Coming of Age

‘Irish’ send off

NOTE: This is the last chapter without any sex. I wanted to make certain that the characters were well known and the backgrounds were set before any actual sexual situations.

I will close with this – PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not drink or do drugs and get behind the wheel of a car. Call a cab, call a friend just don’t get behind the wheel. No one should ever go through this grief as the result of something so avoidable.”

Cynthia and Jeremiah joined AJ on stage – They both hugged AJ and held him closely.

Cynthia – “Syd was my little at Kappa and AJ is Jeremiah’s little at AGR. We wanted to thank everyone for being here tonight. It means a lot to the community that is WSU that we rally behind each other when tragedy strikes. Everyone was asked to bring a candle or some form of light to raise as AJ sings Syd’s favorite hymn – How Great Though Art. If you know it join in. AJ.”

AJ – “A little heads up would have been great.”

Jeremiah – “Then you would have made an excuse not to be here. This is something you know will help everyone heal and connect to Syd. It was her favorite and she loved to hear you sing.”

AJ – “Ok folks, I guess I will be attempting to sing acapella. I do beg your forgiveness as this is going to be ROUGH and I hope I can make it through. Please join me in singing this for Sydney Marie O’Brien – mother, wife, sister, daughter and granddaughter. To my family, thank you for your support and I’m so glad you are here. Here goes my love – “

Tears began to flow, but AJ’s voice was clear, loud and so heavenly.

“O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

And then proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

A short time after AJ began singing, everyone else stopped and raised their light as high as they could. Most everyone was in tears when he finished. It was a personal and moving performance. AJ knew he was able to do that because he felt Syd fill his body with warmth, strength and absolute peace. He was singing directly to her and releasing her into God’s trusting arms.

AJ looking skyward – “Walk with me always my beautiful bride, I love you to the moon and back.”

His family, fraternity and Syd’s sorority called out – “always and forever.”

AJ stepped off the stage and took Conor from Charlene and walked over to the banks of the Palouse. He took the small family photo that was in his pocket, kissed it and tossed it into the river. He hugged the boys tightly to him and said a little prayer asking God to let Syd be their guardian angel and to make sure she was at peace and help him be the best damn father anyone has ever had. He acknowledged he would make mistakes but committed to always putting love and the boys first. He kissed both boys on the forehead again and turned to go.

When he turned his family was in a semicircle around him. He handed the boys to Evelyn and Charlene and said – “Let’s get them home and in bed. Tomorrow is going to be tough as we have to be at the funeral home at 10 AM.”

As the family made their way back to the house, AJ expected the crowd to have dispersed but they were all still there. As the group walked everyone parted to let them pass. AJ and Syds brothers and sisters did provide a buffer around them to make sure they had space to be a family. When they got to the exit of the park, they were stopped by the Mayor and Police Chief. A short conversation was had. AJ expected to see Officer Scott Reed with his father but he had not been in the crowd that night and felt an emptiness that he was not there. AJ thanked the Chief for allowing Scott to take the call. He asked him to express his thanks and gratitude to him as he knew in his gut, he would not have made it through without someone to watch over him.

Chief Reed – “AJ my heart goes out to you. When my wife passed from cancer it was my faith and my family that allowed me to come out the other side. Hold on to those closes to you and accept the help offered by others. I will make certain Scott gets your thanks. He would have been here tonight but his fiancé Maureen was not feeling well, Scott felt he had to be there.”

AJ – “He’s where he should be, I do hope she feels better soon. Thank you again for attending, I do need to get the two nuggets home for bed. Goodnight, sir.” Damn – why do I feel like a jealous 14-year-old over him not being here? I need to get my head straight. AJ didn’t realize he actually chuckled out loud.

Trav – “what’s so funny my friend?”

AJ – “What?”

Trav – “You were chuckling and had an odd expression on your face.”

AJ – “I couldn’t figure out why I was annoyed with Scott’s fiancé…” Trav raised an eyebrow at his best friend and thought to himself – maybe my straight boi is not as straight as I thought. Food for thought.

Nanny and Evelyn wrapped their arms around AJ from either side and they set off for AJ’s home. As they approached Ash Street and AJ’s house, Cynthia and Jeremiah asked if AJ would join them at The Coug for a beer.

AJ – “I would love to but I’m not 21 so I can’t.”

Cynthia – “We talked with the Mayor, the Police Chief and the Owner of The Coug. It is closed tonight and has been designated a home for the night. The agreement is that our houses have the night to drink and remember if we don’t get out of control. Moms, Dads and Grands you are all welcome as well. We figured the nieces and nephews could watch the boys for a bit.”

Nanny – “I’ll stay and help the younger ones with boys; you all go raise a glass and I’ll make sure the kids are bathed and put down.”

Gran – “I’ll help too.”

