Gargoyles- The Heart of Everything

by Sunmoonlight

Brooklyn has been living in a very lonely world and yearns to find love of his own. However, his life gets turned upside down when he meets the beautiful, young Human woman named Rose. Rose lives in a very similar world; one full of darkness, loneliness, and is haunted by one dark secret. Will they find the love and strength in each other to rise above the darkness?

27. Chapter 27- Healing Powers

** Hello, Fan-fiction fam! Thank you for the reviews and for reading this story! Here is the next chapter, following those intense middle chapters! This thing is NOT over yet. Let me know what you think! A little side note; chapters will have a bit more mature content in it, as Rose and Brooklyn develop in their relationship more. Enjoy!**

** Updated: I realized I had a bunch of grammatical errors in this. Fixed them! Hope you enjoyed it!**

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~Chapter Twenty-Seven~

Healing Powers

Rose opened her eyes warily, and didn't know what was happening. All she knew was that she could see bright lights all around her, and her entire body hurt. She blinked a few times and tried to clear the fuzzy images that were surrounding her; and finally, after a few seconds, she came back to reality, and realized that she was lying down on a hospital bed. The horrors from a few hours ago replayed in her mind; and suddenly she remembered everything… the images entered her mind against her will; haunting her.

Kevin, her abusive and crazy husband found her and the Clan… . Spent hours chasing her through Central Park and the rest of the City… shooting at her… beating her up… and eventually successfully shooting her, twice. Falling off the Queensboro Bridge where she nearly drowned and froze to death in the East River… Brooklyn saving her and nearly dying himself…

Rose closed her weary eyes and longed to fall back into her dreamless sleep, and couldn't bear the fear, nor the new horrific memories that were now going to haunt and plague her from this moment forward. To her further horror; Kevin had escaped and was out in the City somewhere; no doubt planning to come after her once again, this time with the knowledge of her Clan. She felt hopeless, and suddenly was in despair; as if she would never escape Kevin's wrath and hatred.

Tears filled her eyes as her thoughts betrayed her, and took a shuddering deep breath with her silent sobs, and immediately regretted it. A sharp, burning pain appeared in her upper left chest, near her shoulder, and was throbbing excruciatingly. Rose inhaled a gasp of a breath and longed to be past this horrible pain; opened her eyes and looked around the room to try to distract herself.

In the corner of her room was a middle-aged woman, wearing nurse scrubs. She was standing over a bunch of labeled bags and testing tubes. As Rose looked around further, Elisa was sitting in a chair next to her, resting her head in her hands and looked to be fast-asleep, her breathing slow and deep. Sighing deeply, Rose wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep too. She was feeling delirious and restless; as though she was about to break out into a fit of seizures if she couldn't rest. The woman turned towards Rose after hearing her gasp in pain, and saw that she had her eyes open.

"Hello, dear." The woman said quietly to Rose; walking over with some testing q-tips. "I'm just finishing up gathering all skin cells, blood, hair, nails and other samples from you. I'll be done in about five minutes and then I'll leave to let you continue to sleep."

Rose blinked tiredly and rested her head back against the bed. She was about to ask why she was taking blood, skin, hair and nail samples; but then realized that this wasn't a normal nurse, as she was collecting evidence, since Rose was assaulted by Kevin.

Having realized that, she glanced warily down at herself and found that the medics had done a quick and basic gauze wrap around her arm and placed a chest seal upon her gunshot, and gave her an IV for short-term pain management, but all her wounds were still there, unattended to, and very painful. Rose closed her eyes and stayed quiet; letting the police investigator finish up in gathering her evidence, and doing what she needed to collect evidence. Any picture, skin cell, or hair that linked her pain to Kevin was worth the pain. Anything to get Kevin the ending he deserved. Rose stayed silent for close to ten-minutes, and finally, she finished up. After securing all evidence in sterile tubes, she took off her gloves and turned to Rose.

"Alright, Miss. Connelly; I've finished collecting all evidence. I'll tell the RN that I'm done; so she can come in and get you ready for your surgery."

Rose lifted up her head, despite the pain and exclaimed loudly, "Surgery!? What for?"

Elisa suddenly jerked awake and looked over at Rose, blinking frantically, gathering her bearings.

"Is everything alright?" She asked Rose anxiously, coming over to sit on the edge of the bed..

"Not really." Rose mumbled, closing her eyes and leaned against her pillow. "Apparently I have to get surgery."

"Yes," the nurse explained, kindly. "You still have the bullet lodged in your chest. Now that we've collected the DNA samples from your assault, we now need to attend to your wounds. While you are in surgery, the nurses will clean and dress the rest of your wounds."

"Perfect." Rose muttered to herself, sighing heavily.

The nurse gave her a kind smile; gathered up her things, and then left the room. When they were alone, Elisa gently touched Rose's hand, offering her comfort, and looked at her, smiling sadly. Rose weakly smiled back at her, out of kindness only. Smiling felt foreign to her and unnatural, not with numb as she felt.

"I'm so sorry, Rose." Elisa whispered, her smile fading, as it too was fake; and instead tears filled her eyes. "For everything… I can't imagine how you're feeling right now."

Rose blinked her own tears away, leaned her head back against her pillow, not wishing to look at her, but answered her in a voice barely above a whisper.

"Numb. That's all I feel… is nothing." She paused, and chuckled humorlessly; darkly, " I guess I can thank Kevin for the physical pain… because it's the only thing that's keeping me connected to reality right now, keeping me grounded and reminding me that I'm still alive… "

Elisa's eyes fell in great concern as she continued to hold Rose's hand.

"Don't do that," Elisa whispered. "Don't dwell upon him and his terror; think instead of you and Brooklyn and…"

"The love we share?" Rose answered for her, feeling anger pulse through her. Though she was in great pain, she took it in and let it give her energy- purpose. "I have been… and for some reason, it doesn't feel like enough to tackle the darkness surrounding me. Kevin nearly stripped me of everything I hold dear. Brooklyn nearly gave his life for mine, again… and is still out there hunting him down, as Kevin hunts us all down."

Elisa sighed and hung her head for a second, before raising it and holding onto her hand tightly.

"Rose, I know things look dark, hopeless and really bad right now… but…"

"If you're going to tell me that everything is going to be okay…" Rose interrupted, finally forcing herself to look into Elisa's worried and motherly eyes. "Please don't."

"Why not?" Elisa argued quietly and gently back. "Why must you keep yourself in this dark place? I know it's hard to see it right now, but trust me on this. I am a Police Officer, and have seen a lot of terrible, horrible things in my career. Things that I do not wish upon my worst enemies, in fact. There are nights, in which I do not think I'll ever be able to see the sunrise again, as the darkness around me is so thick and powerful… but still, somehow, the sun rises and a new day begins. But, not only that, a new opportunity arises, leaving me with a choice. Do I choose to choose to linger in that darkness or rise and fight… to continue to do the right thing? To continue to protect those who cannot protect themselves?"

Rose's eyes filled with tears and this time she couldn't stop them from falling, as Elisa continued to speak with her. Elisa gripped her hand tighter and leaned her face closer to hers.

"Rose…" Elisa said in a strong voice. "True, I do not know what it's like to have been in such a dark and abusive relationship… but I have seen the heavy darkness that surrounds its victims. And I also know that you have a choice to make right now, Rose. It's not an easy choice, by any means, but a choice; nonetheless. You can continue to let Kevin haunt and torture you… or choose to rise above his control, power, and darkness; and fight."

"I want to, Elisa." Rose begged her, hysterical sobs filling her chest; giving her more pain with every breath. "I have tried…"

"I know you have." Elisa whispered calmly. "So, keep trying. Don't give up… there is more light and fight in you, than you realize. More than you may know even right now. But I know you have that fight in you, Rose. You proved that to me by choosing to leave Kevin the first time, to not jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, and to fall in love once again months after enduring your own hellish relationship. That tells a great deal about who you are!" She paused and shook her head, smiling in awe at her.

"Rose, you are stronger than you know. You are more than just what Kevin beats upon you. He wants you to feel worthless, to feel small and insignificant. But, you are not ANY of those things, and you know it. Yes, this is hard to deal with and is terribly dark; and you're in a great deal of pain. But this isn't the end to your story. Yours and Brooklyn's love and connection, is the most amazing and inspiring thing. Trust in its power; and believe in each other. Brooklyn loves you and would do anything for you. Get past this night, and you two will shine brighter than any star. That much I know."

Rose closed her eyes and let her tears still flow out, and after a few seconds of sobbing silently, she whispered, "Thank you, Elisa."

Elisa smiled a true smile at her and said, "You're welcome. I'll always be there to remind you of what's really true. The whole Clan will, and so will Brooklyn. And from this moment forward, the Clan and the Police are going to be working even harder to bring Kevin down. I'm sure of it."

Rose smiled back at her and then thought of her love; and then sought out the clock on the wall, thinking of him and where he could be or what he was doing.

"It's 6:20…" Elisa said quietly; as though she could read Rose's mind. "In ten minutes the sun will come up, the Gargoyles will sleep soon, and it'll be Christmas morning for everyone in the City."

Rose exhaled, and turned her head to face Elisa, with a pained expression on her face.

"Where are the others? How long has it been since I've been here?"

"It hasn't been long. Kevin shot you around 4:00; and you were brought here immediately afterward when Brooklyn saved you from the water. They just admitted you, took your DNA for the assault charges, gave you an IV to assist in your pain, and now are going to take the bullet out of your chest." Elisa explained quietly to her. "And… as for the Clan, Brooklyn and Goliath radioed for the others to join them, and they were all scanning the area for the van that came and picked Kevin up. As far as I know, they are still out there, searching. I haven't heard from them since they left us at the bridge."

Rose scanned Elisa's face and saw that she looked as tired as Rose felt; it had been a very long, and excruciating night of terror and pain for everyone. She could barely keep her eyes open; and convinced herself that surgery would be a welcome change. She needed to anesthesia to put her to sleep; and hopefully keep her asleep for a long time.

"How long will I be in surgery for?" Rose whispered.

Elisa sighed and shrugged. "I don't know… a couple hours at least, is my guess."

Rose took a deep breath and instantly regretted it. Whatever pain medication the hospital gave her wasn't enough right now; she was starting to feel every ache, pain, stab, cut, bruise, and the spasming of her muscles were the bullet was still lodged. She grimaced and shut her eyes tightly; gasping.

Elisa squeezed her hand more tightly now; and was about to open her mouth to speak when the door suddenly opened. Another woman with light brown hair, about Elisa's age, walked in, and noticed that Rose was in serious pain.

"Okay, Miss Connelly," she said smoothly. "We are ready for you, if you are. We'll get that bullet out of you, tend to your other wounds, and give you all the pain medication you need."

Rose looked over and Elisa; who was glancing down at her with sad eyes. She felt weak and exhausted; and wanted to be free of this pain. Rose continued to take gasping breaths, but nodded.

