Family Always Has Your Back - 6. TC4 — Chapter 6: Boston Days and Boston Nights

Over the course of the rest of the week, the six of them spent time going through the tourist attractions around Boston. Adam and Robert showed the others their favorite places to go, where they lived, and other locations. Adam and Duncan surprised the boys taking them to the TD Garden arena, home of the Boston Bruins, for a private tour. Robert was surprised to learn that his father was friends with several executive staff members and the owner of the team.

~.~

After Adam and Robert discussed it, the six went to have lunch at the South Street Diner. They stood outside the diner location and looked at the pale blue exterior. Robert was looking a little upset but was not crying. Giles kept his arm around him.

“It’s not too late, Son, if you want to go somewhere else.” Adam looked upon his son. His own face was showing emotion.

“I’m good, Dad. This is a place I want to share with all of you.” He turned his head to kiss Giles on the cheek.

The party walked in and were seated at the tables that Adam had called ahead and reserved. They were looking over the menus, when the waiter walked over. A gentleman in his mid-30’s wearing the dinner’s uniform shirt and black denim jeans.

“Heya boys, what can I get ya to… as I live and breathe… Robbie, when did you get back into town?” He smiled over at Robert.

“Coach Jackson.” Robert got a big grin looking at the man. “When did you start working here?”

“I’m just Ken right now, and I work here every summer while school is out. Related to the owner and all. Hey, I’m so sorry about your mom, and I saw what happened to grandparents. Crying ass shame. Can’t believe I voted for them.”

“Thanks… Coach, let me introduce you… this is my dad, Adam Smith, his husband Duncan Isen-Smith.” He pointed out each in turn. “This gorgeous guy is my boyfriend Giles, that’s my brother Jeremy and his boyfriend Travis.” He quickly gave Giles a peck on the cheek.

“A pleasure to meet all of you.” Ken looked at Adam tilting his head a moment. “I’ve seen you before. Didn’t you used to coach in the high school hockey league?”

“I volunteered for five years with Winchester High School. Developmental mainly.” He shook Ken’s hand. “Right now, I’m helping Rob and his friends over the summer.”

“It was good to meet you, Mr. Smith. Robbie here was always a good student, and a valuable player.”

Ken took their food and drink orders. To a man, they each ordered a burger, fries, and a milkshake.

“Robbie?” Jeremy questioned his brother.

“Yeah, Coach Jackson was the only one that called me that. He knew I didn’t like it, because it was too close to Bobbie. But, it’s coach… you know?”

“I think so. Sifu does something similar with me.”

Talk turned to what else they had planned for the day, they ate their food, and headed out.

Robert pulled his dad aside for a moment. “Dad. Coach Jackson said you used to coach in the high school league. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I did, Rob. I told you about how I was a volunteer developmental coach.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t say it was in the same league I was in.”

Adam sighed and nodded to him. He placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Robert. I should have been more specific.”

“It’s alright, Dad.” Robert couldn’t look at his father. “Any other secrets about you, I need to know about?”

Adam acted like he was gut punched. He led Robert over to a table, while looking back at Duncan. “Hun… We’ll catch up.”

“Okay. We’ll wait in the car.” Duncan and the others walked off.

Adam sat down with his son. “This is really not the place to have this discussion.” He paused and let out a calming breath. “That said, let’s clear the air some.”

“Okay, Dad.” Robert sat with arms crossed and a disgruntled look on his face.

“I am sorry that I didn’t tell you where I lived up here earlier than I did. I am sorry that I didn’t tell you I was doing developmental coaching in the high school league.” He paused for a moment. “Some questions for you. Should I be mad at you, for not telling me why you got the tattoo? Martin has a matching one. Should I be mad, that you didn’t tell me you wrote poetry? Award winning pieces at that. Should I be mad that you didn’t tell me you loved to race motorbikes? Hell, I would have bought you a new bike, so you could ride back home. I didn’t see one at the house. I’m going to assume it was at your grandparents’ house.”

Robert looked stunned by Adam’s questions. “How did you find out?” He paused and nodded a little. “Granddad did keep my bike there. He paid for it and wanted to make sure it didn’t get stolen.”

