At Dejay’s apology, Marco had given out a girlish giggle, a sound that was all so Marco and made Dejay smile in fondness, at the endearing sound. “Well,” Dejay began, a charming smile on his face as he continues, If I’m a book, I’m glad you find me worth reading," Dejay replied, his tone playful and sincere. “Though I hope you don’t skip to the last chapter too quickly. There’s a lot of story left to tell, though my life might seem a tad plain lately.”
He had after all, not going out as often as he did, ever seen Emilio’s and Wyatt’s disappearance and his Uncle’s death. All of it had been too sudden, too much to handle, and he found solace in being around Cameron- his other close friend, the one who remained and his daughter Dara. He and Dara had helped Cameron around with Noa, with Dara often babysitting.
Moreover, Dejay had let out a chuckle as Marco and him continued to pretend they were strangers, meeting each other for the first time by giving each other their names. When Dejay had introduced himself, Dejay Sean Sinclair, he followed it with a flirting tone, stating that it was a pleasure to see such a charming face in a place usually tinged with dullness. Of course, that part was said in a whisper. Marco had played a long, and Dejay couldn’t help but laugh at Marco’s antics, the way he danced around with his words and gestures, always putting on a show. It was part of why Dejay enjoyed his company so much—Marco could make the simplest interaction feel like a grand performance. “I think Elton John and Liberace would be jealous of how well you can rock sequins,” Dejay had stated, “It’s not a usual thing, for the inspired to eclipsed its inspiration, but you manage it quite effortlessly.”
Marco had responded with a playful glint in his eye, leaning in closer, whispering in that conspiratorial tone that made Dejay feel like they were sharing the best-kept secret in the room. “Isn’t this the part where you kiss my hand and I’d swoon like crazy?” Marco had teased, and Dejay laughed again, a rich, genuine sound. He had continued, stating that if he had the power to ask for Dejay’s number again and again, he would as it would make for a whole lot of charming stories.
“I think that should be my line,” He had said in reference to the number thing, "But, you never need to ask for my number, Marco. You know where to find me,” he replied, his tone equally soft and sincere. “And as for the stories, well, I think we have plenty of those already, don’t we?”
Then: With a smooth motion, Dejay lifted Marco’s hand and, with a flourish, placed a light kiss on the back of it. “Just as requested, ” he said, winking as he let go.
Marco, returning to his seat with a satisfied look, took another sip of champagne. “With anonymity, of course,’ he added, a cheeky smile playing on his lips.
Dejay echoed the sentiment, raising his own glass. “With anonymity,” he agreed, clinking his glass gently against Marco’s. The playful energy between them was palpable, a dance of words and glances that only they seemed to understand fully.
Dejay listened intently, nodding as Marco vented about the postponed meetings and the unfinished portfolio.
“I’ll make sure to pass on the message,” Dejay assured him, “Though,” he had scrunched his brows, “I didn’t know the two of you were close,” And Dejay tended to know a whole lot about Emilio’s lifestyle, he was often with Emiliano after all-well, before he had disappeared without a word. Perhaps, they had grown close when Dejay had been busy helping Dara handle middle school when she turned 11 and had been crying over her ‘friendship breakup’ with a friend of her’s- though that break up did not last long, and they were still friends 5 years later, if Dejay recalls correctly.
Moreover, due to the tensed tension that came with mentioning Emilio’s name, Dejay had tried to lighten up the mood by cracking a joke. A joke based on Marco’s words that something had smelled fishy about the whole disappearance situation. “The horror,” Dejay had chuckled as Marco talked about his unfortunate restaurant experience. “But if the food today turns out to be a disappointment, you’re always welcome at my place, I enjoy cooking for people and it costs 0 dollars.”
When Marco commented on his outfit, Dejay allowed him to adjust the collar, feeling the warmth of Marco’s touch. He raised an eyebrow at the mention of Beyoncé’s bodyguard , a playful grin on his face and had chuckled when asked if Emilio had a strict dress code in bodyguard’s suit. “Well, I suppose I’ll have to take fashion tips from Julius then.” He began, “And no, Emiliano does not have a strict code in bodyguard’s suit- he doesn’t even like suits himself,” It was more so than Dejay had always prized himself on looking presentable, on looking professional because it reflected on him and his commitment to his role- his uncle had always told him, after all, that that a man’s attire is a silent testament to his character and though does not think he is as stern and stiff (or well at least he hopes) as the outfit he wears, he still wants to appear professional enough. “He’s always found suits uncomfortable and boring,” Dejay can still recall the days when his mothers or manager would force him to wear a suit to a movie premier, or to a formal even how much Emilio would complain about the feeling of them and how he cannot wait to remove his suit. “I wear them mostly to appear professional and for concealment.” By the latter of course, it meant that he had a bulletproof vest underneath all his clothing always, communication devices and side arms. Suits were a good way to conceal those defensive tools without drawing attention.
He noticed Marco’s brief moment of guilt, the sudden shift to asking about him instead. It was a thoughtful gesture, one that Dejay appreciated.
“I’m doing well, Marco. Will be busier now that Emiliano is back, of course. But it’s good to see you, truly. These gatherings can be a bit tedious, but having you around makes them far more enjoyable.”
He took a sip of his drink, his eyes meeting Marco’s with genuine warmth. “And how about you? Aside from the drama with Emilio, how have things been? Any new exciting projects or adventures you’re working on?” He had questioned, eyeing the appetizers as they came in.
