Coming of Age

Maddie who was 6 stood up and yelled – “Uncle AJ, you say what you gotta say, we will survive.” Cheers from the kids were heard throughout the hall.

AJ looked around the room – “Parents are you ok with some less than stellar language and some adult thoughts, no graphic sex stuff?”

Amanda, Chandler, Colt and Ali all yelled out – “Come on graphic sex stuff could be fun.” The four were cautioned by their parents, other than that no objections were given so AJ carried on -

“Ok kids/parents with kids you may cover ears if needed but I’ll do my best to keep it PG13. The other thing to keep in mind – I know I will sound like a lunatic but roll with it. Here goes – FUCK ME! Ok, so I didn’t start very well. Nanny, Eva and Teddy, you effectively tied me in knots. I am humbled that I am your most thankful gift this year, I honestly don’t see myself as a gift, right now I feel more of a burden. Alright, I hear you, let me finish…

Like Scott, my most notable gift this year has been Syd. As you all know it was a roller coaster year – sometimes an absolute shit show but holy fuck, sorry, it was out of this world awesome as well. The cancer diagnosis, a shit show. The birth of our boys was the absolute best thing that I have ever witnessed in my short life. Cancer treatment, horrid. Cancer free – top of the damn world. School – incredible feeling and we kicked ass that semester. Celebration – DISASTER, she had the nerve to die on me. Sorry, I’m still all over the place because of that cluster fuck, sorry again not PG13 after all.

Syd being Syd has not given me a moment to wallow in my pain. She has been on my ass since the day she died to not give up on love, don’t focus on my next epic love’s gender, find the person that completes you, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Not only has she been harassing me, but she was also kicking others in the butt; Scott, Eva, JR, Charlene, Elliot, Mama and Pops to name a few. She turned me gay, made me fall for this gorgeous hunk of man flesh next to me and has given me hope for the future. I’m still holding on by a thread because her death gutted me and the holidays are proving to be another freaking mess – one minute I’m decking my ass of an uncle because his mouth pissed me off, then the next I’m singing with that said ass. On top of the world when I asked Scott to marry me, then he asked me to marry him.

Know that I’m beyond thankful that I had an epic love even for the briefest moment in time with Syd. I know I am a mess, my only ask is for your patience and love as I get my act together.”

Nanny was in tears as she called out to Colt but he handed the microphone to Amanda but before she could get going AJ yelled out – “I love you all.”

Amanda stood up, grabbed the microphone wiping tears from her eyes – “I know we are breaking protocol but those of us under 18 got together yesterday at Mimi and Papi’s house and talked through what we are thankful for and we all agreed it is the same thing, so I was elected to be our spokesperson.

As my Uncle/Brother so poignantly pointed out – it has been an incredibly hard year for this family. What we are most thankful for is our family. We came together this week, albeit a cluster, Skeeter you don’t always have to add the naughty word, to start with to support one of our own who is hurting.

He is usually the glue that holds us together and our parents, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and their families have come together to be the glue that holds him together. Skeeter, you mean the world to everyone in this room. You put everyone’s needs before your own, you are the best parts of both Mimi and Papi, you embody the best of Nanny, Papa, Gams and Gramps.  

We are so very thankful you are in our lives and we want you to know that you are our hero. We want you to know we are here for you and that even heroes need a hug.”

With that AJ was swarmed by his nieces, nephews and cousins. The adults, starting with Cheryl and Stephanie stood and applauded the kids.

AJ grabbed the microphone from Amanda. He started singing “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips
You're trying hard not to show it
But baby, baby I know it

You lost that lovin' feelin'
Whoa, that lovin' feelin'
You lost that lovin' feelin'
Now it's gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh

…

Bring back that lovin' feelin'
Whoa, that lovin' feelin'
Bring back that lovin' feelin'
'Cause it's gone, gone, gone

Amanda, Chandler, Colt, Ali and the rest of the family that knew the song joined in. When AJ finished singing, he kissed Scott full on the mouth and whispered in his ear – ‘I love you to the moon and back my Sam.’

Scott whispered in response – ‘Always and forever my Taz.’

Nanny came in over her microphone as she approached the dessert table – “The desserts are ready for those that want a sweet treat. Aaron Jonathan O’Brien, I’m gonna tan your hide.”

