It was a warm and clear Friday evening that followed the kind of Alabama day that Michael had lived for as child; the kind that signaled the approach of summer with all of its promise. There was nothing quite so symbolic of the oncoming season as the young men and women he'd braved the great outdoors to be here for today. Down below the bleachers where he was sitting with his mother, sister, and grandparents, one hundred and seventy-three young adults would soon be experiencing one of the biggest moments of their lives. Although Michael was antsy and nervous about being outside and in such a large crowd of spectators, he'd made up his mind that his irrational fears were not going to rule him, especially not today of all days.

Angie smiled and squeezed his hand, her wry grin warm and affectionate. She seemed energized by the flurry of activity going on around them, and had spoken to so many people that he was beginning to suspect that she might very well know everyone in town. And, dressed as she was in a flattering sundress, she drew plenty of appreciative male eyes her way. Michael just smiled and patted the jacket he'd brought for when the sun went down and she suddenly discovered it was still too early in the year to be so scantily clad after dark.

Quietly snuggled close to his other side, his mom inspected him, looking for signs that he wasn't enjoying himself. He didn't know what she'd do if he began showing signs of panic, and the frustrated little kid that still lived deep within was halfway tempted to test the notion, but he reined in that impulse. She was concerned about him because she loved him and he had no reason to be annoyed about that. Hopefully, she, like Angie, would soon learn to relax and stop worrying so much.

On the other side of his mother, Grandma and Grandpa were lost in conversation with someone sitting on the bleachers in front of them. He watched them for a few moments, how they interacted with each other and how even a casual brush of fingers against the other's hand seemed to be a form of intimate communication. The thought warmed him that, even though he never witnessed his mother in a happy relationship, he had learned how to have a meaningful one from the two of them, and, hopefully, how to make love last.

Turning away and studying his surroundings, Michael willed himself to remain calm, reminding himself repeatedly that nothing could harm him here. All was well and he was going to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event in his lover's life, feeling privileged to be a part of it. The news that the graduation ceremony was going to take place outdoors had caused him some apprehension, but as Angie's pinning ceremony wouldn't take place until the next day, she had offered to come with him and hold his hand. He'd taken her up on the 'come with' part, grateful for the support, knowing she'd be here to watch Jay and Terry graduate, anyway.

There'd been a few tense moments upon their arrival just as Michael was leaving the parking lot. Who should he come face to face with but Crawford Shiller? But instead of the mean, gloating expression the man usually wore, his blood-shot eyes had widened, he'd stammered incomprehensively, and then turned and quickly hurried away. The purple and black bruising around his left jaw was most gratifying. He knew he should be ashamed of himself for enjoying another's discomfort, but Michael couldn't help feeling triumphant at scoring a direct hit against the man who had caused him and his family so much hurt and self-doubt. Thank goodness Mom, Grandma, and Angie were in the ladies' room and didn't have to see Crawford. Grandpa appeared ready to step up to the plate if necessary, but thankfully, it hadn't turned ugly. Seeing the man flee had been good for Michael's soul, and marked the beginning of closure for the young, frightened kid he had once been. It wasn't over yet, but it was a definite step in the right direction.

The women had rejoined them, none the wiser about the encounter, and they found reasonably good seats in the rapidly crowding stands. The deep blue sky darkened around the edges as nightfall and the opening ceremonies approached. Man, but it was so good to be back in Alabama; he had missed this place, never even realizing how much it meant to him. His original plan was to only stay for a few months, hang with family and friends, then get on with his life somewhere else. But that wasn't how things were turning out. In fact, the last few weeks had Michael thinking that maybe settling down and making a life in Cookesville wouldn't be such a bad thing. Of course, it wasn't just him anymore; any major decisions would require input from his partner. He smiled while considering that word 'partner,' and just how great it was to be part of a genuine couple instead of just going through the motions and doing what was expected as he'd done in the past.

The sun began to set and the lights along the edges of the football field began to glow a soft fluorescent green, brightening as they came up to full wattage, lighting the way for the coming festivities. Conversation faded and then ceased entirely when the familiar strains of Pomp and Circumstance filled the air. Every eye was trained on the doorway from which football stars normally emerged as the dark cap and gown clad hopefuls made their way across the neatly trimmed field and to the grey metal folding chairs that had been provided as seating for this event. Michael craned his neck and strained to see his lover.

Even in the shapeless 'one size fits all' robe, Jay's height and dark hair set him apart from those around him, making him easy to spot in the long procession. Those deep, piercing eyes discreetly swept over the spectators and Michael hoped that they would find him, though he knew it was unlikely with so many people filling the stands. He watched Jay turn away and stand before his chair, waiting for the others to take their places before being seated.

When the group had all assembled, a hush settled over the darkening stadium; even the sounds of the nearby highway seemed muted. All was still and quiet, as though the very evening was holding its breath in anticipation. A low murmur thrummed through the crowd when an aging, white-haired gentleman slowly made his way to the podium of the makeshift stage. After the obligatory microphone testing that always preceded such events, the man, whom Michael knew from the crumpled program in his hands to be Dean Myers, began the evening.

