Accolades:
Lizzy: Marco's not a hoe…he's doing the college exploration thing. Hey, Dylan hasn't been the paragon of virtue himself.
Raven4darkness: Thank you so much, I'd love to help you. Email me, my address is on the site.
Sagittarius Sage: Thanks. I think Dylan showed another side of himself by walking away.
Lucy: Thanks for the review. Hope you like the rest of this.
Carrie: Lol! Marco's into guys, hun. I don't think you qualify.
ReRe04: Interesting fact on the friends with benefits angle. Mine either turned into just friends or we just don't speak anymore.
Platinum Rei: Thank you. I like Marco's fan club…every cute boy should have one.
Kate: I can't kill you, yet. That might come later if you don't post something soon. You're killing me. I still say I owe a large part of what I write to you. I try to outdo myself just to see if you react, love.
Spider-man-fan: Thank you for explaining your review. I use real world experiences but twist them to fit in my demented little world in my head.
Feral: I love it when you review. Thanks for all the advice.
Chapter Eleven
Marco was putting the finishing touches on the last lit project for James' class when Dylan came in the door. It had become habit for him not to even knock anymore. At least when he was scheduled to be at Marco's.
"Hey, I'm just putting a few finishing touches on this, you wanna see it?" asked Marco, swiveling away from the computer.
"Sure," responded Dylan, leaning over Marco's shoulder. He was so close, he could feel Marco's warmth radiating off of him. All of a sudden, Dylan got a wicked idea.
Dylan reached up and placed and ice cold hand on the curve of Marco's neck.
Marco jumped up, "That's cold. Stop that!"
Dylan grinned, "Sorry!"
"Just sit in that chair and I'll go make a pot of tea. You're like ice." Marco said as he left the room.
"DUH! It's cold outside and I walked from the apartment." Dylan said, humor lacing each word. "Wow! This looks excellent. It's no wonder I'm getting an A."
Marco came back out, "Working with me and you're getting an A…go figure. Oh wait, you're getting one in Calculus too."
Dylan turned back to the computer and saw an instant message pop up. "Marco, you've got an IM."
"Who's it from?" asked Marco from the kitchen.
"Ellie?" Dylan said, clearly confused.
"Be right there." Marco said as he rushed into the living room.
Dylan stood so Marco could slide into the seat. Marco typed quickly and then signed off. He wouldn't turn to face Dylan so Dylan turned him.
Dylan kneeled in front of Marco and pushed his chin up so he'd look at him, "Are you okay? Is Ellie okay?"
Marco smiled weakly, "I'll be fine. I really miss her."
Dylan was still confused, "So that's what's with the tears?"
"Yeah, she's my best friend. I haven't seen her since I graduated. I've barely had a chance to talk to her. I feel so out of touch," explained Marco.
"Still unsure about the tears…"said Dylan, now looking concerned.
"Don't worry about it. I'll tell you about it later. No need to ruin your Christmas." Marco said, waving Dylan away.
"So are you going home for Christmas?" asked Dylan.
"What home?" asked Marco.
"Canada, Italy take your pick…" Dylan asked.
"No, I'm staying here. Rosa's in Italy with the rest of the family and I don't feel like spending another holiday in that house alone. And as for Italy, I don't want to spend another Christmas miserable because the weather is so cold and damp." Marco said shrugging.
"What about Catalina?" asked Dylan.
"I didn't think you'd remember. She missed a few too many Catechism classes and won't get her first communion until spring." Marco explained.
"So, come home with me. Mom and Dad would love to see you again and I know Chad and Paige will be disappointed if you don't show up. I know I'll miss you, too. And you can see Ellie." Dylan said coaxingly.
Marco sighed, "I'll think about it. When are you leaving?"
Dylan smiled, "After my last game and final. December 20th to be exact."
"I'll let you know before then. Let's study for the calculus final."
Dylan picked up on something in Marco's voice. He wanted to say it was sadness but that didn't make any sense. Why would Marco be sad?
Marco attended his last Chemistry class the following day and sat next to Scott.
Scott looked over at Marco, "You okay?"
Marco nodded slightly, "Yeah, I'm okay."
Scott took in the slightly dejected look and gasped, "Oh God! You didn't?"
Marco looked over at him, "Didn't what?"
"You and Braden broke up. I can see it in your eyes. You look sad." Scott explained.
"How can you tell? Even Dylan couldn't tell…" said Marco, in shock.
"Dylan's too close to see the real truth right now. When'd it happen?" asked Scott.
"A few days ago, I got a phone call from him. His dad isn't getting any better. He's got to stay in Ireland a little longer than anticipated. It wasn't going to work anyway, we never clicked in bed…no matter how many times we tried," Marco admitted shamefully.
Scott put his hand on Marco's arm, "Don't feel bad about that. Some people aren't compatible in that department."
Marco laughed, "Thanks for the reassurance. I thought it was just me. But then, there was you and that was good."