“That box your mom left for me. She had your poems framed in it. Then the video drive had one of your races on it, and I saw the tat on Martin in a photo that had the two of you in it shirtless. Your mother explained in a letter why she did it for you.” He sighed some. “It was like learning about this other son I had.”

Robert was silent, his eyes were cast down.

“Look at me, Rob. I love you. I am not trying to keep secrets… In fact, I’ve been open about my life to you. I haven’t, nor do I want to, tell you about my boyfriends over the years.” He paused and shifted seats, to be next to his son. He wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “But if I remember something that you should know, I’ll tell you. I hate to be crass about this, but it was Michelle that put this barrier between us. I missed so much of your life it makes me depressed thinking about it.”

“Dad… why didn’t you stay with mom? How did this happen anyway?”

“That… that is a question best left for some other place and time to answer. Hotel tonight, after you and Giles get back from your date with Martin and your other friends.”

“Alright, Dad. Let’s catch the others…” He pecked his dad on the cheek.

The father and son pair quickly joined the others waiting in the car to continue their Boston adventure.

~.~

Friday afternoon, saw Adam, Duncan and the boys going on the Freedom Trail walking tour, with a guide. There were lots of people, and Travis’ anxiety was getting to him. He took his pills, and in one of those not so uncommon occasions, Travis became more subdued and zombie-like. Adam recognized the signs of the drug interaction, and after they finished the walking tour, took everyone back to the hotel. As it was getting close to Robert’s date with Giles and Martin, Duncan offered to drive them, instead of Adam, which they accepted.

~.~

Adam kept Travis and Jeremy with him until Travis’ meds wore off. They sat in the media center, tv on with a repeat of Captain America: The First Avenger playing.

“How are you doing, Trav?” Jeremy sat in the corner of the ‘L’ shaped sectional, with Travis’ head laying in his lap.

“Starting to feel like myself again.” He wasn’t crying, nor did he look sad, but his tone showed how upset he was.

“I shouldn’t have pushed you Travis, I’m sorry for that.”

“It’s fine Adam. This happens all the time, more often at school.”

“Have you talked to Doctor Knowles about it?”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m on this med.” His voice was soft.

Jeremy was lightly rubbing his shoulder. “I wish I could do something for you Trav.”

“It’s okay, Jer.” He blew out a long breath. “I’m dropping out of school.”

“What?” Adam and Jeremy said at the same time.

“I’m dropping out. I don’t want to live like a zombie, and I’m too damn scared without the pills.”

“Travis, I can understand how you feel, but think about your future. What about that scholarship?”

“I’ve thought about it, Adam, it’s like the only thing I think about all the time now.”

Jeremy laid his head back on the wall. He slightly shook his head. “If you drop out Trav, I’m dropping out with you.”

“Jeremy, that’s not—”

“Dad… I’m doing it.” He looked over at Adam. “Trav needs me, and if he’s hurting to the point, he wants to drop out, then I’m going to be there for him.”

Travis looked up at his boyfriend. “You sure about this?”

“Yes, I am Trav.” Jeremy kissed two fingers and pressed them to Travis' cheek.

“Boys… stop and wait a moment. Jeremy, you’re not going to drop out. Yes, Duncan and I are letting you make your own choices like an adult, but this is one I can’t allow.” He scooted over to the boys and laid a hand on each of their shoulders.

“But, Dad… I’m not letting—”

“Jeremy, son, we will talk about this when Duncan gets back. I can’t allow you to drop out, that’s final.” Adam looked down at Travis. “Think about this, Travis. Don’t make a quick decision based on emotion. Even if you do decide not to go back to school, there are alternatives.”

“Adam, I haven’t told Bryce this… during the school year I cried myself to sleep nightly, because I’m afraid to go. After I saw Jer taking pictures of us in art class, it wasn’t as bad because I had something to look forward to. My social anxiety is getting worse, not better. I’m tired of living in a fog.” He now had some tears. “It’s all because Driggs tricked me into that classroom. I thought he was a friend… he treated me real nice when I hung out around the PE field waiting for dad to finish work. So, when he asked me to join him in the classroom, because he thought I looked cute and wanted a blowjob… I still have the metal plates screwed into my jaw, scars from the surgery to put them there, and a quarter of my teeth are fake. And because of my perfect memory… now that I’m no longer repressing it… I relive the attack in detail.”

