Author's Note

Sorry for the two week delay of posting, but I've been caught up with a few problems happening on my computer and getting ready for my return to work. Sure, I'm doing minor projects at home, but I'll be back on weekend shift very soon.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this new chapter.

Chapter 5

"He looks so strange. . ."

"I think he's kind of cute. . ." Marcus' ear twitched as his mind dragged itself back into the realm he must call reality, his eyes fluttering and eventually opening to the most unexpected pony. He was going to scream like any human being would when they have a smiling face looking down at them. However, due to the lack of sleep from the foals and sense of pressure upon his entire body, his senses slowly adjust as he stared into the gorgeous eyes of the pink mare, eyes blinking every so often, gripping what might have been the situation yet unable to process what he sees. To his dismay, a gentle giggle from the princess eased him into grasping what was happening. His lifeless stare became a bemused look while the sound of snoring and hooves surrounded.

"If this is another trick from Discord I swear to god I will break my foot off in his ass." Marcus' gentle, yet somewhat aggressive, voice amused the pink alicorn as he looked down his chest to see the foals and Luna were still resting on top of him, snuggling underneath the blankets with him as their pillow. He sighed out in frustration and gazed up further past the mare, finding the time on his grandfather clock to be eleven in the morning. He was quick to realize he had been asleep for over two hours; and that was no natural part of him. He never napped for so long.

"Are there more of you?" he asked, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with the only hand that is free. It was very obvious to the giddy pony that he was not ready for another surprise visit from royalty. Still, it would be the best visit he had in a long time; especially when the one on his mind was standing behind the couch with her faithful student munching on a large bag of potato chips.

"Is he awake?" Twilight asked, tossing another chip in her mouth. Cadance had taken it upon herself to brush the top of his head with a short nuzzle, rather than give a proper greeting. Given that she was deep in thought of the emotions bursting from her aunt, she was enjoying the hint of jealousy she was feeling after the alabaster alicorn watched her do this intentionally.

"He's awake, but I doubt he's ready to be awake." Cadance answered, ending her tease with a quick inhale of his scent. She looked up to her aunt, finding that she was barely in control of herself. There was a powerful sense of claiming resonating from her auntie, stronger than most ponies she felt were in love. Maybe even stronger than when she claimed Shining Armor.

"For a hairless ape, he's pretty cute." Cadance complimented. Celestia did not add anything to that, but remained silent by biting her tongue whilst thinking the best way to approach her human. She had not seen him in two years and was already nervous; even though formalities are not needed, she still felt cantankerous from seeing her own sister snuggle him. How dare she take advantage of her human!

"So this is what a human appears to be?" Twilight questioned. Marcus did not answer or offer some sarcasm, but opted to carefully sit up without waking the foals or the Lunar Princess. His left arm slid smoothly out of Luna's grasp and across her cheek as he used the other arm to keep the little ones from rolling off him. Unfortunately there was a bit of a problem with the blue alicorn refusing to release his arm. He finally made himself known to the Solar Princess, and he brought forth many emotions she was withholding during their distant relationship.

Celestia felt many things while staring at that handsome face, remembrance flooding her mind as she recalled the wonderful kiss he braved across her lips. There was so much to go by that she hadn't the ability to process herself. Joy of seeing him again. Excitement that he had been faithful to her these two years. Anger that her sister is sleeping with him. Worst of all, jealousy from seeing her niece nuzzle him. It was all too much to deal with. She felt like a bomb getting ready to go off as her student observed the bemused man.

"Are you eating my potato chips?" Twilight did not answer immediately, but looked up to him in confusion before grinning sheepishly and hiding the bag behind her backside. His uncomfortable glare ran behind her to see that the bag was nearly empty.

"I. . .uhhhhh. . . " Twilight was at a loss for words, unable to debate the best answer. "I had forgotten to eat during my morning studies, and the princess said that it would be alright if I took something so long as I repay you. I did search for something else to eat, but all I found were many round cans in your cupboards and frozen fish in a strange cooling device." She explained, albeit very sheepishly. While Twilight looked somewhat disgusted of herself of her actions, Marcus had shrugged his shoulders, as this reminded him of Celestia rummaging through his kitchen to find the strawberry cake he made at her request, but also hid to make sure there was some for himself after dinner.

"Well if you were hungry you could have just woken me up and asked for something eat. It's not like I'm going to make anyone in my house starve."

