Matters of Heart

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As he spoke, the Chaos Mage would watch her reactions, with an earnest curiosity, and even slight amount of trepidation. It was always strange to him, how much people would give away with the smallest details. A catch of breath here, a frown there. Hell, he knew he himself, as much as he tried to avoid it, was prone to certain actions which would give away his thoughts. His Feelings. His emotions.

As such, her reactions came with no surprise. He realized, just how much he had come to understand her, just how much he had come to love her. There was no one in the world he knew better he felt. Which… for someone who was always alone… turned out to be a strange realization. When he spoke of what he did, of his mindset, or his actions. His could see her reactions, her movements. He had expected as much, but he had chosen his words with care for that very reason. Both of them had to know all that thy would be accepting. He had to be honest with her, and he needed her to be honest with him.

When he finished, and she would look down, before taking his hand and directing them to the bed he would follow without question, remaining silent as he sat beside her. His hand was still within hers, and his leg would be touching her own. He could feel his bed, perfectly made, give to their weight, compressing slightly. Markus would keep his face to Nessa, and his eyes upon her as she thought, as her eyes met his own.

When she did finally speak, her tone was firm, Markus would feel his heart swell. Honestly…As strange as it sounded. He realized. This was what he needed. He knew, had she have tried to lie, had she have told him she was okay with it. They would never have worked, and their relationship would have ended there. Instead, she spoke her truth. She spoke about him, and what he was to her. He knew then, she had him. Every part of him. When she once more said the words.. even speaking his last name which would cause him to visibly flinch, fighting the urge to correct her. For her… and only her.. he would be Markus Eldridge.

Then, he would hear her tone change, and feel her hand squeeze his. He would respond, almost reactional, with a reassuring squeeze of his own. When she spoke again, Markus could hear her voice getting quitter. As she stated, that she accepted him, and wanted to try them. Even if it was a mistake. Markus could see that she was no longer looking at him, her face he realized… he recognized. Self-Doubt, and Nessa always seemed to go hand in hand. Despite the miraculous heights she reached, and the numerous people she touched, he realized. The problem with being the light, was seeing it yourself. He only wish he knew what she was thinking.

So.. As a response, he would use his other hand, having to turn his body sideways to touch her chin. If she did not fight him, he would lift her face, and her eyes to meet his own. Allowing him to read her, and her to read him. Though his eyes, and their emotions would speak volumes. He did finally speak up. “Nessa. Then you have me. All of me, and all that I am…” As he was speaking his hand would travel up her face, gliding along her chin, his thumb would rub the edge of his lips as his hand found its path. His fingers would brush her white hair out of her, and away from her face as finally, his hand would rest, cupping her cheek, and under her ear. “You have my power. My strength…. My heart… and my love. Until my last breath, or until they are no longer your desire. I accept everything you are, and everything I know you will become. I am yours.” He would say before leaning in to kiss the woman he loved.

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As the chaos mage looked into her eyes, his own would soften, and a smile would pierce his cold, usually stoic demeaner. He knew, somehow, things would work out. They had made their declarations, and stated their intentions. All that was left to do, was to move forward. It was heartening to know there was someone he could open up to, someone he did not have to be guarded with. Even if he could not tell her everything, and they would live two separate lives as different as they were, with their power surely, they could work something out.

As she sunk into his kiss, Markus would lose himself, forgetting all worries, and doubts. His hand still held her face, and he could feel her moving closer into his space. Somehow the moment seemed to last forever, yet still when she pulled away it, he knew it was not nearly enough, the time had gone by too fast. Yet still, her smile, the pure joy he could feel radiating from her was enough for now. Markus would be watching with a curious eye as she covered her face, almost in embracement, he could see her beautiful eye peeking between her fingers, looking at him.

As she turned to her side, the chaos mage would lean back himself, pressing his head into his mattress, looking up towards the dark stone that made up the almost featureless room. When she spoke, Markus would raise and eyebrow, glancing through the corner of his eyes. Markus, by the end of her statement and apology would find himself unable to keep in a laugh. Her joy, plus his own confusing emotions within the situation just made it impossible for him to contain himself. It was such a silly thing to apologize for, besides… she should know, if he had his way a dropkick would be the least of her problems.

“Really…?” Markus would ask, a teasing look upon his face. “Too Mean? After all of that…” shaking his head he would lean over, getting close to the Starlight Maiden. “If anything, you are letting her off to easily.” He would speak into her ear. “Besides, that a silly thing to apologize about. After all, you did not do anything wrong, and besides… You being honest about your opinions lead us to here.” The chaos mage would add, putting his hand on her side. He just could not help it, now that his desires were no longer off limits, now that he no longer had to hide the truth, he had to be close. At least… until he had to leave.

