Coming of Age

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

AJ and Scott made their way into the house. As soon as the door closed AJ smelled coffee and headed for the kitchen. Scott was hesitant to follow but did anyway, he needed to get more comfortable with being semi-naked in front of other people. AJ kissed his Mama on the cheek and bid her good morning. He grabbed two cups and poured some coffee. Evie walked over to Scott and kissed his cheek – “Son, you are going to have to relax around me. I get that your fiancé is a free spirit and doesn’t give two thoughts about being completely naked in front of anyone. I also know that you are not the same so be comfortable and don’t let Skeeter’s laze fare attitude make you feel like you need to be more like him.”

Scott’s ears turned pink and he looked down a bit. Evie continued – “So my precious baby just dropped his towel to prove a point, didn’t he?” Scott nodded and took the cup of coffee from AJ who had flung his towel over his shoulder kissed his mama’s cheek and headed to his room.

Scott cleared his throat – “He’s a handful but I’m up for the challenge. I never thought I would say this about anyone let alone another man – I would move heaven and earth to make him happy.”

Evie hugged Scott – “I know he feels the same way about you. He is the same around you that he was Syd and it is clear you complete him.” Evie kissed Scott’s cheek again and went back to getting breakfast started.

Scott headed to their room and ran smack into his sister Mel, nearly spilling his coffee on both of them. Mel smiled a knowing smile – “Scooter, it does my heart good to see you so happy. I didn’t like Maureen but I was shocked when you told us you had a boyfriend. I have come to realize that who we are attracted to and fall in love with is not something we should try and control or fight. Watching the two of you together does my heart good – two formerly ‘straight’ men realizing that their souls are meant to be together. I love you both.”

Mel kissed his cheek and started for the kitchen, she called over her shoulder – “Skeeter has also been good for your body – if you weren’t my brother, I’d be chasing that fine ass chassis.” She was laughing hysterically as Scott made his way to their bedroom.

Scott turned to close the door and found himself pinned up against it with a hard muscular body pressing against his back and a mouth devouring his neck. Scott moaned – “Do with me as you will but hurry before my fiancé finds us. Ouch, you didn’t need to bite me.”

AJ went back to manhandling Scott. He knelt behind his man and removed the towel – “Fuck me, you are the finest specimen of manhood I have seen.” He dove into Scott’s ass like he was starving. Scott growled his approval and shoved his ass back toward the invading tongue. AJ was getting his cum and Scott’s juices on his tongue, it drove him to try and get his entire tongue up that wonderful backside. AJ finally could not take it anymore, he grabbed Scott and tossed him onto the bed, and drove all 12 inches into that tunnel – “GAAAWWWDDD you drive me insane – you taste delicious head to toe, your scent drives me wild and your ass is made for my cock.”

Scott was horny as hell – “Stop talking and make love to me.” AJ did not need to be asked twice. He pulled out all the stops and Scott shot two loads by the time AJ unloaded in his ass again. The unfortunate thing for the two men was, that they had not locked the door and just as they both climaxed in walked Steve, Brett, Brent, and Chase.

Chase could not resist – “Looks like Popo needs the pink lace dress.” AJ didn’t miss a beat – “Chantel, Popo could not handle what we just did if he were not all man.” AJ whispered into Scott’s ear – ‘wrap your legs around me and I’m going to get us in the shower.’

The two men made their way to the shower, kissing, groping, and in general continuing to come down from their explosive orgasms. When they hit the shower, AJ lifted Scott off his still-hard cock and took some of the cum from his cock and Scott’s chest, and massaged Scott’s cock and his ass. He turned around and leaned forward – you need to scratch that itch back there. Scott was floored that AJ was still in the mood for another round but his cock had a beautiful target and he slid slow and steady into AJ’s lava tube.

When he bottomed out AJ yelled very loudly – “That’s it, Sam, right there use that fat cock to pound my prostate. Harder, faster, make me cum.” Scott was horny and on the verge of shooting again, he grabbed AJ’s cock and started pounding away at his ass and the gorgeous cock. He brought them both to another orgasm. As he pulled out of AJ’s ass, he dropped to his knees and French kissed that wonderful hole.

They showered and cleaned each other up, dried off, and went back into the bedroom nude to grab clothes. The four musketeers were all there looking horned up and caught off guard that Scott was nude in front of them. AJ was in a mood so he dropped to his knees and sucked Scott’s cock into his mouth. Scott shivered – “Taz, I need a break. You fucked 6 orgasms out of me this morning and I just fucked another one out. Jr. is a little tired.” AJ stood and kissed Scott and chewed on his neck and ear.

