Disclaimer: I don't own...whatever.
A/N: I don't know when I'll be able to update again. Hurricane Jeanne is supposed to hit sometime tonight. I will update as soon as power allows. Italics show a flashback!
Thank you to everyone who reviewed Chapter Five. I'd normally point all of you out individually but I just don't have that much time right now. I hope to see some of you back who seemed to have missed the last chapter.
Kate and Ashley- hope the fight scenes are enough to keep your vicious minds happy!
Chapter Six
Paige grabbed the phone and made a call to a certain pizza place. Not finding the person she wanted, she managed to sweet talk the boy on the phone for a phone number. She jotted it down on a piece of paper and hung up. She knew it was wrong to get involved but she couldn't stop herself.
She dialed the number and waited for the ringing to end. It was finally answered after 3 rings.
"Hello?"
"It's Paige. We need to talk now. Get over to my house."
"Can't you leave well enough alone?"
"No. I will see you in ten minutes."
Paige hung up and paced her bedroom. She was mentally preparing for the face-off she was about to have. She promised herself not to do anything stupid but in the heat of the moment, she couldn't be held accountable.
The doorbell rang eight minutes later. Paige went downstairs and walked out the front door.
"Why am I here?"
"That is a loaded question, Charles. Are you sure you want the answer?"
"Is there an epidemic of attitude flowing through the Michalchuk house? You and your brother have changed."
"Very astute observation. Now sit. We aren't having this talk inside because I would have access to knives."
"Fine. Just get on with it. Where is Dylan?"
"He's not here. He took off about 15 minutes ago."
"Where did he go?"
"None of your business. Now, my turn to talk. You are slime. I hope you know that. I saw what you did to Dylan and I didn't like it then. I'm not going to let you do it again. I want you to stay away from my brother."
Charles stood up and squared off with Paige, looking at her with menace, "I don't think that is your choice, little girl. Stay out of things you don't understand."
Paige stared back at him, "From the way Dylan was acting this morning, I'd hazard a guess that he doesn't want to see you either."
Charles laughed in disbelief, "Dylan doesn't know what he wants. He wants me but is scared to say he made a mistake in leaving me."
This time it was Paige who laughed, "I know you left Dylan. There was no mistake made there. Back off. Dylan is finally moving on and dating again."
Charles grabbed Paige by the upper arms and held her tightly. He was squeezing so hard, Paige could swear she would bruise.
"Who is Dylan dating? He can't be dating. He loves me and he's mine."
"Psycho much, Charles," a deep voice asked from behind him.
Charles spun around and faced someone he hoped never to see again.
"Chad. This is none of your concern. I'd suggest you leave now."
Chad looked at Paige, who was still being held by Charles by one hand. Then he shot a quizzical glance at Charles. "I think it is dude. You need to unhand the lady. She doesn't look happy. I'm sure you remember what happened the last time I saw you, so you really want to go there."
"Don't bother yourself with this little bitch. She is nosy and I'm dealing with her now."
Chad's eyebrows shot up at the accusation. "Now, I've known Paige a long time and I'll give you that she's nosy but a bitch...no. That's not gonna fly, dude."
Charles laughed in incredulity. "I can't believe you're still here. I thought I told you to leave."
Chad smiled sardonically, "I guess you do want a repeat of our last meeting."
Paige was watching the display with odd fascination. She didn't like being called a bitch but she had to agree with the nosy part. Her arm was really starting to hurt with each squeeze Charles administered. "Charles, let me go. You're hurting me."
"Paige, shut up. I can't deal with you and Dudley Do-Right at the same time." Charles snapped back at her.
"Charles, let me go, now. This is not the way to get back with Dylan. He hates it when people hurt me."
"Whoa, back up. Did I miss something? Charles is here to get back with Dylan?" Chad inquired very confused.
"Yes I am and we're going to be happy."
"Does Dylan know about this?" Chad asked with astonishment.
"Not yet. He'll warm up to the idea." Charles answered.
"Dude, you are seriously delusional. I saw him after you did whatever it was that you did. He never came out and told anyone exactly what happened. He'd never take you back."
"We'll see about that."
"Good comeback. Now unhand the lady or I will be forced to do it for you." Chad said with a threat in his eyes. Chad was daring him to do something stupid. He wanted an excuse to hit him repeatedly. Mainly for what he did to Dylan and the rest for what he's doing to Paige now.
Charles let Paige go with a shove. He stepped up to Chad with a sadistic grin on his face. "Happy now? Why are you so concerned about Dylan?"
"He's my best friend, dude. I'm not going to let him get hurt again." Chad said staring into Charles' eyes. What he saw almost frightened him but he wasn't backing down now.
Paige sat down in a chair. She wasn't sure what to do but couldn't seem to look away from the scene unfolding before her. It was almost like watching a train wreck.
