Getting To Know You [Marcus]

[marcus]

Marcus nodded his head, "Aye Jackson, we best get going." He agreed as he stood up and began to follow Jackson out of the family room they were in. As they both made their way to the elevator Marcus began to get really nervous. The idea of finally meeting his parents was becoming rather overwhelming to him and he just hoped that he wouldn't be a disappointment to them both.

Then Jackson asked if he was feeling nervous. That was the understatement of the year. Funny really, that both he and Jackson should be meeting his parents for the first time together. Estranged son and boyfriend together. "I'm nervous as hell Jackson, what if they don't want to know me?" Marcus said as he messily ran his hands through his hair.

"I'm sure they're going to love ye Jackson, especially having been here for Emma all night when they couldn't be, ye know?" Marcus said in a sure and firm voice. He was certain Jackson would probably get a better reception from his parents than he would himself.

Marcus stepped into the elevator after Jackson kept the button pressed to keep the doors open to allow him to walk in. It didn't take them too long to get to the foyer, and when the doors opened and Marcus stepped out, he was glad to see that nobody was there yet.

"Well, at least we got here before them." Marcus said, but as soon as he said that, a couple walked into the foyer from the hospital entrance. Marcus stared at them, and from the photograph he had of his family which he had found with the letter, he knew that it had to be them.

David and Emily stared at the two younger guys in front of them, Emily wasn't sure about the blonde guy, but she knew the dark haired guy immediately. He was the double of his father David. She ran to him and embraced him in a hug. "Oh my god, I can't believe it's you, I can't believe you've finally come back to us." Emily said as she began to cry and then held her son out at arms length.

While Emily was reuniting herself with Marcus, David made his way over to the blonde guy and held his hand out, "Jackson I assume?" He had to assume this, because he was with their son, and naturally he was there to see his sister. "Thanks for letting us know the situation, can you let us know where she is?" David said.

Marcus began to cry again, the emotion of the reunion with his parents was a little too much for him. "Mam...I..." He began to talk but his voice cracked. Emily looked at him, "You don't have to say anything, I can't believe you're back in our lives." She said with a warm smile.

However, Marcus couldn't leave it at that. "They never told me ye know." He said, as he cleared his throat and managed to compose himself to talk to her. "I only found out after the airplane crash and I was the soul survivor, found your letter in their personal effects." Marcus explained.

"Doesn't matter how you found us, you have, and that's all that matters." Emily said, and then she hugged him again. She then went and made her way over to Jackson and held her hand out giving him a warm smile.

"Hi Jackson, I'm Emily, Emma's mother, sorry it seems such terrible circumstances to meet you." She said with a sad smile and voice. While she introduced herself, David turned to Marcus and hugged him, slapping his back gently the way a man does. "Good to have you back in our lives son." David said, and then he looked at Jackson with another smile.

"Fancy taking us to Emma's room then?" David said, as he waited on a response from Jackson or their son Marcus. David and Emily didn't need name introductions for their son, as they had named him Marcus Ryan Woods before Emily's brother Martin took him from them to raise.

[Jackson Poe]

"I am sure that they will want to know you Marcus. Why wouldn't they? They probably thought that your so-called parents had told you, and you didn't want to know them." Jackson hoped that they did indeed want to know Marcus, who wouldn't? He had only known Marcus for almost a day, and Jackson liked him already. He was glad that he finally met someone who was related to Emma.

Jackson hoped as well that they would like him, even though he had been seeing Emma for this long. But Emma probably had her reasons for not getting around to introducing him to her parents. Though Jackson knew that they were both pretty busy with their chosen careers, and found it hard sometimes to do anything together.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Jackson heard what Marcus said, in regards to no one being there yet. But of cause those words only escaped his mouth, when a couple stepped into the foyer. Jackson saw a resemblance of the woman to Emma, and the man did have similiar features to Marcus. He didn't know what to say to them, but soon found himself standing back slightly.

