FIC: "Catalyst" (Part Thirteen) (Dave Wenham, Harry Sinclair, Karl Urban, Orlando Bloom)
Title: "Catalyst" (Part Thirteen)
Authors: Brenda (azewewish) & Jo (idiosyncratic)
Series: Claimed Universe
Notes: Click here for full disclaimers and pairings.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Part Ten | Part Eleven | Part Twelve |
Dave let himself into the flat with a quiet sigh of relief, thankful and sad in equal measure that the worst of it was done. He'd faced Harry and Karl and had come out relatively unscathed. And, more importantly, had bared himself to Orlando and felt that maybe their relationship would be stronger for it in the end. He just wished he knew what to do with all of this lingering guilt.
A quick glance showed that Lawrence wasn't in the library, which could only mean he was in one place. Dave stripped off his jacket and loosened the buttons of his shirt as he headed to the game room. He didn't even question the need to see Lawrence - over the years, it had just become second nature.
Lawrence was wrapped up in a new game, headphones on, hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, hands flying over the two keyboards in front of him. He looked pretty involved in whatever he was doing, so Dave dropped into a nearby chair. He stretched out, head against the back cushion, and started to replay everything that had happened from the minute he'd walked through the door of his old flat.
A gentle touch along his jaw brought him back to the present, and Dave blinked, startled to find Lawrence crouching in front of him. He must've zoned out. "Oh...are you finished? I didn't mean to disturb you."
"I needed a break, anyway," Lawrence replied, and stood, pulling Dave up with him. "C'mon, I could use some food. Have you eaten?"
"Uh...no."
"Well, given how you spent your time, you must be famished."
The comment startled a laugh out of him. He was surprised at how good it felt. "Guess I didn't do such a good job shielding my feelings."
"I don't mind. I like it when you enjoy yourself," Lawrence replied. When he pulled Dave into the kitchen, Dave stopped and stared at the covered plates sitting on the counter.
"You, um, didn't..." Dave couldn't find the words he wanted, so he just wrapped his arms around Lawrence's waist and hugged him tight. "Thank you."
"No need. I like spoiling you."
"Careful or I'll get used to it," Dave replied, trying to inject the right teasing tone into the conversation as he pulled away.
Lawrence pulled off the covers, revealing two plates of pesto lasagna - Lawrence's chef's own recipe, and one he hoarded like a miser. "What makes you think I plan to give you a choice?" Lawrence asked.
"Oh, I stopped thinking that about four and a half years ago," Dave said, pulling forks out of a drawer.
"Only four and a half?" Setting the plates on the small table, Lawrence pulled two glasses from a cabinet and grabbed a bottle of wine on his way back. "It took me six months?"
"Give or take." He looked at the food again, and a lump formed in his throat. "Lawrence...I told them. Everything."
"Shh, it's alright." A large hand wrapped around his, enveloped it in safety and comfort. "We don't have to talk about it now."
"No...I want to. I need to." Dave let out a slow breath, picked up his fork with his free hand. "I think Harry took it the worst. Which I'd expected, but..."
"You knew this would be hard. You've been in love with him for a century."
"He believes he failed me."
"A natural reaction." There was a harsh scraping as Lawrence slid his chair closer. "Regardless of whether it should have been or not, you are his pet. I'm certain you both meant the vows at the time."
"I know." He shuddered as he took a deep breath, closed his eyes. "And Orlando... The child forgave me completely."
"He sounds very wise."
Dave lifted his head. "You, of all people, know how badly I wronged him."
"Love forgives."
"Nothing is that simple."
"Yes, it is," Lawrence interrupted, forestalling the argument. "You would have forgiven him for the same transgressions. Love forgives, and I don't need to be a vampire or have a bond or to even know your Orlando to know that. He loves you just as you love him."
Dave just smiled, even though he knew it was tinged with sadness. "I can't keep him. He'll choose Harry over me. If he hasn't chosen already."
"Choose?" Lawrence frowned. "Dave, you're his Sire. There is no choice, unless he..." He paused, then his face cleared, even though he still looked troubled. "Ah, I see."
"Yeah." Dave dropped his gaze again, this time pushing a piece of lasagna around his plate. He wanted to eat, wanted to show the appreciation that this meal deserved, but he knew nothing would fit past the lump still in his throat.
