The Gus Diaries

Part 61

Thanksgiving and Anniversaries
 

Last year’s Thanksgiving was amazing but the one we just celebrated surpassed that one by leaps and bounds.

The whole family was going to be together and they were all going to descend on Britin at about 4 PM. Pop was trying to time the turkeys -- yes, I said turkeys -- perfectly, so they’d be ready for us to sit down to dinner at about five o’clock. He was in charge of the birds and a couple of the side dishes. The rest of the family was each assigned something to bring. Dad insisted on being in charge of the wine so no one would bring “any cheap shit.” Dad can be such a label queen, even about his drinks.

One thing I was relieved about was that Uncle Ben wasn’t bringing a “health food” alternative to anything. After his recent stay in the hospital, he decided to relax and let Uncle Michael take care of their “assignment” for our Thanksgiving meal. Besides, turkey is a healthy food and Uncle Ben isn’t a vegetarian.

I still couldn’t believe all the people who were joining us this year. It seemed like our family kept multiplying without any new babies being added to our number. Probably the most interesting addition to the family was Hunter’s not-so-new girlfriend, Callie.

Apparently they’d dated in high school but Callie broke it off over revelations about how Hunter contracted HIV. While I think that’s a fucking shitty thing to do, I guess it would be hard to date someone who had just recently been a rent boy.

I’ve always admired Hunter for making a really good life for himself. But, ironically, now that Hunter’s working as a guidance counselor in one of the local high schools, he met Callie again at a staff meeting. Turns out, she’s a gym teacher and swim coach at the same school. They started dating again last winter, against her parents’ wishes, and are planning to move in together when Callie’s lease is up the first of the year.

The other new additions are Mem’s girlfriend, Marie, and her three kids. It turns out that Marie has no family that ever accepted her way of life which is why she moved to Pittsburgh in the first place. Don’t ask me why she ended up in Pittsburgh, but, then again, that’s where Uncle Em ended up when he left home, too.

Mem’s been seeing a lot of Marie and I actually met her a couple of times when they had dinner at the diner. Once was by accident, when I was joining Jeff after work and the next time was planned, with Jenny, too. I like Marie. I kind of admire a person who almost lost everything, including her kids, but fought her ass off to keep her world together, after her partner died in the Babylon bombing.

I shiver whenever I think of the fact that almost my entire family was there and none of them died. I was told Uncle Michael had been severely injured but came through with no permanent damage, just short one disposable spleen.

He actually told me that a couple of years before I moved home, he went into therapy for a while, because he found that he’d developed an extreme fear of loud noises. It must have been tough to go back to the time he nearly died, but I’m glad he’s okay now.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

I’m getting ahead of myself... The morning of Thanksgiving I came downstairs, after I’d showered, to see if I could help. Jeff would be staying the weekend, but would be coming with Grandma Jen and Tucker so I was all set to give Pop a hand.

When I arrived in the kitchen, Pop was basting the turkey and Dad was sitting at the kitchen table sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper.

“Justin, I said I’d fucking help. I’m not paralyzed and pouring liquid over the god-damned turkey doesn’t take a Ph.D.”

“I know that if I go upstairs, even if I set the timer, you’ll ignore it. I have to time everything perfectly.”

“And why the fuck do we need two twenty pound birds? With all the extra shit this family will bring, you know we’ll end up with the equivalent of an entire turkey left over.”

“I happen to like leftovers. And besides, a good host always has more than enough in case some people forget to bring what they’ve been assigned.”

“Well, you’ve accomplished that and then some. Now stop being a fucking queen and sit your bubble butt down with a cup of coffee... preferably laced with Valium.”

I really wanted to laugh out loud but decided that for the sake of my life, and to keep the peace, I’d literally bite my tongue and hold it in.

“Hi Dad, Pop.”

“Hey, Sonny Boy. You look freshly showered and almost presentable.”

I tilted my head at dad’s sarcastic remark. “Good thing, otherwise I’d have to spend the day up in my room -- with Jeff.”

“Well, that would leave two less people to eat all this fucking food so I’m glad you’ll be staying downstairs.”

“Brian, please.”

“Pop, relax, Dad isn’t bothering me.”

“I know, but he’s giving me a headache.”

“Uh oh, Dad, you might not get any tonight if you keep this up.”

Dad laughed out loud, and Pop turned to glare at us, but when he saw our faces he realized how crazed he was acting and took a deep breath. “Okay, maybe I am getting a bit anxious about all the people who are going to be here today.”

