simarillion (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
simarillion) wrote2009-05-05 05:27 pm
simarillion) wrote2009-05-05 05:27 pm
FIC: "An Tus Don Stoirm" (2/10)
Author: Simarillion
Archive: Daunting Byron
Pairing: Colin/Orli, (hinted Sean B/Viggo)
Rating: R/Nc-17 (will turn out as the story progresses)
Warning: This story is RPS which means Real Person Slash. It has Homo-erotic content (m/m) and everybody not comfortable with this topic should not read any further.
Summary: The Farrell's, an Irish family living in the States move to Santa Monica. where the father has a new job. There Colin meets a beautiful stranger who becomes his only ray of light.
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. They are all their own persons and I don't claim to know anything of their sexual preferences or habits. Also I want to make clear that all of this is invented and not used to make profit.
Notes: This story is an AU and therefore the age and also the professions of the characters have been changed to accommodate the plot. The idea of this story came up when I thought about what to write with an Colin/Orli pairing. Rotschopf asked me on the Archives Tag board when there would be something to read from me. Well, here it is. Unfortunately I couldn't come up with anything in Real World but somehow I thought about this story. I hope that AUs are allowed in this group.
A thousand thanks to Doodle who betaed this for me.
Chapter Two
It was hot and the sun shone brightly hurting Colin’s eyes as he lay on his towel trying to read his book. He was tired and a little bit exhausted because the Farrell shopping trip had mutated to a shopping ‘orgy’. Naturally it had been the two men in the family who had had the unfortunate pleasure of carrying and dragging the purchases, which in Colin’s eyes were far too many, into the house and rooms they belonged in. The women had been far too busy preparing everything for the beach to help. Let’s rather say they were busy with choosing the right bikini and of course, most important the right sun glasses and flip-flops.
Turning the page Colin shifted his concentration back to the story he was currently reading. He had got the book from Craig who had insisted Colin read something Kiwi, as he used to call everything from New Zealand no matter if it was people or clothes or other stuff. Therefore Colin had got a collection of short stories by Frank Sargeson, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished writers.
A cool breeze wafted over Colin and with it came the sound of girlie squeals and giggles. Groaning he turned to lie on his side and continued reading, trying hard to ignore the annoying sounds. But no matter how hard he tried in the end Colin couldn’t help but look up from his book and in search of the source of the noise. He cursed quietly when he saw two clear blue directed at him, watching him with interest.
The eyes staring at him belonged to a soft feminine face, framed by light golden hair. The girl smiled at him and winked. She turned to her dark-haired friend stood next to her, whispering something into her ear and giggling again. The second girl looked at Colin appreciatively and grinned too.
Clenching his teeth Colin stood up and turned his back to his annoying watchers, walking over to the small stand selling drinks and ice cream just down the beach. There was a long line of people already waiting to get served, hungry for ice and thirsting for at least a small bottle of water. Stopping behind a mother with her little child that whined because she didn’t want to wait, he stood in line.
Luck was not with him on this hot day because barely a minute after Colin had made his escape from the giggly girl duo, he could hear them again and this time right behind him. Tensing Colin forced himself to focus on anything other than them. The fat dog sleeping in the shadow over there on his right, for example. It didn’t help. Then one of them bumped into him giggling again and blushing as he turned around to them.
“Sorry.” The blonde bit her lower lip in embarrassment and looked at him with her blue eyes wide.
Colin wanted nothing more than to strangle her but he decided that since he had to live here and at least try not to kill anybody on his first day, he had to make the effort and be nice. “Don’t worry.” He offered them a smile and was about to turn back to the front as the blonde-haired girl held out her hand.
“I’m Kate.”
Colin blinked and glanced at the offered hand before taking and shaking it. “Colin. Nice to meet you.”
Kate had to know that he didn’t want to talk to her and wanted her to leave, but either she was plain rude or she wanted to tease him. “Nice to meet YOU. That’s Michelle.” She pointed at her friend who stood behind her and watched the two of them with interest. “I take it you’re not from here? Haven’t seen you around.”
And you definitely won’t in the future, Colin added mentally. “Well, actually I do live here. It’s just we moved to Santa Monica recently so I don’t know many people yet.” More likely nobody, Colin thought. With growing horror he saw the girl’s face light up and realised the mistake he had just made.
