The Healing Path
Disclaimer: I do not own anything, just like the last chapter
Notes: I'm glad you all liked my story; I know what some of you mean by saying that Marco's parents really are lenient especially after what we saw of Mr. Del Rossi's reaction to a gay waiter. Well, I thought I would reward your reviews with another chapter.
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The Michalchuk house was quiet the next morning, Mr. Michalchuk had tried to get off from work but he couldn't. Mrs. Michalchuk however did manage to get the day off to be there for Marco. All the kids had called in sick and Paige and Spinner called Jimmy, Craig, and Ellie so they didn't go to the Del Rossi house to check up on him. They were worried and asked if they could come by later but Paige had asked them to wait a little while. It was going to be a long healing path.
The sun shined through Dylan's window effectively waking one of the two boys sleeping peacefully. Marco's good eye opened as the sun hit his face. He noticed he was facing Dylan who was still snoring slightly, comfortable in sleep. Marco shifted to his back and let out a small groan. Everything still hurt, especially his heart.
The small groan woke the other sleeping boy, who immediately turned a worried eye to Marco.
"Morning, sleepy head, how are you today?" Dylan asked tactically, he didn't want to upset Marco but he wanted to know if it hurt anywhere.
"I'm okay, my shoulder hurts, it hurts to breathe, and it feels like my heart has been ripped out of my chest, but other then that I'm okay," Marco said down heartedly. There was a knock on the door and Marco's eyes shifted uncertainly.
"I'll see who it is, and then send them away," Dylan said, he kissed Marco's brow and covered him up so he wouldn't be cold. After all Marco had lost his shirt in the examining process and they didn't want to redress him in fear of causing him pain.
Dylan opened up his door and stepped outside. Paige was there and she looked worried and tried, as if she didn't get much sleep last night. "Um, mom made some breakfast, she wanted to know if Marco was well enough to come down or if it should be brought up to you," Paige said.
"I think it would be best if he wasn't overwhelmed with people right now, I'll ask him, but what did mom make?" Dylan asked, he didn't mean to be short but he wanted to get back to Marco as soon as possible.
"Pancakes, but she told me that if he wanted something else she would make it," Paige said, "I'll wait out here till you know what's up."
Dylan re-entered the room and Marco's eyes shot towards him, "It was only Paige me very nosy little sister," he said loudly so if she was eavesdropping she would hear him. "Mom mother made breakfast, we can eat it up here if you want, she made pancakes, but if you want she can make something else. Anything you want."
"I don't want to be a burden to your family Dylan, plus I don't think I can eat anything right now, my stomach is a little unsettled," Marco said trying to sit up but his sore ribs not allowing him to do anything but moan in pain.
"Here, let me help with that," Dylan said helping him sit up with some pillows behind his back, "But you do need to eat Marco, you need your strength. Please, tea, coffee, something."
"Maybe some tea, I'll try but I can't promise anything," Marco said, he wasn't hungry but he wanted to try and please Dylan.
"It's okay Marco, little steps, I don't want to push you into anything, are you feeling alight?" Dylan said as he walked back to Marco. He sat on the bed and wrapped an arm around him, "Everything is going to be alright, I'm going to take care of you, I promise."
Marco smiled at him reassuringly and Dylan left the room, surprisingly Paige was still waiting patiently for him outside his door. "Just some tea for Marco, and I'm not hungry," Dylan said.
"Dylan, you need to take care of yourself as much as you need to take care of Marco, I'm going to bring pancakes for you and you better eat it, or else," Paige said as she went down the stairs.
"Paige honey, what did Dylan say?" Mrs. Michalchuk asked as she saw her daughter descend from the stairs. She didn't look happy and that made Mrs. Michalchuk wonder what her oldest had done this time.
"He said he wasn't going to eat, how stupid, how is he going to be there for Marco if he is out cold from lack of energy? Marco also said he couldn't eat, he just asked for some tea, but really, mom give me some pancakes because Dylan has to eat," Paige was rambling, almost before she finished Mrs. Michalchuk already had a tray with a cup of hot tea, milk and sugar separate and some pancakes with syrup. "Thanks mom, you're the greatest."
"I know, did you see Marco, does he need ice?" Mrs. Michalchuk asked before her daughter disappeared.
"I don't know, Dylan wouldn't let me in, Marco was probably feeling embarrassed and Dylan was protecting him. I will ask when I drop off the grumps food," Paige said.
"Honey, I know your brother gets to you, but this hits close to home for him so try and be understanding, just a little bit," Mrs. Michalchuk said.
"I'm not really mad at him mom, don't worry, I know the seriousness of this," Paige said and then she was gone back up the stairs. She had wanted to smack Spinner who was still sleeping on the couch and make him do all the running up and down but she didn't she let him sleep because he had been up for quite some time last night worrying about Marco which Paige thought was cute.
