FIC: Catalyst (part 16) (Harry Sinclair, Karl Urban, Orlando Bloom, Dave Wenham)
Title: "Catalyst" (Part Sixteen)
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 | Part Thirteen | Part Fourteen | Part Fifteen
"Here, you're crooked." Orlando adjusted Harry's tie, smoothed the lapels of his jacket, until Harry gently pushed his hands away.
"I'm sure it's fine, little one. You, on the other hand..."
"Look like you've been molested in the back of a car," Josh supplied, grinning when Orlando glared at him.
What if Josh had a point? He reached up to touch his hair, and frowned when Harry laughed and caught his wrists. "You're just a little rumpled. I'm sure Dave won't be shocked."
"Hush," Orlando said. He looked around, noted how Karl was struggling to not laugh and Viggo merely gazed at the sky. "So, um, we all ready? Shall I ring the bell?"
"Dude, you have got to relax," Josh commented.
"One would think he's meeting his future partner and not Dave's," Karl added, and neatly side-stepped Orlando's swipe. Harry just ignored the by-play and rang the bell himself.
It only took a moment for the door to open. Orlando turned, ready smile on his face, and looked up. And up.
"Good lord, you are bigger than Harry," Orlando breathed. The second the words were out, he felt his face go scarlet. But fuck, the man was a giant. And dark. With a lot of hair and a blinding smile.
Lawrence laughed. "You must be Orlando. Dave's told me all about you."
"That's a scary thought," Josh muttered, not quite under his breath.
"Children," Viggo admonished, and his voice drew Lawrence's attention.
"Lord Mortensen," Lawrence said, stepping forward, hand out. "It is an unexpected honor, sir."
Sir? Orlando mouthed to Karl, and got elbowed in the ribs for his trouble.
//He is head of the Council, no matter who he is to us personally.//
//Right.// Properly chastised, Orlando just continued to stare (and stare), barely resisting the urge to hide himself behind Harry for protection.
"You do me honor by inviting me into your home," Viggo was saying. Lawrence's hand almost completely engulfed Viggo's.
Then Lawrence turned, and smiled. "You must be Karl."
"Thank you for the invitation," Karl replied, with a smile of his own. "And this is Josh."
"Pleasure," Josh said. He didn't look intimidated at all. In fact, if Orlando had to put an emotion to it, he'd have to say that Josh looked more amused than anything else.
Then Lawrence turned his attention to Harry, and Orlando could see something silent and fleeting pass between them before Lawrence held out his hand. "Lord Sinclair."
"Mr. Makaore." Another silent communication seemed to happen when they shook hands; Orlando tried to listen in, but only met a wall. They didn't look like they were going to try to kill each other, though, which could only be a good thing. Orlando wasn't sure where he'd place his money if there was a fight.
"Please," Lawrence gestured, ushering them to the door, "come inside."
Once they were in the flat, Orlando looked around and whistled. Nice and masculine and understated. He had been with Harry and Karl long enough to recognize priceless artwork when he saw it, and Lawrence had more than one piece hanging on his walls. Something told Orlando that Dave had had a hand in some of that.
Then Dave came down the stairs and froze on the bottom step, eyes wide and locked on Viggo.
"Vig! I, uh..."
"Weren't expecting me, I know." Viggo stepped forward. "Is there someplace we can go for a private word?"
"I..." Orlando saw Dave's gaze fly to Lawrence, saw Lawrence's reassuring nod, and something inside him eased at the sight. "Of course," Dave finally said, and gestured. "We can chat in the library. Lawrence, if you could take everyone into the game room, I'm sure we'll only be a few minutes."
"No worries, I'll keep them entertained," Lawrence promised.
Viggo followed Dave to the library door. //Child, are you coming or not?//
//Me?// Orlando looked around at the rest of the group, and received reassuring nods from Harry and Karl. "Uh, alright."
Viggo closed the door firmly them, and turned around. "I trust neither of you is going to insult my intelligence or yours by pretending you both don't know why we're here and not enjoying an excellent drink and catching up."
When he looked at Orlando, it took every bit of Orlando's control not to squirm like a schoolboy. "Orlando, I believe there's something you need to tell Dave before we go any further."