When he was finished, he pulled on his underwear and shorts – “Oh you guys are still here. Sorry, I was caught up with my man.”

Brent laughed out loud – “God you two are gorgeous and hot as hell when you are sexing it up. AJ it is good to see you happy, in love, and embracing a full life. I know this next part is going to come out wrong so bear with me – I knew you were a goner when I saw you look at Syd way back when. I see that same look in your eyes now that you have found Scott. I’m truly happy for you both.” With that Brent cross the room and hugged both men. Scott had a tear rolling down his face and AJ was leaking water like a faucet. All five men hugged him in a group hug. “Thank you for being my friends – you have been there with me from the moment we met back on the river a few years ago.”

AJ and Scott grabbed shirts and the 6 friends headed to the media room. As the door closed to the bedroom little feet were running down the hall – “Dada, Dada, Dada, Sam…” AJ scooped both boys up giving them fart kisses on the neck. They both shrieked their approval and love for their Dada. “God, I love you monkeys.” AJ was tearing up again. “Man, I knew the holidays were going to be a roller coaster for me, but why can’t I stop the water works.” More kisses from the boys made the tears run more freely.

AJ kissed both boys – “Ok, what movie do you want to watch with the musketeers?” The boys both yelled – “wiwwy” AJ smiled and headed upstairs. Brett was muttering as they went – “what the hell movie is wiwwy?” Scott answered before AJ could – “Free Willy. Taz, there is no reason for more tears on my ability to understand our boys.”

AJ smiled – “Bless you.” Scott chuckled and shook his head – “That was not called for…”

Steve was lost – “What are you talking about Scott, he didn’t say anything bad.” Scott leaned in and whispered – ‘That is his way of telling me to fuck off when the boys are around.”

Steve laughed – “AJ I’m on your side with that one. Bless you, Scott, and the horse your road in on. Your man is a mess right now and you are giving him grief for loving you. AJ, I’m sure that I could convince Brett to let you be our third if Scott here continues to be a thorn in your side. Ouch, Scott that was not called for.”

The 6 friends continued to banter and as they walked into the media room, they were told to shush by AJ’s siblings who were watching ‘It’s a wonderful life’. AJ was thankful that it was near the end, he whispered loudly to the boys – ‘you’ll have to wait until the old people watch this boring old movie.’ Pillows were thrown and hisses of ‘SSHHHHH’ were heard. When the final lines of the movie were said AJ theatrically joined in –  

‘Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. That's right, that's right’

AJ was swapping out the movie for ‘Free Willy’. His siblings were complaining that they were going to watch another Christmas movie. He was clear that wasn’t happening and if they did want to watch one, there were media rooms in the barn and Gams/Gramp's house. He also pointed out that the six god-like men could take them all. Gina laughed loudly – ‘god-like my ass.’

Scott was quick to respond – “Gina you have a fine ass but godlike it ain’t, now your brother’s that may qualify.” JT chimed in – “Scott thank you for complimenting my ass.”

Chase walked over to JT – “Stand up old man.” JT was annoyed but stood. “As a gay man, JT he certainly was not talking about that backside. It isn’t horrendous but godlike not even close. Gina has a much better ass than you do. I will agree with Scott though AJ’s ass is meant to be worshipped.”

Right then the opening of Free Willy started. AJ turned to the adults – “Cut the talk of behinds. There are several little ears in the room so knock it off. Talia, Lizzy, TJ, MJ, Caitlyn, CJ, Stevie, Carrie, Maddie, Con, and Cale don’t need to hear your dialog.” AJ stretched out on the floor with the boys and ignored the adults. He was in kid mode and the young ones were a fan of AJ.

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out, catching up, playing games, and the occasional trip to the pub. On Saturday night there was a big gathering at the pub – the owner a friend of Evie and JJ’s invited AJ to sing, he declined several times but in the end, the crowd egged him on and he got up on stage and sang several songs with the house band.

Gina had been oddly quiet tonight and Scott noticed she did not bust his or Chase’s chops about anything stupid they said. He had bided his time but his cop brain was on alert as he took the seat next to her that Kevin had just vacated – ‘So Bear, what’s going on? You are quiet and you have been watching that group of people on the other side of the bar. What gives?’

