"I confess, I enjoy it. I think it is my competitive nature," Marcus chuckled lightly. He looked down at the table and picked the tie up again. "It gives me a headache, but yet I subject myself to that thing every year." In spite of what he said, his grin left little doubt that he enjoyed the banter.
He flipped his tie around Patrick's waist, and held him close while he kissed him. "You don't think it will bother him? You were a little concerned before, but this is a bit of a Christmas tradition. I would hate to toss away a fine tradition." Marcus hadn't really minded the whole issue with Dale anyway. He had his own share of lovers, but Patrick was probably the one that knew him best, and had been around longest.