"You truly think he'll see that as a viable option?"
"He already sees it. Viggo's undoubtedly on his way here." Part of him - a large part - was already dreading the inevitable confrontation between him and his Sire. "Orlando knows about Liv, and if she says that it's possible...if there's even the slightest chance that he can truly be Harry's, he'll take it. You said he loves me, and you're right, he truly does. But he was meant for Harry."
"And this guilt comes because you feel you should have turned him down when he asked you for the Gift?"
"Yes. No. Maybe, I don't..." It was all so jumbled that Dave didn't know where to start. This wasn't some abstract concept of the odds of making and unmaking some nameless vampire. This was Orlando they were talking about.
"Relax," Lawrence murmured, as he slid a soothing hand down Dave's back. "Whether or not he chooses to do this - and remember, there is no guarantee he can be given the Gift a second time - he will still love you."
"I know, but -"
Gentle fingers tipped Dave's chin up until he was forced to meet Lawrence's gaze. "Love carries its own bond, one that can never be broken, and you know that. He is always going to be a part of your life, and you a part of his. Whether you believe it right now or not, you deserve his love."
"Do I?"
"As much as he deserves yours."
"He's dying to meet you, by the way," Dave said, finally picking up his fork for real. The first rich taste of the lasagna was like ambrosia on his tongue.
"I can't wait myself," Lawrence replied, and also started digging into his plate. "From everything you've told me, I have a feeling we'll get on quite well. Especially since he surfs."
"Don't start. You know perfectly well I'd just drown if I tried to surf."
"Never know until you try."
"Thanks, but I'll just watch the two of you ride the waves." Dave took another bite, and made a happy sound deep in his throat. "This is delicious."
"As I said, I like spoiling you." A faint hesitation caught Dave's attention, and he looked up. "Don't think I didn't notice how quickly you changed the subject from Harry. Or that you didn't mention Karl at all."
"They're..." Dave paused, tried to think of an appropriate word to describe them. "It's complicated."
"Bonds often are," Lawrence said calmly.
"I love Harry. I'm sure I always will. And Karl, because they are so much a part of each other. You'll understand when you meet them."
"I knew about them long before I met you," Lawrence reminded him. "They - and their bond - have been infamous for centuries, not to mention they both sit on the Council."
"They're infamous with good reason." Dave picked up his wine glass. He had a feeling he'd need it. "I set them free," he finally said. "Spoke the words, and all that's left is for Viggo to finish it. I thought I'd feel more relieved."
"I'd be worried if you felt relief." Lawrence lifted a hand to smooth over Dave's hair. "You've just ended a relationship with two men you cared for deeply enough to accept their bond. I keep saying this, but it's natural to be upset and to grieve that loss. It's not like things have ended acrimoniously."
"I would like to remain friends with them, even in exile." Which would be the least of what could happen to him for deserting Orlando.
"You don't know what punishment Lord Mortensen will mete out," Lawrence said. "But it won't matter. Even if you're exiled, there's still nothing to prevent me from hiring you for my company."
"You sure you can afford me?" Dave joked.
"I'll work something out."
"I think I need to see Harry and Karl again before Viggo gets here," Dave mused. "Separately. There's...I mean...things aren't quite settled just yet."
"Again, understandable." Lawrence cupped a hand around the back of Dave's neck and gently squeezed. "I'll be here."
"Not going anywhere tonight." His head fell forward as he relaxed beneath Lawrence's hand. "Not as long as you keep doing that."
Lawrence chuckled. "Then I'll be happy to do it as long as necessary. Finish your dinner, and I'll give you a full body massage."
"God," Dave moaned, biting his lip to hold on to his control. "Have I mentioned how much I love you?"
"No," and there was something in Lawrence's voice that had him looking up, "you've never mentioned it at all."
For a long moment, Dave just sat there and stared at Lawrence. He had to be joking. Right? Dave thought back over the last five years and could feel the blood drain from his face. "I haven't?" he asked, voice faint. When Lawrence shook his head, a wave of guilt hit Dave hard enough to make him wince. "Ah, fuck me...
"Dave -"
"No, I should have...fuck, Lawrence, I should have said it years ago." Twisting in his chair, Dave cupped Lawrence's face, thinking of all he'd given up to be with Lawrence and how right it still felt, in spite of the heartache. "I love you, and I have for a long time now. I...seeing them again brought it home for me. I'm yours. Completely."
