Matters of Heart

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With a deep breath, and a heavy sigh the Chaos Mage leaned his heavy shoulders back on the siding to the Fairy Tail guild hall. It was as boring as he remembered it, a simple building with a basic design, and some letters used to distinguish its name. In truth, Markus used to hate the build, and wonder why the members of Fairy Tail had decided to work from an office. Now however, the chaos mage had grown accustomed to the sight, and in truth, had started to call the plain building his home.

His eyes glancing back and forth as they took in the sights, his nose wiggled as it took in the smells. He could see the distant forest not far from city, and the massive mountains over to the side. He could hear the crashing of waves in the distance, and smell the salt of the ocean in the air. The day was actually quite nice, not very hot and holding a nice steady breeze, the clouds were lazily drifting in the sky, and Markus if he squinted could see that the sun would show that it was mid-morning.

It was strange to be honest, for him to look about the place in such a light. He remembered his first day entering the guild hall, and how much has changed since then, his fight with Aven, the very event that had proven to the Chaos Mage that he was not yet strong enough to do what he must. To meeting his guildmaster, a strangely young yet extremely powerful Wizards Saint, with a bearing of understanding, and acceptance unlike any Markus had seen before. He had learned of the Darker side of Fairy Tail, when meeting the members of Basilisk Fang, and in truth had discovered many secrets and powers he never thought possible.

And, of course he had found the naïve crying woman sitting near an apple grove in the middle of the forest. He doubted he would ever forget that day. Much had changed since then, for the Chaos Mage over four years had passed, and Markus knew, pretty soon. Everything would change again.

_____ A Couple Months Back _____
The two mages, Nessa and Markus, had recently finished a high-level job in Bellam, one which had gone all kinds of strange. Markus and Nessa first went by her house, where he met her father, and played a rather curious game of riddles. Honestly, the house reminded Markus of what he had missed growing up, and made the fact that he was keeping his true motives of the job that much harder.

Then, the two used the Void to travel through the Domain of Chaos, where Nessa learned the truth about Markus’ connection to a certain Nephilim Aporia. Of course, while Markus was getting prepared, the chaotic entity decided to revel itself to the woman, and speak of Markus, and herself. The chaos mage still never learned the details of that conversation, and doubted he ever would. However, him and Aporia’s power and connection had grown considerably, even now the chaos mage could sense her, touching the back of his mind, her influence tugging on his decisions. Despite that being the case, Markus had learned to live with the other being, and at least for now, was satisfied to let her slumber.

Things got much harder after that, the two used the Void to appear in a clearing Markus knew near the Estate, and by pure happenstance ran into Victoria Eldridge, Markus’ younger sister, a noticeably powerful mage, and Bellam Guard. A quick series of questions, a heated moment, and an awkward goodbye lead to the two mages getting free of her site, and continuing on their mission. It was shortly after that that the chaos mage realized, he needed to tell Nessa the truth.

The encounter was far from what the man had expected, and far more intimate than any moment the two mages has shared up till then. At least for Markus. In truth, he bared his true identity to the Starlight Maiden, and gave her some hint to the twisted soul she had chosen to follow into battle. Yet, somehow, despite what she saw, she had chosen to accept him, and with a simple word gave the Chaos mage every reassurance he needed to continue. Then... Markus loaned her his brothers’ scarf. The very article of clothing he had gotten the night of his brothers’ death.

From there, the job went rather smoothly and quite well. In truth, the two mages had always worked well together, His Darkness, and Her Light melding with the power both mages controlled. Sure, there was fighting, and although Markus had, for Nessas Sake, restrained himself. There were certainly people harmed from his magic, however the final goal was accomplished. The two mages had succeeded in saving the girl, and a few other ‘staff’ from the clutches of the Eldridge Family, from the clutches of Markus’ Father. In truth however, the victory was short lived, for Markus had not had the opportunity to do what he had really taken the job for. He had not gotten a chance to really confront the monster of a man that was his father. It was that, and the fact that Markus knew his sister would get the brunt of the mains ire, that he regretted most in his choice of job.