“You know. If you want, I could blow up their house?” Markus would say, without looking at the starlight maiden. His tone once more completely serious. His eyes peering into the other mage, before his face would break into a smile, and he would let out a small laugh, entirely joking… kind of.

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Markus would listen, his head cocked slightly to the side, his eyes staring deep into hers as she talked. Though he knew, what she was saying was important he really could not care about the details. If she did not want him to blow up their compound, that was alright with him. There was no doubt in his mind that the Starlight Maiden could handle a few humans, and their filth. He would only smile, his eyes raising curiously as she seemed to adopt a devious demeaner, for but a moment. Whatever she had planned, he only hoped they truly learned the error of their ways.

Markus could not look away from the woman within his bed. He found himself equal parts terrified, and elated at the prospects of being close to her in such a way. The truth was, Markus would be happy just sitting here, staring at her for hours, talking about whatever came to mind. Which, for him was a strange notion. As a man of action, he had never before found himself so content to just… watch. Luckily. Within this world. They had time. Honestly, the manipulations of time and space worked as it had even when he was trapped here. Even now, the time they spent together within this world would pass by as mere minutes in Earthland.

The chaos mage was lost in thought, his eyes not straying from hers when he suddenly heard his name and was drawn back to the present. For a brief moment, fear would touch his heart. He knew, sooner or later this would have to end, and he dreaded when that moment came…
However, as it turns out, Nessa had felt the same. When she spoke again, this time getting closer, her hand running through his hair, her voice would speak word he was only too happy to hear.

Markus would close the gab between the two mages even more, so much so that they would almost be sharing a breath, their bodies almost touching. Markus felt static running down his arms, his legs, his back. As she touched his hair he would smile and reach out placing a single finger against her face. “We can stay here as long as you need.” He would whisper, having no doubt with their proximity she could hear him.

He would follow the statement with a quick movement of his head, once more placing his lips upon hers. The kiss was soft, and subtle. Gentle, and but a whisper. However, Markus would make no moves to close the gap further as he drew the kiss out, savoring what was now his.

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Markus found himself stifling a deep yawn as he stretched his back. Today was going to be a pretty good day he felt… that or he was going to be killed, he was not entirely sure which. Though he was sore, and still slightly in pain from his first heavy mission with his new guild, lost of the damage had healed remarkably well. He had a new scar on his back, and his ribs were still tender, but other than those minor issues, he felt ready to take on the world… or more… his girlfriend.

It had been quite a while since Markus and Nessa had last seen one another, sure they had gone to the festival together, and he had gotten drunk at her birthday party, an event he still barely remembered, it was not nearly enough. The fleeting moments had done nothing to lessen his want, his need for the Starlight Maiden, yet he knew… things were not the same. So much had happened since they last met, and he was not sure how he would be able to explain it all.

Markus found himself turning toward the window as a small shadow appeared. "Arinia… News I hope?" Markus would ask to the being now sitting on his window sill.

"She has arrived Markus, should I go get her?" The fairy responded in her musical tones, her voice soft and sublime. It took but a moment for her to shift into her Raven form and take off upon hearing Markus' confirmation.

With a sign Markus would look towards the present he had placed upon his bed. With a smile he would turn towards his private washroom, determined to at least per his hair back before greeting the Starlight Maiden.

It did not take long for the midnight feathered bird to find the Starlight Maiden, with a rapid surge of wings, and a couple extra flaps the bird would spin in the air stopping rather close to Nessa before transforming into a small pale fairy with raven black hair and purple fairy wings.

“Nessa’, Tis has been far too long!” The small fairy would say, a polite smile on her face. “I’m so glad you could join us here. It will do Markus some good to be in your company again.” She would add, looking the human up and down.

“I was asked to guide you to his room, if you do not mind? The Guild Hall can be quite difficult to transverse.”

The entire time she spoke the Fairy would keep a polite demeanor, and seem quite happy to see the Startlight Maiden, however she would seem almost actious to get going.

“How are you doing by the way? Fairy Tail still treating you well?”

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“Im so glad to hear that Nessa” The Fairy would respond kindly remembering fondly her time with Markus in Fairy Tail. She always enjoyed the other Fairies of the Guild. Even if they were of a different Tribe than her own. Spinning in the air she would respond to Nessa’s question. “Oh, I am doing good, traveling with Markus keeps me busy… even if it is sometimes scary.” She would say lightheartedly. As they got closer to his room.

