Matters of Heart

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Markus found himself looking into her eyes, her piercing lavender eyes. His breath had quickened, and his heart was pounding, taking a deep breath he debated for just a moment whether or not he should ignore the advice of ‘Ashley’ and proceed anyways. The way Nessa had said his name only moments before, it had drawn his attention. After all, Nessa was there just below him, and had said nothing. She was achingly beautiful, and he truly did want to kiss her… despite the fact that they were just friends.

Then, in but a moment as she glanced back at him Markus knew his chance had passed. Her sheepish gaze told him everything, and when she spoke up, he would take a breath. Her voice was firm, harsh, causing even the stagehands to move at a quickened pace. The chaos mage remained on her only long enough for the two of them to be hidden by the cover, then with a flash of movement and a little magic he would suddenly be standing his form having gone incorporeal long enough for his movement to not shift the ribbons in the slightest. When Nessa spoke up once more, Markus would turn away without question giving her the privacy she deserved.

Still, he could hear her shifting. His heightened senses picking up every sound. He knew when she was covered and would take a breath. She was right, the way she had spoken, the harshness of her tone. It was obvious Markus had overstepped. He should have been adamant about their friendship, having pressed that that set was not okay. He would not make the same mistake again.

“Sorry…” He would say quietly before proceeding to his dressing room, forcing his body to move slower, more average, despite his need to get away.

As soon as he was alone, for the brief moment that it was, he would clench his fist and feel as a bit of the wood of his dresser crack. Looking himself in the mirror he could see her influence, the purple magic in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he would suppress it once more, refusing to lose control.

The next month passed rather quickly. Markus had been instructed to get into a much simpler attire, more casual. He was dressed in all black, a deep cut v-neck shirt and tight black jeans. His hair was pulled back, and he was sent on his way with minimal makeup. March and April were both very simple photosets. March being green, as if strolling through the woods or a meadow. The first days of spring. April was much the same however the flowers would be blooming and starting to ‘open’. The photosets of the two mages were much more akin to that of friends, or perhaps an early couple (since that seemed to be the ‘theme’ the lord had been going for all along). Either way, they had not been asked to do anything that would compromise their positions. It was almost as if the Lord and his employees were giving them a break, preparing for… something.

As soon as Markus returned to the room, preparing for the May photoshoot that he knew, something was up. He could smell a cake being brought in and saw a cone shaped hat that he started to get a sinking feeling in his chest. He knew, he was going to have to speak with the Lord. Still mostly undressed, his torso uncovered he would walk out of the dressing room and seek the man. Markus was already late, having argued with the stylist until finally leaving of his own violation. His eyes would be dark, and like steel. He would not be surprised if Nessa was already done changing and waiting for him.

As soon as Markus eyed the crowd he would walk over, his pace measured, his gate slow, but his eyes full of purpose. Before he even had a chance to speak, he would hear a shrill voice speak up. “Oh Markus hun, love the look but…” However, whatever she was going to say was cut off, fading away as soon as Markus looked at her. Little bits of his magical aura would be coming from him, just enough for any magical adept to know, he was on the edge. Regular humans however, Ashley in particular at this moment, would not be able to sense it, but would be quitted merely by the magic floating in his eyes.

As soon as she was quiet, Markus would shift his eyes to the Lord. “What are you playing at?” He would ask simply.

“Markus, Markus, Markus. It is all okay!” The lord would say, starting to explain. “I had to do quite a bit of digging to learn just ‘who’ you are. Hell, I am surprised no one else found it out! With a name such as yours…” He would ramble on, fidgeting under Markus’ gaze. “May is your birthday month, is it not? I am sure, with your… family... you don’t celebrate much. But it would be an excellent part of the calendar! It would humanize the Dark Mage of Fairy Tail!” He would finish excitingly as if everything made perfect sense.

“No.”

“But… Surely you can!...” Once more whatever he was about to say would be cut off as a bit more of Markus’ aura flared. His anger would be apparent. Yes. May was the month of his birth, but he had not celebrated it in many years. Even his closest friend would not know this detail about him. Neither would they know, it was the month his brother had died. Something Markus had no doubt that if the Lord had properly done his research, he knew.

There was quite for a few seconds, as Markus let his decision get finalized. When the lord finally did speak his voice was quitter. “Alright… We have alternates for each set.”

“Good. Ill be back in five.” The chaos mage would say, demanding a break and walking out of the room.

Another voice would ring out after Markus had left. The shrill tone filled with fear, but hope. “It is okay Papa, I’ll go talk to him! Nessa can tell her stylist she needs the alternate shoot.” Ashley would speak up, hoping no one would stop her in her attempt to get closer to the chaos mage.

