Coming of Age

Scott was caught off guard. The box was an odd size and he had no idea what was inside. AJ was getting antsy – “Just open it already.” Scott winked at AJ and opened the box. He found a black braided bracelet with sterling silver clasps and 4 engraved sterling silver bands with ‘Taz’, ‘TTMABAAF’, ‘Conor’, and ‘Caleb’.

Scott was in tears as AJ put the bracelet on his wrist. AJ kissed the tears on his cheek – “I hope those are happy tears and that you like the gift.” Scott smiled – “to the moon and back, always and forever.” He pulled AJ into a passionate kiss which was broken by JR – “Guys, the boys are ready to open presents. You two had all night to do that, so let’s go and make this a first Christmas to remember.”

Scott turned around wiping his face – “Thanks Dad for ruining a wonderful private moment.” Scott moved past JR heading for the family room.

JR was standing there with his mouth open in stunned silence. AJ wrapped an arm around his waist – “Pa, don’t take his reaction to heart, I gave him a gift he didn’t expect and it hit his heart in a good way but took him by surprise. So cut him some slack will ya?”

JR – “Pa, really?” AJ chuckled – “It’s better than Dada.” JR shook his head – “Ok, so Pa it is. I will let it be with Scott, I didn’t mean to send him in a spin. I was just trying to get you both out there before the boys opened gifts without you.”

AJ side-hugged JR – “It’s all good. Sam just doesn’t usually like to show how much he cares about the little things. He’s a softy and wants everyone to think he is a hard arse, which by the way he has one but…”

JR cut AJ off – “So let’s not talk about my son’s physical assets, it messes with my head and…”

AJ chuckled as they were entering the family room – “Ok Pa, I’ll stop talking about your son’s fine ass chassis.”

Scott regained his composure and sat with the boys on the floor. He looked up at AJ and JR – “You two need to stop conversing about me, AJ you know Dad gets flustered whenever we talk about the other’s physical assets. See he is blushing already.”

AJ crossed the room kissing his Nanny, Mama, and Pops on the cheek – “Pa gets red just like you do when you get embarrassed, I think it’s because he secretly likes to think about what we get up to…”

Evie weighed in – “AJ, stop teasing JR. If we are TRULY honest with ourselves, none of us are completely straight and it’s ok to have thoughts of what it might be like to walk on the wild side. So, stop being your usual self and quit needling him.”

AJ stuck out his lower lip – “You are no fun now that you are almost 60 and when did this become my house your rules? You always tell me it is my house my rules.”

Evie flipped AJ off – “I’m not even 57 yet my dear pain in the arse boy. Don’t even start with my house my rules thing – that has not worked on you my dear boy since you turned 11.”

Conor and Caleb had started opening presents while this was going on. The first ones they were opening were actually not theirs, Scott caught them before they were completely done. He handed them to JJ and Evie – “Mama/Pops, these are for you. The boys got impatient with all of AJ’s jawing this morning and just started opening.”

AJ shook his head – “Scooter, I’m going to dump your fine chassis in the lake if you aren’t careful. Do you really want to discuss why we were late for the presents?”

Scott chuckled – “Uncle. Con/Cale here are gifts for you, from Mimi and Papi.”

AJ winked at Scott – “Nice re-direct there, hot stuff. Mama/Pops, you know the drill so stop opening your gifts. That goes for you too Pa.”

JR chuckled – “I should have known Skeeter had a plan for this too…”

AJ took exception – “Oh no you don’t. This is not my plan. This is the plan of Nanny/Papa/Gams/Gramps and has been in place since Pops was a boy. Tradition and family are my north star but I’m willing to change if everyone here wants to try something new.”

Before Nanny could say anything, Scott wrapped AJ in a hug from above – “Taz, we will stick with the tradition as long as you tell us newbies what it is.” He kissed the top of AJ’s head and sat back down with the boys.