"Perfect." The nurse said, placing latex gloves over her hands. "Let's get going, then."

The nurse quickly got to work disconnecting Rose's IV from the pain medication; the vital machines, but left the IV line in her arm, to be used during the surgery. She walked around to Rose's bed, unlocked it, and adjusted the bed to fit through the door.

Elisa grasped Rose's hand and leaned her head down, and gave her a hug; all while whispering, "I'll be here when you wake up… and I'll tell the others that you've had surgery. The sun is minutes away from coming up, they'll be stone soon."

"Thank you, Elisa," Rose breathed back, wrapping her good arm around her neck. "Please keep me updated on them. If the Quarrymen are involved in Kevin, then the Gargoyles are in grave danger again."

Elisa pulled back slightly and gave her a soft smile, "I'm sure they are all just fine, but all the same, I will check up on them. I'm just as worried about them as you are."

Rose smiled back at Elisa and then let her go; resting her head back on the pillow.

"Good luck." Elisa said, stepping back, to allow the nurse to push Rose from her hospital room. "I'll see you after."

With that, the nurse pushed Rose's bed from the room and walked her bed down a long stretch of hallway, and Elisa watched as they went, closing the door behind them. She took a deep breath, and made her way towards the window bench, which pulled out to make a bed. She would check up on the Gargoyles later on in the day, as she desperately needed to get some sleep. She had to trust them that they were safe and would be roosting in a comfortable place; since they were most likely going to be caught away from the Castle.

Elisa pulled the small bed out from the couch, grabbed a hospital blanket and pillow out from the room's linen closet, took off her red jacket being careful with her own shoulder injury which had been tended to by the staff; complete with her gun; placing them in a safe place, and laid down on the couch. She exhaled deeply, brought the blanket up to her face and snuggled into the pillow, almost falling asleep instantly. There was silence for a few seconds, before she heard the familiar sound of wings approaching just outside of the hospital window.

She opened her weary eyes and instantly knew that one of the Gargoyles had come. She sat up and smiled as she saw Goliath and Brooklyn outside the window, waving at her. She reached over, unlocked the window, and opened it, allowing them to talk to her.

"Hey guys." Elisa greeted, leaning her back against the wall.

"We only have, but a few minutes to talk," Goliath said in his deep and silky voice. "We wanted to check up on you and Rose, and see how you all are doing."

Brooklyn crouched down on all fours in his natural pose, and looked further into the room, searching for Rose. When he didn't see her; his eyes grew wide as he turned to Elisa.

"Where is Rose?"

"They just took her into surgery. You just barely missed her." Elisa responded quietly, having a hard time keeping her eyes open. She felt a great deal of relief that Goliath and the Clan were safe from harm; it was everything she needed to know, and now was having a very difficult time staying awake.

"Surgery?" Brooklyn asked her weakly; his tone full of concern, and he too looked exhausted.

"Yeah," Elisa explained, as Goliath knelt down and gently placed his large claw on the side of her face, softly caressing her skin. She looked over at him lovingly and gratefully, and leaned her face into his palm. She brought her hands up and took Goliath's claw within her and continued, with her eyes closed.

"The nurses took DNA samples from the wounds all over her entire body; and they will take those samples to the Police department. With those samples from her assault, she can finally press charges against Kevin and hopefully we'll be able to finally nab him soon. As for her surgery; they are needing to take the bullet out of her chest; and will tend to her other wounds while she's in the operating room."

Brooklyn closed his eyes, and leaned his head against the window frame, and took a deep breath. He stayed there for a few moments, and appeared like he was already asleep, until he opened his eyes and asked, "How long will she be in surgery for?"

Elisa didn't answer for a few seconds and kept her head rested against the wall. Goliath looked down at his exhausted mate, with concern, and then looked out towards the horizon. The sunrise was seconds away from rising; and then, they too, would finally get the rest they needed.

"The nurses didn't say…" Elisa answered weakly finally; her eyes starting to fail in keeping open. "My guess is a few hours, I won't know until she's done."

Goliath gently moved some dark hair away from Elisa's face, caressing her face gently, and then placed his claws on Brooklyn's shoulders.

"Come… we'll rest here, the sun is upon us. We'll discuss more on what we found tonight when we awaken." Goliath said softly to Brooklyn. Elisa forced open her eyes, weakly, and naturally reached out for Goliath; as though she didn't want him to leave.

"Goliath…" Elisa reaching out her hand to him, wanting him to stay.

"Shh… my love." Goliath shushed her gently, taking hold of her petite hand in his large claw. He gently pressed his lips against her hand, and then moved his lips over to her forehead, placing a gentle kiss on it.

"Rest, my love. We'll talk more tonight. It's been an exhausting night for us all, we all need rest." Goliath whispered.

She instantly relaxed at his touch and quickly fell asleep. Goliath smiled down at his love, stood with Brooklyn, and shut the window. They both spread out to the opposite sides of the window, and knelt down. Goliath looked out at the horizon, and stared until the sun came up, instantly freezing him into his stone form.

Brooklyn rested his chin on his knees and closed his eyes. He felt the brief warm rays of sun on his skin, before he too, was encapsulated into his stone sleep; the aches, pains and cuts on his body, frozen and would hopefully heal; and his energy restored to face another long set of nights.

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Hours, days, or even weeks could have passed when Rose woke up from the anesthesia, as she didn't know how long she'd been out since her surgery. She blinked tiredly, and felt extremely weak. She took a few deep breaths and forced herself to open her eyes.

Looking around; she realized that she was back in her hospital room. The IV was still in her hand, and was feeding her pain medication; which made sense why she was blissfully numb and pain free. She sat up slightly, and looked down at her body. Large bandages were dressed around her left arm and shoulder/chest cavity. She was dressed in nothing, but a hospital gown and her underwear; and noticed that her abdomen and legs had bandages on them as well.

She looked over at the clock in her room, and read that it was six forty-five o'clock in the evening. Rose looked out her hospital window, and took note that it was almost sunset. Her thoughts immediately went to Brooklyn; and she didn't know where he was, nor if he or the Clan were okay. She groaned slightly and started to sit up even more; gently touching the bandage on her shoulder and was thankful that it wasn't throbbing, like it was before her surgery.

Rose exhaled deeply and closed her eyes once again, resting her head against her pillow. So many things had happened over the past twenty-four hours; and it was exhausting for her to mentally and emotionally catch up with it all. As she opened her eyes, she looked around her dark room and wondered where everyone was. She was alone; Elisa was nowhere to be found, and she still hadn't heard from the Gargoyles. She had slept an entire day, and didn't even have an update on her condition, and most importantly, when she could leave this place.

Suddenly; the door opened and her brown-haired came walking in, with Elisa, on her heels. They had been talking quietly; and Elisa had a very concerned look on her face. When Elisa and the nurse saw Rose look over at them, the nurse smiled and exclaimed, "Oh! You're awake, finally! We were growing worried that you were having a complication due to the anesthesia."

Rose furrowed her eyebrows at the nurse, looking confused, and turned to Elisa.

"What is she talking about?"

Elisa looked relieved, sat down on the edge of her bed, and took her hand.

"You went into surgery around seven AM this morning, remember? Your surgery lasted until ten; and then they brought you off the anesthesia and into this room… but… you wouldn't wake up all day." Elisa explained quietly. "They have been monitoring your vitals; but as we were coming closer to the twelve hour mark, the doctor was growing concerned that something else was happening. He's coming in to check up on you, here in a few minutes."

"Who's my doctor?" Rose asked quietly; processing this bit of news as Elisa gave her a small smile.

"Dr. Sato." She answered. "When he heard you were coming into the hospital; he requested for you to be his patient, and since he's a surgeon, he also requested to take your surgery."

Rose rested her head back against her pillow and couldn't help, but laugh slightly.

"Oh man, he can't seem to get rid of me."

Elisa smiled at her, but didn't say anything, as the nurse continued to work and take Rose's vitals.

"How are you feeling, Rose?" The nurse asked, continuing to take and record her vital signs. "On a scale of one through ten, ten being the greatest pain, how would you rate your pain?"

Rose thought for a moment; and then responded honestly; "Um… probably close to three."

"Good! I'm glad to hear that the pain medication is working alright." The nurse smiled; checking her IV fluid. Just then, Rose's door opened and Dr. Sato came walking into her room, smiling at her.

"Hello, hello." He greeted her, sitting next to her in a chair.

"Hey doc." Rose greeted him quietly.

Elisa suddenly stood, and looked out towards the window, while checking her watch. She turned towards Doctor Sato, cleared her throat, and gestured to the window. He looked at her, through his large glasses, and then seemed to understand what she was silently warning him about.

He turned towards the nurse, smiling, and said; "Rebecca, are Rose's vitals recorded?"

"Yes," the nurse, Rebecca, responded. "They are looking great, and her pain management is low. I was just going to hang around here with you until your assessment of her is done."

"That's not necessary, but thank you. I actually need a private moment alone with Miss Maza and Miss Connelly, if you wouldn't mind please stepping out for a few minutes."

The nurse blinked a few times, as she wasn't normally asked to leave the doctor's side. Rose frowned at Dr. Sato suddenly and looked from him to Elisa who was pacing anxiously by the window; and then Rose realized what was happening. Dr. Sato knew about the Gargoyles; and it was just about sunset. Rose gasped slightly and turned towards the window; then looked at Elisa with wide-eyes. Elisa gave her a small smile and nodded, answering her silent question.

Rose closed her eyes in relief and knew that Brooklyn was just outside the window, he was safe, and had come to check up on her. Rebecca continued to look at the doctor, with a slightly confused look.

"Um… sure thing." She answered him. " I'll uh, go check on our other patients."

"Thank you, Rebecca." Dr. Sato said, smiling kindly. Rebecca smiled back at him, Elisa and Rose, and then walked away, shutting the door quietly behind her.

The instant she was gone, Rose turned to Elisa and exclaimed, "Is the Clan here? Where is Brooklyn?"

"Brooklyn and Goliath are right outside the window." Elisa explained, walking over, unlocked, and opened the window. "They came to check up on you, seconds after they took you into surgery, and turned to stone when the sun came up. And now, it's sunset. I'm sure they'll want to speak with you."

Right as she did that; the sound of cracking stone was heard, followed by an explosion of stone, and then a deafening series of roars filled the newly night air. Within a few seconds of their roars, Rose felt the familiar tingling of Brooklyn's presence and suddenly, she wanted more than anything to be out of her bed and be in his arms. She had to go to him, needed to feel his comforting touch, and could think of nothing else.

Before she could move, however; Brooklyn quickly slid himself through the window and entered the room, looking around for her with frantic eyes. Once he saw her in the bed, awake and alive, he exhaled in relief and his eyes filled with tears.

