Coming of Age

…whispered in his ear – “thank you for getting me wet. I needed to get out of my head.”

The family had a great time and came together to support AJ and the boys. By the end of the day, the car services were needed to make certain there were no DUIs. AJ and his ‘crew’ stayed that night and crashed as soon as the last person left. The only adult that did not sleep through the night was AJ and that was because the boys woke up wet and hungry.

AJ was up early with his boys, had them fed and breakfast ready for the ‘crew’ again. He and the boys were playing in the family room when Jules and Trav sauntered in. They had shared his bed again – this time just sleep as yesterday was exhausting for all of them.

Trav walked straight up to AJ and kissed him on the mouth. AJ was caught off guard but quickly returned the kiss. Jules came over and kissed him as well. Trav laughed at the look on AJ’s face – “Skeeter, we have talked and if you are ok with it when we are alone together, we would like to include you in our lives – hugging, cuddling, kissing and in general sharing the love we have for you. We are getting married and will be together forever but we also want you as part of our family including physical intimacy. Is that something you would be up for?”

AJ smiled at his friends – “You two are very important to me and I would be honored to be that involved in your lives. That said before I can answer that question, I need to talk to you Jules – Trav and I talked all about this situation before we first gained intimate knowledge of each other.

Jules I can’t continue to ask Trav to keep this to himself – I’m just going to get right to it – I was repeatedly raped when I was 13 by a baseball coach. I have ignored it for so long it was/is impacting my relationships with others and I need to address it or it will eat me alive. My hesitancy in ‘naked guys weekend’ is directly related to this event.

Trav was patient, kind, loving and giving when we were in Chelan. When we were making love, it was so apparent that he was truly enjoying having me inside him that I realized I want that too but because of what happened I am not able to relax and enjoy the incredible feelings that I hear about as I tense up when anyone gets near that part of my body. Syd played with my butt all the time and was able to get a couple of fingers in there but it still was not that enjoyable. I so want to experience the ecstasy that was on Trav’s face when I hit his prostate but I can’t get past the sickening feeling that overwhelms me when someone touches me.

I need to get my shit together as I’m not enjoying life, my relationships, who I am at the core and the possibilities that are out there. Fuck it – I think I’m falling in love with Scott and the gross thing about it is not that he is a guy, it’s that I believe those feelings started from the moment I met him. I feel like I’ve betrayed Syd, even though she is hammering me all the time to get over it.”

As far as Scott, I have mixed feelings about it – He is fucking hot and you two would make the most striking couple – I’m kinda jealous as I want you to myself. I wanted you to find a great girl, marry her and then be my male lover. Best of both worlds – you and Jules all my own, so I have a proposal - Jules would you be up for a four-way with AJ, Scott, you and me? Three hot bi-guys and a drop-dead gorgeous lady. I know it’s out there but think about it.” AJ just shook his head he had no words at the moment.

Jules was ignoring the 4-way comment, she was unsure how to respond to the bombshell that AJ just dropped – ‘he was raped at 13’, that is huge and would be what Syd was referring to the last time they were together. “AJ, I’m struggling with the need for coffee.” AJ and Trav looked at each other like – ‘what the fuck’.

Jules continued – “Cyn/Jer, would you like coffee too? As far as the rest of that, I need to digest it all but know I’m going nowhere but to get coffee.”

Cyn and Jer were curious but did not ask any questions. AJ jumped in – “Jules when you get your coffee and digest, we need to make sure everything is outlined for the wedding here in two weeks.”

Cyn was helping with the coffee – “Jules, I thought you were getting married at AJ’s parent's farm but a stroke of genius getting our boy to agree to let you have it here. AJ, would it be ok if Jer and I spruced up the big pergola down by the lake – it would be a perfect place to have the actual ceremony. It needs some clean-up done but would provide some cover from the sun.”

AJ nodded his assent and was glad that the direction had been reset to the wedding. Cyn was on it – she and Jules had everything planned for Chelan but this would be easier – both families lived in the area and the setting was stunning. The ceremony and dinner could be had on the very point of the property under the pergola. The clematis needed to be trimmed back but that would be easy enough.