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With a deep breath the chaos mage would step outside the room into the main foyer. He could feel his power fighting against him, his emotions pushing him, his mind breaking. For a brief moment he remembered what Aporia had said, that if he does not overcome who he was, and what he feels his power will kill him. With a deep breath he once more felt a wave of calm overcome him. As if a switch was turned, he suddenly would appear passive, uncaring, void.

He would look like the old Markus.

His ears would prick when suddenly he heard footsteps coming his way, heavy but rushed. It was obvious to the Primordial Slayer that it was not Nessa who had followed him, she would know better. No, instead it was Ashley. The overpowering perfume gave it away long before she got close.

Being as polite as possible, the conversation would be quick. Mostly Ashley talking, and trying to get him to talk. After a few minutes he would turn and start to head back. Only to feel her get close and wrap around his arm. Looking down he would raise an eyebrow but say nothing. He could not care less. Not anymore.

As they entered the room, Markus could see that the set was getting set up and he was rushed to the changing room. Having to adjust his clothes and adapt rapidly. Luckily for him looking ‘disheveled’ was part of this set. Dressed in black pants, with a white button up shirt and tie he would look himself in the mirror and shake his head. He looked like one of those bad cartoon men, the ones all the girls seemed to always love. It was strange for the chaos mage to look at himself in such a way. Still, if it was what the client wanted who was he to argue.

So long as it did not push Nessa away.

Stepping out of the room the chaos mage would once more be greeted by Ashley, who would walk him to the set her arm once more around his. Markus could see that Nessa was already talking to the director, and as Ashley let go to stand by her father even, he noticed the strange smirk she seemed to adopt. Taking a deep breath Markus was about to ask the director what was expected of him when suddenly Nessa spoke up. She referred to the incident, and stated her request, one which Markus would give a slight nod, his eyes still blank. If this would make up for his mistake, he would not argue.

That was… until he found himself in the chair…

Suddenly Markus found himself being guided not by the director, but by Nessa, and not just any Nessa. Nessa with purpose. He would follow her lead, first acting like a lazy student then suddenly feeling something sharp under his chin, forcing him to look upwards. His breath would catch, and his eyes would flash with emotion as he fought to stay passive, faking his confusion for the cameras.

Their faces were close, very close as he felt her reach for his tie pulling herself even closer. Suddenly they were separated only be the desk he now sit at watching as she bit her lip. Markus had to truly fight to stay in control, in more way than one… “Im not sure…” He would try and say, before mumbling something about just friends.

Markus released a breath, which was caught in his throat, when Nessa stopped the director from ending the set. He had all but stopped concentrating on anything other than Nessa. As she moved the desk, Markus would let go of the book he was haphazardly holding, allowing it to crumple to the floor with a loud thud. As she straddled him, there would be no hiding the effect she was having on her.

His hands would touch the back of her waist. As she breathed into his ear, he would whisper her name… His eyes would be full of emotion once more, confusion, and passion, but something deeper even he could not name. When she looked back into his eyes and eyebrow would raise. Did he push this… is that what she wanted? Her gaze looked… excited? Proud… He could not name the word.

Suddenly she moved off his lap, and gave a rather awkward laugh ending the set, reminding the chaos mage where he was. Markus taking a deep breath reigned himself in, for who knows how many times this day.

“Good idea…” he would reply passively, not even looking at the battle happening between Ashley and Nessa. “I’m gonna go change.” He would say walking slowly away. However, not before he would suddenly hear stopping feet and a tight voice. “I have an idea…”

Whatever else it was Ashley was going to say to her father was lost as Markus closed the door. Once inside his dressing room, Markus would soon remove the restrictive clothes and tie. Setting it down on the dresser, looking at how it was now crumpled where Nessa had grabbed it. Markus would shake his head; he could not get a read on Nessa no matter how hard her tried. Her current behavior was completely lost on the chaos mage, no matter how he tried to justify it. Still, he knew there was something going on. Something he was just oblivious to.

June ended up being another simple month, the Fairy Tail members enjoying the first days of summer dressed lightly, and with purpose. Markus would notice, each time he went to the dressing room, and each time he came out a certain spoiled rich girl was always there to escort him. Suddenly, he found him having very little time with just Nessa without her being close by, or one of the stagehands who Markus had always seen speaking to her. If he was being honest it was getting exhausting and wearing on his nerves. Yet, remaining calm he would allow the unwanted touches, and obvious advances neither pushing away, nor pressing for more.