Everyone else proceeded to The Coug. When they walked in the Owner, the University President, the Mayor and the Police Chief were there and handed a pint to AJ, Evelyn, Jonathan, Charlene and Elliot, hugged them and expressed their condolences again. Chief Reed recognized AJ’s father Jonathan O’Brien as a State Judge and they struck up a conversation. When the first drinks were finished, the ‘adults’ said their goodbyes and left, leaving just the members of the two houses inside. Jeremiah quieted the crowd; he and Cynthia addressed their friends and family –

Jeremiah – “AJ, we are here for you. We are grieving but none of us can imagine what you are going through. Raise your glasses ‘To Syd and AJ a love for the ages – to the moon and back’”

Everyone – “Always and forever”

Cynthia – “AJ I know your wedding was not what you planned, it was just you, Syd, Trav, Julia, Jeremiah and me. Syd confided in me that she was nervous about being a mom but she knew that she was meant to be your wife and the mother of your children. She loved you unconditionally and with her whole heart. Please let us know if there is anything you need as you take each step forward with those two pieces of heaven on earth. Raise your glass – ‘To AJ, the best person I know.’”

Everyone – “To fucking right.”

AJ put his fingers to his lips and let out one of his loud ass whistles. Everyone quickly quieted down.

Lance – “What the fuck AJ.”

AJ – “Don’t be a Dougy Downer dude. So, the reason I did that is to get everyone’s attention.” AJ stood on a stool to better survey those that were gathered. “Earlier today I lost the love of my life. She made me better in all aspects of my life – a better man, husband, father and human being. Please raise a glass to Sydney – my one and only, the mother of my boys and a bloody wonderful human being, until we meet again my love you will be in my heart forever. Salute”

Everyone – “Salute”

AJ wiped his face and yelled out – “enough of my pity party, it’s time to drink and have a true old-fashioned Irish Wake for my beloved ‘Sydney Marie O’Reilly O’Brien’.”

Travis who was the best man at AJ and Syd’s courthouse wedding came up and hugged AJ to him. He kissed his cheek and asked – “How are you holding up honey/boyfriend?”

AJ – “I’m upright my darling and putting one foot in front of the other. Beyond that I’m a fucking disaster.”

Trav – “I’m here for you if you need or want me.”

AJ – “Thank you for that. Do you have time tomorrow to go with me to the funeral home? I’m not sure I can face that without someone in my corner. I don’t know why but I feel like I will be at odds with Syd’s parents.”

Trav – “You should know by now I would do anything for you. I have a question for you – Julia and I are getting married on New Year’s Day – 12:00 AM to be exact and I want you to be my best man. Are you up for it?”

AJ – “Absolutely, I’m in.”

During this whole discussion, Travis and AJ continued to hug each other. They didn’t really think anything about it. They had been great friends from the moment they met at a summer rush water skiing event. Both men were great skiers and the competition that was set up came down to the two of them with AJ winning.

Lance – “Why don’t the two of you get a room?”

Trav – “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Lance – “Nothing, it’s clear you two have a thing for each other. Why don’t you just get to it and do the deed, AJ obviously has the innate ability to get straight guys to suck his dick.”

AJ ignored Lance. AJ knew Lance had a thing for Trav and that he resented their relationship and was not going to take the bait. AJ hugged Trav tight and whispered – “I’m excited to be your best man and don’t forget tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM at my house.”

Trav was also painfully aware that Lance had a thing for him. There was nothing there – he was in love with Julia. The only guy he had ever thought of messing with was AJ and he was unwilling to screw up that friendship however he was getting very tired of the BS. Lance was at the core a good guy but needed to get a life, admit he was gay, find someone and be ok with that. “AJ, I’m going to kiss you now so that Lance will leave me alone once and for all.”

Trav pulled back and kissed AJ full on the mouth. He had only intended to make it look like they were swapping spit, but something came over him and he ran his tong along AJ’s full lips and pushed in between trying to fight his way into AJ’s mouth. AJ resisted at first but relented to the onslaught. Their tongues fighting for dominance and their bodies heating up. As they felt themselves stiffen, they broke the kiss looking into the other’s eyes Trav whispered – “fuck me that was hot.” AJ replied quietly – “shit, you are a really good kisser.”

Lance – “Fuck you Trav.” He stormed out. AJ and Trav barely noticed but the ruckus caused a few heads to turn and a few looks in Trav and AJ’s direction. AJ and Trav composed themselves and hugged one last time – Trav in a fairly loud voice – “Thanks buddy for agreeing to stand up with me and Julia.”

AJ jumped up on a chair, whistled again – “I know, I know sorry for killing your ears but I would like you to raise your glasses again. Travis and Julia will be getting married New Year’s Day and I am his best man. Raise your glasses – to Julia, who we all know graduated last year and apparently loves this dufus enough to marry his scrawny ass. Trav, may you find love and happiness for all time, cheers my friend.”

