Coming of Age - 2nd Love

Chapter 4 -- 'Irish' Send-Off

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

I will close with this -- PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not drink or do drugs and get behind the wheel of a car. For all that is good and holy, call a cab, call a friend, 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 -- both hugged AJ and held him closely.

Cynthia -- "Syd was my little at K and AJ is Jeremiah's little at A. We wanted to thank everyone for being here tonight. It means a lot to the WSU community that we rally behind each other when tragedy strikes. Everyone was asked to bring a candle or light source 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 -- "Okay folks, I guess I will attempt to sing acapella. I beg your forgiveness as there is no way this will be anything but 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 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 reach. Most everyone was in tears when he finished. It was a personal and moving performance. AJ knew the only way he made it through that was because Syd filled his body with warmth, strength, and absolute peace, without it he would have crumbled under the weight of the situation. AJ sang directly to Syd as he released 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, Syd's sorority, and most of those present called out -- "always and forever."

AJ stepped off the stage, took Conor from Charlene, and walked over to the banks of the Palouse. He took the small family photo from 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."

AJ's family began to make 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's fraternity brothers and Syd's sorority sisters encircled the family to provide a buffer around them allowing the 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 Scott was not in the crowd that night, AJ 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 Scott as he knew in his gut, that he would not have made it through without someone watching over him.

Chief Reed -- "AJ my heart goes out to you. When my wife passed away from cancer it was my faith and my family that allowed me to come through to the other side. Hold on to those closest to you and accept the help others offer. 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 hope she feels better soon. Thank you again for attending, I need to take the two nuggets home for bed. Goodnight, sir." AJ wondered '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 chuckled out loud when Trav elbowed him - "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 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 and Jeremiah had been very busy putting this together -- "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 while we raise a glass to Syd."

Nanny -- "I'll stay and help the younger ones with the 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 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 her confidence in your love gave her the strength to be the best wife to you and the mother of your children. She loved you unconditionally and with her whole heart. As your friends and family please know whatever you need from us, we are here to ensure those boys are taken care of and know who their mother was. 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. I did that to get everyone's attention, not to destroy your hearing." Before AJ climbed on the stool next to him, he grabbed Lance and kissed him on the cheek -- 'Sorry my brother, you have helped me immensely tonight and I hope you know I appreciate it.' 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 had something he wanted to ask AJ but was not sure he should do it tonight. He was the best man at AJ and Syd's courthouse wedding and wanted AJ to be his best man when he married Jules. So, he sauntered up behind AJ, hugged him, kissed his cheek, and waded in -- "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 have this uneasy feeling that tomorrow will be a shit show with Syd's parents."

Trav -- "I would hope by now that you know 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 think anything about it. They had been great friends from when they first met at a summer rush waterskiing 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 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 he was not taking the bait. AJ hugged Trav tight and whispered -- "I'm excited to be your best man and don't forget tomorrow 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 (okay maybe Jeremiah too) 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 okay 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 tongue 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 were 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're 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 loudly stated to AJ -- "Thanks buddy for agreeing to stand up with me and Julia."

AJ jumped up on a chair and, whistled again -- "I know, I know sorry for killing your ears but I would like you to raise your glasses again. Travis and Julia are getting married on 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 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 had finally come to grips with the fact he was 'Bi' and did not say the words out loud, but his two bromances were Trav and AJ. There were so many reasons he had never tried anything, especially his and Trav's big Craig -- at his core he was a good guy but 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 could only guppy-talk 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, it was clear to us 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 who ultimately became 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 started 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. From this point forward I will trust and communicate everything with you, please do the same. No more secrets. 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 and Chase along with their boyfriends 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, why didn't you make your boyfriend clean 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 -- "AJ that was a great try at deflection but the question 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. The kiss was an attempt 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? Was Brent's deposit too large to keep in your ass?

Chase -- "I don't have a wet spot on my shorts..." Brent looked at Chase's 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, maybe some 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 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 was unclear why he was being pulled to this man but here he was -- "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, 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, and faith. Their siblings had all attended WSU with a couple of them overlapping their time here. Scott had lost his mom a few years back, he joined the force instead of attending law school in Seattle. There were a lot of 'what ifs' in that fact but Scott seemed happy and AJ could not deny that being 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 that if there was anything he could do to help please let him know.

AJ quietly entered his home as Scott pulled away from the curb. AJ could not deny 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 kissed AJ's cheek -- "You are back earlier than expected. I know that could not have been easy on you but I am glad you made the effort; you will be glad when you get some distance and look back on tonight. Everyone else is in bed upstairs or at a hotel, I wanted to stay up and ensure you were doing okay. Were you all able to share some good stories?"