Much like June, July passed with little excitement. Markus was dressed in a kimono, much like what he would wear at events of festivals, and was directed to act happy, excited, or at least somewhat interested in the various false fireworks and displays. In truth, Markus succeeding in looking very little more than brooding yet even in that the director seemed excite, catching the ‘true Markus’, and all his nature for all to see. It was interesting for the chaos mage, to get such an insight into how the camera captures him, and more importantly how the public seems to see him. He wondered if this was how Nessa saw him? He could not help but remember the time they two of them had drunk together, she had called him the same. With how he spoke to the waiter.

When Markus returned to the dressing room once more, he would glance at his laid-out attire with a curious eye… Sitting on the dresser was a single article of clothing. A tight, rubber like, black, speedo…

For the thousandth time Markus found himself pulling at the edges of the single article of clothing. Apparently for this set he was to be playing the part of a ‘high school swim captain’ despite being ten years too old for the role. His air was put back into a tight ponytail, and as soon as he stepped out of the dressing room he was drenched in a bucket of cold water, causing water to drip down every revealed crack and crevasse upon his body. His multitude of battle scares were not hidden this time, and he wore no makeup. Apparently, he would be reveling pretty much every inch of his body to the camera… After all, it was not like the garment hid much.

He would only hope Nessa did not double over laughing when she saw him.

As the chaos mage was once more escorted to photo set, he could tell that the Lords daughter was holding something in. Just as he was about to leave her, he would be stopped. “Knock them dead…” She would say before leaning up and giving him a very sloppy, and rather unwanted, kiss on the cheek. In front of all to see... The thunder she had before was certainly a strike of lightning now. As she skipped off to join her father Markus would shake his head and step onto the set.

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Markus still trying to catch his breath after the water was dumped upon him found his eyes shooting forward as he heard a scream, from the voice of someone he knew. Though he could not make out the conversation, he could see that Ashley had provided Nessa with a very similar dunking of water. However, Markus for some reason did not like the face he could see on the rich womans face. His eyes turned to steel, yet he remained passive as they prepared for set.

Having gotten into position after Ashleys unwanted advance the chaos mage ended up missing the first set of instructions, finding himself lost in his own mind until he heard his name called, perhaps for the second time. Looking up the chaos mage would glace at Nessa nearby and back towards the director. “So… As I was saying. This is another one of our more… Taboo shoots. Though I have no doubt your guys can deliver!” The man would say looking excitedly at Nessa after their last little teaser. “For now, just play in the water! Pretend like you are swimming and try and get close to one another.” Markus would glance at the set and see, somehow (probably thought some sort of magic), it had in fact been changed into a pool. Which, in all honesty made the chaos mage question why they had to get splashed in the first place? Was there some alternate motive…

Either way, Markus would follow instructions, moving where he was told, and listening as guided. Then, as the two mages got closer together, in the center of the small pool Markus would listen to their new instructions. “Alright Markus, I need you to grab Nessa from behind. Pretend like you are surprising her in practice!”

The chaos mage would follow instructions, though hesitantly making sure Nessa was okay with the apparent direction of things. Should he not get a denial he would step in, and lean towards Nessa wrapping his arms around her. “Markus…. I need you to get closer!” The chaos mage would hear, even with his arms around her he was holding himself back. Farther even then they had been during the chocolate scene. It must have been more apparent to the camera… “Tell me if it gets uncomfortable…” He would whisper into the Starlight Maidens ear, as he pressed his almost bare form against her back.

“Perfect!” Markus would here follow by more clicks of the camera. “Now, keep her ‘distracted’.” He would say again, adding a strange emphasis to the words, before sighing when Markus gave him a curious look. “You know... touch her side, kiss her neck! Simple things. Don’t worry nothing lude.” The director felt the need to elaborate…

Slowly Markus would slide his hand down her stomach and waist, touching her softly hesitantly. For a brief moment he would lean in, his lips just touching her neck before he would stop. Remembering the harsh way she had spoken last time he had over stepped.

“I can’t.” Markus said, still holding her, but moving farther away. “We are just friends…” The chaos mage would say in a monotone voice, as if on repeat.

“Sir… If Markus in uncomfortable, he should be allowed to stop.” Markus suddenly heard Ashley say, her voice sounding almost too happy.

“Its not that…” Markus said, trying to figure out how to explain. “It is up to Nessa.”

“Miss Lux, what do you think?” The director would ask, almost pleading with her. “Do you want Markus to stop. Seems the remainder of this set is up to you.”