The woman, who Jackson soon heard to be Emily, embraced Marcus, crying and welcoming him back to them. She held Marcus away from her a bit, and seemed to just look at him, looking so happy. Just as Jackson wondered what he should do in the mist of all the emotion, the man came over to Jackson. He asked if his name was Jackson. "Yes, Sir. It is good to se you, but under not so good circumstances." The he thanks Jackson, and asked where Emma was. "You are welcome. I can take you to her right now."

As Marcus spoke to Emily more, Jackson stepped to the side slightly, as so not to interrupt them. Jackson was glad that the reunion seemed to be going well for all involved. He knew that Marcus had been nervous, but now he seemed to be happy to meet his parents at long last. Jackson was happy for him, and hoped that the next step, meeting up with Emma, would be just as smooth a transition.

Then Emily came over to Jackson, introducing herself. "Hi. Jackson Poe. And don't worry about it. At least we have met now." Jackson couldn't believe how much Emma looked like her mum. "I must say that Emma has a lot of your looks. And just being with her for almost 2 months, I feel that she had been brought up by great parents." Jackson felt that he didn't sugar coat it too much, and he was telling the truth.

Then David asked if they were going to be taken up to Emma's room. Jackson was the first to pipe up. "Sure. This way." Jackson let them back to the same elevator that Marcus and himself had only taken moments ago. He pushed the up button, and soon enough the doors open. Jackson put his hand on the open doors, in order for David, Emily, and Marcus to get in first, and then Jackson followed. he then pushed the button for the floor the ward was on, and the doors closed.

Jackson knew it was only a short ride up, but turned to talk to the couple. "I know that the doctor should be around when we get up there, as he spoke to us before we came to meet up with you. He will definately have more to tell you, after the last few hours. Emma seemed to have had a good night's sleep, and was up and talking before." Jackson couldn't wait to see her, knowing that she was doing great so far.

Soon enough the elevator doors opened, and Jackson let them all out, before he got out. Jackson led the way towards the nurses station, and asked the nurse if the doctor was around. "Yes, I think he is in with Emma right now." Jackson thanked her, but was hoping that he would be in the hallway or something so that they could all have a chat before seeing Emma. "The doctor is with her now, so maybe you could go in first," gesturing to Emily and David.

[marcus]

Marcus nodded his head in agreement when Jackson said his parents would be glad to meet him, saying that his parents probably thought his so called parents had told him and he didn't want to know. "Aye Jackson, ye maybe right there." He replied, only time would tell though.

The reunion between Marcus and his parents had gone really well much to Marcus' relief. Jackson of course had been right, he had nothing to worry about, they were only too glad to have their son back in their lives, now Marcus would be able to belong to a proper family and have siblings he could look out for and help to take care of.

David looked at Jackson, "Not so good circumstances, no, but it's good to meet you son, Emma had been on the phone to us just the other day, she had been planning a surprise meet up with us for you, obviously never got the chance for it to happen." David said to Jackson and put his hand on Jackson's back, "However, good to meet you son, maybe we can have this family meal when Emma's fully recovered."

David smiled at Jackson when he said he could take them to Emma now. "That would be good son." Emily had then introduced herself to Jackson, and she smiled as he said some very kind words. "That's very kind of you to say so Jackson." Emily said with a warm smile and then she gave Jackson a hug. The thing with the Woods' were, they treated all of their children's friends, as part of the family, and Jackson as far as Emily was concerned, was no different.

Jackson then said they would take them to Emma's room, telling them to follow him. He then turned to his wife Emily. "Jackson is going to take us to where Emma is darling." He said as he put his arm around his wife's waist and began walking with Jackson to the elevator, with Marcus following behind.

"Aye, that's right dad, and neither Jackson nor meself have had breakfast yet, so maybe ye can both go in and see her first while we go get something to eat, aye?" Marcus said, hoping his parents wouldn't mind if they did that, and of course assuming that Jackson wanted to get something to eat sooner rather than later.

Once they arrived at the floor Emma's room was on, Jackson found out that the doctor was in with Emma at that moment. Jackson then suggested that his parents go in first, and of course with Marcus saying before about he and Jackson not having had breakfast yet, he thought it was a good idea.