Cyn, Jer & Trav spent the next two weeks at AJ’s home getting the venue ready for the big day. Jules went back and forth to work getting things wrapped up for the big move to Australia. AJ spent time with his boys, helping ready the property, going to therapy, working out and as a result of his time in therapy drawing and painting. He found the drawing and painting therapeutic and he was pretty good at it.

The two weeks flew by – instead of a bachelor and bachelorette party they had a combined night at AJ’s home. Conor and Caleb were having a sleepover at Aunt Eva’s.

Trav, Jules, Cyn, Jer, Chase, Brent, Brett, Steve, AJ, a few people Jules worked with and a few people from the fraternity and sorority attended. AJ and Cyn played host and hostess as the best man/maid of honor. The night was a success with many inappropriate gifts being shared. The couple received enough sexy lingerie, underwear and toys that they would be having fun for a few weeks without repeating anything.

The day of the wedding came around – Trav & Jules shared AJ’s bed the night before. They had a great time – Trav was the meat in the sandwich. He insisted AJ use his ass while he slid his cock in and out of Jules’ pussy. AJ let the two of them get settled into a missionary position and then slid his cock into Trav’s ass pummeling his prostate over and over.

Jules watched Trav’s face as AJ sank into his ass. There was a mixture of lust, pain, joy exhilaration and love. If she had seen this without talking to Trav so often and with nothing held back about AJ, she would have called the wedding off – Trav was head over heels in love with AJ, but she knew in her soul that she was his epic forever love. He would pick her if she made him choose between AJ and her but she was confident in their love she wanted this for them.

AJ did not leave Jules out of the play – as he was tending to Trav’s ass, he slipped his fingers around Trav’s cock and played with her clit. Syd was right – AJ knew how to put his lover front and center. As she watched AJ finally hit his climax, the cheeky bastard winked at her. She lost count of the number of orgasms she and Trav shared – she was blown away by the cock sure look AJ had on his face. He was coming back to them and damn whoever wound up with him would never want for unbridled passion.

They eventually showered and crawled into bed sated. It was an epic night – as they drifted off to sleep Jules answered Trav’s question from earlier – “When AJ gets settled, I would be open to a 4-way with his partner and us. Good night my loves.”

Jules was sandwiched between Trav and AJ, she felt loved, sated and most of all content knowing she was getting married to her forever love. She just prayed that they would have a lifetime together and not have it cut short like Syd and AJ.

Trav gave AJ and deep, passionate kiss goodnight – “If tonight is the last time, I share this type of intimacy with you, I will be disappointed but happy in the knowledge that I was able to help you embrace your gay desires. I love you with all my heart AJ.”

AJ kissed Trav on the forehead – “I feel the same Trav. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jules – thank you for sharing him with me and helping me heal. I love you both with all my heart.”

They drifted off to sleep. They were not woken by Conor and Caleb as they were with Amanda and Chandler for the next two days so the adults could concentrate on getting Trav and Jules married.

The next morning Trav was sore and walking a little tenderly but he assured AJ he was fine and AJ’s baby makers deposited in his depths made him feel closer to AJ than he thought possible. He was going to miss the time they shared and was hoping AJ would make it down to see them in Australia. He was going to miss his best friend and lover. Their time together meant the world to Trav. AJ let him know he felt the same way. The two men shared another intimate moment before the ceremony. Trav insisted that AJ make love to him again. AJ was reluctant at first but he quickly threw his reservations aside as he slid his prodigious cock into his friend’s velvet tunnel. Trav was bent against the shower wall as AJ slowly sank all 12 inches into him. He relished every inch of that gorgeous cock as it sank deeper and deeper into him. When AJ bottomed out, he held still while pinching, caressing, kissing, biting and nibbling on Trav’s neck, shoulders, back and chest.