As the two mages returned, they would learn of another change that had rapidly approached. Markus had found a note given to him by one of the Fairys, from his teammate and friend Mythal. It seemed, the man was determined to get himself killed, and leave a note as remembrance, and pentane. In truth, Markus had all but packed his bags, and prepared to head off after the missing Wizard, purely in order to punch him in the face, and let him know that a note was not enough, when suddenly, everything within the Guild, and more importantly, the alliance went into chaos.

After waiting, and waiting, to hear back on the decision is Togalan, suddenly, the entire guild, in fact all three guilds, were expected to immobilize, and of course Markus was expected to do his part as one of the strongest Mages in Fairy Tail, and in the Alliance. The entire ordeal ended up being excruciating, and of major annoyance to the chaos mage, and his allied companion who made no attempt to hide her distaste. In fact, it was during that event that Markus had summoned the book of chaos, and fully finished his pact with the Primordial being, sealing her power with his. Not that the summoning would look like anything more than a simple requip spell for his allies.

Now however, after everything had calmed down, and his job was done. Markus had come to a final conclusion, his backs were backed, and his room was already empty Everything that had once sat in Fairy Hills now being moved to the Void. Markus was leaving Fairy Tail once more, only this time. He would not be returning to the guild, and in truth had yet to tell one important person…
_____ Current Time _____

This is what lead Markus to his current situation. It was ironic actually, that both him an Nessa have been asked on this job. Sorano had been strangely persistent on that it be both of them, and no one else, and for a word wizard had been really quite on any sort of discernable details. In truth, all Markus knew about the job was that he and Nessa were to go to a house, and speak with the client, and learn more. Markus only hopped Nessa knew more than he did. He was not ready to have the talk he knew they needed to have, but he was determined to not leave her a note, or disappear without a word this time around.

Markus kept his eyes on the horizon, looking back from the clear waters, to the nearby forest, he took another breath, sitting in the full sunlight, something the old Markus would have never done. He was waiting patiently for the starlight maiden, his eyes now closed as he leaned back letting his ascending ability show him in case of danger.

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Markus’ eyes would have glazed over, before closing entirely as he waited, his mind wondering the infinite expanse of space he was learning to understand. It was strange, the chaos mage thought, how much the world could look exactly the same, yet be so different. The closer he got to Aporia, the more he embraced Chaos, the more things changed, and the more they looked the same as they ever did. Even now, he could see, or more, sense, the ever-changing tides of the void, just beyond normal eyesight, hidden yet completely tangible. He was amazed that he had never noticed it before, never felt the power before now. Once, when he would use his magical abilities to teleport, it would require heavy concentration, and a clarity of mind. Now, he knew just by connecting to one of these strands of Void, he could go where his heart desired, to worlds unknown, and lands unseen. With his usually sly grin, what was once a mask now just him, his eyes would open, his pale features would turn towards the woman he heard approaching. His eyes would meet hers, as he would examine what she saw.

Markus honestly did not know where the two mages stood, he knew he considered her a friend, and believed she felt the same way, but even that was a new experience for the once solitary mage. Perhaps, that was why he had yet to tell her, yet to explain his decision. For the first time, the wondering mage had a reason to stay, he had come to enjoy her company… and that of the guild of course. They worked well together, the recent ordeal at Tzac Ordahic had proven as much. Yet still, the entire cross guild situation had solidified his plans, and his decision. No… the chaos mage would be leaving, once more to travel on his own… He just had to decide how he would tell her.

His musing and investigation into her eyes was broken when he heard her voice ring out, a simple greeting, spoken softly, before she would ask him how he was. He could see the small smile on her face, and as always feel the warmth of her presence and her overwhelming strength. A small, ghost of a smile would once more creep onto his generally plain features. Perhaps it was because of how much things had change, and how much change was to come. He was in a strongly sentimental mood. Even the scoff he heard from the woman who shared his mind wouldn’t break his mood.