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Markus had waded into the pool, and was waiting for instruction when Nessa spoke, bringing up an old memory of an easier time. Even the coldness of the Chaos mage was warmed for a moment with the pleasant memory.

“Of Course, I remember… You got my pants wet.” He would say, remembering exactly how he got her back. It was interesting how much had changed since then, and how much time had passed. Both of them had grown so much in their own ways, and despite the time they had been apart they were somehow closer than ever. Sometimes even too close…

His arms still around her, her face away from him he was not able to determine what she could be possibly thinking, or what her decision would be. He hated to have to put this choice on her, yet… he did not know how he could make it. Then, with a sharp intake of breath the chaos mage felt her choice before he heard her confirmation. As her body pushed harder into his, he would tense for a moment before allowing himself to relax, accepting her against him. Her neck would arch away, and he would feel her press against him. Her words caused his heart to start racing.

With a flash of chaotic magic deep in his eyes he would look directly at the excited director and his camera. The clicks no longer meant anything to him, the distraction he had were gone as once more his lips pressed against her neck. He would kiss her tentatively as his hands moved again before moving with more force. He would look now at her body as his hand glided up her side to her shoulder. “How’s this?” he would repeat her words as his hand found the strap upon her garment.

Slowly he would move it out of the way, just moving it down her should exposing the small amount of flesh he uncovered. Though it was virtually nothing new with her tight sports suit, somehow it was everything. His teeth would scrape the exposed line as he kissed it deeply. When he did look up again, he was surprised to see a red spot had appeared.

The chaos mage had forgotten all about the scene, the clicks becoming nothing more than nats as his hand went up to grasp at her hair, his fingers would entangle themselves in the base of her skull. He would pull back her head slightly, not forcefully but with intent. It was time he got some payback for that teacher shoot.  Looking in her eyes he would get lost for a moment, his pale blue-grey eyes looking into her lavender fields, he would smile slightly... mistiviously, before leaning down again and kissing her collar.

Then suddenly, he heard an exclamation from the side. “Just perfect!” The director would say excitedly, forcing Markus to return to the present. His eyes wide for a moment he would let go of the starlight maiden. His breath was heavy when he spoke.

“Well… hopefully that got you what you wanted?” He would ask, looking towards the onlookers, suddenly very much reading the room. The chaos mage would not even have noticed that Ashley had disappeared, preparing for whatever it was she had planned.

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The Chaos Mage was once more lost, once more passing through void and bliss. This time, however, was far from any other isolation he had ever felt. He was not alone, not this time. His hands would move of their own accord, his eyes glancing about in their head. His heart would be pounding, his breath ragged. He could feel her, hear her, understand her, in ways he never had before. Every breath she took, every movement she made while within his arms he could feel and understood.

As such, when she gasped, he would gasp, when she moved, he would tense. He heard her, even without his heightened senses, he could tell explicitly the reaction she was having. His heart was pounding, he would be surprised if she did not feel it, with his chest pressed into her back. Still… he did not care.

When her eyes met his, he had to lock his knees, and fight to not drop. When her voice rang out, her eyes reflecting the desires he himself had, he almost failed. As she leaned back to him…

Markus shook his head, looking at himself in the mirror. He could not get the thoughts out of his mind. No matter how much he tried, and no matter how much he fought. He knew… once more… he had gone too far. The way she had fled as soon as they were done. It was almost too much for the chaos mage. She was not even able to look at him until the next shoot started. Still… everything felt different. Changed.

Markus could no longer concentrate on what he was doing, sure he would act professional, and void, and blank. After all, pretending was easy. Yet, he knew it was eating him up. What he wanted to say, how could he explain. The shoots were easy, tame, simple. Still within the ‘school’ theme. The chaos mage would follow instructions, and occasionally glance at Nessa. Giving her a slight nod, or even just a half-hearted raise of the eyebrow when it was a somewhat interesting instruction.

If anything, the only thing that brought him solace was the fact that he was completely alone. He no longer had someone escorting him to, or from the changing room. In fact, even his stylists seemed to talk less. Seeming understand, in their own way, that he needed time.

After a time, Markus found himself looking at the next set of clothing with a baffled look. He just… could not understand. He looked so ridiculous. He was dressed like a butler a pressed black suit, with white accents. Around his neck was a tight black collar, and on his head were a pair of ears. He knew, if he was to spin, the tail they had attached to the end would spin around, acting as a massive battle hazard. He just… surely this was a joke. They wanted him to step out, and get a picture looking like this…

When Markus joined Nessa on stage, his face would look defeated. Almost at a loss. If anything, it would bring the entire outfit together, in some hilarious way. When they got onto the ground Markus would look at the director as he gave his instructions…

Then his face would turn towards Nessa as she purred… surely… surely this was all a joke… His nose would wiggle, causing the ears to shift slightly. He would shrug, attempting to copy Nessa. “Meow…” he would say, the sound coming out in the most pitiful of ways.

