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?

33. Chapter 33- Calm Before The Storm

**Another chapter! It is indeed the calm before the storm! Thank you all for reading and reviewing my story. Please let me know what you would like to see with this story! I know how this story'll end, but I'm always up for suggestions! Thanks again- shine on.**

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~Chapter Thirty-Three~

Calm Before The Storm

Rose and Brooklyn stayed out well past midnight snuggling with each other, watching the fireworks, until Rose could barely keep her eyes open. She couldn't help herself as she kept drifting in and out of sleep as Brooklyn was lightly stroking her skin with his claw.

The incredible fireworks show had ended and the other couples were now standing and cleaning up their blankets. Broadway yawned loudly, stretched his large body out, and then helped Angela stand up. Rose watched from the ground, with pure exhaustion, as he whispered something into Angela's ear which made her giggle. He then held her tenderly against him, lovingly rubbed her slightly rounded stomach and then kissed her gently. Rose smiled at their sweet embrace, and was jostled out of her tired daze as Brooklyn started to sit up. He had her head supported on his bicep, laid on his side, and loomed over her slightly. Seeing her tired eyes, he smiled at her gently and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"We probably should head back to the Labyrinth,." He told her quietly, with a hint of sadness. Rose stared up at him for a few seconds, wanting to argue with him, and then slowly nodded. It would be pointless to argue against the inevitable and would have to return to the Labyrinth. But she did not want this wonderful night to end, and didn't know if she could let Brooklyn leave her alone again. She stared up into his large, brown eyes, and smiled sadly back at him.

"I guess we should." She answered him.

He sighed heavily, grunted slightly as he got himself off the ground and stretched out his own body and wings; yawning. Rose smiled and blushed slightly watching him do so, as every muscle from his legs to his abdomen, chest and arms; flexed. Sighing, he then offered his claw down to her where she took it and he pulled her effortlessly to her feet. He stared down at her for a few seconds, as she moved her long hair out of her face and began cleaning up their blanket.

Broadway yawned loudly, stepped over to Brooklyn and clapped his brother on the back.

"Happy New Year, Brook!"

"Happy New Year," Brooklyn said smiling, as Angela came running over to him and hugging him. Rose smiled at the pair and watched as the trio and their mates all gathered around them. After Angela hugged Brooklyn, she came over and wrapped her arms around Rose.

"Happy New Year, Rose!" Angela whispered in her ears.

"Thank you, Happy New Year to you too." Rose replied, looking over just in time for Akira to hug her; both girls giggling. Brooklyn turned to the others and then said, "This was awesome, but I've got to bring Rose back to the Labyrinth now."

"Aw, I wish she didn't have to go," Broadway said sadly, turning to her and giving her a tight hug. "It feels like we just got you back."

"I know what you mean," Brooklyn muttered, sighing heavily, as he watched Broadway and Rose hug tightly. Rose was smiling sadly and placed a small kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks, Broadway." Rose said quietly, as he pulled away. "That's sweet of you to say. But, we'll see each other again soon. Right?"

"Right!" Broadway answered, as Lexington stepped forward and pounded his fists against hers.

"Yeah," He answered, smiling. "We'll have you over for couples game night, one of these nights. Or we'll come to you. Whatever is safest."

"Sounds like a plan, Lex. Thanks." Rose grinned, as Brooklyn came over to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. She looked up into his eyes and both of them lovingly smiled at each other for a few minutes, before he gently kissed her on the forehead and then lowered his lips to her ears.

"I don't think I can stay long, but could I stay with you until you fell asleep at least?"

When he pulled his lips away to look into her face with a hopeful expression, she smiled at him and whispered, "I would love that, thank you."

He nodded, smiling at her and then held her close to him.

"I'm going to drop Rose off to the Labyrinth, and will stay with her for a short time." He told them. "Tell Goliath, I'll be back in a few hours before sunrise."

"Cool," Broadway said, giving them both a thumbs up, as Lexington nodded.

"Have fun you two."

Rose grinned at them, as Angela stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Rose again, whispering in her ear, ""It's going to be okay, Rose. Soon you'll be back home with us; and I'll speak to father about your mating ceremony. I can see how close you and Brooklyn are becoming- we will honor you both with a ceremony the instant Kevin is out of the picture."

Rose pulled away from both of them and blushed slightly.

"Is it that obvious?" She teased her, laughing.

"From the pheromones, to your very body language, yes. Very.." Akira said softly, grinning cheekily. "Don't worry about it. It's natural… just… keep yourselves in check until you're mates."

Rose could feel her face deeper with hot red blushing, and looked down away from them, as they both giggled at her.

"Don't be embarrassed." Angela said, pulling her from Brooklyn's arms, and grinning at her. "It's completely normal. We've all gone through this-"

"Do you have a ceremonial wedding dress picked out yet?" Akira asked her excitedly. "Perhaps we could go with you to find one! That might help things along…"

"No, not yet. And um… well, I was going to go with Emily on Saturday, but then realized that I couldn't leave without being safe-" Rose answered them. "Whenever… that is. So, sure. We can go when Kevin is no longer a nuisance."

Angela and Akira both looked at each other at this news and Angela stepped up to her, looking hopeful and excited.

"Done! I'm so excited! