Coming of Age

They made love until 2 or 3 in the morning. They fell asleep in each other’s arms, both men fully sated and closer than ever. At around 8:30 in the morning, there was a knock on the door, they tried to ignore it but it happened again. AJ crawled out of bed and opened the door. Their siblings were all standing in the hall. AJ turned around and crawled back into bed with Scott and cuddled him from behind.

JT and Teddy looked at each other and could not resist, they jumped on the bed with their baby brothers and asked them both if they needed a shower or would they get dressed as they were to have brunch with the family including their boys. AJ was annoyed – “It took all twelve of you to come and get us for a fucking brunch?”

Jeff sang out – “Actually fourteen. We figured you would be surly so we felt there was strength in numbers. You are kinda scary when you’re cranky and now with Popo being a former cop and a hard body as well, we weren’t taking any chances.”

AJ was now wide awake and ready to kill someone – “Teddy, get the fuck off me or I swear to God I will kick your ass.” JT kissed his brother’s cheek – “See this is the AJ everyone was afraid of, so calm your fine ass down and get out of bed, a quick shower and get dressed. You don’t want your boys to smell you like you are – all spunk covered.”

Teddy and JT quickly moved off of the two brothers as they could tell AJ was simmering. Scott was now awake and waiting for everyone to leave, which was not happening. AJ just got out of bed and made his way to the bathroom, when he realized Scott wasn’t with him, he went back to the bed to drag his ass out. Scott was protesting – “Taz, don’t I don’t want everyone to see me naked next to you. You are kind of intimidating in the body department.”

AJ stopped looked at the crowd gathered and proceeded to their family – “If you all are not on the other side of that door by the time, I get there I am going to make it my mission to embarrass the shit out of you when you least expect it. Run along and tell Mama to start brunch without us. We will be there momentarily – we may make love again, we may not but you all need to scatter.

JT/Teddy, I’m not above kicking your asses here and now so I would suggest you move the crowd out.”

Cheryl stopped – “AJ, how could you embarrass me, I have nothing worthy of being embarrassed about.”

AJ snickered – “All of you have things to be embarrassed about, you treated me like I was not there when I was younger. So, for instance, Cheryl/Max, I think it was about 7 years ago when you two got into it at Mom’s house. Max wanted a little backdoor action and you Cheryl agreed as long as Max agreed to let you fuck him with a strap-on. Shall I continue and relate the noises and commentary you both had during that encounter?”

Cheryl and Max were gone. “Anyone else want to challenge me on embarrassing shit?”

Teddy made the mistake of popping off – “Who’s running around naked?”

Scott laughed out loud – “You stupid fuck, if you looked like that would you be embarrassed to be naked in front of anyone? Given the fact that you are popping wood, I would venture to guess all you are focused on right at this moment is AJ’s cock. So, get the fuck out.” Scott was in his brother's face at this point.

Gina whistled – “While not as big as AJ’s, Scott not only do you have a beautiful spirit, and an amazing body, your cock is impressive.”

Scott’s ears turned crimson. Gina and Kevin pushed everyone out – “We’ll see you in a bit. Baby brother don’t be too late I don’t want this to turn into a shit show where everyone piles on and you make good on your threat to leave. I want to plan my wedding this week and you have to be here for that.”

AJ smiled at his sister – “Bear we will be there shortly. By the way, Kevin, Scott’s eyes are about 3 feet higher than where you are staring at the moment.” AJ slapped him in the nuts and Kevin grimaced and croaked out – “Asshole.”

AJ kissed Scott and pulled him to the bathroom. They showered together making sure they were both clean and ready for prime time.  AJ shoved Scott against the wall and leaned into him, I so want to make love to you right now but I don’t think that is a good idea because we will have to deal with the BS from the family. They made out and played with each other for a couple of minutes. They got out of the shower and got ready for what was sure to be a gauntlet of crap from the family.