“Why then you have to meet my friends.”
That was exactly what Colin did not want. More stupid, giggly girls to annoy him. Why couldn't they just leave him the fuck alone. Colin forced himself to remain clam and not to shout at the two stupid tarts, and barely managed to reply to the girl's enthusiastic comment. "Sure. Can't wait for that to happen." He turned to the front and realised that he would be next. Thinking about what to take he didn't notice the blonde stepping up to him. He only noticed her when it was already too late and she had wrapped herself around him.
"Well, then you have to come with us to Viggo's party tonight. Everybody will be there." She pressed herself against Colin’s side and batted her eyelashes pleadingly at him, her fingernails digging into his arm.
"I'll have to think about that." Colin tried to free himself from her grasp, her nails were already leaving deep marks in his skin. Flashing his best smile at her he tore his arm away from her and stepped up to the stand. Looking up he met two big, and very blue eyes that glared icily at him. "Got a problem, mate?" What was the matter with the people today? Why was everybody out to annoy him?
The young face that held the cold blue eyes was pale and small, almost fragile looking like the body it was attached to, but from the visible tension Colin guessed that the guy in front of him was anything but weak. Trying to step around the pissed off youth he was stopped by a clingy blonde female who squealed with joy upon seeing the human barrier in front of Colin.
"Lij!" She threw her arms around the small guy and embraced him.
Colin thought that this was his chance to escape her clutches but he couldn’t have been more wrong. Once Kate noticed that her prey was trying to escape her she grabbed his hand and held it tightly almost crushing it in the process. He wanted to kill her. Why wouldn't this fucking bird leave him the hell alone?
"Lij this is Colin. He's new in SaMon and looking for friends." She smiled at Colin and dragged him closer to her.
"I don't think he’ll make them anytime soon," came the cold reply from the ‘Lij’ guy. His icy glare made Colin's insides clench. "One should be careful which girl they make a pass at. Some are taken."
Colin was about to argue that he hadn't made a pass at anybody and that the last thing he wanted was to befriended the two brainless twits and Mr Frosty when suddenly he heard a warm and melodic male voice behind him.
"Especially when the boyfriend is around." The speaker stepped in front of Colin and was revealed to be the guy from last night. His deep eyes held no glimmer of amusement and he glared harshly at Colin.
He didn't know what to do now. Annoying bitch clinging to him on one side, Mr Frosty on the other and the furious stranger in front of him, he hoped that something would happen and save him. But fate wasn't on his side this time and so the only thing that did happen was that the rest of this little gang showing up and soon Colin was surrounded by five surfer boys and five surfer chicks. Things didn't look good.
The dark haired beauty stepped closer to him and leaned in, his eyes stabbing into Colin's. "Get the hell outta here and make sure to stay away from my girl. You got it?" The beautiful face was filled with anger and rage, the sharp angles suddenly harsh and his finely built body tense.
"I get it." Colin freed himself from the Kate's grasp and noticed the smug expression on her face as she sauntered over to her boyfriend. So the sole reason for her following him around was to get her boyfriend worked up. Seems like it had worked. He carefully stepped out of the circle they had formed around him and returned to his towel only to pick his stuff up and head back home. He was not in the mood to stay at then beach any longer.
Leaving baffled parents and an ignorant sister behind Colin walked over the sandy dunes to the Palisades Park and from there to the Ocean Neilson Way. Hoards of people were outside strolling to the Santa Monica Pier or walking to or from the Beach. He strolled up Santa Monica Bvd to 2nd Street and turned left to the house.
Upon reaching the porch he felt the tension leave his body and he heaved a heavy sigh. This had to be the worst day in his whole life. Why did she have to be HIS girlfriend and why did she have to choose Colin in the first place for the stupid ruse of hers. "Bitch!"
He climbed the stairs to his room and dropped his stuff on the floor falling onto his bed and closing his eyes in exhaustion. Colin had hoped to meet the angular beauty again but not like this. He had wanted to befriend him, but now that was impossible. He hated him and what was even worse was that soon the whole surfer community of Santa Monica would hate him too. Great! That was really not how he had wanted to start his new life here.