Markus was relatively new to the guild, so his quarters, while solitary, were with many of the other members. The walk took them through the guildhall and to his room. As they approached the door Arinia would turn once more, “Here is his room! Don’t worry by the way, you look great!” The fairy would say before flying off to go do some of her own things, leaving Nessa and Markus alone.

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Markus had given up on working on his appearance any more. In truth, there was not much more he could do. His hair was not matted, he had showered, and he was not even covered in blood. Which, to be fair is a far cry from how Nessa had seen him before. Infact, he was dressed pretty different from what she might be use to. Having gotten back from a Mission somewhat resently, and living at the guild hall for the first time he was actually dressed in the white, black, and red uniform of his guild.
Though he was not currently wearing the extra bits and bobs of the suite, such as the jacket, jewelry, or insignias he was dressed in the dark red pants with black boots and a deep black undershirt.

Having just sat down Markus would look over as the door opened without even a knock. Eyes wide he would attempt to stand as Nessa rushed towards him, embracing him all at once. Without even thinking the chaos mage would pull her into his grasp, giving up on the standing position he had tried to take he would pull her onto the seat with him, setting her into his lap he would kiss her deeply.

“Nessa. I missed you as well.” He would say breathlessly still holding her within his arms. It was crazy, they had been apart for so long, yet such a short time. Nothing like the last time they had separated yet this time everything was different. “It has been too long, you look so beautiful.” he would say, separating from her only slightly.

If she did not move off of him, he would settle into a relaxed seating, her on his lap one of his hands upon her back, and the other within her lap. Kissing her neck once more he would pull away unable to keep from adopting a slight grin. “How have you been? Hopefully Jobs have been going well?” he would ask, hoping to make some small talk.

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Markus would take a deep breath as they separated, his heart was already pounding and they had just been reunited… Markus would look deep into her eyes, a smirk upon his face as she turned way, her face flushed with his complement. It was one of the things Markus loved watching in the woman, seeing her small reactions to such praise. It was strange, the way she would respond to such as simple truth. Then again, people were always strange when it came to praise, and Markus was never one to understand people’s emotions so he would drop it, marking it as a personality quirk he loved.

As she would lean back, still within his lap Markus would look into her eyes as she spoke, listening intently… until the topic changed so suddenly to one, he wanted to avoid… This time it was his turn to look away. “Oh, you know. Just had to go where my path took me. For now, I guess that means Dies Irae…” He would say evasively. Leaning down he would press his forehead to hers. “How is Sebastian doing? What about your father?” He would ask with a slight smile, hoping to delay the conversation just a bit longer. as he took her hands into his own, placing his lips upon her fingers. He truly was curious how the others were doing, he knew Arinia missed her friends greatly and he had promised to find time for her to visit.

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Markus would watch her carefully as she spoke again, she could hear something in her voice. It was obvious she was unsure with his reply. Something he certainly should have expected, but never the less was not prepared for. As she spoke her voice was quiet, but unsettled. She would repeat what he said, a questioning tone to her voice, asking about his ‘path’. Markus knew he could not avoid the conversation much longer, at least… not without truly trying to deceive her. Which was something he loathed to do.

As she spoke again, she would turn to answering his questions, mentioning the dreaded confounding drink that had diluted Markus’ senses on her birthday. The chaos mage would visibly cringe, his eyes closing as she spoke with an amusing tone. He knew he would never live that night down, and had almost told her then and there just to avoid the teasing. Though he bit his toung and responder with a curt “Thank Goodness.” A slight curve to his lips, and the hint of color upon his pale cheeks.

Markus would feel her squirm while sitting on him, and for the briefest of moments would contemplate pushing forward. There was something enjoyable about seeing her reactions to him, her smile, her heated breath. Yet. He knew. He couldn’t. Not tell she knew the truth. With a sign he would listen as she returned the conversation to Dies Irae. Her voice curious. Interested.

“Honestly. I enjoy the guild." Markus would start out. “They have less limitations than I expected, and I am able to… hunt… without worry. Much of their… killing… is legal.” Markus would say, trying to find the right words. He did not want to lie to her, so he decided to be honest. “Most of what we do is hunt dark mages, undesirables, and criminals. It… works… for me.” Markus would add, now holding her carefully, unsure if anything he says will cause her to explode. He was sure… if nothing else… what was said next would get a reaction.