It seemed in this, Markus had met his match

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The chaos mage would eye the starlight maiden suspiciously, an eyebrow raised in question as suddenly, she started to shake. He could hear it, his heightened senses picking up the laughter she was suppressing. Suddenly, he face would furough into a, somewhat, serious ‘pout’. Surely… surely it was not that bad. When she suddenly started laughing, the Markus all but lost it. He would stare at her, waiting for the fit to break. He could care less that suddenly, her laughter was infecting the other staff. Only the director seemed to understand Markus at this moment.

“No. Since you are so perfect at it. Show me.” Markus would demand, forcing the entire set to take an extra half an hour purely to get him to somehow make a sound which sounded vaguely like the annoying animals’ cats were. Only when Markus knew he was somewhat satisfied did he allow the set to break. Looking at Nessa with a serious face, before breaking into a somewhat half smile. For but a moment, he had forgotten about the awkwardness.

Then, they were onto the next set. Markus returned to his room, his mood noticeably better, but a pit still within his stomach. With a curious look he would eye the outfit, an outfit he recognized…

Sitting on the dresser was… his clothes… well kinda. They were much more stylized, but they were his battle clothes. The same clothes Markus would normally be seen on when on a job, or mission. The black vest, and white wrappings. Even a black scarf. Yet, they were different. Unknown(obviously faked) runes were stitched into the fabric, far brighter and noticeable than the runes of magic upon his clothes. And, the clothes were far tighter, with the vest showing much more of Markus’ chest than his own did.

The chaos mage would look at the stylist who merely shrugged. “Not my choice… Orders from the boss.” He would say, explaining that, in some way, the clothing had changed, and this set was different than what was originally intended.

As Markus stepped out of his dressing room, back into the main set, his eyes would widen. Suddenly. The entire thing looks like a movie set. He could see at least two sets, one obviously Christmas in style, and the other much simpler. As Markus walked up, looking for Nessa, he would be greeted by Ashley, the Director (who looked quite disheartened), and the Lord of the estate. The lord and Ashley were smiling, as if everything was coming together.

When they were all gathered, and Nessa had joined Markus would look towards the director for instruction, only to hear the Lord speak up. “So! It is time for the GRAND FINALE.” He said in his excited tone. “My Daughter, bless her, had an amazing idea that I just HAD to do. You see, she reminded me that yall were MAGES, and heroes! So surely we should end the photoshoot with a bang!” he would say, looking to Ashley who looked totally sure of herself, and way too happy with whatever she had concocted. “I will let Ashley explain the rest.” He would say.

Markus, who looked to the director would see that the man looked visibly deflated, and even angry. It was obvious whatever ‘plan’ Ashley had talked her father into, he was not happy. Still, Markus knew a job was a job, and like himself and Nessa, the director was probably getting paid a pretty penny to keep silent and follow instructions.

“Sooooooo.” Ashley would start, her voice high with excitement. “The shoot is really simple. You both will be pretending like you are saving the distressed citizen and keeping her safe from monsters! It will include action shots, and cool sequences. Even some interesting twists!” She would say, suddenly ending with a massive “ACTION.” Causing Markus to question if she had any idea at all as to what she was doing.

True to her word however, the November part of the set was quite simple. Nessa and Markus would be acting as they normally would on a job, pretending like they were talking. At times fighting ‘invisible monsters’ which would be off camera, and for the most part tracking the ‘missing citizen’. Only to learn in the end that Ashley was indeed that missing citizen. Suddenly dressed in far too revealing clothes, and acting as if her life depended on it she would appear in certain photos, either tied up, or masked behind some sort of ‘dark shadow’.

Markus himself was way too happy when that set ended, suddenly realizing he would rather be back in the water. As he turned to go change, he was suddenly stopped. “Oh don’t worry! Y’all are going to be dressed in the same way!” Ashley would suddenly say, stopping the mages. When Markus turned to see what had been dragged on set, he would see a large cutout of the ‘santa’ creature that Nessa, Mythal, Serilda, and himself had faught.

