Coming of Age

The two were moving as one, AJ was not going to miss the opportunity to ride the O train with Scott – “Sam, I’m close.” “Ride the train, I’ll be there with you.” The two men were writhing in pleasure, as AJ blasted into Scott’s ass, Scott soaked the sheets in front of him. As they came down from their orgasms, they drifted off together.

AJ was still holding Scott tightly in the morning when they woke up to a blaring alarm. Scott cursed the offending item, ultimately pulling the alarm clock out of the plug in the wall. AJ kissed his ear and energetically rolled Scott onto his back, straddled his waist and kissed him deeply. Scott was initially annoyed at AJ’s chipper disposition but he quickly got into the passion.

AJ was sliding Scott’s growing cock up and back through the crack of his ass. He was actually enjoying having Scott that close to his hole – waves of pleasure rolled through him each time Scott’s cock head slid over his pucker. He actually grabbed the lube and lubed up Scott’s cock and his ass, placed Scott’s cock head at his hole and slid back onto it. He slowly eased himself back onto Scott until he was sitting on Scott with him fully seated inside him.

His cock had gone soft but he was not having a panic attack having his boyfriend buried balls deep in his ass. Scott ran his hands up the inside of AJ’s thighs, around his cock and to the ultra-sensitive space on AJ’s lower abs and then one hand up to AJ’s nipples. AJ’s cock began to rise with the stimulation and AJ started to roll his hips around, not moving up or down just around in circles.

Scott was in heaven; AJ was not in hell so this was definitely progress. Scott had lubed his hands and was now jacking AJ’s hard cock as he continued to roll his hips in circles. Scott growled out, I’m close. AJ clamped his ass around Scott’s cock and began to rise and fall as he rolled his hips. He was getting into this and Scott was in ecstasy.

Scott let AJ know he was cumming. AJ followed along right behind him. As they came down from their orgasms Scott pulled AJ into a passionate kiss – “Oh my God that was awesome for me. Are you ok? You know you didn’t have to do that, talk to me Taz.”

AJ had tears running down his face and Scott was panicking – “Are you ok? I’m freaking out here, please say something.”

AJ couldn’t talk, he was overwhelmed. It wasn’t the mind-blowing experience that Trav and Scott had alluded to, but it was not the horror show he had with Oliver. He enjoyed it and would definitely do it again but enjoyed the topping side of things more. “Sam, I’m sorry. There are just a lot of emotions going on right now. It was good obviously I came right there with you. There was definitely pleasure going on and over time I’m sure it will get to the mind-blowing feeling you and Trav talk about.”

Scott had mixed feelings, he loved every minute of being inside AJ, he was disappointed that AJ only thought it was good not great. He also knew this was a HUGE step for AJ and was over the moon that it had been he who was AJ’s first. Scott pulled AJ back into his body and hugged him tightly. “I’m sure I’m going to screw this up but I hope you really listen to what I’m trying to say – I am over the moon I was your first, I had a great time, I know that was a huge step for you, I’m just a little sad it wasn’t mind-blowing for you and I want you to know I love you so much for giving yourself to me like that. Taz, you are everything to me and I want us to continue to explore each other in every way we can find.”

AJ felt horrible, he was making Scott feel like shit about the fact he thought it was good, not incredible – “Sam, I love you with everything I am. I need you to listen to me as well – it was the right time for me to bottom with you, my love. I enjoyed it, it wasn’t painful, it hurt a little bit but you were patient and let me take control, I still have some hang-ups about this and I want you to know I want to do it again and again for two reasons, one I saw your face and know you enjoyed yourself and two I believe it will get even better for me the more I do it without being forced. Just hang in there with me, ok my love?”

Scott pulled him in for a passionate kiss and they heard a thud from the boys’ room. They grabbed shorts and headed in to get the boys. Caleb was standing outside Conor’s crib telling him in their language to get out. AJ grabbed Caleb a blew farts into his neck calling him a little monkey. Scott grabbed Conor and did the same thing.

