A/N: Please tell me if I'm updating too quickly. I know it's only been a few days but I wanted to get this up before my weekend goes to hell. I might update again on Sunday before the Super Bowl if I get enough reviews. hint,hint,hint

Anyways…on to the Thanks…

McCurdy: Thanks for the compliments. I liked that Dylan bit him unconsciously. It kinda foretold things.

Lizzy: Wow! Long review…me likes. Life's not easy and I chose to write it real…the I love yous don't come easy and most parents, while they don't like their kids being gay, aren't going to beat them. Kate is an amazing young lady with excellent stories Kaitlinbell. She's the one who encouraged me to post what I've written. She also betaed Fresh Start for me.

Cherryforever04: Thanks…Paige is fun to write. I just couldn't do it all the time.

ReRe04: Short and sweet. Excellent!

Raven4Darkness: Wow! It's so good to see you're back. I haven't heard from you in a while. It's dudette by the way…Thanks for all the compliments.

Adamo4me: It's Wednesday…I updated! Happy?

AngelsDon'tSleepHere: Carrie, We'll see what happens…love's a wonderfully beautiful thing…too bad it's blind. And so are boys!

Spider-man-fan: I like to keep you guessing. Strangulation wouldn't be good…I wouldn't be able to update.

Sagittarius Sage: All your questions will soon be answered. No worries, I've got a plan.

OCDegrassi: Have you been reading my mind? Well, just read and see. Thanks for the well written compliment, I try.

Man Freakzoid: Hope this continues to bring you out of the Math hating stage you're in. Good luck with that.

Citygal509: Lucy, It's my pleasure to help you. You're stories are great and you show a lot of potential. Keep it up. I hope you continue to like this!

Feral: Oh how I love you! You will be getting the next few chapters soon…I promise.

Kate: My love, lots of people liked Scott, just not with Dylan. They didn't freak out b/c it would be too dramatic and it was easier to laugh it off. It shows they do in fact love each other but aren't ready for it.

Thank you to all of you who read this even if you don't review…I'd prefer the reviews but oh well. I've got some serious decisions to make about this but there might be a big announcement in the next few chapters.

Chapter Nine

Marco and Braden were in the middle of a heavy make out session when Paige and Chad walked in.

Paige squealed at the sight.

Marco in his fevered hormone enraged brain heard the sound. He reluctantly pulled away from Braden and turned to see where the sound came from.

He turned slowly on Braden's lap and peered at the entrance. He saw a pretty blonde with her hands on her hips and an expectant look on her face, "Paige?"

"Were you expecting the Easter Bunny?" inquired Paige.

"What are you doing here?" asked Marco, clearly confused, who still hadn't moved from Braden's lap.

"Nice to see you too, hun," said Paige sarcastically.

Braden had been watching the interaction with interest. He was also starting for feel a little ridiculous by still being Marco's chair. He hadn't been introduced to this blonde, whom he presumed was Paige, whoever that is, and Marco had seemed to forgotten he was even here. Braden poked Marco lightly in the ribs to jog his memory of what he was doing prior to the door opening.

Marco looked over and Braden and gasped, "Oh, sorry. Paige, this is Braden…my boyfriend. Braden, this is Paige Michalchuk, a friend from home and Chad's girlfriend."

"Yeah, hun I gathered who he was when I found you mauling him on the couch a few minutes ago. You've grown out of the embarrassment phase of being caught, how refreshing." Paige said sassily.

"Why should I be embarrassed when it's my house?" asked Marco, right back at her.

She nodded her blonde head, "Point taken."
Braden had been making some connections of his own during their little interaction, "Wait, Michalchuk, as in Dylan? Your ex?" asked Braden a little shocked.

Marco nodded, "This is his sister."

"I see, I think I need to go…now." Braden stated shortly.

Marco grabbed his hand as he tried to maneuver his way past him. "No, wait. Paige is my friend and she'll behave…won't you?"

Paige nodded, "I'll be on my best behavior."

Chad laughed, "If you knew our Paige, you'd know the sacrifice she's making."

"Chad, go away…put my stuff somewhere." Paige ordered.

Chad nodded and started to obey. He stopped when he heard Marco speak.

"I get another houseguest? Was anyone going to inform me of this?" asked Marco. He was really trying to be put out by this information.

Paige walked over, put her head on his shoulder, batted her eyes at him, "Please can I stay here?"

Marco rolled his eyes, "That doesn't work on me Paige. Remember, I'm gay."

Paige turned to Chad, "Flirt with him so I can stay…"

Chad smirked, "Marco, please can Paige stay here. I'll sleep with you again…" Chad came over and put his head on Marco's other shoulder and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Braden looked a little worried, "Does this happen often?"