Strangely, instead of finding that insulting, Twilight found herself surprised by Marcus' blunt gesture as he gently placed the foals on the pillow he used. The suspicion in the very center of her mind shrunk, replacing the emptiness with warmth. Comforting? Not really. Only the Princess of Friendship, on the very edge of fear, already curious of the new world, would see through her pondering to keep a close eye on him. Her teacher may have waited to see this creature again, but she was not going to let personal reasons and respect for the mare get in the way of observation.

Cadance giddiness subsided, and she felt that it was the right time to attempt to understand how this common creature stole her aunt's heart. She stood in front of him and began with bowing to show some respect.

"You may already know me as Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but you may refer to me as Cadance." she said politely. "And what should I properly call the one who has caught the eye of my auntie?"

"Marcus is my name, so stick with that." He replied, walking past the alicorn without realizing that Celestia was right there. "And secondly, I forgot to mention this, but do not use formality of any sort in my house. The same rules apply as they did when Tia was here: you are to take off your crowns, slippers, and be yourselves. This is my house, so no royalty bullshit."

Celestia smiled again, this time more genuine than forced. You are still the same after two years. Marcus, you're still so childish and blunt with your kindness, but that is what I love about you.

Marcus took the bag of chips from Twilight and tossed it into the trash can, bemused that he now had a missing ingredient for the vegetable casserole he planned for dinner. The tension slowly eased from is body with every step he took towards the kitchen to prepare a proper meal for the still-hungry alicorn who was wiping remnants off her lips with the afghan. Rude it was, but nopony was watching her. After making sure there was no evidence she followed her teacher into the kitchen and sank into a chair while he removed ingredients from the fridge, drawing curious looks from her and her sister-in-law.

"I'd offer you fruit or vegetables, but most are in the trash for being spoiled." He said, while placing what he has to cook in the sink for cleaning. "Hope you don't mind an omelet with apple slices and french toast."

Celestia giggled quietly at her ignorant human as she removed her crown and slippers, remembering not to scuff the floor. Her feelings were very genuine. She was going to have to throttle Marcus for sleeping with her sister, although it was not his fault. Luna did have a serious tendency to put herself in the equation when it comes to her private life. "You must have been very desperate to sleep with my little sister. I had hoped you were faithful to me this entire time." She managed her most schoolmarmish voice, the one that made Marcus sit up and take notice—or topple over in shock of her teasing.

"I have not given up on you Tia. Your sister just decided to—" his mind was the first thing to stop as the Solar Princess laughed at his silly ignorance. He dropped the apple in the strainer and froze in place, his gaze stuck on the window reflecting his princess' image. His heart raced as he swallowed the hard lump in his throat. He could barely whisper her name as the hot water ran over his hands, the pain in his hands slow to register.

Celestia nodded as she unfolded her wings from the aching desire to hugging him. She wrapped herself around the stunned man and pulled his back to her chest to rest her head against his, her care for what the others noticing already diminished by the touch of his cheek. She had missed his touch for too long.

"I know it is not in your nature to lose faith in me," she whispered, pressed the side of her head against his. Cadance confirmed that her aunt was not just infatuated with this creature. She was in love with him. "You are just too kind and gentle to others."

She was telling the absolute truth, which was why she had so many feeling for him. She mixed truth with implication—not any lies. She tried to refrain from crushing her human with her wings. It was hard letting go.

"I've missed you so much, Tia." His words struck home for the alicorn as he bid her to remain like this by pressing his hand over her wings, pulling them back before they broke away.

Celestia's bubble of nervous laughter welled up as she felt the other hand pressed in her feathers. "But you were just sleeping with my little sister;" She teased, stifling a laugh while her friend fought hard to not chuckle. "Are you sure you missed me, or did my sister catch your eye?"

"Well she is quite warm and affectionate," he replied, and then hummed at his thoughts. What he did not know was that Celestia already had him beaten.

Celestia called on her mad thousands of years of acting skills to play the man, her long lashes sweeping down deliberately as she spun him around. "But you enjoy the soft sensation of a mare with large, firm flanks. And I do not believe that my sister meets those standards." She finished, doing her best to look seductive.

"Princesses," the man scoffed with his head high. He would have been believable if it wasn't for him staring at the mare from the corner of his eye.

"Humans," Celestia spat playfully, with her Cheshire grin.

Silence worked between Celestia and Marcus before they broke out in laughter. This confused Twilight as he wrapped his arms around the princess' neck and hugged her tightly, ignoring that his hands were wet and going to soak part of her fur. "It is good to see you again Celestia, but you could have woke me up instead of waiting."