AJ gripped Trav’s 8 inches and began stroking it from root to tip while flexing his cock in Trav’s ass. Trav was shooting baby batter on the wall of the shower in minutes. When he came down from the first climax, AJ held Trav’s cock firmly while slowly withdrawing his to where the head was the only thing left in Trav’s ass. He stopped for the briefest of moments and slowly reentered, making certain the angle of entrance pushed his head directly into Trav’s prostate and kept the pressure up until he was balls deep again. He loved watching his cock disappear into his lovers, it was something that he could watch over and over again – it stoked a fire in his body that grew with every thrust.

Trav’s cock barely lost its rigidity as AJ ever so slowly long dicked Trav. When he could feel his friend climbing almost to the peak of orgasm he stopped moving. Trav whimpered – “You bastard, I need this orgasm. I need you to take me over the top.”

AJ smiled and growled in Trav’s ear – “We are far from done my friend and you will have this orgasm and at least one more before I deposit a huge load so far up your tunnel you will be tasting me in your throat.”

AJ resumed his painstakingly slow assault of Trav’s ass. Trav tried to thrust his ass back against AJ but he was controlling the entire act and Trav was getting desperate to cum. He reached for his cock which elicited a slap to his ass and AJ moved his hands to the wall under his pits which prevented him from touching himself. AJ growled in his ear – “Remember the first night you and Jules came to my bed – paybacks a bitch so here’s to your blue balls lover.”

AJ spent the next thirty minutes torturing Trav before he let him cum again. Once his orgasm subsided, AJ told him to hold on as he was going to get his nut. Trav told him to do him good, which AJ did. AJ long dicked him, rabbit punched his prostate and made love to all of Trav’s body. They climaxed together, with AJ depositing a huge load inside Trav. AJ held Trav tight to his body and thanked him for his friendship and willingness to let AJ love and adore him.

Trav regained the use of his body and turned toward AJ as AJ’s cock slid from his well-used ass. He kissed him deeply, telling him the pleasure was all his. He loved him like a brother, best friend and a lover – he admitted he felt closer to AJ than anyone but Julia and sometimes even her. They cleaned each other and by the time they had finished their shower they were both hard again.

They ignored their erections and dressed for the wedding in linen pants and shirts. Trav in white and AJ in light gray. They both wore a red rose boutonniere. AJ and Trav made their way to where the ceremony was being conducted.

Jules had a simple white dress and Cyn was dressed in a light gray sheath dress. They both carried red rose bouquets as they walked down the aisle. They both looked stunning.

A tear escaped AJ’s eye as he watched them walk down the aisle. Syd would have loved this night. He felt a touch on his cheek where the tear was falling. He turned his eyes and saw Syd brushing his cheek, she said to him ‘my love, do not cry for me I am happy and safe. You need to continue to heal and keep your heart open for Scott. Do not let him go, I know he is the person you are meant to spend the rest of your life with. Know I am always with you and am so happy knowing you are healing, share your story and be free of the past. I love you to the moon and back.”

AJ closed his eyes and breathed out – “Always and forever”. Everyone at the wedding was watching AJ, they knew something was happening as he had tears streaming down his face, his right hand was clutching his cheek. Trav, Jules and Cyn hugged him tightly, Trav whispered so only the three of them could hear – “Syd’s right, you need to be happy, safe and share your story.” AJ’s eyes snapped open looking at his 3 friends – they all smiled at him and nodded. Jules whispered – “Syd has been a busy girl – she is rallying everyone around you. Trust her my dear friend, she would not steer you wrong.” AJ smiled as Cyn wiped his eyes – “We need to get you married. I’m sorry for my mental lapse.”

They got back in position and the wedding continued without another hitch. There were only 20 in attendance – Trav, Jules, their families, Cyn, Jer, AJ, Evelyn and JJ – who performed the ceremony. Dinner was delicious – surf and turf were served. It was elegant and reflected the love the two shared.

AJ had a reservation at the Fairmont on the waterfront in Seattle with a car service for them. They were not expecting that gesture – they had planned on going back to their apartment to finish packing for their move to Australia. AJ was bummed that the two were moving down under but knew it was a great opportunity for them and their careers.

Trav and Jules were set to move at the end of June, which was fast approaching. On the last Friday they were in town they came over to AJ’s place with Cyn, Jer, Brent, Chase, Brett & Steve for a going away party. It was a casual affair – barbecue, beers, wine and relaxation in the pool.

