A/N: Sorry for the almost week between updates. I'll try and update before Monday again. I can't promise anything though.
Thanks:
Adamo4me:
Thank you so much…best story ever? Wow! blushes
ReRe04: They're boys…they don't know how to communicate. Life isn't all cherries and roses so I write that way too. Glad to see someone else being a fan of reality.
Platinum Rei: That's one vote to keep Braden around…I'm rather fond of him myself.
Spider-man-fan: Thanks for the excellent review.
Sagittarius Sage: I try to write what I know. So thanks for recognizing that. Chad seems to be a favorite amongst the readers.
Lizzy: I love Chad, too. I'm older than most fanfic writers, not too old though. If I wrote for Degrassi, it would be 90 MandD, of course.
Cherryforever04: Thanks for the compliments. I'm so happy you decided to review. I intend to continue updating this story.
Chels: I like cliffys…be glad this was only a minor one. We'll have to wait and see if MandD are getting back together…I haven't decided yet laughs evilly
Lucy: Hey…watch the bat. I like Braden. Also, don't count Scott out yet. He's rather a great character. Of course, he is mine.
Carrie: Hey, there's your review! I hope this was a quick enough update for you and don't forget to review this time…huh! I hope you continue to love it.
Last but certainly not least, Kate. I find myself looking forward to seeing your reviews. Once again, I'm rather fond of Braden. Hence the reason I made him. Yes, stupid boy emotions always get in the way…but it does make it interesting does it not? As much as I adore Scott, I had to throw some angst his way…you'll see where I go with it soon enough. Chad loves his friends and wants to see them together. This will all be revealed soon enough as well. Just hang in there…as if you'd go anywhere anyway.
Chapter Seven
Marco showed up for his Tuesday morning Chemistry class in hopes to talk with Scott. He found him waiting for the professor.
"Scott, can we talk?" asked Marco hesitantly. "Please?" he added when Scott looked less than enthused.
"Fine, what's up?" inquired Scott, finally.
"About the pictures, Dylan's my past. I don't feel as though I need to hide it and I can't change it. I'm with Braden and Dylan's with you. We're fine with it. I'm hoping you'll be okay too. Dylan really likes you." Marco said carefully.
"Marco, that's a wonderful sentiment but I think Dylan's still hung up on you. It's not fair to me to play second fiddle to you." Scott said plainly.
"Dylan and I talked the other night. We're over. He knows it as well as I do," explained Marco.
Scott scoffed, "Words are nice but actions are more telling. Dylan still loves you. I'm transferring classes today. You'll have a new partner."
"Come on Scott. Please work with me. You're intelligent, and I think we'd be an asset together. Don't switch classes because of this thing. It'll work itself out, you and Dylan will smooth things over as soon as he has a chance to explain. I'll stay with Braden, whom I'm finding I like more each day." Marco told him.
Scott nodded, "Okay, I'll stay. I hope you're right about Dylan. You didn't say you loved Braden. But you knew the first day about Dylan, what's the change?"
"I didn't know I loved Dylan until a few months into our relationship. Then I realized that I couldn't remember a time when he didn't capture my attention. I don't know about Braden yet. The possibility is still there though." Marco told Scott honestly.
"So, study session tonight at your house?" asked Scott.
Marco nodded, "Yes. We've got a test on Thursday. Come over around five."
Marco made Chad leave the house. Dylan took him to a hockey game.
Scott arrived promptly at five. Marco had set out an antipasto platter and some wine.
"Wine? Are you sure that's conducive to studying?" asked Scott.
Marco laughed, "I didn't think you'd mind. It might help take your mind off the awkwardness of this situation. But if you don't like wine, I've got beer, Pepsi, water, tea…"
Scott laughed, "Bring on the wine. Wait, aren't you too young to have this?"
Marco kinda nodded, "In the states, yes. In Italy, no besides, Mama sent this to me from Italy."
Marco opened the bottle and poured two generous glasses.
Scott sat down next to Marco on the couch, "So, my resident genius, how do you propose we do this?"
Marco arched a brow at him, "Thoroughly?"
Scott shook his head and tried not to laugh, "Smart ass. No, do you prefer question and answer, synopsis, or essay form?"
"Q and A. I'll ask, you answer," said Marco opening the book.
They'd been studying for almost an hour with almost two bottles of wine gone.
Scott was feeling extremely relaxed since he normally didn't drink. He watched as Marco paced in front of the table. "Marco, you've got to sit down."
Marco turned and looked at him, "What's wrong?"
"I'm a little tipsy right now and you're making me dizzy. Besides, watching you like this really makes me see why Dylan and Braden want you." Scott told him. He looked a little shocked that he admitted his feelings, "Did I…I didn't mean…"
Marco sat on the floor and started laughing so hard, "Vino e veritas…in wine there's truth. I won't tell." Marco winked at him in a friendly way.
Scott visibly relaxed when Marco promised not to tell.
"The only reason is because I can see what Dylan sees when he looks at you. You're cute," Marco said for an explanation.
Scott blushed in embarrassment, "Back to studying. This is getting a tad bit strange."
