A/N: I promised an update today if I received 10 reviews by this morning...I got 14. Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing this. I wanted to get this posted before having to be at work today so here you are. I hope ya'll enjoy it.
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Chapter Six
Marco got up early the morning following his awkward dinner party and left the house. He didn't think he'd be able to face Chad after what happened. Before he left, he wrote a quick note and gave Chad a house key, in case he wanted to see Dylan.
Chad woke up a few hours after Marco had vacated the house. He went searching for his host but found a note in his place.
Chad,
Sorry I wasn't here when you woke up but I've got some research to do for a class. Here's a house key so you can come and go as you please. Dylan's number is on the fridge for you. Feel free to make breakfast, lunch, whatever. I'll be home at ten for a study session. I'll make dinner tonight if you are going to be here..
Marco
Chad knew the real reason Marco darted was because he didn't want to see him. It was okay with Chad though. The conversation would hold.
Chad called Dylan and made plans with him for later. He went wandering around Marco's house, exploring. He poked around the kitchen first.
Let's see, pots, pans, silverware, dishes, nothing really of interest. Oh, wait, what's this…a list of Dylan's favorite foods, in Paige's handwriting? Huh! Pantry…most of these foods are in here, hmmm. In the refrigerator too. How odd? More questions for Marco.
Chad moved into the living room. He was envious of the big screen but quickly moved on to the pictures.
Family pictures, Rosa…she's so hot. Okay, hey, it's me. Paige, I miss her…need to call home. Marco with his band in grade ten. Marco and Ellie hanging out. Dylan's got his own shelf on the bookshelf? Even odder. Dylan winning MVP, Dylan, me, Paige and Marco at prom, Marco hiding on Dylan's shoulder…how cute, I forgot that night. Dylan with Marco in…where are they? Italy? Wow! That is gorgeous.
Something else caught Chad's eye but he didn't have time to explore it since the doorbell rang. He wandered over and opened it slowly.
Scott was shocked to see someone besides Marco answer his door, "Hi, is Marco home?"
"No, not yet. You must be his study partner. He's normally prompt, why don't you come in?" asked Chad pleasantly.
"Not to be rude but who are you?" asked Scott as he entered the house.
"I'm Chad, a friend of Marco's from Canada. Our other friend is coming to show me the city, so I'll be out of the way," explained Chad.
Scott nodded and then got a confused look, "Did you say Canada? What part? My boyfriend comes for there."
Chad looked at Scott, questioningly, "Am I the only straight guy on this campus? Don't answer that…I'm from a small town called Degrassi."
Scott was about to say something when the doorbell rang again. Chad went over and answered the door.
Scott took this time to look around Marco's living room. Nice furniture, pictures of friends and family, and the normal high end electronics. Hey, wait a minute, is that? Oh my God! It's Dylan. He's with Marco and they appear more than just friends in these pictures. These must be from a few years ago…Dylan looks younger.
Dylan stepped into the living room when Chad explained he had to wait for Marco to return, seeing as he had a guest. "Scott, what are you doing here?"
Scott turned slowly toward the voice of his boyfriend, "Waiting for my Chemistry partner and seeing some very interesting pictures. Thought you just met the other day, guess the joke's on me."
Dylan took in Scott's stricken expression, "Scott, I never meant for you to find out like this. I was going to tell you, at least, I think I was going to tell you."
Scott
laughed bitterly, "What's the deal between you two?"
Dylan
shrugged, "Our relationship extends to friendship only these days,
well and lit partners."
"You expect me to believe the guy in these pictures no longer exists? How stupid do you think I am? I saw something flare between you before and I hoped it was a fluke. I didn't realize it was based on prior history." Scott fairly yelled at the blonde.
Dylan hung his head in shame. Scott didn't know what had happened the night before but Dylan remembered. He felt bad for doing that to Scott but wasn't really sorry for it.