-~o0*0o~-
After a short nap and a quick shower, Colin dressed in his favourite shirt and beige shorts, taking his cell-phone with him to the garden. Sitting down on a garden chair he dialled Shaun's number and waited for the call to be connected and his friend to pick up. He listened to the dial tone until he heard a muffled voice on the other end of the connection.
"Colin?!"
He couldn't help but feel his hurting heart beat faster and some of the worry leave him. "Yeah, it's me Shaun. How are you doing laddie?"
Colin could almost hear Shaun's smile. "I am doing fine. You know that even though I have to care for a depressive Kiwi, I find a couple of minutes everyday for myself." Shaun laughed deeply.
"Oh, so you finally have the time to wash every morning and brush your teeth? If I had known that my presence was the reason that kept you from doing it I would have begged my parents to move earlier." Colin laughed happily and relaxed. God, talking to his friend made him forget the fucking awful day he’d had. He closed his eyes and pictured Shaun in front of him. The hunk that he was, sitting next to him together with the frailer but cute none the less Craig, the three of them scheming their newest master piece of mischief.
"Careful, cunt or else I might reconsider driving down there." Colin knew that Shaun joked but still he flinched upon hearing it. "Naw, don't worry. Craig and I have already our bags packed and are only waiting for your call to tell us things are clear with you."
"Should be soon, by the looks of it. Dad picked up the rest of our stuff we sent with the post and we also bought lots of shit for the house. A week or one and a half and we should be finished." He opened his eyes and watched a small black kitty wriggle trough the fence and traipsing up to him. Huge pale green eyes regarding him with wonder and foremost of all hope. Colin got up from the chair the cell phone in one hand he cautiously approached the small animal and reached out a tentative hand.
"Great! I can't wait to see your new house. Tell me, what does it look like?"
The frail kitten rubbed its small head against Colin's hand and started purring loudly. He smirked and carefully picked it up, cradling it close to him he carried it inside. "Hmm, it's nothing special. It's smaller than the one we had in Greenleaf. White. Has got a porch and a terrace. Is close to the beach." Colin entered the kitchen and set the kitten down on the counter, rummaging through the cupboards for a small bowl. The only thing he found were his mom’s crystal glass bowls. What the hell ... Colin filled one with milk and put it next the small animal, which had watched him in fascination.
"Sounds good to me." There was a thump in the background to be heard and then a string of curses.
Colin chuckled. It was every time the same. Shaun's dog got jealous if Shaun talked too long on the phone and started throwing over pots and chairs and everything else he found. "Got problems?"
Another string of curses and then a loud, "Sharpe!" Shaun seemed to have got hold of the dog because Colin was able to hear noises of whining and of nails scratching over a wooden floor. The sound of a door being closed and some more muffled whining.
"You okay? D'you want me to call later?" He petted the small fur ball, which was greedily drinking the milk.
"No, I have got the whole situation under control."
"Okay, if you say so." Colin took some ham out of the fridge and fed two slices to the cat. "How is Craig doing?" Craig was actually the one who suffered most from the sudden departure of the Farrell family. He was rather fond of Colin and trusted nobody except him and Shaun.
"He's coping, but not to well. I think he tries to accept finally that you have left us for longer than a holiday. He's very depressed though. But it's not him I worry about most. He still has me to take care of him but what about you? Met any locals yet?"
He sighed and rubbed his sleeve. "Have and am already enemy of the town."
There was a short silence before he heard a surprised Shaun. "What are you talking about?" His friend sounded a little bit confused. "What happened down there?"
Colin replayed the day in his mind and grunted. "Let's just say I pissed off the one person I was interested in and his surfer gang too." Just remembering the hate and anger in these beautiful eyes hurt and Colin forced himself to think about something else.
"Colin, are you okay?" Shaun's concern felt so good, like a balm for his soul, reminding him that there still were people out there that cared for him.
"I’m fine Shaun, really and in about a week I will have you and Craig to take care of me."
"I hope you’re right," came the hesitant reply.
"Yes, I am." Stroking the kitten that had now curled into a fluffy ball, and purred in content Colin forced himself to forget that afternoon at the beach. Ban every memory of the stabbing pain as the angular beauty had threatened him.
"Sure?"
"Completely. Shaun don't worry about me. I can handle it."
There was the sound of a sigh. "Call me if you need somebody to talk to, yeah?"
"I will."