Gina was quiet for a moment – ‘Scooter, I need you to promise me you won’t go ape shit.’ Scott just stared at her for a few seconds, until this moment they had been speaking in hushed tones but now – “Nope, can’t do it. Which one is the fucking bastard?” The rest of the table looked at Scott and then over to Gina. Steph finally asked – “What is the issue?” She was following Scott’s line of sight; her eyes fell on Oliver Jones. She was out of her chair in a flash and marching toward the bastard that raped her brother.

She was standing at his table in a matter of seconds. AJ was watching his sister from the stage and when his eyes fell on Oliver he stopped singing and was at the table in a flash, he stopped Steph from punching the man in the face. “I was wondering when you would see me and come say hello.”

AJ wheeled on Oliver – “Now that I’m 21 and you are 27, the size difference is negligible. Do you want to try and force your dick up my ass like you did when I was 13?” AJ was talking very loudly and the entire bar had gone quiet.

Oliver didn’t back down – “You wanted it and you know it. You have a boyfriend now so I was right to give you a taste of all of this.”

AJ was livid – “You sadistic bastard. I was 13 years old; you were 19 an adult preying on a child. I should kick your ass right here and now then shove a toothpick up your ass, it would be about the same size as your dick. Steph leave the rapist alone he will have fun in prison, he will be the bottom bitch whether he wants to or not.”

Oliver was incensed now – “So what if I took something from you, you wanted it and you know it. You were so fucking tight it was awesome.” He grabbed an empty bottle from the table and jumped up to hit AJ with it. He swung hard at AJ’s head but at the last second AJ ducked and the bottle grazed his shoulder. AJ stayed low and pivoted to his right sweeping Oliver’s legs out from under him.

Oliver’s buddies jumped up to get into the fray but were met by a wall of O’Brien’s. AJ had Oliver on the ground, face down with his phone in his hand. He dialed 911 and had him arrested. A friend from high school stepped up to AJ after the police left and asked him if he would give an interview for the Times and AJ agreed.  Jordan started with – “Thank you for taking a few minutes with me, you were just assaulted by Oliver Jones, the man charged with raping 4 youth in the area. Based on his comment – ‘So what if I took something from you...’ I take it you may have been a victim as well?” AJ went through the whole story. Between him and Jordan, they kept coming back to Oliver’s comments that night in the bar so that it would not be hearsay or defamation. Jordan hugged AJ and whispered in his ear – ‘I’m sorry for the loss of your wife, she was gorgeous but damn your man is fucking hot. If you ever decide to leave him look me up.’

AJ hugged Jordan again – “Thank you, my friend. If you are free over the Christmas holidays call me and we’ll get together.” AJ was tapped on the shoulder – “Dude, keep your hands off my man. You have always gotten the hottest ass but this one’s mine.”

AJ was bowled over – “Seth, I take it you are dating Jordan. Why did you drop out of school after Freshman year and just disappear?” AJ brought Seth and Jordan to the tables his family was occupying. He introduced both to those gathered – Steve and Brent hugged Seth tightly. After catching up Seth dropped out because his family needed him to step up and run their construction company after his dad had taken ill with cancer. He beat the disease but Seth realized his passion was building things so he was going to school at night while running the company with his dad.

The gang had a great night. When it was time to head home, they all piled into their vehicles. AJ took the four musketeers up to the guest house and showed them where they could sleep. Jordan and Seth decided to stay as it was late and a 15-minute drive out to Jordan’s parents’ home. Here they could also have sex without worrying about what anyone would think.

As Scott and AJ were getting ready to leave Jordan piped up – “Skeeter, it’s really good to see you again. Life throws us curve ball after curve ball and you have dealt with them head-on. Tonight, I have to applaud your restraint. I think I would have beaten him to a pulp. When you both get to the Bellevue area for the Christmas holiday let’s have dinner and catch up further.”

AJ and Scott left for the house to get some sleep before heading back to Pullman. As AJ drove the short distance he held Scott’s hand – “I’m going to give it a go to have the boys spend a week with both sets of grandparents. I’m not 100% sure if I’ll make it through both weeks but I’m going to give it a shot.”

Scott kissed AJ’s hand – “We’ll talk to them every morning and every night. We have a lot to get done, we’ll make it happen.”

