Brooklyn returned to the castle after his patrol. His ears were ringing from the music he heard at a club. Ariana had played that night and he caught part of her show.

"How was it?" Lexington asked.

Brooklyn took a moment to process what Lexington had said. "Amazing," he replied. "It's not your standard heavy metal. Ariana is the front woman and guitarist, but she sings like a diva. Lex, you should have heard her. She didn't even need the microphone."

Lexington quirked a brow ridge. "Impressive."

Brooklyn nodded.

Ariana came over in the morning. She had been up all night and was tired. The Eyrie Building was much closer than her apartment. As she rode the elevator up, Ariana wondered why she didn't just ask Xanatos if she and Morgan could move in.

She met Whitney in the corridor on the way to her room.

"Hello, Ariana," said Whitney.

"Hey," yawned Ariana.

"May I ask a favor from you?" asked Whitney.

Ariana tilted her head in question. "What would that be?"

"I would like you to draw something for me," said Whitney. "It's actually for my alter ego."

Whitney's form flashed and Iris took her place. "I can make my own clothes with magic. I do it all the time, but I need to be able to picture it in order to do so. And every time I try to picture it and create it, it just doesn't turn out the way I want it to."

"Okay, follow me," said Ariana.

They went to Ariana's room and Ariana took out her sketchbook and a pen.

Iris took to sitting in the air. "I want the top to be simple, plain with wide straps."

"When you say wide, do you mean covering your entire shoulder or two fingers width?" asked Ariana, sketching.

"Not two of my fingers," said Iris. "Maybe two of yours. Your fingers are a little bigger than mine."

Ariana nodded and put the straps on the dress.

"The skirt starts above my hips," Iris went on. "I don't want it high-waisted. The skirt itself is playful."

"Hold that thought," said Ariana. She was busy sketching away. "How's this?"

Iris took the sketchbook from Ariana and looked at the drawing. It was exactly what Iris wanted. It had a modest neckline, a flowing skirt that came to the knees, and the waistline was just where Iris wanted it.

"Good?" asked Ariana.

Iris snapped her fingers and her clothes changed to the dress Ariana just sketched. She set her barefeet on the floor and gave a twirl, the skirt flowing up and out teasingly, but not high enough to be inappropriate.

Ariana wrinkled her nose. "Maybe not in white."

"I have to agree," said Iris.

The color of the dress turned to a leafy green.

Ariana giggled. "You remind me of a garden fairy."

"I am a garden fairy!" squeaked Iris.

"Well, more of one now," said Ariana. She stood and walked over to inspect the dress. "Puck will love it."

"You think?" asked Iris.

"Yes," replied Ariana. She put a slim finger to her thin lips. "You can also wear tights or something under it, especially if you go out flying. You don't want anyone looking up your skirt."

"True," said Iris.

Ariana gave the dress another lookover. "Would you be open to a suggestion?" she asked.

Iris nodded. "Yes, I am."

"I think you should add a layer of gossamer in the same color over the skirt," said Ariana.

Iris thought for a moment, trying to imagine what the skirt would look like. Her eyes flashed green and a layer of gossamer appeared over top of the skirt. She gave another twirl. Her eyes flashed green again and another layer was added.

"That looks even better," said Ariana.

"Thank you, Ariana," said Iris.

"No problem," said Ariana. "I'm going to go to bed if you don't need anything else."

"No," said Iris. "Have a good sleep."

Iris skipped out of the room, her skirt bouncing with her movements. She went to Alex's room, knowing that he would soon be waking up. Her barefeet made no noise on the floor as she crossed the room to his bed.

Alex could feel someone in his room. He opened his eyes and smiled. "Good morning, Iris," he said.

Iris got Alex dressed and sent him off to the dining hall to wait for his breakfast.

"Someone is on the ball this morning," came a tenor purr.

Iris gasped as a shiver ran down her spine and an arm made its way around her tiny waist. "Good morning, Puck," she said, leaning back into his hold.

Puck turned Iris around and looked her up and down. "That is a beautiful color on you," he said. He fiddled with the gossamer layers of the skirt.

"Ariana helped me with it," said Iris. "I'm better at gardening than fashion."

Puck smirked. "My compliments to the designer," he said.

Iris shyly turned away, tucking some unruly black hair behind a pointed ear. "Alex is going to want his breakfast."

