Author's Note: Like I said, I'm sorry. I've had company non-stop, and I haven't been able to update, but here I am now :) It's a bit short because they still haven't left, but…I tried to give you something. I promise everything will be better when they leave.

Marco stood as far from Craig as possible while walking out of the restaurant. Craig held his hand out, raising his eyebrow questioningly as he did so.

"Marco, it's scary that I have to teach you that being gay is okay," said Craig. "Unfortunately, your boyfriend of two years, or three not counting the break-up, didn't do the job."

Craig waited for Marco to take his hand. Eventually, Marco responded to his statement. "That rhymes, you know," he said.

Craig rolled his eyes. He moved closer to Marco, placing his hand on his shoulder, begging him to look up. "Focus," he said simply.

"Dy—Dylan got me to come out to my mom," he replied, trying to defend his ex-boyfriend.

Craig laughed, but his face clearly showed he was far from amused. "He pressured you. The last thing Marco Del Rossi needs is pressure."

"Marco Del Rossi can speak for himself," said Marco, hoping to seem confident as he began looking down at the sidewalk again.

"He should also be himself," said Craig sternly, not bothering to just hold his hand out to be taken any longer. He grabbed Marco's hand without his consent, and laced his fingers with his. "And walk around being who he is without a care."

Marco looked down at their entwined hands, and then back up again. He smiled a little. "They'll stare."

"Oh, if they don't, I'll make them," he said excitedly. "Maybe that is what you need."

"Unlikely," said Marco, rolling his eyes. "Look, let's just walk. If we need to hold hands, I want to get it over with."

"That's exactly what I mean!" exclaimed Craig. To Marco's surprise, he looked angry. "You let people, especially Dylan and I, push you."

"Well, I don't know what you wa—"

"No," Craig interrupted, stubbornly pulling his hand out of Marco's. "No, just stop trying to make me happy. If you want to walk around like a straight guy, go ahead."

Craig began walking in the opposite direction, probably trying to cool off for a bit before heading back to Marco's house. "Craig, wait!"

Marco ran after Craig, after a moment of considering whether or not it was a good idea. When he finally caught up to him, Craig only quickened his pace. "I'll hold your hand!" he yelled out.

Craig turned around, a smug smile on his face as he watched Marco look around at all the people staring. He gulped. "I—I will."

Craig walked closer, taking his hand in his own once again. "People will stare," he reminded him.

Marco shrugged. "I have to get used to it someday," he said, reluctantly letting a smile creep onto his face.

The two walked hand in hand back to Marco's, not even bothering to take a taxi for a much shorter walk, enjoying each other, and most importantly, ignoring the occasional glance from a person toward their hands.

"Honestly, though," Marco started, as they got closer to home, "you'd think they have better things to do than stare at us."

"Of course not," said Craig. "They're ogling because you're so stunningly attractive that it's almost impossible."

Marco looked away shyly, glancing again at their hands. "I'm not," he mumbled. They had arrived outside of Marco's house, but neither wanted to go in, so they traveled around to the side.

"Marco, you're the most amazing person I've ever met," he said honestly. It was the first time in a long time that Marco was able to see he was being entirely truthful, no hint of trying to win something for being nice. He just, for some reason, believed it.

"How?" asked Marco, swinging their hands a little as he walked.

"No one else can make me buy a dozen roses for a girl," said Craig. "All you ever do is help me, you just…try to make me so happy, Marco, and all I want to do is return the favor. Making you walk around holding my hand may not be the be—"

Marco interrupted Craig by pulling his head down for a kiss, standing high on his tiptoes to reach. Craig didn't respond, shocked that Marco was brining back what they had avoided in conversation for weeks.

Marco pulled away, hurt that Craig didn't seem to want it. "I'm sorry," he said sadly, letting go. He wasn't sure he could control it anymore.

"Let's walk," he suggested.

Craig shook his head, pulling Marco back against him, leaning against the house, silently praying no one was inside.

"What did I say? Confidence?"

Marco looked up at him, confused. "What?"

Craig held him tightly, leaning down to kiss him softly before speaking against his lips, "You're not going anywhere, babe."

Marco allowed him to kiss him again, suddenly caring not if Paige and Ellie came to take photos. He was lost in the wonderful feeling of Craig being so gentle…yet forceful with him. For the first time in days, Dylan was far from his mind.

Author's Note: Okay, so, I know it's short. Like I said, I still have company:sigh: so it was hard to get anything up. Be grateful lol. As for my reviews, (not meaning this story, but my others) bleh, they've become…like two a chapter. It makes me think I'm losing readers for…like Breaking the Attachment and such. Please don't stop reviewing. If you have never…well, what can I say? Please review, and thanks.