The guys went into the house and kissed the boys and tucked them back into their beds. They brushed their teeth, washed their faces, stripped, and crawled into bed. They kissed each other and were both asleep in minutes.

5:30 AM they were up and running down the dock to the lake. They dove into the water and began their swim. On their return leg, they got out of the lake at the guest house and found their friends still asleep. They unceremoniously woke them up by crawling into bed with them in their wetsuits. They were all annoyed but now wide awake. AJ and Scott asked the six guys down to AJ’s parents for breakfast. They would all be there in 30 minutes.

AJ and Scott ran for the water and swam the rest of the way to AJ’s parents' dock. They hauled themselves out of the water, rinsed and stripped in the outdoor shower, then cleaned up with soap and shampoo. When they were done, they dried each other off and headed for their room with towels over their shoulders. As they rounded the corner to the bedroom there was a knock on the door. AJ answered it and let his friends in the front door.

There were whistles and cat calls from the six guys for both AJ and Scott. Much to everyone’s surprise, Scott did a few model poses before heading to the bedroom.

The entire family ate breakfast together. The smaller family units started heading for home. Scott, AJ, and JR were the last to leave and AJ was struggling with leaving the boys behind. In the end, they left with Scott driving. They arrived at AJ’s home just over 4 hours later and AJ had talked to the boys 3 times. Neither Scott nor JR had the balls to say anything and each had talked to the boys as well.

AJ’s phone rang and Scott chuckled a little too loudly – “Sam, do I need to kick your ass here and now? I know I’m a hovering mother and father right now. Tonight will be the first night since they were born where I am more than 3 minutes from their room. For your information Mr. Smarty Pants – this is Chase, not our boys.”

AJ answered the phone and agreed to meet the guys at the Coug in an hour. He grabbed his bag and headed into the house. JR grabbed his bag and put it in his vehicle, he and Scott talked about the next two weeks. JR warned Scott to tread carefully with AJ about the boys. He was definitely in mama & papa bear mode right now and would probably devour anyone who messed with him. AJ concurred that would be the case, neither of them heard him approach – “You two need to watch yourselves. Scott you may wind up sleeping on the couch or better yet at your dad’s house.”

Scott smiled – “Taz, I find your reaction adorable. I know this is going to kick you in the nuts. That said – I miss the little monkeys too so don’t think this is going to be a cakewalk for me either. The only positive I see in this is – we get to walk around nude and fuck like bunnies anywhere/anytime.”

JR snorted and headed out – “On that note, I’m outta here.” AJ called after him – “Like you don’t walk around nude at your house. Maybe you need to find a special someone to fuck like bunnies with.”

JR flipped AJ the bird as he crawled into his car, he was visibly laughing as he drove away.

“Taz, you were asking for that.”

“Me, you started the crap with the comment about walking around nude and fucking like bunnies. When have you ever known me to leave something like that alone, especially when your Dad gets so wigged out about it?”

“I don’t think he was wigged out. He said before we left for your parents’ house, he got a chubby because you were naked in front of him so I would bet he is at least curious.”

“Shut up. Get your butt in the house and changed so we can go meet the musketeers at The Coug.” Scott started stripping as he walked to the house. He was naked and dropped his clothes in the laundry room. When AJ walked into the laundry room with the clothes Scott had discarded, he was met with his man sitting on the washer with his ass exposed and a come hither look in his eyes.

AJ was naked in seconds and had his face buried in the ass that turned him on so much. He was like a starving man at a banquet. AJ grabbed Scott’s cock and pulled it to his mouth, causing the other a bit of discomfort as the angle was not natural. He did not complain one bit as his rigid cock disappeared down his lover’s throat just as his fingers found his prostate. He was on the verge of cumming when AJ stopped his activity, Scott had become used to the edging and welcomed it as the orgasm that followed melted his mind.

With Scott impaled on his cock, AJ carried him upstairs to their room for a very loud, very long, very hot session of sex. They fucked each other relentlessly for nearly 2 hours. Scott had 3 loads up his ass and AJ had one. They had settled into a primary top/bottom relationship but made the most of the times the roles reversed. Scott was getting better about leveling out the number of orgasms the two had, which heightened the pleasure for both of them.

They were cuddling when the phone rang, it was Conor and Caleb saying goodnight. They talked with them on speaker and then they were off to bed. AJ thanked his Mama for taking the boys. He knew the next two weeks were going to be extremely busy.