"Actually, let's take a break. I'll make another snack and try to sober you up. Then we'll hit the books for a quick highlight session." Marco said as he got up off the floor and wandered toward the kitchen.
He leaned against the counter for a moment to collect himself.
Wow! This is just a horrible scenario. Dylan's boyfriend in my living room, partially drunk and hitting on me. I'm flirting back in spite of the fact that I'm dating someone too.
Marco stopped his musings when he heard Scott heading for the kitchen.
Scott watched Marco amble into the kitchen. He sat on the couch waiting for his mind and body to regain some form of control.
'This boy is amazing. He's cute, funny, and extremely smart. He's also Dylan's ex. I wonder how serious he is with Braden? I know I'm dating Dylan but it's definitely not going to last. I hope I get my chance before they get back together.'
Scott shook his head to clear it of the wayward thoughts. He got up and wandered into the kitchen.
He got there in time to see Marco running his knife swiftly through vegetables.
"Wow! Chop things much?" asked Scott.
Marco tossed him a quick grin, "This is nothing. You should see me with a rolling pin."
Scott laughed as he lounged against the counter next to Marco.
"Do you prefer blue cheese, ranch, Italian or olive oil and vinegar for dipping?" asked Marco as he arranged the veggies on a tray.
"Depends on the type of dipping. Dancing, I might prefer Italian…for veggies…ranch." Scott responded.
Marco gave him a confused look but went to take the ranch out.
Scott stopped him mid stride. He spun him into a quick dance step and then dipped him low. Scott smiled down at Marco and let him up.
Marco laughed, "I didn't know you could channel Fred Astaire."
"Not so bad yourself there, Ginger."
"Sit down at the table. It's time to get to know Scott," said Marco. "And I accept the Ginger Rogers compliment. She made everything Fred did look flawless while doing it backward and in high heels. So in my mind, she's the greatest."
Scott chuckled, "What do you want to know?"
Marco grinned, "For starters, how'd you learn to dance?"
Scott shrugged, "Too much time on my hands?"
Marco gave him a reproachful look, "Now seriously."
Scott laughed, "Gay kid, stuck in Florida. Loved hockey, but didn't exactly fit in or have the best home life. Bargained with my mom for hockey if I took anything she signed me up for. I ended up in tap, ballet, ballroom, and jazz. Also, gymnastics and figure skating. Don't laugh."
Marco tried to hide his giggles behind his hand, "Figure skating?"
Scott rolled his eyes, "The hockey coach was the figure skating coach too. If we did one, it was required that we do the other…imagine how the straight guys felt."
Marco laughed even harder then, "Absolutely great. So ballroom lessons turned you into Fred Astaire?"
"No, talent turned me into Fred…the lessons uncovered the talent. How'd you learn?" asked Scott curiously.
Marco shrugged, "Heritage mainly. It was expected of me to know how to dance, cook, clean, and be a gentleman. Guaranteed to sweep a woman off her feet. Guess the joke's on them, huh?"
"Considering you adapted to my dance steps in a nanosecond, I'd say everything paid off. Instead of a woman, you'll sweep some lucky guy clear off his feet instead." Scott suggested helpfully.
"Okay more about you. Where in Florida did you live?" asked Marco.
"A little town outside of Jacksonville. I lived at the beach my entire life until I moved here. I still miss it." Scott said forlornly.
"Living on the beach must have been gorgeous." Marco said in awe.
"Sunrises were wonderful. I'd paddle out on my surfboard and watch the sky change colors. It'd go from a deep blue to a pink or orange color. Sometimes it was a fire red color that could take your breath away. I also miss the moonlight reflecting on the water. Anyway, I played football, soccer, hockey, danced, gymnastics and I even cheered competitively for a few years. As I said, home wasn't that great so I avoided being there." Scott explained.
Marco reached across the table and took Scott's hand in his, "I'm so sorry to hear that. I know my house hasn't been great but at least I never felt the urge to flee. Hell, my parents left me alone so often I never had to worry about it." Marco responded almost bitterly.
Scott smiled, "Things are better now that my parents divorced. They're both happier and I don't mind going home for the holidays anymore."
Marco withdrew his hand from Scott's and propped his head on his fist, "So what else do I need to know about you?"
"I think that's about it. Unless you want to know the really intimate, personal things." Scott replied.
Marco laughed, "No, that's quite alright. I'll leave those details to Dylan. Wait any tattoos or piercings?"
"One tattoo," replied Scott nodding his head.
"Where and what?" asked Marco, clearly interested.
Marco stood up, "Let's go back into the living room. I'm itching to clean the kitchen if we sit here any longer."
Scott followed Marco back into the other room, "Okay…now for the tattoo. It's too hard to explain, so I'll show it to you instead."
Scott was standing less than two feet away while he stripped off his sweater and tee shirt.
Marco's eyes had to be deceiving him because what was revealed couldn't possibly be real. Abs you could bounce a quarter off of, pecs, arms and shoulders that appeared to be chiseled out of marble.
Dylan still looked better in Marco's mind but Scott was pulling in a firm second place…
Marco's gaze traveled back down over Scott's chest and abs. He followed the trail of light brown hair that disappeared in the waistband of jeans, slung low on Scott's hips.
