"Absolutely. Griz is gonna 'ae a 'eart attack when 'e finds out it took a combined effort of SHUSH and FOWL." He smiled, nodding at Gander's question with regards to Bushroot.

"Mmhm, sure have." Steelbeak smiled, going daydreamy for a moment as the happy looking couple inspired him to teach his own man how to dance. "And I'm gonna take 'im out dancing. I t'ink I've been givin' 'im more normalcy den 'e's probably 'ad prior to 'is mutation. Takin' 'im out to Africa, spoilin' 'im wit' dis plant and dis one. Plannin' on takin' im out for a'nudder trip, just can't decide where."

J. Gander smiled. "Good. I'm sure he deserves it." He blinked when Mark came over holding out his own hand. "Ah...Mark I don't really..." Mark smiled. "Please John? I've never danced with anyone before." J. Gander sighed and took his hand expecting this to be entirely awkward. He patiently lead the younger man in a simple waltz. He smiled a little at Mark's happy face but was a bit taken aback as flower petals and glitter fell from nowhere. Mark blushed. "Too much?" he whispered. J. Gander didn't know what to say.

"'e sure does. Only de very best." Steelbeak smiled, watching on, laughing as the petals and glitter that came trickling down, even getting some on that shiny, deadly beak of his. For himself it was like he was watching himself, as a young rooster, trying to woo his first lady when he had first joined FOWL. He was just as adorably awkward in his attempts.

J. Gander chuckled. "You are so amazing." Mark blushed. "I...I'm not I'm..." J. Gander pulled him closer. "Absolutely incredible." Mark blushed and smiled happily. "I love you John." J. Gander kissed him. "I love you too Mark." They continued their dance.

Olga and Wilhelm meanwhile had decided to take a break and went over to Steelbeak. Olga was flushed and smiling, Wilhelm's arm wrapped tightly around her waist. "That was lovely. I have not been dancing for years." Wilhelm looked a little sad and kissed her temple softly.

"Youse guys did a great job!" Steelbeak smiled, impressed as they came on over to him. "Once in a while dey t'row on a good ballroom and tango dance night at de St. Canard Yauht Club. Maybe one time we could all come on over dere one time." He then looked over at Mark and J. Gander, so happy that they have found each other.

Olga looked excited at the prospect. "Oh that sounds lovely. Wil?" Wilhelm looked cautious. "Vell...I suppose ve could use a bit of fun." Olga cheered and hugged her husband, raining kisses on him. Wilhelm looked a bit taken about but nevertheless pleased. "Vhy don't ve get some dinner and then..." he whispered softly to her. She blushed and giggled. She waved to Steelbeak as they started to leave. "Tell Marky we'll be back."

"Excellent!" I'll let 'im know!" Steelbeak grinned and waved back. He turned his attention back to watching Mark and J. Gander, taking the moment to sit back and relax. For a newbie, Mark had been dancing extremely well.

Another day passed, Wilhelm seemed calmer but the tests didn't get any less intense. J. Gander figured as long as he kept an eye on things, and kept Dr. Ente away from guns they should be okay. He was a little confused as to why Mark seemed upset when Wilhelm handed him a small orange superball. "Do I have to?" Mark asked. Wilhelm nodded. Mark cringed and walked towards a see through booth that Wilhelm had specifically asked for. J. Gander watched in concern. He had no idea why Mark would be upset about this. He remembered reading something about rapid control of portals using the rubber ball but even if it hit him, it wouldn't hurt too bad. Maybe it just tired him out?

Mark stepped into the booth. Wilhelm and Olga stood nearby ready to record what happened and J. Gander hoped stop the experiment if something went wrong. Mark carefully bounced the ball before taking a breath and throwing it so it bounced all over. At first J. Gander had no idea what the point was until he realized, the ball was not going past Mark...it was going through him.

As he watched on with concern with J. Gander, Steelbeak could only gasp and stare as he saw the ball go through Mark.

"Wow . . . ." Was the only word that came out of his metallic beak.

J. Gander only managed one word as well. "How...?"

Olga explained. "Marky can create portals anywhere within 20 ft of himself, including within his own self."

J. Gander was astounded. "He can...does it hurt?"

Olga looked a little sad. "Slightly yes, it's not pleasant. It creates temporary holes in his body so he can only keep each portal open momentarily or risk really hurting himself."

J. Gander had another question. "What if the ball gets stuck?"

Olga looked sick. "Thankfully we've learned that lesson. We have a method of disintegrating the ball if that happens again."