A Surprising Night
Far from where the criminals were, Nicole was resting on the bed in the guest room. After they collected her things, Owen and she had returned to the skyscraper. Owen had brought her things in and left her to unpack, claiming that he had work to do. She didn't mind, since it gave her time to relax and unpack.
It took her a while to unpack and organize everything, leading well into the evening. Nicole, when she finished, put on her pajamas, a white tank top and a long pair of gray pajama pants. She curled up on top of the sheets and grabbed her notebook. She stared at the blank pages, puzzled as to where her story would take her. Just as she was about to press her pencil to the page, she heard her door open. She glanced over to see that Alexander, clean and dressed in his pajamas, was in the doorway. When he saw her, he closed the door a bit, an innocent gesture that made Nicole laugh.
"No need to be scared, you're not in trouble and I won't bite."
Alexander pushed the door open, stepping lightly until he was at the edge of the bed.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm working on a story."
"A story! I wanna see!"
Nicole chuckled before she patted the spot beside her. Alex climbed up and looked at the booklet.
"It's not finished yet, but I could use your help."
"What can I do?"
"Well, right now, I need a name...a boy's name."
Unknown to Nicole, Owen had come looking for Alexander, as he ran just as he was going to bed. He came across Nicole's room, to hear Alexander. He was about to open the door when he had heard Nicole's request. He could see from where he was that Alexander was thinking, before a smile formed.
"Puck!"
"Puck? You mean the fairy from A Midsummer Night's Dream?"
"Yea!"
"Hmm...Puck...that actually might fit."
She scribbled something on a few sheets of paper. Owen watched her, as her hair draped in front of her face, slightly covering a clear look of concentration. He focused his gaze to Alexander, who was smirking. Alexander had known that Owen was Puck since Alexander could recognize it. It would be rational that Alexander would only know that name, as David Xanatos and Fox never read him fairy tales.
"There, now it's somewhat complete. Would you like to hear it?"
Alexander nodded as he curled up against Nicole. Wrapping an arm around him and smiling, she flipped to the first page of the booklet and began to read.
Once, there was a faraway kingdom, filled with flowing streams and magical beings. The kingdom was ruled by a kind king, who loved his kingdom. Even though he was so kind, he was very sad, for he longed for a daughter of his own, one that he could treasure and love. Word traveled of the king's wish, and it reached the ears of the fairy queen, who had always admired the king's kindness.
One night, as the king slept, the queen visited him in a dream. She told him, that she would grant the king his wish, under one condition, that his daughter would have to return to the land of fairies before her eighteenth birthday, or she would fade away. The king, longing for the daughter, accepted. The queen left him, and in the morning, a cradle was found beside the king's bed, with a newborn baby girl inside.
As Nicole read, Owen hung back from the door, curious and intrigued by the tale. He listened from across the hall, leaning against the wall as he did.
The girl grew to be a beautiful, enchanting and kind girl, who was loved by all. In fact, many young men wanted to marry the princess, but the king wouldn't allow it, since she would not be with him for very long.
As the princess's eighteenth birthday grew closer and closer, the queen was considering which fairy would be worthy enough to bring the princess back to the land of the fairies. After many competitions and challenges to see who would be worthy, there was no fairy willing or able enough. As the queen sat on her throne, a young trickster, named Puck..."
Nicole glanced at Alexander upon the mention of the name, to find him asleep. Owen, having snapped out of his trance when Nicole stopped, assumed his responsibility. He straightened up and pushed the door open.
"Good evening, Nicole."
"Oh, good evening Owen. I assume you want Alexander," she said as she motioned to the sleeping child beside her.
"Yes, if you don't mind."
"Not at all. I think my reading tired him out though." She moved aside as Owen reached down and picked up the boy.
"It seems so," Owen said bluntly, groaning as he lifted the boy up in his arms.
"Do you need help?" Nicole asked with concern.
"Oh no, I'll be alright. Alexander just isn't as light as he once was."