AJ was a bit quiet – his last session with the therapist had challenged him to draw the rapes and then burn the pictures. It was a bit overwhelming but he felt more in control than he had in a long time.

Chase asked him why he was so quiet. AJ decided to come clean with his past. As he delved into the history – Trav sat on one side and Jules on the other. They each had an arm around him holding him tightly showing their support. There was not a dry eye in the group when he was done telling his story. AJ was going to tell his family the very next weekend and he asked his friends to keep this information to themselves until after the 4th.

AJ also talked to them about the feelings he had for Scott. He was falling for the man and he was scared the feelings would not be reciprocated. Chase fell out of his chair laughing. When he composed himself – “Skeet, you are dense beyond words. I love you with everything I am but damn dude – Scott is over the moon for you. These idiots keep trying to tell me he is in lust with you just like Jer, don’t even try to deny it. You were seen on your knees with AJ’s cock in your mouth, you pop wood every time he is around without a shirt on. We aren’t judging you – he is fucking hot and anyone of us would love to be in Trav or Scott’s position.

Trav – we know you love Jules and will be married to her forever but we also know you love AJ. If you would have figured that out before getting together with Jules you would likely be with AJ and Jules would be the side dish.

Now back to popo – AJ if you are falling for him go for it. We all have known you were bi-sexual from the moment we met you. The revelation from earlier explains why you waited so long to try it out. You need to let yourself love whoever your heart is telling you to love. Syd was your soulmate no question, but I see the way popo looks at you and I believe you could have another epic love on your hands, my friend.”

Across the state in Pullman.

Scott made it home after the memorial service. He made it to his early dinner with Maureen. They exchanged pleasantries, ordered drinks and sat staring at each other. Scott was beaten to the punch – Maureen removed her engagement ring and slid it across the table to Scott – “Scott, I am not sure what is going on with you but you have changed and I don’t like the new you. You are distracted, less attentive and I’m not willing to take second place in whatever drama you have going on in your life.”

Scott nodded his understanding – “Maureen, you are right I have changed. I no longer see you through the rose-colored glasses that came with your devotion when my mom took ill. You have changed since then, nothing I do seems to be enough for you and I am sure that neither of us truly loves the other.”

Maureen stood and kissed Scott’s cheek – “If you come to your senses, you know where to find me.”

Scott told Maureen to have a good life and to be happy again, he wished her the best. Maureen left the restaurant, Scott paid for the drinks and headed out. He was surprised that was as civilized as it was. When he got to the parking lot, he saw that his windshield was broken – well maybe not so civilized after all. He called a tow truck as he could not drive the vehicle the way it was and it was too late to get a glass company out to fix it.

He had the tow company drop him at the station – he was early but needed to talk to his dad briefly before his shift started. He needed to borrow a car for a day or two. When he sat down in his dad’s office, he placed his mom’s engagement ring on the desk and told him the engagement was off. He was not marrying Maureen.

JR told Scott that he was sorry things had not worked out. To which Scott told him he was full of shit – “you hated her.” They talked for a while about Maureen, the engagement and what was next. Scott let his dad know that they would get into it more tomorrow at lunch. JR made sure Scott knew that his SUV would be at the station for him to use until he could get his truck fixed.

The next day Scott brought deli sandwiches to his dad’s house. They got situated, Scott took a deep breath and went into the details of where he was at with his life. He detailed the night that Sydney O’Brien died, her visits to him before and after. The fact that he was indeed bi-sexual and head over heels in love with AJ. He poured his heart out to his dad, answering every question that was asked.

After 2 hours of conversation, JR stood up and hugged his son. He let him know that he loved him no matter what and told him that if he was being honest, he was not 100% surprised that Scott was bi. Regardless he was his son and would always be welcome and loved.