"Now you are," Lawrence smiled, and turned his head to place a soft kiss to Dave's palm. "Before today, you were still theirs, if only in spirit."
"I'm..."
"For the record, I love you, too. Since the moment I laid eyes on you," Lawrence continued, when Dave just stared at him in shock. "I told you that first night I wasn't giving you much choice."
"Since the..." Dave laughed weakly. "That long, huh?"
"That long." Lawrence tipped Dave's chin up and gave him a lingering kiss. "I'm not saying I want you as a pet - unlike your Harry and Karl, I think that right should only belong to humans - but I would, as soon as possible, like to go through the iunctum ceremony with you."
Dave peered closer; Lawrence's gaze didn't waver. He'd foolishly thought nothing else could happen tonight to surprise him. "You're...you're serious, aren't you?"
"You seem shocked I would be willing to take that step with you," Lawrence said, sounding both amused and befuddled at once.
"I am," Dave admitted, even though, when he stopped to think about it, he realized that the idea didn't shock him so much as awe him. That anyone, let alone Lawrence, would be willing to take such a permanent step with him, after everything he'd been through...
"I spent centuries looking for the person to share my life. A mere pet wouldn't do, because I've no wish to suffer the loss that would eventually and inevitably occur. When I saw you, I knew I had stopped looking. I said nothing before tonight out of respect for the bonds you carried."
"I don't know what to say..." Indeed, he barely knew what to think.
Lawrence's grin was toothy, wide. "You could start by saying yes."
"If I say yes, will you bend me over the table and fuck me senseless?" The words were out before Dave realized what he was saying, and he remembered why spending time with Orlando wasn't necessarily a good idea. His cheekiness was contagious. So Dave just flashed Lawrence a wide smile. "And by that, I mean, yes, of course."
"Definitely a man after my own heart," Lawrence laughed, and hauled Dave out of the chair and onto his lap. Dave straddled his hips, already leaning in for Lawrence's kiss and, in that moment, something bright and hot sizzled between them, electrifying every nerve in Dave's body with its power. He was finally home.
(To Be Continued)
Authors: Brenda (azewewish) & Jo (idiosyncratic)
Series: Claimed Universe
Notes: Click here for full disclaimers and pairings.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Part Ten | Part Eleven | Part Twelve |
Dave let himself into the flat with a quiet sigh of relief, thankful and sad in equal measure that the worst of it was done. He'd faced Harry and Karl and had come out relatively unscathed. And, more importantly, had bared himself to Orlando and felt that maybe their relationship would be stronger for it in the end. He just wished he knew what to do with all of this lingering guilt.
A quick glance showed that Lawrence wasn't in the library, which could only mean he was in one place. Dave stripped off his jacket and loosened the buttons of his shirt as he headed to the game room. He didn't even question the need to see Lawrence - over the years, it had just become second nature.
Lawrence was wrapped up in a new game, headphones on, hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, hands flying over the two keyboards in front of him. He looked pretty involved in whatever he was doing, so Dave dropped into a nearby chair. He stretched out, head against the back cushion, and started to replay everything that had happened from the minute he'd walked through the door of his old flat.
A gentle touch along his jaw brought him back to the present, and Dave blinked, startled to find Lawrence crouching in front of him. He must've zoned out. "Oh...are you finished? I didn't mean to disturb you."
"I needed a break, anyway," Lawrence replied, and stood, pulling Dave up with him. "C'mon, I could use some food. Have you eaten?"
"Uh...no."
"Well, given how you spent your time, you must be famished."
The comment startled a laugh out of him. He was surprised at how good it felt. "Guess I didn't do such a good job shielding my feelings."
"I don't mind. I like it when you enjoy yourself," Lawrence replied. When he pulled Dave into the kitchen, Dave stopped and stared at the covered plates sitting on the counter.
"You, um, didn't..." Dave couldn't find the words he wanted, so he just wrapped his arms around Lawrence's waist and hugged him tight. "Thank you."
"No need. I like spoiling you."
"Careful or I'll get used to it," Dave replied, trying to inject the right teasing tone into the conversation as he pulled away.
