A week flew by as the night of the charity event was upon them. Elisa was putting the last finishing touches on her makeup. She rarely got dolled up but when she did Elisa looked like a totally different person. Putting on the last bit of blush, Elisa look at herself in the mirror.

'Not bad for someone who dresses in jeans and a t-shirt.' She giggled to herself as she made her way to the living, waiting for Matt to pick her up. Matt called her a few days ago, just to check on her and ask her to be his escort to the party. Elisa, of course accepted, mostly because she would be too embarrassed to walk in on her own, all dressed up and everything. She didn't let to be the center of attention, unless she's uncover, and the job ask for her to be.

'As long as Matt's with me I should be ok.' As she sat on the couch, Elisa couldn't help but think of her friends.

'I wonder how they're doing.' Elisa had no contact with any of the clan members, except for Angela. She came by almost every night to check on her. She had an inkling that she was doing to for her father's sake more than herself.

'I don't blame him though. After all I haven't spoken to him since…' Elisa sighed as the night was still fresh on her mind. There were times she wanted to tell Angela to take her to go see Goliath, but she fought against the idea. She needed more time. She used that time to practice and perfect the song. Angela heard bits and pieces of it but not in its entirety.

'I hope this works. If it doesn't I don't know what else to do.' The sound of knocking stop her train of thought.

"Coming." Elisa walk back to her bedroom to retrieve the piece of her gown. It was the special touch Fox added to her dress. She couldn't put it on just yet, so she decided to take it with her and wear it when she performs.

Matt waited patiently for Elisa to open the door. 'I haven't seen her in a few days. I hope everything went well with her.' He'd only spoke to her by phone during the week. He wanted to stop by her apartment, but work kept him busy.

'I just hope tonight goes well…for her sake.' Ever since their talk last week, Matt's been worried about Elisa. He understood the predicament she's in and how hard it can be.

'Knowing how strong-will she is, I know she's get through it. One way or another.' The sound of the locks unlocking snap him back to reality.

"Good evening, Elisa—Wow!" Matt blush at the sight of Elisa. 'I've never seen her wear something like this before. Goliath's going to fall head over heels.' Elisa blush as Matt kept staring at her.

"Do I look ok?" She nervously asked.

Matt starred for a few more moments before speaking, "Wow, you…you look gorgeous. No…you look beautiful. That's the right word for you."

Elisa smile, "Thanks, Matt. You look very handsome."

Matt too smile, "Well, I try." He extended his arm out for Elisa, "Milady, your charity awaits."

Elisa shook her head slightly, "Thank you my good sir." She grabbed her coat and looped her arm around his, heading to the event.

The drive over was quiet. Elisa stared out the car window, watching the snow gently fall from the sky. Her nerves started to get to her. The performance, her singing, seeing Goliath, everything was starting to build up inside.

'What if this doesn't work? What if I fail…' Elisa sigh doubting herself. Matt glimpse over at Elisa when she sighed.

"Another penny for your thoughts."

"I'm just nervous about tonight." Elisa said.

"Don't be, you'll do great. And from what Angela told me you'd work hard."

"It wasn't easy. I've never written a song before and now not only do I have to perform an original song in front of the police force but in front of the guys, in front of…. him." Elisa hold her hands trying to stop them from shaking. Matt saw this and pulled over.

"Matt, why did you—" Elisa gasped as Matt pulled her into a hug. He stroke her hair, trying to calm her down. Elisa didn't know her whole body was now shaking.

Matt quietly whisper to her, "I know it's going to be hard. Nothing about this is easy, but you are so strong, Elisa. Don't let fear take control of tonight. This is your night, Elisa. Embrace it, don't fear it."

Elisa's eyes began to swell as the words spoke to her. She wrapped her arms around him. "Matt, thank you. You truly are a great friend."

"So are you, Elisa." Matt held her and stroke her hair until she finally calm down. He pulled away and smile at his friend.

"Now, let's make this night a night to remember."

"Yeah." Elisa sat back with new amount of determination and drive. Matt slowly pull out to the street and make his way to the castle.

Matt pulled into the parking lot and park the car. He got out first and help Elisa out of the car. They made their way into the building and were greeted by their Captain.

"Don't you two look lovely tonight."