Marco started laughing, "Yes, Chad's not sure if he's gay or not. We're working on it."

Braden still looked a little freaked and Paige rescued him, "Braden, they're only joking. Well, not about the sleeping together…that they've done. Innocently before you jump to any conclusions. If you stay around, you'll see that Chad flirts with both Dylan and Marco a lot."

Braden smiled slightly at Paige, "Thanks for the clear up. I was a little worried for a few minutes."

Chad smiled, "Couldn't take the competition?"

Braden smiled back, "I think I'd be alright with that but it sucks that I'd have two people to compete with now."

Marco's jaw dropped at the blatant accusation regarding Dylan.

Paige just laughed good-naturedly.

Marco was glad the tensions were easing between his friends. Old world meeting new world could cause a huge problem in the dynamics of any relationship.

Braden stayed for a while and interacted with Chad and Paige so more. He heard stories of Marco in a less than favorable light. Like the one about making a lame commercial with Ellie and the one they all went ice skating and Marco spent more time on his butt than on his skates.

By the end of the evening Marco was sufficiently embarrassed and wanted to hide.

When Marco walked Braden out to his car, he waited patiently to hear the worse.

Braden trapped him against the car and leaned in to kiss him but stopped mere inches from his face, "Thanks for making me get to know your friends. They really care about you."

Marco looked at him quizzically, "Where'd the accent come from?"

Braden laughed, "I manage to lose it most days but when I start letting my guard down, it surfaces."

"Where are you from? I feel like I don't know anything about you…" said Marco.

"Ireland originally. I've been in the states for almost four years. My parents are still in Ireland. My cousin and I moved here with our uncle. That's about all there is to me." Braden explained quickly.

Marco nodded and leaned in to complete that kiss Braden had tried to start.

Braden pulled away and rested his forehead against Marco's, "When are your friends leaving?"

Marco chuckled, "Soon enough. Until then, the anticipation will be worth the final reward, I'm sure."

Braden chuckled lightly, "God I hope so." He placed a gentle kiss on Marco's lips before letting him go.

Marco stood on the front porch and watched as Braden pulled away from his house. Marco walked back into his living room with a quiet smile playing on his lips.

"So, that's Braden?" inquired Paige, as soon as Marco rounded the corner to the living room.

"Yep."
"He seems nice. How deep are you in this thing with him?" Paige asked, rather bluntly.

"Deep enough to want my house back," responded Marco, equally as blunt.

Chad looked confused, "Why does us staying here…oh wait, never mind."

Paige and Marco had a good laugh at Chad's realization.

Paige smiled slightly, "You do know that he's no Dylan, right?"

Marco nodded, "Yeah, but few people are."

"Do you still miss him?" asked Paige.

"Almost everyday. Seeing him on a daily basis makes it almost worse some days." Marco responded honestly.

"So, why the show with Braden and everything? Why not just get back together?" asked Paige, patiently.

"Paige, Dylan is the only person I've ever been with. He's the first guy I dated, loved, physically and emotionally, and broken up with…how am I to know that my feelings are entirely real if I don't explore them with other people before I try it with him again. He's had the time to date before and after me…I haven't. This thing with Braden might not last more than a few months but this is something that I've got to try, if not only for me but to know my feelings are true. To know later in life, I have nothing to regret by marrying my first love." Marco explained.

Paige nodded, "I get the point now. I didn't see it from your side of view before. It's definitely a good reason."

Marco smiled and then launched himself at Paige, "Oh, how I've missed you, my blonde whirlwind."

Paige laughed good-naturedly, "Normally, I'd sic Chad on anyone who called me a whirlwind but I guess, considering I did just kinda blow in here, I'll accept it from you. I missed you too."

"Where's Chad?" asked Marco, looking around the room.

"He's putting my stuff in the guest room."

Marco nodded, "Are you hungry? I can make dinner."
Paige patted Marco on the head, "That's the good little Italian coming out again, trying to feed everyone that walks through the front door."

Marco rolled his eyes at her but couldn't argue the point. He did try to feed everyone who came in and stayed for more than ten minutes.

Paige and Chad left on Sunday morning to go home. Chad with a few prospects for apartments and Paige with a better feeling about her brother and Marco. Seeing as Dylan and Scott broke off their relationship but continue to date occasionally the first day she showed up.

Monday morning, Marco attended James' class with a sense of anticipation. It had been over a week since he'd been completely houseguest free. It was time to start living his own life in his own house.