Over the next few months Scott went about his business; work, home, beer, pizza, working out and in general trying to get his head right. The problem was Syd was on him all the time – ‘don’t drink so much’, ‘stop eating pizza’, ‘run’, ‘work out’, ‘get your shit together’, ‘he is your epic love’, ‘get it together man’. He stopped drinking and eating like crap at the end of the second week. He took better care of himself; he lost weight and was looking pretty damned good. He was nearer 6% body fat now and standing naked in front of a full-length mirror he said out – “If I saw this guy out and about I would do him”. He heard a chuckle from Syd – “I’d do you too and I’m sure AJ will as well.” “You know, mis smarty pants, it’s a bit unnerving having you pop in and out all the time, especially with me being nude.” “Scott, you are a fine ass man, quit being such a prude.”

Scott was out for a run an afternoon in mid-July. He was shirtless, sweaty and looking pretty freaking hot. Maureen happened to pass by Scott as he was nearing the end of his run. She honked, pulled over and got out of the car in Scott’s driveway. They got to talking and it appeared that Maureen was back to her old self. It had been a couple of months since either had had sex. One thing led to another and they wound up in bed together. Once they had satisfied their carnal needs, they started talking and the monster side of Maureen reared its ugly head.

Scott told Maureen that he was in love with someone else, there was really no future for them together and that he wished her well. She slapped him and left in a fit of anger, calling him every name in the book and telling him to rot in hell.

He was also talking to his dad non-stop about AJ, to the point where his dad told him to make his move or shut the hell up - Scott was getting on his nerves. Eva had called telling Scott that they were bringing AJ and the boys back to Pullman on the 6th of August. Scott mapped out his plan of winning AJ over, he spent a week building his confidence, driving his dad nuts and in general being a total pain in the ass to everyone around him.

JR invited his other children to town for the weekend of August 6. They grumbled when asked to find places for their kids to stay but in the end, agreed to come for Saturday and Sunday to get to the bottom of the broken engagement and why he had been so incognito all summer long.

Scott took Friday through Monday off so he could get ready to confess his intentions to AJ and then start wooing him. He was trying to psych himself up for the task in front of him and was failing miserably. Doubt kept creeping into his head – ‘why would AJ want him’, ‘he was just a cop’, ‘AJ wasn’t bisexual, ‘they were doomed’.

At every turn Syd was hitting him over the head – ‘nut up man’, ‘you are his epic love’, ‘stop being a pussy’, ‘you put in the work’, ‘trust your gut’. God, she was annoying – why couldn’t he have been haunted by a ghost that would tell him how to make money, how to influence people instead of telling him he was a pussy. He knew he probably looked like a crazy person half the time – he was always ‘talking to himself’. The real problem was it looked like he was answering his own questions.

He called Eva again – “Hey, how are you, Mat and the girls?”

Eva laughed at him – “Ok stud what’s the deal? Is Syd pestering you too?”

Scott snorted – “Oh my god she is driving me nuts. I feel like I’m losing my mind. If I didn’t know she was at you all the time too I would seriously consider committing myself to a mental facility. My dad has banned me from talking to him until after I talk with AJ on Saturday. He is tired of hearing about how much I love him, how much Syd is driving me nuts and I can’t blame him I sound like a crazy person.”

Eva sighed but tried to be upbeat – “Scott it’s Friday so you have less than 24 hours. Just think about the next 50 years you will spend with AJ and the boys. You know you love him; you know this is right so stop second-guessing yourself and for gods’ sake get a good night’s sleep.”

Scott closed his eyes and pictured the future – “Ok I think I can do that. Who is all coming with AJ?”

Eva tried to change the subject but Scott would not be deterred – “Well here’s the thing. It was only going to be Mat, Gina, Kevin and me but now it’s Cheryl, Max, Stephanie, Jim, JT, Mo, Gina, Kevin, Mat and me.”

Scott panicked – “Holy crap. This is too much; I’m going to wait until late Sunday so he is alone. I can’t deal with all of his siblings and their spouses.”

Eva immediately replied – “Scott, you have to do this in front of people. It will prove to AJ that you are in this for the long haul. If you wait until everyone is gone it won’t have the same impact. You need to breathe; you sound like you are hyperventilating.”