Orlando lifted his chin and gave Viggo a mutinous look. Arrogant bastard. Probably didn't trust Orlando to do it on his own. "This is not how I wanted to do this."
"I believe you," Dave said. He held out a hand, and smiled when Orlando took it.
"You know I love you," Orlando said, squeezing Dave's hand. "And I want to be a part of your life always."
Dave nodded. "I want that, too," he said, softly. "You don't have to say it. I already know that you want to go through with the unmaking."
"You do?"
"I think I knew when Karl and Harry first suggested the possibility. I'm just very good at denial."
"Which brings me to my next point," Viggo said. "I have accepted many things over the years, and maybe I've been too lenient on you... But this is something I cannot comprehend. That you would willingly and deliberately break one of our most sacred oaths...that you didn't go to Harry, to Karl...that you didn't come to me..."
"It was never my intention to abandon him," Dave said. He met Viggo's gaze without flinching. "It just went on for so long that I couldn't see my way out of it. If I had gone to Harry or Karl...I would have had to admit that I was rethinking my role in their lives and that I'd failed them." He laughed, the sound low and bitter, and it broke Orlando's heart. "And I was terrified of having to admit to you that I had fucked up. I tried so hard, for so long, to keep from disappointing you."
"Dave..." A finger over Orlando's lips silenced him, even as Dave squeezed his hand.
"I have no excuses for what I did. I'll accept whatever punishment you choose to give."
"I've been trying to figure out what you were thinking since Karl told me what had happened," Viggo said, finally moving to sit on the sofa. If Orlando didn't know better, he'd say that Viggo was discomfited. "I would hear whatever you would like to tell me. But I still have to wonder how I failed you so badly as your Sire that you felt silence was your best course of action."
"You didn't fail me." Dave pulled free from Orlando and went to kneel in front of Viggo, hands on Viggo's knees. "I am more honored than you know to have you for my Sire. But you are... You're the head of the Council. And my Sire. I never wanted to disappoint you in either capacity, but...I fell in love, Viggo. Truly in love."
Orlando watched, silent, as Viggo reached out to cup Dave's chin. "I can see that. Even if you and I weren't bound by blood, it's all over your face."
"And I didn't know what to do about it...or how it could even happen. I was bonded to Harry and Karl, I was Sire to Orlando, and I love them all, but..."
Viggo let out a small laugh. "You looked so happy the day of the ceremony. And even though somewhere deep inside I knew that you would never be truly satisfied with what Harry was able to give you, I'd hoped."
"I don't regret a single minute of the time I spent with Harry. Or Karl." Finally, Dave pulled away to smile over his shoulder. "And I certainly don't regret Orlando in any way."
"I know," Orlando said, returning the smile. "And I love you. Regardless of what happens later, that's not going to change."
Dave turned back to Viggo. "I'm willing to relinquish my place as his Sire. I, ah, unfortunately don't know the proper procedure for that particular event."
"Possibly because it's never been done before, to my knowledge."
"That's what I was afraid you were going to say."
"Karl and Harry have taught you well in that respect, at least." Then his voice dropped. "But, you have to know, I cannot take the matter of you abandoning your duties to Orlando lightly. I will not take this lightly. No matter the love I bear for you or the others, this is an offense punishable by death. You knew the protocols and ignored them."
Dave swallowed, closed his eyes. Nodded. "I know."
"Harry and Karl have asked to speak in your defense," Viggo continued, and Orlando shivered at the steel in his voice. "I am going to grant that request. However, to punish you as you deserve would have repercussions for Lawrence as well. Would you care to tell me how you managed to fall in love with him when you carried two pet bonds?"
"It's as much a mystery to me as it is to you. And, I think, one of the reasons I knew that I wasn't meant for Harry and Karl. If I had been..."
"The pet bond is inviolate if it's a true one," Viggo completed, with a nod. "And is Lawrence willing to share in your punishment, whatever that may be?"
"Yes," Dave said, without hesitation. "He, um, he wants to go through with the iunctum ceremony. With me."
"Are you ready to take that step with him?"
"I am."
Orlando hated interrupting, but he hated feeling lost even more. "Um, what's an iunctum ceremony?"