Scott looked at AJ with a half-smile – “When did you get into the pies?”

AJ cocked his head and tried to pull off his innocent look. Scott laughed loudly – “You are so busted.”

AJ shook his head – “There is absolutely no proof that I did anything. Old woman what are you cackling about over there?”

Nanny was on to her favorite grandson – “Skeeter, don’t play games with me. I know it was you that ate part of the pie.”

Amanda and the rest of the kids piped up – “No he didn’t, it was me.” Was sung out in chorus from the youngins. Nanny said sternly – “Then you had your fill no dessert for any of you.”

AJ had his microphone – “Ignore the old crone. Scott and I made all the yummy cupcakes and I say who gets any. You all can have one of each.”

AJ jumped up on a chair and looked his Nanny in the eye sang out – “

Long long time ago, I can still remember

How that music used to make me smile

And I knew if I had my chance

That I could make those people dance (many had started)

And maybe they'd be happy for a while

But February made me shiver

With every paper I'd deliver

Bad news on the doorstep

I couldn't take one more step

I can't remember if I cried

When I read about her widowed groom

But something touched me deep inside

The day the music died

So bye-bye, Miss American Pie

Drove my Chevy to the levee

But the levee was dry

Them good old kids were eatin coconut and pumpkin

Singing, "I don’t need no stinking pie"

This will be the day that we eat cake.

Ok, so not my best improvisation but you all get the point. I love you, old crone. Those pies were delicious.”

Before anyone could say anything further, JR took the microphone – “That’s the fun-loving AJ I like to see. Son, I love you like you were mine from the beginning. I hope you all will indulge me for a few minutes while I give AJ and Scott a couple of things as they get ready to set off on their journey south.

Scott – these last 7 months have been a growing experience for both of us. God willing you will be able to keep up with the Tasmanian Devil standing next to you. I’m fairly certain you will but it will be like trying to tame the wind. Your mom and I were surprised when we found out we were having you but after the initial shock wore off, we realized that we needed you to round out our family. When you arrived and were growing up it became clear you were a light in our family.

When your mom died, you gave up everything to hang out with your old man in Pullman. I was humbled. When you met AJ, I thought you had hit your head or were playing a prank on me but you droned on for months about how much you loved this man, that you were head over heels for him and could not see life without him. It was so bad that I eventually banned you from talking about him, my sanity was in question.

As I got to know him, I saw that the two of you were indeed gone for each other. I know Syd has played a role in getting you together which is something else to get my head around.

Sorry, sidetracked – Scott/AJ I would like to give you a couple of things from our family to hopefully make the next 4 years easier to cope with. Come up here and open the box.”

Scott opened the box handed to him by JR – he pulled out the leather messenger bag, he recognized it immediately. Opening the flap – his mother’s initials were under the flap in silver lettering. As he was examining the bag he found two small boxes inside – one had his name on it and one had AJ’s name on it, there was also a letter in the zipper pocket addressed to him and one to his dad.

He handed AJ his box. They looked at each other and opened the boxes. Scott knew where the crosses came from without reading the notes, he immediately hugged his dad with tears in his eyes. AJ was reading the note inside the box, as he read on tears were running down his face. He put the cross on and hugged JR – “Thank you for welcoming me into your heart and family.”

Teddy and Mel joined their father in hugging AJ and Scott. They both told their father that they loved him and that the gifts were 100% the right fit as usual when he gave his kids and spouse something from his family legacy. Teddy pulled AJ into a bear hug – “Listen you scrawny little kid, you are part of the family and I’m sorry for being an ass. The changes in my brother since meeting you have been HUGE and I see now that he loves you just as much as you love him. And you do have one fine ass.”

Scott punched Teddy in the arm – “Hands off my man. Damn, I never in my life thought I would be saying that to my brother. God, I’m so gay.” Scott pulled AJ into a passionate kiss. They were lost in each other at that moment. They continued to kiss each other until there were little tugs on their legs – “Uppy, uppy.” They pulled apart and quickly picked up the two little monkeys. JT and Teddy smacked their hard cocks and told them both they needed to put those weapons away or they were going to hurt someone.

Scott handed the letter addressed to JR and handed it to him – “I take it you didn’t know these were in there. Looks like Mom knew eventually you would give this to me.” They both had tears in their eyes. AJ hugged them both – “Go upstairs and read the letters. It is the right time and you should do this together. We will all be here when you are done. I love you both.”