She had no choice but to mess with him. In any case, she had been looking forward to being herself with him. "You appeared to be very tired and comfortable with Luna and the foals on top of you. Besides, we arrived a few minutes ago."

"Oh," he chirped, though with too much enthusiasm. "Well in that case, are you hungry?"

Celestia felt jittery. She was used to being around maids and servants who ask if she is need of something. Spork was her best chef and very considerate of her tastes, but never did he ask what it is she wants to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Marcus was certainly curious of her appetite. He did not care about what is best for the Solar Princess. He was caring even. He did not think hard about healthy food for a princess and he never once acted as if he needed to. He was a simple man that treats her like a normal pony, and that is what made her want him more.

"Pancakes with berries." She requested. His quick nod was all she need to know as the rest of the girls joined her at the table.

Cadance sided with Twilight and felt a little envious of her aunt. It was not fair to her. Marcus entire demeanor changed to this kind and gentle creature. She was ate up with the thought of a stallion offering food to his princess. Why couldn't Shining Armor treat her like that, she thought. Oh well, she could con him into making breakfast before or after their morning 'fun'.

"By the way, I retired my guns." Marcus announced, specifically to Celestia, with a small joyous glance over his shoulder. "I finished my last job and told my uncle that I no longer want to be part of the work. He was very understanding, but still takes some time to visit me."

It was the last thing Celestia expected, but she realized his revelation and joy made it easier for her to convince him into leaving this world when the time comes. Marcus had a very powerful job and a way to keep everyone away from the truth while he prepared for more work, or waited by travelling to the location. She knew he probably had a high rank of some kind in that explicit business. Still, there was the obvious truth that Marcus kept possession of his weapons but had them locked tightly. Celestia clapped her hooves and beamed with excitement. This was no ordinary expression.

"You never told me in the letters you retired. When did this happen?" she asked, throwing her nieces off guard as he made the pancake mix, their eyes swimming with worry while she adjusted in her seat.

Marcus looked up, pinning the girls with his warm grin. "I retired last year, sometime before Christmas. Now I'm just living on Grandpa's millions. Of course there are some charities and shelter gatherings I attend."

"You really have come around, haven't you?" she quipped, though with a more enthusiastic tone. "I cannot tell you how proud I am that you took my advice."

"Thank you, Tia."

Cadance leaned into Twilight and whispered, "Do you any idea what a 'guns' is?"

"I have no idea." Twilight replied in a low tone.

"So who is hungry?" Cadance and Twilight did not have an immediate answer. They stared at the man in his apron as he flipped another pancake onto a plate and began making another. This was almost too much for them. It was common for a chef to wear a full apron to protect themselves, but he was in an apron you only find on most mares, and there was a bandanna on his head.

Both princesses hid behind their wings and snickered, unable to face another minute of this feminine display without breaking into full-blown laughter. Celestia could not be more disappointed in them and scowled and tried to scold. Twilight and Cadance saw what was coming and ducked their heads, twisting themselves out of their seats, giggling through their guilt, as if they knew their aunt would take her anger out on them. After all, she'd been without her 'Marcus' for two years.

"Be nice!" Celestia whispered, and then spun around to face the confused man holding a plate of pancakes. She put on her best smile and raised her hoof as though she were in a restaurant. "They are just curious to see the rest of the house, just leave them be and let us focus on making up lost time."

Marcus shrugged. "Okay, but how many do you want?"

"Three, with extra syrup."

"And to drink?"

"Orange juice."

"Coming right up," he said. "But be sure to brush your teeth after you eat. There is an extra toothbrush and bottle of toothpaste in the cupboard in my bathroom. They're unopened."

Celestia giggled. "What are you, my mother?"

Marcus raised an eyebrow at the princess and dropped her food onto the extra plate he set in front of her. "No, but you are in my house. You have to abide by the rules."

"I know. I'm just teasing you."

It was not so convincing to Marcus, but he kept smiling and nodded, while removing the bandanna and apron. "I know you are sweetheart," He looked down to the clock on his oven and realized what time it was. His eyes went a little wide. "Oh man, I just remembered that I have to go to the store tomorrow." The lightbulb came on, and he looked towards the mare levitating her fork and knife. "That reminds me; how long do you plan on staying?"

"A few weeks for observation of the foals." Celestia replied, with a mouthful. "Discord has to regain his strength and finish building the spell I was working on. I hope you do not mind."