"Thank you, Captain, so do you." Elisa said. The three of them enter the elevator and made their way to the top. The doors ding open as they set out into the castle hallway. The captain went ahead as Matt and Elisa admire the décor.

"Wow!" Matt and Elisa said.

"If you like this, just wait until you see the ballroom." They turn and saw Fox in her evening gown, smiling.

"You look great, Mrs. Xanatos." Matt said.

"Why, thank you Detective and please call me Fox. You and Elisa are practically family to us."

"Duly noted."

"And Elisa, you look truly remarkable."

Elisa blush, "Thanks, Fox. I love your gown."

"This old thing, it's something I had for a long time, ha-ha. Anyways, why don't you two follow me to the ballroom." Fox led the two to the ballroom. As she opens the door their jaws drop. The ballroom was beautifully decorated. It was if they were transported into a winter castle.

"Amazing." Matt said still stun by the room.

"Glad to see you approve." Xanatos walk up to them.

"Xanatos, this place looks great." Elisa said. Xanatos was happy to hear Elisa speak to him without giving him the three degree.

"Thank you, Elisa and might I say you look absolutely gorgeous tonight."

"Thanks, you look handsome too."

"This old thing, I've had this for years ha-ha."

Matt chuckled, "Fox said the same thing about her outfit."

Xanatos walks over to his wife, "What can I say, great minds think alike." He kisses her on the cheek. "By the way, what's that you're holding Elisa?"

Elisa look down at the plastic cover, "Oh, this…it's the special touch Fox added for the gown. I decided to wait until the performance to wear it."

"I can't wait for the others to see it. I wanted you to look your best for tonight." Fox said.

"Speaking of which the clan must be enjoying the festivities as we speak." Xanatos made sure the clan had everything they needed for tonight.

"Yes, Fox told me that the clan knows about the performance." Elisa wasn't to happy about them knowing about it, but she couldn't be mad at Xanatos since she never told him to keep it a secret.

"Why yes, I had to inform them about the charity event since they weren't allowed to roam the castle. I told about the performances and how they have the perfect seat to watch." Matt and Elisa look at each other, confused.

"You see, the clan is in a special room I've design so they can be a part of the event but in a discreet way." Xanatos pointed at the top wall behind them. "They're up there, camouflage to look like the ballroom. They can see us, but we can't see them."

"Cool. That's actually very clever." Matt was impressed with what Xanatos did.

"I thought so myself." Xanatos look at his watch, "It's almost time for the performance. Elisa you head backstage."

"Alright." Elisa took a deep breath before backstage.

"Matt, why don't we say hi to the guys before the show starts." Fox said.

"Good idea." Matt followed Fox out the ballroom to a secret door down the hall. They walk up the stairs until they reach the secret room. The room was decorated just like the ballroom. There was food and drinks all around.

'It's like a private party up here.' Matt thought. Matt and Fox walk up to the clan. The clan were dressed in suits and ties. Angela wore a beautiful gown. Their outfits were specially tailored to fit through their wings. Matt could see everyone was having a great time, except for one; Goliath.

"Wow, you guys look great." The clan turn to see Matt and Fox smiling at them.

"Hello, Matt, you look very handsome." Angela said.

"Yes, lad you clean up nicely." Hudson said.

"Thanks. So, you guys excited for tonight."

"Yeah, I can't wait to see the performances." Lex replied.

"Me too, I want to see what Elisa does." Broadway said.

"Elisa's performance is going to be one to remember."

"Matt, do you know what she's doin?" Brooklyn asked. Matt tensed up a bit.

"Umm…. can't tell you it's a secret."

"Aww" the trio really wanted to know.

"Now, now you guys will just have to wait until the performance." Fox said. The trio were disappointed, but they understood. Fox chuckled at the trio as she looked over to the other side of the room. Goliath stood near the window looking at the party below. For the past week, Goliath had only one thing in his mind; Elisa. He desperately wanted to go see her, apologize to her, to hold her. But he knew Elisa needed her space and Angela check in on her for him.

"She's not down there." Goliath turned to see Fox standing next to him, "She's getting ready backstage."

"I see."

"Goliath, I know you've had a difficult week but believe me everything will come into place tonight. Your heart and hers will become one tonight."

Goliath look at her, "Fox…"

"The performances' is starting soon." He watched as Fox and Matt left the room. Goliath thought back at what Fox told him.

