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Brooklyn was a little disappointed when Clara disappeared into her room again after they made up. He had hoped that they would spend more time together but she closed herself off from the gargoyles. "I wouldn't take it personally lad", Hudson told him one night. "Magic folk tend to get wrapped up in their powers from time to time." But that didn't make Brooklyn feel any better. So for two weeks Brooklyn would glance at her door every evening just after waking and once more before dawn. Thanksgiving night started out like any other night with the gargoyles roaring back to life in a flurry of stone bits. Once again Brooklyn was disappointed to see only Eliza waiting for them.
"Happy Thanksgiving fellas", she said with a large smile.
"Man can you guys smell that", Broadway said inhaling deeply. The night was filled with the smells of Thanksgiving dinners and it made their mouths water. "Thanksgiving is the best thing ever! Ah can't you guys imagine it? Roast turkeys, baked hams, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie!" By this time Broadway ways practically drooling causing the other gargoyles to laugh. "I want to eat a pumpkin pie so bad I can almost smell it."
"I guess I better hide this then", Clara said causing everyone to turn around. She was holding something wrapping in foil, the suggested pie. "Here you go Eliza", she said holding the pie out, "my grandmother's special pumpkin pie. Don't ask which grandmother because I have no idea."
Eliza laughed as she accepted the pie. "Thanks. My dad is really looking forward to this."
"No problem", Clara said waving it off. "Alright boys are you ready for your first Thanksgiving?"
"Are we going to Eliza's", Lexington asked.
"Nope", Clara said with a smile. The gargoyles looked confusingly at each other and with another smile Clara motioned for them to follow her.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful", Goliath said, "but I don't think we will fit in your room."
"Are you sure about that", Clara said with a smirk. Her smirk turned into a wide grin as she opened the door and saw their reactions. Instead of a small closet, it looked like a rather large studio apartment. Their eyes bulged as they saw a living room with a large overstuffed couch and chairs but their gaze was soon captured by the long table that was laden with food. Broadway was the first to recover and practically ran everyone over to get to the table. "One of my ancestors developed this spell so she could live closer to her charges. And the best thing is that it's completely sound and smell proof. I could throw a wild party and no one outside the door would even know."
"It's amazing", Lexington said once he regained the ability to speak.
"Another feature is that unless you've been invited you can't see it."
"What do you mean lass", Hudson said. The whole situation was almost too much for the elder gargoyle.
"If a random person were to open the door", Clara explained, "the only thing they would see would be an old storage closet." Hudson shook his head and joined the others as they gathered around the table.
"You did not have to do this for us", Goliath said touched at all the effort Clara had gone through for them.
"Well the apartment is for me", Clara said with a small laugh, "but as to the food…well you guys are my family now and families gather around the table at Thanksgiving and stuff themselves."
Eliza bid them farewell and went to enjoy the holiday with her own family leaving Clara and the gargoyles to enjoy theirs. Clara had really outdone herself with the food. There was a turkey, of course, and a glazed ham. She had also prepared biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing, thick gravy and an assortment of desserts including pumpkin pie. She had also picked up a leg for Bronx as well. And so the gargoyles and the witch gathered around the table and stuffed themselves to the point of bursting.
"We should clean up", Goliath said after everyone was done.
"Don't worry about that", Clara said. She waved her hand and suddenly there was a flurry of movement. Leftover food put itself into containers and then floated into the refrigerator. The dishes piled themselves into the dishwasher and sink and started to clean themselves. But what really got the gargoyles was the table that began to shrink. "I can alter the things in my home", Clara offered. "I hope you guys have a good night."
"Are you going somewhere", Brooklyn asked startled. He then noticed that while she wasn't dressed up Clara was wearing nice clothes.
"I'm going to meet some old friends of mine for a few drinks", she said. "It's been a while since I got involved with the magical community."
"Magical community?"
"Well there're a few other families where there is a magical bloodline and then a bunch of solitaries. We used to meet once a month. That's how I learned to control my powers originally."
"Well be careful", Brooklyn said but his eyes were also apologetic about the last time Clara went out. She replied with a smile that said that she forgave him. With full stomachs the gargoyles went out on their patrols, minus Hudson and Bronx. "Oh", Clara exclaimed after she made a door. "Hudson, if you want you can watch TV in my apartment if you want."