She turned and started out of the room. Puck shot forward and poked her in the side. Iris squeaked. She gave him a wide-eyed look, her eyes changing bright blue. Iris dashed out of the room with Puck behind her. They both laughed as they ran/flew through the corridors. Iris would lift off and dodge Puck as he tried to tag her. At one point, Iris leaped into the air, jumping from one stair landing to another, a blur of green and black. She let out a laugh before landing lightly on one foot and flying to the kitchen.

Puck went into the dining hall to get Alex settled. The trickster was still chuckling.

"What's so funny?" asked Alex.

"Just having a bit of fun, m'boy," said Puck, putting Alex's bib on and helping into his chair.

Iris soon came out with waffles and syrup for Alex. It was about this time that Xanatos and Fox were coming for their breakfast. Puck quickly turned back into Owen and went about morning chores.

"Good morning," said Xanatos.

"That is a lovely dress, Iris," commented Fox.

"Thank you," said Iris.

Fox turned to her son. "Someone must have been very entertaining to have Puck laughing so early in the morning."

"Not me," said Alex. "Iris!"

"Really?" asked Fox with a sly look directed toward Iris.

Iris blushed, her eyes deepening in their blue. She hurried back to the kitchen to finish their breakfasts.

Xanatos and Fox looked at each other.

"They are certainly growing closer together," said Xanatos.

"I think it's sweet," said Fox. "Puck has taken to her since day one and Iris does not seem to mind."

"Puck has certainly coaxed her out of her shell," said Xanatos. "She used to be so withdrawn that she would only be in the kitchen or the garden. Have you noticed that she's taken to sitting in during lesson time and participating?"

Fox laughed. "It would explain a few things," she said. "Why Alex has taken to hexing plants recently for starters."

Xanatos smiled at his son, who was intently focused on his waffles. "I am glad that she decided to stay with us and that Oberon didn't decide to drag her back to Avalon."

Fox's look darkened. "I'm not sure what he's thinking," she said. "He didn't even argue with her or Puck. He just let the subject drop; simple as that."

"Perhaps he was intimidated by Morgan," supplied Xanatos. "After such a display of power, it made me wonder if Morgan could outshine Oberon. Oberon may have been thinking the same thing. Morgan may have been out cold at the time, but if he tried to take Iris and we fought back, there may have been the chance that she would wake."

"Whatever the case, Iris is still with us," said Fox.

Owen was in his office doing paperwork when he heard singing. It was not Iris or Whitney and Fox did not sing. But it was certainly a woman's voice. And was she singing in Italian?

Owen got up and investigated. He only heard the singing, not any music. It was coming from the guest rooms. Was it possible that either Morgan or Ariana stopped by for the day and had a radio turned up? But there was not any music, just the voice.

It was coming from Ariana's room. Owen knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Perhaps she couldn't hear him.

"Miss Caelum?" he said loudly. "Miss Caelum."

Still no answer. Owen opened the door and found Ariana sitting at the desk in the room, busily sketching something. Owen looked for the radio and turned back to Ariana. There was no radio playing. It was Ariana singing like that!

"Miss Caelum!" shouted Owen.

Ariana faltered and there was a slight screech as she abruptly ended and whipped around in her chair. Her pale face took on a pink glow. "Oops. Sorry, Owen," she said sheepishly. "I was hoping the stone walls would deafen the sound some."

"That was impressive," said Owen. "How long have you been taking singing lessons?"

Ariana let out an amused snort. "Never," she answered. "I've always been able to sing like this. Granted, a little practice and I've gotten better over the years, but I don't recall ever having a lesson."

Xanatos came into the room. "Who was playing that music?" he asked.

Ariana smiled and put her hand up.

"You?" asked Xanatos. "I did not know you like to listen to opera. I don't know many people who do."

"I wasn't listening," said Ariana. "I was singing."

Xanatos stared at her disbelievingly. Ariana picked up where she left off for about four measures before letting off. Xanatos raised his eyebrows.

"Impressive," said Xanatos. "You are truly a woman of many talents."

"Me?" Ariana asked innocently. "Morgan has just as many talents, if not more than me. You should hear her play piano. I've managed to get to play the synthesizer when our usual guy can't. She's really good."

"Where is Miss Stormwell?" asked Xanatos.

"Work, probably," replied Ariana. "The castle's closer than our apartment and I was tired. I was up all night."

