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Chapter Eight

A Friendship Renewed, Maybe?

Erik nodded at Dylan from the sitting position he'd resumed on the coffee table. "Dylan."

"Damn, I am interrupting, I'll just go," Dylan said. He knew that he told Erik to check on Marco but he didn't think about how he'd check on him.

Marco looked more than ready to let him walk back out the door.

Erik stopped him, "No, I was just leaving. I have an early counseling session in the morning. Stay, there are a few things you could and should work out."

Marco glared at Erik as he walked towards him.

Erik upon passing Dylan stopped, "Don't be an idiot and pass this up. Get everything out in the open. Oh, and if you hurt him again, I'll have to hurt you."

Dylan nodded, "Duly noted."

Erik kissed Marco lightly, "You know where to find me if you need me."

Marco's gaze softened a little and he nodded. Marco closed the door after Erik walked out. He continued to stare at the door for a few more moments. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to face Dylan again so soon.

"Are you going to face me or do I have to talk to your back?" inquired Dylan.

Marco slowly turned around, "So, why are you here?"

"To apologize."

"Excuse me?"

"To apologize for earlier. I had no right to say what I did and I'm sorry."

"So, you're sorry for our conversation in the bar but nothing else." Marco said in disbelief.

"What else do I need to be sorry for?" asked Dylan.

"Maybe sleeping with me?"

"That is something I'll never regret nor apologize for. I can't believe you'd expect me to feel sorry that we had sex."

Marco watched the floor as he walked toward where Dylan was seated on the couch. He seemed to be pondering his next move very carefully. He finally got to Dylan and sat down in front of him. He lifted his head and looked at Dylan in his crystal clear eyes of blue.

"I just don't understand why you don't regret it," said Marco. All of his anger just seeming to disappear. He simply felt defeated.

Dylan watched the change in Marco's attitude. The hurt and desperation was almost too much of a revelation for Dylan to deal with at the moment. He had to remain strong on this one.

"I've never regretted anything where you've been concerned. I don't regret meeting you. I don't regret dating you. I don't regret our relationship. While I do regret the way we ended, I don't regret you. The main thing I don't regret and never will is falling in love with you." Dylan told Marco emphatically. The emotion behind the words displayed brightly in Dylan's eyes.

Marco looked down at his tightly clasped hands, he couldn't face Dylan. Not when there were tears so close to the surface behind his eyes. He knew by the tone that Dylan was pleading with him. "I'm not sorry either," whispered Marco.

Dylan stared blankly at him, "Excuse me? You aren't sorry either. Care to elaborate? Seeing as how I just laid my heart on the floor at your feet. And let's try something different this time, how about you try and face me?"

Marco shook his head, "I can't face you or this anymore. You were my past, one I'd almost gotten over. You just can't show up here and expect me to be here. So, while I've forgiven you and I hope you'll extend the same courtesy to me, I just want this to end."

Dylan took Marco's face in his hands and made him face him. He saw the pain and unshed tears shining in Marco's eyes. He sat there staring deeply into his eyes for a moment more, "I just want to be friends with you. Maybe hang out occasionally if I end up here."

Marco closed his eyes and sighed, "Fine, we can try a friendship. Just please leave, I can't handle this right now."

Dylan looked at him, "Paige told me about your mom. Is she okay?"

Marco turned and looked over Dylan's shoulder at the wall, "No, she's not okay. She has cancer. She's been receiving her first round of chemo. She's lost all her hair, finally stopped throwing up just the other day and she refuses to leave the house unless it's to go for her treatments. Is that what you wanted to hear?" Marco spit out at him, his anger returning.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry but I was concerned." Dylan said apologetically.

Marco nodded, "Sorry I exploded…Look, I'm tired. It's been a long day. When do you fly out?"

Dylan looked at his watch, "It's almost four now, I have to board in 8 hours."

Marco shrugged, "This is probably the worst idea I've had all year but why don't you stay here…"

"Here? With you?" Dylan questioned.

"Yeah, it won't be the first time we've ever slept in the same bed," Marco said.

"Sure, why not."