Both men hugged AJ and JR quietly said to the boys – “AJ, amid your personal shit show, you are still taking care of others. I am humbled in your presence and could not ask for a better life partner for my son than you.” Scott and JR made their way upstairs.

AJ grabbed his boys in a Dada hug – “so let’s go get some cupcakes.” AJ led the boys to the cupcake table but they were having none of it. They wanted PIE. AJ knew he was in for it now. He took Conor and Caleb by the hand and headed for the cupcake table. When they got there, the boys shook their heads and pointed at the pie.

They approached the pie table and Nanny was giving her most disapproving look toward AJ. AJ whispered in Caleb’s ear, who walked over and tugged on Nanny’s pant leg – “Nana, pie pwease.” Her heart melted and she asked him what kind he wanted. He pointed at the huckleberry. Nanny asked Conor what he wanted and he pointed at the chocolate one. Nanny grabbed a slice of each and called Evie and Charlene over to feed pie to their grandbabies. She made a point of telling them that AJ was not allowed even one bite.

AJ kissed Nanny’s cheek – “You know I only ate the pie because I love your baking so much. If you sucked at it like mom, I would not have been tempted. Ouch, damn it, mama that was not called for, you know you can’t bake to save your life.” Nanny laughed openly and pinched AJ’s stomach.

She grabbed a slice of apple pie and went to hand it to AJ. He declined and let her know if there was any pie left at the end, he would eat it but his craving had been sated by his bad behavior. He kissed her cheek again and walked away.

Scott had come back down and watched the exchange with delight. He walked over and kissed Nanny’s cheek – “I love you, Nanny. You are a delight and wonderful person to the core; I believe that is where AJ gets his humanity. My guess is that your husband is the reason we have the devil may care a headstrong streak. I want you to know I love every facet of him and will crawl over hot glass to protect him. Not that he needs it but I can’t imagine my life without him. I understand his devastation with the loss of Syd.”

Nanny handed the pie to Scott – “My dear boy thank you for the kind words. If you knew his other grandparents you would see all of us in him but he marches to his own drum and for that, I thank God every day. None of the rest of us saw the pain in Eva’s eyes and the damage Mat was doing to her. AJ did and come what may made a difference.

He did the same thing with Teddy. He went all in to salvage that relationship and it appears to have worked out for everyone. I told you once, that he is my favorite. He is the only one that can call me old and live to see another day. I see my husband in his eyes every time I am around him. I can deny him nothing.” She hugged Scott and kissed his cheek. “He loves you with his whole being, please protect his heart for me. I can’t stand seeing him in pain.”

Scott hugged Nanny and assured her, he had everything in hand. He promised that he would always love AJ, and assured her he would hurt AJ but that he would never break his heart. You can’t have passion without some hurt involved it’s not possible and Nanny understood what Scott meant. The two hugged again before Scott set off to eat his apple pie.

The rest of the day was spent catching up and talking with family members. JR and his family were fully accepted and integrated into Evie and JJ’s families. Christmas plans were being discussed and AJ made sure to let his entire family know they were more than welcome to come and spend time with them in Hunts Point. He knew the family traditions would see his cousins heading to other family or staying and celebrating that holiday as a family unit not part of the larger clan.

Growing up, Christmas was always spent with his parents and siblings and if schedules aligned, a Christmas Eve party with the entire clan but Thanksgiving was the big holiday for everyone to come together and catch up with each other.

Mama, Pops and Nanny would be staying with AJ and Scott this year. Everyone would have their time alone at their homes in the morning but everyone would converge at AJ’s around 9 AM for a big home-cooked breakfast. The wedding would take place around 3 PM on the patio with heaters and blankets as needed.

Once the ceremony was done, Christmas Dinner would be served and cake would be the dessert. AJ insisted he had that covered, which was a little suspicious given the ferocity he displayed but it was dropped. Scott saw the wheels turning in his stunning fiancé but was going to let it go for today.

It was very late and the monkeys crashed out on Scott and AJ. It was time to get them all to bed, everyone was saying good night. It had been a long, emotional roller coaster of a day for everyone but it was what an O’Brien/O’Connor Thanksgiving was all about. Evie and Charlene took Conor and Caleb from Scott and AJ, Evie kissed both men’s cheeks – “We got this, why don’t you two go for a walk and unwind a bit.”