"Good. Good night, Colin"
"Good night, Shaun." Colin hung up the phone and smiled down at the furry heap in front of him. Life here would be very interesting.
(tbc)
Archive: Daunting Byron
Pairing: Colin/Orli, (hinted Sean B/Viggo)
Rating: R/Nc-17 (will turn out as the story progresses)
Warning: This story is RPS which means Real Person Slash. It has Homo-erotic content (m/m) and everybody not comfortable with this topic should not read any further.
Summary: The Farrell's, an Irish family living in the States move to Santa Monica. where the father has a new job. There Colin meets a beautiful stranger who becomes his only ray of light.
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. They are all their own persons and I don't claim to know anything of their sexual preferences or habits. Also I want to make clear that all of this is invented and not used to make profit.
Notes: This story is an AU and therefore the age and also the professions of the characters have been changed to accommodate the plot. The idea of this story came up when I thought about what to write with an Colin/Orli pairing. Rotschopf asked me on the Archives Tag board when there would be something to read from me. Well, here it is. Unfortunately I couldn't come up with anything in Real World but somehow I thought about this story. I hope that AUs are allowed in this group.
A thousand thanks to Doodle who betaed this for me.
Chapter Two
It was hot and the sun shone brightly hurting Colin’s eyes as he lay on his towel trying to read his book. He was tired and a little bit exhausted because the Farrell shopping trip had mutated to a shopping ‘orgy’. Naturally it had been the two men in the family who had had the unfortunate pleasure of carrying and dragging the purchases, which in Colin’s eyes were far too many, into the house and rooms they belonged in. The women had been far too busy preparing everything for the beach to help. Let’s rather say they were busy with choosing the right bikini and of course, most important the right sun glasses and flip-flops.
Turning the page Colin shifted his concentration back to the story he was currently reading. He had got the book from Craig who had insisted Colin read something Kiwi, as he used to call everything from New Zealand no matter if it was people or clothes or other stuff. Therefore Colin had got a collection of short stories by Frank Sargeson, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished writers.
A cool breeze wafted over Colin and with it came the sound of girlie squeals and giggles. Groaning he turned to lie on his side and continued reading, trying hard to ignore the annoying sounds. But no matter how hard he tried in the end Colin couldn’t help but look up from his book and in search of the source of the noise. He cursed quietly when he saw two clear blue directed at him, watching him with interest.
The eyes staring at him belonged to a soft feminine face, framed by light golden hair. The girl smiled at him and winked. She turned to her dark-haired friend stood next to her, whispering something into her ear and giggling again. The second girl looked at Colin appreciatively and grinned too.
Clenching his teeth Colin stood up and turned his back to his annoying watchers, walking over to the small stand selling drinks and ice cream just down the beach. There was a long line of people already waiting to get served, hungry for ice and thirsting for at least a small bottle of water. Stopping behind a mother with her little child that whined because she didn’t want to wait, he stood in line.
Luck was not with him on this hot day because barely a minute after Colin had made his escape from the giggly girl duo, he could hear them again and this time right behind him. Tensing Colin forced himself to focus on anything other than them. The fat dog sleeping in the shadow over there on his right, for example. It didn’t help. Then one of them bumped into him giggling again and blushing as he turned around to them.
“Sorry.” The blonde bit her lower lip in embarrassment and looked at him with her blue eyes wide.
Colin wanted nothing more than to strangle her but he decided that since he had to live here and at least try not to kill anybody on his first day, he had to make the effort and be nice. “Don’t worry.” He offered them a smile and was about to turn back to the front as the blonde-haired girl held out her hand.
“I’m Kate.”
Colin blinked and glanced at the offered hand before taking and shaking it. “Colin. Nice to meet you.”
Kate had to know that he didn’t want to talk to her and wanted her to leave, but either she was plain rude or she wanted to tease him. “Nice to meet YOU. That’s Michelle.” She pointed at her friend who stood behind her and watched the two of them with interest. “I take it you’re not from here? Haven’t seen you around.”
And you definitely won’t in the future, Colin added mentally. “Well, actually I do live here. It’s just we moved to Santa Monica recently so I don’t know many people yet.” More likely nobody, Colin thought. With growing horror he saw the girl’s face light up and realised the mistake he had just made.
“Why then you have to meet my friends.”
