Gears of War

Two Couples

Introduction: After a long while, it's time for a new Gears of War story! This story takes place after Gears 3. The main characters are Marcus, Anya, Baird and Sam. Both parings are going to have separate chapters. I'm not quite sure how long it will be, but I'm guessing it will be no more than four chapters. Though it's possible more can be done. Enough of my prattle.

Review if you like, but it's not necessary to do so. Enjoy!

Now on with the story!

Chapter 1: The Library Moment

Even after all of the battles fought inside the hotel, most of the interior was still intact and only needed minor rebuilding. After almost three weeks of work, the hotel was a livable building again.

One place in particular was left intact and was almost close to immaculate in terms of appearance. Inside was an occupant who took time for himself to look through the many books in the shelves. The walls were lined with several large shelves of books. Wearing a gray t-shirt, khaki pants and black boots and minus his do-rag, the occupant was flipping through a large leather bound book.

Standing erect and in front of the main bookcase was Marcus Fenix, he decided earlier today to dig through the books in the library and had found one on botanicals. From behind him and across was a large wooden desk, with three chairs surrounding it. Several side tables were lined strategically. He read through many of the pages and could easily identify and understand all the different flora and fauna that at one point existed on Sera.

Marcus remembered how as a small boy, he would always head to the library at his estate and flip through all the books. As a boy, he was always an avid reader and enjoyed the mysteries that books held. He mused that with the war over, the Locust gone, the Lambent gone, and for the first time in decades, there was peace, he figured he could catch up on some reading.

He could hear the door opening behind him and someone walk-in. The footsteps were soft and he could smell the light fragrance that was used. He let a small smile form and closed his eyes as he felt the two slim arms wrap around his chest. He then felt the warm breath on his neck, and then the soft skin of a cheek pressed against his neck.

"Didn't think I'd find you in here." Anya Stroud said as she rested her head against Marcus' neck. "I never thought to peg you as a book person."

Holding the book's spine with one hand, he placed his other hand on the two intertwined hands and gently gripped them.

"I'm just full of surprises, aren't I?" He replied.

"What are reading?" She asked as she stood on her tiptoes and tried to peek over Marcus's broad shoulders to see what he was reading.

"Just plants and shit." Marcus replied with his usual gruff tone, though it was somewhat softer than usual.

"Plants and shit?" Anya replied with some humor. "You planning to grow a garden Marcus?"

"No." Marcus said. "Just catching up on some long overdue reading."

He shut the book and placed it back on the shelf. Anya let go and took a step back as he turned around. She was wearing a grey tank-top, light brown khakis and her own boots and her hair was tied a bun. She looked at him and smiled softly while reaching up and gently caressed his left cheek. She looked him the eyes as she always did to gauge what was going on.

"Are you feeling alright?" She felt compelled to ask because Marcus had lost so much these last few weeks. First, Dom sacrificing his life to save his friends from the Locust and Lambent at Mercy, and then witnessed his father Adam disintegrate before their eyes on the top of Pinnacle Tower. She knew him better than anyone and she knew how hard it was for him to deal with.

He sighed as looked into her blue eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Anya raised an eyebrow and asked softly while dropping her hand. "Are you sure?"

He nodded and gently gripped her left hand with his left and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. "You know me, I handle everything that comes at me a certain way."

Anya chuckled at that remark. She knew that was his way of saying that he would ask for her when he needed her, and that he'd be alright no matter what. Though they both knew that it was easier when they grieved together.

She remembered telling him afterwards on the beach that she'd be there for him. And, thankfully, he had spent time with her in coping with his losses. Their losses. Though he would, on occasion, spend time by himself and grieve, she made sure to give him the distance he needed and it actually gave her a chance to grieve on her own as well.

For her, Dom was a dear friend and a very important part of her life. She did everything she could to support Dom after his children died, when Maria disappeared, when he had to euthanize her in the Hollow. Knowing he was gone hurt, but she knew he was in a better place and was with Maria and Benny and Sylvia.

And then there was Adam, he was someone she respected and admired. She felt relived and happy when she saw him alive again and sincerely hoped that he and Marcus would be able to rebuild their relationship as father and son. Sadly and bravely, he sacrificed his life to save humanity and stop the Locust and Lambent. It devastated her as much as it did Marcus.

The saddest part for both of them was that they were last of their family lines. But that was something they didn't concern themselves with.

"Hey." Came the deep baritone of Marcus' voice.

Anya was shaken out of her thoughts at Marcus holding her hand tightly.

"Huh." Anya said, as she tried to shake herself from her momentary stupor.

"You alright?" Marcus asked. "You seemed to space out for a second."

"Oh." Anya replied. She shook her head and smiled again. "Yeah."

"Are you sure?" He asked with some mock indignation.

Anya lightly punched him in the shoulder. "Yes, yes, yes. I'm doing good." Marcus faked like he was hurt and she noticed a small smile form.

She stepped away and looked around the library. She hadn't gone in here that much and she felt it was a good a time as any to look through some books. Maybe she'd find something good to read.

"You know dinner isn't for another hour." Anya said as she walked to a shelf and pulled out a random book. "Maybe we should take some books to read for later?"

Marcus raised his brow. He didn't take Anya for the book type, but then again, in his opinion, she was the smartest woman alive.

He shrugged his shoulders and stood next to her and picked his own random book.

"What the hell." Marcus said as he began flipping through the pages. "Wouldn't hurt. It's not like there's a librarian to worry about."

Anya chuckled. "That's the spirit."

They spent the next hour picking out books. In some ways, it was probably another way of coping.

Next: Baird and Sam

Final Note: Hope you enjoyed. Be on the lookout for more.