Marco witnessed the exchange from the kitchen doorway, seeing as he came in the back door. Chad looked at him for the entire conversation, wondering what was going on in that mind of his. Coming up empty of answers, he moved toward his young friend and pushed him back into the kitchen. "What in the hell are you doing to these two boys?" whispered Chad furiously.
"I'm not doing anything. Last night was a mistake, one I don't regret but a mistake nonetheless. I didn't think Scott would have time to see the photos, so I didn't remove them. I don't see why I have to lie about my past anyway," Marco hissed back.
Chad shot him a look of daggers, "I never said you had to lie about your past but make sure that the guy your ex is dating knows you dated him too before you spring something like this on him. How in the hell do you think that guy in there feels right now?"
Marco looked offended, "You're our friend, why in the hell do you care?"
Chad sighed, "I felt like the other guy with Paige while she dated Spinner but flirted with me. I don't want to see that happen to any of my friends."
Marco dropped his shoulders in defeat, "Guess it's time to face the music on this one. Go and take Dylan anywhere and I'll see if I can set Scott straight."
Dylan and Scott were past talking and just eyeing each other warily. Scott wasn't sure if he should trust Dylan's explanation and Dylan wasn't sure if Scott was worth the trouble anymore.
Chad ushered Dylan out of the house, with a promise to be home for dinner. Dylan was too dazed to fight him off at the moment. Then they were outside, Chad steered him to the left. "Where are we going?" asked Chad.
"What just happened in there? Did Scott really find out about Marco and me?" asked Dylan wandering toward the coffee shop.
Chad nodded solemnly, " 'Fraid so, bud. For what it's worth, Marco's trying to smooth things over though."
Dylan whipped around, "He's doing what? I've got to go back."
Chad put his hand on Dylan's arm, "Dude, don't go back. Let Marco handle this and we'll smooth out what he can't. Right now, you're going to show me this town of yours."
Dylan smiled slightly, "Okay, first the hockey rink. It's huge."
Dylan and Chad headed off on their tour of Boston and the college.
Marco sat down in front of Scott and looked at him for a moment. He was trying to gauge the best way of going about this, "Scott, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about dating Dylan. It was over a long time ago if that helps any."
Scott shook his head, "It's you. You're the one that he thinks of when his mind wanders. You're the one he thinks of when we're in bed. It's you he wants, not me. I can't believe I was so stupid. I knew a great guy like Dylan must have had someone special in the past that would haunt him. I just hoped that the ghost would stay a ghost and not be flesh and blood. But that's what you are, flesh and blood. Right here and waiting for him." Scott was muttering more to himself than to Marco.
Marco put a hand on Scott's knee, "You don't understand. Dylan might still have some feelings for me but it's you he wants to be with now or he wouldn't be with you. I'm a memory that's fading, you're still Technicolor for him. Don't do anything rash right now because I know he's still in this with you. I'm ancient history."
Scott shook his head sadly, "History has a tendency to repeat itself. I'll tell you honestly, I'm not in love with Dylan but I never ruled out the possibility for later. This is going to be a very odd question but when did you find out you loved him?" asked Scott fearfully.
Marco laughed, "I can't remember not loving him in one way or another. I met him in the basement of his house one day after school. He was standing in the doorway with his hand stretched up above his head, kind of hanging on the doorframe. He took my breath away. It was probably more teenage hormones and lust at first. Then I got to know him and everything fell into place for us. I don't know why I'm telling you this. It's probably the last thing on earth you want to hear," Marco stated, in lieu of an apology.
Scott nodded, "You're right. I didn't want to hear it but I think I needed to hear it. Does Braden know about you?"
Marco shook his head, "No, he was here last night for dinner, so was Dylan and Chad. It was awkward to say the least. I'm sure he thinks something. I just don't know what."
Scott nodded, "I think I should step away from Dylan. You are a better match for him. He misses you."
Marco started to tear up, "No, you are who's right for him now. Don't leave on my account. We need to study."