Nanny wiped a tear from her eye – “Skeeter let me explain the history. This tradition has been in our family for generations. When my Grandparents were little in Ireland, they did not have a lot of money so at Christmas was a time when everyone got a gift. To focus on the sentiment and reason for Christmas, the tradition was born. The youngest of the family would open their gift first and everyone would watch and enjoy the joy that was always evident. Then the next in age would open and everyone would watch and enjoy. In my opinion, it brings the family together and you get to witness the unabashed joy the kids have when they open a gift.

It does tend to drag the morning on for quite some time now that the family is the size that it is but it is so worth it to witness the connection that is made when a gift truly hits an emotional cord. That is kind of why I’m annoyed with Skeeter this morning. He broke protocol by giving Scooter his bracelet before we started.”

AJ started to defend himself but Scott jumped in – “Nanny, that is my fault. AJ knows I struggle to let my emotions be seen and he knew that this gift would…” Scott’s eyes welled up and he could not continue.

AJ smiled, winked at Scott, and continued for him – “What my better half is trying to say is he doesn’t like to seem vulnerable and mushy in front of the family. He is getting there but he still likes to be thought of as this rough and tumble police officer.” He then kissed Scott’s cheek, wiped away the tears, and whispered – “To the moon and back my love.”

Scott smiled – “Always and forever my love.”

JJ chirped in – “That’s enough of that. AJ you’re up.”

AJ grabbed a gift from under the tree. The tag just had his initials on it, which he thought was strange but went with it. He opened the package and tears began streaming down his face. Everyone was looking at him in confusion when he got up and left. They all were just looking at each other not knowing what to do. 

AJ had gone upstairs to the third-floor family room and sat in front of the painting he had done of the family. The Patek Philippe Grand Complications watch in his hand was on his wrist in the painting. “Syd, I love you for this but I’m dying here.”

“My Taz, I obviously did not put that under the tree. Gran must have done that as I bought it with her just after the boys were born. It was supposed to be your Christmas gift as we headed off to medical school. It’s simple, elegant, and extremely accurate, just what a doctor needs on his arm.” Syd wrapped her arms around AJ and whispered to him – ‘I know this has been a hard year but know I love you to the moon and back.’

AJ smiled – “Always and forever, my She-Devil. Let’s also be clear no one needs a 150,000-dollar watch.”

Syd kissed his cheek – “My Taz most certainly does. Get back to our family. Stop sulking and move on. I don’t want to have to kick your ass. You should tell Scott now.” She was gone.

AJ chuckled to himself – “I guess that’s an easy way to always get the last word.” He took the watch out of the box and put it on his wrist, dried his eyes, and headed back downstairs. They had let the boys open their presents or they would be there all day.

Scott got up and met AJ at the bottom of the back staircase – “Taz, you, ok? Fuck me that’s a nice watch.”

AJ leaned in, kissed his cheek, and whispered, ‘here and now, or do I have to wait?’

Scott punched his arm lightly – “You certainly are back to your horn dog self.” AJ grabbed Scott’s ass – “When my fiancé has a chassis like this, I can’t help it.”

Evie yelled – “Ok boys make it PG and get back in here.” When they had arrived, Evie continued – “Skeeter I see you have a new watch. That is beautiful.”

AJ shook his head – “It is that but for what my wife spent on it I could cover 2 ½ years of medical school.”

JR choked on his coffee – “Seriously, your wife bought you a watch worth nearly as much as my home.”

AJ smiled and shrugged his shoulders – “Ok boys, you need to finish up with those packages and we are going to get back to tradition, Dada is sorry he disappeared.”

The boys finished up with the packages they were opening. They want to play with the contents – two trucks. So, AJ got them out and let them play. Scott opened his gift from his dad, new mats for his truck. The rest of the presents were opened over the next hour – some practical, some frivolous, and some very sentimental. As AJ was picking up paper and trying to make some semblance of order the doorbell rang and the boys were off to the races.

AJ caught up with them at the door trying to open it. AJ had them stand back and opened up the door to Kevin, his parents, and his brother. “I know we aren’t supposed to be here but I can’t stay away, Gina will just have to get over it.”

AJ hugged Kevin – “She has not come out of the guest house so you are fine for now but when she does, I don’t know if you will be able to withstand the onslaught. She’s even been a nightmare to me since she has that bun in the oven.” The look on Kevin’s face told the story, his parents didn’t know.