"As long as you clean up any mess you make, I'm more than okay with it." He replied. "But since you are staying, I'll need to make preparations for everyone and make a big shopping list for tomorrow."

Celestia nodded. "Very well, and thank you for this."

Marcus left her, striding away with serious thinking ahead, disappearing into his bedroom down the hall. Cadance and Twilight wrapped themselves around the foals being villains they defeated and cooed at them. They hadn't been aware of their fellow princess watching them after Marcus closed his door, but now they felt a little uncomfortable for no apparent reason.

"Don't do anything rash when I go talk to him," she whispered, followed with taking another bite of her breakfast.

Marcus sat with a small notepad in one hand and a pen in the other. He stared down at the list he started and reminded himself the provisions he provided the first time Celestia was in his house, though with a bit more enthusiasm than any person. But why did it matter, he was happy to see her again.

"Twilight and Cadance can use the upstairs' bedrooms while Celestia takes mine. I'll just need use the extra bed and have the foals there, which means I'll need to get extra blankets and pillows for everyone." He told himself, his voice indicating some maturity and certainty as he added said items to the list. "Probably should grab some books at Barnes and Noble for Twilight, or just call the cable company to add a bunch of educational channels. But doesn't that mean I need to add some sort of Lifetime and Hallmark network for Cadance, or would they fight?"

He sighed and sat on the bed, one hand running through his hair. Around the scar behind his ear was a large scar that matched a bite mark, almost perfect with every tooth imprinted in the deepest region of his skin. He caressed the scar and remembered that it was the second most painful thing to feel. The first being Celestia's leave. Confusion swept through him, for the bite mark stinging more than usual and everything he needs to buy to make their stay very comfortable. He had told himself one of the problems to his behavior is how lacking his social skills are. This had to be remedied before the week was over. Marcus had definitely put the idea in his head to fix how antisocial he is with everyone but the Solar Princess.

This is going to be a pain in my ass. . . he tossed the notepad and pen onto the table next to him, though with a bit more force than he should have used.

A knock as his door snapped the man out of his thoughts and he sat to see who was seeking entrance. He stood up and opened the door enough to have the pony at the door poke her head inside. He had to be kind to impress his favorite princess with his easy-going, equality attitude. His eyes came close to what he knew to be the most beautiful purple orbs a mare could have for eyes, glittering and so focused on him that it seemed to be a trap for staring into his person. He was a little nervous to have her this deep in his personal space. Obviously she'd felt the same way.

"Celestia," his voice was like a lost lullaby to the princess, a smooth tune she'd dreamt hearing after returning home. It was so good to hear his voice that she almost shed a tear. "Do you need something, or is there a problem?"

Celestia bit her lip as if wondering if she could be open with him or not. "There is no problem, you just left so abruptly that I was worried." She lied with a very silver tongue, although she did not have to hide the truth from him. She pushed a little harder on his door, nearly pushing him onto the floor. "Would it be alright if you and I could talk privately?"

"Sure thing." He spoke enthusiastically, moving from the door so she could properly.

Celestia made her way into the bedroom and recalled a much messier floor. But this, she was almost astonished to see that Marcus matured enough to maintain some respect for his home. It made her breath get caught in her throat as the door closed behind her, locking the world outside of her with a turn of the key he has on his key ring. It seemed a little strange to the man he was locking the door and trusting the two most impulsive of princesses to watch over the slumbering foals and Luna. But still, he knew that Celestia trusted him to keep his hands to himself, although every muscle in his body screamed to hug her.

He dropped his guard, switching to his 'person' as he removed his apron and shirt. Sad to say he was acting a little odd for most females, but the Princess of Day did not mind at all seeing him like that, and she certainly was not going to complain about what she sees right now.

"Your physical appearance has grown some," the princess pointed out as she watched him look inside his large closet for a clean shirt. "Did you take on better eating habits like I suggested?"

"Yes, and I bought a weight bench a few months back."

"You look very fit for somepony your size."

"Now you and I both know why that is." He sounded friendly enough. He did not appear particularly annoyed or frustrated by her arrival, as if he would be in the first place.

"Have you spent these last two years by yourself, or did you make some friends and a mate?" She asked, suddenly remembering that his loneliness was for good reason. He had to be alone, always.

"I'd like to say that I found someone, but that would be a lie."

