A/N: Well, here's the final chapter to this story. While I'm sad to see it end, I know the third part will more than make up for where I ended this. The third part will be entitled "A Time of Regrets" so when it pops up under my penname, you'll already know about it.
As for the last two stories, I'd like to thank the two people who have been with me since day one, Kate and Feral. I thank you both more than you could possibly understand.
Katie—if it weren't for you, nothing would be posted.
Feral—thanks for the help. There were more than a few times when I desperately needed it.
As for my other reviewers, some have been with me since very close to the beginning; ReRe04, Sagittarius Sage, Raven4darkness, Lizzy, Krinklecut (who by the way I'm glad to see is back. I was wondering if I'd lost you somewhere.), and more than I could mention. So sorry if you're one of the ones I didn't name, it was purely unintentional.
Some reviewers came in later on Fresh Start or started reviewing Second Chance instead; McCurdy, Spider-man-fan, dancingiceprincess, azure266, citygal509 and a new reviewer Youko.
Thank you to all of you. I love reading the reviews and look forward to them when I open my mail. I hope you'll stick with me through this next story as well.
This is a fair warning, this chapter is sickeningly sweet. It is pure fluff. But I deemed it necessary after everything that Marco and Dylan have been tortured with in my twisted little mind. So bear with me and just enjoy the fluffiness that is so out of character for me, I promise it won't happen often.
Chapter Twenty
The next year flew by for Dylan and Marco. It was more long distance wedding preparations and studying for their classes.
Everything was ordered except for the last minute, hands-on decisions. They'd flown to Degrassi so many times they were beginning to know flight attendants by name. Mainly these trips were to make decisions about food, drinks, music, and arrangements. All the must see and taste decisions that Marco wouldn't relinquish control of, no matter how hard Dylan tried to entice him.
A month before the wedding, Marco turned to look at Dylan. They'd been studying for finals and wrapping up details over the internet and with the help of Ellie back in Degrassi. "Did you have any idea that this was going to be much work and so time consuming?"
Dylan smiled, "Hey, I wanted to elope."
"No you didn't. You wanted this wedding as much as I did."
Dylan chuckled, "Yeah, I did. Come here…"
When Marco just arched an eyebrow at him, he tacked on a, "Please."
Marco got up and walked to the couch. Only to be pulled onto Dylan's lap.
Dylan started nuzzling his neck, nipping lightly on his ear lobe.
"Aren't you supposed to be studying?"
"No, it's time for a break." Dylan said as he started to remove Marco's shirt. The phone rang, interrupting his progress.
Marco started to move away, "Let the machine get it," pleaded Dylan.
Marco looked at him sternly, "But caterers, florists, tailors, …wedding?"
Dylan released him under great protest.
"Hello?"
"Hi
Mama."
"Yeah, things are well."
"You're flying in with only two days to spare."
"Great."
"See you next month."
"My love to Papa too."
Marco hung up the phone and sat back in his chair. Dylan took that as a huge billboard size sign that play time was officially over.
The month passed by quickly and their wedding day was upon them.
Marco and Dylan hadn't seen each other in the seventeen hours since the rehearsal dinner had ended. They were both assured that the other was in attendance by the wedding party. While they knew it was stupid, they were forced to adhere to the can't see the bride/groom on the day of the wedding superstition.
The outdoor gardens were perfect. The satin and tulle ribbons in the trees and bushes danced beautifully in the breeze. All their friends and family were in attendance, it was perfect.
Dylan stood next to the justice of the peace and Marco's priest, while he couldn't marry them he agreed to bless the marriage. Waiting for the love of his life to walk down the aisle toward him. Dylan was fidgeting with his coat as his father and Chad looked on in amusement.
Dylan breathed an audible sigh of relief as he saw Paige emerge from behind the curtain. He heard Chad's breath catch at the way Paige looked in her dress.
Even Dylan had to admit she looked absolutely gorgeous in the ice blue satin dress. The empire waist, spaghetti straps and the hemline were a pure compliment to her near perfect figure. She was breathtaking.
Ellie emerged next in the same dress but it was a deep burgundy color. It sounds garish together but the combination was actually worked.
Then the moment Dylan had been waiting on. He saw Marco. Drop dead gorgeous in his tuxedo with a small private smile, just for Dylan.