Markus would shift his weight forward, so that he was no longer leaning and speak up. His voice as stoic as ever despite the raised spirits he felt. “Hello Nessa, I am doing well thank you. How about yourself?” He would ask, just to keep things moving. He was not yet ready to explain what he was planning. When she spoke about the job he would not, his eye raised slightly. For some reason, the name felt familiar, known. He was certain he had heard it before, yet he could not place a face to the name nor what job he could have possibly have done. In his mind he could hear Aporia laugh slightly, quietly, as if she knew some hidden secret. Markus had come to notice how much more he felt the strange being, even spending much of his time conversing and learning from the Nephilim. Today however, excluding the small outburst of emotion, she seemed to be remaining silent.

As Nessa would turn away, leading their travels, Markus would follow thinking back to how he could know the man. His eyes would glance over at the Starlight Maiden, she wore a green dress, and a white scarf. Markus briefly fingered his own scarf, which was once more wrapped over his shoulder. He was dressed rather typically. Dark black pants, a sleeveless back shirt, and white wrappings around his arms. His brothers scarf lay over his shoulders, and his hood lay flat back his red hair shining in the light. “How is your father doing? And Sebastian?” In truth, Markus just wanted the conversation to continue, and Nessa as one of his only friends had others, he knew she could talk towards.

As the two made their way to the manor, Markus started to remember, his mind connecting the dots. By the time they reached the gate, the chaos mage had released a deep breath. He knew, this job could suddenly get very strange. He doubted it was coincidence that Markus and Nessa in particular had be asked on this job. In the end, the chaos mage knew it really did not matter, he would have to suck it up. Besides, it was a big house, what were the odds of them coming across ‘that’.

Markus glanced at Nessa, resigning himself to the possibility, and preparing for the tirade that could come. As she pressed the button on the gate, Markus paranoid as ever tensed ever so slightly, just incase an attack was to come. The wait was small when suddenly a voice spoke out, meeting Nessas eyes he nodded as she gave their names. As the door opened Markus would step forward, following Nessa as they entered. Markus kept his eyes forward, adopting his business face, and cool outward demeaner. Besides, he had seen wealth before, and as always he hated it.

As they walked forward Markus found himself looking at an elderly butler who would give them a deep, almost impossibly so, bow. The kind at which Markus knew was meant for show, and effect. His voice matched his demeaner, but held too much zeal for the chaos mage. As soon as Markus heard his name he would interject, quietly but with a small amount of force. “Just Markus.”, his voice held no emotion, and his eyes would look as if he hadn’t a care in the world. An entirely differently look than what he had shown Nessa only minutes before. Testament to the trust he now felt for her.

As the door opened, and he would lead them inside Markus would see Nessa look at him through the corner of his eye, and again he would give her a slight nod, an almost impossible to see movement, before following her as she followed the man. Even as they walked in Markus would keep his eyes forward, he knew immediately his doubts were confirmed. This was the same home, and he knew the walls would be plastered with art.

Markus was looked at the butler when he heard it. The voice was… shocking. A voice of almost disbelief from the Starlight Maiden. Markus would give her a quick look before following her gaze. His eyes finding the center of her shock. Showing no outward signs of recognition, shock, or even confusion Markus would take a deep breath. Slowly, methodically, calculating.

“Well… I did.” He would say before looking at Nessa.

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Markus eyes were on his friend, he was studying, inspecting, concentrating. In truth he was not sure what to expect, and he was completely unaware, or at least ignoring, the laughing in his head. Laughing from a being that was not him. In truth, the chaos mage did not need more than a passing glance at the paintings. He knew every detail, every flaw, and every stroke which lead to their creation. The chaos mage doubted he would ever forget any of them, and if he was being honest, he could understand why Nessa might be shocked. Markus himself hated that the picture was just so open, but not because either of them were undressed, in truth the pictures reveled something Markus himself was not yet ready to share, even to himself.

The chaos mage did not look away as she turned to him. Her entire face alight with color, her emotions undeniable, even if many of them Markus did not himself understand. He could see her struggle, read it in her eyes. He remained passive, silent, seemingly uncaring; he was surprised how much he struggled to remain passive watching her. He had fought demons, and dragons, mages, and primordial beings, yet he felt completely unprepared for this.

