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Chapter Fourteen
Marco stretched languidly the next morning. He rolled over and looked at his companion. He felt well rested for the first time since leaving Canada and he knew it had everything to do with the man lying next to him.
Marco smiled as he peered down at his lover. His blonde hair was strewn on the pillow making a shining halo around his head. Marco's grin turned softer as he thought of Dylan as an angel. 'His angel.'
Dylan started to stir slightly as Marco continued to watch him. "Hmm. Morning." Dylan said as he opened his eyes.
Marco smiled, leaned down and kissed Dylan lightly, "Morning. Sleep well?"
Dylan nodded, "Yeah, you?"
Marco nodded, "Better than ever."
Over breakfast, Dylan broached the subject of living together. "So, I was thinking…how would you feel about a roommate?"
Marco looked over at Dylan, "I kinda of like not having anyone with me. Who were you thinking of?"
Dylan looked shocked, "Well, I was kind of thinking of me."
"Why would you want a new place to stay? You have one of the prime spots on campus." Marco asked, teasingly.
"Oh, I don't know…just to be closer to the man I love. This whole sleeping apart thing during the week sucks." Dylan admitted.
Marco smiled, "Let me think about it. Moving in is a huge step. We just got back together."
Dylan nodded, "I understand. I would be a little hesitant too, I guess."
Marco saw the dejected look on Dylan's face and rounded the table. He put his hands on Dylan's shoulders, "I do love you, Dylan. Don't look like I just kicked your dog. I just can't let you move in so quickly. I know your granddad dying made a huge impact on you, especially after his speech, but this is huge. I'm sorry I can't just throw caution to the wind and let you move here."
Dylan tugged on Marco's hand until he sat on his lap. Dylan nuzzled Marco's hair for a moment, "I know you love me. I know I love you. It's okay that you can't answer me yet. It was a romantic idea that would never work without planning and some form of commitment."
Marco kissed Dylan gently on the lips, "I'll get back to about it soon. What will happen to your room?"
Dylan shrugged, "Probably go to someone else who either transfers in or has a roommate problem. I might see if Scott could have it, depending on if you let me move in. His roommate is a real ass about sharing a room with a gay guy."
Marco nodded, "Yeah, he told me about it. What are your plans for the day?"
Dylan shrugged, "I've got some homework to complete. A project to start and I need to work out this afternoon."
Marco nodded, "I've got a few chapters to write for James and then some homework to do for my history class. After that, I planned on resting, maybe watching some TV."
Dylan laughed, "So, how about we do our homework together and then see what happens."
Marco trailed a finger down Dylan's jaw, "Why don't we see what happens first and then do our homework? You did say you needed a workout."
Dylan laughed but wasn't about to turn down starting out a day in bed with an extremely good looking guy, not to mention one he happened to love.
Later that day, Marco was plagued by Dylan's question. He'd love for Dylan to move in but who was to say that they'd last.
Marco knew that internally that sounded horrible and voicing it would sound even worse. He just didn't know anymore. He thought they would be together when he got to Boston, but it took four months. They had both met someone great but it wasn't the same for either of them.
Dylan was going through his workout by rote. He did the motions and just kept going.
James had watched Dylan for about 20 minutes before approaching him, "Dylan, what's going on?"
Dylan's clouded gaze cleared, "What do you mean?"
"You're distracted. That can cause more than good in here and on the ice. So, where's your head?" James inquired, tapping a finger on Dylan's forehead.
Dylan looked around and saw some of the other players trying to listen in. It seemed nothing came between the golden boy and hockey so they were more than a little curious to hear what has Dylan in knots. "Can we talk somewhere else? Like without an audience?"
James noticed the other guys staring and nodded, "My office."
Dylan got up, grabbed his towel and followed James out of the weight room.
Once firmly planted in the office, James looked at Dylan again, with a questioning gaze.
Dylan's shoulders slumped, "I asked Marco about moving in together. He said he needs time to think about it. He said he's not sure about us."
James put a hand on Dylan's shoulder, "Ouch. Did he give you a reason?"
Dylan nodded, "Yeah, we just got back together Christmas day. I see his point but I don't want to waste a minute with him. I love him so much it hurts. With Granddad dying, I just want to be with him."
James looked at the young man in front of him, "Damn, you've got it bad. Why not propose? Get married over the summer. I normally don't agree with getting married while in college but I think you two have what it takes to make it last."
Dylan shook his head, "His parents would kill him. They're still hoping that this is some form of sick phase he's going through."
