There wasn't much left of the young man in either body or mind when Mark let go of his thoughts. Darby was covered in blood and other fluids before he left the playroom spent and exhausted to sleep off the euphoria. Mark was left to clean up the mess. That included the young man.

"His life is yours now. Take it, if you want." He kissed Mark deeply with lips that somehow were covered with the man's blood. Darby sauntered naked out of the room seeking a bath and bed. "I have a guest coming, that friend I mentioned a while back. Seems he was busy all this time. Let's give him a pleasant stay as well. Greet him, but no matter what don't let him touch you. That is one sin I won't let slide, Mark!" He yelled as he disappeared down the hall.

Mark wanted to be sick, but somehow after all this he didn't think it was respectable to do that in front of a dying man. When he first saw the man, he thought him handsome, athletic and with dark hair and his olive skin tone. He was taller than Mark and that made him uncomfortable. But the shock collar worked for that first part of getting the man's complete attention. Once Darby started, height meant nothing and the screaming and whimpering made the man seem less threatening.

"You aren't like him, are you?" It was faint and choked but the almost corpse spit out those words. Mark tilted his head at Darby's handiwork in carving up the piece of meat that was once a man. It left an impression on the eyes and burned the image into his mind.

"Here, let me get you some water." He left the room to get the water from the fountain outside the door. He was sick in the sink when he noticed Darby's bloody footprints trailing a pathway down the hall. He washed his face and got a cup out of the dispenser.

The man's breathing had quickened. Death was closing in on him and he was struggling against it. Mark held the water up to his lips and carefully dispensed it so the man wouldn't choke as it mixed with the blood that rose into his mouth.

"No, in your eyes, I can see you aren't like him. I should never have crossed them. I thought that I could cheat them and they would never find me. Their eyes are everywhere. My wife and child, I killed them myself once they found me. I knew…" He coughed up more blood. Mark gave him more to drink. "That he would work on them first as I watched. Did he torture a child in front of you yet? Would you let him? What are you to him?" The man looked more alive now for some reason as if Mark's answers mattered somehow. He watched as Mark again put the water to his lips all the while looking into the face that was more angel than monster.

"I belong to him. He owns me; where he got me from I don't talk about. I have been helping him with this for a year and half, now. I don't think I could handle him hurting a child. But I'm not allowed those thoughts. I don't think you should struggle anymore. This plight is useless. There isn't much left of you. He did so much damage, just for such a small piece of information. But it is almost over with, your life is slipping away." He stroked the man's hair, showing him comfort. "I will do you one favor." He gave the man one more drink as he kissed his lips. "Is there any message you want me to give anyone before I help you to join your wife and child?" He took some water with his cup hand and cleaned the man's face. 'No one should die with a dirty face.' He was rationalizing. This wasn't the first one he was allowed to kill. But this was the first one that had the strength to ask him things. It was also the first one that told Mark his story as if he was confessing before going to meet his maker.

"No one, but thanks for showing compassion. You are one full of mercy. So at least he didn't take that way from you, right?"

Mark smiled, liking this man. But he needed one more thing before he dispatched this human out of the lands of the living. "Can I have your name, so I can think about you from time to time? This way I can keep you alive, I can be that someone that will remember you."

"Joshua, my name is Joshua. My advice to you…" He took a deep breath as he struggled to keep air in his punctured lungs. "Find away to get out of here. You don't belong here." It was time, the man gasped for air. Mark was quick and with a small thought told the man's mind to shut down and free his spirit. His body followed behind it and the light left Joshua's eyes forever.

Mark cried for real this time. He knew it was folly, it was meaningless and he needed to clean the remains up and greet Darby's guest. But would it hurt if he just cried for a little, remembering that this dead worthless hunk of flesh was once a man that had a family that loved him? He rose and summoned the cleaners. They were a dirty race of a non-pronounceable name that lived on the fresh kills that Darby provided. They greeted Mark, thanking him for the feast and promised to make the room shine after the meal.

Mark turned away in disgust, not wanting to hear them break bones and slurp up the blood with hunks of flesh like bread with soup. He needed to clean himself up and wait for the visitor. For now, Joshua would be put in to the back of his mind until he had the time to think about him and mourn the man.


Silva watched the Twins as they played a game of cards. It was too quiet for them. Leon cheated a lot at these games. She assumed by what Ianto had once told her about Jack, that the boy picked up "tricks" as he called them from the dashing Captain. So by now Jolein should have been calling him on his cheating with the shrill voice of a six-year-old girl. But this much quiet for them was too much for her, so she went on the balcony to have a smoke and watch the sunset.

Jolein Sr. found her watching the colors in the sky, bumming a cigarette off of the gallery owner, she joined her.

"I didn't know you smoked?" She lit the cigarette for the older woman.

"I don't, well not in a long time. But sometimes it is fun just to have one. They are too quiet." She watched Silvia stare out into the distance.