"My love…" he whispered, coming over to her, as Goliath entered the room behind him. The second she saw Brooklyn, Rose's eyes filled with tears, and their connection awoke in her body, and she wanted nothing more than to hold him in her arms. Without thinking, Rose quickly and quietly disconnected her IV from her line, took all the vital lines off, kicked off her blankets and then jumped out of bed.

Dr. Sato's eyes went wide with shock and exclaimed, "Rose! What are you doing!?"

He jumped up from his seat, and tore after her to stop her; but he skidded to a stop when she limped across the room, jumped into Brooklyn's arms all while wrapping her good arm around his neck and held onto him tightly. The second her skin touched his, the electric sensation shot out between them; and she felt as though she needed to stay there, in his arms forever, as if her life depended upon it. Brooklyn's eyes opened wide, and was shocked that she tore out of bed so quickly, but wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Rose…?" Brooklyn cried out in worry and relief and was afraid for her to be injured further. "Baby, what are you doing?"

Rose continued to hold him, and closed her eyes all while kissing his neck; so relieved to see him alive.

"Greeting you, silly." She replied softly, pulling back to look into his face, but then slowly stopped smiling. "Unless you don't wish to greet me… I just thought since our night, last night after almost losing each other, that we would not waste another moment from being with and loving each other."

Brooklyn chuckled at her nervously all while keeping his claws on her waist, and looked around at Dr. Sato's angry expression, as well as Elisa and Goliath's prying eyes, and couldn't help but notice something about his betrothed mate. Rose was dressed in a hospital gown, and though it was tied together, he could feel that she was very much naked underneath, making him blush greatly.

"Uh, I do very much want to greet you." He whispered, barely moving his lips, and trying not to acknowledge her beautifully desirable curves against his body. "But um… maybe not right this second, my love. We have company."

Rose blinked a few times at him, and then slowly pulled away from him unwillingly. She nodded and smiled, blushing slightly.

"Oh uh, right." She said quietly. "Sorry, I uh, kind of forget about them. I am just… so relieved to see that you are alright!"

Brooklyn smiled at her, gently took her in his arms and kissed her forehead gently, ignoring the fact that the doctor's mouth gaped open in shock at their public display of affection.

"I'm beyond relieved to see you alive, my love." He answered softly, keeping his forehead against hers, then he lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, "It's taking everything in me not to show you how relieved I am to see you alive. I wish I could kiss you the way I would in private."

Rose closed her eyes at his loving whispering, and felt like melting in his arms. The hot connection flowed through their limbs now, and was awakening her magic. To her relief, now that she had healed from the taser, her magic was still there, and was building up to explode out. But that wasn't the only thing awakening; she could feel Brooklyn's own connection powers desperately wishing to reach out to hers, to encompass her in all of him.

Blinking and slightly stunned by how powerful it was, she pulled away from him slightly and asked quietly, "Do you feel that?"

Narrowing his eyes, he nodded.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels it's power and intensity…" he replied quietly. "I have no idea what it means. All I can think of is keeping you in my arms and never letting you go again."

She smiled at him, not wanting to let go of him either, as the power began to flow through both of them, connecting them and her magic. She cleared her throat and tried to think of something else, not wanting the Doctor to see everything yet.

"How's your back?" She asked him, holding onto his arms; not wanting to let him go. "And the rest of our injuries?"

"Nonexistent. 'Concrete-cure-all'… remember?" Brooklyn answered quietly, smiling for a moment, before his smile faltered as he looked over her beautiful face. Though she had wraps and all her wounds were tended to, her face was extremely bruised and cut up.

He exhaled in pain and disbelief, and brought his claw up to her face; lightly touching her with shaking claws; as if he didn't want to further harm her. Every inch of her face had different colored bruises; some black, some purple; some even green and pale. Her lips were swollen and had cuts. Stitches were placed over her left eyebrow; and had sealed a long laceration cut. Past her past, as his eyes wandered down, her neck also had bruises, a cut where it looked like her neck was almost slashed open, and to his further horror. Bruised fingerprints, which looked like hands, were present. Kevin's hands. Tears filled his eyes and his breath shallow out slightly, and another rage flowed through him. Seeing Rose in this condition reminded him of his own failure. Failure to protect her, failure to find and kill Kevin… and it was suddenly too much. The horrors of the night before pinched through his mind and seemed to stab his heart open all over again. If this was the parts of Rose that he could see, he almost didn't want to see the rest of what was hiding under her thin hospital robe. He now wanted nothing more than to take all her pain away and somehow heal her wounds.

Rose lowered her eyes from his, took his claw in her hands, and gently lowered it from her face, looking embarrassed, knowing exactly what he was all the sudden upset over.

"I'm glad you're alright, my love." She whispered. "It's more than I can say, I guess…"

As he glanced over her face with great sadness; he sighed heavily as a few tears streamed out of his eyes, caressed her face again; and whispered, "Oh… Rose… if I could take it all away… your wounds… your pain… I would in a heartbeat. I hate seeing you hurting like this..."

"I know." Rose answered, smiling through tears. "Thank you. It certainly helps to know that. I'm just sorry for you that you have to look upon my ugliness."

Brooklyn's eyes furrowed, his jaw set firmly as he whispered, "You're not ugly, Rose. You're beautiful… more than beautiful, actually. You are stunning, breathtaking… and everything I'll ever desire, want, need, and love. It's Kevin's marks upon you that I hate seeing. I hurt seeing you hurt. I only want you to be healed, healthy and shining your beautiful light like you normally do. The light Kevin was trying to kill and snuff out."

Rose smiled at him, and leaned into his touch; longing to keep holding onto him. Just then, they both felt a sudden, intense feeling of electricity increase ten-fold by their words and was shooting through their bodies. Rose's eyes widened, as did his, while they stared at each other. More than anything; as Brooklyn held onto her, he didn't want to let her go. More so, in fact; his connection was telling him not to as something was about to happen...

However, before anything could happen; Dr. Sato's suddenly very angry voice brought them both back to reality.

"Miss Connelly! I don't know what's happening here… but, I insist you come back to your bed, this instant!" Dr. Sato yelled seriously, his eyes still wide in shock, disbelief, and a bit of disgust at them. "You've just woken up from surgery, and have endured some very serious, life threatening injuries! You need rest!"

Brooklyn looked up from Rose's eyes, as he held onto her and glared at the doctor, not appreciating him yelling at her. However, before he could say anything, Rose closed her eyes, sighed, and said reluctantly, "You're right, doctor. I… I just had to make sure he was okay."

"Your Gargoyle…" Dr. Sato began to spat and then paused, glared at Brooklyn, and continued more carefully. "... friend, should be making sure you are okay, and should encourage you to come back to the bed to rest."

Brooklyn stared at the doctor some more, and Rose thought he was going to argue with him, but after a few seconds, he cleared his throat, eased his arms around her waist and said softly, "Come, Rose. You've heard the doctor… let's get you back into the bed."

Rose seemed to be reluctant, at first, but Brooklyn gently kept his arms around her and guided her back onto the bed. Now that she had gotten up and was walking around, she realized that she was in a lot of pain, and had to rely on Brooklyn to help her limp back onto the bed, gasping out in pain. She only got a few painful steps towards the bed, however; when Brooklyn quickly picked her up as carefully as he could, in the bridal carry, being mindful of her wounds; and eased her back into bed. Rose smiled gratefully at him, as he set her gently down and began to cover her up with her blanket to stay warm.

With a sharp exhale in frustration, Dr. Sato immediately began to reconnect her IV line to her arm, and continued the flow of pain medication doses. Rose tried not to pay any attention to the doctor and his angry glares, but rested her eyes upon Brooklyn's, smiling gently; as he smiled lovingly back at her.

Elisa had just come out from Goliath's loving embrace, and pushed a chair over to Brooklyn, so he could sit down next to Rose. When Brooklyn felt the chair under him, he turned back to Elisa, gave her a thankful smile; and then sat down; keeping close to Rose. Their tingling sensations were shooting back and forth; energizing them, and making it near impossible to keep away from each other. He gently took her hand in his, and was smiling at her, but with sad eyes.

She squeezed his claws, with her hands, and whispered, "It's okay. We're together now, don't be sad."

Tears naturally filled his eyes now, but chuckled, his voice breaking slightly, "I'm not sad… I'm truly happy and relieved that you're alright. It's just… you look so injured, it's hard to see you in these conditions. If I could take all your pain away, right now, I would."

Rose took one hand out of his claw and touched the side of his beak, smiling lightly, while again, another incredible shudder of power flowed through both of them, making them both gasp quietly. Since they still had an audience, Rose chuckled nervously.

"I would do the same for you, my love." She said, trying to stay casual, despite how awake, alive, and powerful their connection was. " But, I'm all right now, I promise. We are both alive and together once again. There's nothing more important than that."

"That remains to be seen." Dr. Sato suddenly interrupted seriously, sitting back down in his chair, facing Rose. Brooklyn and Rose broke their gazes away from each other and looked over him. Rose lowered her hand, slowly, from Brooklyn's beak and Brooklyn let go of her hands, as if the doctor had slapped both their hands in reprimand.

"What do you mean?" Brooklyn asked him warily, and didn't know if he could take anymore bad news within a twelve hour period. Dr. Sato adjusted his glasses and was looking at both Brooklyn and Rose with a stern look.

"We took Rose into surgery around seven this morning, and it took about three hours to take the bullet out of her chest cavity. It had done some pretty significant damage to her shoulder and chest cavity. The bullet had drifted down from her collarbone and was resting near the Aorta; right at the top of her heart. We extracted it, without having to do much with her heart; luckily. And luckily, her heart wasn't damaged by the bullet. If so, that would have turned into a cardiac surgery. If the bullet had stayed in her much longer, it could have severely damaged her heart muscles, and then would have caused severe repercussions and complications."

Rose blinked a few times in shock and then glanced warily over at Brooklyn, Goliath and Elisa, and had no idea she was in that much danger of dying in so many different ways. Brooklyn seemed to pale slightly as the doctor was telling them the negative 'what-if's,' and looked extremely worried.

Rose slowly took his claw back in her hand, and intertwined her fingers through his talons for comfort, and then continued listening to the doctor. Brooklyn kept his eyes on the doctor, who was staring at their intertwined fingers, and continued with a bit more anger in his voice.

"During surgery, we also tended to the rest of her wounds. She has a few fractured ribs." He paused and then looked over at Rose, with a serious face still. "Which is why your chest and abdomen are wrapped up tightly. There's, unfortunately, nothing that we can do for fractured ribs, other than rest. You are currently on IV antibiotics for pneumonia; thanks to your swim and near drowning in the East River. You're going to feel pretty crummy the next few days..."

Rose blinked a few times and looked confused.

"How did you know about that?"

"Detective Maza filled me in on everything I needed to know." Dr. Sato answered her. "You have quite a bit of water still in your lungs, and though you've coughed up most of it, it's still concerning how much trauma you've been through."

