The Paxton Family Part 1

Posted on Sat Jan 7th, 2023 @ 10:58am by Ensign George Paxton & Senior Chief Petty Officer Mason Malone

Mission: Character Development
Location: Louisiana, Earth
959 words - 1.9 OF Standard Post Measure

It had been quite the trip getting back to Earth, but nothing could quell the excitement that George felt deep in his soul. It had been a few years since he'd seen any of his family and even longer than that since the whole family had been together. In truth, he assumed just those that still lived in the area would stop by but the response to his letter was greater than expected. Every one of his siblings replied with a note saying they would take time to come and visit home while George was there. Perhaps it was just because he was the baby of the family, or perhaps everyone else recognized what George did. That it had been too long since they'd all been under one roof.

"Are you ready for this?" George looked at his partner before they entered his family home and the onslaught of people they were sure to find inside.

"Of course!" Mason reached for George's hand and squeezed it encouragingly. "Are you?"

George smiled without a response and opened the door. Within seconds the two were flooded with bodies wanting hugs and answers to questions. "Okay, okay," he laughed. "I promise you'll all get hugs, but first I'd like to introduce my boyfriend. Mason," he motioned towards the man to whom he was so proud to introduce his family. "Mason, this is Grant, Cameron, Ger, Chloe, Griffin and Callie." He made his way down the list introducing each one until he realized someone was missing. "Where's Celyn?"

"Oh, you know her," Ger piped up. "Something came up with work, she said she'll be here later tonight."

"More like she totally forgot and hadn't actually left the house yet," Callie chimed in with a chuckle referring to how flaky their younger sister tended to be. Geroge laughed in response. He had missed the family banter.

After introductions, George made his way through each of his siblings, allowing them to introduce their spouses or significant others to Mason and getting hugs that had been so missed over the years.

Glancing around, Mason couldn't help but feel this was a very close family despite George not being home with them all that often. And he couldn't help but feeling very welcome. "I doubt I can remember everyone's name on the first go," he chuckled, "but I'll try." He offered a somewhat shy wave at the gathered people. "Hi all, I'm Mason....and uhm....I work in security and uhm...." He paused, feeling a little flustered. "I am the youngest of five... I've four much older sisters."

"No wonder you get along so well with George then," Grant chuckled. "George is the youngest of us as well." He turned to his younger brother. "Mom and dad are outside on the grill. They're excited to see you both so you'd better get on out there."

George beamed with excitement and made haste towards the back door, dragging Mason through the crowd behind him. Words weren't even exchanged at first, only embraces, as he ran outside. "I missed you guys," George said before stepping back. The grin looked like it would pop right off his face if it grew any larger. "I want you to meet my boyfriend, Mason."

"Oh, it's so nice to finally meet you, Mason. We've heard so much about you," his mother didn't even ask before pulling him into an embrace and George's father did the same.

"I hear you're in Starfleet too. Same ship as George right?" His dad asked.

Savouring the almost parental hug, Mason nodded. "Yes sir, same ship. It's where we met too, introduced by a mutual friend." He smiled somewhat sadly as he pulled away, seeking George's proximity again. "George's an engineer, and I'm security. I'm not an officer though, I've been enlisted all my career and I am quite content with it." He cast George a teasing grin. "Officers get to stay on the ship when things get rough, the enlisted are the cannon fodder. Right George?" he teased.

"I wouldn't quite put it that way," George chuckled. "Mason is a fantastic security officer. He's been on plenty of away missions, and he's taught me a thing or two about hand to hand combat."

"Oh?" His father raised a curious eyebrow. "I'm Graham by the way and this is my wife Cassidy. I don't think George actually gave our names, but then again I suppose he usually just calls us mom and dad," Graham laughed.

"He does," Mason acknowledged, "and George has taught me a thing or two about wrestling. But yes I've seen plenty of away missions, especially during my days as a marine." He held his breath for a moment as he carefully watched the pair. Not everyone appreciated their child to be dating a marine, or even a former one. "I'm originally a linguist," he added, "and now I'm an investigations officer. Well...enlisted... obviously." That was still mighty confusing to explain, for sure.

"A marine! Wow, that must've been tough. George must be quite lucky to have you around," his mother said every word embuing true care. "Anyway, don't waste your time talking to us, go and catch up with your siblings George. We'll have plenty of time to chat once the others head home for the night." She looked back to Mason. "We're very happy you're here."

"I'm happy to be here ma'am," Mason replied happily as he reached for George's hand, drawing him closer. "Shall we go and catch up? I'm sure you have loads to tell them all, right?"

"Yes, let's. We have plenty of stories to share between the two of us and I'm sure they have plenty to share too," George smiled and slipped back through the door inside.