Marco stood and held out his hand, "Come on then. It's late or early depending on your view, and I've got an exam and to spend some time with Mama later."

Dylan nodded, "I'll just sleep out here."

"Don't be ridiculous. This couch is less than comfortable to sleep on. Just share the bed with me. We are adults, everything will be fine."

Dylan started to protest but Marco cut him off, "Dyl, I'm too tired to argue or do much of anything else. Just come to bed."

Dylan smiled slightly at Marco's use of his nickname. He got up and followed the younger man into the bedroom.

Marco stripped out of his clothes and pulled on a pair of black silk pajama pants. He tossed Dylan a pair of shorts, "These should fit."

Marco walked back toward his bed as he watched Dylan undress. Regardless of what the smarter side of his brain was telling him, Marco still engaged in enjoying the sight of a nearly naked Dylan. The smooth, muscular planes of his chest flowing into rock hard and rippled abs that disappear into the waistband of his boxers. Marco shook his head to clear the thoughts of what lies beneath that waistband.

Dylan wasn't sure where Marco's mind had drifted to but considering the blush staining his cheeks, he could guess.

Marco slid into bed and lay on his left side, per usual. He felt Dylan slide into bed behind him. It was an oddly comforting feeling.

Dylan reached out and lightly traced the tattoo spanning Marco's shoulders.

Marco shivered at the feather light touch, "What are you doing?"

"Hmm. Sorry, I'm just admiring your tattoo. It still amazes me that you had the courage to get a tattoo. Well, a few tattoos." Dylan murmured.

"It's not a big deal really. Just a cluster of needles repeatedly impaled into my skin in an intricate design."

Dylan breathed out a sigh, it feathered across Marco's shoulder, "Okay, that sounds like a lot of pain."

Marco chuckled, "Go to sleep." He reached over and shut out the light.

Marco heard Dylan's breathing deepen and even out. He fell asleep shortly after that.

Marco woke up about 20 minutes before his alarm was set to go off.

His first thought of the morning was Dylan. Mainly because he wasn't there. His bed was empty. Marco got up and wandered through the house. Dylan was not anywhere to be found. Marco did however find the shorts and a note lying on the table. Marco sat down as he unfolded the note. He was sadly disappointed by its contents.

Marco,

Sorry I took off but you looked so peaceful. And I'm a chicken. I couldn't face you. So, I'm off the California. I guess I'll call you sometime…

Dylan

Marco laughed humorlessly. He couldn't believe Dylan had left without saying goodbye, again.

Marco went about his day. He took his final exam and then visited with his Mama until she got tired. She was getting some color back into her cheeks and was looking better. Then Marco went to the bar.

"Hey boss."

"Damn it, don't call me that."

"Sorry, how's Mama?"

"She's good. Listen, would you mind if I took over now and you close with Luke tonight? I know it's short notice but I really need some down time."

Mike nodded, "Yeah, no problem. There are a few things I can get done this afternoon. I'll see you at 7."

"Thanks, see you soon."
Marco took Mike's place behind the bar. It was slow all day but he accomplished some cleaning and paperwork.

He went home and camped out on his couch. He'd finished his finals and could finally graduate. He just needed some down time above all else. A night of mindless entertainment.

Around eleven a knock sounded on his door breaking him out of his trance. He stumbled to the door and drew it open slowly.

A pretty brunette stood on the other side smiling at him. In his movie fog he tried to figure out why she looked so familiar.

"Damn it Del Rossi, aren't you going to let me in?"

Marco nodded, "I think so…"

She groaned, "Oh god…you don't recognize me either. Please tell me you do know your best friend when she's standing right in front of you."

Marco's eyes widened, "Oh God, El. I'm so sorry but I'm totally out of it right now." Marco moved aside and let her in. "I can't believe you've returned to your natural color." He drew her into a tight hug.

"Yeah, for some reason, the therapy centers I've applied to for my internship think I'm crazy when I walk in with odd shades. So, I returned to the respectable, closet goth, Ellie Nash."

Marco laughed, "Ah Ms. Nash, oh how I love you. You in for some mindless boob tube?"

"Sure but next movie is my pick."

