Disclaimer: I don't own Degrassi, the Maple Leafs or anything else I may have infringed on in here. Please don't sue because you won't get much anyway.

I am a horrible authoress, please forgive me. I bow and cower and await punishment for neglecting my stories. I'm afraid that real life came up and bit me in the behind and then I misplaced my muse in one of the moving boxes. Good news, I'm all unpacked and found her. She's back and I should be getting my updates for the other stories and more for this one out soon! Bear with me and I promise if you review, I'll attempt to give you more.

Chapter 15

Coming Out and Moving On

Marco had survived the last few months with little to no trouble. The bar was doing great, his staff was super supportive and his boyfriend, yes boyfriend, had just been named MVP again.

Let's back track a little and catch up with our favorite pair of lovers.

Marco woke the morning after his mother's wake in Dylan's arms. He'd never been happier to see those blue eyes twinkling beside him.

Dylan survived a Del Rossi family funeral and stayed by Marco's side the entire day regardless of the looks of disapproval by older family members. He called for an interview with one of the hottest sports magazines two days later to announce his dating status and the reason his engagement fell through.

Natalie and Marcella lived just down the block from Dylan, so he was permitted to visit every day as often as he wanted. His bond with his daughter was quickly becoming a beautiful thing.

She was growing up to be such a cute little girl with blonde hair and deep chocolate brown eyes. The chubbiest cheeks that you wanted to pinch and squeeze. Marco had fallen in love with her in an instant the first time he visited with Dylan.

The following months for the men were routine. Marco was at the bar, Dylan went to practice and then they went to see Marcella. She was growing rapidly and amazing the men more each day.

Until six months had passed.

Marcella called Dylan to set up a meeting with him, without Marco. Evidently, she needed a favor.

Dylan voiced his concerns to Marco who encouraged him to attend the meeting. Natalie obviously was distressed about something but wanted to see him in person.

So Dylan went to his meeting. And then all hell broke loose…sort of.

Dylan sat down on Natalie's couch when she invited him inside. He looked around nervously, "Where's Marcella?"

"She's taking a nap. I need to ask you a huge favor Dylan. I'm not asking for a miracle or even an answer today but I need to know soon. I want you and Marco to raise Marcella for a while."

"Why?"

"I have to return home. Papa is sick and he needs someone to care for him. I won't be able to devote the time to him and her at the same time. You know Papa is demanding," her voice was growing in desperation.

"Your father doesn't know about Marcella, does he?" inquired Dylan calmly.

"No, he doesn't. He'd never understand, Dylan. He's old fashioned and I'd be disowned if he found out. Will you please take her?" pleaded the brunette with tears in her eyes.

"Of course I will take my daughter. She's mine and I won't let anything happen to her, Nat. She's the most precious thing in my life with Marco at a close second," replied Dylan.

"What's Marco going to say?"

"I don't know honestly but if he's half the man I believe he is, it won't matter. He loves Marcella and me, hopefully enough."

Natalie nodded, "I have to fly out in ten days, is that enough time?"

Dylan nodded, "Yes. I'll tell coach, talk to Marco and see about redecorating some of the house for a baby room. My mom will be thrilled."

Natalie hugged Dylan briefly before allowing him to leave the apartment.

Dylan went directly to Marco even though he was due at practice in a matter of minutes.

Marco looked up as his door was unlocked and pushed open slowly. He saw the familiar blonde curls and surged to his feet. "Dyl, what happened? Aren't you supposed to be at practice?"

Dylan looked at his lover and friend and gave him a watery smile, "Yes but I called the coach to say I'd be late. Natalie wants us to raise Marcella. She has to return to Italy in ten days to take care of her father. She's signing over custody."

Marco fell into the chair he recently vacated, "Oh, is this what you want?"

"I love my daughter, Marco. I'd love the chance to raise her. How do you feel about this though? I'd be ecstatic if you wished to be her other parent."

Marco's head shot up and looked at Dylan with surprise, "You want my help in raising Marcella?"

Dylan sighed, "This isn't how I wanted to do this but it seems like a better time than any, I guess. I've been carrying this for almost three weeks now, searching for the perfect time. Marco Del Rossi, I love you with all my heart. Will you please marry me?"

Marco's jaw dropped as Dylan held put a black velvet box with the lid ajar. Inside on the black velvet lining lay a beautiful platinum ring with one diamond inlaid. Tears sprang to his eyes and his hand shook as he reached out for the box, "Yes, Dylan Michalchuk, I will marry you."

The bar celebrated that night as the newly engaged couple stood side by side on the stage and announced their intentions. The drinks flowed and the music never ended, it was perfect.

Three weeks later an article was published in a well-known sports magazine.

Hockey Star on Ice, Dad off and Out

Dylan Michalchuk, star power forward for the Maple Leafs has granted this journalist with a rare interview. He contacted me to set the record straight about his failed nuptials.

The wedding that was intended to take place over a year ago were called off when two members of the groom's friends and family objected to the wedding. It was stated that he was only marrying his intended out of duty not love. His own sister gave away his secret of being in love with someone from high school.

Dylan now confirms the accusations made by his sister. It seems that he has been dating his old high school boyfriend, Marco Del Rossi, bar owner, since the wedding was cancelled.

Dylan's free time is also taken up with his six month old daughter, Marcella. She's a bundle of raw energy already as this journalist saw first hand. She has her daddy firmly wrapped around one chubby little finger and is proud of it.

What's next with the hottest player on the Maple Leafs? Our sources say there might be another wedding in the works for the hunky blonde forward. His boyfriend, Del Rossi has been seen all over town with a new addition to his left ring finger. No one close to the pair has been available for comment on the newest rumors but I wouldn't be surprised to find Dylan walking down the aisle soon.

As for the Marcella front, he's taking over custody from the mother and is happy to have her. He said he's looking forward to being a full time daddy and showing his little girl the world that he grew up in and loved as a child.

Who knows hockey fans, we may just have the next great Michalchuk in the making for the ice in the future.

Shortly following this article, another appeared in the society column of the local papers.

Dylan Michalchuk to wed

Dylan Michalchuk, star power forward for the Maple Leafs, has announced his engagement to Marco Del Rossi. Long time friend and high school boyfriend, Del Rossi, was proposed to in a most unusual and unromantic way but is not displeased with the proposal.

The wedding date is yet undetermined by the newly engaged couple. They do promise to keep us informed of any new developments, however.

Marco sat back with a sigh as he read the latest announcement.

"It's out now."

Marco turned to look at his lover, "No, you're out…the announcement just solidifies it. Now, when are you making an honest man out of me?"