"Well at least let me help you see him to his room...just in case."
Owen, who normally would not allow it, glanced at Nicole and replied,
"As you wish."
Owen carried Alexander while Nicole walked beside him. The walked in silence before they reached Alexander's room. Nicole opened the door for Owen, smirking as she did so. Owen gave her a frown as he walked inside. He made his way across the room and placed Alexander in his bed. Nicole came up to the bed and tucked Alexander in.
"Goodnight Alexander," she whispered before they left. Nicole closed the door quietly before they walked to her room. As they reached the door, Nicole said quietly,
"Thank you again...for everything today."
"Again, my...pleasure." Owen paused momentarily. The light from Nicole's bedside lamp had created an angelic glow behind her, making her more stunning than ever. Nicole, noticing that Owen was staring at her, felt uncomfortable and stared to play with the edge of the carpet with her toes. Owen, seeing her discomfort, snapped out of his trance and stepped back.
"Um...thank you for helping with Alexander," he uttered as he offered his hand for her to shake. Nicole, unsure of what to do at first, was about to shake his hand, but her foot got caught in the carpet. She tripped and almost would have fallen if Owen hadn't grabbed her. He grabbed around her torso as her arms rested around his neck. She looked at her trapped foot and tried to unwind it from the carpet.
"I'm so sorry, if I can just...yes! I'm...free..." Nicole's victory was short lived, as she glanced up at Owen's surprised face. His surprise melted to something else however, a slight dazed and pleased emotion. Nicole straightened up, her arms still around Owen's neck and his hands on her hips. They stared at one another, transfixed by each other's gaze. The features on Nicole's face lightened as Owen's eyes gazed at her warmly. Nicole found her head was moving towards his, her posture welcoming. As she did, he seemed to mimic her movement. They grew closer and closer together until Owen stopped.
"If you would excuse me," he said in his usual monotone voice. He left Nicole and walked down the hall, his pace quickening. Nicole waited outside her door, watching him until he turned around a corner. She was crestfallen as she went into her room and quietly closed the door; a million questions running threw her head.
Have I done something wrong? Did I offend him? Did it feel as though I was pressuring him? Was it because of today? Maybe he just doesn't feel the same way... wait; do I feel the same way? Why am I so disappointed?
She thought about everything before she collapsed on the bed. She stared at the ceiling, consumed in her thoughts, before she fell asleep.
Static erupted from a television screen as the previous events were replayed. They were fast forwarding until the moment Owen left. David Xanatos frowned.
"David, are you in here?" Fox asked as she opened the door to Xanatos's office. He was leaning against his desk, a remote in his hand. "What are you doing?"
"I'm looking in on something."
"Why are you spying on Owen and Nicole... especially Nicole?" Fox asked again in an annoyed tone.
"No worries, my dear, I am spying on Owen."
"Whatever for?" Fox asked curiously as she stood beside her husband.
"His behaviour lately has me worried. He isn't the same as he once was." When his wife still was confused, he elaborated. "He seems more...emotional and more protective of Nicole. He can't be that way, since he is an immortal. He is incapable of feelings."
"Maybe the centuries have changed him. I mean, being around humans and their emotions for as long as he has, you might get soft too," Fox reasoned.
"I suppose..."
"Also, Nicole is a very likeable and charming young women. It's not very hard for Owen to be smitten."
"Ah yes, but that is why Owen is attracted to her. I, on the other hand, am attracted to someone else, who is more befitting for myself," he told her, looking into her eyes.
" I'm glad you feel that way dear. Now, turn off the TV and come to bed," Fox whispered sultrily.
"One more minute, my dear," he said calmly.
"Fine, just don't be too long," Fox winked before she left.