"Okay, I don't see a tattoo. If you wanted to take off your shirt I wouldn't have minded. Hell, I would've upped the heat for you," suggested Marco.
Scott rolled his eyes and turned around slowly, showing Marco an equally muscular back.
Marco zeroed in on the tattoo located on Scott's right shoulder blade. It was a celtic cross with a celtic knot surrounding it. He moved closer to see the intricate patterns permanently etched on his skin.
Marco reached up and lightly traced a finger over the design.
Scott shivered slightly at the butterfly soft touch.
"This is really an amazing design. It must have taken forever to complete," Marco said in awe.
Scott reached up and grabbed Marco's hand over his shoulder, "You've really got to stop that."
Marco dropped his hand, "Sorry, I didn't realize that affects you so much."
Scott turned back around to face Marco again. He noticed that he was still staring rather intently, "Would you like me to keep my shirt off?"
Marco
shook himself out of his daze, "No, get dressed. You're a little
distracting."
Scott laughed, "Thanks for that. I'm sure
you're just as impressive. Care to remove your shirt and prove me
right?"
Marco smiled, "No, get dressed."
Scott pulled back on his shirt and sweater. Marco quickly quizzed him again for the test and walked him to the door at 8.
Marco went to clean the kitchen. He was more than happy to hear the front door open a half hour later. He'd been alone with his thoughts of a shirtless Scott far too long.
He emerged from the kitchen and saw Dylan looking at his books again. "Where's Chad?"
Dylan turned, "He's taking another shower. Some guy spilled beer and coke on him at the game. How'd the study session with Scott go?" inquired Dylan.
Marco motioned for him to sit as he sat down on the couch, "It was good. He's smarter than he lets on. You never mentioned he's so versatile."
"How do you mean?"
"Dancer, gymnast, surfer, and a little rebel side with the tattoo." Marco explained.
"He showed you his tattoo?" asked Dylan, clearly confused.
"Yeah, is that a problem?" asked Marco, trying to gauge his reaction.
Dylan shook his head, "No, so I know you've got an opinion on his body. Care to share?"
Marco grinned, "A regular walking David. I can see why you don't mind sleeping with him."
"Marco…"
"No Dylan, it's okay. I never expected you to wait for me when you had no idea of my plans. I wouldn't have expected it even if you did, just because I waited."
"Wait, you haven't since our last time together?" Dylan questioned.
"No," responded Marco honestly.
"But Braden…"
"I just met Braden last week. I'm not going to jump into bed with someone just because I want to, and believe me I want to." Marco said in a rush.
Dylan stared at Marco, "As much as this pains me to say it but go for it. Braden seems like a nice enough guy. Just be safe."
"Now for the stupid question portion of our show…why would it pain you to say that?" asked Marco curiously.
Dylan groaned, "You're going to make me say it aren't you?" When Marco didn't respond, he continued, "Fine, I don't want to think about you with anyone else. It kills me to encourage it."
Marco scoffed, "That's just dandy. But unfortunately, you don't have much say in what I do anymore or who I do it with."
Dylan nodded, "I know. I can't believe you're here and we aren't together."
Marco leaned against Dylan for a moment, "Yeah but life goes on. Remember John Lennon's song 'Imagine'…Life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. We were planning for a future but forgot to factor in the now."
Dylan leaned back into the couch, pulling Marco with him. He cradled Marco gently to his chest and stroked the silky black hair. "Can we just pretend life didn't happen for five minutes? I miss being able to hold you."
Marco closed his eyes, "Yeah, five minutes in a world we abandoned doesn't sound like such a bad idea right now."
Marco listened to the steady beat of Dylan's heart under his head. He breathed deeply, it was a scent he knew better than anyone else's in the world. Marco found it oddly blissful to be in Dylan's arms again.
It only took five minutes and the pair were asleep.
Chad emerged freshly showered and took in the sleeping form on the couch. He smiled sadly before going to find a blanket.
He found on and brought it back to the living room. He took off Dylan's shoes and readjusted the boys so they'd be more comfortable. He carefully covered them up and started toward the hall. Before he reached the door he heard Dylan whisper, "Thanks for understanding."
Chad turned and looked at his friend. He gave him a small smile and nodded before leaving the room.
Chad sat on the bed in his room and stared at the door. He didn't understand what he just saw but knew it was something beautiful.
He called Paige, "Hey, hun. I miss you. I wanted to tell you about something but don't overreact. I just saw Marco and Dylan asleep on the couch together. Thing is, they're both dating someone else."
"Yes, Marco found someone too. Anyway, the reason for this call. They are so in love with each other but stupid stuff keeps getting in the way while school projects seem to be forcing them back together."
"I know what you're saying Paige but bare with me here. Their love is amazing. It manages to shine through no matter what goes on around them but for some reason they can't see it. Either it's by choice or sheer stupidity."
"Get some sleep hun. I'll see you in a few days. I love you, Paige."
Chad hung up the phone and lay back on the bed. He hoped the two in the living room came to their senses soon.
Please Review…I thrive on them. They are better than a caffeine rush.