AJ jumped out of bed and rang the musketeers – “Are you still at The Coug? Ok, then we’ll be right there.” AJ threw some clothes at Scott and dressed. Scott was laughing at AJ but didn’t say anything, he was so in love with the man he was willing to endure some ribbing about smelling like sex.

They walked into The Coug and immediately the ribbing started – “Ok you have that just fucked look and God you two smell like each other and dried cum.” Chase pulled AJ into the seat on one side of him and Scott on the other. He took a deep breath and sighed – “I’ve died and gone to gay heaven. Two fucking hot studs that smell like sex. I may shoot a load if I keep breathing you in. Ouch, that was not really called for AJ.”

Brent leaned across the table and took a wet thumb and wiped some dried cum off AJ’s face. AJ shook his head – “Fuck me, we should have taken a quick shower. I’m sorry guys I just got lost in the dark-haired stud over there. I’m obviously losing my mind but what a fucking way to go. By the way Sam, you could have said something instead of just laughing at me while I was running around like a lunatic.”

Scott winked at him – “Taz you are my lunatic and you look good enough to eat. Oh wait, I already did that. TWICE.”

Chase was rolling – “Popo got game tonight.” He leaned in and took a deep breath. “And he smells good enough to eat.” Scott grabbed Chase by the neck and forced his head into his lap and whispered to him in the process – ‘I’m sure this will smell even more intoxicating. That smell is keeping me hard right now.’

Chase caught Scott off guard as he playfully bit his erection and when he sat back up, he cheekily said – “Was it as good for you as it was for me?” Scott shook his head – “Not quite. Having my dick bit is not typically a real turn-on. Ouch, Taz what the hell was that for, he bit me not the other way around.”

AJ didn’t miss a beat – “You were the one that pushed his head into your sex ripe crotch what did you expect, repulsion? You asked for that one.” Scott was in a good mood – “So then if he wanted to say go down there again, you wouldn’t mind?” All eyes turned to AJ.

AJ chuckled – “I’m not ready for another funeral just yet so play at your peril.” Beer was delivered and AJ poured himself one and changed the subject – “When does everyone get out of here for Christmas break? Scott and I should be packed up and out of here by the 17th. If I can get my labs and final paper done, we might get out earlier. Should we all get together the night of the 10th and have one last blowout at our house?”

The guys all readily agreed and the talk went back to AJ and Scott’s antics before getting to The Coug. AJ was doing his best to roll with it as he had when they bantered about, he and Syd but this felt different. He knew the guys had no interest in Syd but they all drooled after Scott. He was lost in his thoughts when the table stopped and waited for him to answer the question that was asked.

They got AJ’s attention and asked the question again; he had heard them the first time but he was debating himself on asking the pointed question or letting it go. He chose to let it go and get through the discussion – “I’m ok with the entire pledge class if you want to invite them. The boys are gone so it will only be us guys and anyone’s significant other.”

Scott and AJ walked back to their house and got ready for bed. As they crawled into bed Scott hit AJ with the question – “So what were you going to say at The Coug? Don’t try to play it off as a get-together here at the house, I know better.”

AJ was stuck – “You are right. Your interaction with Chase tonight pissed me off. The guys always bantered with Syd but none of them ever made a sexual move on her, they are completely gay. With you, it is the same but different – they are sexually attracted to you and tonight a line was crossed. I get it you egged him on but the bite was a line crossed. I don’t have a right to be jealous, I know your heart and I know his but it hit me square in the face tonight.”

Scott was always floored that AJ went headlong into everything he did and never minced words or tried to make it more or less than it truly was. He stated the facts, and how he felt, and acknowledged that he was jealous over something that didn’t mean anything. “Taz, my smart-ass answer is – thank God you are mortal but you said it yourself – you know my heart. I do get it though, Trav is the same thing for me that Chase is for you tonight. Let’s make a pact – no sexual interactions no matter how slight unless we are both in on it and the other party is in a committed relationship and that partner is involved with us. So never a threesome always a foursome.”

AJ readily agreed, they kissed each other goodnight and spooned together, and were out. They woke up at 5:30 in the same positions they went to sleep in and got ready for a workout. Once they were done AJ headed off to class and Scott had movers in to start packing for them. This was new for him – supervising others packing his stuff. Uggghhh…

The two weeks flew by and soon enough they were handing the keys over to the four musketeers who were moving in before they left for Christmas break. The 4.5-hour drive to Mercer Island was monotonous and boring as both men were driving their vehicles. They did call each other on occasion to try and make the trip less boring but it was still agonizing for both men.