"Thank ye lass", he said with a smile, "But out here will be just fine." She gave him a nod and then disappeared through her magic door. "You know old friend", Hudson said as he settled into his chair, "I haven't had a meal that good since the old days." Bronx grunted in agreement just before he passed out with a left over bone in his mouth.
After Thanksgiving, Clara was spending more time with the gargoyles, primarily Brooklyn. She would go out with them on patrols, if only for a little while, to practice her flying. Now it was one of her favorite things to do. It gave her a sense of freedom that she had never known before and she loved it, especially when she beat Brooklyn, Lexington and Broadway in flying contests. They would say that she had an unfair advantage and she would say that they should be experts by now. They would laugh and then go about her business. Yes it was clear that life was good. Clara finally got the family that she'd always wanted and her relationship with Brooklyn was growing as well. Goliath and the others were still concerned, but they knew they couldn't deny that they were happy. When the gargoyles had down time, Brooklyn was always hanging out with Clara. They would talk about movies, music and he told her many stories from before they were frozen. She told him more about her childhood and every day they grew closer. They knew that they were dancing that thin line between friend and something more, but they couldn't stay away from each other. More and more Brooklyn and the other wished that Clara was born a gargoyle.
November gave way to December and the subject of Christmas came up. "So is there anything you guys want for Christmas", Clara asked one evening as she got ready for her monthly meeting.
"Gargoyles do not concern themselves with possessions or money", Goliath simply said.
"I know that", she said as she pulled her hair back. "But I thought it may be nice to exchange small gifts."
"Yeah come on Goliath", Broadway pleaded. "Other than the food part of what makes Christmas special is giving gifts." Goliath raised is eyebrow causing Broadway to blush. "At least that's what all the commercials say."
"It may not be a bad idea", Hudson offered. "We've adapted to many of the costumes of these times."
"You don't even have to buy anything", Clara said. "You guys could always make something; a card or whatever."
"I don't know", Goliath said unsurely but when he saw the faces of the three younger gargoyles he relented. "Very well", he said still unsold on the idea, "as long as these gifts aren't too bit." Broadway, Brooklyn, Lexington, and Clara all cheered.
"Awesome", she said jumping up to hug Goliath. "And if you guys were impressed with my Thanksgiving feast just wait till you see what I got planed for Christmas!" Goliath just shook his head and then walked up the stairs heading towards the balcony. "Goliath", Clara asked as she followed him.
"Yes."
"Um…well…the book has started to show me fighting spells", she began, "and I was wondering if it would be ok if I joined in on the patrols."
"What kind of spells", Goliath asked.
"Energy blasts, arrows, healing spells. Things like that", she said nervously. "I've been practicing in a special room in my apartment but I need to have some field practice."
"If you think you can manage", he said carefully, "but what about your job?"
"I told my boss I'm taking some classes at the community college."
"Are you?"
"Well yeah", Clara said awkwardly. "Nothing major just some business classes. But if I don't have to work then I can spend the day doing homework and help out at night."
"I will think about it", Goliath said.
"Thanks", Clara said. "Well good luck tonight. See you before sunrise." Clara teleported to the alley way below and with a final wave, walked out into the sidewalk.
Christmas day was only a few days away and Goliath still hadn't given Clara an answer. She was afraid that he never would. "He doesn't think I can do it", she grumbled to Brooklyn one night while they were flying.
"That's not true", he said. Clara made a face that said "sure". Brooklyn laughed then said, "He just takes forever to make a decision. He still hasn't chosen a second."
"If you say so", Clara said still not believing him.
"Trust me", Brooklyn reassured. "Just keep bothering him and he'll eventually let you know." The two fell into a comfortable silence, but Brooklyn's mind was whirling. Ever since Goliath said that they could take part in the exchanging of gifts, he was trying to figure out something nice to get Clara. He didn't want to just come out and ask her, he wanted it to be a surprise but he was clueless. "So", he said when they landed on a roof top, "have you gotten all the gifts?"
"Yes and I'm not telling you what you're getting", she said with a laugh. Brooklyn looked at her confused for a moment and then realized what she meant.
"That's not what I meant", he said. "It's just…."
"What?"
"Well some people are harder to figure out than others", he said cautiously.
"Oh I know what you mean", she said with a nod. "I had a terrible time with Goliath's gift but I think he'll like it."
"What did you do", Brooklyn asked hoping it would help him with his gift problem.