“In addition to that… Johann got me out of some… trouble…” He would add, hesitantly. “In fact. Joining Dies Irae was not my plan, but part of the agreement Serilda made to release me from Rune Knight custody…”

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The chaos mage would speak with bated breath, and listen with an acute ear. He would pay attention to her tone, while watching her eyes. In truth, he had no idea how she would respond to such things, or what her thoughts would be. Sure, that night they had agreed to be with one another, and given their love to the other, yet they had yet to be truly tested. Markus would always wonder if their differences would make a rift between them. He already knew they completely disagreed on how to handle certain situations, and knew it was only a matter of time before that came up.

With her first comment he already knew this was not going to be easy. Two words, said simply and without much content yet full of everything he knew to expect. She was a being of light, of goodness, and of understanding. But she was also a Wizard Saint, and Ace, and much more. She knew both sides of this world. She was quite however which was enough for him to continue, finish telling her what he wanted to. Truthfully, he did not regret his actions. Despite the Rift it might have caused between the Chaos mage and his friends in the Rune Knights. It had not been a pretty sight, Markus under the chaotic influence of his magic had grown erratic, and angry so much so that he actually ended up fighting the other two mages.

Markus would close his eyes, briefly remembering their confrontation, and his time within the cell, and the darkness he was in before opening them again and giving Nessa a small smile. The barest hint of emotion the Chaos mage could muster. He had said his part, and had been able to listen to her. She asked quick questions. All three of them important, and all three of them hard enough to answer in their own right. He would sigh into her arms as she grabbed him tightly. He was not sure why she would do such a thing, if anything surely, she would want to get away from him.

Taking a deep breath Markus would speak again. “Yes…” He would start then hesitate. “I was arrested by Mythal and Serilda once they found me. I am guessing the found…. Well… it doesn’t matter.” He would stop, knowing exactly how Aporia had left that room… he wanted to keep Nessa from knowing certain gory details. “There was a small fight, and I ended up in Runeknight custody for a little bit.” Honestly, Markus did not even know how long he was in custody, though it had given him enough time to regain control of his magic, and mind.

“I’m… yeah… I think so.” He would say not sure how honest be was being, unable to look her in the eye for fear that certain truths might be released. Honestly, he had no idea how he was doing. He was glad to be with her again, but he had come to learn something. His magic it seemed was more dangerous than he had known. Ever sense he had released the Seal of Chaos he would notice himself slipping, at times. His resolve, his emotions, his being. At times he would lose it all, and allow his magic to rule. Chaos… Markus would shake his head, thinking about how long it had been since he spoke to the Primordial Being.

“Yes.” Markus would say, looking again into her eyes after a couple moments. This time his resolve having returned. “I am doing better. Honestly… I was being reckless. I was trying to find… William Eldridge.” Markus would say, using his fathers real name unable to call him by what he was. “After our job in Belam.. I realized I have to do something about what he is… what they… are doing.” Markus would say.

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Markus would hold her tight as he talked, unwilling to let her go, but fully certain she would be ashamed, or even appalled by what he had said. Surely, she would let him go shortly… However, suddenly she would feel her tighten around him. The first words out of her mouth were asking about ‘him’ the man Markus had gone after. The man neither of them could seem to put a title to. Markus know she would have some idea as to what he was capable of. The job they had done at the Eldridge Estate would have been illuminating. She had not met the man, but she had met Markus’ sister. A woman who had changed so much from the jovial, and happy girl Markus once know. Her voice however was what was most strange to him. It was a curious, and slightly sad, but he heard nothing that he expected. Emotion it seemed was still quite a bit different than what he expected, and he was slowly learning that there was no logical way to think about emotion, and truly expectation should be thrown out. Taking a deep breath, the chaos mage would prepare for what she was to say next.

The pain in her voice served only to cause him to tighten his hold on her, and to hold her for a moment while he contemplated. Markus had always had a reckless disregard to his own safety, and even his life. In the end, for the longest time, he did not care. Suddenly, to find he had something to live for. It was… shocking. “I understand…” He would say quietly. “I will be more careful…. After all, … I have something to live for…” Markus would say the words quietly while looking away. He was not use to laying his thoughts out, being so bare. Yet, here he was. When she spoke again, Markus would feel her straiten into his lap. Looking over he would see that her eyes changed, and even what looked like a small smile to accompany her angry words. He hatted the little iLac devices everyone seemed to carry now. They proved to be annoying, and such a bother. What if it was to go off while he was skulking about, or fighting a monster. Besides. He spent a large amount of his time in other Realms. Surely there was no service in the Void. Though, for some reason, Markus knew those arguments would not sit in her court.