Lawrence pulled off the covers, revealing two plates of pesto lasagna - Lawrence's chef's own recipe, and one he hoarded like a miser. "What makes you think I plan to give you a choice?" Lawrence asked.
"Oh, I stopped thinking that about four and a half years ago," Dave said, pulling forks out of a drawer.
"Only four and a half?" Setting the plates on the small table, Lawrence pulled two glasses from a cabinet and grabbed a bottle of wine on his way back. "It took me six months?"
"Give or take." He looked at the food again, and a lump formed in his throat. "Lawrence...I told them. Everything."
"Shh, it's alright." A large hand wrapped around his, enveloped it in safety and comfort. "We don't have to talk about it now."
"No...I want to. I need to." Dave let out a slow breath, picked up his fork with his free hand. "I think Harry took it the worst. Which I'd expected, but..."
"You knew this would be hard. You've been in love with him for a century."
"He believes he failed me."
"A natural reaction." There was a harsh scraping as Lawrence slid his chair closer. "Regardless of whether it should have been or not, you are his pet. I'm certain you both meant the vows at the time."
"I know." He shuddered as he took a deep breath, closed his eyes. "And Orlando... The child forgave me completely."
"He sounds very wise."
Dave lifted his head. "You, of all people, know how badly I wronged him."
"Love forgives."
"Nothing is that simple."
"Yes, it is," Lawrence interrupted, forestalling the argument. "You would have forgiven him for the same transgressions. Love forgives, and I don't need to be a vampire or have a bond or to even know your Orlando to know that. He loves you just as you love him."
Dave just smiled, even though he knew it was tinged with sadness. "I can't keep him. He'll choose Harry over me. If he hasn't chosen already."
"Choose?" Lawrence frowned. "Dave, you're his Sire. There is no choice, unless he..." He paused, then his face cleared, even though he still looked troubled. "Ah, I see."
"Yeah." Dave dropped his gaze again, this time pushing a piece of lasagna around his plate. He wanted to eat, wanted to show the appreciation that this meal deserved, but he knew nothing would fit past the lump still in his throat.
"You truly think he'll see that as a viable option?"
"He already sees it. Viggo's undoubtedly on his way here." Part of him - a large part - was already dreading the inevitable confrontation between him and his Sire. "Orlando knows about Liv, and if she says that it's possible...if there's even the slightest chance that he can truly be Harry's, he'll take it. You said he loves me, and you're right, he truly does. But he was meant for Harry."
"And this guilt comes because you feel you should have turned him down when he asked you for the Gift?"
"Yes. No. Maybe, I don't..." It was all so jumbled that Dave didn't know where to start. This wasn't some abstract concept of the odds of making and unmaking some nameless vampire. This was Orlando they were talking about.
"Relax," Lawrence murmured, as he slid a soothing hand down Dave's back. "Whether or not he chooses to do this - and remember, there is no guarantee he can be given the Gift a second time - he will still love you."
"I know, but -"
Gentle fingers tipped Dave's chin up until he was forced to meet Lawrence's gaze. "Love carries its own bond, one that can never be broken, and you know that. He is always going to be a part of your life, and you a part of his. Whether you believe it right now or not, you deserve his love."
"Do I?"
"As much as he deserves yours."
"He's dying to meet you, by the way," Dave said, finally picking up his fork for real. The first rich taste of the lasagna was like ambrosia on his tongue.
"I can't wait myself," Lawrence replied, and also started digging into his plate. "From everything you've told me, I have a feeling we'll get on quite well. Especially since he surfs."
"Don't start. You know perfectly well I'd just drown if I tried to surf."
"Never know until you try."
"Thanks, but I'll just watch the two of you ride the waves." Dave took another bite, and made a happy sound deep in his throat. "This is delicious."
"As I said, I like spoiling you." A faint hesitation caught Dave's attention, and he looked up. "Don't think I didn't notice how quickly you changed the subject from Harry. Or that you didn't mention Karl at all."
"They're..." Dave paused, tried to think of an appropriate word to describe them. "It's complicated."
"Bonds often are," Lawrence said calmly.
"I love Harry. I'm sure I always will. And Karl, because they are so much a part of each other. You'll understand when you meet them."
"I knew about them long before I met you," Lawrence reminded him. "They - and their bond - have been infamous for centuries, not to mention they both sit on the Council."