"Well I know he likes to read and he takes his role as leader very seriously. So I decided to combine to two and got him books written by or about some the greatest military leaders. Do you think he'll like them?"
"I'm sure he will", Brooklyn said distractedly.
Clara yawed and then said, "Well I'm off to bed; take care." Instead of flying back to the tower, Clara created a doorway then gave Brooklyn a parting kiss before going through. Brooklyn sat on the rooftop thinking about what Clara had said. He knew that she was a very giving person, loved to cook, and old movies, but none of that was helping him. It wasn't like he could walk into a store and buy her something. Sure he could ask Eliza but he had to know what to get her first.
A scream broke Brooklyn out of his thoughts and brought his attention to the alley right below him. It appeared to be a mugging so without another thought he dropped down and fought off the would be mugger. The victim, it turned out, was one of the many homeless people that lived in New York. "Oh thank you", the elder woman said. Brooklyn at first was surprised that she wasn't afraid of him, many people were. "Do you think you could help me with my things?" Brooklyn helped her turn her shopping cart back over and refill it with the things that the mugger tried to steal. "You are a nice young man", she said with a misty smile. Brooklyn realized that she wasn't entirely right in her mind. "God bless you", she said shaking his hand, "especially during this Christmas season."
"Uh…you're welcome", he said awkwardly.
"Have you gotten everything that you wanted for your loved ones", she asked gently. For a moment Brooklyn was taken aback by her question. "Ah I see", she said turning to her cart. She dug around for a few minutes leaving Brooklyn wondering if he should just leave. "Ah here it is", she said holding up a small black box. Brooklyn stared at the box wondering how she got it but those thoughts were soon banished when she opened it. On black crushed velvet laid a necklace. The band was nothing more than a bit of black silk with silver clasps, but it was the charm that really caught Brooklyn's attention. It was the Sun and the Moon together forming one circle. The Sun half was golden and even had rays while the Moon half was simply silver. The moment he saw it Brooklyn knew that it was the perfect gift for Clara. She would love it. It also symbolized their relationship, one who lived by day the other by night. "Take it", the old woman said holding it out.
"I couldn't", Brooklyn started the say but the old woman cut him off.
"It's the least I can do for you saving me. Now please, take it." Brooklyn gently took the box from the old woman smiling.
"Thank you", he said closing the box. The old woman smiled and then started to push her cart down the alley. Brooklyn, using an escape ladder, climbed back to the roof of the building and then took off into the night clutching the box close.
The old woman smiled as she watched him fly off. "Bridget would be so mad if she saw that", said a voice from the shadows.
"Well she'll never know if someone doesn't tell her", said the old woman who transformed into a small fairy. The other fairy shook its head at the antics of the other.
"Well it's not like anything can be done now", it said tiredly. "We'd best get back." The two fairies disappeared into a ball of light leaving no trace that they were ever present.
On Christmas Eve the gargoyles woke to a nice surprise, a Christmas tree. Clara and Eliza smiled when they saw how excited their friends were and together, like a real family, they decorated the tree and place the wrapped presents under it. All in all it was a wonderful night filled with laughter and music. And then it was Christmas. Eliza had stopped by during the day to wish Clara a Merry Christmas.
"I wish I could be here", Eliza said after giving Clara a hug. "But we're visiting relatives in New Jersey."
"That's alright", Clara said. "The guys understand. You just go and have fun and be safe."
"You too." Clara then went about finishing the lasts of Christmas dinner and setting up the little surprise she planned for her gargoyle friends. By the time the sun started to set, Clara was practically prancing around the clock tower. Every few seconds she would check her watch and listen for the sounds of the gargoyles waking up. Once the sun had fully set the gargoyles erupted from their stone sleep to see the snow falling softly over their city.
"Oh boy", Broadway said leaping from his perch. "It's Christmas! I can't wait to open presents and eat Christmas pudding!"
"At least he's thinking about something other than food", Lexington whispered to Brooklyn sharing a laugh. When the gargoyles entered the clock tower they were stunned at what they saw. Instead of walking into their clock tower, it looked like they were in a castle, roaring fireplace and all.
"Merry Christmas", Clara yelled smiling but her face fell when she saw their expressions. "I'd thought it would be nice."
"How did you…" Goliath stammered.
"It's a glamour", Clara said unsurely. "I thought that you guys might like it…but if you don't I can…"
"No", Hudson said, "It just reminds us of home that's all lass."