Kevin turned and faced his parents – “This was not how you were supposed to find out. Here is your Christmas gift. Please open it before you say anything.”

His parents opened their gift. On the inside was a beautiful frame with a copy of the sonogram in the frame. On the lower right of the frame – ‘I can’t wait to meet my Gama and Gamps.’ They both hugged Kevin and told him congratulations and that they knew at Thanksgiving as Evie and JJ had talked to them after dinner. Both were annoyed that the kids had not had the courtesy to tell them at the same time but left it to them to broach the subject.

AJ stepped in at that point – “John, Elizabeth the only reason that Kevin and Gina spilled the beans at Thanksgiving is that Bear was taking the heat off of me and placing it on her. She has always done that for me, they should have said something to you but know it only happened because of me.”

Kevin stopped AJ – “Mom/Dad, AJ is right about how it came out but at the end of the day we are grown-ups and should have told you. I’m so very sorry I didn’t and AJ thank you for being willing to take a bullet for me.”

They all filed back into the family room. AJ asked everyone if they wanted coffee which they all did. AJ headed into the kitchen with the boys hanging on to his legs – “Dada pancakes pwease.” AJ told the boys they had a little while to wait but he put some cheerios in a cup for them to hold them over.

The doorbell rang again, the boys ran for the front doors – it was Charlene and Elliot. The boys were banging on the iron doors jumping up and down – yelling for Nana and Papa. Evie made it to the door first, unlocked and let them in. Charlene and Elliot each grabbed a boy and smothered them in kisses.

AJ asked Scott for some help in the kitchen and JR started laughing – “AJ have you lost your mind, he is a menace in the kitchen.” AJ defended Scott – “Hey old man, you might have to do without breakfast if you keep that up. He is perfectly fine in the kitchen, so leave him the hell alone.”

Scott came up behind AJ and pulled him into a hug – “You know I am truly a menace in the kitchen. I do love you for having faith in me though and god you smell so fucking good, you are making me horny.”

AJ pushed his ass into Scott’s rapidly hardening dick and leaned his head back onto his shoulder – “Sam, you are not a menace when you take my lead. You are getting quite good at a few things. I just need your help getting some things on the range – will you take charge of the bacon and sausage? Two large pans are heating up over there and the meat is on a plate next to the range.”

Scott nibbled on AJ’s ear eliciting a moan from deep within AJ’s chest. JR chuckled – “Ok I see how Scott’s game in the kitchen has picked up.” AJ smiled – “Good one but unless you are here to help, I suggest you go mingle with the old people.”

Nanny, Charlene, and Evie came into the kitchen as Scott started in on the meats. He was softly singing ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ catching everyone off guard. Scott’s voice was stunning but he lacked confidence no matter what AJ said. The three ladies stood there listening to Scott making gestures to AJ about how good he was. AJ was making facial expressions like ‘duh’.

When Scott finished the three women applauded loudly. Nanny was first to comment – “Scott you have a stunning voice. You should be singing with AJ all the time.” Scott turned red and went back to preparing the bacon and sausage. AJ was mixing up the pancake batter and asked his moms to cut up the fruit and make toast and Nanny to scramble the eggs.

AJ yelled at the old men – “Pops, Pa, and Dad – kitchen, pronto.” When they arrived, AJ put them to work peeling and cutting up the potatoes for ‘potatoes O’Brien’.”

They started to grumble until Nanny told them to get busy. The doorbell rang, it was his siblings and their families. Before they were all in the door, Scott’s family showed up and just as AJ shut the door, Gran, Eva, and the girls arrived. When AJ made his way back to the kitchen Gina was yelling at Kevin about being here so early. He was trying to explain that he loved and missed her. She was being obtuse.

AJ whistled loudly – “Everyone but Scott and Nanny in the family room NOW! Here is the deal – we are going to have a lot of personalities in this house today and there are very few shrinking violets. I am going to say this once and only once – It is Christmas first and foremost, the time for sharing love and family. We are all related somehow so remember that as the day progresses.