'My heart and Elisa's will become one…. what does that mean?'

"Hey, look the performance is about to start." Broadway announced. Everyone gathered around as Xanatos made his way on stage.

"Good evening, everyone and thank you for coming to this years' charity event. I am pleased to contribute to the police funds and give back to New York's Finest. You all put your lives on the line and this is my way to say thank you." Everyone applauded.

"Thank you, Now, the moment you've all been waiting for, I'm proud to say that our police officers are not only great at their job but great with their unique and special talents. These officers have work hard to put on a show for everyone. So, sit back and enjoy the show." Once again everyone clap as the first performer walks on stage. Everyone watch with glee as performer after performer came up on stage. Dancers, magicians, even dog tricks wowed the audience.

The clan were entertained by all the performers. They love to see the talent and have their moment to shine. Goliath watch intensely, waiting for Elisa to come on. As the performance continue, anxiety grew as the clan and Matt waited for their dear friend to appear. When the last perform finish her act, Matt and the clan were confused to see Xanatos walking back on stage.

"Did the young lass change her mind?" Hudson asked.

"I hope not." Angela said. She really wanted Elisa to perform. 'This is her only change to say the words she couldn't say earlier.'

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I wanted to come on stage before our last performer graced us with her presences. I am pleased to announce that we have raised over $1,000,000 dollars for the police fund. I'm also pleased to announce that will donate an additional $1,000,000 dollars to be distributed to each of the precinct." Everyone cheered when they heard how much was raised. They were grateful for the generosity.

"Thank you, now it's time for the final performance of the night. From the 23rd precinct please, help me welcome onstage Detective Elisa Maza."

"Yay, Elisa!" The clan cheer loudly as Elisa made her way onstage. As soon as they got a look at her they stop and stared at their friend. Elisa stood onstage wearing a sleeveless, floor length beaded bodice gown with a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was half up half down with curls nicely flown down her shoulder. But what stood out to them were the pair of wings she had on her back. It reminded them about that time Elisa turned into a gargoyle for a night. The trio blush at the sight of their dear friend. The last time they've seen her like this was Halloween of their first year living in Manhattan.

"Whoa, Elisa looks beautiful." Broadway said.

"You can say that again." Lex replied.

"Yeah." Brooklyn agree with his brothers. He look over at Goliath to see him stare in awe at Elisa. Goliath was mesmerized on how Elisa look tonight, especially with the lavender color she went with.

'It's my skin color. She chose my color.' Goliath smile by her touching choice of color. He watch his love make her way to the center of the stage. Elisa nervously grab the microphone.

"Umm…Good evening, everyone. I hope you've enjoyed the performances tonight. For my performance I would like to sing special song I wrote for a very special person in my life." Elisa blush a bit, "He's someone I trust the most with something…. something I've never thought I would trust anyone with. He has shown me time and time again how much I mean to him but, I haven't been about to show him how much he means to me. That changes tonight. He's the reason I wrote this song." Everyone clap after her little speech.

"This song is for you Big Guy." The song slowly began to play as everyone watch as Elisa opened her mouth to sing.

Did you know I fell in love with you?

I can't remember…how long has it been?

All I know is this love within my heart,

Waiting for you

Can't you see what you mean to me?

How I wish you could read my mind.

All these feelings

I could never find the right words to explain

Like the snow, all my love

Falling down from above

In time….it piles high

As if to touch the sky

Hold me tight, if this how it feels like

This can't be right, this can't be how it's meant to feel

But I can't turn back time now 'cause I love you.

My tears are flowing endlessly.

I wish I could forget-wish that we'd never met

Inside my heart I know Eternal Snow….

Elisa could feel the barrier coming down from within. 'My heart is almost free.' She smile as continues to sing.

Do you know you're still in my dreams?

How much longer till you let me sleep?

So, I stay awake at the window pane

My breath fogging the glass.

Can the snow in my heart

Melt away with the pain

One day I pray that it might just take one candle's flame.

Hold me tight, until I break I hope I might

Cause then the wind and cold can't reach me anymore

I only wanna feel nothing

I miss you, when every thought's a thought of you

And I stand here alone 'cause tonight is the same

The feelings I have hidden from you….