Clothes were grabbed and they all headed into the master bath to get ready to leave. The boys were in the shower and the guys took turns getting cleaned up and showered. Everyone was ready just before 7 AM. AJ was now in the kitchen making up breakfast sandwiches.  He had prepped the eggs, bacon and sausage the day before so it was a matter of heating those and getting them on the freshly toasted English muffins.

Everything was ready, in the coolers & warmers for the trip. Everyone got in the Tahoe and were off to Chelan. Scott was in the back sitting between the boys and was in charge of breakfast. He got the boys set up and then handed out things to his dad and Taz. It was really quiet except for the noises from food consumption until JR exclaimed – “AJ is there anything you don’t do well?”

AJ chuckled – “Well I’ll take it you like them. I suck at working on cars, I know where the gas goes, the washer fluid and how to change the oil, windshield wipers or tires. Beyond that I’m useless.”

The banter continued for the next 4 hours. The boys fell asleep right after they finished their breakfast and woke up as they pulled into Mimi and Papi’s place. Scott was floored, he expected a farmhouse in the middle of some fields. What they pulled up to was a very large home on a large lot of land on the lake with their ‘farm’ across the road. The farm consisted of hundreds of acres of grapes, orchards and pastureland, multiple buildings for making wine and storing fruit, a barn for horses and living space above.

AJ smiled at Scott – “Close your mouth, Sam, you are going to get bugs in it.” As he unbuckled Conor, his mama was right there to take him and JJ had grabbed Caleb before Scott could get him out.

The older folks headed for the house. AJ yelled at his mama – “Where are we staying? If we are here, I’ll unload if we are in the barn or at Nanny or Gams/Gramp's place I’ll just grab the boys’ stuff they will need until bedtime.”

Evie shook her head – “Do you honestly think I’m going to let my favorite son Scott sleep anywhere but here?” AJ flipped his mom the bird. JR spun on his heels and grabbed his bag and box. AJ couldn’t resist – “Dad, I was not going to peak. The favorite son may be nosy but I’m ok with keeping things to yourself. Ouch, what the hell was that for dickhead?”

Scott smacked his ass again – “You don’t have to be an ass just because mama likes me better.”

JR laughed – “Oh my dear boy you need to get better at reading a room. Evie said that to wind AJ up. She loves you there is no doubt, but favorite son status has been sewn up for years. JT is obviously, ouch what the hell.”

AJ couldn’t help himself – “Old man, I’d watch myself this week. You may wind up in the lake in the middle of the night. It hurts to admit it but you are right, he is Mama’s favorite kid in the family always has been always will be. Maybe we should stay at Gams/Gramps or Nanny’s. I’m definitely their favorite.”

Scott was amused – “You are a little shit-stirrer, aren’t you? Where would these other places be?”

AJ stood up and twisted Scott’s head left, “that is Nanny’s place” and right, “that is Gams/Gramps place”.

Scott was dumbfounded – “Ok, so you said your parents did ok, how the hell do explain 3 mini-mansions on acreage on Lake Chelan and a vineyard/winery/ranch across the road?”

AJ chuckled – “Well, my parents do ok. Gramps, Gams, Nanny and Papa all came from significant money. When my parents got married the land along the lake from the third house down that way and the fourth house down that way was purchased and homes were built for my parents, grandparents and their kids. Nanny’s other two kids live just beyond her house and my mom’s two siblings and their spouses live in the two houses beyond Gams/Gramps place. The last house was built for guests and you can see is smaller than the others.”

Scott was intrigued – “I get why the grandparents’ homes are slightly smaller, but why is your parents so much larger than their siblings?” AJ laughed loudly at that one – “Well my grandparents each had three kids and they gave each kid the same amount of money to build their houses, do the math. My mom got the same as her siblings and my dad got the same as his siblings. Together it was twice as much because they both married wealth. By the way, if you talk about what I just said you will be joining your dad in the lake.” AJ closed up the Tahoe leaving their stuff in the back. JR was already in the house when they walked in empty-handed.