Bear, you need to turn it down a notch. Your marriage does not depend on Kevin seeing you before or during the ceremony. He loves you; you love him so enjoy the day. Finally – if for any reason there is conflict, I will settle it with a swim in the Lake for any offenders, does everyone understand me?

I didn’t hear you?”

Everyone agreed that they would be on their best behavior or wind up in the lake. When AJ headed for the kitchen, Teddy made the mistake of asking – “he’s not serious, is he? It’s freaking cold out there.”

Teddy was facing Becca, JT, and Mo when AJ grabbed him by the ear and started marching him to the door. Teddy was pleading with AJ – “I’m sorry, I just thought you were kidding and I see the error of my ways.” AJ let go of his ear and was wrapped in a big bear hug by Teddy, who whispered in his ear – ‘Thank you for your patience. Therapy is going well and I’m getting to a good place all because you would not give up on me. I love you like a brother.’ The two men hugged tightly – ‘Teddy, I love you too and will help you however I can. Just remember I hear everything.’ “Teddy, why thank you for volunteering to help in the kitchen.”

Teddy started to say something and thought better of it. He followed AJ into the kitchen while in the family room Becca was laughing hysterically – “He hates to do anything in the kitchen.”

Mo chuckled – “Maybe you need to make him help at home. This is after all the second time AJ has made him help at a big family meal.”

JT started to laugh but stopped dead in his tracks when he heard his brother’s voice – “JT thanks for volunteering as well. Move it.” JT muttered under his breath – “shit.” He regretted it as soon as it was out of his mouth – AJ yelled – “JT, there are children in that room with you. Move your behind.”

JT got up and headed for the kitchen. Mo and Becca were laughing at their husbands when they heard AJ from the kitchen – “Mo/Becca since you seem to have time on your hands why don’t you join us as well? There is plenty to do.”

When they arrived in the kitchen, they found AJ coordinating the completion of a huge breakfast feast for the family. He had Becca and Mo move completed items into the warming drawers in the working pantry along with making sure the two ovens there were watched for the homemade biscuits. Teddy and JT were making gallons of juice for the family and moving it into the beverage dispenser onto the sideboards in the breakfast room.

Mo noticed that Steph, Jim, Mel, Grant, Cheryl, and Max were setting the outdoor tables. She had never noticed before but there were heavy curtains that could be closed to give a little more warmth and with the outdoor heaters, it looked like it might be quite pleasant out there.

Next to the juice and coffee containers on the sideboards were warming trays for the food to be placed in when everything was finished. AJ and Scott had done a spectacular job organizing this event. There were 47 people in the house and all the food was being prepared at present. AJ was orchestrating it all flawlessly, there had been the occasional suggestion but those were quickly quelled as AJ was the master of his kitchen, and those that questioned him soon realized the folly of their ways.

AJ was in the best mood his family had seen him in a very long time and it seemed he was well and truly on his way to being truly happy again. At 9:30 AM on the dot, all the food was ready to be served. The trays had been filled and both lines were identical so that folks could get their food quickly and efficiently.

AJ gathered everyone in the family room. Scott was standing off to the side near the back of the room. AJ smiled and shook his head, before he could speak Teddy jumped in – “Scooter, you need to move your behind up next to your man or you might wind up in the lake. I can tell by that glint in AJ’s eyes, that I suggest you move quickly.”

AJ was laughing – “Ok so I do have a reputation for wanting things my way and yes Sam you need to get your fine behind up here beside me. No one gets food until you do.” There was general ribbing and cajoling of Scott as he made his way up to where AJ was standing. When he got there AJ grabbed him and kissed him while bending him backward. More cheers.

AJ whispered in Scott’s ear – ‘Sam, I love you to the moon and back.’ Scott smiled and yelled out – “Always and forever my Taz.”

AJ stood Scott up – “Sorry about that but I have realized I need to tell Sam every time I’m near him I love him to the moon and back. Syd taught me that this year, don’t ever take for granted that your loved ones know you love them. You just don’t know when they won’t be there beside you.

Shoot, I got through that with only a couple of tears running down my face.