Scott was indeed panicking – “Eva, what if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if he tells me to go to hell? What if he calls me an old pervert? What if he punches me and tells me to fuck off?”

Eva interrupted – “What if he tells you he loves you too and kisses you? We can play this game all night. It will be what it will be and I’m sure that Syd is on your side. She would not be pushing us if she were not sure AJ was open to this. She was not mean or petty.”

Scott sighed – “Ok, I’m taking some Tylenol PM and going to try and get some sleep. Maybe I’ll wake up just in time to head over to his house. What time do you think you all will be there?”

Eva responded with as much enthusiasm as she could – “You’ll nail it and we’ll be there around 1 PM or so I think. I told you I will text you on our progress so you can panic, pace and make yourself sick.”

Scott laughed at that – “You can be as big of a pain in the ass as Syd can. Good night, Eva.”

Scott took 3 Tylenol PM and got ready for bed. He had 15 or so hours until he needed to be over at AJ’s professing his undying devotion to making things work with AJ. Scot was thinking to himself ‘I have lost my ever-loving mind’. Who does this? Who falls in love with someone that is grieving the loss of their spouse? Fuck this is truly nuts.

With the help of the sleeping pills, Scott slept well. He woke up a bit groggy at around 7:30 AM. He had a cup of coffee and decided to take a run. He dressed and headed out the door running headlong into his dad. They almost landed in a heap but managed to maintain their footing. JR told him to get his shirt and for god’s sake put some underwear on, they were going to breakfast.

Scott went in and changed. They headed out to a local breakfast joint – JR ordered his usual 2 egg breakfast with bacon, hash browns and toast. Scott initially said he would have the same but Syd was telling him to watch his carbs. He had a big day in front of him and didn’t need all those carbs adding fat to his midsection.

Scott changed his order to a 3-egg white veggie omelet, whole wheat toast and fruit. He muttered – “Are you happy now?” Syd told him she was but his dad looked at him like he was nuts. Scott continued – “Dad, I know you think I’m nuts and maybe I am but I swear to all that is good and holy she is going to put me in the looney bin. Since Syd has been pestering me, I have lost 10 pounds of fat, I’m now at 5% body fat and down to 175.”

Syd mocked him – “Good boy, do you want a treat.” Scott just groaned.

JR finally said something – “Scott you need to get ahold of yourself. You sound like you are coming unhinged. Get through today and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”

Their breakfast was served and they ate in relative silence. JR asked about the plan again – Scott told him he would give them all a few hours to get things moving before he headed over around 3 PM and then he wanted JR to show up about 10 minutes later. Scott would pick his dad up on the way to AJ’s place.

They finished their breakfast, JR dropped Scott back at his house. Scott tried his damndest to settle down but his nerves were all over the place. He paced back and forth, all over the house and it was only 1 PM. His phone beeped and he checked the message – ‘arrived, having lunch and getting the house in order.’

Scott could not handle this any longer. He changed into his running gear and headed out. He ran for an hour all over town. He was soaking wet when he arrived back at his house. His mind was clearer, so he showered and laid down for a nap. He woke with a start – his phone was beeping. He had texts from his dad and Eva wondering where the hell he was. It was now 4 PM and he was late. He quickly texted both of them that he fell asleep and was jumping in the shower. He would be there within 30 minutes.

He showered, dressed and was out the door in 15 minutes. Luckily his dad showed up as he was getting in his truck so he could slow down just a bit. He took a deep breath and headed for AJ’s home to find out what his future would hold.

He parked at the curb, laid his head on the steering wheel and said to his dad – “What the hell am I doing? He just lost his wife.” He grabbed his phone and started to text Eva that he was not going to do this to AJ. His dad laid his hand on Scott’s – “Son, you have spent the last three months pining for this man and talking to his dead wife. I can’t pretend to understand all of this but I do know you are my son; you are not crazy and you deserve to be happy. If you believe it is AJ that will make you happy, then do what you have to do and go get your man. That is a phrase I never thought I would say to you.” He let out a hearty chuckle and kissed his son’s cheek and pushed him out of the truck.

Scott steeled himself and headed for the door and what his future may hold.