Dave half-turned, and his look was apologetic. "It's like a marriage ceremony between two vampires. And if I'd been doing my job for the last five years in teaching you our ways, you would have known that."
"Yes, well, if I'd asked questions sooner, we wouldn't be in this situation."
"And if I could punish you for being a clueless idiot..." Viggo added.
"But I didn't do anything!" Orlando protested, outraged at the very idea.
"Which is often as much a problem as doing too much." Viggo looked back to Dave, expression grave once again. "I'm going to have to consider your punishment."
"I expect nothing less."
"And, until further notice, you're suspended from duty, and all Council related activities."
"Again, I expect nothing less." But Orlando could sense that Dave would mourn the loss of being Viggo's right-hand man.
"If everyone's amenable, I can break the bonds tonight, and, if you wish, perform the iunctum ceremony. It would give Lawrence legal claim in your punishment."
"I would like that."
Viggo stood and straightened his jacket. "Then, if there's nothing else, shall we join the others?"
"There is...one...other thing," Dave said, slowly climbing to his feet. "You're going to need a new assistant."
"I will," Viggo said. He gave Dave a wary look even as he gestured for him to continue.
"If everything works out," Dave said, in a rush, "Orlando would be a good candidate for the job."
"Me?" Orlando's voice was a squeak.
Much to Orlando's surprise, Viggo didn't laugh outright at the suggestion. "It's worth considering. As Harry and Karl's pet, he does have the proper connections, and he is a fast learner when he applies himself."
"I am right here, you know."
"With a lot of training and some control," Viggo continued, as if Orlando hadn't spoken, "he could very well work in the position. I'll consider it."
"Hello. Right here, thanks."
"He'd be just what you need to shake things up from time to time," Dave grinned. "Just imagine his response to some of Marcus' long winded diatribes in the all-night sessions."
"I'll just be in the game room," Orlando said, peevish at being ignored, and started past them. He jerked to a halt when a hand shot out and wrapped around his wrist. "Okay, perhaps not."
"I'm not just saying this to wind you up," Dave replied, quietly. "If I didn't think you could do the job, I would never have offered."
"You don't have to..."
"Regardless of all the times I bitched about my long nights or infernal schedule," and Dave turned, stared Viggo right in the eyes, even though his words were still for Orlando, "I was proud to serve as Viggo's assistant. He taught me more than any other person I've ever known. I wouldn't let just anyone take my place."
"It was an honor to have you, child."
"I'm honored that you think I could handle it," Orlando said, to both of them. "But before we go jumping into giving me the position, perhaps I should talk to Liv first."
"Perhaps I'll give you the position even if she says remaking you is not possible," Viggo said, and grinned. Orlando thought he had a good idea of what a mouse felt like two seconds before the cat pounced.
"And you probably should go easy on Marcus for awhile," Dave continued. "After all, at the moment, he is your blood uncle."
Orlando just gaped. "He's my...what??"
Viggo's shrug was insouciant. "Despite Marcus' love of the sound of his own voice, he is and has been one of the best Council members we have. His father'd trained him for this from a very early age."
"Bit of a bore, but a born diplomat," Dave agreed.
Holding up a hand, Orlando frowned at them. "Can we go back to the uncle part?"
"He's my blood brother," Dave said, clearly enjoying Orlando's reaction. "The first one you gave the Gift to, wasn't he, Viggo?"
"Second, actually."
"I...oh, bloody hell." The idea of being in any way related to Marcus made his head hurt. He peered at Viggo. "Do Harry and Karl know this?"
"Of course," Viggo replied. "As a matter of fact, approving Marcus' petition to get the Gift was Harry's first vote on Council, if I remember correctly."
"One I'm sure he's regretted ever since," Dave laughed.
"So he keeps telling me," was Viggo's wry answer. "And now, if we are quite finished for the moment, I seem to be lacking a drink."
"I'm going to need several after that," Orlando muttered.
"You'll have them," Dave promised. He looped his arm through Orlando's and pulled him towards the door, Viggo falling into step behind them. "And you've been keeping secrets from me."
"I have?"
"Josh."
"Oh, yes, Josh. But it's not my story, love." No way he was depriving Karl of the pleasure of explaining Josh. "Now didn't you say something about a game room?"