Marco took a deep breath before starting down the short aisle to his lover, best friend and very soon to be husband. The butterflies in his stomach were daunting but nothing would keep him from standing up beside the man at the head of the aisle.
They had constructed their own vows. Yes, constructed is the correct word because they had gotten them from various sources.
Marco went first:
Dylan, I take you to be my life partner; secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, and my one true love.
They had agreed previously to make them short and sweet. Nothing too long to bore the guests.
Dylan waited a minute before starting his. His voice didn't seem to be as strong as it should have been:
Marco, I offer you my love. I offer my strength and my weaknesses. I offer you my support and loyalty. I offer my faith, for as long as we both shall live. I love you more than I could express here and I hope you know that.
The ceremony finished, the priest blessed the marriage and the guests went to the site for the reception. Pictures were taken of the happy couple with family and the wedding party.
The reception was going splendidly and dinner was just about over.
Chad stood up, "Seeing as I'm the best man, I'm supposed to give this toast. I'd like to do it now and get it over with, please." Everyone quieted down and looked at him with expectation. "This is daunting. Anyway, Dylan's been my best friend since Kindergarten when he agreed to share the tire swing with me and then pushed me off of it. We've had some very trying times and a ton of fun. I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything. When he met Marco, a lowly little Grade 10 that hung out with his kid sister, we thought he'd gone mad. We made fun of him every chance we got, which was often. I liked Marco from the very beginning, I'm not sure why but he had something about him that made him perfect for Dylan. I'd never seen my friend happier and I hope he stays that way. I watched as their relationship grew from friendship to love. It was an amazing transformation. I'm constantly reminded while watching them of something Richard Bach once said, 'If you love something set it free; if it comes back it's yours, if it doesn't, it never was.' Well, we all know Marco let Dylan go free when he left for college. Yet here we are today, so this is how I know their marriage is right and will last forever. I hope that ten years from now you will be able to look back at this day and remember it as the day you were happiest the least in your married life."
Everyone clapped and some shed a tear or two. Chad sat down, relieved it was over.
Paige stood up, "Tough act to follow. Never knew the one with a 2.0 GPA could actually give such a moving speech. Just kidding, hun. Now, on to the real speech. Dylan, for as long as I can remember, you've been struggling with happiness. It was always hard for you to simply be happy. There was too much weighing you down; hockey, school, your sexuality, and family. I noticed the happiness thing ceased to be an issue when you met Marco. I'd love to take credit for introducing you but you introduced yourself. But I can take credit for having Marco over at the house. Marco, I'm extremely glad you had such great taste as to fall in love with my brother, in spite of all his faults. I've always wanted a sister." A few chuckles, including Marco's broke her speech. "Marco and Dyl, I'm ecstatic for the both of you. You truly complement one another. You met as friends and it evolved into a love that so many people rarely find today. Love after all doesn't make the world go around…Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. And it's a wonderful thing when two people who were made for each other manage to fall in love. So, I'd like to make a toast. And I'd like to make it with this thought in mind, 'If there is such a thing as a good marriage, it is because it resembles a friendship rather than love.' So this is to you, Dylan and Marco, and a wonderful life together. Ladies and Gentlemen, to friends, lovers and soul mates."
Mr. Del Rossi stood to go next, "I'm speaking for myself as well as my wife, seeing as she can't stop crying. And blubbering that her baby is married. I alienated my son when he came out. I couldn't handle it. I didn't realize how this would affect him. I'm here today to tell him that he made an excellent choice in partners. Dylan is a great man, whom I admire for his strength, courage and his heart. Your mother and I wish you the best of luck in your marriage and life together. Remember one thing, don't go to bed angry and never walk out on a fight. Your marriage will be stronger if you last through the fights and survive. Marco, you make things entertaining for us. We're proud of you and we'd do anything for you. You're a giving person, you're always there if we need you and we love you…even though you can sometimes drive us crazy. I'm glad I can be here for this and I hope that you're road goes on forever and the party never ends. Well, it ends enough for you to graduate and support yourself. Be happy and remember to love like there's no tomorrow."
Ellie stood up, "I wasn't aware I was going last tonight until I arrived here today so I'm a little nervous. This is the last speech you will hear and it's got to be memorable. Marco, I love you. You're my best friend and I was the first person at Degrassi to know you were gay. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement but I'm extremely happy you found someone to love. Dylan, I was leery of you at first. You were too perfect, too golden, and were capable of breaking his heart. You did break it but in turn, he broke yours as well. You made it through the rough patch and things are better. I never wanted to jinx this relationship so I never divulged what you two always reminded me of on a daily basis. It's a quote by Emily Bronte, 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." Marco and Dylan, your souls are the same. You make a perfect couple, you truly deserve each other, and I know you'll have a long and happy life together."
