, Mrs. Malcolm was taking...pictures. She was taking pictures of me at one of my finest moments. Why can't my mom at least even watch me get my diploma? I mean, fuck! She could've left right at this moment. No. I can't even allow myself to think about her on my day.

Once all the diplomas were handed out, fireworks were lit off, confetti was shot in the air, and the roar of the crowd grew from unbearable to completely deafening. Students and their families gathered after the calming of everything. I maneuvered my way through all the people and found Brett. He was smiling uncontrollably.

"I am so proud of you." he whispered in my ear while grasping me in a hug.

My eyes flushed with water, but I held the tears back. "Thanks, Brett,"

"Congratulations Tanner," Mrs. Malcolm said. She looked pretty proud as if I was her own son.

Let me get you up to speed here. Mrs. Malcolm came home two days after Mr. Malcolm got home. Brett told her he was gay and, as anticipated, she was completely okay with it. That same day, Brett came to pick me up from my house so I could meet his mom because she really wanted to meet me. And I mean really wanted to meet me! Anyways, when I did meet her, she grabbed me in a hug and immediately began feeding me. Now, I don't mean like she hand fed me, no. We went to the dining room where their chef prepared every freaking thing in the world for me to eat. During that meal, the four of us just had nice conversation.

"Tonight we're going out to celebrate, Tanner. Anywhere you want to eat we can go." Mr. Malcolm said. Their disguises surprised me. In fact, if I didn't recognize Brett's disguise so well I probably never would've known who they were.

"Well, um, I don't really know any places..." I trailed off feeling slightly embarrassed of my extremely limited background.

"Don't worry, babe, we'll find somewhere really good."

Brett and his parents came in a black limousine. I took notice at all the black, black SUVs around us. Some were down the street, up the street, behind us, and in front of us. I don't want to sound greedy or anything like that, but dating Brett feels pretty great. Of course, it's more than just his title that makes it great. It's his ability to take my breath away every single time we're together. Before we went to a restaurant, they had Niles pull off to the side of the road so that I could change out of my cap and gown. That was finished in a matter of seconds, and then we were back on the road. Brett helped me choose an Italian place to eat at. We ordered our drinks and just talked.

Later on back at The White House, Brett and I rested upon his bed, him holding me tight. My birthday is in four days, but he doesn't know that. Honestly, I don't plan on telling him either. I don't want him doing something extreme for me. I'm not used to doing anything on my birthdays. Mom hasn't always been so generous for me.

"Tanner, how would you feel about... Uh, you know what? Never mind." Brett said nervously.

"Um, okay," I chuckled.

Brett shifted and grabbed his phone. "It's vibrating. I need to take this."

"But I didn't hear-"

"Uh huh, dad, I'll be right there." Brett said. "I'll be right back, Tanner. My dad needs my help with something."

"Okay," I said with suspicion. When he left, I grabbed his cell phone and check his recent calls. His last call was over an hour ago.

Oh, my God, I know what this means! He knows it's my birthday on Monday! He's gonna plan something big, I can feel it! Man... A few minutes later Brett came back in the room with a huge smile on his face.

"Don't get upset," he started, "but I have something planned for your birthday."

"Brett!" I exclaimed.

"Now just wait a second. Let me tell you what's going on first."

"Fine," I pouted, crossing my arms.

"Gosh, you're cute when you're pouty!" Brett giggled. "I talked to dad about this about a week ago and he said this would also be from him and my mom. He planned a Vegas trip for you, for us."

"What!?" I sat straight up, wide eyed.

"He said to think of it not only as a birthday present, but also a graduation present. In fact, this is also a graduation present for me, too."

"Hmm,"

"So, you want to go? We'd have to leave tomorrow. They're visiting a place in California and from there I can drive."

"Brett, I'm not sure I can accept that large of a gift."

"Of course you can, Tanner. Don't forget it's also partly for me as well."

"Well, I guess I could go since it is a gift and all." I pondered aloud. "When would we be back?"

"Whenever you want to."

"All right, let's do it!" I excitedly said.

"Yes!" Brett ran out of the room, I'm guessing to tell his dad. A few minutes later, he came back and jumped into bed. The two of us fell asleep quickly with all the excitement in the world.

The next day, Brett took me shopping for some new clothes. Hours upon hours turn into hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And just when I thought we were done, he took me into a formal dressing place and bought me a suit. The price tag? Five thousand dollars! I don't know if that's a lot for a suit or not, but it is a whole hell of a lot to me. He is completely spoiling me and loving every minute of it. I like his attention, but I can't say I'm entirely okay with all this money being spent on me. Later on when we got back to his house, he told me to wait in the dining room while he went to the bathroom.

"Oh, hi, Mr. Malcolm, Mrs. Malcolm," I said as I walked into the dining room. He and Mrs. Malcolm were sitting at the table.

"Hello Tanner," Mrs. Malcolm politely said."How are you today?"

"I'm great," I replied. "I want to thank you both for the present. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to really show my gratitude enough."

"It's no problem, Tanner." Mr. Malcolm said. "You and Brett both deserve I nice vacation. Plus, we owe him a graduation present."

"Well, thank you so much."

"Tanner," Mrs. Malcolm said, "you can call us by our first names, you know?"

"I didn't want to be disrespectful."

"You're dating our son. You can call us by our first names." Mr. Malcolm said.

"Yes, sir," I meekly said. He smiled and shook his head.

Brett came in the room a few seconds later. His parents asked us if we were ready for our flight. Everyone finally explained how we'd be getting everywhere. First, we'd fly from D.C. to Dallas, Texas and then to Ontario, California. From there, Brett will be driving us to Vegas. It seems more logical to fly in, but Brett said that he would rather drive.

The time came upon us to leave for the airport. Brett washed all of my clothes before we left. They just got done drying when his parents said we had to leave. On the way to the airport, Brett and I finished folding my clothes. My suit, Brett said, would have to be dry cleaned in Las Vegas. We arrived at the airport and shuffled aboard. Upon entering, I knew Air Force One is something I will never forget.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Okay everyone, I hope you all liked chapter six! As always, feel free to write me at the e-mail address given atop every single chapter. Also feel free to join my group by clicking this link: Shades of Wisteria.

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