Celestia forced herself to remain calm, shuffling her hooves as he found a sleeveless t-shirt. She could barely help herself with having this man's heart for herself. It was a relief to know he still wants her, until she noticed the mark she left on him. She inhaled deeply, reaching for the courage that cannot be matched. This was worse than being brave against Tirek. It was hard, but she grasped it, still on shaking hooves as the remainder of their formalities dropped. She took that familiar scent into her lungs and just held it there, satisfied to know she was not dreaming.

"I have missed you."

"I've you missed you too Tia, more than you know." Marcus admitted, putting one hand on her cheek to reassure himself she was real. Deliberately she leaned into his hand and clutched his forearm to keep from losing his attention.

Her heart began to beat hard again. Finally, in her time of patience was the human she fell for. She just needed more time and an opportunity to sweep away the life this man has so he can be with her. She had a feeling this particular man would not be swooned or seduced.

"Did you have somepony see if it can be removed?" She asked him, gently turning his head to see the large marking was still there. She had thought it was her mind playing tricks and the guilt was helping.

Marcus gave her a small smile and grasped the hoof stroking the back of his neck. "Scars cannot be remedied like they are in your world. Once it is there it is forever, but I am not complaining."

"I assaulted you and tried to end your life." She reminded him. Marcus just laughed and shook his head at her.

"You were not right in the head at the time."

"I was perfectly sane."

"But you were very afraid and a little traumatized."

"It does not excuse my actions."

"So you would prefer me hating you?"

"No. . ."

"Then shut up about it and be happy."

Celestia grimaced and sank down onto his bed, allowing her mind and body to naturally break away from the set standard of her more professional demeanor. The time of being a princess was at a nice pause but she was well versed in staying the same mare every pony sees her as. But she did not want that. She wanted to be free. To be herself.

"You look like you haven't slept either; why don't you take a breather and relax throughout your stay?" His concern was the best to her. It was real. It was directed to her and not to the princess underneath the crown. It was genuine.

Celestia smiled again, this time with her own. "I have not taken a break since Twilight ascended. Adding another princess in power has weighed on me, but I've gotten use to it."

Marcus raised his eyebrow. "You're still acting like the Celestia everyone wants to see, but not me. I want to see the real you right now."

Celestia shrugged. "I guess it is difficult to release myself from who my subjects see. At least I have you to help me stray from 'her' for the time being."

He nodded, suddenly close to her. The tension slowly reduced from Celestia as he sank down onto the bed beside her while she moved her wing around his back. He wasn't aware of it, but soon he would be trapped.

"Must be a pain in your ass, being someone that you are not."

"In some ways. Especially when I'm trying to find a moment of peace. There are so many greedy nobles in Canterlot and having some prey on me for a chance of power. . ." She trailed off, realizing genuine anger—her anger—had crept into her voice.

Marcus was sorry for her. He saw stress in her eyes and knew she'd given too much to her kingdom. Cursing silently to those selfish bastards, he idly stroked her neck and tossed professionalism away.

"You did not want to talk about the foals, did you?" he asked. "You just wanted to vent on someone and let off some steam, but you do not know if your own family will remain quiet and not act on you."

Celestia's eyes focused on him, all that piercing intelligence of his shining brightly. She had to remember that his wits were one of his best characteristics. She had to fight to stay relaxed. Though the gap of their ages is ghastly, he looked as if he could see through her. "You humans are a fascinating species. Nothing slips passed you."

"Only some of us are perceptive," Marcus said. That much was true. He indicated the space of his lap as she lowered to her stomach. Let her fish around the bed for the best spot. "You want to talk about what troubles you before I greet the others properly?"

Celestia didn't so much as think. She quickly threw her wings around the man and pulled him down for the fantasy she had for months. Though it was wrong and too direct, she brought forth her reassurance of his feelings for her by holding him close.

Marcus did not flinch when her magic guided one hand to her side and the other to her neck. He looked down at her to see the 'real' Celestia snuggling him. "I guess you don't want to talk about what's eating you."

"I do want to talk, but can't we. . ." A pregnant pause of her own worry came into place, her mind deep in the idea of pushing their friendship one step further. Not a big step, but a very small one that would tell her if this man still wants her. "Will you just hold me until somepony comes for us?"

Celestia could not see it, but her smiling human was more than happy to wrap his arms around her. The tighter his hold was, the better she was feeling. This was better than any magic to the princess. This was paradise.

"As you wish, my dear." He cooed.

Celestia recalled those words and felt what he expressed during her stay. Her walls came down and the defensive mare she always was became free. She felt what was a hopeless dream.

She felt safe and loved.

. . .

"By the way, did I see jealousy when you saw Luna on top of me?"

"Shut up."