Adam sighed in resignation. “Travis, sit up for me. Jeremy scoot over, please.”

When the boys had moved, Adam sat between them in the L-shaped space given up by Jeremy and pulled them in to cuddle on his chest. “Travis, we haven’t known each other that long, but I know how much you and Jeremy care for each other. It’s yours and Bryce’s decision, but I understand what you’re saying. I’ll help in whatever role I can, if Bryce allows it, but I strongly recommend you look at alternatives. Duncan works from home, I do most of the time too, but we would be willing to supervise you for either the virtual school, or homeschooling.”

“I’ll think about it. If I do one of those, will you allow Jer to be with me?”

“Duncan and I will need to discuss it, but I would be open to the possibility.” He smiled. “What do you think, Son?”

Jeremy pecked Adam’s cheek. “I think it’s a great idea. I just want Trav to be happy. He deserves to be happy, and I’m confused, but I feel like I need to be there for him.”

“Okay… we’ll talk about it later.”

“Thanks, Adam.” Travis looked up at him and gave him a sad smile, before leaning in and to peck Adam’s on his other cheek. “I’m glad I talked with you. I’ve told Doc about this, but I feel better sharing it with you two.”

Silence fell upon the three of them as they basked in the warmth of the snuggling.

“Adam… I keep hearing about your insight stuff. What you said in the car Monday and Giles said, you scared the shit out of him, with what you knew. Well… what does it say about me and Jer?” Travis asked with a nervous breath.

Adam grinned a little and lightly rubbed the boys’ backs. “You want to know what my insight says about you two?”

“I do.” Travis looked up to Adam’s face.

“Am I not going to understand this?” Jeremy looked at his dad.

“You should understand, Jeremy.” He paused as he looked off taking a couple of breaths. Adam’s voice was trance like. “I know for certain, that you two are meant to be together. A deep love for each other is already there, and in four- or five-years Travis will propose to you Jeremy. The source of your bond… you’re both two-halves of the same soul, and it’s why you’re stronger together. It is also why Jeremy’s body reacts to you Travis, and only to you, despite his asexual nature and autism. There’s more…”

Adam paused. “There’s a third person that belongs with you. It’ll not be a sexual or romantic attachment. That person is Daniel, your half-brother. He’ll be moving in with us after Duncan talks with his mother, Maria. Daniel won’t have many relationships; I don’t see him getting married or into a long-term one… he’s on the mid-high part of the autism spectrum. He’ll need the support of his brother soon.”

The boys sat silently looking up at Adam. The silence turned awkward after a few moments, when Jeremy broke it. “You’re saying, for sure, I am autistic?”

Adam nodded. “Yes. It changes nothing about how we feel about you, Son. There are all sorts of signs that you may be, but Ian was afraid to have you tested.”

Jeremy sighed some. “Things make sense to me now. How I used to sit on Daddy Duncan’s lap all the time or make him give me piggy-back rides. I’ve always wanted him to hold me. How, I liked it when you and Rob touch me, and I’m ok giving Giles hugs. Then there’s how Trav and I have been sleeping naked while up here in Boston, how I like the feeling of being snuggled up to him like that, and the urge I get to explore his body, all without me feeling uncomfortable. But it still confuses me.” He paused for a moment. “But then, I hated it when my parents touched me.”

Travis started to turn red in the face, while Adam looked between the two teens. “Yes, Jeremy. That is one aspect…” He paused for a moment. “I’m going to go get a beer. You boys behave while I’m gone.”

“Can you grab me a Mountain Dew, please Adam?”

“Sure. Jeremy, you want anything?”

“Nah. Thanks for asking though.”

Adam disentangled himself, headed out of the media center and down the hallway to the bar. The boys could hear him laughing after a moment.

“Jer, you really need to learn to censor yourself.”

“What do you mean?” He slid over to snuggle up with his boyfriend, one arm around Travis’ shoulder, and his free hand in Travis’ lap.

Travis wrapped his arm around him, as Jeremy lay his head on Travis’ chest. He ran two fingers down Jeremy’s cheek caressing him. “You just told your dad you and I are sleeping naked together and that you want to explore my body. I would like it if you did that, but I don’t want you to feel pressured to do it.”