Markus took a deep breath as he followed her towards the study they were led to. Markus would look around the room, taking in its lavish decor, the shelves, and the desk. From his position he could see there was a stack of papers on the desk, and he was about to read the cover when the door was closed, and with impressive speed, and a blur of motion the white-haired mage would spin around to look at him.

Passively he listened as she asked her questions. Taking a breath, he looked her in the eyes, and allowed portions of his facade to drop. His own eyes would show anger, cold, distant. He was angry that the work was so open, angry that Nessa had seen it, angry that Ivy had not informed the other ace of the job. In truth, he was angry that he had to explain himself. Only after a second did he speak.

When Markus did speak his voice was quiet, but unapologetic; understanding, but stern. “Calm down. We do not know when our 'host' will be joining us." he stared with, not yet having learned starting with those words were never a good idea. "It is in his house, because he was the client who posted the job. A ‘job’ which was assigned to me directly by Sorano(Ivy).” he paused for a second, long enough for the added emphases he put on the word to set, allowing her to see he, even if he had wanted to, had very little choice to turn down his guild master. Markus looked away from Nessa again, waiting to see what she said next, his eyes would glance towards the shelves, and the desk. he could see there were some papers sprawled out.

As far as he was concerned, that single sentence answered all three of her questions, though he doubted it was the end. Besides, he never answered why this painting, and more importantly. Why her. He doubted he could truly explain things he did not know himself.

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Markus had to take a deep breath watching Nessa, this conversation was certainly not going in any way he expected. Though, if he was being honest, he never expected such a thing to happen, he was fully under the impression that she would never see the painting. That being said, there was some benefit to her anger. She was so concentrated and focused on her naked painting, that she had completely overlooked his own, and the secrets it revealed.

Markus’ eyes snapped to Nessa when she spoke his name sharply, his eyes flashing of a violation that was not his own. She had his attention for sure. As she spoke, he listened carefully, as she spoke more and more about the job, that she had not been informed, and that he had not checked with her either. Suddenly, he listened as she started to talk over herself, getting flustered as she thought and spoke about the nudity, and her choice in showing someone she cared for. When she finally finished, Markus was looking directly into her eyes.

“Nessa, there is nothing to be embarrassed of, you are beautiful, and not much more is shown than in a bikini.” Markus said simple, even though he knew in the truth that it really did not mean what he had done was okay. “The… the paintings are about a lot more than the nudity. The.” Markus was not sure how to explain. He didn’t want her to know the truth. “The emotion is what matters. That’s all.” Markus finished quickly. Taking a step to get closer to the desk. When she would look away, he would do the same.

Markus took a deep breath; he did not know what else to say. She was far angrier than he could ever have expected. In the past, such a thing would never have bothered him. Now however, for some reason, it affected him greatly he looked back towards the desk. “Nessa…” Markus’ voice was quiet, despite the anger her own held, and the anger his eyes once held. “You are right. I should have talked to you. I… I am sorry. No one should do such a intimate thing without permission, even if it is for a job.” Markus finished, his hand now resting on the desk beside the stack of paper.

He could not bring himself to look at her, instead he read the cover of the pages out loud, thumbing the end with his finger. “'A moment of desire by C. Blossom'… Seems our host has a particular taste.” He stated, starting to flip open the first page.

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Markus had just grasped the pages, and was opening them when he suddenly heard a cry of refusal. His eyes turned just in time to see Nessa with a look of absolute horror, the redness that was once anger was something entirely different. Before he had time to react, or ask what had happened she would launch herself forward, the full might of her magical power propelling her towards him. Suddenly, he felt an impact as she almost collided with him.

Acting out of pure instinct, yet still baffled and thrown off by the sudden attack Markus attempted to take a step back while putting up his arm. However, Nessa having grown as a mage was far faster than even Markus was prepared for. Missing his timing, his hand instead fell behind her waste, and rather than gracefully stopping the attack, or relying on his magic he instead felt her hit him, and reach over his body towards the pages. His foot already being moved meant he, and by extension her, were off balance, suddenly causing them to fall backwards.