We would like to welcome you all to our home. It seems like yesterday there were only 9 of us together on Christmas morning, then 10 with Bug’s birth. To see everyone here today to share and later see Bear get hitched warms my heart. I love you all. Scott anything to add?”

Scott chuckled a bit – “The only additions would be, I love you, Taz. The flow for breakfast will be, under 10 first and then oldest to youngest. Parents if you want to dish up with your, under 10-year-old that works as well, especially for the little ones. There is seating in the house and on the patio, which is heated so you should be warm enough there as well.”

AJ called out to Charlene and Evie – “Mama/Mom will you take care of Conor and Caleb? Please remember no bananas for Caleb.” Caleb yelled out – “nanas ucky.”

Everyone laughed out loud. Caleb started yelling for Mimi making sure she was hurrying up. Evie picked Caleb up and kissed his cheeks. Charlene picked up Conor and the remaining family started to file into the kitchen to serve themselves. It was amazing how quickly the family organized and found places to eat.

AJ & Scott hovered in the kitchen making sure the serving dishes were full of food. When everyone had made their way through the lines, AJ and Scott served themselves. AJ thanked Scott for being his partner and told him how much he loved him again. Scott kissed AJ and let him know he loved him as well.

They made their way to the table with their boys who were done with breakfast. When Scott and AJ made it to the table, Caleb and Conor started in with Dada/Papa, Dada/Papa, making Scott tear up yet again. AJ was proud that the boys had started calling Scott, Papa. He poked Scott in the ribs – “You big softy.”

Scott flipped him the bird. AJ swept his hand through the air – “I love you too Sam.”

Caleb smiled and said to Scott “Wuv you Papa.” And the gates opened, Scott was openly crying and trying his damndest to stop but when Conor chimed in with “Wuv Papa.” He decided it was time to head into the house but he was wrapped in the warmest embrace from AJ who whispered in his ears – ‘That’s the shit that slays you every time. I have been there with them; they love you as much as I do. Please don’t leave, just hug them and whisper to them only that you love them. This is your game changer so embrace the love.’

AJ kissed his cheek and took a seat next to Scott who got up and hugged both boys and whispered – ‘Papa loves you too.’ Caleb squealed – “You wet Papa.” Those that could hear and see what was going on erupted in laughter.

Teddy piped up – “Bro, you are a true dad now. The kids made you cry. Just know it won’t be the last time it happens, so embrace it and enjoy the moment.”

JT got up from his seat, pulled Scott into a hug, and welcomed him to fatherhood. None of the actions were helping Scott stem the flow of tears. All of their male family members got into a group hug. Shielding Scott from the others around the family room. Eventually, Scott yelped – “Who grabbed my ass?” Max yelled out – “Guilty.”

AJ chuckled, he was enjoying multiple things at the moment, his man was being vulnerable, their family was supporting him and Max was getting handsy with Sam – “Maxie, I thought you only had eyes for my fine behind?”

Max let out a booming laugh – “I had to squeeze it to compare. Scott has a mighty fine behind but I would say yours is still the finest.”

Cheryl got in on the mix – “I’m glad I love you because if didn’t I might be concerned. Honestly, that’s not true, my guess is if either Scott or AJ took you seriously you would run from the building so squeeze away.”

Caleb and Conner climbed on their Dada’s lap – “Where Papa?” AJ fart kissed the boys – “He’s in there getting hugs and kisses from everyone.” ‘Why’, was the rapid response. AJ told the boys – Papa was really happy you told him you love him and the guys are congratulating him on you loving him. Caleb shook his head; he was crying again.

AJ lost it and was laughing loudly. Caleb and Conor joined him. When AJ finally stopped laughing, he told the boys that Papa was finally being a big boy and ok with sharing his emotions – “Ouch, what the heck, Sam?”

Scott kissed the top of AJ’s head – “You are making me seem like I was a statue before.” “If the shoe fits and I swear to all that is good and holy, you hit me and I’m going to toss your fine behind in the pool. It’s on like Donkey Kong.”