AJ pulled into his parents’ driveway and parked. He and Scott got out of the vehicle and headed for the back entrance. They walked into the kitchen from the patio and the boys went crazy screaming for Dada. Scott whispered to AJ – ‘At least someone loves you.’ Before the words were out of his mouth the boys started screaming for Sam as well. AJ snickered – ‘You were saying?’

AJ picked up Conor and Scott and grabbed Caleb for hugs and kisses and then they switched. AJ leaned in and kissed Mama, Charlene, Nanny and Aoife – “Where are Pops, Dad and Dad? I’m going to have to figure something different to call JR.”

Evie replied – “They have not gotten back from fishing yet.”

AJ turned toward their siblings – “So if the Dads are not here what was the point of you coming over and badgering us to get here immediately?”

Everyone was avoiding making eye contact. “Assholes. Ouch, what the hell was that for Mama?”

Evie shook her head – “You were my hope for a child that would not sink to such low intellectual capabilities. Your siblings are lost forever.”

AJ hugged his Mama – “Well then smack them in the head. They are the reason I’m in a foul mood and that my intellectual capabilities plummeted to their levels. They barged into our room when a phone call would have sufficed.”

JT piped up – “Skeeter, we love you and just wanted to make sure you were ok.”

Teddy piled on – “Isn’t that cute, Skeeter and Scooter. Scooter we were equally worried about you.”

AJ reached the two before either could get clear of the table. He had both of them by the ears. JT was yelling – “Mama, you need to control your son. He is trying to rip my poor ear off.”

Evie shook her head – “JT, everyone here believes you are my favorite but based on what AJ just relayed about this morning, you are on your own, my dear boy.”

Scott had joined AJ and taken over his brother’s ear. AJ twisted and marched JT to the dock. Teddy was standing right next to him. AJ nodded at Scott and they both shoved their older brothers into the lake. They high-fived and started for the house.

JT and Teddy climbed the ladder to the dock and walked to the house where they were met by Evie and JR with towels and a lecture, JR was not amused in the slightest – “You two have been on thin ice with your brothers for some time, do you honestly think your antics were the best way to start the day? Before you answer it was a rhetorical question, you two idiots are going to be the death of us. We are in the cross hairs right along with you as everyone in our families believes you are our favorites. Evie and I have talked and while that may have been the case, we will tell you here and now you both have gone from top to bottom of the heap.

GET IT TOGETHER.”

Evie stepped right in – “I believe in my heart you are good boys but for the life of me, I can’t understand either of you right now. JT, you know what AJ sacrificed for this family when Gramps died and you are ignoring his situation now and being the general ass as always. Teddy, I know enough to know that Scott stood by your dad after your mom died and you went back to Bellevue and went on with your life.

At some point boys, you need to grow up and become the men your younger brothers already are.”

With that both parents went back into the house with Evie calling over her shoulder – “You get water in this house and I’ll mop the floor with both of you.”

JT and Teddy were gobsmacked – their parents had never dressed them down like that. Teddy was a bit indignant – “Well fuck me, how did that happen and did you see that Rolex on AJ’s wrist, that was my Grandfather’s watch. That should have been mine.”

JT was stripping off his clothes while Teddy ranted – “You know what I would fuck the old you but this guy can’t even check his shit at the door when it is clear we fucked up today. As far as the watch goes, talk to your dad if you are so butt hurt about it.”

JT walked into the house, straight up to AJ and pulled him into a hug – “Skeeter I’m sorry about today. I was trying to lighten the mood but I screwed the pooch on that one. I’m sorry and will try harder to be the brother you deserve. Scooter, I’m sorry for embarrassing you as well. I know you were uncomfortable and I didn’t do anything to make it better.” JT hugged him as well.

JT yelled to his dad – “Pops, do you have any sweats/t-shirts I can borrow?” JJ told him to follow him. They went into the master, JJ pulled out some sweats and T-shirts and threw them at his son – “I truly hope you listen to your Mama, she is fit to be tied and is ready to kick your ass if it becomes necessary.”

JT responded – “I know dad, I screwed up as usual. I apologized and meant it so can we move on with the day?” JJ nodded.