Dylan had just settled down again with Marco on the bed when there was yet again another knock on the door. "Damn, Paige is fast isn't she?" Marco asked jokingly.
"I wish she were slower, damn it I was just getting comfortable," Dylan said smiling as he got up to get the door. He did some conversing with Paige, placed a tray on his desk and then turned back to Marco for a moment. "Are you achy, my mom wanted to know if you wanted some ice for your ribs, shoulder, or eye," Dylan asked.
Marco tested his shoulder and it ached, but not too back, his ribs could use some ice though, just to numb the pain. "Yea, some for my ribs please," Marco said, Dylan nodded, said something else to Paige, ruffled her hair, and shut the door when she went to protest. Marco laughed for he saw her face right before he slammed the door but he stopped because it brought some pain to his ribs.
"Your ribs hurt Marco?" Dylan asked as he sat on the bed. Marco immediately moved his body forward to Dylan could place him behind Marco. Then he leaned back into Dylan's warm embrace and sighed.
"Yea, a little. Dylan, what will become of me now, my parents surely have disowned me, I'm sure they don't want me there, where will I go, where will I stay, and what will I do?" Marco asked, he looked back to Dylan, complete sadness and confusion in his eyes. Dylan hugged him slightly.
"I will never let anyone hurt you again, and I will make sure that you are never hurt like that, physically, and emotionally. Do you trust me?" Dylan asked, Marco nodded, a single tear slipping down his face. "Come now, no more tears; today I want to see smiles, okay?"
"You guys are so cute," Paige said as she entered the room, "Don't let me stop you, kiss, or whatever you were going to do, as long as you keep your clothes on," Paige laughed at her own joke.
"I don't think it's very funny, please hand over the ice and leave, thought handing me the remote on your way out would be nice, this way me and Marco can stay comfortable and be entertained," Dylan suggested.
"Only because you look so cute," Paige said tossing Dylan the remote who caught it and flipped the TV on. "Here Marco, feel better, and don't hesitate to make my lazy big brother get up and wait on you okay?" she said softly, she was treating Marco like an injured animal, but it was just what he needed. She softly placed the ice pack on his ribs and left the room.
"So what do you want to watch, anything in particular?" Dylan asked while flipping though the channels. Marco shook his head no and sighed, he was happy right where he was, in Dylan's arms.
"Hockey," Dylan finally said triumphantly quickly turning to Marco and asking, "That is if you don't mind."
"No, though I would rather watch a certain Michalchuk getting all sweaty on the ice," Marco said.
"And you told me you were gay, how could you think of my sister like that," Dylan said in mock horror, Marco smiled. "Now that was what I wanted to see, smiles and more smiles."
They watched the game for a while, Marco sipping his tea, and Dylan munching on his pancakes, now drenched in syrup. Marco started to drift off and it wasn't until he was fast asleep did Dylan notice.
With a smile and a peck on the cheek Dylan carefully lifted himself off the bed and went down the stairs. He was met by the happy humming of his mother who seemed to be cooking again; he didn't remember her cooking this much ever.
"Dylan, how is Marco doing, okay I hope and that he is feeling better?" she asked.
"Yea, his ribs hurt this morning and I think his shoulder as well, but he seemed to be in higher spirits. Though I don't know how, mom when I saw him it was like my whole world stopped for a moment, he was hardly moving. And then the thought came to me that I left him, I heard him scream and I still pulled out of that driveway. The thought that I maybe could have saved him so much pain keeps filling my mind and I can't forget," Dylan said, he was really beating himself up over this. Mrs. Michalchuk didn't think twice before pulling her son into a loving and warm embrace. When they pulled back Dylan smiled, "Thank mom I really needed that."
Back in Dylan's room Marco woke up to the sound of his ring tone, after finding it in the bag Spinner packed he answered it. "Marco here."
"The only reason I am calling faggot is to tell you to get your shit out of my house before I burn it. I don't want the gay to spread, do you understand me?" It was Marco's father, just hearing his voice made Marco shake slightly with fear.
"Yes pa," Marco said quietly.
"Don't call me that, I didn't raise a Fag, I don't know who you are but you are not my son and I am not your father." And then there was a click. Marco curled up into a ball, he had no one left, his family didn't want him, and he was unloved. Marco started to rock back and fourth and sing an old Italian lullaby that his mother use to sing to him, but then again was she still his mother, he was sure she didn't want him either. Marco started to cry.
Dylan had helped him mother with the chicken soup for a while because he didn't want to disturb Marco's sleep. Paige and Spinner came in to help for a little while, thought Spinner didn't want to.