“You see… I wanted yall to be fighting, dressed exactly as you were that night…” She would say, referring to the events of Christmas. “Buuuuuuut, apparently HR would not allow it, sooooo we are going to just go with this.” She said, her eyes upon Markus in a way he was not entirely comfortable with. “After all…. it was sooo…. Impressive.” She would say, he eyes falling a little too low on Markus. “That was the first time I actually saw you by the way! You were amazing.” She would look at Nessa. “You all were… I guess.” Though her tone made it obvious, she did not like everything she must have seen that night.

Markus, feeling a sick pit to his stomach, would follow direction, posing as needed. Almost every picture involved Ashley in some way. Until her ‘grand finale’ came about. The two were directed to stand in front of the defeated Santa. Nessa was closer to the camera, and farther from Markus. Who was instructed to suddenly lift Ashley, as if saving her.

As he did such, he realized with their positioning, Nessa while being most promenade in the picture would be unable to stop what was to happen next. Suddenly, falling from the ceiling, and hanging mistletoe would show up above Markus and Ashley. “You know what that means…” She would say, grabbing at Markus.

“I’m not…” he would attempt to say, moving backwards, only to find Ashley, from her more advantageous position within her arms pulling herself farther forward and placing her lips upon Markus in a sloppy manor. For a second, Markus held the position entirely baffled and confused by the horrid manor at which this female had presented herself. Then, he would still trying to stay calm set her down and take a breath.

As far as he was concerned. The shoot was over.

“Did you get it!” Ashley would ask the director excitedly. Who merely nodded. His face showing his obvious distaste… Markus found his eyes trying to look for Nessa. Wondering, if she had seen, and if she was just as baffled as he was.

“Just Marvelous! Simply Splendid!” Markus could hear, drawing his attention away, back towards the Lord. “With that we are finished! Obviously, your pay is ready, and a copy of every image will be sent to Fairy Tail for your vetting! Before we make the calendar of course. So that you can be certain everything fits your standards! A sizable portion of the proceeds will also be sent to Fairy Tail, for helping with such a thing!” The Lord of the estate would say, closing out their job and allowing them to go get dressed.

Markus would spend only enough time to change before attempting to find Nessa.

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Markus would listen and shake his head as the set was closed. His just could not breath, the heaviness he felt earlier was replaced with a shallow breath, and strange feeling. His heart was racing, erratically, unprepared. For a brief moment the chaos mage would question if he was feeling… fear?

But why would he feel such a thing. What did he have to fear... Who did he have to fear… His eyes would glance to Nessa… she seemed… out of it. Glassy, if anything else. He could not gage anything from her, no emotion, no feeling. Perhaps that was why he was scared. But… why… Was he fearful that she saw? And… if she did did, he more scared of her anger… or her feeling nothing?

It was not until she spoke to the lord that Markus knew, there was certainly something within her tone. Yet, as far as he could tell it was entirely directed towards the Lord. It seemed, she like him, was not happy with the direction of this photoshoot. When her wave of power surged outwards even Markus took a step back. As always, he was impressed when her power flowed.

In truth, when she made her final threat Markus couldn’t help but nod. His own eyes falling to the fearful Ashley. They would narrow. That was something he would have to deal with later. What she had done was in no ways okay. He would not condone such actions, however he felt it was something that needed to be addressed in private. When Ashley glanced in his direction, his own eyes would flash in a similar way to Nessas. They were not through.

Then his attention was drawn, the magic draining from his eyes as he heard his name. Looking towards Nessa his eyes would widen to see she still had magic within her gaze, even as she addressed him. With a shrug, Markus would nod, intended on following Nessa as she went through the portal.

As he took a step forward, he felt something grab his arm. Turning to look he would find the director hesitantly reaching for him… The man took a moment to speak. “Markus… What happened was not okay… If it was in my power to stop it. I would have… Please.” He paused looking towards the portal. Before shaking his head, deciding against whatever he was about to say. “Listen to what she has to say.” Was all he stated when he let go of his arm.

Markus would look towards the director before speaking. “That picture is never to see the light of day. Period. I do not event want it sent to Nessa.” He would say, his voice mixed with that of another. His threat was clear. Then he would step through the portal.

He had no idea how much longer the portal would have remained open, but he assumed it would not be much longer so he wasted no time getting his bearing, wherever she had taken them. Looking around Markus’ eyes would widen in surprise. He himself had been thinking of this location on multiple occasions that day. Still…

He would glance about, taking in the final rays of the setting sun. This place was still beautiful. Though, he knew they had things to talk about. He wondered if what they had would survive the night…

“You wanted to talk?” he would ask, feigning his casual and normal manor. Despite the pounding of his heart, and the pressure building in his chest. Clamping down on his magic, Markus would do his best to suppress his emotions.