Charles took a swing at Chad. Chad ducked and Charles' fist connected with the porch post. Chad swung back at Charles and connected with his jaw. Chad had a tendency not to know his own strength and Charles found out the hard way. Charles landed on his back on the porch.
Charles looked up at Chad from his current position. "You just made a big mistake."
"No, I don't think I did. Stay away from Dylan and you won't have to worry about me ever again. You are scum. Dylan's better off without you." Chad told him.
Charles started to stand but looked at Chad warily. Chad moved to the side and let him pass when he got to his feet.
Paige and Chad stood on the porch and watched Charles get into his car and leave.
"Thanks Chad. I didn't know what I was getting into but I couldn't sit back and watch Dylan get hurt."
Chad hugged Paige to him, "I know. He's my best friend and I'd do the same thing, obviously."
Paige laughed and smiled up at him. "I feel like I have two brothers. Thank you for the help. Why are you here by the way?"
Chad ruffled her hair, knowing she hated that, "I came looking for the big guy. I'm glad I stopped by even if he isn't here. Are you okay? Your arm's starting to bruise."
Paige looked at her bicep and then at Chad, "Yeah, I'm okay. Come inside so I can put ice on it. What happened between you and Charles before?"
Chad smiled ruefully at the memory, "Long story better left for dead. But by the look on your face you're determined to hear it."
Paige and Chad walked inside the house together. She waited for his story, sitting on the couch after grabbing an ice pack.
Chad sat down beside her and drifted back with the memory.
Chad had just come from Dylan's and saw how torn up he was about Charles. He didn't know what had happened because Dylan wasn't talking. His next thought was to go to the source of the pain, Charles. He knocked on his apartment door and waited for the answer.
"What did you do to my friend?"
"What do you mean?"
"Dylan's devastated. I want to know why."
"Just an adolescent boy's crush leaving him."
"You left Dylan?"
"Yes I did. What business is it of yours?"
"He's my friend it makes it my business."
"Whatever, go home and play with your toys, little boy. You'd never get what Dylan and I had. It's over. End of story."
Chad stood there and looked at this person with disdain. Dylan had admitted to falling in love and now he was experiencing his first heartbreak at the hands of this pompous jerk. "I'm not satisfied with that answer. I'm not leaving until I hear why you chose to break his heart. He loves you, much to my dismay."
"Little boys and their passing fancies." Charles muttered disgustedly. "I don't want you here anymore and I'm not going to answer anything."
"Then you'll have to make me leave." Chad said with a threat in his eyes. Chad was bigger than Charles even back then. Maybe not in height but in weight and muscle mass.
"It would be my pleasure." Charles said venomously. He balled up a fist and took the first swing at Chad.
Chad escaped the swing and took one of his own, connecting with Charles' stomach causing him to double over. Chad laughed a little, then swept is foot behind Charles' legs and watched him fall on his back. He put his hands on his chest as he leaned over him, giving Charles the one free shot that he got in causing a black eye. "Good shot, a cheap one but a good one. Now, are you going to tell me what happened or are we going to continue this little thing?"
"I'm not telling you anything." Charles said quietly. He tried to raise up off the floor but was slammed back against it harder than was necessary.
"So we continue. I'll be a man about this and let you get up." Chad said removing his hands from Charles' chest and standing.
Charles rose to his feet slowly. He didn't think Chad was paying attention and took a swing at his jaw.
Chad blocked it and landed his elbow in Charles' solar plexus. Charles gasped for breath as Chad broke his nose.
Charles blindly reached for Chad.
Chad did another leg sweep. He peered down at the scum lying at his feet. He put a foot on his chest with more pressure than necessary, fracturing two ribs but he didn't know that at the time. "You know what, you aren't even worth it. Stay away from Dylan."
Chad left Charles lying in his hallway as he walked away.
"So, that is what happened. I got a black eye and Charles got messed up a little. Didn't exactly mean for it to happen but I can't say that I'm sorry." Chad said shrugging.
Paige shook her head at the older boy, "What are really doing here?"
Chad smiled, "Never could fool you. I did come looking for Dylan though. I wanted to talk about Calculus. He seemed to figure it out and I wanted to know how."
"Oh. Okay. I can tell him you stopped by. Maybe tell him to call you."
"Cool. I need to jet anyway. Gotta find more damsels in distress to save."
Chad struck a super hero pose for the benefit of Paige.
Paige cracked up laughing, "Okay, Hercules. Have fun."
Chad gave her a big, cheesy smile and walked out the front door.
Paige closed the door behind him and continued to laugh. She was used to Chad; he'd been around all her life almost. 'He is such a goofball. He's a great friend to Dylan though and me. Couldn't and wouldn't ask for anything more for Dylan.' Paige thought as she returned to the kitchen to switch her ice pack on her arm.