"Then shouldn't you be sleeping?" asked Xanatos with a smirk.

"Couldn't," replied Ariana. She laughed. "I had an idea and I wanted to get it on paper before I forgot it."

"Well, I don't mind you singing while you work, but I would appreciate it if you kept the volume level down," said Xanatos. "Alex is going to have his nap shortly."

"Okay," said Ariana.

The two men left.

After the gargoyles woke and Alex was put to bed, Owen had time to himself. He turned into Puck and found Iris in the atrium.

"Hey," he said. "I know a place where we can get away from the castle for a little while. Want to come?"

Iris nodded.

They went outside and with Puck holding Iris' hand to lead her, they flew off in the direction of Central Park. They landed in a secluded area. There was a patch of wildflowers blooming nearby and the trees and boulders gave them plenty of privacy. There was also a waterfall and small pool.

"Oh! Puck, this place is beautiful," said Iris.

"I thought you would like it," said Puck. "There are times when Goliath and Elisa visit here. That's how I learned about this place."

Iris cupped her hands to her ears. She smiled. "Do you hear them?" Iris asked Puck.

"Hear what?" asked Puck, his ears twitching to try to pick up whatever Iris was hearing.

"The plants sing here," answered Iris. She turned to Puck and her smile faded. "You can't hear them, can you?"

Puck gave a sad smile and shook his head. "That is strictly a garden fey trait."

Iris laughed. "Anyone can hear them if they listen," she said. Iris walked up to him and ran her fingers on the edges of his ears. "Little voices hard to hear / fall onto a listening ear / though others ignorant may pass you by / we shall listen to your voices low and high!"

The tips of Puck's ears became heated and he quickly grabbed at them. "Yikes, Iris! Your magic has some spit to it."

Iris grinned. She took Puck's gold-cuffed wrists and gently pulled his hands away from his ears. She watched in amusement as his ice blue eyes widened in amazement.

Puck could now hear them! The small voices of the plants were now crystal clear. Their tunes were familiar as his own magic.

"You've been hearing them all your life," said Iris. "But you've never listened, have you?"

"Is this what you hear all the time?" asked Puck.

"Yes." Iris stepped away, twirling to the music of nature.

Puck chuckled and caught up to Iris. "May I have this dance?" he asked, putting his hand out to her.

Iris accepted and Puck began to swing her around the clearing in a grand fast dance. Iris easily kept step until she broke away and hopped up on a boulder, preforming a twirling leap high into the air. Puck laughed and joined her, taking her hands again to continue their dance in the air.

At last they had enough and set foot on solid earth again. Both were breathing heavily. Puck drew her to the small pool.

"Have a drink," he said. "The water is clean here."

Iris knelt by the pool and took a drink. She glanced over her shoulder to look at Puck before splashing him.

"Hey!" he cried.

Iris jumped up and flew through the trees, weaving around the trunks, but always keeping close to the clearing. Puck followed her. Iris quietly cast a spell on the plants and several vines shot up and grabbed Puck by the wrists.

"Iris!" he called. "You sneak!"

Iris laughed and kept going.

Puck disappeared from sight and reappeared, free from the plants. He reentered the clearing and caught Iris, both tumbling to the ground.

"You want to play like that, do you," Puck said. He tickled Iris' sides.

"Stop!" she laughed, tears coming to her eyes.

Puck stopped and they both lay there for a moment. Puck got up and took a drink from the pool. He walked back over to Iris and found that she was almost asleep.

"You're tired," said Puck. "Get some rest."

Iris closed her eyes and went to sleep.

Puck couldn't remember the last time he had such innocent fun with anyone. He was pleased that Iris had been allowed to stay in the mortal world. He wasn't sure what he would do without her. Looking back, Puck saw that the past thousand years were a bit empty. There were many things he had done, many mortals he had tricked, but now that he looked back, he found it was a bit unfulfilling.

Puck picked several flowers from the patch and began to thread them in the sleeping fey's hair.

Back at the castle, Brooklyn and Ariana were spending some time together.

"You have an amazing voice," said Brooklyn.

"Thank you," said Ariana.

"I want to show you something," said Brooklyn. He took her hand. "Follow me."

Brooklyn led Ariana through several corridors. Ariana couldn't remember seeing these corridors before.

"Brooklyn, where are we going?" asked Ariana.