"So, what are your plans for Christmas?" asked Scott, laughing.
"I don't know yet. I planned on staying here and just hanging out alone but then Dylan invited me home with him. I might actually brave the trip back to Degrassi." Marco explained.
"You
wouldn't be going home anyway?" asked Scott, confused.
Marco
shook his head, "No, I don't know where home is anymore. I've
had houses and places to stay but home has eluded me for quite some
time now."
"That sucks." Scott said simply.
Marco laughed, "Succinctly put."
Professor Kirkland finished handing out the grades and dismissed the class for winter break.
Scott walked Marco out of the class, "Are you coming to our final game on the 18th?"
Marco nodded, "Yeah, Dylan gave me a ticket. It seemed really important to him, so I said I'd go."
Scott nodded, "Good. I'll see you then. Until then, seriously think about going home with Dylan. He really does love you."
Marco laughed, "This is ridiculous. His ex and my current extra curricular activities partner is trying to set us back up together."
Scott shrugged, "Why bother to mess with a good thing? You two are a good thing together."
Marco nodded once and left Scott where he was standing.
Marco called Ellie after school that day. "El, I need some advice."
"What's up?" Ellie asked concernedly.
"Dylan invited me home for Christmas. I really want to go but I've kind of been sleeping with his ex." Marco said gingerly.
"You've been doing what? Are you insane? Wait was it good?" asked Ellie.
Marco laughed, "I've been sleeping with Scott and yes it's good. No I don't think I'm insane. Scott's trying to put us together again…Dylan and me. He found out Braden and I called it quits. It's his new mission."
"Marco, you've seriously got to be joking me. This isn't you. You're serious, one man guy. Not a guy stringing along three guys at once." Ellie said emphatically.
"I know. I like Scott but not like that and he knows it. I still love Dylan, dearly. I want him back." Marco said simply.
"Then come home with him. You'll have lots of time to get your shit together and get with him again. Hell, get him drunk again if you have to." Ellie told him, almost yelling.
"Calm down, El. I'll think about it." Marco said before hanging up with her.
Marco approached Dylan after the hockey game. He was being swarmed by girl fans and autograph seekers. Marco stood off to the side a little and gave him some room.
Dylan spotted Marco almost instantaneously and started to hedge his way through the hockey fans toward him. He beamed a bright smile at the shorter boy as he signed a few more pieces of paper.
Marco laughed as Dylan almost tripped over one particularly grabby fan. "Have a good game?"
Dylan laughed, "Weren't you watching?"
Marco nodded, "Of course I was watching. You looked great out there. It reminded me of high school, I couldn't take my eyes off you."
Dylan smiled, "You looked great in the stands. I've missed having you there. Now, all we needed was Paige."
Marco blushed lightly. He was immensely grateful that his cheeks were already red from the cold.
"Come on, I'll make you dinner." Marco said tugging on Dylan's sleeve.
Scott smiled at Marco as he passed by. He leaned over and whispered, "Go for it. You deserve happiness."
Marco swatted Scott's shoulder but smiled back at him.
"What was that about?" asked Dylan.
"Nothing. Just wanted to thank me for his A in Chemistry." Marco said smugly.
Dylan laughed and followed Marco to his car. They climbed in and started toward Marco's house.
Dylan grabbed his bag out of the trunk and followed Marco inside. He veered off to take a shower while Marco started cooking.
Dinner was a quiet affair between the two. Neither was sure what to say but the silence was welcome after the noisy stadium.
After the dishes were done, Marco sat on the couch next to Dylan. In fact, he curled up into Dylan's side.
"Is the offer to go home with you still on the table?" asked Marco shyly.
Dylan looked down at Marco, "Of course it's still out there. Mom said she'd love to have you. She misses you. We all do."
"Then I'd love to go home with you for Christmas." Marco admitted.
Everyone was excited that Marco decided to go back to Degrassi for Christmas with Dylan. Including his mother and father.
Paige was trying to get out of him what he'd gotten Dylan but she failed. Marco wasn't sharing that secret with anyone.
Except Ellie.
Two days before Christmas, Marco paid Ellie a visit. Ellie was still living in Sean's old apartment but had found a new boyfriend. He was in college and funny thing, she met him through Chad.
He sat on her couch as she extolled all the virtues of this new guy. "I'm so happy for you. It's good to see you smile again."
Ellie launched herself on Marco and hugged him, "I missed you so much. Now tell me about your plan to get Dylan back."
"Who said I have a plan?" asked Marco, arching his eyebrow at him.
Ellie rolled her eyes at him, "You've always got a plan. So spill…"
Marco told her his plan and swore her to secrecy. She squealed with delight and he just laughed. "You need to find new friends because Paige is wearing off on you."
Christmas morning dawned bright and early in the Michalchuk house. Paige had everyone up at the crack of dawn to open presents.