Markus, thrown completely off by the sudden change of baring did the one thing he could think of, and prepared for the fall. The pages still in his hand ended up between the two mages whose bodies had pressed together. In the instant after they fell Markus could feel her upon him, the papers between them, she using his chest for support. Their eyes were inches apart, and once more the two mages were sharing breath. The chaos mage heard her give a small laugh, nervously, hesitantly. Markus suddenly realized; he had seen this look once before.

The night he had asked her to accept him going to Bellam.

When she spoke, Markus raised an eyebrow her hands touching the pages that were now directly between them. She was suddenly speaking hesitantly, offering to take the pages. Markus held on as her hands touched them, knowing without a doubt there was something there. His mind could feel it, the illusion magic that was placed upon the pages, the signature of a magical essence he had not been searching for before. There was no way the chaos mage was going to let this drop.

Holding onto the papers, Markus would make it obvious he was not letting go while remaining silent, looking in her eyes, his own a mix of mirth, chaos, and interest. He would wait for her to either get off him, offer an explanation, or continue as they were and let their host find them in a far worse position.

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Markus was silent, when she asked if he was okay, with a slight smirk, his traditional look muddled with his new emotions, would crease his face as their eyes were to focus upon one another. His hand was still at her waste, though it had dropped slightly to her hip. Her green dress had flown outward slightly as her knees moved. He watched as she got up, straddling his hips. Each of them had one hand on the paper, and another hand on their adversary. Hers upon his chest, his upon her waist.

His eyebrow would raise as she eyed him, her own gaze becoming steel, her embarrassment no longer muddling her void. She gave him a direct order, one which was laced with a competitive tone, an edge Markus was certainly not used to. Somehow, it was drawing out his own competitive nature. He could feel her pressing his chest, a finger, he was not sure which, touched his bare skin that was uncovered by the low V vest he wore. He could feel warmth, from her, her use of magic, their exertion, and his own feelings.

With a determined look, he narrowed his eyes as soon as she told him to stop, and his lip would curl when she spoke of her advantage. Markus would breath outwards carelessly, his hand would glide down her waist to the edges of her dress, his hand would touch skin. “Are you sure about that?”

His hand would brush her leg, no longer covered by the clothes, and move slightly upwards. No one said he had to play fair. “Do you really have what it takes?” As Markus spoke, his mind was planning, everything he did was meant to throw her off. She was an accomplished fighter, but he knew for a fact there was one thing she was not prepared to handle, and that was for him to push her buttons.

He would move the papers, assuming her hand would remain on it lower between them, which would put her in a more off balanced position, if she were to keep both hands on him. In truth, he knew he had the advantage, he had intel she didn’t know, and knowing her personality, he knew he could use it. If needed. His eyes fell to the pages as she touched them.

“Fairy Tails Greatest Sin?” Markus would ask, reading as the changed. He recognized N. C. Lux, and suddenly her entire demeanor made sense. “What could that mean?” The chaos mage would get more determined. “You know you can’t stop me…” he would whisper.

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The chaos mage had to hold his resolve, his eyes locked with hers, his heart quickening, his breath getting shallow. She did not stop him as he expected, she did not immediately balk at his touch. Markus had fully expected things to stop as soon as his hand left her dress, let alone when it started to go up her side exploring deeper. For a brief moment, he thought he had her, he saw her smile falter, her eyes grow wider, as the flicked to what he was doing before remaining to what he was doing. Yet, his certainty was tested, perhaps she did have the resolve to win…

Markus soon realized she was willing to go father than he ever expected, he felt her hand clench tighter to his clothes, and watched as her eyes narrowed as returning to him. Markus couldn’t help but take a shallow breath. He could read an emotion behind their depths, something he was unable to fully decipher, let alone understand if he was being honest with himself.  He could see her face flush, yet still. She did not stop him.

Taking another shallow breath, he set his own resolve and continued his path, slowly, methodically, with great care. After all she was just a woman, someone he knew, and called friend. Why should he be nervous, why should he care? He would eye her, his own body growing warmer. Suddenly he heard a sound escape from her lips, a sound which he never expected. His eyes would widen, even as her own did the same. Her hand left his chest, rising to cover her mouth as the other grasped at his hand. Somehow… Markus had won.