"What else is wrong with me?" Rose asked him quietly, not necessarily wanting to know the answer. Brooklyn stayed silent, holding her hand, and listened intently.

"You have a very large stab wound to your right leg, which I was able to patch together during surgery; but you aren't allowed to walk on it, as you did just now."

Rose's eyes widened at Dr. Sato's continuing speech, as Brooklyn clasped her hands even tighter in his.

"Uh let's see. We've discussed the bullet, your other injuries… that you've broken a few ribs, um… what else? Oh yes, you have another concussion, a little bit of internal bleeding in your chest from trauma, but again… we took care of it during surgery, and you even have a near fractured wrist; which we have bandaged up just in case. The gunshot wound on your shoulder was but a laceration; which I've stitched up, and it'll heal itself in a few weeks."

He looked around at Rose, Elisa, Brooklyn and Goliath, and straightened his large glasses. "What concerns me the most now is how long Rose was unconscious from the time we took her off the anesthesia. Making me think your constant concussions are beginning to create long-term brain damage."

"What do you mean?" Brooklyn asked him, paying close attention to everything the doctor was saying to them all.

"We took her off her anesthesia, around ten-thirty this morning, but she barely woke up, moments before you all entered this room." Dr. Sato said, glancing down at her with worry now. "If you stayed unconscious for another hour, I would have declared you in a coma."

"What's that?" Brooklyn asked him, with worry in his voice.

"A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness, in which a patient may or may not wake up from. If there is enough damage to one's body or brain, then the body goes into a coma. I was very concerned for Rose; as she was riding that line. Only 10% of people who enter into a coma, actually wake up. If she had not woken up, I would have given her two weeks to come out of it… before I would've been forced to declare her brain dead." Dr. Sato explained seriously.

Rose stared at the doctor with her mouth hanging open and then said, with a slight laugh of disbelief, as everyone in the room looked horrified.

"But… I feel fine. I'm awake now, there's no need to worry about that."

"True," Dr. Sato said slowly. "However; I was worried you sustained too many injuries and had a complication during surgery. A person doesn't normally stay unconscious for over ten hours after surgery. So, please forgive my dark explanations and sternness with you. You literally just woke up, and I don't want you risking more injury to yourself."

Rose opened her mouth to speak, but Brooklyn beat her to it and said sincerely, "Thank you doctor for taking such good care of her. I owe you a great deal, more than I could ever begin to express."

Dr. Sato glared at Brooklyn for a moment; but then couldn't seem to stay irritated at the pair of them, especially with Brooklyn's kind and sincere tone.

"You're welcome," he sighed, leaning back. "What's left now, is for Rose to rest. I would like to keep her here in the hospital for the next few days, to continue to observe her healing, just to be safe. I'll order another MRI for later on today for that concussion, so I can get a better idea of her damage and how best to deal with it."

"The next few days?" Rose groaned, leaning her head back her pillow in defeat.

"Just to be safe, yes." Dr. Sato replied, smiling at her.

Rose closed her eyes and scoffed, teasing him,"Forget it, doc. I'll be just fine."

"Sorry, you have no say in this matter." He argued back.

"You can't hold me hostage in this hospital." She said still teasing him, but watched his reaction carefully.

"Perhaps not." He answered quietly, fixing his glasses. "But I can encourage you to stay. And if not, then hopefully your Gargoyle friends can… as it is imperative for you to get some rest. If you do not, you could very well pass a blood clot anywhere in your body, and suffer a stroke, or any other form of thrombosis and blood coagulation. You could still die, Rose, if you do not take it easy. You aren't out of the woods yet. The next few days are imperative for your body to heal. As injured as you've been… I suggest, very strongly, that you consider staying and listen to my medical advice, for once."

"Oh, I was just giving you a hard time, doc." Rose sighed, closing her eyes. "Sorry- I'll quit being a stink. I'll stay. Thank you… "

"Good girl." Dr. Sato said calmly, smiling at her; before looking at Brooklyn and Goliath warily. "I'll uh… let you all be for a few moments, and will tell the nurses not to come in until you all are gone. But do not stay long. She needs her rest."

"Thank you, doc." Brooklyn offered quietly to Dr. Sato, who then nodded awkwardly at him, and then left the room; shutting the door quietly behind him.

Rose was thankful to be left alone with Brooklyn, Elisa and Goliath now; as the tingling sensations were growing more and more painful in her limbs and hands all the sudden. She groaned slightly, adjusted herself on the bed, and started to play with her hands, rubbing them, and felt like the first night her magic awakened. Brooklyn seemed to be feeling the same thing and was looking down at his claws as well, and then they both looked at each other with questioning eyes.

Goliath stepped forward and placed a claw on her shoulder.

"I'm glad to hear that you're doing a lot better, Rose. I'm sorry about everything that happened to you tonight. No one should go through what you've had to endure." Goliath said sincerely.

"Thank you, Goliath." Rose whispered, still grasping at her hands, and trying to ignore the electricity in her limbs and hands, but it kept building with every passing second. Brooklyn also began to fidget uncomfortably in his seat; his face starting to scrunch up in pain slightly, and seemed restless. Rose closed her eyes and tried to breathe, forcing herself to calm down, and didn't know what was happening. All she could think of was that she needed to be near Brooklyn, and he needed to be closer to her.

"So… what happened after you guys left the bridge?" Rose asked, gritting her teeth slightly, trying to ignore the pain.

Elisa and Goliath looked over at each other and then back to Rose, who was in obvious pain, and now to Brooklyn who quickly stood up and was walking away from Rose to stand by the window, grasping his own claws, and shaking them out.

"Brooklyn, are you alright?" Goliath asked curiously.

Brooklyn kept massaging his claws as he responded, "Yeah… I'm fine."

Goliath narrowed his eyes at his Second-in-Command, and then turned his attention back to Rose, who was also massaging her hands. He cocked his eyebone up and was curious about what was happening with them both, as they both seemed to be in the same amount of discomfort. He ignored this for a moment, and decided to ask Brooklyn about it later.

He stepped forward and then explained, "When we left you two at the bridge; we followed the car tracks, and it led us to an abandoned building. Though it was abandoned, we did find a mask from the Quarrymen, and we have no doubt they are back at it again, trying to destroy us."

"What happened when you got there?" Rose asked quietly.

"Nothing." Goliath sighed. " I called the rest of the Clan to the building, and found it was completely abandoned. No one was in the van, and they had, most likely, dumped it and fled somewhere. We are now back to square one of waiting and keep searching for them, until they make their next move."

Rose closed her eyes and rested her head back against the pillow, wanting more than anything to be rid of Kevin, and her pain, … and now the shooting sensation in her hands, feet and abdomen. She could barely take it anymore, as she massaged her hands. It almost felt as though her limbs were going to sleep; and were tingling and shooting down her nerves painfully. She wanted to look at Brooklyn, but he had walked out of her sight and reach.

"Don't worry, Rose." Elisa comforted quietly, as Goliath was watching Rose's and Brooklyn's strange behavior carefully. "We'll keep an eye out for Kevin and the Quarrymen. The Police are on the case and have them all on the 'FBI's Most Wanted' list. They can't get far without being noticed; and once they are found, they will receive no mercy from us. Any of us."

"Does Kevin believe I'm dead?" Rose asked him, looking up into her and Goliath's eyes, not knowing if he believed that he shot her dead or not. Goliath exhaled deeply, and looked down at her with stern eyes.

"No… he knows you're alive." Goliath answered, gravely, and at his words; Rose slowly closed her eyes in despair and horror, and shook her head, taking it all in for a few seconds.

"I'm such an idiot..." Rose whispered after a slight pause, in a very worried tone, forgetting all about her painful sensations. "It's all my fault that he's found the Clan and me. I'm so sorry…"

With this new piece of information, Brooklyn widened his eyes, and quickly walked back over Rose.

"What in the world are you talking about?" He asked her, still massaging his tingling claws. "Babe, it's not your fault."

"Yes, it is." Rose whispered miserably, shaking her head. "Kevin booby trapped Emily's phone, when I first ran away. So, when I called her, from Xanatos' office, a month or so ago, to tell her that I was safe, he had a device planted that recorded and heard the conversation between her and myself. He then broke into her home, when she stayed here; when Brooklyn was injured, and was able to trace the phone number back to the Eyrie Building, allowing him to further investigate Xanatos."

She closed her eyes and sighed heavily; speaking in an emotionless voice and continued.

"That's why he was there last night, to scope out the security on the lower level and throughout the rest of the building; when he noticed Elisa's car outside. Since he recognized her vehicle, from the day she helped me escape from my apartment, it made him suspicious. That's when he began asking the lower-level guard questions about the building, about Xanatos, about Elisa… and finally about me."

Rose paused and then felt her face start to grimace in hatred as she thought about her ex-husband, and his evil plan for her, and how it lead to this further nightmare.

"He offered the guard money since the guard told him he didn't have much money to give his family a Christmas. And of course, Kevin being Kevin, used his usual charms and tricks, to sympathize with Adam. Kevin told him that he was looking for me, swore he'd seen me around there, and that he loved me. He then told him that he couldn't bear to lose me and needed me home once again. Adam, no doubt, softened up to his sop story and told him that he had seen me around, once or twice, and allowed him to go up to the castle to find me. Once there, Kevin found out about the Clan and fact that Xanatos houses you all… and then... " she paused again and closed her eyes in fury.

"With luck, he stumbled into my room, and found my pictures, confirming that I lived there. Then, after digging some more, after shutting down the security which bought him some time, he found and then read Brooklyn's letter to me, from a month ago, and pieced together that Brooklyn and I are together… once he figured that out, he tricked Adam to kidnap me, by threatening to kill his family and blow up the Eyrie Building. And that's when Elisa and I were attacked by him; and I was dragged out to Central Park where he tried to run me over with his car; then beat me up, before I got away from him."

"Well, you'll be relieved to know, maybe, that the whole story about the bomb being in the Eyrie Building was a lie." Elisa said, folding her arms across her chest. "It was a ploy to trick the guard. Though there was a bomb under my car, there was no bomb in the Eyrie Building…"

Brooklyn's eyes widened as he was hearing, for the first time, some details from when Kevin had actually found her. Him, Elisa and Goliath stood in a tense silence as Rose seemed to keep talking furiously, about her night with Kevin.

"So he black mailed Adam, tricking him into thinking that if he didn't deliver me to him, that he would blow up the entire building?" Rose asked Elisa feeling numb.

"And because he did bomb my car, it seemed like a pretty legit threat." Elisa finished, nodding her head. "So… no one was injured last night. Scared to death, sure; and my entire department fleeing for their lives from the Eyrie Building, but once the bomb didn't go off, and the bomb squad cleared the building, it was resumed safe to re-enter."