When they walked into the family room Scott was astonished at the homey feel of such a freaking big home. Evie looked up – “Where are your bags, did you get them put in your room? The boys will be in Cheryl’s old room.” AJ lay on the floor and smiled at his mom. “What the hell are you up to Skeeter?”

AJ shook his head at his mom – “What a way to welcome your son home from college. I guess I made the right decision to stay at Gams/Gramp's place.”

Evie was incensed – “The hell you will. You and Scott are in your room, the boys in Cheryl’s and JR in the guest room here in your home. Gina is in her room. Mel and Grant are in JT’s room, their kids are in Steph’s room. Steph, Jim, Cheryl, Max and their kids are in Gramps/Gam's house. JT, Mo, Teddy, Becca and their kids are in the barn. Aoife, Elliot, Charlene, Eva, Mat and the kids are with Nanny. Don’t mess with my plans.”

AJ chuckled – “First of all, your speech is appalling. Secondly, you said you wanted your favorite son here with you and you put him in the barn. How is that going to go over?”

Evie threw a pillow at AJ – “Skeeter don’t be an ass.” Gina and Kevin walked in at that moment – “Mama first of all your mouth is unacceptable and second, why are you being mean to my baby boy?”

AJ was quick to jump in, he did ignore the baby boy's comment – “Who is mama’s favorite son?”

Gina laughed and Kevin answered – “JT. He is also her favorite kid out of all 5 of you, no questions asked.”

Evie didn’t miss a beat – “Gina my dear, maybe you should stay at Kevin’s parents’ home. You obviously have lost your damn mind and I have too many people coming over to deal with that too.”

Gina took her and Kevin’s bags to her room and called over her shoulder – “Can’t. Kevin is staying here with us. And before you say a damn thing – he is sleeping with me, just like Scott is sleeping with Skeeter. Oh, by the way, we are pregnant and getting married at AJ’s house on Christmas evening.” Kevin didn’t miss a beat – “I better help her with those bags given her condition.”

AJ was up and down the hall before anyone could say a word. He was up the stairs and caught Gina and Kevin before they made it to her room. He scooped his sister up and hugged her tightly – “Thanks for the heads-up sis. You were the first family member that I told when we were pregnant and I have to find out with the parents. You are so not my favorite anymore.”

Kevin interrupted – “Skeeter you are so full of shit. She was, is and always will be your favorite person.”

Gina giggled – “I don’t think so. Right now, I would say I’m number 5 on the list behind – Conor, Caleb, Scott and Syd, if he has more kids, they will outrank me. I’m sorry about that, I planned to get mom to watch the boys and take you and Scott down to the pub and tell you there and ask you if you would host the wedding.”

AJ hugged them both – “I’ll have to talk to Scott but I don’t believe he will mind. He is kinda scared of you.” “I am not scared; she just intimidates me a bit with her bear growl. You know well enough by now that I go where you go and would support you in any decision. So, suffice it to say – absolutely without a doubt.”

Gina hugged Scott tightly and whispered so only he could hear – ‘My brother got lucky when Syd put you two together.’

AJ cleared his throat – “Bear, Sam is mine and you are knocked up by this goof. So, hands-off, ok?” They both broke into hysterics. AJ quipped, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be telling you to take your hands off my man but damnit get them off now.”

The four of them got Kevin and Gina’s bags into her room and crashed in the media room. They got caught up on the last few months even though Gina and AJ talked every week she had failed to mention the baby. They talked about the wedding and what they were wanting to do and who would attend and the logistics of Christmas. Kevin and Gina only wanted family and a few of their friends there. The friends lived locally and Kevin’s family would be staying at the house they just bought. Gina was hoping to stay in the guest house at AJ’s or the pool house.

AJ’s phone rang. He looked at caller ID – seriously, they could not just come upstairs or yell. “Yes, mama?”

Mama – “Your boys are hungry; your bags are in your room and theirs are in their room. Do you want to barbeque or head to the pub?”

AJ shook his head – “Your house, your rules. But I’ll take my boys, all three of them to the pub with Gina and Kevin.”

Mama – “So then my house, your rules?”

