Ok as I mentioned, I was gonna write a prequel to Orchid, and here it is. The story is going to be fairly long, but this chappie is kinda short. Oh, and I officially dedicate this story to Kate, for she is my muse... even though I never did get around to asking her to beta this.....

And I Was Happy

Ch. 1 Aidan

Marco opened his eyes to a bright, normal day. Just like any other day. God Marco loved that word. Normal. Finally it seemed he had a normal and wonderful life. Great job, good college, fantastic boyfriend, nice condo, and loving family and friends. What more could he ask for? He got up, dressed, and went into the kitchen. Ellie was standing at the sink doing the morning dishes. When she saw the smile on his face, her expression changed from indifference to curiosity. "Why are you so chipper this morning?"

"Because I have it so good, and I just realized that," he replied with a kiss on her cheek. "Where's my boy-toy?" He asked playfully.

"He had to go to practice, and he told me to tell you that he LOOOVVVES you." She said with out-of-character enthusiasm. Marco just smiled again. "What's on the agenda today babe?" Marco asked her, hopping up on the counter. "Nothing really, I was thinking of going to the book store, get down from that counter, I just washed it and I don't need your butt all over it, and then later I was gonna buy some new shoes. Wanna come?" Marco hopped down and gave her a dumbfounded look, "books and shopping, and you need to ask me if I want to go? Are you ok?" He smiled at the death-glare Ellie sent him

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Twenty minutes later, the two friends were situated in extremely comfortable book store chairs, sipping coffee. Marco glanced up from his book at Ellie. She was reading Shakespeare, with an enratpured look on her face. Typical. For some reason she had an overzealous respect for classic works. Oh well, Marco just liked to keep it simple. He was reading 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull.' Yes, he'd read it over sixty times, and it was a grade-school level book, but he could never stop. He was drawn to it.

Another twenty minutes later Marco found himself in some random store in the mall, comparing shoes with Ellie. She loved... and hated everything they had. Finally she decided on a pair of black combat boots. Which, Marco reminded her, she had two pair just like them. After a short arguement, and a scuffle on the floor, they were asked, quietly, to buy something or leave. Laughing, they left.

They later went to lunch at a small garden restaurant. In the car on the way there, Ellie had called Ashley and invited her to eat with them. So now the three of them sat around an elegant patio table, with salads and ice-tea. Marco loved being a cliche. Ashley was talking about some guy or another. For some reason, she never had fully recovered from Craig. They were on speaking terms, and Ashley had forgiven him, but now she seemed to have a problem with commitment. Craig on the other hand had been married twice since they left school. Twice, in only 3 years. This made Marco feel bland. He felt for Ashley, and he loved her, but sometimes she drew things out too far. She was too dramatic. But that's what made Ashley her own person.

After lunch, they invited Ash to a movie, but she had to do a project for some class or another. Not wanting to go to a movie with just themselves, Marco and Ellie called everyone on their cellphones. Why was everybody busy? Damn, Marco thought. Not that being in a movie with JUST Ellie was a bad experience, he just wanted to see some of his friends. Oh well. They decided on the movie hot on the critic's list. It was supposed to be "sensationally inspirational." When the movie was over, Marco nor Ellie, thought any of this was true. Upon returning home, Marco became very excited when he saw his "boy-toy's" car. Ellie looked at him, and sighed. "Quiet you," Marco said. Ellie just laughed.

When they got inside, Marco spotted him sitting on the couch. He was reading, light music was playing, and he was wearing a black muscle shirt. Marco nearly died. He got a running start, and jumped into said beloved's lap. "Hey sweets," he said to the man sitting in his lap, "I missed you." Marco looked into his dark eyes, pecked him on the lips, and said, "I missed you too Aidan."


Gasp! It's not Dylan?! If you like it I'll continue it... of course now that I've posted it I'm obligated to continue it for fear of Kate hurting me. Review, and I shall give out edible yumminess!