James walked in to see Marco sitting at his desk, reading a book…no surprise there.

"What do I owe the pleasure of your company so early this morning, Mr. Del Rossi?"

Marco looked up and smiled, "I was awake and decided I could read here and not be late for class or I could do this at home and forget class exists."

James laughed, "Good choice then…seeing as I'm handing out an addendum to your first project, which is still due next week."

"An addendum? As in more instruction or an added portion of it?" inquired a very curious Marco.

"An added portion…nothing to get worked up over though." James said reassuringly.

Marco smiled in relief, since he was almost done with the project. "Do you know that this was one of the hardest projects I've had to face. It's like they are writing in a different language."

James laughed, "It is it's own language. Southern is very real. Which books did you and Dylan choose?"

Marco laughed, "Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston and Jetty Man by G. W. Reynolds."

"Two excellent books. Let me guess, Dylan didn't even get past the first chapter of Ms. Hurston's book." James said, mirth lurking beneath his blue gaze.

Marco smiled, "No, I read that one. It was difficult to understand but I got through it."

"Don't feel bad, I've heard it all my life and it took me almost two weeks to read it the first time. I had to try and translate it back into English before I could fully comprehend it." James told him.

Dylan had entered the room by this point, "James, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Something you can't share with your partner?" asked James.

Dylan finally looked at Marco. He looked like he hadn't slept in days, his eyes were red. "No, he's bound to find out soon."

James and Marco shared a look before turning their full attention to Dylan.

"Scott and I broke up Thursday night. I wanted you to know…I don't think it'll affect the hockey team though. Considering we're still friends and kinda dating." Dylan said quickly.

Marco's jaw just about hit the desk, while James tried not to look too shocked.

"Thank you for being honest with me. I hope you won't have any hard feeling towards each other."

Dylan shook his head, "Scott seemed to be tired of fighting a ghost that all of a sudden turned to flesh and blood." Dylan pointedly looked at Marco.

Marco had enough grace to blush. He didn't want to be the reason for Dylan's relationship falling apart, but damn if it didn't feel good.

"I'm so sorry to hear about that." Marco said, trying to sound convincing.

James' class went by rather quickly. He handed out his addendum and watched as the class discussed the possible ramifications that it would have on the work already done. Marco didn't appear worried about the new piece of information.

Dylan looked at Marco, "Is this going to be easy for us?"

Marco smiled his little smile that made Dylan go weak, "A piece of cake. We still getting together tomorrow night"

"Of course. Why?" asked Dylan.

"No reason…just confirming."

Dylan nodded and headed out the door after class was dismissed.

Monday night had Marco pacing around his house in anticipation. The scene was set for a seduction. It looked like one he'd prepared before but this time, the wine was for his nerves and not a tool to make the guy more susceptible to the idea of sleeping with him.

Marco had already drank three glasses of wine while making dinner and getting ready for Braden to arrive. He was just so nervous about being with someone other than Dylan.

Braden knocked on the door precisely at six o'clock. Marco opened to door and the sight took his breath away.

Braden had dressed with extreme caution for this date. He was in black pants, that fit him like a second skin and an emerald green sweater that matched his eyes. His eyes were dancing with a sense of mischief as Marco stammered his greeting. "Didn't know I was going to get that kind of reaction, but I'm not complaining." Braden said, his accent coming out.

"Come in, dinner's ready." Marco told him as he stepped away from the door. "Did I ever tell you that I love a man with an accent?"

Braden walked in and saw the candles, wine, heard the music playing softly in the background and turned to Marco, "Are you sure you were expecting me?"

Marco laughed, "Of course, why do you ask?"

Braden waved his hand over the scene at before him, "I don't know, it just seems like a lot of work for just me."

Marco kissed him firmly, "You're worth the work."

Braden rolled his eyes and laughed, "Okay, if you say so."

The couple sat down to dinner.

"So, what are you doing for Christmas this year?" asked Marco.

"Going home, to Ireland. I haven't seen Mum and Dad in almost two years…I figure it's about time. What are you doing?" inquired Braden.

"I think I'm going to stay here. I was supposed to go see my cousin receive her first communion but that fell through, I'll be doing that in the spring instead. I never liked winter in Italy, and there's nothing in Canada for me but friends. So, I might as well stay here." Marco said with a shrug.

"That sounds depressing," said Braden, looking concerned. "You could always come home with me but I'm afraid you'd feel uncomfortable. My parents have no idea that I'm gay."

"Oh, yeah and bringing home a guy wouldn't be the best way to tell them," Marco said with some certainty.

Braden nodded, "Yeah, I'm not sure if I'm going to tell them this trip or not."