AJ stood up saluted and said – “No. Your house, your rules but when you start with, I need to feed my boys and that turns into me barbecuing for everyone, I’ll bow out for someone else to do the work.” AJ disconnected before his mama could pitch a fit.

Gina laughed – “So the chef was summoned. If you don’t want to go out, we’ll help out.”

AJ chuckled – “I don’t have the energy to deal with barbecuing. It will start as just burgers and dogs, then chicken, maybe ribs, who knows what else. I would rather eat, relax and catch up with 2 of my favorite people.”

Scott grabbed AJ from behind and hugged him hard – “You need to relax, I’m here and will help you too?”

AJ laughed out loud – “Yeah that will go over well – pizza delivery. Ouch, when was the last time you cooked something? Again, ouch.”

Scott was annoyed with AJ, it wasn’t that he was wrong, it was that he was spot on – “This past summer, I grilled steaks, bake potatoes, hot dogs and burgers for you, the boys and the musketeers.”

AJ smiled his best innocent smile and sat down, dialed his mama – “Hey mama, Scott is going to barbeque – do you have the steaks, hot dogs and burgers ready? No, ok then Kevin, Gina, Sam, me and the boys are heading to the pub. If you want to join, we’ll meet you there. Toodles.”

AJ sprung from the couch and tackled Scott, pinning him to the floor. AJ stuck his finger in his mouth and got it really wet, he then proceeded to Scott’s ear. With the other hand, he started tapping Scott’s sternum. Scott was squirming under AJ, he tried to raise his legs and grab AJ with them but that failed. AJ was deceptively strong, limber as all get out and someone that could hold his own in a fight.

Scott yelled out – “Ok, I give. You are the master; I am but your poor humble servant.”

AJ still held Scott down and bent in half to kiss him – “Sam, I love you but don’t mess with your Taz.”

AJ helped Scott off the floor, Gina and Kevin had stopped laughing and they decided it best to head downstairs when AJ’s phone rang, it was his mom. He ignored it and started toward the door. AJ ducked just as Scott and Kevin went to tackle him. They ran headlong into each other and crumpled to the floor. AJ stepped over them and headed down the stairs with Gina.

AJ called for the boys – “Conor, Caleb where are my monkeys?” He heard a distant “Dada” but no running. “Deep breath AJ, deep breath.”

Gina chuckled as Scott and Kevin stepped off the stairs – “Baby boy, you need to stop talking to yourself.” AJ chuckled – “It’s only when I answer myself that you should worry.”

The four of them walked to the kitchen as that is where the boys were yelling from and Evie was trying to quiet them down. They were in counter-hanging hi-chairs with noodles, chicken and broccoli on their plates. Before AJ could comment, Gina jumped in – “Really mama, why do you always try and create drama. You were stirring the pot with AJ when you already had the boys set up for lunch. If you wanted us downstairs, couldn’t you just be direct about it for fucks sake?”

Evie – “Gina Lillian, watch your mouth. There is no reason to devolve into someone who can’t have an intellectual conversation. As far as stirring the pot, I was having a bit of fun so you both need to lighten the hell up.”

AJ had enough – “Mama, seriously you started the swearing just after I walked into the house. Why can’t we ever communicate openly?”

AJ headed for his room. He changed into a shorty wet suit and went out on the dock and dove into the water. The initial shock of the 45–50-degree water was jolting but with the wet suit on AJ quickly warmed up. He needed to swim and clear his head. Given all the upheaval in his life, AJ knew it was best to get clear for a bit and not react in the moment.

Scott hit the dock as AJ surfaced a good 20 yards from the dock. He yelled out – “Are you ok?” AJ waved at him and set off on a swim. Scott was worried about his Taz and was going to get things settled in the house. He squared his shoulders and headed in to deal with the in-laws.

When he entered the kitchen, he took several deep breaths before wading in – “Ok Evie, what was all that about? You all should know this but I’m going to point it out for the slow minds in the room, stop don’t say a word.