"Don't worry," said Brooklyn. He smiled. "You're safe with me."

Ariana smirked. "I would rather know where we are going than to be reassured."

Brooklyn chuckled. "Close your eyes."

"What?" asked Ariana. "I have to close my eyes, too? How do I know you're not going to pull a fast one on me?"

"If I was going to pull a fast one on you, I would have done it already," said Brooklyn.

Ariana laughed. "Most likely."

"Most likely?" parroted Brooklyn. "Close your eyes!" Brooklyn got behind Ariana and put his hands over her eyes.

"Okay!" giggled Ariana. "I'm not looking."

After a few minutes of being led around by Brooklyn, they stopped.

"Okay," said Brooklyn, letting his hands drop. "You can open your eyes now."

Ariana opened her eyes. They were in a room lit with torches and candles. There was a music player sitting on a table.

"What's all this about?" asked Ariana.

Brooklyn smiled and walked over to the music player. He pushed the play button and held his hand out to Ariana. "Dance with me," he said gently. "Please?"

Ariana stared at him for a moment before giving a wide grin. "It would be a pleasure."

Ariana took his hand and Brooklyn bowed to her before sweeping her around the room in a waltz.

"Any particular reason you're doing this?" asked Ariana. "If it's to get on my good side, it's working."

Brooklyn chuckled. "That, and I want to spend some time with you."

"You see me here all the time, Brooklyn," said Ariana.

"Yeah, but around the others, too," said Brooklyn. "I want some alone time with you. Lex and Morgan get time together."

"You're jealous," said Ariana.

"No, I'm not!" snapped Brooklyn. A quirk of Ariana's eyebrow swayed him. "Okay, I'm jealous." He took Ariana's hands in his. "When you get shut down by every girl you've had an interest in, it gets frustrating. Maggie likes Talon and Angela likes Broadway. And I'm going to admit this to you, so please keep your mouth shut, but I had a small crush on Elisa, too. But she's Goliath's woman and I will leave that be. You would have to be dead to not see that they have something great between them.

"But then I met you," he went on. "And I thought maybe third time's a charm. But it seems we're not going anywhere."

"You don't know where the relationship stands," said Ariana with a nod. She sighed. "Honestly, I don't know where it stands either."

Brooklyn got a pained look on his face.

"I've never had a relationship that involved love and not lust," Ariana went on. "You have to know, you're not the first guy in my life. But you are the first who wanted things to be more serious."

Brooklyn's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"Yeah," said Ariana. "Believe me, I've dated a few jackasses. They usually want nothing other than a hot girl to show off to their friends. You're the first who actually wants a girl with a brain. Thank you for that."

"So," Brooklyn said slowly, "there is something between us? We do have a relationship?"

Ariana thought for a moment. "Yes, we have one."

Brooklyn let out a sigh of relief. "Good. You may scare me at times, but I'm glad that you're in my life."

Ariana raised her eyebrows. "I scare you?" she asked. "How do I do that?"

"Well, you look a lot like the Magus who cursed us," said Brooklyn. "Sometimes I think you're going to turn that spell book on us."

"Brooklyn!" cried Ariana, appalled. "How could you say such a thing?"

"I'm just being honest!" Brooklyn defended. "We've always been wary of sorcerers. And given our run-ins with magic in the past, you would be jumpy, too."

Ariana gave a small smile. "I can see how you would come to that conclusion. It's okay. I just want you to know that I won't hex unless I have a reason. Or if you ask."

"Why would I asked to be hexed?" asked Brooklyn.

"There are some fun ones in the Argentum," replied Ariana.

"I don't want to know," said Brooklyn with a slight shudder.

Ariana giggled. "But if you want to know where we stand at, this may help." Ariana kissed Brooklyn on the beak. Brooklyn stared at her, his mouth opening in surprise. Ariana giggled and kissed him again. "There. That should clear a few things up."

Before dawn, the gargoyles gathered on the parapets. Lexington turned to Brooklyn. Brooklyn was very pleased about something.

"How did things go with Ariana?" the small gargoyle asked, although by the look on Brooklyn's face, he had a good idea how it went.

The others turned to Brooklyn for his answer. Brooklyn grinned. "I officially have a girlfriend," he announced.

The sun came up and they turned to stone.

Yay! Brooklyn officially has a girlfriend!