Teddy skirted the house and went across the street to the barn where he, Becca and the kids were staying. He was frustrated, the last few months had been a total disaster. His run-in with AJ and Scott in August bled over to his relationship with Becca and now with his Dad, Evie and JT.

When he got to the living area, Becca and Mo were waiting for him. JT was not in the mood for another lecture so he went straight to his room to change. He tried to stay in there but was bored, after 30 minutes he came out to face the music.

Becca was crying and Mo looked like she was going to kill him – “TJ, I’m not sure what the hell is going on with you but you need to get your shit in one sock. Your wife is on the verge over here and you continue to act as though you are still in college and nothing matters.”

Teddy (TJ) was not having it – “Mo, you know what, I’m tired of being the bad guy”

Becca exploded – “Then snap out of it and stop being the bad guy, you are in control of that no one else. Stop acting like a spoiled brat that was told he is no longer special. Grow up and be the man, husband and father you were. So, what if your Dad has decided that he needs to be more even handed with his praise of his kids. It’s about fucking time. You have been coddled and allowed to run amuck your entire life.”

Teddy was stunned, Becca had never talked to him like that. She had always been supportive and tried to make him feel better – “Well that’s just great, now my wife has turned on me too.”

Mo was livid – “You pompous ass. You have dug a huge hole for yourself and you are going to stand there and try to make it other people’s fault, fuck you and the horse you rode in on. Stop acting like a two-year-old that had his toy taken away. You and JT chose to go into the hotel room with both guns a-blazing – taunting and teasing your brothers. We told you guys to cool it but no, you both knew better. We love you both but I’m telling you here and now there is a limit to what the families will put up with from both of you. You need to decide if you are going to be an adult member of this extended family or not.”

Mo got up, kissed Becca on the cheek and left. Becca was fighting back tears – “Teddy, help me understand why you hate him so much.”

Teddy looked like you had slapped him in the face – “What are you talking about?”

Becca was now annoyed – “You know perfectly well what I’m talking about, why do you hate AJ so much?”

Teddy just looked at her like she had two heads – “I don’t hate him, why would you think that?”

Becca was shaking her head in dismay – “Teddy, everyone thinks that. You have done nothing to welcome him into the family, you have done everything in your power to antagonize him, you bust his chops and then you go after Scott. Who in their right mind wouldn’t think you hate him? Scott certainly thinks you hate him and he told me before I came over here that he is done with you. This means he is done with me and your kids as well.

We’ll get through this week and then you and I need to decide whether we continue as a couple or go our separate ways. Right now, I’m preparing for separate ways as I can’t continue to watch you be this person anymore.”

Becca stood up and headed for the door. Teddy grabbed her arm and asked her to stay. She shook her head and asked him to let her go which he did. Becca headed back for Evie and JJ’s. As she crossed the road, she met AJ coming down the driveway – “Where are you headed?”

AJ grimaced – “Becca, I’m giving this one last-ditch effort. I’ve got a détente going with my brother, Scott has told JR, that Teddy is no longer welcome in our lives. I don’t want this but I’m certainly going to side with Scott if it comes to it.”

Becca kissed AJ’s cheek – “Mo’s right you are the best of us all. In the face of what you are dealing with, you still want to fix this family. AJ don’t be surprised if it isn’t fixable.”

AJ shook his head – “I know everything can’t be fixed but I think this can be. This is my last-ditch effort to at least give us all a chance.” AJ kissed Becca’s cheek and headed across the road.

AJ walked into the main area of the living quarters finding Teddy with a glass of red wine. He was swirling it staring at the liquid. He glanced up at AJ – “Joyous rapture, someone else to bust my chops.”

AJ chuckled and shook his head – “Teddy, I’m not here to bust your chops, I’m here to find out why you hate me so much that you are willing to lose your relationship with your brother.”

Teddy felt like he had been punched in the gut – “AJ, I honestly don’t know how to respond to that statement other than ‘I DO NOT HATE YOU’. I wish I understood why everyone thinks I hate you.”