Rose closed her eyes and leaned back against her pillow.

"I don't believe this…" She whispered.

"So, what else happened Rose?" Goliath asked her, stepping closer to her now.

"Well," she continued to speak, sighing deeply. "To my luck, Adam shot me with a taser, which stopped me from using my magic against him… and…"

"Magic?" Goliath asked her, his eyes widening. "What are you talking about?"

Rose looked over at him, opened her mouth to speak, but didn't know what to say.

"Uh… well… you see it's um…"

"Rose has magic capabilities, Goliath." Brooklyn spoke up, helping her out. "They presented themselves the night I was injured by the gang members a few weeks ago. Rose still doesn't know how to control them all that well, so we've been keeping it quiet. We wanted her to ease into this new ability without any involvement just yet from the Clan."

"Yeah, I saw it tonight; and it was unbelievable." Elisa chimed in, sitting down at Rose's feet. "I mean… you should have seen her last night, Goliath. Red, electric-like power was just shooting out of her hands, and her eyes were glowing red… like Demona's or… Angela's…"

"My eyes glowed red?" Rose asked her, not knowing this piece of information. "Really?"

"Yeah, really." Elisa said, smiling. "When I was able to process it all, I was amazed by how strong you were. You held off Adam amazingly, but if it weren't for his damn taser shooting you in the face, that's when it all went downhill."

"Impossible." Goliath said in a deep voice, staring at Rose with suspicion. "Rose is a Human… and Humans cannot possess magical abilities. Only Third-Race members have that ability naturally."

"I know…" Rose said quietly. "I- I don't know what to tell you. It's been a lot for me to take in as well. And most of the time, I was in denial. It's still no excuse, but part of the reason I was so angry the night Brooklyn was injured, was because my magic was wanting to explode out of me. And… having and accepting magic and a part of me was all too much at that time. Little by little, I have tried to experiment with it, but tonight got away from me. And I still wasn't able to defend myself from Kevin."

"As you shouldn't have to." Brooklyn lamented quietly, before taking her hand in his claw. "I should have been there to defend you, my love."

"We can sit here and play this game of what-if's all night long," Rose said gently, squeezing his claw. "But it won't change what happened. All we can do now is… to…" she paused and then looked over at Elisa, smiled gently, and continued, "... make the right decision, and continue to look forward and fight Kevin. If we focus on our Clan, and the strength of our love… then we will eventually fight our way out of this darkness."

With that, she paused again,and looked back up at Brooklyn.

"Together we are strong. And it is together that we must fight him if we are to win."

Brooklyn was gazing down upon her face, with great love and awe, and after a few seconds; he set his jaw firmly and nodded his head.

"You're right, my love." He said firmly. "And continue to fight, we will."

Elisa was smiling proudly at Rose, as she had secretly promised her that she would keep strong through this, and choose love over hate. However, Goliath cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Yes, we will fight." He said seriously. "However, there is still something that is puzzling me. We know that the building bomb was a fake, and the bomb in Elisa's car was a distraction and threat, and now how Kevin found you… but how did Adam know where to take you? What happened after Adam kidnapped you?"

"Well," Rose sighed, trying to think. "After he hit me and I lost consciousness, apparently he dragged me down to his car in the garage; and was driving me to Kevin, who was in Central Park. When I came to, I overheard him on the phone with Kevin, telling him that we were on our way to him, and I couldn't allow it. I promised Brooklyn that I would stay safe and fight him…" She paused and looked over at her love's face, who was staring at her intently and with great focus, and smiled at him, with tears in her eyes. "That… I wouldn't give up, and so I didn't."

Brooklyn's eyes filled with tears, and he suddenly looked down, while resting himself by her bed frame and stared at her hands. Rose swallowed, sighed again and then continued to tell the full story.

"I forced Adam to crash his car, but because I wasn't wearing a seat belt, I was slammed into the back windshield… which sucked, a lot. But I was alive and able to run, so I did. But as I was following the tire tracks back to the street trying to return to the Castle, I got lost… and that's when Kevin found me. He nearly ran me over with his car, and then… well… that's when it all went downhill. He was beating me up, trying to shoot me, and then I began running for my life. I got away from him, escaping most of his shots, until I ran to the Queensboro Bridge. I had thought that I lost him; and wanted to climb to the top, to escape him. I could feel that Brooklyn was close since we've been connected, but as I was climbing; Kevin shot my arm… then the rest you all saw. No matter how fast I ran; he seemed to run faster."

Rose closed her eyes and wanted to forget everything that happened to her.

"It… it was like he could see into my mind, as though my thoughts are transparent to him. He knew exactly what I was going to do…" Rose shook her head in disgust at herself, refusing to look at anyone, and continued to explain, "So, truly tonight is all my fault. He has found me, has found all of you, because I took a few risks. I reached out to my best friend and he knew that I would do that. He knows my weaknesses… and loves to exploit them. "

She stopped talking and buried her face in her hands, tears falling from her eyes once again. "I'm so sorry…"

Silence passed through everyone as her words sunk into their minds. Brooklyn was standing next to her and was pinching the bridge of his nose, with his eyes closed. He hated Kevin and was hating that Rose was in so much pain.

After a few minutes of silence, Goliath took a deep breath and sighed, " If Kevin saw us in the Castle; and he's now working with the Quarrymen, then we all are in tremendous danger. He, most likely, have told them where we are housed. I must speak to Xanatos and the Clan at once about this."

Goliath then placed a claw upon Elisa's shoulder and said, "Come, my love. Let's leave them be. There's much all of us need to discuss. Get feeling better, Rose. We will come visit you later on tonight."

Rose nodded her head, while Elisa walked over and let him scoop her up into his arms; where he then squeezed past the window, and took off into the night towards the castle; leaving Brooklyn and Rose alone. Silence passed between them as they were thinking about everything that had happened with Kevin. Brooklyn stood near her, but wasn't touching her, as he was processing everything.

"I'm so sorry, Brooklyn." Rose whispered up at him, tears coming to her eyes. "I feel like I have betrayed you and the Clan when I called Emily. Never in a million years did I think that he would actually trace that call. If I knew it was so dangerous, I never would have done it."

A few seconds of silence passed before Rose suddenly felt his claw take her hand, holding it tenderly.

"Oh, Rose." Brooklyn responded softly. "You didn't betray me, or the Clan, not in the slightest. You kept your promises to me, and that's more than what I could say. You stayed in the Castle and tried to protect yourself, but Kevin had planned it all out and fooled us all. And never would I ever fault you for trying to tell your best friend that you were safe… I would have done the same thing if I were in your shoes. You couldn't have known that he had booby trapped the phones, so there's no need to beat yourself up over something you had no control over or knowledge about."

Rose signed, and thought about what he was saying to her. As they held hands their connection to each other was growing more intense and heated with every moment.

Ignoring it for the moment, she moved her head over on her pillow to look into his eyes and whispered, "Okay. I won't beat myself up over it… but neither should you. I know you feel responsible for last night, and think you failed me, but you didn't. Things went completely out of our hands, and there was no way we could have ever expected or anticipated for Kevin to hit us, on so many different levels, all at once. You didn't fail me, love. You saved me… and nearly sacrificed yourself for me… again."

She paused and slowly a tear came out of her eye, as she stared at him.

"I love you… I never wanted any of this pain or stress to come upon you or the Clan. When it was just me getting beat up by Kevin, he wasn't as monstrous as he is now. Nor, did other people get hurt. But now that he's been let loose, he's like a rabid, wild animal who's no longer caged in, and I'm the one who set him free ..."

"To escape his abuse." Brooklyn whispered, interjecting her thoughts. "And for that, there's nothing to apologize for."

"Neither do you, love." Rose said, knowing he was beating himself up still. "Except for sacrificing your life for mine again…"

"I won't apologize for that… because I'll do it every time your life is in mortal danger" He whispered strongly, with tears in his eyes. "I will fight for you, and breathe life into you, like I did last night. But… never again do I wish to do that. It was like that nightmare you had a few weeks ago. You were so pale, so lifeless… I thought I was too late in saving you. And that, is the true nightmare that is going to haunt me for the rest of my life."

Rose took a deep breath, and kept her tear-filled eyes upon him. Slowly reaching up, she gently touched his beak, not wanting him to be without comfort, as he endured his own grief and self-beating. Knowing him, she couldn't easily take that burden away, unless she was completely safe from Kevin. Until then, they both had to do the best they could. Brooklyn took a shuddering breath with tears falling down his face and leaned his face closer to hers, crying earnestly now. Rose closed her eyes at his pain and couldn't take it.

"Brooklyn… come here." Rose whispered, reaching her arms out to him.

Brooklyn looked up at her, through his haze of tears and pain and looked unsure at her invitation. The bed was not nearly big enough for him by himself, let alone with her with him.

"I can't-" he said quietly. "The bed isn't big enough… and I don't want to hurt you…"

However, Rose ignored him, and began to take her blood pressure cuff off, and moved her IV tubing over. With a grunt of effort, she began to move herself over to the edge of the bed. Brooklyn watched her with wide eyes, and when she almost fell off the other side, he grabbed onto her arm and shook his head.

"Rose… no, I don't think-." He started to say, but Rose quickly placed a finger over his lips.

"You could never hurt me, my love. We both need rest and comfort. I can offer one, and this night can offer us the other." Rose said to him. "Lie down, and I'll lie against you."

Brooklyn stared at her for a long moment and looked over her wounds with uncertainty, however; the more he stared at her, the more his connections inside him were pressuring him to do just that. Now that they were alone, they needed each other. He needed her.

As they sat staring at each other, the sensations, from their connection, were growing stronger and stronger with every passing second; so much, he couldn't deny her invitation anymore. Nodding, he took a deep breath and then eased herself onto the bed, lying on his back. Rose minded her tubes and rested herself in between his legs, her body pressed against his. He closed his eyes at the feeling of her and closed his wings around her as she sighed and rested her head against his chest. She was minding her chest wound, all tubes, and literally every wound; but being pressed up against him was giving her everything she never realized she needed.

Another shock of power flowed through both of them, making them both tense up and gasp. Brooklyn tried to ignore it for a moment, and needed to speak to her about last night. With every conflicting and strong feeling flowing through him, he had never felt more love and protection for her, and was relieved to feel her against him, but there was still a lot of grief in his soul.

Rose sighed, and closed her eyes. "Oh… I've been needing this."

Brooklyn carefully placed his arms around her body, and cradled her with his legs; all while cocooning them both in his wings. He kept his eyes carefully on the door for any nurse visits, but didn't care if they saw a Gargoyle holding a Human. He was not ashamed of his choice to be with Rose, and he needed to be close to her for his own healing.

"Me too. But I can't rest just yet... " He said, tears filling his eyes. "Rose… baby… there's a great deal I have to apologize for."

Rose stayed silent for a second, and slowly opened her eyes. Now that she was in his arms, lying on him, she didn't want to think or speak about last night.