“CHEERS” rang out from everyone in attendance. Most of those in attendance took the earlier outburst and hug fest as AJ congratulated Trav. Jer was not one of them that missed the intimacy that the two shared, he was jealous. He really was ‘Bi’ and not said the words out loud, but his two bromances were Trav and AJ. There were tons of reasons he had never tried anything, especially his and Trav’s big Craig – at his core he was a good guy but he wanted things his way and played puppet master very well. I should have made my play for either of those two. “Fuck.”

Cyn heard the outburst and turned to her fiancé, leaned in and whispered, “so only he could hear – “so my love, you saw them and now you are kicking yourself for not trying to at least suck one of their dicks, aren’t you?”

Jer was caught completely off guard and just guppy-talked at Cyn. She chuckled and continued to whisper – “My love I have known since the first time I saw you with Trav. Julia Syd and I talked about the three of you all the time. We all knew that you were all ‘Bi’. Julia was certain that you and Trav had already played a little ‘hide the sausage’ but I told her that hadn’t happened but wouldn’t it be hot to have our boyfriends hook up so we don’t have to feel guilty about our naked weekends.”

Jer – “WTF, so you have known since freshman year I had a thing for Trav?” Cyn nodded her head.  “So why did you date me?”

Cyn – “So you missed entirely my comment about me being ‘Bi’ and that Julia, Syd and I used to get together for naked weekends. Why would I have an issue with you crushing on two hot guys that wound up engaged/married to my best friends/lovers?”

Jer – “I’m a moron. I have been in love with you since 8th grade and we finally start dating in college. I knew you were the one to have my babies and be my forever love. I didn’t want to do anything to screw that up so I hid from something that I wanted SO BADLY. I guess I need to learn to trust and communicate with you. Fuck me, I love you so much.”

Cyn – “Baby I want to spend eternity with you just like Syd and AJ, but I am more than willing to share you with Trav.”

Jer – “What about AJ, you said that Syd acknowledged AJ was Bi.”

Cyn – “He is but there is something Syd would not tell me that has his wall up on that aspect of his life. Maybe you and Trav can pull that wall down for him so he can enjoy a bit of dick on the side.”

AJ spent the next hour circulating and talking to everyone. Thanking them for being there and supporting him and the boys. His littles – Brett, Chase, Steve and Brent worked together to ensure that AJ always had a beer; they were trying hard to get him drunk; they were surprised he was not more intoxicated as he was not a big drinker. They watched more closely and noticed AJ would take a sip or two as he circulated and when he thought eyes were elsewhere, he would pour his beer into someone’s glass. The sneaky little bastard.

They sidled up to AJ and had him flanked on all sides steering him to a quiet corner.

Brett – “Skeet, you sneaky little bastard – nice effort in disposing of your alcohol. By the way, what was that kiss between you and Trav about, looked hot from where we were watching?”

AJ – “First of all, you need to wash your face and brush your teeth I can smell Steve all over you and that bit of cum drying on your cheek is priceless. Steve, you should have made sure your boyfriend cleaned up after a quickie in the bathroom. I know you have been trying to get me drunk but you obviously had a quicky in the bathroom.

Brett – “Nice try at deflection my friend but the question still remains – what was that between you and Trav?”

AJ – “Deflection maybe, but seriously clean yourself up…” Steve completely beet red, wiped Brett’s face with a wet paper towel. “…You know I don’t drink but you still have been trying hard to get me drunk. As far as the kiss it was to get Lance to back the hell off and stop being such an annoying hanger-on.”

Chase – “Sure it was, that’s why you both got rock hard. Don’t try to deny it, neither of you are small fries, it’s pretty easy for those of us that like dick to see a stiff rod.”

AJ – “Shut up. I know you don’t miss a stiff rod very often, is that why you have a wet spot there at the back of your shorts? Did Brent leave to large of a deposit? I’m going to head home.”

Chase – “I don’t have a wet spot on my shorts…” Brent looked at Chases backside and there was a bit of a wet spot showing on his shorts. “…Ok you little tease, is Trav going with you? We’ll stop in and see you tomorrow. Let us know if you need anything at all, like a little assistance with the obvious bulge in your pants.” Chase was a bit drunk so he grabbed AJ’s cock through his pants and stroked it several times eliciting a strangled moan from AJ and a moan he realized was coming from his own throat.

AJ kissed Chase on the cheek and whispered to him – “you are definitely warming me up to the idea of letting someone suck my cock.” He kissed the other three guys on the cheek and made his way out of The Coug he thanked Jeremiah & Cynthia for organizing the event.

There was a weird vibe there but his mind was too trashed to even think about the issue. He made the short walk to his house rather quickly as he stepped off the curb, he heard a car door open. He looked toward the noise and saw Officer Scott Reed walking toward him.