"I did," Dave replied, and Orlando could sense his amusement right before he stepped through the door and into his idea of heaven on earth.
(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 | Part Thirteen | Part Fourteen | Part Fifteen
"Here, you're crooked." Orlando adjusted Harry's tie, smoothed the lapels of his jacket, until Harry gently pushed his hands away.
"I'm sure it's fine, little one. You, on the other hand..."
"Look like you've been molested in the back of a car," Josh supplied, grinning when Orlando glared at him.
What if Josh had a point? He reached up to touch his hair, and frowned when Harry laughed and caught his wrists. "You're just a little rumpled. I'm sure Dave won't be shocked."
"Hush," Orlando said. He looked around, noted how Karl was struggling to not laugh and Viggo merely gazed at the sky. "So, um, we all ready? Shall I ring the bell?"
"Dude, you have got to relax," Josh commented.
"One would think he's meeting his future partner and not Dave's," Karl added, and neatly side-stepped Orlando's swipe. Harry just ignored the by-play and rang the bell himself.
It only took a moment for the door to open. Orlando turned, ready smile on his face, and looked up. And up.
"Good lord, you are bigger than Harry," Orlando breathed. The second the words were out, he felt his face go scarlet. But fuck, the man was a giant. And dark. With a lot of hair and a blinding smile.
Lawrence laughed. "You must be Orlando. Dave's told me all about you."
"That's a scary thought," Josh muttered, not quite under his breath.
"Children," Viggo admonished, and his voice drew Lawrence's attention.
"Lord Mortensen," Lawrence said, stepping forward, hand out. "It is an unexpected honor, sir."
Sir? Orlando mouthed to Karl, and got elbowed in the ribs for his trouble.
//He is head of the Council, no matter who he is to us personally.//
//Right.// Properly chastised, Orlando just continued to stare (and stare), barely resisting the urge to hide himself behind Harry for protection.
"You do me honor by inviting me into your home," Viggo was saying. Lawrence's hand almost completely engulfed Viggo's.
Then Lawrence turned, and smiled. "You must be Karl."
"Thank you for the invitation," Karl replied, with a smile of his own. "And this is Josh."
"Pleasure," Josh said. He didn't look intimidated at all. In fact, if Orlando had to put an emotion to it, he'd have to say that Josh looked more amused than anything else.
Then Lawrence turned his attention to Harry, and Orlando could see something silent and fleeting pass between them before Lawrence held out his hand. "Lord Sinclair."
"Mr. Makaore." Another silent communication seemed to happen when they shook hands; Orlando tried to listen in, but only met a wall. They didn't look like they were going to try to kill each other, though, which could only be a good thing. Orlando wasn't sure where he'd place his money if there was a fight.
"Please," Lawrence gestured, ushering them to the door, "come inside."
Once they were in the flat, Orlando looked around and whistled. Nice and masculine and understated. He had been with Harry and Karl long enough to recognize priceless artwork when he saw it, and Lawrence had more than one piece hanging on his walls. Something told Orlando that Dave had had a hand in some of that.
Then Dave came down the stairs and froze on the bottom step, eyes wide and locked on Viggo.
"Vig! I, uh..."
"Weren't expecting me, I know." Viggo stepped forward. "Is there someplace we can go for a private word?"
"I..." Orlando saw Dave's gaze fly to Lawrence, saw Lawrence's reassuring nod, and something inside him eased at the sight. "Of course," Dave finally said, and gestured. "We can chat in the library. Lawrence, if you could take everyone into the game room, I'm sure we'll only be a few minutes."
"No worries, I'll keep them entertained," Lawrence promised.
Viggo followed Dave to the library door. //Child, are you coming or not?//
//Me?// Orlando looked around at the rest of the group, and received reassuring nods from Harry and Karl. "Uh, alright."
Viggo closed the door firmly them, and turned around. "I trust neither of you is going to insult my intelligence or yours by pretending you both don't know why we're here and not enjoying an excellent drink and catching up."
When he looked at Orlando, it took every bit of Orlando's control not to squirm like a schoolboy. "Orlando, I believe there's something you need to tell Dave before we go any further."
Orlando lifted his chin and gave Viggo a mutinous look. Arrogant bastard. Probably didn't trust Orlando to do it on his own. "This is not how I wanted to do this."