It was starting to turn a deep purple color. She'd seen this look before on Dylan and knew it was only going to get worse. She shrugged and walked upstairs to her room. Her parents were due home soon and she didn't want them to freak out, so she needed to put something with sleeves on.
Dylan drove automatically to his desired destination. He wasn't sure what made him come here but knew it was the right place to be. He got out of the car and walked up to the door. It opened before he knocked and was ushered inside.
"What's wrong?"
"Thank you for seeing me. I didn't take you away from anything did I?" Dylan asked as if it just dawned on him.
"No. Just relaxing today."
"I ran into Charles today." Dylan said despondently.
Marco looked shocked. This was huge. "Come up to the sitting room. I think we need to be comfortable for this story."
Dylan followed him into the sitting room and started to pace the floor. Marco watched him from his position on the couch. Marco was getting dizzy trying to keep track of him.
"Sit down, Dylan. You are making me dizzy." Marco almost pleaded with him.
Dylan stopped pacing and turned to look at him. "Sorry. I'm angry and frustrated." Dylan sat down next to Marco, propping his head in his hands with his elbows on his knees.
Marco looked at him, 'He looks so dejected. Almost broken.' "What happened?"
Dylan smiled weakly, "I went for my usual Saturday morning run and he was waiting for me in the park. I was almost done with my circuit. I can't believe I'm that stupid."
Marco looked confused, "How are you stupid?"
"I never changed my route. I have run the same way for five years. I should've changed it." Dylan said shaking his head.
Marco placed his hand on Dylan's shoulder, "You didn't think about it. I wouldn't have thought about it. Don't beat yourself up over that."
Dylan smiled a little bigger this time, "Thanks. So, Charles said he still loves me and wants another shot."
Marco's eyes widened. He felt a strange emotion, jealousy. It wasn't overwhelming but he wanted his shot at Dylan before someone got a second chance. "What did you say?" Marco prodded gently.
Dylan half-laughed, "I told him exactly what I thought of him. I don't remember the exact words anymore but I vaguely recall comparing him to the asp that bit Cleopatra."
Marco started laughing, "I'm sorry but that was good. I like that one."
Dylan's smile reached his eyes this time as he looked at the younger boy. He knew right then that he had come to the right place. He was feeling better already. "Thanks, I don't know where it came from but it seemed to fit. He was persuasive and charming and repentant. He's always been a good actor, especially to get what he wants. This time, he's set his sights on me." Dylan rolled his eyes.
Marco smiled, "So, no chance of reconciliation?"
"Hmm...let me think about that for a minute." Dylan said with a pensive look, "No. I may be a glutton for punishment but I'm not a sadist. Besides, I find myself preoccupied by a certain Italian I've met recently."
Marco grinned, "An Italian, huh? Sounds promising. Is he interested in you?"
"I don't know, is he?" Dylan said pinning Marco with a questioning look.
"I think it's safe to say he's very interested." Marco returned the look with a smile.
"Why would you think that?" Dylan continued to tease.
"He'd be stupid not to. Look at you, you're gorgeous. More importantly, you're smart, funny, kind, and passionate. That didn't sound right..." Marco said trailing off trying to figure out what he wanted to say.
Dylan smiled brighter than he had all day. He loved making Marco uneasy, it was fun to see what he'd come up with. Dylan watched as Marco searched for the words he was trying to use and took pity on him. "I understand what you're trying to say. Thanks, I feel a lot better now."
Marco poked Dylan in the side, making him laugh, "You are totally enjoying this, aren't you?"
Dylan smiled broadly at the accusation, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Both boys laughed and Marco realized they were heading toward dangerous territory. He knew Dylan said it was too soon for a relationship but actions were taking them down that road quickly. Marco decided to take a detour, "How's Calc?"
Dylan looked confused at the sudden switch in conversation. Then he caught up to where it had changed, "Great. I got an A on that test. It's all thanks to you. Coach was ecstatic that my grades are going to improve."
Marco nodded and gave a half smile. He didn't want to change the avenue of thought but it seemed safer. "That's good. Glad I could help."
"What were you doing before I showed up?"
"Watching a movie."
"What were you watching?"
"Something I can guarantee you've never seen or maybe even heard of. Cinema Paradiso. It's an Italian film from the 80s."
Dylan shrugged, "Okay. What were you going to do after that?"
Marco looked around the room, "Probably throw in another movie. Want to watch something?"
"Sure, sounds like fun. What are we watching?"
Marco got up and wandered to the DVD case. "I have the perfect thing." Marco looked over with a mischievous grin. "Don't bother to ask because I'm not telling." Marco walked over to the TV and changed out the DVDs. When it started playing, Marco returned to his seat on the couch.
