Following up - Marcus Jaint Private Scenes - Storyteller & Marcus Jaint

It had been a couple of weeks since Marcus had seen Tom, so it seemed like a good idea to get together again.  He logged onto the computer and went to the familiar room, smiling as he saw Tom's login name.

"Hey Tom.  I hope your holidays have been good.  Was wondering if you wanted to get together tonight for a game and some conversation?"

He pressed enter, and sat back, waiting for a reply.

Meet you there. Say, at around seven pm?

The next night, Marcus shows up at the coffee shop, donning the mask of who he was when Tom first met him. He took the table they had before, setting up the chess board and sits back to wait. At his feet, a small belated christmas present sits in an equally small gift bag, tissue paper sticking out of the top teasingly.

He smiles warmly, standing and motioning towards the empty chair "Hey! Crap, you've been busy" he says, retaking his seat as soon as Tom seats himself "Tell me what's been going on?" For the moment, the chess board is forgotten, a fair bit of concern on his face as he notes Tom's exhaustion.

Marcus smiles, and nods towards the counter "Would you like a cup of tea or something while we talk? I don't wanna keep you if you are only getting a couple hours of sleep a night Tom" There was genuine concern in his voice as he addressed his companion. Suddenly he smiles, then reaches down to the small bag at his feet "And I got you a holiday present."

Marcus waves a hand at Tom, smiling lightly "Nonsense. You are my friend Tom, and as such, you are entitled to certain fringe benefits." He chuckles, setting the small gift bag next to the chess board, closer to Tom. "You sit there and I'll go get you a coffee. Cream or sugar?" He asks, rising.

Marcus smiles amiably and turns, making his way to the counter and orders two cups of coffee. It doesn't take long, and he drops a ten dollar bill into the tip jar and heads to the cream and sugar counter. He adds a couple dollops of cream into Tom's and lidding it before moving back to his chair. He sets the cup near the present, then sits back himself.

He nods, a grin nearly splitting his face in two. He was excited, and it showed. "Indeed. It's part of a larger gift that I didn't want to lug down here." He takes a 'sip' of his lidded coffee before setting it down on the table next to him.

The bag was surprisingly heavy for being such a small thing and as soon as Tom peeled back the tissue paper he knife why. Within, each in a protective sleeve were three figureines. The craftsman ship of the chess pieces were amazing, and Marcus watched with silent interest, looking between the bag and Tom's reaction.

Marcus shakes his head "Nonsense Tom. You are in a profession few people have the patience for. You work yourself to the bone, foregoing sleep and personal comforts to help a city that rarely expresses it's gratitude for what you do." He smiles "These last few months have been hell obviously, which I noticed, was something that happens every year. And yet you remain, doing good work for people. You are my friend, and I want you to know, I appreciate it. Besides, I've had this chess set around for ages, and have no one to play it with. At least now, I have a friend to share such a beautiful set with."

Marcus smiles a bit as Tom leans in to kiss his cheek and he offers it to the man willingly and without hesitation. What might strike him as odd in return is that Marcus tilts his head a bit to kiss Tom's cheek as well, pulling back while maintaining eye contact with the man. "My pleasure Tom." he says quietly, only breaking eye contact when he was sure his message was received. He takes another sip of his coffee and sets it down.

Marcus leans forward some, his blue eyes intent on Tom "I'd like that. What are you plans for the rest of the evening. I'm sure you would prefer resting, but if it's a choice of sitting here and drinking coffee...or heading back to my place to play some chess with your present...." he flashes his best 'boy-next-door' smile "I know what decision I would go with" he finishes with a grin.

A wide smile touches at Marcus' lips as he regards Tom "Somehow, it doesn't surprise me that you have a puppy. But don't tell me what type." He sits back, his blue eyes centered on the handsome man "Hmm, you are....A Jack Rustle Terrier type of guy. Cute and adorable, boundless energy and lots of love for cuddle time." He grins as he pulls out his phone and offers it to Tom.