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Markus knew this feeling, this wait, this pressure. Even if the magic had faded. He had learned to know Nessa’s anger. She had been angry when she had seen the pictures, and other times in their history. This however, this was different. Perhaps she was angry with how they were treated… That was the logical conclusion…

Yet, when she spoke it was not a logical argument. At least… not in the way he would understand. Her argument had nothing to do with the shoot, with them, with the paintings… No… instead… it was about what happened. Why would she care… Were they not… Just Friends.

Markus said nothing as she went on. He would not look away. He would not loose contact with her, despite the fact that with each word his heart would pound harder, his breath would catch. The anger within her eyes, it was ablaze as she got louder. Still, he would listen without question, without comment… without retort.

When she had finished, Markus was silent for but a moment, his mouth open. “Yes. It was… strange.” He would start, attempting to stay calm, attempting to hide his emotions. He felt as if he was not succeeding. “So much had happened… none of it expected. I would have been happy to have been paid and left without the… rest of it.” Markus stated, his heart pounding. In truth, he was happy for much of it. The way Nessa and him had connected, it was terrifying, and exhilarating at the same time, though he knew this was not what she wanted to here. Surely, she needed to know that the events of the day meant nothing to him… Surely that was the logical response… as much of a lie as it was.

Markus, a man who hated lies, who hated falsehood, and who hated everything he was about to do found himself speaking once more. “She meant nothing to me.” His eyes were steel, though it would be obvious there was something there. Something he was holding back. “The events of today meant nothing. That woman… she crossed a line I was not happy with, and if I had retaliated in the way I wanted.” He paused. This one statement being completely honest. “She would be dead.”

Markus paused, incase she had a reaction, but would continue. This time with a lie… a horrible lie. “Everything that happened today was unprofessional, and should not have happened. Surely that is what you mean?” Markus asked. He could feel bits of his power leaking, expanding and contracting. As his mind went more and more chaotic, more in more lost in the emotion. His words would get more and more defeated. More monotone, more singular. “You are right… I should have stepped in and never let… any of it happen.”

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Markus refused to look away as he said it. As he lied. As he broke one of his own personal moral codes. He hated every second of hit, he could feel himself breaking… threatening to explode. With a deep breath, he would listen as she growled her response. His eyes would follow her as she moved further way, just a few steps. Yet… it felt so far.

He would watch her reactions, and realize… too late… that he was wrong. He was entirely… completely… totally wrong. When she spoke, he knew it was the end. He could feel his walls break, and knew… she was right.

It is true what they say... You larger you are. The Harder you fall. It is also true... The Stronger you are. The Harder you break

He froze entirely, and his eyes would widen as she spoke. She would refer to his hints, his signals, the times he slipped up. She would speak of her own confusion. The same confusion he knew well. The confusion that suddenly, was gone. No more, for the first time in their relationship… he was certain.

When her eyes met his, she would watch as his own would break. Whatever mask he had concocted years ago would fade and die. A tear would fall, for the second time ever. The Starlight Maiden would see the Progeny of Chaos cry. Then, she said it. What she though of their friendship.

“Nessa…” His words were broken… lost. “I… I agree.” He started to ramble. “I just… I don’t know. I never thought... I never.. You.. Me...” He would continue to look to her as suddenly his magical aura would flare. He could not control it. He could not hold it, and say what he needed to. “I… I don’t want her.”

“I.. I don’t want anyone… else.” His voice would sound broken. Lost.

“I want.. I want you… Only You.” Markus would finally look away. Unable to concentrate, unable to focus.

“Nessa.. I love…” His voice would drop to but a whisper before fading entirely. He couldn’t say it. He could not finish. The words which he had never before said in his life. Not even to his mother. His father.

A portal would appear between the to mages, and the sound of air ripping out of a vacuum would ring out, breaking the silence. Markus would fall through, collapsing to his hands and knees on the other side. Suddenly, he could not concentrate, he could not breath. The normal instant teleportation that he controlled would not work.

The portal was all he had. His only escape, and even it was not foolproof. It was still open. She could follow… if she wished. Though he knew, it would be dangerous. His power was threatening to release, he had to leave… or he would risk Magnolia.

Markus could feel his hands touching soil, an inky black substance. He knew where he was. He did not have to look up to see the void. The endless expanse around him… At his feet would be chains, broken and bloodied. The same chains he had been bound with for a year. Before he finally returned to Earthland.

The chaos mage did not know why this was where he came. The place he once felt so alone… “Nessa… I love you.”