The audience were amazed with Elisa's beautiful voice. The emotion and depth emulating from her, touch the hearts of everyone there. Upstairs the clan listen to her words, especially Goliath. Each word spoke to him and he understood the depth of Elisa's love to him. 'Elisa, your voice emulates to me in a way I never thought could.'

It's clear to me there's so much that your heart just doesn't see

A life without seeing you just can't be true

I want to be with you

Hold me tight, if this how it feels like

This can't be right, this can't be how it's meant to feel

But I can't turn back time now 'cause I love you

Can't you see these are true?

You can be here, and I shout to the winter sky

Inside my heart, it only beats for you…

Hold me tight….

I love you…

The music slowly dies down as the audience goes crazy. They cheered and clapped, grateful for one of their own to share her beautiful talent. Upstairs the clan cheer loudly, hoping she could he hear. Elisa bow as she made her way backstage, where Xanatos and Fox were waiting.

"Elisa, you were outstanding." Fox said hugging the detective.

"Thanks, Fox"

"Detective, you truly have a special gift. Have you ever thought about getting into the music business? I can help you with that if you like." Xanatos asked.

"Thanks, but no thanks. This was great and all but I'm going to stick with what I'm good at…being a cop."

Xanatos smile, "I'm happy to hear." Elisa walk up to Xanatos and gives him a hug, longer than the last on he received. Xanatos was surprised at first but was happy to see Elisa was accepting him.

They pulled away, "Come, I'll take you to go see the others."

Xanatos and Fox led Elisa to the secret room. Elisa was nervous to see the others, especially Goliath. They made it up the stairs to see the clan rushing towards her, all except for one.

"Elisa, you were great." Brooklyn said.

"Yeah, who knew you had a voice like that." Lex replied.

"You sing like an angel." Broadway said blushing at the sight of Elisa.

"Aye, Lass a true angel. Inside and out." Hudson said.

Elisa blush with all the compliments she got, "Thanks guys you're very sweet."

As everyone chatted about the performance, Elisa couldn't help but look at Goliath. He stood in the back, watching everyone interact with each other. Elisa took a breath before making her way to him.

"Hi."

"Elisa…. may we speak in private, please."

She nodded as Goliath reach out his talons. Elisa happily accepted, leaving the room to talk. The walk around the hallway, avoiding any party-goers. They reach the library and thought it was the perfect place to talk. As they enter Elisa walk to the window. Goliath follow suit. They stood at the window quietly watching the snow fall

"It's a beautiful view, isn't it?"

Goliath place his arm around her waist, wanting her to face him, "It is, but not as beautiful as you are tonight Elisa."

Elisa blush when Goliath brush a strain of hair from her face, "Thanks, Big Guy. You don't look so bad yourself."

They stared into each other's eyes, "Elisa, I'm so sorry about what I did. I…. lost my temper and I didn't even give you the time of day. I caused you so much pain and heartache. I made you cry. That was my biggest regret that night. If I ever make you cry, I want them to be tears of joy not sorrow." Goliath took a hold of her hands, "Elisa… will you ever forgive me?"

"Goliath, there's nothing to forgive. None of this is your fault. It's mine. I cried that night because…. Because what you said was true. I couldn't open up truly open up to you as you open up to me. It took this experience to realize I was causing the problem. I was too afraid to let go of this barrier that I had in my heart. I thought since you broke through the other ones this one will be easy for you to bring down. But after talking to Xanatos and Matt they made me realize I was the one who kept it up. And…. I was the only one who could bring it down."

"And were you able too?" Goliath was nervous to hear her response.

Elisa gentle smiles as she move to closer to him, she place her hand on his cheek. She lean forward and gently kiss him on his lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck as Goliath wrapped his around her waist. The kiss spoke louder that any word she could say. When their lungs needed air, they pulled away.

"Does that answer your question?"

"It does."

"I'm glad." Elisa smile, placing her hand over his heart.

"Goliath, I want you to know, every word I sang tonight every single word I meant it. I love you, Goliath. More than life itself."

"And I you, my Elisa. Now and Forever, I love you." Goliath wrapped Elisa under his wing. Elisa lean into him, feeling the warmth of his body. The road for them wasn't easy and it won't get any easier for the two. But as the snow falls soundlessly into the night their heart will be filled with sweet clarity.

The End.