"How's Marco Dylan, I mean how is he holding up?" Spinner asked as he chopped some chicken.
"Shaken, as to be expected, and some pain but he smiled at least, that's a small but productive step," Dylan said while checking of the boiling chicken.
"Trust me Dylan, any step is good, right mom?" Paige asked, she and her mother were both cutting vegetables for the soup.
"I'm sure he is rather traumatized, probably feeling very unsure of himself, doubtful if anyone loves him, he just needs to know that there are people who still care about him, that still love him," she said, the kids were a little taken back, where did that come from? "I went to the library this morning and took a book out of trauma, just to be prepared. Are you sure he is sleeping Dylan, he really shouldn't be left alone."
"He was when I left, though he might have woken up, you guys can handle it, I am going to go check up on him," Dylan said, he washed his hands and went up the stairs. When he went in the room Marco was still on the floor still half naked, his tears had stopped but his singing hadn't. "Marco is everything alright?" he asked.
Dylan noticed that he had a very firm grip on his cell phone, Dylan kneeled next to him, not right next to him but with a distance, he didn't want to frighten him. "Marco, can I see your cell phone?" he asked, he was a little worried about the way Marco was acting. He got close enough to touch Marco and he held out his hand for the cell phone. Marco just continued to sing so Dylan took his hand and pried the phone away from him.
After hitting the call log he found out that Marco's last call was from his home, that's why he was shaken up.
"Marco, look at me, I need you to listen to me carefully, and you may think that you have no one left in this world, but you have me, and I have you. Do you understand, you will never be alone, I will always be there for you," Dylan said soothingly, it seemed to get through the Marco because he stopped singing and turned his attention to Dylan.
"I have no one left, no family, my mom and dad don't want me," Marco whispered and Dylan almost couldn't hear him.
"You may not have family, but I think my family considers you part of our family, and you have me, I love you Marco," Dylan said, he wasn't sure if Marco loved him but he thought the boy needed to know his true feelings.
"You love me Dylan?" Marco asked, almost afraid to ask.
"Yea Marco, I love you, I understand if you don't love me, but I wanted you to know that you have someone that will always be there for you." Dylan said.
"But I love you too Dylan, I love every bit of you, the way you can make me smile, the way you are always there for me, I even love loving you," Marco said smiling, the call almost forgotten.
"That sets a lot of my fears to the side," Dylan said touching Marco's hand, not wanting to scare him. Marco was the opposite of scared, he jumped into Dylan hugging him and Dylan was more then happy to hug back. "Not to bring back bad memories, but what was the call about?" Dylan asked.
"He wants me to clear my stuff out of the house, but I don't know if I can, go back there, where he is," Marco said, very uncertain.
"You don't have to go back to the house; Spinner and I could collect your stuff, it won't take long either, well just pack the van up with all of it and bring it back to the house," Dylan suggested, Marco really didn't want to go back to the house and he could tell that.
"Don't leave me," Marco whispered clinging to Dylan like a little lost child. Dylan didn't really know what to do; he just rubbed small circles on Marco's back and whispered calming things in his ear.
Marco got a glance at the clock and gasped slightly, "Dylan, it's already twelve, you should be at school," Marco said, he didn't want Dylan to fall behind on his account.
"Marco you are far more important to me then school is, my parents know this as well as they knew that to separate me from you today would be impossible," Dylan said, he was going to say more to reassure Marco but he felt the small boy shiver and that made him worry. Then again it was cold out and he was shirtless, something they needed to remedy.
Dylan helped Marco to his feet and made him sit on the bed, and then he went to his draw and got out a nice, small shirt so that it wouldn't be huge for Marco. As soon as he was nice and comfortable in the shirt the shivers almost stopped.
"Now, we made chicken soup, all of us, even Spinner, and I know he would be hurt if you didn't even try it after all the work he put into it so maybe you should at least try it. He's a good friend you know, really worried about you last night, I'm glad to know that when I am unable to be around you have people like that to help you," Dylan said sincerely.
"Spinner cooked, are you sure that your not trying to get rid of me, poison?" Marco asked, a small smile gracing his lips.
"I don't know, should I try it first, to make sure? All he had to do was chop the chicken but if you think he could fudge that up maybe you would be safer eating Paige's food," Dylan joked, knowing that his sister was no master chef when in the kitchen.
"Do I have to go down there?" Marco asked, he didn't know why he didn't want to, he was just uneasy, but there was no good reason, the people in this house had shown him nothing but compassion and love, why was he acting so childish?
"No, but I think it would be good for you to get up and about, we don't want you to forget how to walk, if you do then you can never dance again," Dylan said knowing about Marco's dancing capabilities, and how good he was.