When Dylan saw what was coming on, he laughed, "I love this movie."
Marco laughed at him, "Of course, it's the gay guys' best movie. Vin Diesel and a ton of action, you can't go wrong."
"Triple X was probably the only movie I went to see with Chad where we both walked out completely satisfied. He got the hot girl, I got to stare at Vin Diesel and we both got to watch things blow up." Dylan laughed at the memory.
Marco rolled his eyes and pushed him in the shoulder, "Boys."
They smiled at each other and then turned to watch the movie. They were silent and lost in the movie. Neither realized what was happening until it was already done.
It started with Marco reaching over and grabbing Dylan's leg, giving it a gentle squeeze when Vin Diesel first appeared on the screen. Dylan's senses went into overload. It was an absentminded gesture but his hand still felt warm against his thigh.
Then Dylan grabbed Marco's arm to point out something in the party scene. It was Marco's turn to wonder about the touch. 'Feels good to be grabbed by him. Wonder how much better it could feel under different circumstances...whoa bad thoughts.'
This kept on happening through the movie. Marco would touch Dylan for some reason, Dylan would respond in kind. The touches started becoming softer and lasting longer as the movie progressed.
By the last hour of the movie, Dylan had his arm behind Marco playing with the hair that rested on the back of his neck. Dylan lightly fingered the hair, it was soft and silky. He loved the way Marco shivered when he'd trace a finger lightly over the back of his neck. Dylan's thoughts were turning mutinous quickly.
Marco enjoyed the feeling of Dylan playing with his hair and neck. He leaned back into it and onto Dylan a little. His heart was doing acrobatic stunts in his chest but it made him feel alive. He'd never felt anything like it before.
As Marco found himself enjoying Dylan's attentions more and more, he'd put his hand on Dylan's thigh without realizing it. He began tracing patterns idly into Dylan's thigh and heard Dylan moan lightly. "What's wrong?" He asked clearly confused.
"Nothing's wrong. That feels really good." Dylan said as he closed his eyes and took pleasure in feeling Marco's hand.
It dawned on Marco exactly what he was doing and laughed. "I didn't even know I was doing it. It came naturally after you started playing with my hair. Which felt...hmmm...amazing."
Dylan's hand stilled on Marco's neck and his eyes opened slowly. He smiled slightly at the younger boy in wonder. How had he gotten so lucky to find such a trusting and innocent guy with unlimited potential? The potential Dylan was thinking of at the moment was less than honorable.
Marco was taken by surprise by the intensity in Dylan's gaze. He was studying him with such desire that Marco decided to take things into his own hands. Marco leaned over into Dylan and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. He would have backed away but Dylan held him in place.
Dylan was shocked that Marco had kissed him but wasn't about to complain. He reached around and held him in place, deepening the kiss. They kissed for what felt like an eternity.
Marco eased back and laughed. He couldn't seem to help it. It was just there. "That was unplanned. Not unpleasant though."
Dylan laughed at his rambling. "This was your doing this time. I just decided to help finish it." Dylan grinned easily at him.
"So, still friends?" Marco questioned almost fearfully.
Dylan shook his head sadly. "No, I'm sorry I can't be friends with you anymore." At Marco's shocked expression, he continued. "You are much too tempting to be a friend. I can't trust myself with you."
Marco started to speak but Dylan cut him off with a quick kiss on the lips.
"I'm not finished yet. I want to be more than friends. I know it has only been a few days since we met but I can't get you off my mind." Dylan explained quickly.
Marco bit his lower lip and stared at Dylan with a contemplative look. "Good thing I feel the same way about you then. You occupy more of my time than I'd like, not complaining mind you." Marco laughed at Dylan's stunned expression but continued, "So I guess this means we're going to try dating."
"No. There is no trying. We're dating. End of story." Dylan said forcefully.
"Wow! Forceful much?" Marco asked laughing.
His laugh was cut off short when Dylan hauled him into his lap and kissed him firmly on the lips. The boys pulled back breathless.
Dylan looked at the time, "Oh, I've been here over three hours. I've got to go. My parents should be home soon and I need to do a few things before tomorrow."
"Okay. Are you going to tell Paige or let her find out on her own?" Marco questioned.
"I'll let her find out on Monday with everyone else." Dylan smiled at him.
Marco got off Dylan's lap and held out his hand. Dylan took it and stood up in front of him. Marco walked Dylan down to the front door and let him out.
Dylan leaned down and kissed Marco good bye before heading toward his car. It was a tame, sweet kiss that held promise of what their new relationship could become.
Both boys were smiling as they parted company. For the same reason, they had a new relationship to explore. Marco's first and one that Dylan hoped would be his best one yet.
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