AJ put the boys down and caught up with Scott as he tried to slip through the kitchen. He spun him around and threw him over his shoulder. AJ took him out the back door and through the patio and heaved him into the pool. Scott tried to pull him in with him but AJ was on solid footing. Scott popped out of the cold water pretty quickly – “Ass.”

AJ laughed – “I’m an ass because you hit me. I think not, I warned you that would happen if you hit me.” Scott got out of the pool and walked up to AJ who did not move and watched him as he approached. He was certain that Scott was going to hug him and try to pull him into the pool. Scott did hug him but instead of trying to get him in the pool he whispered in his ear – ‘I love you to the moon and back my Taz.’

AJ kissed Scott – “Always and forever.” Scott then tried to push AJ into the pull but he was an immovable object. “Ok, so you love me, hit me, and now are trying to throw me in the pool for defending myself. Do you want to wind up in the lake?”

AJ moved Scott toward the pool house to get towels. Scott leaned his head against AJ’s – “You just had to throw me in the pool with my phone in my pocket.” AJ laughed openly – “Who was warned what would happen if they hit me again? You were and you hit me anyway. Your phone issues are not my problem. You can go to the store and buy a new one, you have the money so stop your whining.”

When they made their way into the pool house, AJ locked the door and put Scott over his shoulder again. Scott smacked his ass – “Now you want to have sex when you tossed my ass in the pool.” AJ walked them both into the bathroom and turned the shower on, he put Scott on the shower floor and stepped in with him pinning him up against the wall – “I think it’s the least you can do for me based on your bad behavior.”

With that AJ started his oral assault on all of Scott’s hot spots and had him remove his clothes within minutes. “God help me I’m such a slut for you.” AJ smiled – “God isn’t going to help you, why do you think he put us together it wasn’t to just hold hands. He expects us to sex it up whenever and wherever we can.”

Sex it up they did, several times to be exact. When they were sated, for the time being, AJ shut the water off and began drying Scott off. When he knelt in front of Scott to dry his legs, he could not resist nibbling on Scott’s gorgeous cock and balls. “Taz, you really are incorrigible.” “Guilty as charged Sam.” When he had Scott dried off, he threw the towel over his shoulder and picked up another one to dry himself off with, which Scott immediately took from him.

Scott slowly dried AJ off and played with his cock and balls as well. He also pried apart AJ’s ass cheeks and tongued his hole for a few minutes as well, eliciting deep satisfied moans from both men. “And I’m incorrigible?” “Yes, you are. I didn’t say I wasn’t but you are horny all the time, the wind blows in your direction and you are stiff as a board.”

AJ pouted – “I’m not either. It is only when you are near me, shit that’s not true either, you can be across the room talking with someone and I get a stiffy thinking about walking up behind you and sliding my hands down your pants and playing with your cock and balls while rubbing my cock into your ass… Fuck, see you make me hard all the time and now Jr.’s down there is leaking like a faucet, just asking for his Sam to give him some lovin’.”

Scott chuckled shook his head, dropped to his knees, and licked the head of the beautiful cock in front of him. Scott never broke eye contact with AJ as he cleaned up the nectar pouring out of AJ’s cock but he gave up in the end as it became a non-stop flow and they needed to get ready. AJ looked like a child that had his favorite toy taken away from him.

Scott smiled and kissed AJ’s nose – “You are so fucking adorable I am almost willing to be late for your sister’s wedding but I know our family well enough to know they would be beating on the door. Put your lip back in place, tuck the anaconda into some tight underwear, and get dressed. I will make sure Jr. gets some more lovin’ tonight.”

AJ sulked some more but started getting ready – “You know, you are becoming a party pooper.” AJ pulled Scott into his chest and nuzzled his neck, ear, and cheek. Making sure to touch every one of Scott’s hotspots as he lightly grazed his hard cock in his underwear and ground his still hard cock into Scott’s ass.

Scott moaned loudly – “Bastard.” He pushed his ass back against AJs cock and groaned again.

JT and Teddy both commented – “Ok, you two need to stop that now.” JT continued – “Bear will kill you both if you make her wait longer to marry her man.”