"Okay, I will go, I don't know why I am acting this way, you must think I'm a little kid," Marco said.
"You put yourself down a lot you know that? Everything you are feeling is justified, just don't hold those feelings in, talk to someone," Dylan said, he helped Marco to his feet again and helped him down the stairs. The table was all set by the time they got down there, bowls of hot chicken soup, just waiting to be eaten.
Marco wasn't sure he could eat what was put in front of him but he was going to try, then again Spinner had a part in making this. Marco looked over to Dylan and he took a spoonful of soup and put it in his mouth. A few moments later he made a choking motion and fell to the floor. Marco was immediately distressed, did Spinner's food kill him? He jumped up to help him, clear his airway or something but as soon as he was face to face with Dylan the later burst out laughing. Marco realized what he did and hit his shoulder.
"Were you messing with me?" Marco asked, he couldn't believe that Dylan just did that, and none of his family had moved to help him.
"Guilty as charged, sorry Marco but you were to tense, you should have seen your face when none of my family members went to help, you looked like you were going to kill them," Dylan said standing up and sitting back down. "It's not to bad either, just try it."
"Okay," Marco said, he took a small spoonful and tried it, surprisingly it wasn't bad, it was just the right temperature and it somehow soothed his unsettled stomach. With a contented sigh he continued eating much to the delight of Dylan and the rest of the household occupants.
Marco ate at least half of his soup before he claimed that he couldn't eat anymore, in all reality he was thinking that if Dylan left to get his stuff he would be all alone and that made him loose his appetite. After everyone had finished Mrs. Michalchuk and Paige did the dishes and the boys went to the couch to watch TV. Marco sat in one corner, Dylan next to him, and Spinner at the other end of the couch.
"You're very tense Marco, why?" Dylan asked, Marco had been laying back on him and he could feel the tense muscles in his back.
"I don't want you to leave," Marco said quietly so Spinner wouldn't hear, unfortunately Spinner was eavesdropping and did hear.
"Where are you going Dylan?" he asked, surprising both Marco and Dylan.
"Me and you have to go back to Marco's house because we need to collect his things, his parents don't want him stuff there anymore, they called this morning," Dylan said, stroking Marco's hair.
"Oh," Spinner said sending a sympathetic look to Marco who tried to smile back at him but I came out like a crooked grin.
"Marco we will be as quick and possible and my mom could sit with you while we are gone, she's really nice, I think you'll like spending time with her. I promise I will be back ASAP," Dylan said and Marco nodded, he knew that Dylan was just trying to do something for him, he didn't want his stuff to be burned.
"Okay," Marco said burying his head into Dylan's chest, he wanted to cry again, but the tears had long since dried up. Dylan just stroked his back, this was hard for Marco.
"Let me work some of those muscles okay, I promise it will feel good in the end," Dylan said, Marco nodded and turned his back to Dylan. His strong hands worked wonders for Marco's tense back and soon he was feeling a lot better and very relaxed. "Were gonna go now, I'll be back soon."
Mrs. Michalchuk saw them out and told them to be very careful because Mr. Del Rossi was a very unpredictable man and they didn't know how he would react to people coming to take his sons stuff, especially since one of them was gay. They were taking the van so they could get the bulk of Marco's stuff and Paige was taking Dylan's car because they needed some more food at the house so that left Mrs. Michalchuk alone with the traumatized Marco.
When she walked back inside she saw Marco sitting on the couch, watching the door, and looking completely and utterly lost. She went over and sat on the couch, far enough away to not be in Marco's personal space but close enough to comfort him if he needed it.
"Marco honey, are you comfortable, do you need anything?" she asked softly, not wanting to scare him, she knew he had been thought a tough experience, being beaten for who knows how long all weekend and being subjected to that verbal abuse, who could be okay after all that?
"I'm okay, thank you, for everything, for letting me stay, for getting me out of there, for being everything I wish my mom was when I came out," Marco said, his once dried up eyes because watered.
"Marco, I wish things would have been better for you and your mother was wrong to treat you the way she did, you are a person, and a wonderful person at that. You couldn't choose to be gay and if you could, I think you would choose not to just to please your family. I know that Italian's really love their family and now that yours has turned it's back on you, you may feel as if you have none but you can consider us your family because we consider you part of ours," she said, he smiled at her and allowed her to hug him.
"Thank you, thank you so much," Marco cried, he knew that Dylan had already said that but hearing it from Mrs. Michalchuk made it seem so much more real and made him feel so much better. "You really have made my day."
"I'm glad my son has found someone like you, I know that you make him happy, and anyone who can make my son happy, is fine in my book," she said, and they stayed in that position until the both fell asleep.
