Disclaimer: I don't own anything about this…but I wrote it.

A/N: Thank you so much to the ten who reviewed this. I thank you for taking the time to read my continuation. I hope you still enjoy it.

--------------------------------

Chapter Nine

Marco dressed conservatively on Thursday morning. He donned a dark blue suit with a light blue shirt and red tie. He felt like a sham but knew he needed to set the right impression.

He looked up as Dylan, similarly attired, emerged from his bedroom. "Not going to school?" questioned Marco.

Dylan laughed, "No, I think my time would be better used with you today. Unless you don't want me to go."

"Don't be silly. I want you there but wasn't sure if your parents would okay it." Marco told him sincerely.

"I don't think they had much of a choice," responded Dylan, wrapping his arms around Marco.

Mr. Michalchuk chose that moment to intervene. "Time to go, boys. Are you sure you can do this, Marco?"

Marco gave a disbelieving chuckle, "Do I really have a choice?"

Mr. Michalchuk and Dylan both shook their heads no as they led Marco out to the car.

-------------

In the car, Marco's thoughts kept drifting to how good Dylan looked in a suit. He knew it was absurd because of what he was getting ready to face but couldn't help the wayward thoughts from coming.

'Damn, he looks so good. I remember the last time we were together in this car. The windows steamy, kissing fervently, and hands roaming. We so need to do that again.'

Marco shook his head slightly, trying to clear the mental images. His body was beginning to react to his overactive imagination.

------------------

Dylan noticed Marco was distracted. He hoped the arraignment went well for him. He really hoped that there wouldn't be a trial.

Dylan knew deep down that Marco's dad wouldn't confess to doing anything wrong and was trying to prepare himself to be there for Marco through the trial. He'd never leave him now, no matter how hard he feared Marco would try and push him away.

--------------------

Mr. Michalchuk noticed a shift in the air of the car. Marco was radiating distracted vibes and Dylan's were tense. He wished neither boy ever had to face this. He prayed the best thing his son ever had wouldn't disappear due to the intensity of the trial.

Dylan was finally happier than Mr. Michalchuk had ever seen him and knew Marco was the cause. He didn't want anything to change for his son.

-------------------------

The three men got out of Dylan's convertible after parking in the lot adjacent to the court house.

Marco stopped at the base of the stairs, staring at the building that pretty much held his entire future inside. He caught a glimpse of three people huddled by the front doors and turned to get a better look. Sure enough, it was his parents with their lawyer.

Marco grabbed Dylan's hand, "My parents are at the doors. I don't know if I can do this. Please tell me I will survive this," begged Marco. His grip was getting crushing on Dylan's hand.

"Marco, my love, yes you can do this. You will survive. I'll make sure of it." Dylan promised gently. He was stroking the shorter boy's hair as he soothed him.

Mr. Michalchuk stared at his son placating his boyfriend in amazement. He couldn't remember when Dylan had grown up but this was another signal of it.

---------------------

Mr. Michalchuk led the boys up the steps and into the court house. He saw his lawyer waiting for them next to a potted plant in the foyer. He approached his old friend with a smile, "Thank you for doing this."

The lawyer laughed good naturedly, "Not a problem, Bill. These are my specialty and I would've been insulted if you didn't call." The lawyer turned to face the boys, "I'm guessing you are my client." He held a hand out to Marco to shake.

"Yes sir. I'm Marco Del Rossi," said Marco shaking his hand.

"Hi Marco, I'm Jeremy Campbell. You must be Bill's son, Dylan," Jeremy said addressing Dylan.

"Yes sir. Pleased to meet you," responded Dylan, remembering his manners.

The four entered the courtroom where their case had been slotted and took their seats.

Marco tensed when his mother took the seat opposite of him and his father at the table. He kept his gaze trained on his hand entwined with Dylan's in his lap. He wouldn't look over, he couldn't look over.

His will lost out and he looked at his parents. His mother was crying silently and his father looked irate.

Marco was extremely relieved to see the judge enter the room moments later.

His father was read what the charges were against him and asked how did he plead.

He answered he wasn't guilty of the charges brought against him.

The lawyers were instructed to give a brief summation of why the charges were brought against the defendant.

Marco's lawyer showed the medical charts and the therapy records to prove abuse.

Mr. Del Rossi's lawyer proclaimed everything he had done, he'd done out of love and concern for his son. He wanted him to know that a gay life style was bound to be extremely rough.

The judge was expressionless as she delivered the date of the trial. She also informed Marco he'd have to testify in front of the court exactly what happened with his father.

Marco nodded his understanding to the judge before she stepped down.

Marco had been too nervous to hear the date of the trial, "When is the trial? I blanked out."

Dylan squeezed his hand, "It starts next Wednesday. She has a full docket until then."

Marco sighed, "So I have a week to wait. Great!"

Dylan kissed the top of his head, "We'll get through the week. I'll be there when you need me."

Marco smiled his gratitude at his thoughtful boyfriend. 'How can I not love him. He's been here through all of this and still loves me.'

Mr. Campbell scheduled a meeting for Monday afternoon to meet with Marco in his office. He needed more details and some background information about the case before trying it on Wednesday.

The three returned to the Michalchuk house after everything was over. The ride home was quieter than the ride to the courthouse, if that was possible.

Mr. Michalchuk left to go to work after dropping the boys off. He had a project that needed to be completed soon.

Marco was in his room, staring at the ceiling when Dylan came in to check on him.

Dylan sat down next to his hip and placed a hand on Marco's chest, "You okay?"

Marco smiled sadly, "No but I think I will be. Can I talk to you about something?"

Dylan looked worried, "You know you can tell me anything. I'm here and willing to listen."

Marco covered Dylan's hand with his, "I love you more now than I ever thought possible when I met you. I know our relationship was getting heated before all of this happened. I know you've been very patient with me about all of it…"

Dylan cut him off, "I'll wait forever if I have to, Marco. Our relationship is more than just physical."

Marco sat up and cut off his statement with a firm kiss. If Dylan wouldn't let him get the message out verbally he'd just have to go for showing him. He wanted Dylan, physically and emotionally. He needed him to know it wasn't just a fluke.

Dylan broke the kiss, "Are you trying to tell me you're ready?"

"You are so cute. Yes, I'm ready. Are you?"

Dylan laughed, "Hell yes."

Marco started in to kiss him again but the phone interrupted them.

Dylan looked at the caller id and sighed, "It's Mr. Campbell's office. I guess I should answer it."

Marco nodded as Dylan pushed the talk button on the cordless.

---------------------------

Please review. Let me know if you still want this to continue. Sneak peak, still have the trial to go…