"My love… don't-"

"Please, Rose." He begged, tears still falling down his face, while holding her delicately. "I have to get this off my chest…"

"Get what off your chest?" Rose asked him, looking up into his face. When she did, Brooklyn looked down at her and lightly caressed her skin.

"I promised you, when we first met, that I wouldn't let Kevin harm you, or find you… and he did all that, plus more, and I wasn't able to stop him." He lamented quietly. " It is I who failed you, last night."

Rose stared up at him in disbelief, her mouth opened slightly.

"No… Brooklyn, you didn't break any promises to me. You are being way too hard on yourself…" Rose interjected, reaching her hand up to touch his beak.

"No, I'm not." Brooklyn whispered, interrupting her. "I was out in the City searching for him, instead of staying with you. That was his trap for me; to distance myself from you, and I did just that." He closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths to calm himself, and when he opened his eyes again, they were glowing white. His fists were balled up and his voice was shaking with rage as he growled, "Never again will I allow him to separate you from me. I will protect you, and never let him get between us ever again."

Rose opened her mouth to speak; but nothing seemed to come out. His eyes stopped glowing, and as he stared down into hers, they suddenly melted into each other.

As they stared deeply, another pulse of strong electricity flowed through his limbs, into hers; making them both gasp out. As their chests were pressed into each others' another set of sensation flowed through them, like an ocean wave, connecting them even deeper than they've ever felt before. Then, as Rose stared into his beautiful eyes, her thoughts suddenly weren't hers, but his.

"I… I can feel what you're feeling… and thinking...!" Rose gasped out in a surprised voice.

"As can I." Brooklyn whispered; staring into her eyes with wonder and amazement.

Suddenly; a strong force pulled down on Rose's arms and shot through her hands. She looked down, and in amazement, saw that her red magic was lightly dancing around her fingertips. She blinked a few times, and didn't know what to say or think. When she looked back up into Brooklyn's eyes, questioning it, he looked deep into thought; and since their minds were connected, she could hear what he was thinking.

If I could heal you, then I would in a heartbeat…

Rose stared into his eyes deeply, ignoring her magic dancing around her fingers warmly and breathed, "Brooklyn?"

"I know you can read my thoughts…" He said quietly, staring at her magic dancing around her fingertips. "But... Rose, you told me, just a few minutes ago, that you and I are stronger together. And I agree. I have never understood this connection; while you have always wondered why we have this connection with each other, what it is and what it does? Right?"

"Right." Rose breathed, with bated breath, letting him initiate his thoughts without interfering. She knew what he was wanting to try, and she was all for it.

Suddenly, he gazed down upon her eyes with so much passion and strength, that nearly took her breath away.

"I think I know what to do. What's it meant for..." He said, not breaking eye contact with her. "Rose, I felt our connections come to life when I first met you, and though you carry magic… I'm the one that awakened it inside you. When you awakened my soul."

"Yes." Rose whispered, his lips inches from his, searching their feelings and knowing it was true. "You are the life force of our connections, Brooklyn; and because of that, you have awakened the magical properties within me."

"Because my soul has met its mate." He breathed, lightly touching her hair. "And because we are different species, it's been placed upon us as a gift. To help us better protect each other and be together all our lives. And though we still don't know where you are truly from, since you do have magic… I know that, as long as we are together, we can both live and heal from anything."

Rose kept her eyes upon his, raised herself up slightly, to better look down into his face and then placed her magical hand upon his bare chest, knowing exactly what to do. The red wispy power coursed through his body, energizing him, and ignited his instincts. He held onto her strongly now, breathing deeply both out of effort and shock.

Tears filled her eyes and she smiled down at him, still willing her power to pulse through him, mixing with his own connected instincts, and knew what to do as well. She would fuel him with her magic, and let him heal her since she could not heal herself.

"Brooklyn… my love and mate… " she breathed, her lips inches from his, trusting him completely to do this. "Heal me, please."

Brooklyn froze slightly at her request, but with his own instincts shooting through him, as well as her magic as a fuel and aid, he knew he could do it. He grit his jaw firmly, grabbed her legs with his claws and made sure she was all the way on top of him, and gazed up into her wounded face; at Rose's wounded face and body.

Thoughts entered his head and hers and they both heard his voice echo again in both their heads, "If only I could take away your pain, I would do it in a heartbeat…"

Rose's eyes went wide as she stared at him; her heart bursting with love towards him, and his towards her. They could feel each other's love and devotion for each other; and it seemed to burn as brightly as the sun. More intense sensations burst through their systems all the sudden; and it was overwhelming for her. Brooklyn was holding himself together, better than she was, but she could see and feel his desire for her turn on; activating his mating instincts. Though, she knew he wouldn't actually make love to her right now, his mating instincts had to be turned on for this to work, as well as hers. She was his and he was hers; and together they were one in every way. That knowledge was essential for this to work.

"Rose, my mate." He breathed, closing his eyes. "Heal… and be well…"

He slowly raised his one claw to her face, while the other held her body to his in a very intimate way; and found the back of her thin gown, to make sure his skin was touching hers. As his claw caressed her skin, and he uttered those words, a powerfully vibrating, and warm power shot through both of them, making Brooklyn groan out in effort.

The moment the power shot through her, her skin suddenly began to burn and tingle comfortably, making them want to draw even closer to each other. It was so raw and so powerful; it increased their desire to be one with each other. Brooklyn gasped out, at the power of this connection, and both of them were shaking with this strange sensation, as it shot from Brooklyn through her body; with her magic still fueling Brooklyn to do.

Rose closed her eyes and leaned her face against his, relaxing into his touch, his new strange, but strangely familiar ritual. She ran her hands up his forearms, biceps and chest; still giving him her magic, and was bombarded with another shocking wave of electricity and warmth. Then, with another wave of power, Rose felt something different, and suddenly all her pain started to fade away.

With their hearts, minds, and bodies connected; a sudden wave of sharp-hot; liquid-feeling power overcame both of them, making them both cry out in shock. Brooklyn's eyes widened, scared of what he was creating and doing, and didn't want to hurt her. However; as he gazed down into her closed eyes; she was completely relaxed and the most amazing thing was occurring right before his eyes.

As he held Rose in his arms, and the hot-waves of sensation was shooting from his body into hers, Rose's beaten face started to smooth out, and all her cuts and bruises began to disappear completely. Rose was breathing deeply, and as her pain faded, she opened her eyes and gazed deeply into his eyes.

Brooklyn couldn't believe what he was seeing, as he held onto his love. With each wave of intense sensation, more of her wounds and battle scars started disappearing, making her skin even out, heal, and liven up with color. Gasping, he then understood everything; they both did. Everything from his desire to protect her, to being warned about her in danger, feeling her near… she was his and he was hers.

They were one, and just like he could heal from his 'stone-sleep' deep magic, so could she as long as he willed it; and her magic fuel it.

Her eyes widened in comprehension, as his thoughts flowed through her mind; and with every passing second, she felt her body heal over with a thick, hot liquid type feeling, and it all made sense why they felt the need to be alone. This was a very sacred and intimate moment, much like making love. She had been critically injured, and it took both of them to willingly want to be free of her pain, for them to activate this strange, new power; by their love. To activate a power much like how Gargoyles heal in their stone sleep.

Brooklyn watched in awe as Rose's face lightened to her normal peach-white skin tone, all bruising, swelling and cuts fade away from her face, and left her practically glowing with beauty. As he gazed down her beautiful body; the power of the healing sensation, pushed out the IV from her hand, and the entire line went crashing to the floor. From the top of her head, the power trickled down lower, and lower; hitting every wound, every ailment in her body. From her chest wound to ribs, to every unseen bruises, cuts, and other damage; to her stab wound on her leg; his and her magic combined, healed and encompassed her in his love, and his protection.

A few more seconds of this power engulfed them both, before the sensations slowed down and then stopped pulsing all together. Rose's magic faded, and then stopped altogether. Brooklyn had been breathing deeply, as if he truly had given himself to her and made love desperately and passionately, and collapsed his head back on her pillow, breathing deeply and shaking slightly. Rose's head also collapsed against his chest, her energy spent as well.

After a few minutes of resting against each other and getting their bearings back, Brooklyn slowly raised his head from her pillow and looked down upon her face. Rose's eyes were closed and looked peaceful, relaxed… but not only that, she looked very different than she did just a few minutes ago.

Brooklyn's mouth was opened in shock as he stared at Rose. No longer did her face have bruises or cuts, but she was completely healed and rejuvenated. But more than that, her skin was glowing with life, and she looked and felt beautifully desirable to him, more than he ever thought was possible before now. A new level of love was pulsing through him now, and now that he had a taste of her soul, he wanted to feel more.

"Jalapena… Rose!" He gasped, still holding onto her by the waist, but held her out so he could take a better look at her. "Baby, you're completely healed!"

Rose blinked a few times, and didn't know what to think, nor what he was talking about. Those sensations felt so good to her; and it was almost as if Brooklyn and her had made love. The air around them was magical and dense, and something powerful had just happened to them both, especially to her. She didn't want to let go of him, but she had to see for herself what had happened. Something inside her knew, and her magic knew, that his soul and connective powers entered hers and healed her wounds.

"What?" She whispered in slight disbelief, still gazing into his beautifully widened eyes.

He sat her up slightly, and gazed down upon her more fully. Her face was completely healed; all cuts, bruises, and even the fingerprints from her neck were gone. Tears filled his eyes, as he stared at her and seemed to be frozen.

Since she didn't feel any pain, she quickly slid off him and ran for the nearby mirror in the bathroom. When she got there, she walked up to it and was shocked by the woman standing in front of it. Brooklyn came in shortly after her, and still seemed to be in frozen shock, and watched her check herself out. His face full of shock and awe.

As Rose looked at herself in the mirror, she slowly raised her hands to her face and was floored by the woman she saw in the reflection. Just as Brooklyn had said; she was completely healed. Her face was no longer cut up, bruised or swollen; and her skin was smoothed out to perfection; as though she had just been treated to an expensive skin treatment. Her eyelashes were a lot fuller than she remembered them being, which her hazel eyes brighter. Her long auburn-hair was more alive-looking, and richer in color; which only accentuated her beauty.

She looked down at her hands and arms now, and saw that they, too, were cut and bruise-free. The IV had been pushed out of her hand, with no trace that it had ever been there. She ran her hands all the way down her chest to her abdomen, and was in awe that she wasn't in anymore pain; especially when she had fractured a few ribs, and strangely, her body felt more toned and muscular. Not only that, she felt more alive, awake, energized, and healthy. Her head did not hurt, and when she took a deep breath, there seemed to be no pressure or heaviness from the pneumonia.