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Okay, here is chapter number two!!!! Review for more!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything, just like the last chapter
Notes: I'm glad you all liked my story; I know what some of you mean by saying that Marco's parents really are lenient especially after what we saw of Mr. Del Rossi's reaction to a gay waiter. Well, I thought I would reward your reviews with another chapter.
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The Michalchuk house was quiet the next morning, Mr. Michalchuk had tried to get off from work but he couldn't. Mrs. Michalchuk however did manage to get the day off to be there for Marco. All the kids had called in sick and Paige and Spinner called Jimmy, Craig, and Ellie so they didn't go to the Del Rossi house to check up on him. They were worried and asked if they could come by later but Paige had asked them to wait a little while. It was going to be a long healing path.
The sun shined through Dylan's window effectively waking one of the two boys sleeping peacefully. Marco's good eye opened as the sun hit his face. He noticed he was facing Dylan who was still snoring slightly, comfortable in sleep. Marco shifted to his back and let out a small groan. Everything still hurt, especially his heart.
The small groan woke the other sleeping boy, who immediately turned a worried eye to Marco.
"Morning, sleepy head, how are you today?" Dylan asked tactically, he didn't want to upset Marco but he wanted to know if it hurt anywhere.
"I'm okay, my shoulder hurts, it hurts to breathe, and it feels like my heart has been ripped out of my chest, but other then that I'm okay," Marco said down heartedly. There was a knock on the door and Marco's eyes shifted uncertainly.
"I'll see who it is, and then send them away," Dylan said, he kissed Marco's brow and covered him up so he wouldn't be cold. After all Marco had lost his shirt in the examining process and they didn't want to redress him in fear of causing him pain.
Dylan opened up his door and stepped outside. Paige was there and she looked worried and tried, as if she didn't get much sleep last night. "Um, mom made some breakfast, she wanted to know if Marco was well enough to come down or if it should be brought up to you," Paige said.
"I think it would be best if he wasn't overwhelmed with people right now, I'll ask him, but what did mom make?" Dylan asked, he didn't mean to be short but he wanted to get back to Marco as soon as possible.
"Pancakes, but she told me that if he wanted something else she would make it," Paige said, "I'll wait out here till you know what's up."
Dylan re-entered the room and Marco's eyes shot towards him, "It was only Paige me very nosy little sister," he said loudly so if she was eavesdropping she would hear him. "Mom mother made breakfast, we can eat it up here if you want, she made pancakes, but if you want she can make something else. Anything you want."
"I don't want to be a burden to your family Dylan, plus I don't think I can eat anything right now, my stomach is a little unsettled," Marco said trying to sit up but his sore ribs not allowing him to do anything but moan in pain.
"Here, let me help with that," Dylan said helping him sit up with some pillows behind his back, "But you do need to eat Marco, you need your strength. Please, tea, coffee, something."
"Maybe some tea, I'll try but I can't promise anything," Marco said, he wasn't hungry but he wanted to try and please Dylan.
"It's okay Marco, little steps, I don't want to push you into anything, are you feeling alight?" Dylan said as he walked back to Marco. He sat on the bed and wrapped an arm around him, "Everything is going to be alright, I'm going to take care of you, I promise."
Marco smiled at him reassuringly and Dylan left the room, surprisingly Paige was still waiting patiently for him outside his door. "Just some tea for Marco, and I'm not hungry," Dylan said.
"Dylan, you need to take care of yourself as much as you need to take care of Marco, I'm going to bring pancakes for you and you better eat it, or else," Paige said as she went down the stairs.
"Paige honey, what did Dylan say?" Mrs. Michalchuk asked as she saw her daughter descend from the stairs. She didn't look happy and that made Mrs. Michalchuk wonder what her oldest had done this time.
"He said he wasn't going to eat, how stupid, how is he going to be there for Marco if he is out cold from lack of energy? Marco also said he couldn't eat, he just asked for some tea, but really, mom give me some pancakes because Dylan has to eat," Paige was rambling, almost before she finished Mrs. Michalchuk already had a tray with a cup of hot tea, milk and sugar separate and some pancakes with syrup. "Thanks mom, you're the greatest."
"I know, did you see Marco, does he need ice?" Mrs. Michalchuk asked before her daughter disappeared.
"I don't know, Dylan wouldn't let me in, Marco was probably feeling embarrassed and Dylan was protecting him. I will ask when I drop off the grumps food," Paige said.
"Honey, I know your brother gets to you, but this hits close to home for him so try and be understanding, just a little bit," Mrs. Michalchuk said.
"I'm not really mad at him mom, don't worry, I know the seriousness of this," Paige said and then she was gone back up the stairs. She had wanted to smack Spinner who was still sleeping on the couch and make him do all the running up and down but she didn't she let him sleep because he had been up for quite some time last night worrying about Marco which Paige thought was cute.