“Oh…” Jeremy paused and let out a slow breath. “Well, it shouldn’t matter.” He pulled Travis’s face towards him and kissed him deeply. “I want you to be happy, even if I can’t do stuff right now.”

“Your dad is freaky. How could he know all that? Especially about your half-brother we haven’t met yet.” Travis’ abrupt subject change wasn’t picked up by Jeremy.

“I don’t know.” His eyes were closed as he breathed in Travis scent. A content smile on his face. “Can I be honest with you?”

“I hope you’re always honest with me, Jer…” He gave Jeremy a stern look.

“You know what I mean… I’m always honest with you.” Jeremy paused. “I should be really upset about Daniel. Ian had another kid the same age as me, that he was involved with. Yeah, Ian did stuff with me, but he lied and cheated on my Mother. But I’m not upset about this. Confused about my emotions, though.”

“Jer… have you noticed that you‘ve been calling your father by his name?”

Jeremy looked thoughtful. “He was nothing but a sperm donor.”

Adam, who was walking back to the media center, caught the last part of the boy’s discussion. He stepped into the room and passed Travis his Mountain Dew. “Boys, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I caught that last part.” He paused looking at Jeremy as he sat back down. “Jeremy… Ian was a lot of things, but he was more than just a sperm donor. He did love you.”

“Perhaps.” Jeremy stood up. “If you need me, I’ll be in mine and Travis’ suite.” He walked out of the media center. A minute later the sound of a door slamming shut rang through the suite.

“I’ve been waiting for that.” Adam sipped his beer and then leaned back with his head resting on the wall behind him. “Wait a few minutes before you go in there, Travis.”

“He’s pissed off, Adam. I would be too in his position.”

“Likewise, but he’s having issues processing all this. Jeremy’s normally really good about his emotions.” He side-glanced over the teen. “After Duncan shared with me Ian’s letter about Daniel and autism, it was easy to look back and see the confusion that Jeremy has had with different things.”

“If you say so. I’m not sure how you can tell.” He sipped his own drink. “He said his parents were getting a divorce, but they went to Europe on vacation?”

“From what Duncan and I can piece together… Debbie learned that Ian cheated on her fifteen years ago and fathered a child with his mistress. We’re suspecting Debbie found out because of the company’s finances, as Ian had been embezzling money for child support. They told Jeremy, Duncan, and I that they were going to Europe for three months, a second honeymoon. Duncan and I delayed our big wedding ceremony, just getting married at the courthouse, so we could have Ian as Duncan’s best man in the ceremony for them. They were only gone for two weeks, before they were coming back to see their lawyers for the divorce. Ian had called Duncan the day before their flight back to tell him what was up. We got told that ISIS blew up their plane the next day, while we were at Busch Gardens.”

Travis was quiet, looking at the dink in his hands. “I… Adam, what do I do? How can I help my other half?” He looked over at Adam, a distraught look on his face.

“The simple answer is to be there for him. Let him cry on your shoulder, let him talk to you, let him be vulnerable, and love him like you have been. Follow your instinct and listen to your heart.”

“So, in other words, you don’t know either.”

“Travis, you’ll find that being an adult involves a lot of acting on faith and making it up as you go along. My Granddad had a saying, ‘if it’s stupid but works, then it isn’t stupid’.”

Travis let out a slow breath. “I guess you’re right. I’ll head in there and see how he’s doing.”

“Thanks, Travis.”

Travis left the media center leaving Adam alone with his thoughts.

~.~

Duncan had taken the rental with Robert and Giles and returned to Arlington to pick up Martin. They were still a few blocks away from Martin’s house. Robert and Giles sat in the back seat holding hands.

“So, guys… where am I driving you three too?” Duncan turned at the light maneuvering around a slow truck.

“We need to hit the mall before we go to dinner. I need to get clothes for me, Giles, and Martin, and for you Dad.” Robert glanced at his second dad and then back out the window.

“For me?” He glanced up to the rearview to look at the two teens. “I thought I was just being the Uber driver tonight?”

“Dad didn’t tell you, Dad?” Robert paused. “That sounds so odd. Anyway, when I talked to the concierge at the hotel, I needed an adult to be with us, and there’s a dress code for dinner.”

“What restaurant are we going to?”

“Top of the Hub, on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower. We need suits.”