AJ is on edge, it is clearly written all over his face, his demeanor and in his voice if you would just listen and open your eyes. This is the first big holiday since Syd passed. He has a boyfriend and is trying his damndest to keep his shit together for these two little guys.” Scott kissed both boys’ heads.

Conor and Caleb both said at the same time – “Sam, uppy.” This distracted Scott for a moment while he got them out of the chairs, kissed them again and set them on the floor. “Gina, will you do me a favor and change their diapers while I finish this discussion?” Gina and Kevin took the boys by the hand but Caleb called out “no, no, Dada, Dada, Sam, Sam…”

Scott knelt in front of the boys – “Little buddies, Aunty Bear is helping Sam out. Sam needs to finish a conversation with Mimi and Papi. I’ll be right there but you will be safe with Aunty Bear.” Conor and Caleb hugged Scott’s neck and kissed his cheek. They took Gina’s hand and headed off to get diapered up.

Scott rose with a tear running down his face – “Now back to you two. I’m going to be very direct here as I don’t have the patience to be anything other than that right now. My love is out in the lake on his own swimming to get his head straight because you, his mother, thought it would be cute to play games today.

Do not interrupt me, I’m doing my level best not to go pack up all our shit and head home. AJ is on the edge whether you want to see it or not. You almost lost him in May and I’m telling you here and now you will lose him if you don’t seek to understand what he is going through. For God’s sake, he lost the person he hoped to spend the next 100 years with, became a single father and fell hopelessly in love with a less than adequate MAN. Thursday is the first holiday for him since Syd died. You weren’t there on their wedding anniversary, I was and it nearly broke my heart to watch him try and be happy and brave for everyone around him.

You both are killing me right now. I understand the need to get back to normal but for his sanity, please tread carefully this week, love him unconditionally and just be there for him. There will be over 70 people here on Thursday, it will be the first time they see him with his boyfriend. He is stressed about that; he is trying to be upbeat for the boys and the family but I’m telling you he is dying inside.

I don’t want to hear anything from either of you. You either start treating him in a way that shows support or I will remove us from this situation. He and those boys are my world and NO ONE will fuck that up by pushing him over the edge. He is holding on by a thread and I swear to all that is good and holy if you hurt him further, I will not be responsible for the physical pain I cause both of you.”

There was applause from behind Scott. Everyone turned to see that the rest of the O’Brien clan had arrived. Scott started to speak when Stephanie hugged him tightly and lost her shit, she struggled to eke out – “I knew I liked you but thank you for having my baby brother’s back.”

She turned on her parents – “I don’t know what the hell happened here but please just stop. The reason we are all here on Sunday and took the week off was to make sure AJ was taken care of – the holidays were a shit show when Gramps died, he was 85 and had cancer. This year is going to be an epic emotional roller coaster and we all need to do our level fucking best to make certain we are not adding to the stress. The last thing I will say to everyone – look at your spouse/fiancé and ask yourself – ‘what would I need if that person was no longer alive?’ Where is my baby brother?”

Scott was trying to keep it together and Gina stepped in and answered the question – “He’s in the lake. My guess is he is swimming south toward town.”

Max was out the door and down on the dock. He uncovered a sea-doo, grabbed some gas and lowered it into the water. The family was on the dock with him. “He is not doing this alone. I’ll be back.”

Max set out down the lake to find AJ. He caught up with him about 3 miles down the lake. He stopped the Sea-Doo in AJ’s path. AJ stopped swimming and slid his arms over the side – “Hey Maxie, what’s up?”

Max was not having any of this – “Skeeter get your ass on this Sea-Doo. We are going back to the house.”

AJ laughed out loud – “Maxie, I’m fine. My head is clearer and will be set right when I get back. I’m not getting on that thing with you. If you want me to sit behind you at some point and hold you tight, just say so, you don’t need to rescue me though.”

Max snorted out a laugh – “You little ass.”

AJ smiled mischievously – “I thought you said I had a damn fine ass.”

Max shook his head – “You do. Ok, so how long are you going to be out here?”