AJ smiled a genuine smile – “Sometimes stating the lie helps get the conversation started. I know you don’t hate me, but I will tell you this there are a lot of people in our family that do think you hate me. I don’t believe Scott thinks you hate me either but he is tired of trying to figure out whether you are an ass because you are jealous of our relationship or you are crushing on me.

I think it’s something else.”

Teddy snorted – “Do tell.”

AJ smiled and nodded at Teddy – “I think it is simply this, you don’t know how we can give in to our feelings and let love guide us. You didn’t do that with my brother, you chose a different path and now you are staring head-on at what could have been if you dared to let your heart lead the way. Your antics of late tell me that you just want to cut loose and let JT fuck you senseless but you are afraid to give in to those feelings because you are not sure you can come back from them again.”

Teddy was sitting there with his mouth hanging open.

AJ got up and crossed to where Teddy was sitting and pulled him into a standing position and hugged him tightly – “TJ, it’s ok to be confused and question our lives. What’s not ok is to act like an ass toward everyone around us and alienate those people that love us. Trust me I know from personal experience; 8 years of running caused a lot of dysfunction in my life that I’m working my ass off to try and fix”.

Teddy had not been able to figure out why he was being such an ass lately but AJ hit the nail on the head. Tears were running down his face and he didn’t know what to say or do.

AJ hugged him tighter – “TJ, I won’t tell you what to do; what I will do is tell you that you need to get a plan together or you are going to lose your entire family – your brother is done, your wife appears to be right behind him, your sister will support your brother and if I were a betting man your Dad will as well.

If I were in your shoes, I would choose Becca and kiss Scott’s ass to make things right but I’m not you. You need to figure out how you make this right so you don’t lose everything. Then you need to seek counseling to figure out how you got here.”

AJ kissed his forehead and made for the door. Teddy choked out – “Skeeter, my brother is a very lucky man. You care deeply about family, even me and are always putting others ahead of yourself. I could learn some things from you.”

AJ smiled and nodded as he left the living quarters. As he was walking up the driveway, Scott was waiting for him on the steps – “Taz, what ya up to?”

AJ smiled and pulled Scott into a tight hug – “Sam, I was giving it one last try to save our family. At least he now knows why he is doing what he is doing. That’s at least a step in the right direction.”

Scott leaned his forehead against AJ’s – “Why is he behaving worse than normal?”

AJ smiled his crooked smile and shook his head – “Sam, that is not my story to tell. He needs to own his truth, if I do it for him, he won’t grow because the hard work will have been done for him.”

Scott grinned – “Dick”

AJ smirked and shook his head – “I love you too Sam.”

Scott pulled AJ into a deeply passionate kiss. While they were distracted Teddy walked up to the two and stood by until they were done. “Scott, do you two have a few minutes for a walk along the shore?”

AJ kept quiet. Scott mulled it and finally turned away. Teddy strangled out – “I get it you are pissed at me and I don’t deserve your time but I’m asking you to be the man I can’t seem to be. I don’t have the right to ask but I am because I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Scott turned around with tears running down his face – “Teddy, I so want to trust you but you have done nothing but needle, belittle and be an ass toward AJ since the day you met him. Why should I give a damn whether you are in my life or not, you have made it clear that we’ve made the wrong decisions?”

Teddy was doing his best to keep it together – “Everything you said is true.”

Scott screamed out – “Why do you hate him so fucking much?”

Teddy felt like he had been kicked in the balls, AJ was spot on – “Scooter, I don’t hate him. I’m jealous of what you have with him. I love Becca with every part of my being but I still have this ‘what if’ in the back of my heart. I love AJ’s brother with those same parts of my being and when I see you two together, I see what could have been.

You two are younger better versions of us. You don’t play games; you are honest to a fault and you genuinely care about everyone. I love two people and it is tearing me apart. AJ suggested I seek counseling to help me deal with all this shit spinning in my head and I made an appointment with a therapist on Monday at 10 AM. I don’t know where my road will take me but I need you to listen to what I am saying – Scott, I love you and I know I have been a shit brother. I love AJ as well; I was pissed when I saw Grandad’s Rolex on his arm but I’ve been thinking about it and they are like two sides of the same coin. Dad was right to give AJ that watch, just like you are right to give your heart and soul to him.”