Giles looked over at his boyfriend. “That sounds expensive.”

“It is.” He smiled as he leaned in and kissed Giles. “But you’re worth every penny I spend tonight.”

“You’re paying for this?”

“Yes, I am Giles. Trust me, I can afford it.”

“Does Martin know where you’re taking him, Rob?”

“No Dad, he doesn’t know. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

Duncan pulled up to Martin’s house and Robert got out to go get his friend. After they got into the car, Robert directed Duncan to the mall where he would buy the suits. An hour later, the four men were dressed in fine suits, and headed for the restaurant.

It took another forty-five minutes to get to the Prudential Tower where the restaurant was found. They were in the elevator when Robert broke the silence.

“Dad, the reservation is in your name.” Robert rubbed Duncan’s shoulder. “Thank you for doing this.”

“Rob don’t get me wrong, but you’re calling me Dad and not daddy Duncan. Also, I’m not fully sure what I’m doing, but Adam apologized for forgetting to tell me, when we swapped who was driving you.” He smiled down to his stepson.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I use daddy Duncan when you two are together, just so you know whom I’m talking too. You’re my dad, as much as my Father is.” He leaned up and pecked Duncan’s cheek. Giles and Martin snickered behind him. “Hush you two.”

“As you wish, Stark.” Martin looked over at Giles. “Is he always like this, now?”

“You just don’t understand. Night and day, it gets trying at times.”

Robert playfully glared at them in the reflection of the elevator wall. “Real funny guys… to answer your question Dad… I need you so we can have wine at dinner.”

“Wine? You cleared this with Adam?”

“I did. I told Dad where I wanted to go, and he said to do the wine pairing.” He looked at all three of them in the reflection. “My asshole Grandfather brought me here for my sixteenth birthday. No wine that time, just water. But the views are stunning, and I wanted to share it with you.”

“That’s very sweet of you, Rob.” Giles leaned in and kissed Robert deeply.

“Yeah, Stark. Thank you.” He leaned in and kissed Robert’s cheek.

“Am I going to have to spring for a hotel room somewhere, and make myself scarce for a while?” His voice was playful as he glanced at the three boys.

Giles, Martin, and Robert blushed. “Dad, there’s no plans for it.”

The elevator door opened before Duncan could respond and he quickly stepped off, followed by the three teens. Two things were instantly clear as they looked at the small entryway for the restaurant. One, that the views were gorgeous through the windows as the setting sun, bathe the city in its golden light. Two, the place was busy with diverse sizes of parties, dressed in suites to more formal evening wear.

Duncan stepped up to the maître d′ stand. “Good evening, I have a reservation, under the name Duncan Isen-Smith.”

The maître d′ called over a server, who took the four men, upstairs to a second floor, to a private room on one of the corners.

“You’re renting this space as a suite, which means, all Massachusetts laws apply for parents and alcohol for teens.” The server smiled at them. “The rest of your party hasn’t arrived yet.”

The four of them sat down at one of the tables in the segregated space. Windows made up two of the walls, distracting them with a view of downtown Boston as the sunset.

“How many more are coming?” Martin looked out the window as he talked.

“A few others. Coach Jackson, and a few guys from the hockey team. It was too late for the invites, and not everyone could make it.”

“That’s a lot of people. You sure you got this, babe?” Giles gave his boyfriend a concerned look.

“I do.” He looked nervous. “I was awarded a lot of money from settlement. Too much really, and what I make from the brewery.”

Talk became light-hearted as more teens, Coach Jackson, and other parents showed up for the dinner.

“Do you guys, trust me?” Robert grinned at them.

The others answer yes. After the waiter came back Robert, via Duncan, ordered the five-course meal with wine pairing for all that had gathered. They spent the time talking about their lives. Martin and Robert talked about their shared experiences growing up together, before Robert and Giles shared theirs. Other people shared more stories about Robert and their friendships. Around 10:00 pm, the dinner party wound down to just the four of them again. Robert settled the tab, and they headed out.

“Martin, is it too late to take you home?”

“No, it’s not.” He smiled at the others. “I’ve had an enjoyable time tonight. Thank you for bringing me here.”