Dylan had just settled down again with Marco on the bed when there was yet again another knock on the door. "Damn, Paige is fast isn't she?" Marco asked jokingly.
"I wish she were slower, damn it I was just getting comfortable," Dylan said smiling as he got up to get the door. He did some conversing with Paige, placed a tray on his desk and then turned back to Marco for a moment. "Are you achy, my mom wanted to know if you wanted some ice for your ribs, shoulder, or eye," Dylan asked.
Marco tested his shoulder and it ached, but not too back, his ribs could use some ice though, just to numb the pain. "Yea, some for my ribs please," Marco said, Dylan nodded, said something else to Paige, ruffled her hair, and shut the door when she went to protest. Marco laughed for he saw her face right before he slammed the door but he stopped because it brought some pain to his ribs.
"Your ribs hurt Marco?" Dylan asked as he sat on the bed. Marco immediately moved his body forward to Dylan could place him behind Marco. Then he leaned back into Dylan's warm embrace and sighed.
"Yea, a little. Dylan, what will become of me now, my parents surely have disowned me, I'm sure they don't want me there, where will I go, where will I stay, and what will I do?" Marco asked, he looked back to Dylan, complete sadness and confusion in his eyes. Dylan hugged him slightly.
"I will never let anyone hurt you again, and I will make sure that you are never hurt like that, physically, and emotionally. Do you trust me?" Dylan asked, Marco nodded, a single tear slipping down his face. "Come now, no more tears; today I want to see smiles, okay?"
"You guys are so cute," Paige said as she entered the room, "Don't let me stop you, kiss, or whatever you were going to do, as long as you keep your clothes on," Paige laughed at her own joke.
"I don't think it's very funny, please hand over the ice and leave, thought handing me the remote on your way out would be nice, this way me and Marco can stay comfortable and be entertained," Dylan suggested.
"Only because you look so cute," Paige said tossing Dylan the remote who caught it and flipped the TV on. "Here Marco, feel better, and don't hesitate to make my lazy big brother get up and wait on you okay?" she said softly, she was treating Marco like an injured animal, but it was just what he needed. She softly placed the ice pack on his ribs and left the room.
"So what do you want to watch, anything in particular?" Dylan asked while flipping though the channels. Marco shook his head no and sighed, he was happy right where he was, in Dylan's arms.
"Hockey," Dylan finally said triumphantly quickly turning to Marco and asking, "That is if you don't mind."
"No, though I would rather watch a certain Michalchuk getting all sweaty on the ice," Marco said.
"And you told me you were gay, how could you think of my sister like that," Dylan said in mock horror, Marco smiled. "Now that was what I wanted to see, smiles and more smiles."
They watched the game for a while, Marco sipping his tea, and Dylan munching on his pancakes, now drenched in syrup. Marco started to drift off and it wasn't until he was fast asleep did Dylan notice.
With a smile and a peck on the cheek Dylan carefully lifted himself off the bed and went down the stairs. He was met by the happy humming of his mother who seemed to be cooking again; he didn't remember her cooking this much ever.
"Dylan, how is Marco doing, okay I hope and that he is feeling better?" she asked.
"Yea, his ribs hurt this morning and I think his shoulder as well, but he seemed to be in higher spirits. Though I don't know how, mom when I saw him it was like my whole world stopped for a moment, he was hardly moving. And then the thought came to me that I left him, I heard him scream and I still pulled out of that driveway. The thought that I maybe could have saved him so much pain keeps filling my mind and I can't forget," Dylan said, he was really beating himself up over this. Mrs. Michalchuk didn't think twice before pulling her son into a loving and warm embrace. When they pulled back Dylan smiled, "Thank mom I really needed that."
Back in Dylan's room Marco woke up to the sound of his ring tone, after finding it in the bag Spinner packed he answered it. "Marco here."
"The only reason I am calling faggot is to tell you to get your shit out of my house before I burn it. I don't want the gay to spread, do you understand me?" It was Marco's father, just hearing his voice made Marco shake slightly with fear.
"Yes pa," Marco said quietly.
"Don't call me that, I didn't raise a Fag, I don't know who you are but you are not my son and I am not your father." And then there was a click. Marco curled up into a ball, he had no one left, his family didn't want him, and he was unloved. Marco started to rock back and fourth and sing an old Italian lullaby that his mother use to sing to him, but then again was she still his mother, he was sure she didn't want him either. Marco started to cry.
Dylan had helped him mother with the chicken soup for a while because he didn't want to disturb Marco's sleep. Paige and Spinner came in to help for a little while, thought Spinner didn't want to.