They cuddled down into the couch together and talked through the end of Marco's last movie.

"Who else didn't recognize you?"
"Mike, Paige, Luke, and most of the regulars at the bar."

"So, that's how you found out I was home…"

"Yeah, why are you home? What's wrong? You never take a day for yourself anymore."

"Short of it, Dylan was in town all weekend, finished up my finals and Mama's finally feeling better."

"Mama feeling better and the end of finals are good things, so am I to take it that this funk you're currently in is due to Dylan."

Marco looked at her sheepishly.

"Well, are you going to divulge or am I going to have to tickle it out of you?" inquired Ellie, poised to commence tickling.

Marco noticed the gleam in her eye, "It was nothing really. He got drunk, we had words, made up sort of, slept in bed together last night and he was gone when I woke up. He's back in California now," he shrugged half heartedly, trying to take on an air of indifference.

"Aw, honey…I'm sorry. I know it must have been hell. I wish I'd been here for you."

"You were finishing at SUNY. I can't blame you for not being here. I handled it alright." Marco said hugging her again.

Ellie jumped off the couch, "My movie time." She sauntered over to his DVD collection and located the movie straight away. She put it in and pushed play.

Snuggling back in with Marco, she laughed as he started to protest, "No, I refuse to watch this again. We've seen it a hundred times."

Ellie grabbed his hands, "We are watching it again because hearing recent events it is mandatory. I want you to remember what we went through for three months before that damn first date."

Marco glared at her, "Fine but I won't sing."

"You know you will," Ellie laughed.

Marco smiled into her hair as he cradled her against his chest. He loved Hercules and had already watched it earlier. It made him remember the good times with Dylan and forget about the shit.

Ellie laughed herself breathless when Marco did indeed sing 'I won't say I'm in Love'. She dubbed it his song for Dylan when they were first together but not together…ugh, boys!. She was beginning to wonder just how deep in love he still was but still unwilling to commit.

Marco watched as Ellie changed out the DVD. He took in her fitted black jeans and Happy Bunny t-shirt, the only throwback from her goth alternative days. She still looked respectable in spite of the ridiculous rabbit.

Marco laughed as he finally zeroed in on the words across her shirt, "Do you think that's a wise shirt to wear as a therapist?"

Ellie looked down and grinned, "Yeah it sends a bad message. I love this shirt though. It does fit me, 'I just realized I don't care'. Most of the time I don't."

Marco rolled his eyes as she climbed back into his arm. She snuggled down against him, "I've missed you. I can't believe I made it through college without you."

Marco kissed her on the lips.

Erik chose that moment to enter the apartment. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Not really but care to join?" inquired Marco.

Erik spied the two in a rather compromising position on the couch, "I don't know yet…who's the bird?"

Ellie rolled her eyes and faced Erik fully, "Don't tell me you don't know your old roommate and the person that introduced you to the new boyfriend?" Her voice was reprimanding but teasing nonetheless.

"El? What's with the hair and lack of piercings, and cuddling. Ellie Nash doesn't cuddle."

"Well, there is only one person I cuddle with and he's here."

Erik rounded the table, dropped a kiss on Marco's lips and then one on Ellie's. "It's great to see you. When'd you get back?"

"Tonight."

"Great, still doing the therapy route?"

"Of course, hence the respectable clothes."

"Yeah, I'm lucky to be interning here where they view the alternative look as an aide not a hindrance."

"You'd think I'd find that in New York but no…" Ellie said in jest, "Will you be joining us?"

"There doesn't appear to be enough room on the couch or I might. Actually I was just stopping by to have a word or two with our boy here." Erik told her.

"I can go…" Ellie offered.

"No, actually I'd prefer if you'd stay. This might take two therapists to work out and someone who knows the past first hand might also help."

Ellie arched an eyebrow, "Vague much?"

Erik laughed, "Well, I met Dylan."

"Say no more, I wouldn't miss this conversation for the world."

Ellie and Marco moved into sitting positions so Erik could sit with them.

Erik, however, chose to sit on the coffee table again so he could face them.

"So did you and Dylan resolve your fight?"