"Family, friends, faculty, and students. I'd like to welcome you tonight to a most momentous occasion in the lives of these young adults…" A loud throat clearing brought a smile to the old man's face and he added, "...And those young at heart." He grinned down affectionately at a gown clad student who, judging from his snow white hair, was closer to the Dean's age than that of his fellow graduates.

The Dean continued his preliminary introductions. "We are here to witness many years of hard work coming to fruition as these students enjoy the rewards of their perseverance. I'd like you to join with me in a round of applause for this fine group of scholars that appears before you tonight."

Starting softly and slowly building to thunderous levels, the noise frightened Michael at first until he looked around and saw the smiles, heard the laughs, and rationalized with himself that this was a happy moment, nothing to fear. His eyes sought and found Jay and he breathed easier, focusing on why he was here, and for whom, blocking out any negative thoughts. Though her eyes remained on the field, Angie stopped clapping and her small, cool hand grasped and squeezed his reassuringly.

Abruptly the sound ended with a wave of the Dean's hand. "Without further ado, I would like to introduce a great student among many great students, who has distinguished herself both within the halls of academia and in the community, where her leadership skills and unfailing compassion has made her a pinnacle of this community that adopted her as their own. I give you AveryUniversity's Engineering Technologies Class of 2009's Valedictorian, Kimberly Ann Delacroix."

More applause greeted the tall, slender figure of a young woman, with skin the color of rich chocolate, as she mounted the stage and made her way over to the Dean, smiling and waving. After a too-lengthy speech, in Michael's opinion, the part he was waiting for began with the calling of Terry Abramson. Terry, in all his toothy, arrogant glory, danced his way across the stage to accept his degree. He shook hands with the Dean and Valedictorian before exiting the stage, smiling, waving, and moving the tassel on his cap from right to left, acknowledging his graduated status.

One by one the students crossed the stage to receive their honors, some somber and serious, others laughing and joking. A tall, well-built black man grabbed the unsuspecting Kimberly and swept her into an impromptu tango, ending it with a dramatic dip that cost her her cap. Bowing chivalrously, he retrieved the errant mortarboard and returned it to her neatly braided hair, blowing her a kiss as he backed away. Even from a distance Michael could tell the young woman was blushing.

"Wasn't that cute?" Angie gushed, clinging to his arm. "They're engaged, you know. Her daddy's a big deal down in Mobile and her parents didn't like it much, but I think Jamal's engineering degree changed their mind."

Yeah, he could see how that could happen.

As more and more students made their way to the stage, Angie gave him a brief history of the ones she was acquainted with, further convincing him that his sister knew everyone. When the O's were called, he counted down, waiting, watching. Finally, the moment arrived. Michel held his breath, anticipating the next name. Based on Angie's sudden gasp, he wasn't the only one surprised when the next name called was 'Javier Aidan Ortiz Gallagher.' Javier? Jay was a nickname for Javier? Jay was such a common name in the South that it had never once occurred to him to ask if it was the man's given name. He was amused at this turn of events, but also embarrassed that he didn't know such a basic thing about the man he was hoping to spend his life with.

Narrowed green eyes met Michael's blue ones as Angie turned to him and hissed, "I didn't know that was his name; did you know? I mean, everything I've ever seen said Jay Ortiz."

At his bewildered head shake, their combined gaze moved on towards their mom, who appeared equally as shocked. Gramps laughed and said, "I knew. He's named after both his grandfathers, but the Irish side of the family butchered his name, asking 'What happened to the J? It starts with J you should be able to hear it.' And tacking his mother's name to the end of his is a cultural thing, or so I've been told." The old man looked far too smug to know something they apparently didn't; he chuckled and added, "Amazing the things that come up when you're working on fence lines."

Michael divided his attention between listening to his grandfather's explanation and watching the fluid movement of his lover as he approached the stage, trying to predict how he would act. The man was grinning while he approached the duo waiting to greet him and bestow his degree, but merely nodded, smiled, and paused to receive their well-wishes. It was a relatively low-key performance, typical of a man who saw no need for grand-standing but, just as he was about to exit the stage, Jay stopped, turned to the audience, and raised both hands in triumph, pure delight shining from his features. The crowd had been warned not to applaud individual students, to wait until the end, but a few catcalls could be heard, as well as shouts of 'Jay, Jay, Jay!'

The bright grin slowly faded into that little boy smile Michael loved so much as Jay reached into the top of his gown and removed something hanging from a chain around his neck. He reverently clutched the mystery object before returning it to the safety of his gown, patting it affectionately. Exiting the stage, he made his way back to his own seat. Michael looked right and then left, puzzled by the knowing expressions on the faces of his mother and sister. Okay, he had no idea what that was about and wasn't sure he wanted to know, though he had a feeling they'd tell him - later.

Now that what he had come to see was over, he was eager for it to end. Who knew there could be so many P's through W's in one class? And, much to his surprise, being there wasn't overwhelming like he feared it would be. Parts were even enjoyable, especially seeing Jay not only graduate, but graduate with honors. Michael couldn't be more proud. In fact, he was most anxious to tell the man face to face.