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Markus could not concentrate, waves of emotions cascaded out of him, and along with them were waves of power. Uncontrolled magic, and unhampered chaos. Here, Markus could let it go. Here Markus could release what he never thought he had. Tears would be streaming down his face, his fists would be grasping towards the ground, feeling the dirt. His vision was blurry.

A voice spoke in his mind. ‘Progeny. Calm yourself. Grasp onto who you are.’ The voice was calm, but severe. Markus could not hear it well. ‘Let me help. I will take your power. For now.’ Markus felt it start to wane, start to flicker. ‘Speak to her…’ Markus heard as suddenly a new sensation overcame him. He would feel as Aporia faded, giving him time without her. Just as fingers touched his face.

When his eyes met hers, he would see that she, like himself, had tears in her eyes. He was confused. He had left her. He came to this world in order to protect her. To protect Magnolia. To keep himself from loosing it. Yet, here she was. Speaking. Softly.

The words would cause him to swell. Taking a sharp intake of breath. His hands would reach up to her own. He would take her hands into his, then lean forward pressing his forehead to her shoulder. Everything had changed, suddenly, and unexpectedly… or… perhaps it was always meant to be.

What was next for them. How would they proceed. What was he to do?

Markus would feel as the power would fade no nothing. He would take a breath, steadying himself. He had withheld himself, and closed of his emotions thinking all they would ever be was friends. Just Friends. A request she had made. Words he never had to think again…

Taking her into his arms Markus would bring her closer, unsure what to say. Unable to trust himself. He did not want her to see him like this, to see him broken, yet. Somehow. It felt right. Markus would smile, looking into her eyes. Finally accepting what she had said. What he had said.

Markus would stand, bring her up with him. His eyes would turn towards the ground, before flashing with chaotic energy. A spike of void magic would hit the chain, causing them to fracture, and fade breaking each link that remained. One day. Markus knew he would explain to Nessa what this place was. What had happened. But, first… he had to show her something.

“Nessa.” Markus’ voice was strange, lifted. Somehow lighter. “I want to show you something.” He would say taking her again into his arms. Embracing her, warmly. A shift would overcome the two, causing them to warp as Markus would normally travel.

When they arrived Markus would let her go, though take her hand into his own. He would lead her inside, into the large glass arch that marked the entrance into his bedroom. The same place she had been to before their Bellam Job.

In its same location would be the easel, still empty. Stepping forward, Markus would move aside a curtain, and on the floor would be two familiar paintings. The originals. Not the copies Markus had given out... On the right, was Markus naked, and venerable. On the left. Nessa. Just as bare, but valiant, and brave.

Markus would grasp both the paintings and switch their positions, causing the once seam to fuse. Completely the original painting, revealing the truth. The darkness Nessa had been flying towards was Markus. The Light Markus had seen was Nessa. The emotion upon the picture would clear. Markus knew, it was after he painted this that he realized… if anyone was to save him. It would be her.

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With a bated breath the Chaos Mage would watch as Nessa looked at the image, and took in its true meaning, its secrets, its hidden messages up till now only he knew. He would watch as her eyes would widen, and a gasp would escape her lips. Her hand would be at her mouth. With a cocked head Markus would look at her curiously, for a brief moment unsure what the gasp was, or what emotions she was feeling. Though, as her eyes met his once more, he would keep contact.

He felt open to look at her in ways he never would before, search her a she did him. He was not sure what was in store for them. He knew, his plans now, more than ever, must be completed. Now, he had something to protect. Something that his father could use against him…

As Nessa spoke, and leaned into him the chaos mage would allow the thoughts to float away. That was a thought for another time. For now, Markus had other things to preoccupy him. Other things to concentrate on.

As their lips met, softly and with an affection mostly unknown to Markus he would pull her closer and hold her tighter. He did not care for the usual passion their embrace would invoke. This time, he would take it slowly, enjoying the intimacy, the connection in a way he never could before. Just as he would pull her closer, press harder, and kiss deeper. He would pull away. Before he allowed himself to get too caught up in the moment.

The truth was… They needed to talk. They needed to discuss… everything. Before they went any farther. “Nessa…” he would whisper her name still holding her close. Savoring the sound upon his lips. He would have said it slowly, with purpose. Still testing some sort of uncharged waters.

Pressing his lips upon her once more, in a quick but deep kiss he would smile. “We should talk…” He would say, still unable to let her go. He knew, logically, he should let her go, stop this from going any farther.

Though the truth was. The idea of them talking about what was next scared him. He was not sure if he was more afraid of stopping everything now, or going farther.

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