Markus couldn’t help but give a slight sign of relief as she spoke, he realized only now that he would not be able to continue much farther himself, and had her resolve held he probably would be the one to admit defeat. Though, that was not something she needed to know.

He would start to shift his weight, slowly moving her weight off of him. With a small smirk he would respond, “Battle is never fair. Especially when you misleadingly think you have ‘advantage’. To win you must be… ‘unpredictable’.” Markus would say still catching his breath, returning to his defiant demeanor. Anyone with any skill at reading emotions would be able to see even Markus was having trouble remaining passive... Something had changed since that night with the fairies.

After a second Markus would once more look at the pages still within his hand, and with a quick glance at Nessa would start to read. Markus would raise an eyebrow as he caught his name, and would give a small smirk as he read the contents Nessa had been trying to hide. He would take his time, reading the story, the way she portrayed him, and the way she described the two ‘heroes’ of the little tale. In truth it was good, Nessa certainly had a talent for erotic story telling. Markus could help but smirk as he finished, glancing into her eyes.

Markus would take a breath. “Well, at least it isn’t a painting... It's good. Very well written.” He said simply being completely honest. “I guess I know now what you were doing when I barged into your office?” Markus asked playfully, still breathing slightly harder. Suddenly, Markus felt something he wasn't sure if he ever had before, at least, not since leaving home and meeting Chaos. Sadness...

Markus spoke again, his voice was quite, almost a whisper, if Nessa looked into his eyes a this moment, she might even see his emotions. "Nessa. I am leaving Fairy Tail."

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With a deep breath, and a heavy yet settling sigh the chaos mage slowly started to gain control of his scattered thoughts once more. Markus had felt lust before, and even bouts of attraction, yet this. This had been something entirely different for the chaos mage, something he could not name, and he feared to test again. After all, she was ‘just Nessa’ a powerful mage, guildmember, and friend. While he… He was Markus, ‘The Chaos Mage’, a murder and master of darkness, a follower of Chaos, and progeny to the great Primordial. It was at times like these, Markus had to remind himself how different the two were, how much he shouldn’t care. And, he had to remind himself why he was leaving.

Markus was looking at her when he made his comment, yet he could not help notice the tone in her reply, the slight snip to her words, the quick response about what type of girl she was. In truth, Markus had fully expected her to stop far before she did, and she had been quite formidable in that… battle. Yet, Markus knew he could not let her know such things, though he had no idea how her mood could change so drastically, after all he was complementing her, why get snippy? “There is nothing wrong with that Nessa, after all a Wizard Saint should know which battles are worth the effort, I guess…” Markus said, his mind already starting to shift, already starting to realize. He could keep the truth from her. He would have to tell her. But first, he would distract himself with the contents of her writing.

Everything he had said had been truth, in fact he thought she had real skill at this type of writing, perhaps any kind. He wondered briefly if it was something she ever considered, if she was not a mage of course. In truth however, he took so long to read the pages because it gave him time to think, time to decide. When he finally finished and spoke his thoughts his mind was made up, he was going to tell her now. She deserved to know.

Markus was not really looking at her when she told him that it was their guild master that had given her the job, it really did not surprise him, she seemed to excel at finding jobs which really pushed her members, such as the Painting for Markus, and apparently the story for Nessa. Markus would give a quick glance at the Starlight Maiden as she uttered an apologetic response, naming herself a hypocrite. “Not at all, I understand jobs. Besides, it makes sense that it was you assigned, you above anyone else in the guild know myself and Aven… at least physically.” Markus added the last part quietly, she had certainly done a good job explaining him in that regard, but he feels there were certainly some missing emotional components he knew she would have never known about before Bellam.

The time had finally come, their conversation lulled enough that he knew there was only one thing remaining between them. Markus, his eyes filled with an unknown sadness pushed himself to remain passive, something even he was struggling with. When he finally stated what was on his mind, finally let Nessa know the truth, it took everything he had to keep his face upon her, his eyes in her direction. The response was immediate.