AJ smiled a bit – “I’m going to go in so you two can talk in private and hopefully sort this out.”

Teddy grabbed AJ’s arm – “Please don’t. I’m sure Scott would love to have your support and I know I would. Scooter, Mo was right he is the best of us all. You are definitely a close second but for someone that is barely legal to drink he is very perceptive and seems to be 10 steps ahead of us mere mortals.”

Scott pulled Teddy into a hug – “I love you, you idiot but I’m telling you I will choose AJ over you every day of the week and twice on Sundays. He is my other half; I was not truly alive until I met him.”

Teddy smiled at AJ over Scott’s shoulder – “Message received loud and clear. I will only say, I will never make you choose. If we can’t stay right, I understand I will lose my entire family – Becca made that point very clear early this afternoon.”

AJ had slipped away to check on the boys. Scott and Teddy continued to talk on the front porch. When the door opened again, AJ was there with the boys and Conor was yelling at Scott – “Sam uppy, Sam uppy”

Scott picked Conor up and sat on the porch steps with him on his lap – “Teddy you need to go make things right with Becca and Jonjon.” As Teddy made his way past AJ, he pulled him and Caleb into a hug, whispering to AJ – ‘Thank you for trying one last time.’

AJ sat next to Scott – “Sam, how are you doing?”

Scott kissed AJ – “I’m ok, not 100% sure where this puts us but it is better than it was. Thank you for being you. I wanted to be here for you this week, which I will be but you seem to have this ability to take care of everyone even when you are struggling with life. God, I love you to the moon and back.”

AJ knew he could never hear that enough – “Always and forever, my Sam. Syd whatcha doing?”

Scott swung his head around – “How did you know she was here?”

Syd answered – “Sam, just as you know where AJ is at all times he knows where we both are. He is genuinely connected to each of us. Taz, I’m just checking on you. I know what a mess it was after Gramps died and I know you – you are trying to take care of others and not letting them be there for you.

Exhibit A – Teddy. Don’t bother you know I’m right. Sam is here for you, just like I was when Gramps died. Lean on him, let him kick the family’s ass just like he did with your Mama and Pops yesterday.

I know you are hurting but know I’m in a great place, I’m watching over you 4 and will always be close by. You both need to keep me alive for the boys. Taz, you have done a phenomenal job with our boys and you will continue to do so, you are a great father and a great partner. I love you to the moon and back.”

AJ had tears rolling down his face – “Always and forever my She-Devil.”

During this exchange, the boys were standing on the adults’ laps staring at Syd. She had her hands on their heads. She bent and kissed her four men. “I will always be with you.” With that, she was gone.

AJ stood up – “Enough of the pity party, follow me Sam, Conor and Caleb.” The boys wanted to be carried but AJ just took their hands and walked in and through the house. He went out onto the patio and opened the AV cabinet and turned the sound system on and found a playlist on the iPod and hit play.

It was an eclectic music set but it was great music. Take a chance by ABBA was the first song. AJ started singing along with the music – he was dancing around Scott and the boys. The boys joined in immediately, Scott being more reserved than AJ was slower to join in but the boys and AJ would not let him run and hide.

AJ started singing to Scott and dancing very closely, grinding a bit on him. Scott finally joined in and started singing to AJ. It was like a switch had flipped and then AJ caught a whiff of Syd’s perfume. AJ whispered, ‘thank you’.

The rest of the family that was outside started to join in on the party. Family members from inside the house started coming out. The patio heaters were on so it was very comfortable outside. With the sun out and the added heat from the heaters, AJ and Scott were soon sweating and their tight white t-shirts were becoming see-through.

