Disclaimer: I don't own it. I just like to twist things into my own strange little world.
A/N: I am such a bad authoress. I promise it won't be this long again. I hope. hides behind desk
I am sorry, Kate but I couldn't wait any longer for at least this chapter. I hope you'll have time to read the others.
All mistakes are mine. This is unbeta'd...sorry.
Chapter Seven
Dinner Party and Adjustments
Marco came home from class with his arms laden with groceries. He continued bringing in groceries and putting them away for the next half hour or so.
Dylan entered the townhouse an hour later and heard noises in the kitchen. He entered the kitchen and laughed. Marco was dancing around the kitchen and humming to whatever was currently playing on his iPod. He took the opportunity to scare the daylights out of his young husband. He approached the younger man and wrapped his arms around his waist.
Marco shrieked like a girl before realizing it was Dylan who had accosted him from behind. He took out his earphones and turned to smile at Dylan sweetly. He watched as Dylan gasped for breath because he was laughing so hard, then delivered the below the belt blow, "I guess since you are so immature as to scare me like that, I won't be having sex with you tonight. I think you need to abstain a little longer before getting any again."
Dylan's laughter died quickly. He stared at Marco in shock as a wicked grin appeared on the younger man's face. 'He is actually withholding sex as a punishment. That is just wrong,' thought Dylan.
"Go take a shower and come back here. I need your help setting up for this dinner party," commanded Marco.
"Why should I help when any chance of a reward has been brutally taken from me?" inquired Dylan.
"Because you love me and this marriage isn't only about sex. Oh, and it's your sister and coach coming to dinner," suggested Marco.
Dylan nodded, "I see you have a very good point. I will be back shortly."
Marco and Dylan finished the preparations for dinner just as the doorbell rang.
"I'll go get the door while you start pouring the drinks," suggested Dylan.
Dylan opened the door to find James, Leslie and Tess waiting to be allowed entrance.
"Come in and have a seat. Dinner is almost ready but we need to wait for Paige and Chad. How are things?" inquired Dylan as he led the trio into the living room.
Marco entered with a tray of drinks and set them on the coffee table. He immediately reached for Tess after kissing Leslie on her cheek.
"And how is my goddaughter? She is getting so big."
Leslie smiled, "She is thriving as you can see. She sits up on her own now and loves the colors moving on the television. It's amazing to hear her giggle."
Marco smiled at the little girl in his arms. She was making all sorts of noises as she tried to talk to him, "Yes baby girl, tell me all about it."
Dylan smiled softly as he talked with James and they watched their spouses. Marco looked so natural holding Tess and talking to her.
"You really love him," commented James as he watched Dylan watching Marco.
Dylan nodded, "Yes, for some reason, I forgot that for a while. I don't ever intend to forget again."
James was about to respond but the doorbell rang first. Dylan had moved off the open it again.
Paige waddled into the house, looking very uncomfortable.
"How are you feeling, dear sister?" asked Dylan.
"I'm a beached whale, how do you think I feel?" responded Paige sarcastically.
Chad followed Paige into the house and was trying his hardest not to laugh. Dylan caught his arm before he could move into the living room, "Dude, you may want to straighten up before my sister castrates you. I can guarantee that if you make her cry, Marco and Leslie will help her."
Chad took a couple of deep breaths before walking into the living room.
Marco was back in the kitchen, Leslie and Paige were discussing pregnancy and Dylan and James were playing with Tess on the floor. Chad chose the safest route and sat on the floor with James and Dylan.
Marco came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dishtowel, "Dinner is on the table. Shall we adjourn to the dining room?"
Paige struggled to push herself out of the chair before Dylan could get to her to help. Leslie looked on with a sympathetic smile, as James and Chad both had to smother their laughter.
Leslie rolled her eyes at the insensitive husbands, "Give me Tess before you hurt yourself. It's times like this that having a gay man as a husband might be a good thing."
James just smiled at his wife as he handed their daughter over.
The couples sat around the table and discussed various things, just catching up over dinner. They were enjoying the painstakingly prepared meal with enthusiasm.
Marco waited until dinner had ended before making his announcement. "The reason this dinner is being held, besides just getting together with some friends, is to tell you that Dylan has agreed to move back in here. We are trying to make our marriage work."