AJ interlaced his fingers with Scott and headed for the rear door of the barn. They walked through the orchards until they reached a small clearing between the trees and grape vines. In the center stood a large rustic Celtic cross in what was a small fountain. Scott looked closer and found that the river rock at the base of the cross was actually in a rubber liner, the sound of water was a result of water bubbling from the top of the cross and cascading over the sides and down into the water within the rocks.

As he continued to inspect the monument, he found individual plaques standing in the rocks. On those plaques were the names, dates of birth and death going back several generations. He noticed AJ staring at one in particular, on it had Sydney Marie O’Brien / DOB 5.28.1983 / DOD 4.30.2005.

Scott walked up behind AJ and held him tightly, not saying a word but communicating so much with his touch. They stood there for several minutes not moving or saying a word. AJ eventually turned to face Scott – “Thank you.” He then interlaced his fingers with Scott’s and began walking back to Mama and Pops’ place. As they entered the house, Evie and Charlene were still sitting in the family room talking. They went to say their goodnights but were roped into the conversation about Conor and Caleb.

Charlene waded in – “Evie and I have been talking and want to make certain that you are both ok not having the boys with you for the next two weeks. AJ let me finish. On paper it makes sense – you have a ton of things to wrap up. School finals, papers and making sure your diploma is in place. Scott, we know you will be taking point on getting all your stuff organized, packed and ready for the movers.

Having the boys under foot will add complexity but AJ are you ready to be without them? We both are excited about having them with us but we also know that they are a lifeline for you. Don’t answer tonight, think about it and let us know before we all head out on Sunday.”

Scott and AJ hugged and kissed the two women before heading off to bed. AJ was 100% certain having the boys spend time with the grandparents was the right thing to do. What he wasn’t certain of – could he make it through?

As Scott and AJ crawled into bed, Scott pulled AJ into the little spoon position and wrapped them in the blankets – “Taz, whatever you decide will be the right thing to do. I will be there for you no matter what. I love you to the moon and back.”

AJ pulled Scott’s arms tighter around him – “Always and forever Sam.”

AJ was up at 5:30 as normal. He got into his wet suit, leaned over Scott and kissed his cheek. What he wasn’t expecting was Scott grabbing him and rolling him over and lying on top of him with his morning wood poking his stomach. Scott kissed him deeply – “You little turd, give me 3 minutes and I’ll be dressed and ready to go with you. Your little stealth attempt is not accepted this morning.”

Scott was dressed and pulling AJ off the bed in record time. “Ok Sam, you seem to be more energetic than normal, what gives?” Scott smiled – “I love you.” He was running down the dock and diving in before AJ moved. When he surfaced, he began swimming up the lake and did not look back. AJ shook his head and ran down the dock and dove into the water. He caught Scott pretty quickly and went under the water and came up under him, grabbing his cock through his wetsuit.

Scott was instantly hard – “Taz, you are such a dork. Not only am I a slower swimmer than you but my dick is hard and will be more drag in the water.” Scott kissed AJ as the two trodden water. “You know we could have stayed in bed and done something about… It’s too cold for that, stop trying to take my wet suit off. Taz you are a pervert on top of being a dork.” AJ pulled him into another kiss – “Ok Sam, I’ll stop molesting my cock.” Scott cocked his head to the side – “You were molesting my cock.” AJ chuckled – “No sir, I was molesting my cock this was officially mine earlier this week when you agreed to marry me. I have not touched your cock, except to pee since that day.”

Scott laughed hysterically – “You really are a dork. I love you to the moon and back but you are a dork, my dork, forever and always.”

AJ squeezed again – “I’ll take that Sam – Always and forever. By the way, the boys are spending the next two weeks with their grandmas. You will need to be my emotional support but they need to get used to surviving without their Dada and Sam. You know what, unless you are excited about the morning swim I would like to go back and make love to you in the shower.”

Scott started swimming toward the dock. AJ chuckled, ok so Sam is randy – score one for Taz. AJ swam back to the dock and pulled himself out of the water just behind Scott, man he loved the view of his ass. AJ pulled his wetsuit off and slid into the hot tub he had turned on before they went into the lake.