Walking on Sunshine came on and the tempo picked up. The entire family was getting into the party. AJ danced over to Eva and Charlene who were seated watching the antics of the family. He pulled them up and started dancing with them. Charlene asked AJ where Scott and the boys were. Without looking or missing a beat he said they are just beyond the diving board. Charlene looked over in that direction, AJ was absolutely spot on – “How do you do that without looking?”

AJ smiled – “I just know. I feel their energy. My parents are up by the sliding door, JR is with them. Mat is walking up behind me. Shall I continue?”

Charlene and Eva looked at each other and shook their heads. AJ smiled at them – “My men are dancing their way in this direction.” AJ kissed both women and danced off.

Charlene was dumbfounded and was looking around for mirrors, cameras or something to explain what just happened but could find nothing. Eva saw the confusion – “Char, he sees and talks to dead people don’t spend too many cycles on it. I gave up earlier this summer. Syd did let me know she gave him a pep talk earlier so my guess is he is doing what she told him to do and enjoy life and they will be together again at some point.”

Charlene shook her head – “I wonder what that will be like when all three of them meet on the other side.”

Eva gave a wicked grin – “AJ will be worn out finally. That man is truly a Tasmanian Devil and Energizer bunny mixed together but I think Scott and Syd will be able to wear him out.”

Charlene smiled and shook her head – “Sissy, I don’t know if I believe that. I overheard Scott confiding in Jeff that he was worried he was not able to keep up at all. Something about after round one, he was out like a light and AJ woke him up for rounds 2, 3 & 4.

I’m seriously jealous of both Scott and Syd. I can’t imagine being worn out from sex. If only I could get there one time in my lifetime.”

Mel had overheard part of the conversation – “Why are you ladies talking about my brother and his sex life with AJ?”

Both women were red-faced. Eva figured she would own it – “We were watching AJ with his boys, all three of them, and he has enough energy to wear them all out. Somehow, we got onto the topic of when AJ, Scott and Syd were together on the other side and what that would look like. I thought it would be the first time AJ would be worn out.

Charlene relayed a story she overheard between Jeff and Scott and now we aren’t sure if that will ever be the case.”

Mel busted out laughing – “I guess he is like the Tasmanian Devil and Energizer Bunny rolled into one.”

Charlene and Eva cracked up – “That’s what we just said…”

AJ danced up at that moment – “You three, especially you two should stop talking about my level of energy and whether or not my wife and fiancé will be able to wear me out on the other side. I for one am looking forward to them trying.”

Mel – “How the hell did he know?”

Charlene smiled – “I believe those that have passed keep him informed of his family’s antics. It’s the only explanation that works.”

Max, Jim, Grant, JR and JJ fired up the barbecues. Charlene, Steph, Cheryl and Evie were getting the meats ready for the grill. The families had divided up the tasks and made certain they had a plan that did not include AJ. Dinner was prepared, tables were set and everyone was dug in. AJ went to prep his boys’ plates but was handed two plates for the little guys and Scott was handed two plates for the big guys.

AJ looked the food over and discretely got rid of the bananas on one of the plates and found a place to sit. Conor and Caleb jumped in his lap and looked at Scott – “Sam fud pwease.” Scott’s heart melted even more. He gave each of them a bite and then put their spoons down for them to finish dinner. They pouted until Scott told them if they didn’t eat there would be no ice cream. They complained to Dada, Sam wuz meen, to which they were told Sam was right and they needed to eat. They both squirmed out of AJ’s lap and went to crawl into Scott’s.

Scott would not let them up, he got down on one knee – “Boys I know you are tired and hungry but you know your Dada and I don’t play these games. You need to sit in your chairs and eat your dinner.” AJ had grabbed the highchair seats and attached them to the table. They each grabbed a kiddo and put them in their seats. The boys looked at each other, picked up their spoons and started eating.

Evie walked up to Scott – “My dear boy, that was spectacular. You have indeed come a long way from the first time I saw you with the boys. I hope you know we love you and are excited that you are AJ’s fiancé and look forward to the day you become his husband.” Evie kissed Scott’s cheek and went back to hosting.