David looked at Jackson, "Yeah, that might be a good idea son, why don't you and Marcus take yourself off for some breakfast and we'll see you again soon after?" Emily nodded her head and smiled at both of them, before she took out her purse and handed Marcus over some money, "Breakfast is on us, go treat yourselves darling."

"Thanks mam." Marcus said, giving her a bright smile, he couldn't believe how good it was to have his parents back in his life, and how easy it seemed to be that they were falling into being a family as if on auto pilot or something.

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson listned to what David said to him, suggesting that it might be good for them to in first. And then he suggested that Jackson and Marcus go and get themselves some breakfast. He watched as Emily nodded her head, and smiled. Jackson then watched as she pulled out her purse, and gave Marcus some money. "Thank you Emily." Jackson let Marcus take the money, and waited while he thanked his mum.

Jackson watched as David and Emily made their way to Emma's room. He hoped that the first encounter with her laying there would be good, though felt it would be. Just meeting their parents for the first time, made Jackson feel that they were indeed nice people, and that all would be well when they made their entrance a bit later. Turning to Marcus, Jackson smiled. "Let's go then?" Jackson's stomache began to rumble, and he felt a slight headache, due to not eating.

The walk was only a couple of minutes down to the caffateria, but it was still enough time for Jackson to talk. "So, I think your first encounter with your biological parents went well. I had hoped it would for you. They do seem really nice, and welcoming, as I have already experienced with your mum. I can see where Emma gets some of her features and personality." That was the big thing that stuck out for Jackson. After being with Emma for almost 2 months, he did feel that she had been brought up well, and that showed through whenever he was with her. He personally couldn't wait to see her true self come out when they eventually created another life. That thought made Jackson smile. Then he thought about whether he could somehow put together something special for them for their 2 month anniversary. He knew that they couldn't do anything real special, like going out, and then later being intimate. Though Jackson was sure that he could arrange something all the same.

They soon made their way into the caffateria, and Jackson walked towards the food area. Looking at the hot food ready to be served, he saw some bacon, eggs, and tomato. Jackson turned to Marcus. "The food looks pretty good, making me rather hungry."

[marcus]

Marcus grinned at Jackson when he turned to him and said 'lets go then'. Marcus' stomach let out a huge growl at that point and he suddenly realised just how hungry he actually was. "Aye, lets go." Marcus replied, as he walked with Jackson to the hospital cafeteria. As they walked Marcus began to talk about the reunion. Marcus had to agree that it did go very well. He smiled at Marcus. "Aye Jackson, it went really well. Funny though, how it just seemed so natural to step into calling them mam and dad though." Marcus said, as he frowned slightly, not that it worried him, just that he thought it was weird.

After all a few months ago, he had bid farewell to people he had thought were his parents, only to find out they weren't. He was grateful to have a family back in his life again, it just seemed really funny to him, just how well the reunion had gone. Jackson then mentioned about Emma getting some of her features and personality from his mam Emily.

"Aye Jackson, I could see that meself, even from the short time I've been in Emma's company, they're a lot alike, mind, I think I look a lot like me dad as well." Marcus replied. He began to wonder if his parents would suggest he moved in with them, but he didn't think he would until his run of payment on the hotel he was staying at was due for renewal. He had paid up front for his stay at the hotel, because he knew he might be there on a semi permanent basis until he had located his family.

Once they reached the cafeteria and Jackson commented on the food looking lovely, Marcus had to agree. He nodded his head, "Aye and it smells good and all." Marcus said laughing a little, "The smell of it's making me hungrier than I thought I was." Marcus continued, and then wondered what Jackson would have to eat. He himself, wasn't sure, he would have gone for his typical English breakfast, but after the events of the previous night, he wondered if it would be too much for him. "Might just have scrambled eggs with toast meself, I'm sure hungry, but I don't know Jackson, me stomach feels a bit off, probably the emotion of yesterday getting to me, ye know?"

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson was happy that Marcus was feeling okay about the reunion. He hoped that their parents were doing okay as well with seeing Emma the way she was. But at least she was awake, and not in a coma or something. Now that would be hard to tell someone, that their daughter was in a coma, and may wake up. Lucky for all of them that was not the case.