Scott made his way to the outdoor shower, just before he turned on the shower, he heard the hot tub blower go on and turned to see AJ sitting there with a shit-eating grin on his face and a come hither look in his eyes. Scott was instantly HARD as stone. God that man turned him on so freaking much. It was still slightly dark so he made his way to the tub – he was going to go with the flow and have sex with AJ in the open. He was trying to get over his aversion to having sex where he could be seen.

Scott stepped into the tub, before he could submerge AJ had his cock buried in his throat – “FFFUUUUUCCCKKK MMMMEEEE.” AJ pulled off – “Slow down Sam, we’ll get there but I need to taste your baby batter.” Scott chuckled – “You dork, you know what I meant…” AJ winked as he swallowed Scott to the root. AJ slid a spit-soaked finger in Scott’s ass and went to work. He wanted Scott’s cum and he was in an all-out assault on both Scott’s cock as well as his prostate.

Scott’s legs began to shake, his prostate hardened and AJ doubled down on his assault. It took less than 3 minutes for Scott to start blowing his first load – AJ made him ride the O wave for a minute or more. Scott was still not used to the pleasure AJ gave him, he opened his eyes and realized that he had AJ’s head firmly in his grip. He could tell AJ was smiling at him around his cock, at that very moment AJ removed his two fingers and immediately inserted three and squeezed his prostate. Scott groaned and his legs gave out, AJ held him upright for a moment and slowly let him slide into the water as his cock came free of AJ’s mouth.

AJ gently pushed Scott into a seat and laid across his body and kissed him deeply sharing a portion of his first load. Scott groaned as AJ ground his cock into his taint – “I know better but I have to ask – will you just make love to me already?”

AJ smiled and slid his cock lower and breached Scott’s well-lubed and open hole. Scott’s eyes flew open – “Thank you, God, I love you so fucking much.” AJ slid gently into Scott and bottomed out before he spoke – “Sam, you are my world and I love being so connected to you. I’m going to cum quickly because I need you inside me.”

They were so connected that the world could have ended and they would have been oblivious. They came together, AJ filled Scott’s ass and Scott loaded up the hot tub. AJ remained buried in Scott’s ass, flexing his cock as he kissed and toyed with his neck, nipples and ears. AJ felt Scott’s cock harden, he pulled his cock out of Scott’s ass and mounted his cock as he sank onto that gorgeous member he growled out – “Fuck that feels awesome.” Scott’s eyes flew open – “Are you fucking with me or are you serious right now?” AJ was trying to keep his shit together; he had bottomed several times and it got better each time. He still preferred to top but this was pretty fucking awesome.

AJ smiled – “I would never lie to you. This is the best it has ever been. I will tell you; it is nothing compared to being completely inside you and making you cum without touching your cock.”

Scott laughed – “You know I’m mad about having you inside me but this is pretty freaking awesome too.” AJ winked at him – “I will bottom for you anytime you want but know I could easily get into topping only.” Scott flexed his cock – “Ain’t going to happen Taz, I’ve got a taste of your ass and I will always want to deposit my cum deep inside you.”

They began kissing and working to get another orgasm going. Scott was close – “Taz are you close?” AJ started squeezing his anal walls around Scott’s cock and worked hard to get him off. Scott growled out – “I’m cumming.” AJ milked him until his cock started to go soft. He slid off of Scott’s lap and slowly inserted his cock back inside Scott.

When he bottomed out, he started to kiss and play with Scott’s body. Scott was hard again and AJ started to slowly make love to him. 15 minutes later they were climbing out of the hot tub and AJ had to help Scott out – his legs were a bit wobbly. AJ grabbed two towels and dried Scott off, JT and Teddy arrived just as AJ wrapped the towel around Scott’s waist. AJ started drying himself off as Teddy whistled at him – “Scooter, I commend you for being able to take that slab of meat swinging between his legs.”

AJ wrapped the towel around his waist – “Teddy, you can be a great guy and then you turn into such an ass. Why are Scott’s ass and my cock such a focus of your mind? Why isn’t it my ass and Scott’s cock?”

Teddy chuckled – “I’m assuming that you are more of a top, just like your big brother.”

Scott shook his head, grabbed AJ’s hand and headed inside – “Teddy AJ’s right you are an ass.”