"How's Marco Dylan, I mean how is he holding up?" Spinner asked as he chopped some chicken.
"Shaken, as to be expected, and some pain but he smiled at least, that's a small but productive step," Dylan said while checking of the boiling chicken.
"Trust me Dylan, any step is good, right mom?" Paige asked, she and her mother were both cutting vegetables for the soup.
"I'm sure he is rather traumatized, probably feeling very unsure of himself, doubtful if anyone loves him, he just needs to know that there are people who still care about him, that still love him," she said, the kids were a little taken back, where did that come from? "I went to the library this morning and took a book out of trauma, just to be prepared. Are you sure he is sleeping Dylan, he really shouldn't be left alone."
"He was when I left, though he might have woken up, you guys can handle it, I am going to go check up on him," Dylan said, he washed his hands and went up the stairs. When he went in the room Marco was still on the floor still half naked, his tears had stopped but his singing hadn't. "Marco is everything alright?" he asked.
Dylan noticed that he had a very firm grip on his cell phone, Dylan kneeled next to him, not right next to him but with a distance, he didn't want to frighten him. "Marco, can I see your cell phone?" he asked, he was a little worried about the way Marco was acting. He got close enough to touch Marco and he held out his hand for the cell phone. Marco just continued to sing so Dylan took his hand and pried the phone away from him.
After hitting the call log he found out that Marco's last call was from his home, that's why he was shaken up.
"Marco, look at me, I need you to listen to me carefully, and you may think that you have no one left in this world, but you have me, and I have you. Do you understand, you will never be alone, I will always be there for you," Dylan said soothingly, it seemed to get through the Marco because he stopped singing and turned his attention to Dylan.
"I have no one left, no family, my mom and dad don't want me," Marco whispered and Dylan almost couldn't hear him.
"You may not have family, but I think my family considers you part of our family, and you have me, I love you Marco," Dylan said, he wasn't sure if Marco loved him but he thought the boy needed to know his true feelings.
"You love me Dylan?" Marco asked, almost afraid to ask.
"Yea Marco, I love you, I understand if you don't love me, but I wanted you to know that you have someone that will always be there for you." Dylan said.
"But I love you too Dylan, I love every bit of you, the way you can make me smile, the way you are always there for me, I even love loving you," Marco said smiling, the call almost forgotten.
"That sets a lot of my fears to the side," Dylan said touching Marco's hand, not wanting to scare him. Marco was the opposite of scared, he jumped into Dylan hugging him and Dylan was more then happy to hug back. "Not to bring back bad memories, but what was the call about?" Dylan asked.
"He wants me to clear my stuff out of the house, but I don't know if I can, go back there, where he is," Marco said, very uncertain.
"You don't have to go back to the house; Spinner and I could collect your stuff, it won't take long either, well just pack the van up with all of it and bring it back to the house," Dylan suggested, Marco really didn't want to go back to the house and he could tell that.
"Don't leave me," Marco whispered clinging to Dylan like a little lost child. Dylan didn't really know what to do; he just rubbed small circles on Marco's back and whispered calming things in his ear.
Marco got a glance at the clock and gasped slightly, "Dylan, it's already twelve, you should be at school," Marco said, he didn't want Dylan to fall behind on his account.
"Marco you are far more important to me then school is, my parents know this as well as they knew that to separate me from you today would be impossible," Dylan said, he was going to say more to reassure Marco but he felt the small boy shiver and that made him worry. Then again it was cold out and he was shirtless, something they needed to remedy.
Dylan helped Marco to his feet and made him sit on the bed, and then he went to his draw and got out a nice, small shirt so that it wouldn't be huge for Marco. As soon as he was nice and comfortable in the shirt the shivers almost stopped.
"Now, we made chicken soup, all of us, even Spinner, and I know he would be hurt if you didn't even try it after all the work he put into it so maybe you should at least try it. He's a good friend you know, really worried about you last night, I'm glad to know that when I am unable to be around you have people like that to help you," Dylan said sincerely.
"Spinner cooked, are you sure that your not trying to get rid of me, poison?" Marco asked, a small smile gracing his lips.
"I don't know, should I try it first, to make sure? All he had to do was chop the chicken but if you think he could fudge that up maybe you would be safer eating Paige's food," Dylan joked, knowing that his sister was no master chef when in the kitchen.
"Do I have to go down there?" Marco asked, he didn't know why he didn't want to, he was just uneasy, but there was no good reason, the people in this house had shown him nothing but compassion and love, why was he acting so childish?
"No, but I think it would be good for you to get up and about, we don't want you to forget how to walk, if you do then you can never dance again," Dylan said knowing about Marco's dancing capabilities, and how good he was.