“Maybe?” Dad looked at Pop. Then Dad stood up and pulled Pop in for a hug and kiss, and Pop leaned his head against Dad’s chest. “Let’s go upstairs and shower.”

“But...”

“No buts. Gus, Justin will leave you the schedule for basting the turkeys. Will you cover it for the next hour?”

I looked from Dad to Pop and knew that Dad would be relaxing Pop in his own special way. “No problem. I can handle it.” I must have been smirking; how could I not?

“Oh, and Sonny Boy, we can’t be disturbed unless the house is on fire or one of those fucking birds blows up.”

Dad and I both laughed at the not-so-subtle message, and Pop blushed but didn’t say a word as he and Dad walked upstairs hand in hand. Those two really are fucking amazing. They give a whole new meaning to the concept of marriage.

Suffice it to say, the turkeys survived, and when carved would be perfectly cooked. And as for Pop, when he returned downstairs, he and Dad were both much more relaxed.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

As everyone arrived, Pop would designate where they should place their side dish, appetizer or dessert. He would then place a serving piece next to each item so he wouldn’t be searching later.

He once told me that the key to being the ideal host was to have everything as prepared as possible so he could enjoy the gathering with the guests. While it wasn’t something I really cared about, I filed the advice away for the future. Maybe I’d be the one hosting a big dinner, like this one, some day.

When Jeff arrived, I was particularly happy. Last year at this time we had only just begun our relationship and now I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

“Hey, Newbie.” Jeff planted a huge kiss on my lips. My cock immediately reacted, and I think the fact that I kissed him back a little more intensely than I should have didn’t go unnoticed.

He pulled away and smirked as he whispered in my ear, “Save it for later. I don’t want to spend the entire evening with your family trying to hide a boner.” I blushed at that, and moved back quickly.

One of the last to arrive was Mom. I could tell she was more relaxed than I’d seen her in ages. She and I had dinner a few times at Grandma Deb’s with Grandpa Carl and Jenny. While I wasn’t quite ready to have one-on-one time with Mom, I was finally at a point where I looked forward to seeing her.

I immediately went to the entrance foyer, took her coat and gave her a hug and kiss. “You look good, Mom.”

“As do you.” She was smiling so genuinely. It reminded me of when I was much younger, and she was much happier. “Wow, quite a crowd today. Is Mem here yet?”

“Yeah, she and Marie are in the living room, and the kids are in the media room with Jenny.” I looked at Mom for a minute and saw something in her eyes. “Mom, you did know she was bringing Marie, didn’t you?”

“I suspected she would, but I wasn’t sure until this minute.”

“Oh.” I looked at the floor.

“It’s okay, lambskin. I always knew one of us would meet someone and get serious about that person eventually.” Then she chuckled, “I just wish it had been me first.”

I smiled back at Mom. It was great seeing her able to joke about this. “Are you going to be okay?”

“I’m going to be fine. I’ve been learning a lot about myself in therapy, and I’m almost to the point of being ready to date again.”

I gave her a half smile. “Will it be a man or a woman?”

She swatted my arm softly and then leaned in close. “Your guess is as good as mine.” That gave me a good laugh.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

When everyone finally arrived, and after there had been plenty of chatting and joking over appetizers, Pop came to announce that it was time to go into the dining room for dinner. Living in a mansion, with a massive formal dining room, really came in handy.

Since the family was known for talking nonstop, Dad came up with an idea for everyone to pass around their toast as they expressed one, and only one reason they were thankful. At first I thought it was kind of corny, but I have to say it really worked.

Dad took the glass of the person next to him, which was Pop’s, and filled it. Then Pop would raise his glass to say what he was thankful for. He then poured wine into the glass of the person to his left who would then get his or her turn.

Pop looked at Dad, rather than the table, as he began, “I’m thankful to have regained the steadiness in my hand so I can continue to express my love through the brush and pencil.” Dad looked at Pop remembering the surgery that brought fear of loss briefly into our home.

It was obvious as the wine was passed that everyone had a special moment from the past year to share and be grateful for.

I was thankful for a boyfriend I trusted and who knew he could trust me in return. It wasn’t particularly profound, but it was a huge year for Jeff and me.

Jenny was thankful that I still wanted to be her big brother and spend time with her. I have to admit, I was kind of touched by that, and smiled and nodded at her to show my agreement.

Michael was grateful for the support of his family when he felt scared and alone while Ben was in the hospital, and Ben, of course, was thankful for another year where health prevailed.