When they pulled into the driveway at Charlene and Elliot’s home, there were several cars in the driveway – Gran, Eva, and some unknown BMW X5. The guys knocked and walked into the house. As soon as the door was opened, there was screaming coming from the family room – “Dada, dada, dada, dada, Sam, Sam…” AJ scooped both boys up, Scott wrapped them up from behind and they both fart kissed Conor and Caleb into a shriek/giggle fest. Tears were running down both men’s faces and showed no signs of stopping until both boys yelled – “top, twigt”. More fart kisses, the boys were put down and the guys wiped their faces and hugged and kissed the rest of the family – Carrie, Maddie, Eva, Charlene, and Elliot.

Eva introduced Miranda to Scott and AJ and let them know Gina was late for the final discussion on the cake decorations. AJ was able to take the time to ask Miranda if she could do some extra baking for him as he was hosting Christmas dinner and the family for the week – he wanted to spend the time with the family not baking. She agreed to deliver pastries and desserts every day from the 23rd through the 29th except Christmas day – the cake would be delivered the day before along with the desserts for the Christmas Eve meal, which AJ insisted she stay for and Miranda reluctantly agreed.

Gina showed up as AJ and Miranda were finalizing his hefty order. AJ thanked Miranda and Gina for being late, it gave him time to take care of some things for the coming week. AJ was antsy and Scott recognized he wanted to go so he quietly rounded up the boys’ things and put them in AJ’s Tahoe.

Scott slid up behind AJ and whispered in his ear – ‘Baby the boys are all packed and ready to go. Let’s get home and settled in.’ AJ was out of his chair in an instant. They quickly said their goodbyes and were gone in a flash.

Miranda chuckled as the door closed – “God he is adorable. When he and Sydney used to come in for a sweet treat, he was always fidgeting but he was so in love with her it poured out of every fiber in his body and she reciprocated the feelings, just not as energetically. It is clear that he feels the same for Scott and Scott for him. It is good he has someone who can ground him.”

Charlene laughed – “My daughter was more reserved. AJ is one in a million – he is direct, you know where you stand and he loves with his whole being. We would all be lucky to have that transparency in our relationships and know without any doubt your partner is in it for life. Gina, have you finalized your colors?”

Gina sighed – “Kevin, AJ, and Kevin’s brother Cody will all be in charcoal tuxes, white shirts, and one of five different color ties. Thank the lord that I don’t have to worry about bridesmaid dresses, just the color of the bow tie.

But those should be the same as the flowers on the cake and my bouquet. Fuck. Sorry.” Gina’s phone rang, it was AJ – “Bear, I have ordered your bouquet and Miranda knows the flowers to include with the cake. Your topper is with her as well.”

“Dear brother, what did you decide?” AJ chuckled – “Sorry, white hydrangeas. Two red roses, some holly with red berries, and some baby’s breath. The cake will have real hydrangeas, holly, and two red roses. The cake will be all white and have a simple leaf pattern running around the cake – the topper is two bears and the two red roses will be placed at their feet. By the way, my suggestion for the ties is – Kevin in white and Cody and me in red.”

Gina was crying – “Thank you. I love you and we’ll see you tomorrow for dinner.”

When Gina hung up, she collected herself and relayed the decisions. Miranda smiled – “So you are ok with what AJ outlined? I wanted you to weigh in because this is your wedding.”

Gina smiled – “AJ and I talked at length at Thanksgiving and I have been swirling about final decisions. He knows me well and based on those conversations these were what I concluded but could not pull the final trigger. He did it because I couldn’t. So long answer to a simple question – yes, I’m good and glad that is done.”

AJ and Scott drove into the garage at their new family home. AJ had received the garage door opener and a complete package of information on the home. He had been working with the contractor and decorator to finalize the home. The automation was wild and something they were going to have to get used to.

The guys got the boys out of their seats and headed into the house. They explored the entire home together and were blown away by the craftsmanship, the decorations, and the homey feeling that was created. This was a high-end home but felt warm, cozy and something they could live in.

AJ started to get emotional when they made it to the boys’ rooms – they were decorated for boys but the family photos taken before Syd died were on display, including several candid photos of AJ, Scott, Conor, and Caleb together. In the office, there were several photos of Syd, AJ, Conor, Caleb, and Scott. The decorator had worked diligently with AJ, Eva, Evie, and Charlene to bring the need to integrate both Scott and Syd into the home. She had knocked it out of the park.