Marco had left two presents of Dylan's up in the guest room. Those would be opened in private later.
After all the presents were opened, Marco asked to see Dylan alone. Dylan and Marco were promptly excused and Marco led the way to the guest room.
"What's with all the secrecy?" asked Dylan as Marco closed the door behind them.
"There are some things better left in private." Marco said cryptically as he set a small box and a letter on the bed next to Dylan.
Dylan opened the box and found the ring Marco had given to him a few years prior. "How did you get this?" asked Dylan.
"Scott helped with that. He said he'd seen the ring and I asked if he could get it back for me. He got it for me a few days ago." Marco explained. "If you read the letter, it'll erase all of your questions."
Dylan opened the letter slowly, hesitantly. He unfolded the paper and saw Marco's neat handwriting across the white page.
My dearest Dylan,
I don't know how to start this letter. By now, you've opened the ring. I'm sure you're wondering what to do with it.
I guess I'll state the obvious. I'm hoping you'll wear it.
Braden and I broke up a few weeks ago. I didn't want to tell you at first because I didn't want you to get your hopes up. I didn't want to get my hopes up. Then you invited me home for Christmas, still thinking Braden and I are together. That shows me that I mean more to you than just some passing fancy.
I know we've had a few rough months, hell years, but I'm hoping to make up for that now. I love you, Dylan. I never stopped.
Can you please forgive me for being stupid and put that ring back where it belongs?
All my love always,
Marco
Dylan read the letter twice before setting it on the bed next to him. He looked at Marco, who was across the room in a chair. "No I won't put the ring back where it belongs."
Marco looked shocked, "What…"
Dylan picked up the box and carried it toward Marco, "Because I'd rather have you put it back where it belongs."
Marco started breathing again right about then and smiled, "I'd be honored to do that, my love."
Dylan held out the box and waited impatiently for Marco's hands to stop shaking and pull it out.
Marco slid the cold metal over Dylan's knuckle and toyed with the band for a moment. He leaned over and placed a soft kiss over the metal, "Hopefully it never has to leave again."
Dylan pulled Marco out of his chair and into his arms, "They'll have to surgically remove it the next time it comes off." Dylan stated firmly before sealing it with a kiss. He continued to kiss Marco until they were rudely interrupted.
Paige was in the doorway, staring in shock at the two. "Excuse me, but does any one else have a problem with this?" She yelled at them.
Marco peeked over Dylan's shoulder at her, "No, now go away."
"But Braden?"
"Is back in Ireland and that's where he's going to stay." Marco finished for her.
"Does this mean, you are back together?" asked Paige, joyfully.
"Well, squirt, we were working on that but someone rudely interrupted us." Dylan said sternly.
Paige laughed at Dylan's expression, "Waited too long for him, I see. One suggestion, go to Marco's. Mom and Dad are still downstairs."
Marco patted Dylan's cheek, "This reunion will hold a few hours. We'll spend tonight at my house."
Dylan beamed a beatific smile at him, "Sounds like a plan. Let's go let everyone else in on the good news."
Dylan's mom was ecstatic over the news. His father was happy Dylan was finally happy again. Paige couldn't be happier if she won a shopping spree. Chad laughed and said it was about time. Scott took the news well when Marco called him in Florida. He met someone new as well.
Marco's mom was happy for her son and his dad was a little less enthused about it but would deal. Ellie was the only one who wasn't surprised by the phone call. She just laughed and congratulated Marco on finally regaining his senses.
Later that night, Marco drove over to his house with Dylan. He couldn't wait to be alone with him again. It had been way too long.
They barely made it to Marco's bedroom before they started stripping off each other's clothes. They fell onto Marco's bed in a tangle of arms and legs.
Marco was laughing so hard he couldn't breathe.
Dylan was in a state of euphoria that he couldn't even think to describe.
It had been so long since they'd been together, it went by quickly.
Marco laughed lightly into Dylan's chest when he regained use of his brain again. "That went quick."
Dylan groaned, "Not my best work, I'm sorry."
Dylan rolled over and pulled Marco onto his chest.
Marco reached over and pulled the comforter over them, "It's not like we don't have all night."
Dylan sighed as Marco snuggled into him. He missed holding him, even more after doing it for only one night. At least this time it wouldn't matter if he made any marks.
Marco kissed Dylan's chest lightly before shifting his head to look down into the crystal clear blue eyes of his lover.
"I love you so much. I wish you only knew how much." Marco said.
Dylan stroked a hand down Marco's cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, "I know exactly how you feel. It shows in your eyes. It's a look I cherish and missed deeply. I'm glad to see it's back."
Marco smiled warmly at Dylan before settling back down onto his chest.
Dylan stroked a hand down Marco's hair and back. He smiled at the ceiling, his love of his life was back where he belonged. He'd never let him go again. Dylan felt the metal surrounding his finger warm under Marco's hand.
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Please read and review….I'm off to update my other story now!