Scott stood up, "Let's not. I'll be okay." Scott walked to the door and paused, "Thanks for the truth Marco. I need some time to figure out my next move."
Marco was left to his own devices for the rest of the day. He made some fresh pasta and some sauces. He started the preparations for dinner that night and then sat down to study.
Chad came home around four and sat down in a chair across the room from Marco. He studied the younger boy before saying anything. "Marco, what in bloody hell were you thinking?"
Marco looked up from his book in confusion, "When?"
"Last night, kissing, couch, you, Dylan, ringing any bells here?" asked Chad in frustration. He was running his hands through his hair.
"Oh, that. I was drunk, Dylan was wrapped up in the nostalgia. It happened. Thanks to you it ended before we could go too far."
Chad laughed in spite of the situation, "Yeah, I don't think either of your boyfriends would've liked to walk in on that display. Marco, you've got to remove temptation. That's what you and Dylan are to one another, a temptation. You two still love each other. I know it's hard on everyone around you."
Marco looked thoroughly confused, "What do you mean?"
Chad sighed, "Last year, Dylan was sure you'd forgotten him because you never called, never wished to talk to him. According to him, he felt like you dropped off radar."
Marco stood up and held out his hand to Chad, "Will you come with me please?"
Chad stood up, "Yeah but I'm not holding your hand. Paige might get jealous."
Marco laughed and led the way to his bedroom.
"Wait a minute, first you want to hold my hand and now you're trying to get me alone in your bedroom. Aren't you moving a little quickly?" asked Chad jokingly.
Marco laughed again, "Good to see the less serious side is back. Sit down, I've got something to show you."
Chad slapped his hands over his eyes, "NO! I don't wanna see it. Don't make me, mommy!" Chad was shaking his head No violently.
Marco
walked over and smacked him on the back of the head, "Snap out of
it. I don't want you in that way."
Chad moved his hands and
did his best to look offended, "What's wrong with me? I'm
cute. Right?"
Marco chuckled lightly, "Your insecurities are
showing again Chad. Of course you're still cute but you've got
two major flaws. One…you're straight and two…you're dating
one of my good friends."
Chad sighed dramatically, "Oh thank God, I'm still attractive to the gay guys."
Marco pulled his curio box off his dresser and walked back to Chad, "Okay Scarlet, if you're done having your crisis…can we get back to this?"
Chad started laughing, "Dude, you've got a jewelry box? That is so girly…even for you."
Marco scowled at his friend, "Dude, it's not a jewelry box, it's a curio box. And don't forget I can kick you out of my house. Don't be a bonehead." Marco carefully opened the lid to display a black velvet lining littered with various pieces of jewelry.
Chad's eyebrows went up, "What am I looking at, besides more jewelry than Paige owns?"
Marco pushed a few pieces out of the way and held the ring Dylan had given him in the palm of his hand.
Chad looked at it, "That's Dylan's ring that he gave you."
Marco nodded, "Yeah, I took it off the day I saw him kissing Scott in the grocery store."
Marco could see the realization hit Chad like a ton of bricks, "Oh, that means…oh God…I had no idea. Dylan would freak if he knew."
"Well, he'll never find out because you won't tell him." Marco said forcefully.
Chad looked in the jewelry a little more. "Where's the watch?"
Marco smiled slightly and pushed up his sleeve, "Can't seem to take it off."
Chad shook his head, "Take it off. For all of our sakes, take the watch off."
Marco shrugged, "Why should I? Dylan hasn't taken his off yet."
Chad pushed a few more pieces of jewelry around before standing up. Marco watched him walk out of the room.
Marco placed Dylan's ring back inside the box and closed the lid slowly. He slid his hand over the smooth surface of the box before carrying it over to his dresser again.
Marco laid back down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He couldn't get what Chad recommended out of his mind. Maybe it was time to give up on Dylan. Put away all of the pictures and take off the watch. Time to move on.