There were no particular surprises until I poured a glass of wine for Jeff. He looked at everyone at the table, kissed me on the cheek and simply but beautifully said, “I’m glad to have finally learned the meaning of unconditional love from all of you. You may not realize it, but it was a year ago that I moved in with Tuck and Grandma Jen. I thought it would be the worst year of my life, and instead it’s been the best.” I leaned in and gently kissed Jeff. There was a pause in the proceedings while everyone got hold of their emotions.

Finally the last couple of people were ready to make their toasts. Jeff poured for Grandma Jen and then she, in turn, poured a glass of wine for Tucker. Tucker held up his glass. “I’m grateful to truly feel welcomed into this huge, and very special, family. It has been a privilege to love Jennifer and to share our love with all of you, so today...” he placed his glass on the table and pulled something out of his pants pocket, moving his chair so he could get down on one knee.

I heard Uncle Emmett beginning to weep and Grandma Deb loudly whispered, “Oh my fucking god.”

“...Jennifer Taylor, you have made me thankful every day to have found you. Will you marry me?”

Grandma Jen was crying and Dad had the decency to hand her a tissue to dab her eyes, “Oh my.”

“Oh my, what?”

Grandma Jen smiled a smile that looked a lot like Pop’s. “Oh my, yes!” Tucker slipped the ring on Grandma’s hand and they hugged and kissed.

Dad leaned into Pop. “There’s way too much hetero lip locking going on in this house.”

Pop, Grandma Jen, Mem and Lindsay all yelled simultaneously, “Shut up, Brian!” The rest of us started laughing out loud.

Finally, when all the celebrating and congratulating calmed, Dad made a loud coughing sound and held up his empty glass. Tucker immediately picked up the bottle of wine and poured.

“Thank you, Tucker, for giving us another reason to celebrate this year. Now it’s my turn and then we can get to this amazing meal that Justin slaved over.” That got a chuckle and some comments about getting on with it from the hungry group. “Like Jeff, there was a time when unconditional love was denied to me, to the point that I was unaware and unable to accept that it even existed.” That really quieted the room down quickly. “I’m thankful that with the help of most of you, but in particular, my husband -- yes, I can say it -- and my son, I’ve learned how to feel and receive unconditional love, and welcome it as much as I possibly can.”

Pop immediately stood up and grabbed Dad in a huge hug and kiss, while everyone at the table was dabbing their eyes, even Mem and Mom; and it was obvious that they were really happy for Dad, not jealous of him.

After everyone regained control of their emotions, Dad took a sip of his wine and declared, “Dig in!” Boy, did we ever.

It was a good thing Pop made those two turkeys because everyone was indulging in seconds, and for some, even thirds. While there were plenty of leftovers to go around, we all did pretty good damage to whatever was served.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

Later that night after the dishes were all cleaned and put away and the food all stored in the refrigerator, Jeff and I sat with Dad and Pop for a few minutes in the front living room. Dad had the fire going and the room literally glowed.

“So, Sonny Boy, did you enjoy our loud and raucous Thanksgiving?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I even like being here, at Britin, to enjoy all the nerves that fly during preparations.”

Pop glanced at me and Dad, and smirked, “Are you referring to anything, or should I say anyone, in particular?”

Jeff snorted and I simply smiled back at Pop, “No, nothing in particular.”

“Good.” Pop leaned into Dad and rested his head on Dad’s shoulder. Dad put his arm around Pop and pulled him in tighter and kissed him on the top of his head.

“Justin, you really made this a beautiful day.”

Pop put his arm across Dad’s chest and snuggled in closer, if that was physically possible. “WE did, and thank you for being patient with me.”

“Anytime, Sunshine. We’re in this together for the long haul -- you’re the one that helped me believe that.”

“And I’ll never let you forget it.” Pop looked up at Dad and they kissed. It was so beautiful and loving. In my fantasies, that’s the kind of scene I’d like to share with Jeff someday.

I think Jeff was thinking the same thing because he took my hand and gently kissed me, almost chastely, on the lips. “I’m getting kind of tired, Newbie.”

I nodded. “Dad, Pop, this was a great Thanksgiving. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, boys,” Dad and Pop both said simultaneously.

“Oh, and Sonny Boy, if you get up and we’re not up yet, don’t wake us. Justin and I will be sleeping in tomorrow morning.”

I chuckled, “Is that what they’re calling it now?”

Pop laughed and blushed, and Dad smirked.