Marco shrugged, "Yeah, I guess."

"You had a fight? How in the hell could you have a fight when you haven't seen him in four years? Hell, you've barely spoken to him in six…" Ellie exclaimed.

Marco sighed and went through a cliff's notes version of recent events.

Erik stopped him halfway through, "You slept with him and then had sex with him?"

Marco just nodded, "Chalk it up to old feelings and sheer stupidity." Marco continued up to the point of Dylan leaving this morning.

Erik laughed humorlessly, "We've been dating for almost eight months and I can't stay the night but hockey boy shows back up and he's in your bed in a matter of hours. And still, he gets to have sex with you and then sleep with you the entire night…Ellie, can you shed some light on this for me? It seems extremely cruel to me."

Ellie looked between both men. Erik looked confused and hurt, Marco wore a similar expression of pain and apologetic. "First things, I didn't know you and Marco were a serious couple? I thought it was a convenience thing with you two."

Erik nodded, "Yeah we aren't really a couple. So, why does this hurt? I expected them to get together but the fact that he stayed the night…"

Ellie nodded, "That I can explain. Marco plays by a certain set of rules with all the guys. No one spends the night and he doesn't stay either. However, this one guy with whom he shares his past comes in and upsets the balance. He creates a whole new set of rules for him alone. Now this guy is posing a threat to the one thing stable in your relationship with Marco. Giving you reason to doubt it because Marco's sharing liberties with a guy that hurt him but is unwilling to extend the same faith in you."

Marco sat there and listened to Ellie's psychobabble, "Okay, if this conversation about me doesn't need me, I think I'm going to the kitchen."

Erik laughed, "Ms. Nash, I do believe you hit the nail on the head with that analysis. And the subject appears to be running scared."

Ellie just shrugged. "All this stuff takes is a little common sense and a bit of heart. That's why I introduced you to Marco. I knew you'd be good for him…"

"But not as good as Dylan…" Erik supplied.

"Yeah but I was hoping he'd realize he could go on without him."

Marco stood up to execute said escape to the kitchen but Erik grabbed his hand and pulled him down. "I need you for this next part."

Marco wiggled on Erik's lap for a second, "What?"

"You said you sort of resolved your fight, I want details."

"Most guys don't want to know this stuff, especially when it deals with the other guy in a relationship." Marco whined.

Erik smiled tensely, "Indulge me."

Marco tried to plead with Ellie but she shrugged, "Kinda interested myself, Del Rossi."

"Fine put away the begging looks. We agreed to be friends. He apologized, so did I…end of story. Close the book. Chapter's done." Marco said emphatically.

"How'd you end up in bed together again?"

"It was four in the morning, he had an early flight and I was dead tired. It made sense. And then I wouldn't worry if he got to his hotel okay." Marco said with a shrug.

"Always were a softy, Marco." Ellie said with a small smile.

"Hey, I never heard any complaints when you slept in my bed for the same reasons."

Erik gasped, "She's gotten to stay the night too?"

Ellie nodded, "Yeah, sorry."

Erik kissed Marco one more time, "Okay. I trust you and it's not like I have any ties to you anyway. We didn't want that. So, I've got to go. I need some sleep before morning comes in full force."

Marco didn't move off his lap.

"Marco hun, you're going to have to move so he can leave." Ellie suggested.

Marco shook his head, "He's not leaving."

Ellie arched an eyebrow, "I guess that means that I am…"

Seeing Marco's rather hopeful expression, she sighed and slipped on her boots, "Yeah, I should go see Sean anyway. He hasn't seen the new look yet. I'd be willing to bet he's going to freak."

Marco smiled his thanks at her as he walked her to the door.

The friends embraced, kissing yet again. "You owe me…"

"A lot. I love you, El."

"Love you too. And I want details."

Marco smiled and nodded, "Of course."

He shut and locked the door before turning back to Erik.

Marco sauntered back to Erik with a smile playing at his lips.

"What, pray tell, is going on in that gorgeous head of yours?"

Marco raised his eyebrows, "Join me in the bedroom and find out…"

Erik stayed the entire night/early morning. Marco bent his own rule again.

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