After the appropriate murmurs of 'about time and 'good for you', Marco served his dessert.
The three couples left the dining room after filling themselves on pound cake and fruit.
"Hun, I'm tired. Marco, I'm sorry to eat and run but I'm exhausted," explained Paige.
Marco hugged Paige around her burgeoning belly, "It's okay, love. Go home and get off your feet. Take care of my niece and nephew."
"We need to go too. It's almost Tess' bedtime and she still needs a bath," said Leslie with some regret.
Marco smiled as he kissed Tess' head, "Good night, sweet one."
Marco and Dylan showed everyone out before returning to the living room.
Dylan grabbed Marco and pulled him into a hug. He rested his head on top of the shorter man's and sighed, "Thank you for tonight. I had fun."
"As did I," assured Marco, "but now it's time for me clean up."
Dylan moved to help him but Marco shook his head, "Let me help you."
Marco continued to shake his head, "No, you need to finish the paper that is due in my class in the morning."
Dylan pouted for a minute, "Fine, if I have to."
Marco smiled as Dylan sat at the desk, "Yes, you have to. Now get to writing."
Marco moved to the dining room as he heard the hesitant sounds of Dylan typing.
The men finished their individual tasks about the same time, "Are you finished?" asked Marco as he entered the living room.
"Almost. I have three more lines of the final proofread. Okay, now I'm finished. Are you done cleaning?"
Marco nodded, "Yes, let's go to bed. It has been a long day."
Dylan smiled, "That has to be the best idea I have heard all day long."
Marco changed out of his clothes and into pajama pants with Dylan watching him intently. "Am I really that fascinating to watch?"
Dylan nodded, "Yes because you are just sexy as sin."
Marco shook his head as he laughed, "Get ready for bed, you obviously need sleep. You are delusional."
Dylan changed and pulled his husband into his arms after climbing into bed.
The couple drifted off to sleep after a few tender but passionate kisses.
The next couple of days went smoothly. They attended classes and came home each night to spend time together.
Then Monday came and Dylan got his paper back graded. He fumed all day long until he could get home and confront his husband. It was almost eight that night before he could get away from hockey practice.
Marco watched as Dylan stormed into the living room and threw his bag down on the chair. He raised an eyebrow at his husband before asking, "Is there a problem?"
"How in the hell could you give me an F on my paper? I am your husband, damn it," said Dylan, angrily.
Marco arched an eyebrow again, "Did you read the paper? It's barely coherent, Dylan. I gave you the grade you deserved, I can't play favourites."
"But I'm your husband, couldn't you cut me some slack?" inquired Dylan.
"If you had asked for my help beforehand, I could have directed you to the problem. It would be unethical if I gave this paper a grade higher than what it deserves because you are my husband. I can't make those kinds of exceptions," stated Marco firmly. He was irritated that Dylan was being so mean because he didn't like his grade.
Dylan stormed from the room. When he didn't return after a half hour, Marco set aside his grading and glasses and went to find him.
"What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?" inquired Dylan, nastily.
"It appears that you are packing, but why?"
Dylan shook his head in disgust, "I can't do this, Marco. I thought I could but I was wrong. This is just too hard."
Marco looked at him angrily, "So because you decide this is too hard, you are going to walk away. Isn't our marriage worth fighting for? Aren't I worth it?"
"I don't know anymore. Some days, yes and others, no. I can't do this right now. I guess love isn't enough," stated Dylan sadly.
Marco shook his head again, "I can't stop you. I love you and I think you are making a big mistake by leaving but I can't stop you. I really wish you wouldn't go but if that's what you think is best, then go." Marco gave a little shrug as he swallowed back the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Why aren't you fighting me?" inquired Dylan.
"I'm tired of fighting you. I want to you to be here because it is what you want, not because I forced you into staying," Marco said with resignation.
Dylan finished packing and walked by Marco to grab his book bag and hockey bag. He walked out the front door without saying goodbye or looking back at his husband.
Marco poured a glass of scotch and sank into the couch. He drank until he couldn't feel the tears that poured down his cheeks freely.
Read, review...it's a good thing. If I can swing it and there is still enough interest, I'll try to update again within the week.