Scott – “AJ, how are you holding up? Dad mentioned you sent your gratitude. Just know you don’t need to thank me for being there for you. I’m certain I made a new friend that I want to keep in my life. I hope you feel the same way as you can never have too many friends.”

AJ – “I did and you do.”

The two talked for 15 – 20 minutes about their lives and found they had a lot in common – sports, working out, close family, faith. Their siblings had all attended WSU and a couple of them even overlapped their time here. Scott had lost his mom a few years back, he joined the force instead of going to law school in Seattle. There were a lot of ‘what ifs’ in that fact but Scott seemed happy and AJ could not deny having him in Pullman helped him with the pain of losing Syd. Scott received a call over the radio. He told AJ that his thoughts and prayers were with him and if there was anything he could do to help to please let him know.

AJ made his way into the house as Scott pulled away from the curb. AJ could not deny the fact that he was attracted to this man but he didn’t understand why and chalked it up to nightingale syndrome.

As Scott drove off, he watched AJ head to his home. He was stiffening up just watching that man. “Fuck what is wrong with me.” Shit now I’m talking to myself.

Nanny – “You are back earlier than expected. Your siblings all went to the motel and your parents have turned in and Gran is reading upstairs. Were you all able to share some good stories?”

AJ – “We did. It was a decent time and I was able to thank everyone for what they have done for us so far. I was a little down so I came home. I realized as I was circulating the wake, I have not been to a party unaccompanied for nearly 3 years. It made my heartache and I didn’t want to make the time about me it was about remembering Syd so I said my goodbyes and came home to be with my boys.”

They headed to bed to get some sleep when there was a knock on the door. AJ told Nanny that he would take care of it and he would see her in the morning. He kissed her cheek; she went up to bed and AJ answered the door to find Jer standing on his stoop.

Jer grabbed AJ and pulled him into the corner of the large front porch with AJ’s back against the house effectively trapping him in the corner. Before AJ could react, Jer dropped to his knees and quickly pulled AJ’s pants and underwear down. Jer opened his mouth and swallowed as much of AJ’s cock as he could. He was doing everything he could to mimic the things he really liked when getting a blow job – running his tongue around the head of AJ’s cock, sliding it into the slit in the head, swallowing as he forced more and more of the rod into his throat and using both hands to play with his balls and the remaining shaft.

Jer was a man on a mission. Cyn had convinced him he need to explore; he was a bit drunk and wanted his first cock to be AJ’s so he was making it happen. AJ pushed Jer off letting him know it wasn’t ok and he needed to stop.

AJ looked at Jer with frustration but love in his eyes. He was interested in this but he could not let it be a forced situation, he had been there before and he wasn’t going back there. AJ tucked himself back into his jeans and buttoned them up.

AJ – “Jer, that was a bit over the top. Don’t do that, I’m not saying I don’t want to try it but not this way. You aggressively going at my cock on my front porch with my family upstairs is not what I want my first time with a guy to be. I hope you will respect that and not freak out.”

Trav had been standing at the edge of the porch getting more annoyed as he listened to what was going on. He didn’t understand why Jer would force himself on AJ and he was frustrated with AJ that he would let it happen. When AJ stopped it, Trav’s demeanor changed, he was happy and he knew that wasn’t fair either – he himself had never put himself out there as Jer had. He slipped across the street and into the back of their house.

Jer sat there with spit and pre-cum on his face and a blank look on his face. He jumped and sprinted next door. AJ went after him and caught him just before he went inside. He pulled him into a hug – “Jer I’m not saying no, I’m just asking you to let it be a different time. I need to share something heavy with you first and I’m not ready to do that yet.”

Jer pulled away – “ok whatever” and disappeared into the house. AJ shook his head and cursed under his breath. ‘fuck’. He headed home so he could get some sleep and would deal with this tomorrow.

When Jer came through the back door and made his way to his room he was frustrated, humiliated and downright in a foul mood. He thought to himself – ‘I had AJ’s cock in my mouth, it was getting hard, and damn it tasted and smelled good. What stopped him? He could tell that AJ’s body was responding positively, what was this mysterious thing he need to talk to him about, FUCK.’

He stepped into his room. Without turning on the lights he stripped down and crawled into bed. As he started to settle in he felt a hard, hot body press up against him and an arm pull him in tightly to a smooth chest. A moan escaped his lips when he felt the hard cock press into his ass crack.

Trav whispered in his ear – “I was pissed that you got AJ’s cock in your mouth but so absolutely turned on that I had to have you tonight. Fuck putting this shit off any longer. I want to fuck you and then I want you to fuck me and then we’ll see how else we can get each other off – you in?”

Jer’s breath caught as a chill went down his spine – “Absolutely!”