Markus could see the reaction physically, and for someone who truly believed himself to be alone in this world, her reaction was… unexpected. He could hear the disappointment, and see the sadness when she looked at him. A single word came out, a single question. One, Markus expected. As he gathered his thoughts, he could hear her breathing quicken, and see her body shaking. His slayer senses picking up far more than the old Markus ever would. Suddenly, she spoke again, and the next words to escape her lips almost broke the chaos mage… almost.

Markus, sitting on his knees next to the Starlight Maiden looked at her with a face up pure… confusion, he was totally lost within her response, within her reaction. The chaos mage just could not understand it, he could not fathom her sadness. Markus found himself thinking back towards the image he saw, and the conversation he had.

‘"Like a twinkling star in the darkest night, still she shines." Nessa's Father would say. "She's always been that way, Nessa, much like her mother was."’

He could see it now, despite how dark and twisted Markus was, she shined, she saw something even he could not. Suddenly, before his mind had time to comprehend what he was doing, Markus was besides the Starlight Maiden, his arms would wrap around her body, his hand would clasp the back of her head, slowly bringing her down into his shoulder. He could not bear to watch as she broke down, he could not watch if tears started.

“Happy… I am happier than I have ever been in my life. The… The guild has changed me. But… You know me Nessa, you know who I am, what I am capable of…” Markus said quietly, whispering into her ear, his voice steady but unable to mask… something new. Different. “Nessa, if I stay, Fairy Tail will suffer. They have already been dark once, and I… I will not risk them. I will not risk… You.”

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Markus took a deep breath as she was pressed into his shoulder, he could heel her breath, her slight shaking, and even the measure of control she gained, the comfort they both felt from the strange, and unexpected, proximity. He steadied himself when he heard her speak.

He understood what she was saying, and had made the very same arguments to himself. Still, he was limited, far more that he would be as a solo mage, on his own. He knew, with what he needed to do, the Rune Knights would be after him if he slipped up. With that thought it mind, he knew, even if the guild allowed him to handle ‘Dark’ Jobs, even they can not condone the revenge the chaos mage sook. The second part of her conversation however caused him to pause… It was true, they were like family, at least, more that any kind of family Markus had known.

Markus’ eyes however would not change, and her argument was not enough to change his mind. After all, he had already thought of the same, and made his choice. A small smile would appear on his lips as he held her close, his right hand would raise slightly his thumb would brush her cheek, and move her hair.

Markus had not spoken when he knew, she understood. He could see it in her eyes, the argument, but the acceptance. She spoke again, before he did. Markus raised a curious eyebrow with what she was saying, the words, and any form they could mean were lost to him. Surely, she meant ‘not that he had someone to trust… that they were friends… that…’ he could not think of more reasons.

“This is not goodbye Nessa… Never goodbye. I spent… I spent Four year…” Markus paused, he still hated talking about that time. “This is not to protect you.” He said, changing the conversation. “This is for me. I will not leave you if I can help it, I will fight to remain by your side…”

Markus was not sure what to say about her darkness comment. After all, if he was to leave her, and cause her this pain? Would it not be darkness, the same darkness that was within his heart, that caused it… Still, he new what she meant, he understood what she was saying.

“I can not allow myself to live without you again…” he whispered into her ear.  

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Markus would keep his eyes trained in hers as they spoke, his heart was racing unexpectedly, his breath seemed shorter. They were so close… so close to… something. Something Markus just could not wrap his head around. Then, when she started to speak again, Markus would listen. Waiting, thinking, wondering.

Just as his senses picked up a new sound, and she stopped what she was saying. Suddenly exclaiming her surprise. Somehow, the two of them had completely forgotten. They were not in their own house, at the guild hall, or anywhere remotely appropriate for what they were currently doing. Suddenly, Markus like Nessa would stand, his body moving as fast as he could force it to, stepping away from the other mage he would brush his fingers through his hair, and fix his scarf, just as the knock came to the door, and the two men entered.

Markus immediately recognized the lord, he had spoken to the man once before, when he was first told of the painting requisitions. The man was large, and very lavishly dressed. Markus had to repress a sigh when looking at the man, truth be told. Markus hated men like this, the rich and wealthy. It reminded him of how he grew up. Markus would watch as the man spoke in an extravagant matter addressing the two mages.