They were in the elevator going back to the lobby, when Duncan looked at the three teens assessing them. He could see the deep friendship Giles and Martin held for each other from their months of communication, and the love they had of their shared, at separate times of their lives, boyfriend.

“You know what. Martin, call your folks, you’re staying with us at the hotel. I didn’t drink much wine, but I don’t feel comfortable driving to Arlington. I’m sure Rob and Giles wouldn’t mind you staying in their suite, there’s a couch you could sleep on.”

The elevator door opened, and Duncan stepped out followed by three very stunned teenagers.

~.~

The presidential suite at the Boston Harbor Hotel was unusually subdued that night. Adam and Duncan retired to their master retreat shortly after they said good night to the three happily buzzed teens. Robert and Adam agreed to meet the next morning at 6:30 am for the talk.

Adam slowly undressed Duncan, giving him little kisses and nibbles across his chest, as he slipped the dress shirt off, undid his pants, and slowly pushed them down getting on his knees. He pressed his face against Duncan’s expanding bulge inhaling his husband’s manly sent. Once they both were unclothed, Adam led his love to the bathroom, where a hot bath was already prepared. Candlelight illuminated the bathroom, and the scent of lavender filled the air. Both men got into the large two-person tub with Duncan sitting inside of Adam’s legs, and leaning on his chest.

They relaxed for several minutes talking about the day’s events. Slowly the pair washed each other making sure to spend time exploring and prepping their love’s body for the night’s events. Once dried off, Adam led Duncan to the massive King-sized bed and lay down upon it on his stomach. Crawling on top of his lover, Duncan kissed his way up Adam’s spine to deliver a deep lingering kiss to his raised and turned to the side lips. It was a quick thrust that joined the two men together as one. The husbands made love that night, renewing their conviction to be with each other.

Across the suite past the living room, the three teens, each took turns showering, and getting ready for bed. The bell hop had delivered spare towels and toiletries for Martin after Duncan requested them at the front desk when they came back. Freshly showered they stood naked looking at each other, before climbing into the Queen-sized bed, with Giles and Martin on each side of Robert in the middle. They each got comfortable, but sleep couldn’t come just yet.

The awkwardness of both the ex- and current boyfriends being in bed together, was quickly shattered when Giles leaned over Robert to kiss Martin. It was quick but was filled with intention for the friend he made over the past few months. Giles smiled down to Robert and gave him a deep passionate kiss. He broke it off to allow Martin to kiss Robert. It took awhile for the teens to fall into a deep slumber, each with a need to relive their pent-up passion from the heavy make-out and talk session they had.

On the other side of the presidential suite, past the master retreat and the private elevator. Travis held Jeremy in his lap as they sat on the couch of their bedroom suite’s sitting area; Jeremy had cried over his emotions since he left the media center about his departed parents, and secret brother. Feelings, thoughts, and conflicting emotions that hadn’t been able to fully come out finally surfaced and were met with more fear, confusion, and anger. Travis dried his boyfriend’s tears and led him to the bathroom. They took a quick shower together, a first for them, before retiring to bed. Like the past few nights Travis lay on his back, with Jeremy curled up on his right side, both in the nude.

Jeremy lightly traced the developing muscles underneath his boyfriend’s smooth skin. His hand drifted lower, to where Jeremy was running his fingers through the hair that surrounded Travis’ manhood.

“Jer, what are you doing?” A touch of nervous excitement was in his voice.

“What I want to do, to show you how much you make me happy.” Using the same two fingers, he lightly caressed the intimate, growing shaft.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“I know I don’t.” He stifled the next objection from Travis by leaning up and kissing him fully. He took the hard member in his hand and went on to give his boyfriend a slow and sensual manual stimulation.

Jeremy alternated between the shaft, and the dangling globes hitting the spots he liked and watching his love for clues to see if Travis enjoyed them as well. Natural lubricant sprung forth, and he used it to make his manipulation glide better on his lover’s rod. Each time he felt Travis start to tense up he would back off to focus his attention to somewhere else.

Tens of minutes passed in this fashion, and as they kissed, Travis released a torrent of his teenage seed filling the air with a musky scent as the long ropes coated their lip-locked faces and entwined bodies.

Through it all Jeremy remained unaroused, while he gave his boyfriend a new memory to cherish.

Eventually sleep came for all seven men, oblivious to the events happening around them.