“Fine. I promise. Next time I get arrested, I will call you.” Markus said with a small smile of his own, happy she asked him to promise something he could deliver. After all, if she was to ask that he promise to never get arrested again, he would probably be unable to keep it. The final word which came from her caused him to grin slyly as she gave him a quick kiss. Somehow, all the tension was gone. And her insult was more humorous, than insulting.

“Jerk eh?” Markus would kiss her again. “Really?” Another kiss. “Surely not.” He would pull her closer, closing their gap while kissing her jawline. The kisses were fast, quick, without true depth but they were genuine, and passionate. “Take it back.” He would whisper directly into her ear as he kissed a spot upon her neck directly below it.

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Markus could feel the warmth of her body as it pressed tightly against him. The heat radiating from her neck would tickle his lips. Her hair would caress his nose. He could feel her hands, as they lay upon him, and feel her heightened breath as it came in and out of her lips. Somehow the tension between them was gone. All that was left was them, each other, together. Markus was happy, he would come to realize, and as foreign as that concept was to him… he enjoyed it. Giving her another kiss upon her neck he would smile into the crevasse of her shoulder as her voice rang out. He was certain she would give in.

Yet.. somehow. The words he heard did not make sense. Her voice was firm, almost… teasing as he felt her hands wrap into his hair. As she pulled back, she would issue a challenge. Her eyes alight, daring, cocky even. Markus’ own eyes would darken, not angrily, or even disappointed. The look was something only Markus could pull off. As his eyes darkened, they seemed to challenge back, one eyebrow raising in a questioning manor. His competitive nature would ring, prepared to win.

“Really… I seem to remember the last time you took that tone with me.” Markus’ hand would caress her chin, before a single finger would touch her, the lightest touch Markus could manage. Slowly he would move his finger down from her chin to her neck. His finger would linger over her voicebox, questioning, his eyes would not leave hers as it continued downwards over her chest. Though he would not touch her intimately, the light caress would barely even press the edges of her clothing as, without any delay he passed to her solerplex, and then her stomach. Although he felt like time was slowing down, his cocky and assured half smile would appear. “Are you sure you want to try again.” He would whisper. As his hand continued its path downwards he would once more lean forward, kissing the crock between her collar and her neck deeply.

“Take it back.” He would growl. Before suddenly lifting her into the air, pulling her to him. With a swift movement he would then take her to his bed and set her down kissing her deeply before taking a breath of air. His hand would move pressing forcefully, now upon her bare thigh. The same spot it had been when she tried to take the papers from him. The same spot it was that started, truly, their entire journey. He wondered if she was going to play this time as his hand started its path upwards, now touching bare skin.

His teeth would scrape her skin as he spoke into her neck. “Last chance.”

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Markus would press up against her, one of his legs would move to separate hers, and his hand would caress the inside of her thighs tightly. As they kissed Markus could feel her fever, her desire, her passion, and it spurred him to heights he did not even expect. As they separated again, and as he moved he would look into her eyes. And see the desire. And he knew, he had won. Even if she did not know it yet. As she spoke up, challenging him further he would only nod and lean in to kiss her again. This time softly, his teeth would take her bottom lip and nibble gently and his hand would start to move, as the cloth of her skirt moved out of the way he would speak.

“If you are certain.” He would whisper into her ear. As his hand moved slowly, agonizingly slowly, inch by inch. His other hand would get busy. He would one more kiss her chin, then her neck. As his hand moved one of the straps upon her shoulder he would kiss the exposed skin, then move farther down. Kissing just above where her garment hid what remained. He would pause. His lips upon her skin, his dark eyes looking up into her lavender irises and he would not move, a questioning look upon his brow.

Without saying a word he would wait, moving the hand at her leg is small circles, and keeping his lips to her skin until she would give him some kind of confirmation. A nod, his name, anything that would escape her lips telling him this is what she wanted would be enough. Only once he got that, did he continue.

His hand would move the garment farther down, uncovering more of her, but leaving her true modesty intact as he slowly kissed what was exposed. His other hand would move higher, closer to the core of her desire. Then. Finally, when he was just about there, his hand upon her. He would stop. His hand would hover, leaving but the barest traces of a touch. His lips, now upon the top of her chest would also pause as they pulled away.

Markus would look up at her, an almost evil grin upon his face. “Well then. A guess a Jerk would not give you what you wanted.” He would say teasingly. “Take it back.” His tone was stern, demanding, and absolute. He would only continue on one condition.

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