"Better to be honest about it now than have to tell them a huge amount of news at once," Marco reasoned with him…as Dylan had a few years before.

"Okay, enough serious conversation for the night. I think we need to have some fun," Marco stated, standing up.

"You don't want to do the dishes first?" inquired a very shocked Braden.

"All that's left is what you see here. That can be done later." Marco said holding out his hand.

Braden took it and followed him into the living room.

Marco pulled Braden down on top of him and began kissing him.

"Well, I can see what's on your mind…" Braden said laughing when Marco finally let him up for air.

Marco grinned evilly, "Does it bother you? I finally have my house to myself and I intend to use it to my advantage."

Braden laughed, "Not at all…as long as I know your intentions."

Marco bit lightly on Braden's ear before whispering, "I want you in my bed, all night. Intentions clear?"

"Crystal." Braden said smiling down at the dark haired teen. "Wait, I'm not going to get in trouble for this am I? You're what, 17?"

Marco smiled, "No, I've been emancipated for over a year."

Braden leaned down and kissed Marco on the lips, then traveled over his jaw to his neck. He took a light nip out of him there.

Marco shuddered in pleasure at the feeling Braden was eliciting.

Braden continued his ministrations until he felt Marco pushing his shoulder lightly.

Marco whispered, "I think it's time to take this into the bedroom."

Braden managed to nod his head as he levered himself off of Marco. He stood next to the couch and looked down at the younger boy.

Marco got up and grabbed Braden's hand as he led him down the hall to his room.

Marco shut the bedroom door and was forcefully shoved against it. His mouth and neck were ravished as he was pinned against the wood. He wasn't about to complain considering it felt so good.

Braden let Marco move away from the door. Marco's hands traveled over Braden's strong chest and down to the hem of his sweater. He pulled up the sweater and tossed it quickly over his head, throwing it in the chair.

Braden's smile stopped Marco from further exploration of his body. "What's with the grin?"

"Nothing, it's rather refreshing to see someone who knows what they want and take it." Braden explained.

Marco nodded, "I've waited long enough. I'm tired of being the good boy and waiting my turn. It's my turn now." With that said, Marco pushed Braden onto his bed. He stripped off his own shirt before joining him on the bed.

The small hands went straight to work on the black belt and pants. They too were quickly removed. Marco sat back and looked at Braden for the first time. He was impressive, although, Marco couldn't help to note that he wasn't as broad or cut as Dylan. He didn't look as if he walked out of a museum, like Scott but impressive nonetheless.

Braden was beginning to feel scrutinized and wasn't sure if he enjoyed it. "You joining me down here or do I need to come up to you?"

"Huh?" asked Marco, as he shook himself out of his trance. "Oh, just looking. You're rather impressive, if you don't mind me saying so."

"Get out of those pants and I'd be happy to return the compliment." Braden said, smiling lewdly at him.

Marco slipped out of his khakis and boxer briefs before sliding back onto the bed next to Braden. "False compliments aren't needed. I know I'm cute."

Braden looked Marco over and smiled, "Cute doesn't begin to cover it. You're hot…sexy…gorgeous…shall I go on?" His accent was surfacing as he was complimenting the young Italian.

Marco flushed a deep pink color. "No, that's quite enough." Marco leaned down and kissed Braden thoroughly.

The boys fumbled around as first time lovers normally do before settling into an awkward rhythm.

Marco lay on his back, staring at the ceiling after all was said and done. He couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable things were between them. It didn't feel natural. It didn't flow as smoothly as it did with Dylan. Maybe it was first time nerves. The next time will be better.

Braden was listening to Marco breathing beside him. He knew that went less than horrible. It felt okay but awkward. A little hesitant and held back. It didn't feel like they really clicked in bed. He also was hoping that the next time would be better.

About an hour later, Marco decided to initiate round two. This one proved to be as equally disastrous. Marco was hoping it was just them together and not him. He would hate to not be able to have good sex ever again. That would just suck.

Braden got up after cuddling with Marco for about a half hour after the disastrous second attempt.

Marco sat up and looked at him curiously, "Where are you going?"

Braden turned back toward Marco as he buttoned his pants, "Home. I've got an early class tomorrow."

Marco stood up, pulled a pair of pajama pants and pulled them on. He watched as Braden finished dressing, and then walked him to the door. He kissed him lightly as he let him out into the dark night.

Marco went to bed knowing it wasn't meant to be with Braden. It just didn't click.

Braden went home with the same feeling. It was rather unsettling.

-

Please review…they keep me going…and going…and going…

Sorry channeling the energizer bunny again.