"I know, that is why I came out here. I want them to make noise; they are kids and need lots of fun. Not much of a vacation for any of you." She took a long drag exhaling out to the approach of night.

"To tell you the truth, I was hoping to be out of here before they arrived. I'm agitated enough with Mark because he won't just go back to John. But I really doubt his wisdom in removing NG from John's life. Now when I see how much those two love their little brother, I feel like slapping some sense into him." She paused to take a puff before she continued. "It is nerve racking. I didn't have my child for so long. I was just going day by day with nothing but that pain that all my children were gone, that the universe played horrible tricks on us. I was planning to die alone. Everyone I knew and loved was gone."

She watched the last remains of the sunset color the sky. "But you know something? I couldn't part with Andy's things. When I lost my son and daughter, Andy was such a prize to me, always making me smile. When he was gone I kept it all just to be around those traces of his smile inside everything he touched. God, Jack was such a mess when I found him that day. I don't think I ever saw what it looked like for someone to have his heart ripped out. He was so lost without Andy, so riddled with guilt. My husband just went at him, beating the poor boy to the ground. Jack took it, crying the whole time. We never saw him after that day. I think he left for the Time Agency soon after he gave us the news. But I kept it all, every shred of my son's life. The happiest I ever saw him was when Jack was around. That was, until I saw him look at John and his children. It was worth my pain to see his happiness with his family. But now he better just come back, I don't want those kids to feel what I felt."

"God, that is heartbreaking. You should write a book, tell it all. That is the best way to help stories like that along the paths of time." Silvia put the cigarette out, getting ready to go back inside. "For what it is worth, you did right with Mark, he really is a great person. But I understand why he did what he did, leaving John that is. I also know that it breaks his heart to be away from them." Jolein shot Silva a look of jealousy. "Yes, he has been talking to me. We have gotten kind of close. Jolein, he needs space, maybe you don't see it that way, but from he told me about his past, he needs this. He is lucky that John isn't going anywhere and the Twins are doing fine. Except for now they need their Papa back in one piece." She watched the older woman for a moment before rubbing her hands over her arms. "Well it is getting chilly, let's mull some wine, eat a little cheese and cheer up those very adorable grandchildren of yours." She put her arm around Mark's mother and led her back into the house. "I think it is time to get dirty and let those kids finger paint a bit. I may be a gallery owner now but I was once an art teacher." She smiled as she saw the children still playing cards.

"So a failed art career made you a teacher." Jolein smirked, feeling a bit smug for a moment.

"No actually, I just wanted to live in Paris. I quit the job and just packed up and left. So I know what it is to just start from scratch. I saw that in Mark when I first met him painting by the Seine with NG in a basket. I was wondering what this guy was doing with a baby painting what he saw in front of him. Then I saw the painting. When he finished for the day, he picked NG up and cradled him so carefully, making the boy giggle. My god, he was so wonderful." She stopped talking as she saw four eyes watching her, waiting for her to finish the story.

"Papa, used to take us to paint as well. He would bring us to his studio and we would watch him for hours. Mainly we were with Torchwood. Uncle Jack and Uncle Ianto took care of us, along with Uncle Nick and the others. But it was always Papa that was there when it mattered. NG is lucky he had Papa all to himself." She looked at her brother who smiled.

"Did it bother you when he left with NG, Jolein?" Her Nana asked.

"Yes and no. Daddy explained it this way. We all have a path to take as did Papa and his was taken away from him. He has a right to try to walk on it again. I never imagined that Papa would leave us forever. Now I'm not too sure." She frowned a little, patting Leon on his head.

"Oh come on Jolein, he will be back, you have to believe that. It is like Papa told us. We just have to hope and we can achieve anything. My hope is Papa comes back, and he will because he wouldn't leave us like this. Besides, NG wouldn't let it happen, he is watching the dream." Leon looked up at the shocked faces of the adults.

Jolein's eyes went wide as she looked at her grandson before she asked. "Leon, explain to me exact what it is that NG is doing so I can tell Uncle Jack how to bring your Papa back."


"He still has good taste. My, you are yummy. If you just let me pass, I can find my way to Darby's room." Sebastian fluttered his eyes at Mark. Mark's hairs on the back of his neck stood up as goose bumps ran down his arms. This man was gross. Sebastian loved the smell of fear that dropped off the young man. Mark was better action then he had gotten since he left Darby. But now he had come home to his lover and it was time to share the new toy. He moved in closer to Mark making him recoil, backing away from the man.

"I don't think he would like that." Mark stood tall narrowing his eyes at the gross man. For his very presence radiated evil beaming horror from two black as night eyes. Mark stood his ground. Darby said not to let him get pass the main room.

"I don't care what you think." He snarled, moving his body closer to Mark's personal space. "This is still my house. I will do what I want." He pushed past Mark and headed to the doorway.