Jeff and I headed upstairs. When we got into my room he closed the door and locked it. Rather than getting undressed right away, he brought me to the bed. We each took off our sneakers but that was all.

He guided me to the pillows at the head of the bed and had me lay on my back. He leaned over me so we were facing each other and brushed his hand across my cheek. “You know I meant what I said at the table today. This has been the best year of my life.”

“You’ve really achieved a lot,” I whispered.

“You know that’s not it. It’s your family, it’s feeling this kind of unqualified affection from all of them, especially your dads and Grandma Jen and Tucker, but most of all...”

“Yes.” It was barely an utterance.

“Most of all it’s you. You’ve really changed everything.”

I didn’t say a word and just waited, feeling my breathing almost stop.

“I never knew I could love someone like I love you. I know people think we’re too young to feel this way, and it fucking scares the hell out of me, but you are so damn special it’s unfuckingbelievable.”

I knew there were a few stray tears of happiness running down the sides of my face but I didn’t dare move. I was afraid I would wake up to find this really wasn’t happening. But then Jeff started kissing the tears.

He very slowly removed every piece of his clothing, kissing a different part of my face and neck as he proceeded. I was still fully dressed and could feel my cock getting painfully harder under my jeans, but I made no move to touch it.

When he was completely naked, Jeff began to run his hands all over my clothed body as he kissed me. I began to writhe and moan under his ministrations.

Then he straddled my body at my chest, facing me as he began to stroke his already very hard cock. He moaned and I’m sure I did as well. I couldn’t believe I was still dressed, but I sensed that was part of the plan so I didn’t attempt to remove anything.

“Oh fuck, Gus, you are so beautiful, clothed, naked, you are so fucking beautiful.”

“Please...”

“Do you want to suck it?”

“God, yes.”

Jeff moved further up my body and offered me his dick -- so hard and so full. He placed it in my mouth and I began to suck like crazy. I wanted it, I wanted it all. When I deep throated him and hummed, he moaned so loudly it made me glad to know that I could do that to him. He was going to come and I wanted to swallow it all, but then he suddenly pulled his dick out of my mouth. I’m not sure which one of us gasped louder at the loss of contact.

All of a sudden Jeff began to undress me. It started slowly but the urgency of desire began to take over and the two of us teamed up to get my clothing off faster.

“You are so incredible.” Jeff started to move his hands all over my, now naked, body.

Every part of me was on fire and wanted his touch, and when he touched, I wanted more and more. I began to touch his body and we kissed. We kissed everywhere -- lips, necks, chests, nipples.

Our bodies had turned in opposite directions and I understood Jeff’s goal. We were on our sides, with my head near Jeff’s cock and his near mine. I couldn’t resist and immediately took him back into my mouth and started sucking hard and strong.

He moaned, and before I knew it, the sound was muffled when he took me all the way into his mouth and let me hit the back of his throat. I tried to cry out with pleasure as I sucked on him.

The two of us doing the same act to, and for, each other was so fucking intimate, and at the same time so hot. I knew he was getting close and he knew I wasn’t far behind.

Then I felt it, he placed his hands on my ass and pulled the cheeks apart and pushed two fingers in quickly. He immediately nudged my prostate and I yelled around his cock as I began to explode into his mouth. Within seconds, Jeff followed suit and I found myself swallowing his come with the most unimaginable pleasure running through me.

As both of us softened, Jeff turned around so we both had our heads on the pillows. He silently drew me close to him and arranged the blanket so we were warm and covered.

After a couple of silent minutes where we kissed and touched tenderly, he held me tight. “I can’t believe how great I feel being here with you.”

“Do you ever think you might want to explore other people?”

“Gus, do you?”

“No,” I looked into Jeff’s gorgeous and expressive eyes and tried to stay calm and mature, “but I don’t want you to ever think that I’d keep you tied down if you want more. I know you’re older and have more experience and...”

“And nothing. I’ve never been happier and if I thought we were ready I’d make a fucking commitment to you now.”

“No shit?”

He chuckled softly, “No shit. How could anyone else give me as much pleasure as we just experienced; and I know there’s no one who could ever give me as much love and support.”

“I do love you so much, Jeff.”

“I know. Me too, Gus, me too.”

I smiled as I placed my head in the crook of Jeff’s neck and shoulder and he pulled me in closer so I was on my side, lying half over him. We held each other close and the warmth of our bodies, coupled with the added shelter of the blanket enveloping us, lulled us to sleep.

I remember dreaming that night of Jeff’s beautiful eyes and somehow knowing they’d always be there to look into.

 

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