That was exactly what Colin did not want. More stupid, giggly girls to annoy him. Why couldn't they just leave him the fuck alone. Colin forced himself to remain clam and not to shout at the two stupid tarts, and barely managed to reply to the girl's enthusiastic comment. "Sure. Can't wait for that to happen." He turned to the front and realised that he would be next. Thinking about what to take he didn't notice the blonde stepping up to him. He only noticed her when it was already too late and she had wrapped herself around him.
"Well, then you have to come with us to Viggo's party tonight. Everybody will be there." She pressed herself against Colin’s side and batted her eyelashes pleadingly at him, her fingernails digging into his arm.
"I'll have to think about that." Colin tried to free himself from her grasp, her nails were already leaving deep marks in his skin. Flashing his best smile at her he tore his arm away from her and stepped up to the stand. Looking up he met two big, and very blue eyes that glared icily at him. "Got a problem, mate?" What was the matter with the people today? Why was everybody out to annoy him?
The young face that held the cold blue eyes was pale and small, almost fragile looking like the body it was attached to, but from the visible tension Colin guessed that the guy in front of him was anything but weak. Trying to step around the pissed off youth he was stopped by a clingy blonde female who squealed with joy upon seeing the human barrier in front of Colin.
"Lij!" She threw her arms around the small guy and embraced him.
Colin thought that this was his chance to escape her clutches but he couldn’t have been more wrong. Once Kate noticed that her prey was trying to escape her she grabbed his hand and held it tightly almost crushing it in the process. He wanted to kill her. Why wouldn't this fucking bird leave him the hell alone?
"Lij this is Colin. He's new in SaMon and looking for friends." She smiled at Colin and dragged him closer to her.
"I don't think he’ll make them anytime soon," came the cold reply from the ‘Lij’ guy. His icy glare made Colin's insides clench. "One should be careful which girl they make a pass at. Some are taken."
Colin was about to argue that he hadn't made a pass at anybody and that the last thing he wanted was to befriended the two brainless twits and Mr Frosty when suddenly he heard a warm and melodic male voice behind him.
"Especially when the boyfriend is around." The speaker stepped in front of Colin and was revealed to be the guy from last night. His deep eyes held no glimmer of amusement and he glared harshly at Colin.
He didn't know what to do now. Annoying bitch clinging to him on one side, Mr Frosty on the other and the furious stranger in front of him, he hoped that something would happen and save him. But fate wasn't on his side this time and so the only thing that did happen was that the rest of this little gang showing up and soon Colin was surrounded by five surfer boys and five surfer chicks. Things didn't look good.
The dark haired beauty stepped closer to him and leaned in, his eyes stabbing into Colin's. "Get the hell outta here and make sure to stay away from my girl. You got it?" The beautiful face was filled with anger and rage, the sharp angles suddenly harsh and his finely built body tense.
"I get it." Colin freed himself from the Kate's grasp and noticed the smug expression on her face as she sauntered over to her boyfriend. So the sole reason for her following him around was to get her boyfriend worked up. Seems like it had worked. He carefully stepped out of the circle they had formed around him and returned to his towel only to pick his stuff up and head back home. He was not in the mood to stay at then beach any longer.
Leaving baffled parents and an ignorant sister behind Colin walked over the sandy dunes to the Palisades Park and from there to the Ocean Neilson Way. Hoards of people were outside strolling to the Santa Monica Pier or walking to or from the Beach. He strolled up Santa Monica Bvd to 2nd Street and turned left to the house.
Upon reaching the porch he felt the tension leave his body and he heaved a heavy sigh. This had to be the worst day in his whole life. Why did she have to be HIS girlfriend and why did she have to choose Colin in the first place for the stupid ruse of hers. "Bitch!"
He climbed the stairs to his room and dropped his stuff on the floor falling onto his bed and closing his eyes in exhaustion. Colin had hoped to meet the angular beauty again but not like this. He had wanted to befriend him, but now that was impossible. He hated him and what was even worse was that soon the whole surfer community of Santa Monica would hate him too. Great! That was really not how he had wanted to start his new life here.
-~o0*0o~-
After a short nap and a quick shower, Colin dressed in his favourite shirt and beige shorts, taking his cell-phone with him to the garden. Sitting down on a garden chair he dialled Shaun's number and waited for the call to be connected and his friend to pick up. He listened to the dial tone until he heard a muffled voice on the other end of the connection.
