Moving in

"Is that everything?" Marcus asked as he hefted the large radio Anya frequently worked on under one arm.

Anya seemed to scan the room with her eyes before picking up a small pile of clothes. "Yes, that's everything."

At this Marcus nodded and turned to leave, once out of the door he started to make his way up to his own room where Anya would be moving in with him. In truth he was rather nervous at this new arrangement and he wasn't entirely sure what had led him to asking her, but he knew that he wanted to keep her close by.

Following a small distance behind, Anya fixated her eyes on Marcus's back as he led the way. Really she wanted to ask him if he was really sure about this but another part of her was frightened that he might change his mind.

In a matter of minutes they arrived at Marcus's room, Anya was aware that it was larger than most of the others but she was taken aback by how well decorated it was after she stepped inside. Aside from the obviously expensive furnishings there was a large bed and cabinet, a room obviously designed to accommodate a couple. That thought led to her blushing slightly and she quickly turned away from Marcus's line of sight and busied herself with setting her clothes in the cabinet.

Marcus apparently oblivious to Anya's sudden embarrassment set her radio down on the desk and shifted some of his few belongings to one side to give it more space. He had also been carrying another bag which contained her armour and he plopped this in the corner with his own, none of the Gears were quite ready yet to part with the armour that had kept them alive during some very difficult times.

Fully recovered Anya turned back to Marcus and quickly glanced around the room, she could understand why Marcus was so uncomfortable in here, she wasn't sure that she was contented with it either. As she scanned the room her eyes fell on a shelf off to one side, upon it sat three items that she easily recognised.

Marcus seemed to misunderstand her expression as her not wanting to stay with him.

"...Y-you don't have to move in here...if you don't want to." He fumbled as he scratched the back of his neck anxiously.

"I'm fine Marcus, I was just..." Anya gestured towards the shelf choosing not to finish her sentence.

Slowly he walked to stand closely next to her and peered at his own shelf, "It's all I have left of any of them." He explained softly.

Anya nodded in understanding "I know, Marcus."

After her reply Marcus watched as she slipped her hand into one of the pockets of her trousers, a few moments later and she removed it, something obviously clutched in her fist. Slowly she unfurled her fingers to reveal a very dented and beaten looking medal, an Embry Star. Marcus was astounded by what he saw, all of this time, all of these years through everything, Anya had kept her Mother's medal with her through it all.

"It's all I have left of her." Anya explained keeping her voice low "It's helped me through a lot of things."

Silently Marcus reached his hand towards hers and gently removed the medal from her fingers, moments later and he was crossing the room towards the small shelf. Respectfully Marcus placed the worn Embry Star that was awarded to Major Helena Stroud almost twenty years ago, on the shelf right beside his Father's COG tags. The newest addition to the small shelf of sentimental trinkets that Marcus had kept hold of.

When he turned back he discovered that Anya was now right behind him and she gave him a smile that he knew was one she only gave to him.

"Thank-you Marcus...that...it really means a lot to me."

"I know."

Anya looked up into his face focusing on those mysterious blue eyes that looked so sad and broken, she was still adapting to the brief moments when Marcus opened up, something so rare but cherished and occurring more frequently now. Wanting to express her emotions she took one of his hands in hers and kissed his cheek softly, but as she pulled away she decided that it was no longer enough. They were a couple, they had now moved in together and light pecks on the cheek just didn't seem appropriate anymore.

With her face still hovering near his, Anya glanced up into his eyes to check on his expression, it was slightly reserved but of late it had been easier for her to see the cracks in his facade. Deciding that it was time to take another step, Anya moved her head and changed direction pressing her lips to his in a brief, testing kiss.

"Thanks Marcus." She murmured softly pulling away, but Marcus didn't let her...instead he pulled her close and initiated another kiss.

An/ Some Marcus/Anya :) Hope you like this one. Its nice being able to have Marcus open up a little now :)