Xanatos rubbed his chin, thinking about what his wife had said. After his exile from Avalon and the centuries of hiding among the mortals, maybe Owen was developing human feelings. It could have also been, as well, that since Nicole, a single and rather attractive women entered his life, Owen had realised his human emotions. Or it might have been simply, that he wished for a companion, which was something that both mortal and immortal could hope for. Xanatos found himself worried about how this might affect Owen, as he has had little experience in this sort of thing. Owen has been his most loyal and trustworthy assistant, and dare say it, friend. If anything were to happen to him, it could ruin everything Xanatos had ever achieved or love. David whispered, before he left his office,
"If she does hurt him, I'll kill her."
Beep!
The sound awoke Nicole, who had been sleeping, not peacefully, but well. The sound was coming from inside her bedside table. She opened the drawer and fumbled inside until she pulled out her cell phone. She glanced at the screen and recognized the number. She answered it.
"Hello? Abby?"
"Hey, sis! Thank god I got a hold of you; I've been calling you for ages!"
"Abby, it's eleven o'clock, couldn't you have called earlier?"
"What part of calling for ages, do you not get?"
'Sorry, a lot has been going on lately."
"Care to explain?"
"It's a long story, but the short version is, I'm no longer dating Trevor-"
"Thank god! He was such a sleaze, I never liked him."
Nicole frowned.
"You were the one who introduced us."
"Yea, but that was before I realised what a sleaze he was. So if you guys aren't together, where are you staying?"
"Well I-"
"Oh, sorry Nic, I gotta go. Our tour guide is sending us to bed, since we're gonna be hiking tomorrow. Be safe and I'll talk to you later!"
The line went dead, much to Nicole's annoyance. As much as Nicole loved her little sister, she could be a little over excited at times. Since there was little chance of her falling back asleep, she decided to head to the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat. She rose from her bed, walked to the hallway and made her way to the kitchen.
As she grew closer however, she heard the clanging of pots and cutlery. Nicole listened, for whatever was in the kitchen seemed big. She assumed it was Mr. Xanatos before she walked right into the kitchen. She was, on the other hand, very wrong.
Standing in front of the stove, was a large, winged creature. His skin was aquamarine and he had fish like fins on the side of his bald head. Nicole, frightened by the strange creature, screamed. The monster, scared by her scream, calmed himself before he tried to calm her.
"It's alright; I'm not going to hurt you..."
Before she could scream again, Owen appeared in the doorway. Nicole ran behind him in fear.
"What is that?" she asked Owen.
"I think the better question is who," Owen replied plainly, yet logically. He stepped aside, leaving Nicole unprotected. "This is one of the...other residents of the castle, Broadway. I assure you he means you no harm."
Nicole calmed herself a little bit, before she spoke,
"That doesn't explain what he is though...wait, other residents?""
"He is one of the seven gargoyles that inhabit the castle."
"...Gargoyles?"
As if on cue, four other gargoyles ran into the kitchen. A small green one, with webbed wings, a red one with white hair and a beak, an old brown gargoyle and finally a blue gargoyle that resembled a dog.
"What's going on? We heard a scream," the red gargoyle asked before he noticed Nicole.
"It's quite alright Brooklyn, just a misunderstanding," Owen dryly assured the gargoyle. Nicole looked at him as if he was insane. "Nicole, this is Brooklyn, Lexington, Hudson and Bronx. This is Nicole Kent,"he introduced as hemotioned to each one in turn before he introduced her.
"Um...hey?" Nicole waved weakly.
"Pleased to meet you lass," the older gargoyle greeted, his heavy Scottish accent was noticed by Nicole.
"You too..."
Bronx waddled over to Nicole and sniffed her hand before he gave it a friendly lick. At first, Nicole retracted her hand, but after a moment, she pet Bronx on his head. Bronx wagged his short tail, a sign that he was happy and content. Nicole relaxed and began to pet his sides, which Bronx seemed to love.
"Looks like someone likes you Nicole," Lexington commented.
"Yea, I think so," Brooklyn agreed as Bronx lay down on his back. Nicole let a laugh escape as she bent down on her knees and continued to rub his belly. Lexington and Hudson watched the two, both with smiles on their faces. Brooklyn, however, moved closer to Owen before asking,
"Who is this girl? And why would you let her know about us?"