"They're infamous with good reason." Dave picked up his wine glass. He had a feeling he'd need it. "I set them free," he finally said. "Spoke the words, and all that's left is for Viggo to finish it. I thought I'd feel more relieved."
"I'd be worried if you felt relief." Lawrence lifted a hand to smooth over Dave's hair. "You've just ended a relationship with two men you cared for deeply enough to accept their bond. I keep saying this, but it's natural to be upset and to grieve that loss. It's not like things have ended acrimoniously."
"I would like to remain friends with them, even in exile." Which would be the least of what could happen to him for deserting Orlando.
"You don't know what punishment Lord Mortensen will mete out," Lawrence said. "But it won't matter. Even if you're exiled, there's still nothing to prevent me from hiring you for my company."
"You sure you can afford me?" Dave joked.
"I'll work something out."
"I think I need to see Harry and Karl again before Viggo gets here," Dave mused. "Separately. There's...I mean...things aren't quite settled just yet."
"Again, understandable." Lawrence cupped a hand around the back of Dave's neck and gently squeezed. "I'll be here."
"Not going anywhere tonight." His head fell forward as he relaxed beneath Lawrence's hand. "Not as long as you keep doing that."
Lawrence chuckled. "Then I'll be happy to do it as long as necessary. Finish your dinner, and I'll give you a full body massage."
"God," Dave moaned, biting his lip to hold on to his control. "Have I mentioned how much I love you?"
"No," and there was something in Lawrence's voice that had him looking up, "you've never mentioned it at all."
For a long moment, Dave just sat there and stared at Lawrence. He had to be joking. Right? Dave thought back over the last five years and could feel the blood drain from his face. "I haven't?" he asked, voice faint. When Lawrence shook his head, a wave of guilt hit Dave hard enough to make him wince. "Ah, fuck me...
"Dave -"
"No, I should have...fuck, Lawrence, I should have said it years ago." Twisting in his chair, Dave cupped Lawrence's face, thinking of all he'd given up to be with Lawrence and how right it still felt, in spite of the heartache. "I love you, and I have for a long time now. I...seeing them again brought it home for me. I'm yours. Completely."
"Now you are," Lawrence smiled, and turned his head to place a soft kiss to Dave's palm. "Before today, you were still theirs, if only in spirit."
"I'm..."
"For the record, I love you, too. Since the moment I laid eyes on you," Lawrence continued, when Dave just stared at him in shock. "I told you that first night I wasn't giving you much choice."
"Since the..." Dave laughed weakly. "That long, huh?"
"That long." Lawrence tipped Dave's chin up and gave him a lingering kiss. "I'm not saying I want you as a pet - unlike your Harry and Karl, I think that right should only belong to humans - but I would, as soon as possible, like to go through the iunctum ceremony with you."
Dave peered closer; Lawrence's gaze didn't waver. He'd foolishly thought nothing else could happen tonight to surprise him. "You're...you're serious, aren't you?"
"You seem shocked I would be willing to take that step with you," Lawrence said, sounding both amused and befuddled at once.
"I am," Dave admitted, even though, when he stopped to think about it, he realized that the idea didn't shock him so much as awe him. That anyone, let alone Lawrence, would be willing to take such a permanent step with him, after everything he'd been through...
"I spent centuries looking for the person to share my life. A mere pet wouldn't do, because I've no wish to suffer the loss that would eventually and inevitably occur. When I saw you, I knew I had stopped looking. I said nothing before tonight out of respect for the bonds you carried."
"I don't know what to say..." Indeed, he barely knew what to think.
Lawrence's grin was toothy, wide. "You could start by saying yes."
"If I say yes, will you bend me over the table and fuck me senseless?" The words were out before Dave realized what he was saying, and he remembered why spending time with Orlando wasn't necessarily a good idea. His cheekiness was contagious. So Dave just flashed Lawrence a wide smile. "And by that, I mean, yes, of course."
"Definitely a man after my own heart," Lawrence laughed, and hauled Dave out of the chair and onto his lap. Dave straddled his hips, already leaning in for Lawrence's kiss and, in that moment, something bright and hot sizzled between them, electrifying every nerve in Dave's body with its power. He was finally home.
(To Be Continued)