“Markus.” The mage would say briefly, having decided after their resent… debacle with his family, that he would no longer even associate his name with them. He the watched as the man would reach over to kiss the back of Nessa’s hand, and listen to her hello before sudden the chaos mage felt the man touch his own hand, and attempt to move it. The chaos mage however, kept his arm at his side, and after an awkward moment where the man was forced to remember his own strength.

Markus offered no hello, and would cock his head. “You asked for us?” he would say simply, his previous emotion gone as he fully overcame his demeaner. No one needed to see his weakness, at least… no one more.

The wealthy man would broaden his smile, and offer for them to sit before calling for drinks. “I am so glad you could both make it!...” he would start. “You must be curious why I called you here… You see, I have a very important job. One that ONLY the two of you could do!” He would say, droning on about whatever it was he wanted. In truth, Markus was only paying half attention, his mind turned towards the events that had transpired.

“You see…” He was curious what she would have said. It seemed important… “So. This venture would make so much money!” Perhaps she was going to talk about him leaving. Maybe she was still made. “… you guys only really have to stand there.” Markus was starting to get tired of the constant droning. Whatever was being said, meant nothing to him. He needed to learn the job, and more importantly, the pay. As his last job with Fairy Tail, he had promised Ivy that he would complete the task, little did he know how much he would regret his promise.

When the wealthy man finally got to his pitch, he would stand and raise his voice. His face was beaming, as if he was about to inform them of something ground breaking, and revolutionary. “All I need, if for you both to pose for my Calendar!”

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Even for Markus, remaining passive after the man finally informed them of his grad venture was a chore. Suddenly, his eyes were wide, and he opened his mouth slowly to reply before shutting it with a snap, and waiting. Turns out, Nessa had a similar, and rather understandable reaction, asking but a single question. A quick clarification. The only thing that mattered.

Did this man even know who they were? I mean, sure Markus was an unknown, and rarely entered the spotlight. After all, he worked on the darker jobs, so it made sense. But he was still an H rank Wizard, surely, he was far above such a… job. Besides! That did not even account for Nessa, a guild ace, a Wizards Saint, and an X rank wizard. How could this man, with all his bravado, think he could request such a job of them directly? Yet, somehow, Markus was not surprised, after learning of the two jobs Nessa and himself had to do. With a sigh, Markus listened to the man explain.

Apparently, the idea was based off money, and his offer was way higher than Markus would have expected. However, there was a single word that rang in his ears. ‘Tasteful’, it was the same word he had used when describing the painting. Which meant, he expected something… provocative, at least, in some ways.

The truth was, Markus could care less as a whole. He would have never modeled, and never would have attempted to. In fact, Markus hated pictures of himself. The Darkness he controlled always seemed to make the cameras act funny, unless there was a massive amount of light to fight it off. Markus was contemplating when he heard Nessa speak up once more. For some reason, the two of them suddenly expected him to make the final decision.

Truth be told, he had already made his promise to Sorano, having guaranteed to do this last job for the guild. Suddenly, Markus wondered if she had known more, and kept the details hidden. With a sign, the chaos mage looked the man directly in the eyes, and waited. Letting the silence drag out, passing by. Second. By. Second.

When he finally did speak, it was only one word. “Fine.”

The next few minutes were taken up by a rush of activity, and a rapid increase of movement. As if on cue, they were pulled from the room, taken through the grand hall, and introduced to the in-house studio which the man had apparently already set up. As they passed it, Markus took but a moment to look once more at the painting he had done, and reflect upon the message he had created thinking towards what it was Nessa almost told him. Then the moment was gone.

The studio was large, with many lights, and different sets. There were doors to his right which Markus learned went to various dressing rooms, one for him, and one for Nessa. As they walked the client droned on, and on about the shoot, the ideas he had, the styles he wanted to do. He said he wanted Casual, Swimwear, Furry, Cute, and of course tasteful, as well as a few ‘special ideas’ he kept keeping to himself. The entire time, Markus would question his choices, and wonder, how did he ever get here. Though, there was a more pressing question on his mind… "what is a furry?"

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