A split second of underestimating the youth with the wavy brown hair was all it took for Sebastian to be on his knees. "You poisoned my drink?" He forced his body to move towards his attacker.

"Darby would have my head for that. No, I merely gave you a paralyzing drug in your drink. Swoetance, I believe it was. It should, mind I say should, wear off in a little bit. It should be just in time for Darby to greet you him self. Sit now and be patient, I'll be back." He patted Sebastian on the head and went to find his lover.

Sebastian was furious when Darby came into the room with Mark sometime later. He was ranting that his pet should be caged. He was rude and disrespecting to him.

"Darby, I told you once that your habit with these things should be limited. I come back here after hearing these rumors that an animal stays in your bed." Dragging his body across the floor he willed it to flop into the chair, trying to gain some of his composure back.

"Mark, next time use Demerine, it will paralyze the vocal cords as well." He grabbed Mark finding his lips to be sweeter than normal. "Oh, you used the Tantorn fruit again. Gods, that makes you taste so good." Darby pushed at Sebastian's buttons by making love to Mark right in front of him. It was quick, as having an audience excited him. Mark redressed as he smirked at Sebastian's face green with envy.

"So you think that will make me jealous? I know you, Darby. I also know we have a good thing going here. You are not about to throw it away for that!" His arm moved like rubber as it went to point to Mark.

"Oh you think so? Well I was going to keep you around as well. But Mark is turning out to be a great asset and he would never think of taking something that was mine. Would you, Mark?" Darby smiled at the youth.

"Never, my love." Mark knelt before Darby very reverently.

"You see, complete obedience. You, I should kill for your actions." Quick as light, Darby was on Sebastian's body, pinning it to the chair. "I suggest for the sake of what we once had you will give it back. I will let you live then."

Mark stood up when Darby pounced. He watched the blood drain out of Sebastian's face as if he saw exactly what Darby was planning to do with him. Mark shook off the dread of having to go through another session today. The last one was still in his mind and he knew that Sebastian in Darby's mind was a special case and deserved a lot of attention.

"I don't have it, I swear. I wouldn't take that. It was Peter. He has it and he gave it to that woman and she, well she is out there somewhere. Gods, I'm not stupid, you have been my meal ticket for some time. You know how hard it is to freelance our type of work out in the Universe. The Agency is all over us non-sanctioned types. We have no credibility unless we are under a Master like you. Damn it, I wouldn't steal from you. Darby, I love you." The knife cut his cheek anyway. Darby stood and moved away from his former lover.

"Half a truth is better than none. You didn't come back for over two years and now you're broke. Funny how now you choose to say you love me. Well, get it back for me and we will talk. Otherwise I saw to your things and packed them for you. To dissolve our partnership I have supplied you with a fair amount of credits. Return the damn diamond and I will pay you more. But as far as love and having you again in my bed, that will never happen while I live. Now Mark, come with me. I don't want you exposed to this. The guards will see to the trash." Darby turned to go.

"You are a fool and someday you will regret you abandon me. Remember that I have predicted that sweet young thing you favor will be your death!" He kept yelling even after the two were out of earshot.

When they were alone in Darby's room, Mark performed for his lover. Darby was warm and gentle with him making love to the young man sweetly. "You did well tonight, but I sense you have something to say."

"Is it wise to keep such as him alive? You are too kind to him." Mark nuzzled into Darby's chest.

He smiled, kissing the top of Mark's head. "You are learning aren't you? I will take care of him because I owe him that. I also found a way to get him work so he will come into his own. I'm not all bad, my love, I just have a nasty streak. Don't hold it against me!" He pulled Mark to his lips, kissing the youth. "Someday we will need him. But just what for I'm not sure; until then you are mine and mine alone." He hugged Mark as they drifted off to sleep.

Mark didn't fall into dreaming right away. He thought on what Darby had said and how he knew that his words would be his undoing. So he whispered softly to the other man. "You should have killed him when you had the chance." To which Darby chuckled loving the way his new partner thought.


"I don't like it, Jack. NG doesn't have abilities like the twins. Leon may just be misreading what his brother said to him. Do we want to leave this up to the mind of a two year old? And he is my son. I'm not risking him even if it will help Mark." John whisper shouted at Jack while Mark lay less than three feet away from them.

"Look, it is worth a try. Even if he just calls Mark home, John isn't that enough? He has already said he has been watching Mark's dreams. Maybe that is what the moonstone did; transform his abilities to dream catching. Seems like a minor risk." Jack waited for the swing. It didn't happen as John began to pace, rubbing his hands through his hair.

"I didn't want to be reunited like this. It is so unfair that every time we try for something good, some kind of happiness, whatever is in our past shows itself again. I'll agree to it but I'm going to follow NG into the dream. This way if something goes wrong I may be able to pull him out. At least I can try." He sat on the chair near the bed and smoothed back Mark's hair. "We are coming, Lovely. We are coming to bring you home."

End Chapter 7

TBC