The food did smell good, and Jackson listened to Marcus talking about his hunger right now. "I think I might have the bacon and eggs for now, and see how I go. I do agree with you about feeling a bit off, but feeling a lot better now with your parents here. And it was generous for your mum to pay for us too." He caught the attention of the person behind the hot box, and smiled. "Hey. Could I get the bacon and eggs on one plate. Also on another could I get scrambled eggs and toast please." Jackson figured it made sense to order both together.

When the person served up both plates, Jackson took them, and headed over to the register. Jackson waited for Marcus to pay for the meals, and theh they headed to the tables to sit. He stopped in his tracks, remembering something. "I am such an idiot. I forgot to get a drink. Here, can you hold the tray and find a table, and I will grab us a drink. What did you want Marcus?"

[marcus]

{Just realised you might not know what 'aye' means - if not - it means yes and if you did - well brilliant haha}

Marcus nodded his head as Jackson said he felt better now he and Emma's parents were there. He felt better about that fact himself. However, his stomach was still feeling a little off to him, so he was still going to just have the scrambled eggs, if he felt like eating anymore more later, he could. "Aye, it's great they're here. So glad they could see Emma awake mind. And yeah, it would seem mam is a kind soul what with giving us money for breakfast." Marcus said with a smile. Not that he had wanted for anything with his 'other parents', they treated him just as good, but he had a feeling that now he was back in his birth parents life, that they would somehow spoil him.

Marcus wasn't used to being spoiled, and he wasn't sure if he should say something, but then he figured he might upset their feelings if he did, so decided to say nothing and let them treat him the way they wanted to. If he ever felt that it got too much he could maybe say something then, but not right away.

As Jackson ordered their breakfast and it was put onto the tray Marcus realised just how delicious it looked and his stomach let out a massive growl at that point. "Guess I'm really hungry." He said and laughed a little. As they got to the register, Marcus handed over the money his mam gave him and paid for their meals and they both headed toward a table.

Jackson suddenly stopped in his tracks saying he was an idiot because he forgot to get them drinks. "You're not an idiot Jackson. But sure, aye I'll hold the tray, and I'll have a coffee meself, might perk me up a bit, thanks." With that Marcus found a table and sat the tray down and waited for Jackson to return with their drinks.

[Jackson Poe]

Jackson gave Marcus the tray, and then takes note of what he wanted. "Okay Marcus. One coffee coming up." He walked back to the serving area, and lined up. Jackson reached the person who was making the coffee. "Hey. Could I get two coffee's please?" The guy looked at Jackson with an average look, "Sure." As Jackson waited, he looked around, and saw that Marcus had found a table. Then the guy making the coffee gave him two mugs. "Thanks." Jackson paid for them, and then headed back to the table that Marcus was sitting at.

"Here you go Marcus. One coffee. Not sure how it will be, but I am sure it is something to keep us going for a while anway." Jackson put his coffee on the table, and then sat down. He began to dig into his meal, noticing how hungry he was. The food wasn't too bad, but it was something for now. As he put another mouthful in his mouth, Jackson remembered something he was thinking about earlier on the way here.

"I was thinking only moments ago. It is Emma's and my 2 month anniversary tomorrow, and I was trying to think of some ways I could celebrate that with Emma. I know she isn't able to leave the hospital as yet, but really want to do something with her. Do you have any ideas?" Jackson felt that he was able to confide in Marcus, more than his brother, due to the age difference. Having someone a bit older to talk to helped. Well that was what Jackson though. Marcus was not a complete stranger anymore, but he still didn't know everything there was to know about him as yet.

[marcus]

It didn't take long for Jackson to come back with the coffees after Marcus had found them a table. "Thanks Jackson, and aye, it might not be up to much, but better than nothing." Marcus had to agree, that right now after everything they had gone through, that shit coffee was better than no coffee. However, as he began to eat and took a sip of the coffee, it turned out not to be too bad. He'd certainly had worse, but he had much better too. But you couldn't expect anything else from a hospital canteen, they were known to have the crappiest of foods.