"I believe you," Dave said. He held out a hand, and smiled when Orlando took it.
"You know I love you," Orlando said, squeezing Dave's hand. "And I want to be a part of your life always."
Dave nodded. "I want that, too," he said, softly. "You don't have to say it. I already know that you want to go through with the unmaking."
"You do?"
"I think I knew when Karl and Harry first suggested the possibility. I'm just very good at denial."
"Which brings me to my next point," Viggo said. "I have accepted many things over the years, and maybe I've been too lenient on you... But this is something I cannot comprehend. That you would willingly and deliberately break one of our most sacred oaths...that you didn't go to Harry, to Karl...that you didn't come to me..."
"It was never my intention to abandon him," Dave said. He met Viggo's gaze without flinching. "It just went on for so long that I couldn't see my way out of it. If I had gone to Harry or Karl...I would have had to admit that I was rethinking my role in their lives and that I'd failed them." He laughed, the sound low and bitter, and it broke Orlando's heart. "And I was terrified of having to admit to you that I had fucked up. I tried so hard, for so long, to keep from disappointing you."
"Dave..." A finger over Orlando's lips silenced him, even as Dave squeezed his hand.
"I have no excuses for what I did. I'll accept whatever punishment you choose to give."
"I've been trying to figure out what you were thinking since Karl told me what had happened," Viggo said, finally moving to sit on the sofa. If Orlando didn't know better, he'd say that Viggo was discomfited. "I would hear whatever you would like to tell me. But I still have to wonder how I failed you so badly as your Sire that you felt silence was your best course of action."
"You didn't fail me." Dave pulled free from Orlando and went to kneel in front of Viggo, hands on Viggo's knees. "I am more honored than you know to have you for my Sire. But you are... You're the head of the Council. And my Sire. I never wanted to disappoint you in either capacity, but...I fell in love, Viggo. Truly in love."
Orlando watched, silent, as Viggo reached out to cup Dave's chin. "I can see that. Even if you and I weren't bound by blood, it's all over your face."
"And I didn't know what to do about it...or how it could even happen. I was bonded to Harry and Karl, I was Sire to Orlando, and I love them all, but..."
Viggo let out a small laugh. "You looked so happy the day of the ceremony. And even though somewhere deep inside I knew that you would never be truly satisfied with what Harry was able to give you, I'd hoped."
"I don't regret a single minute of the time I spent with Harry. Or Karl." Finally, Dave pulled away to smile over his shoulder. "And I certainly don't regret Orlando in any way."
"I know," Orlando said, returning the smile. "And I love you. Regardless of what happens later, that's not going to change."
Dave turned back to Viggo. "I'm willing to relinquish my place as his Sire. I, ah, unfortunately don't know the proper procedure for that particular event."
"Possibly because it's never been done before, to my knowledge."
"That's what I was afraid you were going to say."
"Karl and Harry have taught you well in that respect, at least." Then his voice dropped. "But, you have to know, I cannot take the matter of you abandoning your duties to Orlando lightly. I will not take this lightly. No matter the love I bear for you or the others, this is an offense punishable by death. You knew the protocols and ignored them."
Dave swallowed, closed his eyes. Nodded. "I know."
"Harry and Karl have asked to speak in your defense," Viggo continued, and Orlando shivered at the steel in his voice. "I am going to grant that request. However, to punish you as you deserve would have repercussions for Lawrence as well. Would you care to tell me how you managed to fall in love with him when you carried two pet bonds?"
"It's as much a mystery to me as it is to you. And, I think, one of the reasons I knew that I wasn't meant for Harry and Karl. If I had been..."
"The pet bond is inviolate if it's a true one," Viggo completed, with a nod. "And is Lawrence willing to share in your punishment, whatever that may be?"
"Yes," Dave said, without hesitation. "He, um, he wants to go through with the iunctum ceremony. With me."
"Are you ready to take that step with him?"
"I am."
Orlando hated interrupting, but he hated feeling lost even more. "Um, what's an iunctum ceremony?"
Dave half-turned, and his look was apologetic. "It's like a marriage ceremony between two vampires. And if I'd been doing my job for the last five years in teaching you our ways, you would have known that."