Marco got up and hugged his best friend. He knew that took a lot for her to be the center of attention. "Thank you, El. I have something to say to my husband. While our path hasn't always been paved and we've lost the map a few times, we've managed to reach our destination. I love you more today than I did when I said yes a year ago. I know I'll love you more next year than I did today. Thank you for the patience, understanding and unconditional love you've shown me in the last year. I know planning this wedding has made me borderline insane and I'm sorry but I wouldn't trade marrying you in front of our friends and family for the world. I love you."
Dylan stood up and kissed him sweetly. A few "Awww, how cutes" were heard through the guests.
Dylan stayed standing when Marco sat down, "I didn't know Marco was making a speech so I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this one. While the last year has been rather trying on the nerves, it's been worth it. You made this wedding special for everyone here. I don't know why you're thanking me for the understanding considering I've been an ass on more than one occasion myself. I never knew I could love someone this much when I figured out I liked men. I was doubtful that I'd ever find my soul mate. As usual, you managed to prove me wrong. But for you, I'm more than happy to be wrong. You're smarter, better looking and a better person which just makes me want to be a better person. I love you."
Marco blushed lightly as he kissed Dylan soundly on the lips.
The dinner ended, speeches given and music was starting.
The DJ stood up, "Can we have the newlyweds on the floor please. It's time for the first dance."
Marco and Dylan walked into the middle of the floor as 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' by Savage Garden started playing. Next came the mother and son dances. Dylan chose 'Unforgettable' by Natalie and Nat King Cole for it.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Dylan and Marco danced with their mothers and then halfway through switched moms.
The tears soon dried as the DJ started playing the wedding party songs that were chosen by Paige and Ellie, without Marco's knowledge. The play list went like this; In My Life by the Beatles, With a Little Help From My Friends by the Beatles, That's What Friends are For by Dionne Warwick, It's Raining Men by the Weather Girls, I won't say I'm in love from Hercules, and to top it off, YMCA by the Village People. This list had the guests rolling.
The reception lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Marco and Dylan weren't flying out for their week long honeymoon in Hawaii until the next day so they were there for the entire thing. Everyone was having a great time and didn't want it to end.
Marco cornered Dylan around 3 am. "Can we please go to the hotel now?"
Dylan smiled, "Why? I thought we were having fun."
"I am having fun. I just thought we could consummate our marriage seeing as we haven't had time in the last week for any kind of activities." Marco said with a grin.
"Hmm. Good reason to say goodnight." Dylan added.
The couple said their goodnights and headed for the limo to take them to their hotel.
Their honeymoon went beautifully. They had a great time on the beach and seeing the sights when they weren't busy with just enjoying each other.
Marco was glad to be back in Boston. He just wanted to be in his own bed and back to life. Not that he didn't enjoy the wedding, reception, honeymoon and all but it felt good to be back.
On their first night back, Marco and Dylan were lying in bed after making love. Dylan had him cradled against his chest and was stroking Marco's back lightly.
Marco sighed lightly against Dylan's chest.
"What's wrong, love?" inquired Dylan.
"Nothing. I just realized something."
"What's that?"
"I'm finally home." Marco said in awe.
Dylan knew it was a huge deal for Marco to finally have a home. To finally feel as where he was living was a home and not a house.
Marco continued, "I found home when I found you."
Dylan laughed, "That was corny. But sweet."
The two fell asleep within of minutes of each other, blissfully happy.
It was mentioned that people wanted more of the honeymoon but I didn't want to end on a torrid note. So forgive me for making the last chapter rather pg. I promise the lapses are few and far between but necessary when they happen.
Thank you again for sticking with me on this interesting ride. I've enjoyed writing it probably more than you enjoyed reading it.
Kate, Feral, and Lucy I thank ya'll from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for me. I hope I can continue to rant out my little insecurities while writing part 3.
As for the rest of you, thank you again. I'll post the first chapter of the new story as soon as I get 15 reviews to the last chapter. So, if you're really anxious to see the next part, recommend that friends review quickly.