As Jackson spoke about his and Emma's two month anniversary coming up and wondering how to celebrate, Marcus wasn't sure what to say. He didn't really know Emma that well himself yet to know what she really liked. But at the same point, the fact she was stuck in the hospital it really had to be something special but practical.

"Well how's about ye bring in a special meal for her? I mean ye know hospital food ain't the best, I'm sure she'd appreciate that, and I don't know, maybe some nice flowers? Haven't had very many long stay girlfriends to know what they would really like, but most girls love flowers, that I do know." Marcus said, hoping what he was suggesting was the kind of information Jackson was looking for, otherwise he was kind of stumped. "Oh and big fluffy teddy bears." Marcus added with a bit of a laugh. There weren't many girls rooms he had been in which weren't covered in soft toys and teddy bears.

{Since Jackson has already made the post with the meal and flowers, thought I might as well have Marcus suggest that, hope that was okay?}

[Jackson Poe]

{Mands - all good. It was good.}

Jackson listened to what Marcus said, as he suggested what he could do for the anniversary. Jackson had to laugh at what Marcus said about the hospital food. He himself hadn't been in hospital for anything, so hadn't had much experience with it, but it tasted okay for now. He didn't really think too much about it, but thought that if you were in here for a long period of time, then maybe it would start tasting kind of yuck.

"I appreciate the input. I think it would be nice to bring in a home cooked meal, that is made using real ingredients so to speak. Also the flowers would make a nice touch. I have only really had one serious girlfriend before Emma, and I would buy her flowers also. There are some nice ones out there, and I am sure that I could find the right ones to suit Emma's personality." Jackson kind of looked at Marcus weird about the whole teddy bear thing. "Um, not sure about that with Emma. I haven't really seen any of that stuff with her. But I will keep that in mind." Jackson wasn't sure whether she was into the cuddly toys or not. He would have to ask her in passing.

Before Jackson knew it, he was finished his breakfast. So he sat in silence for a moment while he drank his coffee, deep in thought. "Mmm... I wonder if my mum is available tomorrow to help? I am sure that she would be more than willing to help her older son do some cooking. Especially if she knows what it is for." Jackson looked at his watch. "Wow! Have we been here that long? It feels like longer. I would really like to go and see your parents with Emma for a few if that is okay?"

{Mands - not sure whether you want Marcus to post next, and then finish off the thread, or see if Jackson can finish it. Doesn't worry me - as we have Emma and Jackson rp'ing now.}

[marcus]

{I'll finish it with Marcus - and I put in the soft toys thing cuz it's in her profile lol He should so ask her about it - I can see a thread down the line - where Emma and he could go to say Disney World Florida, or Euro Disney in Paris and she'd be in awe and then they win a huge fluffy Marie from Aristocats or something haha}

Marcus nodded his head, "You're welcome for the input Jackson." He replied as he finished off his breakfast, while Jackson continued to speak about getting flowers which would suit Emma's personality and bringing in a home cooked meal. Sounded wonderful and Marcus was sure Emma would appreciate it. "I'm sure Emma would love anything you do for her mind." He added with a warm smile. Soon his breakfast was finished and he just had his coffee to finish drinking.

When Jackson mentioned about the soft toys, Marcus just shook his head. "Don't know Jackson, I just know that a lot of girls like soft toys, so just thought I would put it out there. Yeah, might be best ye ask her." He replied with another smile as he sat back in the chair and drank his coffee, so he could finish it off.

"That would be awesome if your mam could help." Marcus said, he was touched in a way that Jackson would want to do such a sweet thing for his sister. He himself had never really thought about celebrating being with a girlfriend for any number of months, years maybe, but then he'd never been with a girl long enough to celebrate being together over a year. Somehow, Marcus had never really had much luck with long stay girlfriends.

When Jackson looked at his watch and then remarked on the time, Marcus himself hadn't realised they had been there that long. "Jeez, yeah we have been here quite long." He replied, and then smiled as Jackson mentioned going back to visit Emma with his and her parents there. "Sure Jackson, that's fine, let's go then." He said, as he stood up from the table and made his way out of the hospital cafe to the elevator.

{Finished?! If so, feel free to move the thread when you've read the post. I'm marking it off my open thread list anyways.}