"Thank you", Goliath said with emotion.
Clara smiled. "Well come on then", she said with a wave, "there are presents to be opened." Those were the magic words that brought the gargoyles back to reality.
Brooklyn was still amazed as he made his way over to Clara. "This is truly amazing Clara, thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Oh look who's under the mistletoe", Lexington leered pointing at Brooklyn and Clara. As the two looked up they saw that they were standing under the mistletoe. Clara blushed as their eyes met and she gave Brooklyn a kiss on the check. It was his turn to blush although no one could tell due to his coloring. Soon the tower was filled with the sounds of ripping paper as the gargoyles opened their gifts from Clara and Eliza. Hudson got a sharpening stone for his sword and some movies. Lexington got electronics. Broadway got specialty candies. Goliath got books. Even Bronx got gifts, a dog bed and a toy. Brooklyn got some action movies from Eliza but he couldn't seem to find one from Clara.
"Here is mine", she said holding out a large box. Brooklyn tore through the packaging revealing a new leather jacket and helmet. "For when we go for another ride."
"After the last two times I don't think that will happen", he said. He loved her gift but he wasn't willing to put her in danger again.
"Just put it on", she said with a laugh. Slightly confused, Brooklyn folded his wings and slipped the leather jacket on. The other gargoyles gasped causing him more confusing and when Clara held up a mirror he understood. He looked like a human. "This way no one will bother you. I actually made something similar for all of you, just in case." She picked up a small bag from the table and pulled out five rings. "You can wear them on a chain or carry them in a pouch", Clara explained. "Then when you need to just put them on and you'll appear to be human; clothes and all."
"These will definitely come in handy", Lexington said taking a ring.
"Yes, thank you", Goliath said taking one for his own.
"Well it's part of my job", Clara said nonchalantly, "and I really want to make sure you guys stay safe out there."
After each gargoyle took a ring, it was Clara's turn to open her presents. Brooklyn, however, had taken his present from under the tree earlier. He wanted to give it to Clara privately. His hands ran over the leather jacket as he wondered how he should give Clara her gift. She had given him the best possible gift that anyone could have. Brooklyn loved riding his motorcycle, but couldn't because each time he ran into trouble. Now no one would suspect that he was something other than human and now he could truly enjoy the ride. He loved riding the motorcycle that Lexington had built. The feel of the engine and the wind made him feel freer than anything he had ever known, including flying. And now Clara had given him the freedom to do so. He no longer cared about making friends with random humans anymore. As long as he had Clara and the rest of the clan, he had all the friends he needed.
Brooklyn took off the jacket and was amazed once more at the transformation. He looked at the small wrapped box in his claws suddenly unsure about the necklace. None of the other gargoyles noticed that Brooklyn was making his way towards the balcony. Clara did, however, and followed after him. The falling snow was bathing the city in a world of white and for Christmas, it couldn't have been more beautiful. "I've always loved the snow", Clara said from behind him.
"Yeah", Brooklyn said without turning around. She joined him and together they looked out at the city in silence.
"Do you like your gift", she asked uncertain after a while.
"I love it", Brooklyn said with conviction. He turned to look at her and was dismayed to see how sad she looked. "I really do it's just…."
"What?"
Without a word he handed her his gift. Clara looked at it confused and then tore away its wrappings. As she started to open the box Brooklyn turned away not wanting to see any disappointment on her face when she saw his meager gift. "Oh Brooklyn, it's beautiful!"
He turned around and saw that she was smiling and her eyes were watering a little. He returned her smile and then held out his claw. Clara handed him the necklace and then turned around holding her hair up so he could put it on her. After fumbling with the clasps for a bit Brooklyn was able to put the necklace on Clara. She turned around with a huge smile on her face and her hand went to the charm.
"This is the most beautiful necklace I've ever gotten", she said, "thank you." She gave Brooklyn a hug and for a few moments they stayed like that. Brooklyn felt like it was the most perfect moment in his life. "How 'bout a Christmas flight", she asks pulling away.
"Sure."
Together they jumped onto the edge of the clock tower's balcony and with one small glance to each other leapt into the night. Down they fell then after opening their wings soared off into the world of snow and lights.
I had planned more for this chapter but when I got to this point I felt like it was a good stopping point. Yes I know this chapter was filled with fluff but after this, things are going to start getting rough for our friends. As always thanks for stopping by and remember to review. Till next time.