Mrsgnomie you had me laughing so hard at the playful rivalry during the practice game between Jay, Loren and Loren's followers at the game. Jay's homecoming was also great. One thing did bother me and that was Loren not telling Jay about the Lars incident and the discussion between Loren and his friends. That was an important piece of information.
If Loe is not upset about his parents, why is he resisting going to visit Jay's family for the holidays? For that matter why does he not accept invitations to visit the families of his friends, especially Corey's family?
Jay did use the wrong approach to convince Loren. It was demeaning as it implied Loren was broken. Loren is proud of what he accomplished on his own and Jay undermined that achievement. I don't think it was intentional, just Jay not thinking about how to say something. Jay just wants to share his family with Loren and share Loren with Jay's family. That is natural for Jay growing up in his family. Unfortunately, in spite of the love Corey's family gave him, Loren is afraid. Loren's reaction may be normal for an abuse victim so the whole concept is alien to him.
Married people have the problem each year of whose family are we going to for the holidays. Loren doesn't understand the stress he is causing Jay to pick between Loren and Jay's family. Loren needs to truthfully explain to Jay his fear of family, and also apologise to Jay for how he reacted. Then use his courage to agree to meet Jay's family. Loren overreacted and hurt Jay very much. He needs to give Jay a hug.