Scott was side hugging AJ as the boys were running between the two bedrooms that had a secret door, they could go through instead of the hallway. It was pretty freaking awesome. They had their big boy beds in there as well, given they were crawling over the top of the crib it was time to move them to avoid the safety issues with potential falls when escaping the crib.

The furnishings were left in the Pullman house with all their personal things on their way to North Carolina, the guys were going to have to go shopping for clothes and stock up the house. What they realized as they went, the grandmas had taken care of the boys’ clothes and the decorator had taken care of every conceivable need other than personal items. Eva and Gina had gone on a shopping spree as well – there were razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, adult toys, and food in the kitchen.

AJ and Scott received a text from Gina and Eva – ‘hope you are settling in, we worked with the ‘rents and decorator to make sure you had EVERYTHING you should need. We will be over for dinner tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy the new house.’

It was getting to be time for dinner. Scott wanted pizza so they could relax and enjoy the house without worrying about the kitchen. Saturday afternoon and family would come soon enough. AJ relented; pizza would not kill them. He was a bit of a hardliner when it came to eating healthy – you certainly could see it when you looked at him that he took very good care of his body. It had rubbed off on Scott, mostly, in a VERY good way. Scott’s willingness to be nude or shirtless around AJ was becoming less and less of an issue.

Pizza arrived 20 minutes later and the family sat down at the kitchen table to eat. There were even the hanging high chairs at the table that AJ loved. They did use plates so the pizza could cool after it was cut up for the boys. They ate dinner while talking about the note from the decorator – she was certain that the light gray sofas would be a hit, but if they weren’t she would make it right. Additionally, the decorations would be taken down, boxed up, and stored in the attic storage room after the guys headed to NC.

AJ brought up two subjects that he knew would be an issue for Scott – 1. Money and 2. The boys, Scott and AJ’s will. Scott didn’t want to talk about either topic which was not an option with AJ.

“Scott, you have to stop being a pain in my ass about this stuff. I will drop telling you how much I’m worth as long as you understand that unless we turn on a faucet that runs money, we will never spend 1/100th of the sum, thus the need to set up trust funds, endowments, etc. to help others that don’t have what we do.”

Scott snapped – “What you do.” AJ was now pissed off; he took off the cross and the Rolex JR had given to him and handed them to Scott. He got up and started cleaning up. Scott was pissed now as well – “These are yours. My dad gave them to you because he considers you family.”

AJ was doing his best not to bite back hard – “Oh so it’s ok to give family heirlooms to me but I can’t share what I have with you? Fuck you, Scott.” Scott knew AJ was pissed – he always used ‘Bless You’ when he was annoyed around the boys but to use the actual cuss word…

AJ took the boys out of their seats and headed to Conor’s bathroom to get them ready for bed. He was beyond talking to Scott right now. This was their first huge fight because AJ did not back off the money discussion tonight like in the past but it was something that had to be done or they would never be on equal footing. Before AJ had the boys in the tub, Scott was at his side trying to help which annoyed the shit out of AJ so he handed the boys over to Scott – “I’m not ready for this, so if you want to bathe them, I will leave you to it.” Before Scott could say anything, AJ was out of the bathroom and off to his office.

Scott was certain AJ was blowing this out of proportion but there was this nagging feeling he was being a bit of a dick. “Conor/Caleb, it looks like Sam has made Dada mad and Sam might be sleeping in the doghouse tonight.” The boys nodded at Sam, they could tell their Dada was not happy with Sam. Scott finished bathing the boys and got them ready for bed. He read them a story and tucked them in. Now it was time to go set things straight.

Scott found AJ in the office going over financial stuff, which Scott didn’t give to licks about. He laid the watch and the cross on top of the desk which was a HUGE mistake. AJ lit into him with both barrels – “How fucking dare you. Everything around money and gifts has to be Scott Jonathan Reed’s way or nothing. I’m done skirting around this issue in our relationship and will no longer apologize that my family is wealthy, that Sydney’s family is wealthy, and that I am obscenely wealthy based on Syd’s death. Don’t you dare interrupt me.

I love you with every fiber of my being but right now I don’t like you in the slightest. I try to have an adult conversation with you about our money, kids, and the future and you bury your head in the sand and don’t want to discuss it. Not acceptable and if you want this to continue, you are going to have to man up and deal with what is right in front of you.