James thought for a minute, "Isn't he going back to Italy for Spring Break?"
"Yeah, Catalina is making her First Communion." Dylan said, clearly confused.
"Go with him. Ask his parents for permission to marry him. Then, after obtaining it, ask him. Make it romantic. His parents will respect you for doing things the old fashioned way. The respectful way. Marco can have their approval and you can have Marco." James explained.
"You are a genius. Now how do I get him to take me with him?" asked Dylan.
"Ask. From what I understand, he'll be grateful you want to support him while he's surrounded by family." James said simply.
Dylan smiled, "Thanks, you're right. I'll wait a few days to broach that subject though."
James nodded, "Good idea. Now, go and finish your workout and pay attention."
Dylan saluted him and headed for the weight room again. He felt immensely better after talking with James.
About a week and a half had gone by before either boy brought up the subject of living arrangements. Dylan had gone home the Sunday after he proposed the subject. He stayed in his dorm apartment all week, alone. He stayed with Marco for the next weekend and went home again on Sunday.
Marco was beginning to miss him those five days in between the weekends.
Marco was sitting at his computer Wednesday night when his front door opened.
"Hey love, do you mind if I study here? The dorm is having a huge party and I've got to study for a test for tomorrow. It's way too loud for me to concentrate."
Marco turned and smiled at his boyfriend, "Come on in. You need the Internet?"
Dylan nodded, "Only when you're done. I can wait."
Marco shook his head, "I'm just writing my next few chapters for James' class. If you would be so kind as to go get my laptop from my bedroom, I can use that just as easy."
Dylan walked down the hall and paused in Marco's doorway. "Umm, hun, could you come here a minute?"
Marco smiled to himself, "Sure…be right there."
Marco walked down the hall and paused right behind Dylan, "What's wrong?"
"Are you moving?" asked Dylan as he gestured to the room. Things had been moved, the dresser was in a different place, the bed moved over, and the closet was half-empty.
Marco laughed, "No, I'm not going anywhere. However, I was hoping you might move a few thing in. That way, you can stay if you want or you can go home."
Dylan turned and looked at Marco, "Okay, so instead of moving in, you want me to move in part time. What if I don't like that option?"
"So, are you telling me it's all or just weekends?"
"Why are you answering a question with a question?"
"Same reason you are."
"That's not a reason."
"Fine, I'm still not sure if I want you here permanently but I miss you when you're not here. Does that make sense?"
Dylan nodded, "I guess so. Let's just table this discussion for now. I don't want to fight with you about this. I really need to study and get some sleep."
Marco wrapped his arms around the taller man, "Okay, let me get my computer and then you can use the desktop. You're right about the not fighting, it's not worth it right now."
Dylan kissed Marco's forehead, "Since the dorm party is going to last all night, would you mind if I slept here?"
Marco laughed, "Sure the guest room is that way." He pointed at the door across the hall.
Dylan shoved him in the shoulder, "Fine, I'll sleep in the guest room."
"Over my dead body. If you're sleeping under this roof it will be with me." Marco stated emphatically.
Dylan laughed, "Okay, if I don't get to studying soon, I won't be going to bed at all."
Marco grabbed his laptop off the bed and went back into the living room.
The boys studied for a few hours and then went to bed. They were both too tired to do anything other than sleep.
The next morning at breakfast, Dylan decided it was time to bring up Spring Break.
"So, are you still going to Italy during Spring Break?" asked Dylan.
Marco smiled, "As much as I regret saying it, yes. I've got to see Catalina receive her first communion. Why?" inquired Marco as he sat down, placing the plates on the table.
"Want some company on this trip?" asked Dylan, innocently.
Marco looked at him like he'd lost his mind, "Are you sure you want to face my parents and the whole family again?"
Dylan smiled, "Yes. I want to be with you, family and all."
Marco shook his head in disbelief, "Okay, I'd love the support with my family. I love you for even asking this."
The boys went to their classes and didn't see each other until Friday night.
Friday night Marco presented Dylan with a plane ticket to Italy. "You said you wanted to go, I made it happen. I hope you have your passport."
Dylan laughed, "You are too funny. When exactly do we leave?"
Marco smiled, "The day before Spring Break starts. I saw your exam schedule and I know mine, we'll be fine."
Dylan kissed Marco lightly on the lips, "You think of everything."
Marco just smiled at him broadly, "And this is news?"
Dylan laughed.
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