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Post by Markise Sterling on Jan 2, 2009 2:03:30 GMT -5
Even Markise couldn't seem to pretend anymore. His mind refused to take the offer any way but one, but there was no way he could bring himself to say it. The motions of his hand slowed with no intent of suggestion, but rather because he was trying so hard to think. To think of something other than that grin or the direction those gray eyes were focused. Markise was still determined not to be easy like he'd been for Ariel, not to be stupid like he'd been at the club. He didn't want casual sex. He didn't. "Do you have bottled water?" he asked at last, hoping he still sounded playful, even if it sounded nervous and half desperate to his own ears.
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Jan 2, 2009 12:21:14 GMT -5
"Among other things," Mano said, bringing his eyes back to Markise's. It was risky to say what he wanted to say, but he decided that it was worth the risk. "Not everything is out here, though." If it was too much, he could go the route of saying he was talking about the supply room where he kept some of the things for special orders. It would be a flimsy explanation, at best.
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Post by Markise Sterling on Jan 2, 2009 12:37:47 GMT -5
Markise's breath stopped, and he couldn't have pulled his eyes from Mano's even if he had wanted to. He told himself that he should want to, that if there had been a single moment during this... trip that he should excuse himself and run, this was that moment. And yet he found his tongue moistening suddenly dry lips. "I... shouldn't," he managed.
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Jan 2, 2009 13:04:48 GMT -5
"Why?" Mano asked softly, still holding Markise's gaze. He could feel it, so very close. He couldn't push, though, not too much. If Markise left now then he would have to all but start over again. The clothes teased Mano, giving him just enough to want more, to want to see more. His imagination was starting to take over. He shifted his weight again, switching his feet over.
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Post by Markise Sterling on Jan 2, 2009 13:22:07 GMT -5
Markise tried to look away. He could feel how intently Mano watched him even with their eyes locked together. Why? Because he didn't want to be a whore literally or figuratively. Because he wanted to be more than his body and was terrified that he wasn't worth anything else. "I'm afraid," he said softly. Not of what would--could--happen, but of what would happen after. "I'm tired of being used."
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Jan 2, 2009 13:35:16 GMT -5
Mano didn't reply immediately, thinking through words that would argue his point. "Everyone has different opinions on what using someone is," he started. "If I say you can come by any time, be it coffee, desserts, or just talking, then is that really considered being used?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He didn't just take a taste and then throw the person out of his life.
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Post by Markise Sterling on Jan 2, 2009 14:06:13 GMT -5
Markise finally broke his gaze from Mano's, but only because he knew he wouldn't be able to think otherwise. Was he really offering all that? Coming by any time. Just talking. Markise knew the likelihood that it would end there, but the idea of having someone to talk to... to keep talking to. Sadly, it was better than the official relationships he'd been in. Markise licked his lips, then lifted his gaze again and nodded. He wasn't entirely sure what he was agreeing to, but it all sounded so good.
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Jan 2, 2009 14:16:18 GMT -5
Mano let his easy smile cover his face again and he took one last drink from his mug. "I'm not tying you down," he said, deciding that with Markise it would be best to go ahead and let him know what he was in for. Also, by saying that, it was an easy way to tell Markise that he didn't plan on being with only Markise. "Just helping you with your addiction."
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Post by Markise Sterling on Jan 2, 2009 14:36:29 GMT -5
Markise felt a wash of heat from his stomach to his cheeks and the back of his neck. He couldn't exactly pretend to be offended. He'd known there wouldn't be a relationship, at least the kind he wished he could have, though not necessarily with Mano. But could he handle friends-with-benefits? He wanted to say no, but he desperately wanted a friend, and if something happened with Mano... would it really be so bad? From what he'd seen of Mano, he didn't think so. So what was wrong with it? Again, Markise licked his lips and lifted his gaze to Mano's. "Yes," he said softly.
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Jan 2, 2009 14:55:09 GMT -5
Mano's smile broadened and he had to work to keep his eyes from gleaming. He finished off his coffee and set the mug on the counter beside him. He liked that he had gotten Markise to agree to it, however much uncertainty he could sense. "Any chance you would come back with me?" he asked, gesturing over to the door, "Technically I'm closed."
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Post by Markise Sterling on Jan 2, 2009 15:11:57 GMT -5
Markise looked back at that door, and again he had to think. He quickly decided that was useless, though. He was already locked in the coffee shop with Mano, he'd already said yes, and despite how little light was still making it through the windows, he didn't want to leave. He looked aside at Mano, and his fingers pulled lightly at that lock of silky blond hair. "Lead the way," he said. His mantra was more than dead, it was decimated.
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Post by Mano Berwyn on Jan 2, 2009 15:29:38 GMT -5
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