Her eyes widened, as she realized that her body went through a miraculous change, and suddenly as she stared at herself in the mirror, she wanted to see all her wounds healed and to see how much change she'd gone through. She bent over and began to get to work, unwrapping her leg from the large bandages and threw the bloodied wrapping on the floor and then gasped out. Not only was her face and arms healed, but the gashes, abrasions and stab wound on her legs were also gone. Still completely amazed, she then started to take off the bandage from her arm; and the deep laceration, from the gunshot, was also gone.

Rose's heart was pounding fiercely now, and needed to keep going. Not caring that Brooklyn was still standing behind her, she quickly unsnapped the neck piece to her hospital gown, lowered it to reveal her shoulder and then held it securely under her underarm. Then, she began to take apart the bandage from her chest and abdomen, and held her breath. Bringing her arms under her gown, she began to unwrap the large wrapping and had to see if the wound, in her upper shoulder and chest was healed as well. She kept herself covered in front of him, but was struggling to take the bandage off.

Sensing that she was struggling, Brooklyn blinked a few times out of his frozen trance, stepped forward; reached through the back of her hospital gown, pulled on the bandage slightly away from her skin, and then used the edge of his sharp taloned-fingers to cut through it. When the bandages fell to the floor; he gasped silently as he marveled at Rose's beautiful curve of backside, the sight of her in her underwear, and now bare back.

Before he could do or say anything; she walked towards the mirror to get a closer look. Her hospital gown had closed itself in the back, but Brooklyn could see that by releasing the bandages from her chest; had released her breasts from being so tightly constrained. They looked fuller and more intensely desirable for him. Brooklyn thought he was going to pass out from her breathtaking beauty. He pushed his lustful thoughts away as she suddenly gasped, and raised her hands to her mouth.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Brooklyn asked her with worry, stepping forward and placing his claws on her arms, forgetting all his thoughts from before. Slowly, she turned around to face him, her eyes full of shock and awe, to reveal her bare shoulder to him. She held the thin gown against her chest, and held the fabric under her armpit, to keep herself modest.

Brooklyn, however, held his breath as she was suddenly showing him more skin than he'd ever seen on her. His mating instincts were still in full force as he stared at her and her tremendous beauty. Her skin was smoothed to perfection and, as she was holding the thin gown over her chest to show him her bare shoulder; he felt as though he wanted to undo the rest of her gown, fully take her as his mate, and make sweet; passionate love to her. It took everything he had to focus his attention to what she was trying to show him, and once he did; he gasped as well.

Right under her collar bone, in the center of her upper shoulder and chest; where the gunshot used to be, was nothing except her beautifully, soft, and smooth-looking skin. There wasn't a sign that Kevin had ever beaten or shot her. Tears suddenly came to his eyes; and he was immensely thankful for what the connection had done for his love. There was great power in their connections now. Power and magic, it seemed. As he gazed over Rose, his heart seemed to be beating a million-miles per hour. They would discuss their connection later on… right now, he couldn't stand there anymore just staring at her. Not after what he felt when he healed her, and not what he was feeling now.

He took a step towards her as she gasped in awe.

"Can you believe…?!" but then stopped talking, when she saw the look in his eyes.

He reached his claw out and caressed her face lightly and delicately, as though she was the most beautiful and fragile thing he's ever seen. She closed her eyes for a moment as he lowered his claws to her neck, and then explored the skin that she was showing him. He ran his talon-thumb over where her wound was, as she re-opened her eyes and gazed lovingly up to his eyes.

"You healed me." She whispered, leaning herself deeper into his touch.

Looking down into her beautiful face, her eyes were brighter and he swore he could see his very future brightly in them. More tingling sensation pulsed through them, suddenly, and he wanted nothing more than to claim her body with his; nothing more than to taste her beautifully scented skin with his tongue. His lips were inches from hers; when another pulse of electricity shot through them, this time; exciting both their mating instincts as if to add to the magical healing ritual. They had become one in mind and souls; and had only pressed their bodies together. Not yet, have they actually become one, physically.

Rose closed her eyes, her lips still inches from his and was breathing quickly. She gave a quick shake of her head, moving her long hair from her face, so it cascaded down her back, and brought her exposed shoulder closer to his lips. He could feel that she was needing to feel him, against her sensual body; as he needed to feel her.

"We healed each other," he muttered, no longer able to deny hers and his desires for each other. With a frantic exhaling gasp; he forced one claw up Rose's hospital gown, to touch the skin of her sides and waist; while his other claw tenderly held the back of her head, keeping her securely fastened against him as he passionately claimed her mouth with his.

Instantly; his tongue found its way to hers, and they both got lost in passionate kissing. Rose was gasping, as he was kissing and holding herself against him, touching her skin. He had lifted her gown above her hips; which revealed her bikini underwear and was pressing her pelvis into his.

Rose wrapped her arms around his neck, to lift herself up to straddle his waist; when another shot of electricity shot out connecting them. However; this time, it wasn't to add to their intimacy; but once again, show them clear and vivid images in their minds, much like the first night in which they kissed for the first time...

It was nearly sunrise as Brooklyn and Rose were standing together on a small cliff, overlooking their charge. Just below them was a sandy beach; and the ocean was breaking calmly onto the shore, in front of them. Brooklyn was standing behind Rose, and had lovingly wrapped his arms around her abdomen, holding her close to him; his wings around them both. Rose and Brooklyn's long hair was gently waving in the soft breeze as they gazed out to the horizon.

Below them was the sound of squealing children's voices; and a Gargoyle-beast's happy barks. Rose closed her eyes, reached her hands up to take hold of his face from behind her and was smiling blissfully. Brooklyn lightly grazed his claws up the side of her body and held onto her arms; placing intimate kisses on her neck, arms and the side of her face.

He loved her and she loved him, and both loved the life in which they both created together...

Brooklyn and Rose suddenly broke apart; breathing quickly and stared at each other with shocked eyes. They hadn't seen images like that since the first night they kissed. At the time, they both felt terrified of their sudden connection and very unsure of their feelings for each other. Especially with him being a Gargoyle and her being a Human.

However; that was then, and this was their now. And now, it was everything they wanted and thrived on. Rose blinked a few times, breathing deeply, as she was still straddling him; and then whispered, "Those images… they must be our future. I'm so sure of it now."

Her lips were inches from his; and her scent was overwhelmingly beautiful to him. He had figured it out too; but he still wanted to hear her thoughts. He had to make sure what he was thinking and hearing was true. He was breathing deeply in her face, as she closed her eyes and rested her lips against his; barely grazing each other's.

"I've known this all along, but… now it is sure to me as well. Especially as I was able to heal you..." Brooklyn whispered against her lips. "You and I are one, always and forever. We were always meant to be together… and now that we are, we will never be apart. I love you, Rose."

Rose smiled against his lips and then breathed, "If you love me, Brooklyn… then take me as yours… please."

Brooklyn froze, completely, as he was holding Rose against him; his claws still on her beautifully soft skin. Her eyes were glazed over with tears; and he could feel her heart pounding against his chest. He closed his eyes and sighed; breathing deeply. Gargoyles normally mated with their mates… and she wasn't yet, officially his. However; he felt that they both had given each other their promises, oaths, and faithful love to each other. He opened his eyes suddenly and felt that those promises were enough. They've already declared their love and devotion to each other; many times.

"I need you, my love…" Rose whispered against his lips, finally kissing them.

He moaned, and that was all he needed to hear, all he needed to feel; as he lifted her up to straddle his waist and pelvis more securely. He shut the bathroom door with his tail and pressed her body against the wall with his. She wrapped her legs around his waist, arms around his arms; and felt as though she was electrically charged with great power and purpose, as he kissed and touched her.

For Brooklyn, her gown was thin against her luscious body; that he couldn't stop himself anymore. He ran his claws over her gown, touching and caressing every beautiful curve of her chest, holding and caressing her large and soft breasts; kissing her neck deeply and passionately.

The moment his claw ran down from the back of her head to her chest, she threw her head back, moaning- gasping with desire; and grasped onto his thick hair with her hands; forcing her lips back onto his. He started moaning deeply and was seeming to lose all control of himself. Her skin was so soft and smooth against his claws, her body inviting him to hers.

As they continued to passionately make out; Brooklyn held onto her legs, pressed her body into the wall with his, and continued to run his claws up her gown; needing to touch her skin; and feel every beautiful part of her. Rose moaned frantically as she held onto his neck and head. She had never felt as good as she did right then; and not only wanted more of him, but needed him.

However; before anything could happen more with their intimacy, a knock on the bathroom door suddenly shocked them to a stop, both of them freezing mid-passionate make out; pre-love session. Brooklyn's eyes naturally lit up brightly, as he held her possessively against him, growling ferociously; as his mating instincts were being disrupted, but it seemed to bring Rose back to reality. Before she could say anything to console him, her eyes widened as the nurse's voice called out, "Miss Connolly, are you in there?"

Rose gasped out loud, and clasped a hand over Brooklyn's mouth to keep his growls quiet. Luckily the door was shut, so the nurse couldn't see what was actually happening in the bathroom.

Rose looked over at Brooklyn; who had seemed to break out of his mating instincts. His eyes stopped glowing and was staring at her in shock, as though they didn't know what was going on. When he looked down at their entwined bodies, she was straddling his waist, he had his claws up her gown; touching her bare skin, and was frozen on the sides of her rib cage. His eyes widened in shock and in apology as she finally found her voice.

"Um… yes. I'm here… just… using the bathroom." She lied wildly, her voice shaking slightly. "Everything is all good in here."

"Alright, dear." The nurse said from the other side of the door. "I'll be right back to take your vitals and give your next round of pain medications."

Brooklyn blinked a few times, breathing deeply, and finally came around to reality. He released her back down to the ground, and away from his heated body. His face was growing more red, if possible, as he slowly and sheepishly lowered his claws from her breasts; which, in turn, accidentally made Rose cry out loud, her own body was tender and sensitive from desire still. Rose's eyes widened as she slapped her hand across her hand across her mouth to quiet herself.

Brooklyn, however, seemed to lose himself in the hilarity of the situation. His eyes widened at her as he tried to keep himself quiet; and suddenly began snorting with laughter. Brooklyn had released his hold from her skin, and was pulling her gown more modestly around her body, all while struggling to keep his laughing silent. Rose shushed him, struggling to contain her laughter as well; and placed her hand over his mouth; both of their bodies were shaking with laughter.

"Uh… are you alright?" The nurse asked her, from the other side of the door, as Rose clasp her other hand over her own mouth again. "Is… is someone in there with you?"

With wide eyes she looked over at Brooklyn, and silently placed a finger in front of her mouth to shush him, as another serious round of laughter came through. Now, the situation was downright hilarious. Brooklyn stepped away from her, wrapped his wings around his shoulders, and had to bury his face into the wall; trying but failing, to stop laughing.

Rose didn't know if she could answer the nurse, without bursting out into hysterical laughter as well.