"It is a long story, but she will be staying here for the remainder of the month. Besides, she might as well know who else lives in this castle," Owen replied coolly as he observed Nicole and the others. Nicole was smiling and laughing at Bronx's antics while Hudson, Broadway and Lexington joined her and began to pet Bronx. Brooklyn hung back, with his arms crossed as he chuckled at the spectacle. Owen however, looked solemnly at the scene before he strolled briskly into the hallway. Hudson took notice to Owen's sudden and unannounced departure.
"I wonder what's the matter with the boy," he said aloud. Nicole, still petting Bronx, glanced at the door, before she grew uneasy. She stood up before telling them,
"It is quite late, so I should go to sleep. I have had too much...excitement for one night."
"Of course lass," Hudson understood, "all of us need our rest."
"Mhmm, maybe I can ask you guys some questions in the morning."
All the gargoyles looked to one another before Brooklyn replied, "It doesn't work that way." Nicole looked at them puzzled before Lexington further explained,
"We can't be awake during the day, because we turn to stone once the sun rises." Nicole still did not fully understand.
"Don't worry, lass, we'll explain everything tomorrow night, and hopefully you can meet the rest of the clan," Hudson assured her.
"The rest of the clan?"
"Yea, you'll love them," Broadway told her.
"I can't wait," Nicole lied, as she was still unsure of the prospect of meeting more gargoyles. She yawned, "Well, I'll see you tomorrow night then." She waved good night and made her way to the door.
"Goodnight! Sorry for scaring you," Broadway called out. Nicole turned back, smiling before assuring him it as alright. The others said goodnight and Nicole left for her room. The others turned to one another.
"She seems nice," Broadway commented.
"Aye, she is quite the human. She didn't look too scared by us," Hudson agreed.
"Bronx seems to like her too," Lexington grinned, rubbing Bronx's head.
"And if Xanatos is letting her stay here for the rest of the month, she must not be of any harm to us," Brooklyn noted.
"Aye, but didn't any of yea notice that Owen was acting strange around the lass?" Hudson asked, remembering what had happened minutes ago. The others glanced at the doorway before agreeing with him.
"Isn't Owen always like that though?" Brooklyn reasoned.
"Maybe, but the lad seems...different somehow..."
"Well while you're pondering that, I'm going to make some spaghetti," Broadway told him as he reached for a pot.
"Jeez, I hope Angela isn't jealous of you love of food," Lexington chuckled.
"Hey, my Angela has nothing against food, so knock it off guys," Broadway argued.
Angela, who had been strolling past the kitchen with her nose in a book, stopped reading upon the mention of her name.
"Yes, Broadway, do you need to see me...or are you all talking about me?" she asked, folding her arms when she saw the others.
"Um...ugh..." Broadway stumbled.
"Bet you your new shades that he doesn't come up with a good excuse, winner keeps them," Lexington whispered to Brooklyn, out of earshot.
"You're on," Brooklyn accepted.
"Um...I was wondering if you wanted any spaghetti," he muttered as he lifted up a pot.
"Well that was nice of you to offer; sure, I'll have some."
Brooklyn's mouth hung open while Lexington snickered behind him. Hudson rolled his eyes as he left the kitchen. Brooklyn walked away frowning as Lexington ran up beside him.
"Pay up," Lexington taunted. Lexington
Brooklyn mumbled something as he handed his new sunglasses to Lexington.
"These lenses would work well for one of my experiments."
Brooklyn gave him a sour look as Lexington laughed once more, leaving a very angry Brooklyn to sulk.
Fourth! Woo! I love Lex at the end (Who wouldn't?). Now, don't be to negitive about Owen's reaction, ladies and gentleman, all will be explained. BUT you have to stay tuned to find out. In the mean time, review?
Ok, it's 1 in the morning here, so I think you all know what happens next for me. PEACE!