AJ told Max – “I’ll be another 30 – 40 minutes. I was close to my turn and then I will be heading home. Tell everyone not to worry about me, I’m good, I just needed to clear my head.”

Max tried to smile but a tear slipped down his face – “Skeeter, everyone is worried. We all know this is going to be a shit show few months for you and we are here for you. Not that you need us, Scott ripped into Mama and Pops. He was dressing them down when we all got here, that man loves you so much it rivals Syd’s love for you. I’m sure that’s why she pushed you two together. You need to make sure you keep him close.”

AJ smiled – “Can I tell you something in strictest confidence? I’m going to ask him to marry me on Christmas morning. I know it will be a commitment ceremony but I want him with me forever and always.”

Max was excited for AJ; he was a little jealous of Scott because he was living with his man crush – “I won’t tell anyone but I need you to agree to something.”

AJ looked at him expectantly – “Well?”

Max was on his phone – “Hun, we are chatting right now. He says he is fine but I’m going to stay out here while he swims. It’s freaking cold out and I’m not leaving him alone. Yes, I have a crush on your brother, you have known that for the last 3 years but I am staying out here because he should not be out here alone. So you were just busting my balls then? I love you too.”

AJ looked at Max again – “So you want me to agree to not get annoyed with you being out here. Done.”

AJ took off swimming again. Max sat there for a bit watching AJ’s form slip away from him. God he was magnificent and the best part was he had no clue how insanely hot everyone found him.

Max started up the Sea-Doo and drove around the lake, keeping in proximity to AJ but not right next to him. He wanted him to know he had a safety net but that he was not interfering.

AJ made the turn for home – Max was a bit annoyed; he knew that AJ was now about 4 miles from home and with his current pace he was looking at 80 minutes plus the last 20 he had already spent he would be out here double the time he told Max he would be back home. Max called Cheryl again – “Your brother is an annoying little shit. He said he would be back in 30 - 40 minutes and he just made a turn home. He is at least 80 minutes out now. Ok, I’ll calm down. You are probably right, I interrupted him and he got a rest in so he wants to push harder. That was just mean Hun, I work out. Ok, I’ll see you in a bit.”

Max turned the Sea-Doo for the house and took off. He was annoyed at AJ but felt better about his situation.

When Max got back, he pulled the Sea-Doo onto the lift and hit the button to raise the watercraft. When it locked into place, he made certain the water had all drained from the machine and put the cover back on it.

As he walked up the dock to the pool deck, he was met by his wife and her siblings and spouses. Cheryl could see Max was annoyed – “Max go grab a suit and get in the hot tub with us. AJ will be fine; he is on edge and mama didn’t help this morning at all so he is out getting his head straight. He is an accomplished swimmer and has a wet suit on.”

When AJ emerged from the lake just over an hour later his family was relaxing, drinking, eating and catching up. Scott was waiting for him with a warm fluffy towel that he wrapped around him and hugged him to his body.  He whispered in his ear – ‘I know you were getting your head straight. Next time would you talk to me and let me know you are ok before heading off?’

AJ kissed Scott’s exposed cheek and whispered – ‘I will. I am sorry if I worried you.’

Chandler and Amanda yelled out to AJ and Scott – “Oh my God, you two need to get a room already.” AJ was out of Scott’s arms in a flash, he chased the two girls down and hugged them to his wet, wetsuit. “Doddle, Bug – get a room huh? We have one and what we do in there is none of your business. Why the heck are you guys here already? Don’t you have school through Wednesday?”

Amanda spoke first – “We do, but our parents pulled us out early. They pulled their heads out of the collective butts and realized, with some prompting, that we all need to be together this week. Too much has happened this year not to circle the family wagons and be here to support you. Hey, don’t interrupt me – we love you and know the holidays are going to be hard. We are family and this is what family does.”

AJ hugged the girls again – “Thank you. I’m holding it together but you are right I feel like I’m just on the razor’s edge. This will either be good or an epic failure, right now it is bordering on an epic failure.”

The girls hugged AJ tight – “Your little sisters are here now, so everyone needs to watch out.”