"Okay, I will go, I don't know why I am acting this way, you must think I'm a little kid," Marco said.
"You put yourself down a lot you know that? Everything you are feeling is justified, just don't hold those feelings in, talk to someone," Dylan said, he helped Marco to his feet again and helped him down the stairs. The table was all set by the time they got down there, bowls of hot chicken soup, just waiting to be eaten.
Marco wasn't sure he could eat what was put in front of him but he was going to try, then again Spinner had a part in making this. Marco looked over to Dylan and he took a spoonful of soup and put it in his mouth. A few moments later he made a choking motion and fell to the floor. Marco was immediately distressed, did Spinner's food kill him? He jumped up to help him, clear his airway or something but as soon as he was face to face with Dylan the later burst out laughing. Marco realized what he did and hit his shoulder.
"Were you messing with me?" Marco asked, he couldn't believe that Dylan just did that, and none of his family had moved to help him.
"Guilty as charged, sorry Marco but you were to tense, you should have seen your face when none of my family members went to help, you looked like you were going to kill them," Dylan said standing up and sitting back down. "It's not to bad either, just try it."
"Okay," Marco said, he took a small spoonful and tried it, surprisingly it wasn't bad, it was just the right temperature and it somehow soothed his unsettled stomach. With a contented sigh he continued eating much to the delight of Dylan and the rest of the household occupants.
Marco ate at least half of his soup before he claimed that he couldn't eat anymore, in all reality he was thinking that if Dylan left to get his stuff he would be all alone and that made him loose his appetite. After everyone had finished Mrs. Michalchuk and Paige did the dishes and the boys went to the couch to watch TV. Marco sat in one corner, Dylan next to him, and Spinner at the other end of the couch.
"You're very tense Marco, why?" Dylan asked, Marco had been laying back on him and he could feel the tense muscles in his back.
"I don't want you to leave," Marco said quietly so Spinner wouldn't hear, unfortunately Spinner was eavesdropping and did hear.
"Where are you going Dylan?" he asked, surprising both Marco and Dylan.
"Me and you have to go back to Marco's house because we need to collect his things, his parents don't want him stuff there anymore, they called this morning," Dylan said, stroking Marco's hair.
"Oh," Spinner said sending a sympathetic look to Marco who tried to smile back at him but I came out like a crooked grin.
"Marco we will be as quick and possible and my mom could sit with you while we are gone, she's really nice, I think you'll like spending time with her. I promise I will be back ASAP," Dylan said and Marco nodded, he knew that Dylan was just trying to do something for him, he didn't want his stuff to be burned.
"Okay," Marco said burying his head into Dylan's chest, he wanted to cry again, but the tears had long since dried up. Dylan just stroked his back, this was hard for Marco.
"Let me work some of those muscles okay, I promise it will feel good in the end," Dylan said, Marco nodded and turned his back to Dylan. His strong hands worked wonders for Marco's tense back and soon he was feeling a lot better and very relaxed. "Were gonna go now, I'll be back soon."
Mrs. Michalchuk saw them out and told them to be very careful because Mr. Del Rossi was a very unpredictable man and they didn't know how he would react to people coming to take his sons stuff, especially since one of them was gay. They were taking the van so they could get the bulk of Marco's stuff and Paige was taking Dylan's car because they needed some more food at the house so that left Mrs. Michalchuk alone with the traumatized Marco.
When she walked back inside she saw Marco sitting on the couch, watching the door, and looking completely and utterly lost. She went over and sat on the couch, far enough away to not be in Marco's personal space but close enough to comfort him if he needed it.
"Marco honey, are you comfortable, do you need anything?" she asked softly, not wanting to scare him, she knew he had been thought a tough experience, being beaten for who knows how long all weekend and being subjected to that verbal abuse, who could be okay after all that?
"I'm okay, thank you, for everything, for letting me stay, for getting me out of there, for being everything I wish my mom was when I came out," Marco said, his once dried up eyes because watered.
"Marco, I wish things would have been better for you and your mother was wrong to treat you the way she did, you are a person, and a wonderful person at that. You couldn't choose to be gay and if you could, I think you would choose not to just to please your family. I know that Italian's really love their family and now that yours has turned it's back on you, you may feel as if you have none but you can consider us your family because we consider you part of ours," she said, he smiled at her and allowed her to hug him.
"Thank you, thank you so much," Marco cried, he knew that Dylan had already said that but hearing it from Mrs. Michalchuk made it seem so much more real and made him feel so much better. "You really have made my day."
"I'm glad my son has found someone like you, I know that you make him happy, and anyone who can make my son happy, is fine in my book," she said, and they stayed in that position until the both fell asleep.
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Okay, here is chapter number two!!!! Review for more!