Marco couldn't bring himself to put all the pictures away but he got some of them away. He kept the ones out with other people in them, like Paige or Chad. He even switched out the watch for the one he'd bought a few years ago.
He emerged from his room about an hour after Chad had left. He found Chad in the living room but he wasn't alone. Braden was there with him.
"Hey, Braden. I didn't know you were here." Marco said, trying to sound cheerful.
Braden stood up and kissed Marco gently, "Hey. Chad said something about you needed a few minutes, granted that was a half hour ago."
"I'm about to make dinner, you wanna stay?" asked Marco, hopefully.
Braden nodded, "That'd be great. Need any help?"
Marco smiled, "Actually no but I do need to talk to you. Would you mind sitting with me?"
Braden pretended to think about it for a few minutes, "I guess so."
Chad laughed at the pain that was heard in his voice. "It won't kill you. If you need help, yell. Well, make sure to yell help because if it's any other kinds of screams, I'm running for the door."
Marco laughed and pulled Braden toward the kitchen, "You might pick up a few things if you do watch."
Chad shuddered, "That one time almost walking in before was enough, thanks."
Braden looked at Marco questioningly.
Marco waved him off because he was laughing so hard. He'd forgotten about that day.
"When did Chad almost walk in on you and who were you with?" asked Braden when Marco composed himself.
Marco started pulling things out for dinner. "Easier question first, Chad walked in on my ex and I one day about a year and a half ago. We had finished and were only cuddling but I think he was still a little traumatized."
Braden tilted his head and looked at Marco, "So I guess the harder question is who?"
Marco nodded, "Not harder but definitely more complicated to answer. Do you remember Dylan, from the other night?"
Braden
nodded, "Yes…"
"Dylan and I dated for a year in high
school. He came here and I stayed to graduate. It fell apart."
Marco said shrugging.
"So, you're telling me that you and the blonde dated?" asked Braden.
Marco nodded, "Yes. It's over now. We're friends."
Braden looked at Marco curiously, "So, what's for dinner?"
Marco smiled, "Trying to change the conversation? Angel Hair with an alfredo sauce, garlic bread, and salad."
"When did you have time to make all of this?" asked Braden.
Marco shrugged, "It's not a big deal. I enjoy cooking, it helps me to de-stress." He turned back to the stove and stirred a pot with the pasta in it.
Braden came up behind him and nuzzled into his neck, "You smell great." He nibbled on the side of his neck, "Good enough to eat."
Marco giggled, "That tickles. Okay, that doesn't tickle. Mmm." Braden had moved up to nibbling on his ear and kissing along his neck again.
Marco pulled away from him, "Okay, now that's distracting. Let me get to a point where my attention isn't required."
Braden sat down, feeling properly chastised for distracting Marco.
Marco brought everything to a point where it needed to sit and turned to Braden. He walked over and sat on Braden's lap, "Where were we?"
Braden shook his head, "No, I'm distracting."
Marco smiled, "Yes, but now distracting is okay. Before, I would've burned dinner." Marco leaned down and started kissing Braden, first on the lips and then traveling to his neck.
Braden was trying to fight him off but it wasn't working. He was starting to get into it.
They'd been kissing and hands were roaming. Things were getting hot. And then Chad walked in, "Hey, is dinner almost…Sorry."
The two broke apart and smiled at him. Chad's head was down, "I'm gonna start wearing a cow bell."
Marco laughed, "Sorry, yeah dinner should be ready in…oh there's the buzzer now."
Braden was turning various shades of red. He couldn't believe he got caught making out in his boyfriend's kitchen by his friend. That was too embarrassing for words.
Marco, Chad and Braden sat down to eat. The whole story of Chad, Dylan and Marco seemed to flow out of them easily. Braden was a receptive audience because he wanted to know what he was up against. It seemed he had a lot to live up to.
Braden decided as Marco showed him to the door later that night that he was up for the challenge and more than willing to win. Marco was certainly worth the trouble.