Jay had told him that he didn't have to attend if he thought it would be uncomfortable, but this was a once in a lifetime event, a crowning moment in his lover's life. It didn't matter how bad he might have felt, he was where he needed to be. His therapist agreed with his decision, stating that it was important to have goals to work toward and, in Raff's opinion, Michael couldn't have picked a more worthwhile goal.

And now it was nearing the end. The band played the commencement theme and caps were thrown wildly into the air amid whoops of laughter and screams of joy. Michael hesitated but a moment before joining the throng that crowded out onto the football field in search of their loved ones.

It seemed that everyone was wearing an indistinguishable, shapeless blue gown as Angie pulled him into the fray, laughing and obviously enjoying herself. Occasionally she stopped to congratulate and/or hug someone before grabbing her brother's arm once more and hurrying him toward their common goal. He nearly ran into Terry, literally, who laughed and gave Angie a big hug before arranging his features into a more thoughtful expression, He smiled and shook Michael's hand. Terry leaned in to speak privately, but Michael shook his head and offered his other ear to the man so he could actually hear what was being said.

"I just wanted to tell you that I think Jay's one hell of a lucky guy." His voice, warm and sincere, somehow managed to be heard by Michael over the chaos without being overheard by those standing close by.

When he pulled back the genuine longing in Terry's eyes overwhelmed Michael for a moment, but before he had time to question it, the gorgeous blond winked at him and disappeared into the mass of bodies gathered around.

"I told you he wasn't all bad," Angie gloated.

Any response that Michael might have made was cut off as the crowd seemed to part in front of him, allowing Jay to step through. The object so fondly displayed on stage was now hanging from the folds of his gown for all to see - Michael's dog tags.

Not caring who saw, Michael swooped his lover and friend up into a bone-crushing hug, exclaiming, "You did it!" He put the stunned man down as they were joined by the rest of his family. Suddenly they were invaded by veritable swarm of newcomers, all seeming to have just one thing on their minds - getting as close to the newly graduated engineer as possible.

A moment of jealousy swept over Michael when a lovely young woman with light brown skin, and the darkest eyes he'd ever seen, kissed Jay on the cheek and hugged him tightly to her big-bosomed body, only to be followed by another girl and yet another. Realization hit him as he recognized the young women from the video and photos, and the similarities in the mass of newcomers. Suddenly all traces of jealously were replaced by pity for the man who was barely holding his own against the sentimental onslaught of so many sisters. Looking around, he noticed several young men watching the girls appreciatively and added Jay's father to his list of those who needed his pity.

Finally, a pale blond woman, appearing so out of place among all her darker-haired and darker-skinned family members, stepped up to proudly hug her son. A short, squat man with a bristly, black moustache shot with gray held out his hand and said, "You must be Michael."

Michael smiled as he shook the man's hand, then found himself swept up, first in meeting the Ortiz clan, all twenty-seven of them, and then the blond and red-haired Gallagher family, who had been just a bit slower in reaching the field.

Just when he thought his head would explode with the sheer number of names he was now trying to process, Papa Ortiz looked around and said casually, "I'm hungry; let's go eat."

* * *

Finally, a quiet moment alone. It was Jay's big night, so Michael had done his best to enjoy himself and not ruin the evening for his lover, even though he had barely restrained his impatience for this moment through the last few hours of obligatory socializing.

Juan-Carlos Ortiz Ortega (Michael made a mental note to ask Jay more about his culture) had insisted on including Michael's family in his own family's plans, and a caravan of cars, trucks, and mini vans had driven into Atlanta for dinner, in celebration of Jay's graduation. Michael had no idea one person could have so many family members! There were the parents, grandparents, sisters, uncles, and aunts from both sides of the family and more cousins than he could count, and they had come from all parts of the country to see one of their own graduate from college. He vowed to himself that in four years it would be him up there, making Jay and the rest of the family proud.

Best of all, it seemed that, for the most part, he would be accepted for who he was and for the role he played in Jay's, no, Javier's life. Michael was still laughing about that one. Somehow, he just couldn't picture the man as a 'Javier' or an 'Aidan' either. Meeting the two gentlemen whom his lover was named after, however, had been a humbling experience.

Now though, his patience was at an end. Michael didn't bother to turn on the store lights as he all but dragged his lover through the darkened bookstore on the way to the home they now shared, stopping every few feet to kiss and rub against him provocatively. "I love you, Javier Aidan Ortiz Gallagher," he said, his tongue stumbling over the unfamiliar name.

"Te amo también, Querido, te amo también," Jay replied.

Michael didn't delude himself that all would be sunshine and roses; he still had a long way to go on the road back to normal. But as he held his lover in his arms, he knew the going would be easier because he wouldn't be going it alone.

Thanks to everyone who came along on this bittersweet journey; I hope you enjoyed the conclusion. As usual, I want to thank Nina, Meg, Jared, Lynda, and Tinnean, without whom Jay and Micheal's story would never have seen the light of day.