"I… uh...um…no, of course not. I just… uh… read something funny. I'll be out soon." She barely managed to get out with a squeaky voice.

Brooklyn was now beside himself; laughing against his claws, making loud noises. Rose jumped off the counter, ran over to him and was holding her hand against his mouth, to keep his sound contained. She was starting to snort out laughter; and they stayed hidden, holding in their laughter when they heard Rose's nurse say.

"Okay... let me know if you need anything."

Rose and Brooklyn waited in tormented silence, until the hospital room door shut once again, hopefully meaning that the nurse had left.

"Oh, my stars above!" Rose exclaimed out in shock at him, laughing; as Brooklyn fell to the floor, beside himself; laughing hysterically. He was laughing harder than she'd ever seen him laugh and it was absolutely hilarious to watch. Rose knelt to the ground laughing with him, in pure hysterics, and ended up holding her sides.

"That was horrible!" Rose laughed hysterically, her face mortified, as she tried to breathe normally again. Brooklyn stopped laughing and gently pulled her to him, once again, and grinned devilishly up at her.

"That was awesome!" He exclaimed. "I mean… the timing of the nurse was perfect! Oh man, that was hilarious."

He stood up and held onto Rose's waist, laughing once again. Rose blinked a few times, realization truly coming over, as she remembered what they were doing just before they were interrupted. She glanced up at him, with intense eyes, and placed her fingers on his lips to hush his laughter. When he saw the seriousness in her eyes; he stopped laughing, and then gently wrapped his arms around her body, holding her tenderly to him.

"Brooklyn… I… I really think we need to talk about, what just happened here. Or… almost happened here." Rose said gently, feeling her face start to blush slightly.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes; almost as though he was feeling slightly ashamed.

"I know." He answered her quietly. "I… I'm sorry. We need to be an official mated pair before I… touch you like that… I just… we had just gone through a lot together. I mean, I nearly lost you again last night… and then feeling that very intense connection to you; and then the images that we saw again. It just reminds me that I'm making the right decision to be with you forever."

Rose was breathing deeply as she gazed into his eyes and then smiled.

"I… I don't mind that you were touching me, Brooklyn." Rose said quietly. "You've made me feel things I've never felt before… I feel beautiful when I'm with you. Wanted... and like I have a purpose."

Brooklyn quickly looked over at her, as though he was tempted again to touch her, but she quickly cleared her throat and began to tease him.

"I, uh… am bothered, however; that you chose such an unromantic place to try to make love to me… I mean… really? A hospital bathroom?"

She stopped talking and looked around in slight disgust, and then looked over at his face grinning at him, winking at him. Though she was kidding around with him; he seemed to take her words to heart, and stared at her, with wide and horrified eyes.

"I… I never really thought about that, I was just too caught up in the intimate moment with you. You're right, oh man… I would never mate with the woman I loved in such a disgusting place. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Rose. You deserve so much better than this; I'll keep myself in check from now on, I promise. Let's get married first; and then we can finally enjoy each other on our… what you Humans call, 'Honeymoon.'"

Rose smiled up at him and then gave him a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I was kidding, babe… sort of. " she whispered against his lips. "But, thank you, all the same."

He willingly responded and held her tightly against him, keeping his claws around her waist and not exploring her body like he did moments before. When Rose pulled away, she rested her head against his forehead and closed her eyes.

"I love you, Brooklyn." She whispered, taking hold of his claws with her hands. "You're the best thing to ever happen to me."

Brooklyn smiled tenderly at her and whispered back, "And you are the best thing to ever happen to me, too; my love."

Rose pulled away and then turned towards the mirror, and was looking at her newly-healed body. She snapped the gown over her shoulders, grabbed her long and thick hair, and tossed it over her shoulders, so it cascaded down her back. She took a deep breath and then turned to face him. He was watching her lovingly and then his arms were around her again.

"You are the most beautiful woman, Rose. I know that I misbehaved… but you… felt so good to me. I love you so much." He said softly. "I can't wait to marry you."

Rose was smiling up at him, but then her smile fell slightly, and worry entered her eyes.

"You're still wanting to marry me?" She asked him quietly. " Even with Kevin still out there, actively seeking my death? With the Quarrymen out there, hunting you all? Are… are you sure?"

Brooklyn gazed down into her eyes and suddenly looked very serious and intense.

"I have never been more sure about something in my entire existence, Rose Connelly." He told her seriously. " If you'll still have me as your mate, then yes. Now that you're truly healed once again, I don't see a reason to stop our wedding plans. Now that Kevin has made his move; Xanatos will, most likely, have a stronger security force up and running; and Kevin would be a complete fool to try to attack us again. As for the Quarrymen…" He paused and then balled his fists up, growling slightly; "We've been able to handle them before, they are nothing we cannot handle as a Clan."

Rose stayed quiet for a few minutes before sighing.

"Alright. If you're sure, then I trust you." She said quietly, touching his chest. "I've never actually dealt with the Quarrymen before; only heard stories on the news, and that they are nothing but a bunch of thugs, criminals and terrorists. I just… it just scares me, is all."

"My love, there is nothing to be afraid of." Brooklyn said fiercely; taking her face in his claws. "You said it before, right when you were healed, that as long as we stay focused on each other and our love; and put our fears behind us, then we are unstoppable. I truly believe that, and I am going to go forward, from this moment on, thinking like that. Sure, Kevin is out there, and so are the Quarrymen, but we cannot keep living in fear. Let's you and I focus on each other, our future, and our Clan."

Rose nodded slightly, but then she bit her lip, still looking nervous.

"Okay… I just… I'm still terrified of Kevin." She whispered. "He almost won tonight… and nearly took everything from me. So, I'm sorry. This'll take some getting used to."

Brooklyn looked down at her, confused. "What will?"

"Kevin is not the man that I once knew, Brooklyn." Rose said quietly. "From the moment we got married, he was bad, yes,… but… never this bad. I mean, he looked terrifying. He obviously hasn't been eating or sleeping; and has just been living off cigarettes, booze and hatred for me. I didn't even hardly recognize him. Look at all the terror and destruction he caused last night. That was him just jerking us around… think about what'll happen when he actually tries again."

She paused and then stepped away from him, grabbing her long hair, and started to fiddle with it nervously.

"I don't want to think about it, Rose." He said gently, placing his claws on her arms, and slowly, turned her towards him and she gazed up into his eyes. "Trust me, the images of him shooting you will haunt me until the night that I die, but I'm going to choose to focus on you now. You didn't die; and we've just found out a precious gift. I can heal you, Rose."

Rose smiled brightly and chuckled.

"Yes, you did." She said, pulling herself into a hug, resting her head against his chest.

"With the help of your magic, of course." He said, holding her waist, smiling down at her. "Rose… you amaze me. Look at what you've been able to accomplish in such a short time."

"And you amaze me." She whispered back, looking up at him with her lips coming closer to his. "Your love for me is so strong and passionate; that you instantly gave me what I needed. I was injured, and you healed me, without any questions asked. Just how you healed my concussion, a few months ago. Remember that? You probably did the same thing, while we both slept."

"Maybe." Brooklyn exclaimed, chuckling. "I mean, I certainly don't remember feeling those amazing feelings coursing through me, but then again; I don't remember anything after we fell asleep that night. So, that's probably what happened."

Rose stared into his eyes for a few seconds, before she slowly lifted her hands to caress his beak, and then smiled gently.

"Do you… do you think that our connection and it's healing power, fueled by my magic, will allow me to age the same rate as you?" She asked him quietly, gazing deeply into his eyes. "So, instead of me dying at a Human age; I'll be able to live a full life with you?"

Brooklyn's intense gaze seemed to melt her and her legs suddenly felt weak. He held onto her body, tightly in his grasp, as he smiled down at her.

"I don't know that for sure…" he breathed. "But… from what we've seen so far. I truly believe that, as long as we are together, then we can do almost anything. If I can heal you, protect you; then who's to say that you can't live off my life force and stay with me until the end of my life?"

Rose smiled and then rested her head against his chest, running her hands up his bare chest, loving him and his beautifully defined muscles.

"Just like Hisahi and Suki were said to be…" Rose whispered, tears forming in her eyes. He stayed silent for a moment, and then held her tighter in his arms.

"Yes, just like their legend… would you like that? To live for two hundred years?" He asked her softly, his lips grazed her forehead, down her cheek, and then over her lips; reactivating their mating instincts.

"Yes," she breathed back, pulling her face back to gaze back up into his soft eyes. "I would like that very much… as long as I'm with you. I'll live for all eternity."

"Me too." He whispered, his lips grazing across her now. "And if this connection does allow us to live a long life together, then you and I can be together for the rest of our lives, and if Kevin comes to end that beautiful promise and gift, well… then I'll end him first. No questions asked; no more threats to you. You and me, we are in this together; and are one, now and forever."

Rose wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him passionately for a few seconds; tasting him with her tongue and pressing her body against his. He groaned against her lips, and responded with his own tongue dancing with hers in sweet intensity; but before he could get too far lost in it, she pulled back slightly and then whispered against his lips.

"Yes. Forever. I like the sound of that."

"Me too, babe," Brooklyn breathed, caressing his claw down her face and kissing her again. "Me too."

They kissed passionately for a few minutes, feeling each other, before Rose pulled away slightly.

"What's wrong?" He asked her softly, still trying to kiss her lips.

"So much has happened in the past twenty-four hours..." she breathed, taking his hair in her hands. "But... it's not yet midnight. Which means it's still Christmas."

Brooklyn smiled down at her and lightly caressed her face.

"Hmm... so it is, my love."

"And you blessed me with the gift to heal..." she whispered against his lips now, teasing him. Brooklyn stayed quiet for a few seconds, before he smiled brighter, holding her face in his claws.

"Yes, I have... so... are you saying that this Christmas didn't turn out as horrible as it felt?" He asked her, lowering his lips to her; kissing her through their conversation.

"That's exactly what I'm saying." She whispered, as he lowered his lips to her neck and tasted her sweet skin, making her groan out. They needed to get out of the bathroom, and get on with their night, because now that she was healed, she was not going to stay- and more than ever, she wanted to get married to him. Their desire to make love was intense. After claiming her neck, he heard of her thoughts flow her mind into his, and he slowed down; raising his face to hers.

"You've blessed me every night with the gift of your life and love." He whispered against her lips once again. "So, I guess. It truly is a good night."

She smiled against his kisses, held onto his neck tightly and then leaned back with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, it is. Merry Christmas, Brooklyn."

"Merry Christmas, my beautiful Rose." He whispered back. "My love... my mate..."

With that, she crushed her lips against his once again, and both claimed each other's mouths, breathing each other in and tasting each other passionately. Though they both weren't going to make love in the bathroom; they still wanted to make up for the lost time in replacing the horrific memories and images from the night before, to let their love guide their way through the darkness surrounding them.