I’m not done by a long shot mister, I have been pretty fucking patient on this point – like I said before don’t you dare interrupt me or it will truly be game on. I have a few questions that I would like to have you answer for me –

Do you really love me?” – “Who do you think you are suggesting that I don’t love you? I should get up and kick your ass for that comment. Fuck you AJ I’m not a toddler.”

“Then stop acting like one” – “Your Mama warned me about this side of you.”

“This side of me. That’s rich, oh I can’t use that word it makes you shut down and ignore what needs to be discussed.” – “You truly are being a prick.”

“Alright then, let’s handle this your way. Did the boys go down easily tonight? They seemed tuckered out from the trip.” – “Are you serious right now.”

“Scott, I really do want to know if the boys were a problem or actually went down easily.” – “Now you are being ridiculous.”

“Ok, so I’ll go check on them to see for myself.” AJ locked his computer and got up to go check on the boys. As he was leaving, he asked Scott “Would you like some water, iced tea, or maybe a beer?” Scott just stared at him. “Ok then I’ll take that as a ‘No’, I’ll see you in a bit.”

AJ left and headed to the boys’ rooms. He stopped at Conor’s room and they were both in bed together. They were sacked out, so he kissed them both and left in search of some iced tea.

When he got back to the office, Scott was sitting there waiting for him. “So, Taz, are we going to talk about this or not?” AJ smiled “What would you like to talk about Scott?”

“Why you are being such an asshole right now?” – “That’s rich, check that that’s the pot calling the kettle black. When you don’t want to talk about something and ignore me it’s normal but when I turn the tables on you, I’m being an asshole.”

“You took off the watch and cross my dad gave you because you are family. Your money is just that your money.” – “God you can be so fucking dense in seeing how ludicrous that statement is. In your mind, it is ok to have your family give me 15K plus in gifts but it is totally out of bounds to share my wealth with the person I expected to spend the rest of my days on this earth with. Well, hear me, listen to the words, and think long and hard before you respond. If the money is an issue today, then I think we are at an impasse. It is there to stay, so you have a choice to make – be my partner in every sense of the word or walk away because you can’t commit to someone that is filthy stinking rich and wants a life partner to be just that.”

AJ got up and left the office.

Scott was gobsmacked – the two things were completely different. 15k watch versus billions of dollars, completely different in every way. He dialed his dad – “Dad, do you have a minute?”

JR was on edge as he could sense something was off – “What’s up Scooter?” – “AJ is out of control. He handed me the cross and Rolex and told me to keep them.”

JR shook his head and sighed – “Son, you are leaving a great deal out. I know AJ well enough to know that he did not spontaneously hand those things back to you. So, stop trying to make yourself look innocent, I’m now firmly in AJ’s camp, stop let me finish.

I guess that AJ brought up the boys, their inheritance, the money he received from Syd, and the wrongful death suit and you told him it was his money. Given that he has broached this subject several times with you my guess is he handed those things back to you because they are high value both monetarily as well as sentimentally.

I don’t like the fact he gave you back a gift I gave him but I do understand the perspective. You need to pull your head out of your ass. You fell in love with someone who comes from money, married money, received a huge sum as a result of wrongful death, and top that all off he has a head for turning money into more money.

STOP BEING A PRICK.”

“So, if I heard you right Dad, I’m right and AJ is wrong. I’m rubber and he’s glue…” – “If that’s what you heard then you not only are a prick but a spoiled toddler.”

“Thanks, Dad, Love you.” Scott went in search of AJ. Fuck he was going to be impossible to deal with now that he was going to hear that Scott knew he was wrong.” He found AJ sitting on the back patio with a glass of red wine. He looked at the bottle and it was from his family’s vineyard.

“So, Taz, I’m an ass and should be punished for being a total and utter dick. I’m here and ready to be a grown-up.”

AJ pulled him into his lap and kissed him on the lips. When they came up for air – “Sam, I will give you a reprieve until tomorrow to have the financial discussion. I will tell you that the conversation starts tomorrow and then we have 3 appointments with the attorneys between now and the date we leave for NC.” Scott visibly shrunk and sighed. – “May I have a glass of wine before we get into the rest of our grown-up discussion?” Scott poured a glass of wine, filled up AJ’s, and handed it to him.