"Yes, well, if I'd asked questions sooner, we wouldn't be in this situation."
"And if I could punish you for being a clueless idiot..." Viggo added.
"But I didn't do anything!" Orlando protested, outraged at the very idea.
"Which is often as much a problem as doing too much." Viggo looked back to Dave, expression grave once again. "I'm going to have to consider your punishment."
"I expect nothing less."
"And, until further notice, you're suspended from duty, and all Council related activities."
"Again, I expect nothing less." But Orlando could sense that Dave would mourn the loss of being Viggo's right-hand man.
"If everyone's amenable, I can break the bonds tonight, and, if you wish, perform the iunctum ceremony. It would give Lawrence legal claim in your punishment."
"I would like that."
Viggo stood and straightened his jacket. "Then, if there's nothing else, shall we join the others?"
"There is...one...other thing," Dave said, slowly climbing to his feet. "You're going to need a new assistant."
"I will," Viggo said. He gave Dave a wary look even as he gestured for him to continue.
"If everything works out," Dave said, in a rush, "Orlando would be a good candidate for the job."
"Me?" Orlando's voice was a squeak.
Much to Orlando's surprise, Viggo didn't laugh outright at the suggestion. "It's worth considering. As Harry and Karl's pet, he does have the proper connections, and he is a fast learner when he applies himself."
"I am right here, you know."
"With a lot of training and some control," Viggo continued, as if Orlando hadn't spoken, "he could very well work in the position. I'll consider it."
"Hello. Right here, thanks."
"He'd be just what you need to shake things up from time to time," Dave grinned. "Just imagine his response to some of Marcus' long winded diatribes in the all-night sessions."
"I'll just be in the game room," Orlando said, peevish at being ignored, and started past them. He jerked to a halt when a hand shot out and wrapped around his wrist. "Okay, perhaps not."
"I'm not just saying this to wind you up," Dave replied, quietly. "If I didn't think you could do the job, I would never have offered."
"You don't have to..."
"Regardless of all the times I bitched about my long nights or infernal schedule," and Dave turned, stared Viggo right in the eyes, even though his words were still for Orlando, "I was proud to serve as Viggo's assistant. He taught me more than any other person I've ever known. I wouldn't let just anyone take my place."
"It was an honor to have you, child."
"I'm honored that you think I could handle it," Orlando said, to both of them. "But before we go jumping into giving me the position, perhaps I should talk to Liv first."
"Perhaps I'll give you the position even if she says remaking you is not possible," Viggo said, and grinned. Orlando thought he had a good idea of what a mouse felt like two seconds before the cat pounced.
"And you probably should go easy on Marcus for awhile," Dave continued. "After all, at the moment, he is your blood uncle."
Orlando just gaped. "He's my...what??"
Viggo's shrug was insouciant. "Despite Marcus' love of the sound of his own voice, he is and has been one of the best Council members we have. His father'd trained him for this from a very early age."
"Bit of a bore, but a born diplomat," Dave agreed.
Holding up a hand, Orlando frowned at them. "Can we go back to the uncle part?"
"He's my blood brother," Dave said, clearly enjoying Orlando's reaction. "The first one you gave the Gift to, wasn't he, Viggo?"
"Second, actually."
"I...oh, bloody hell." The idea of being in any way related to Marcus made his head hurt. He peered at Viggo. "Do Harry and Karl know this?"
"Of course," Viggo replied. "As a matter of fact, approving Marcus' petition to get the Gift was Harry's first vote on Council, if I remember correctly."
"One I'm sure he's regretted ever since," Dave laughed.
"So he keeps telling me," was Viggo's wry answer. "And now, if we are quite finished for the moment, I seem to be lacking a drink."
"I'm going to need several after that," Orlando muttered.
"You'll have them," Dave promised. He looped his arm through Orlando's and pulled him towards the door, Viggo falling into step behind them. "And you've been keeping secrets from me."
"I have?"
"Josh."
"Oh, yes, Josh. But it's not my story, love." No way he was depriving Karl of the pleasure of explaining Josh. "Now didn't you say something about a game room?"
"I did," Dave replied, and Orlando could sense his amusement right before he stepped through the door and into his idea of heaven on earth.
(To Be Continued)