"Colin?!"
He couldn't help but feel his hurting heart beat faster and some of the worry leave him. "Yeah, it's me Shaun. How are you doing laddie?"
Colin could almost hear Shaun's smile. "I am doing fine. You know that even though I have to care for a depressive Kiwi, I find a couple of minutes everyday for myself." Shaun laughed deeply.
"Oh, so you finally have the time to wash every morning and brush your teeth? If I had known that my presence was the reason that kept you from doing it I would have begged my parents to move earlier." Colin laughed happily and relaxed. God, talking to his friend made him forget the fucking awful day he’d had. He closed his eyes and pictured Shaun in front of him. The hunk that he was, sitting next to him together with the frailer but cute none the less Craig, the three of them scheming their newest master piece of mischief.
"Careful, cunt or else I might reconsider driving down there." Colin knew that Shaun joked but still he flinched upon hearing it. "Naw, don't worry. Craig and I have already our bags packed and are only waiting for your call to tell us things are clear with you."
"Should be soon, by the looks of it. Dad picked up the rest of our stuff we sent with the post and we also bought lots of shit for the house. A week or one and a half and we should be finished." He opened his eyes and watched a small black kitty wriggle trough the fence and traipsing up to him. Huge pale green eyes regarding him with wonder and foremost of all hope. Colin got up from the chair the cell phone in one hand he cautiously approached the small animal and reached out a tentative hand.
"Great! I can't wait to see your new house. Tell me, what does it look like?"
The frail kitten rubbed its small head against Colin's hand and started purring loudly. He smirked and carefully picked it up, cradling it close to him he carried it inside. "Hmm, it's nothing special. It's smaller than the one we had in Greenleaf. White. Has got a porch and a terrace. Is close to the beach." Colin entered the kitchen and set the kitten down on the counter, rummaging through the cupboards for a small bowl. The only thing he found were his mom’s crystal glass bowls. What the hell ... Colin filled one with milk and put it next the small animal, which had watched him in fascination.
"Sounds good to me." There was a thump in the background to be heard and then a string of curses.
Colin chuckled. It was every time the same. Shaun's dog got jealous if Shaun talked too long on the phone and started throwing over pots and chairs and everything else he found. "Got problems?"
Another string of curses and then a loud, "Sharpe!" Shaun seemed to have got hold of the dog because Colin was able to hear noises of whining and of nails scratching over a wooden floor. The sound of a door being closed and some more muffled whining.
"You okay? D'you want me to call later?" He petted the small fur ball, which was greedily drinking the milk.
"No, I have got the whole situation under control."
"Okay, if you say so." Colin took some ham out of the fridge and fed two slices to the cat. "How is Craig doing?" Craig was actually the one who suffered most from the sudden departure of the Farrell family. He was rather fond of Colin and trusted nobody except him and Shaun.
"He's coping, but not to well. I think he tries to accept finally that you have left us for longer than a holiday. He's very depressed though. But it's not him I worry about most. He still has me to take care of him but what about you? Met any locals yet?"
He sighed and rubbed his sleeve. "Have and am already enemy of the town."
There was a short silence before he heard a surprised Shaun. "What are you talking about?" His friend sounded a little bit confused. "What happened down there?"
Colin replayed the day in his mind and grunted. "Let's just say I pissed off the one person I was interested in and his surfer gang too." Just remembering the hate and anger in these beautiful eyes hurt and Colin forced himself to think about something else.
"Colin, are you okay?" Shaun's concern felt so good, like a balm for his soul, reminding him that there still were people out there that cared for him.
"I’m fine Shaun, really and in about a week I will have you and Craig to take care of me."
"I hope you’re right," came the hesitant reply.
"Yes, I am." Stroking the kitten that had now curled into a fluffy ball, and purred in content Colin forced himself to forget that afternoon at the beach. Ban every memory of the stabbing pain as the angular beauty had threatened him.
"Sure?"
"Completely. Shaun don't worry about me. I can handle it."
There was the sound of a sigh. "Call me if you need somebody to talk to, yeah?"
"I will."
"Good. Good night, Colin"
"Good night, Shaun." Colin hung up the phone and smiled down at the furry heap in front of him. Life here would be very interesting.
(tbc)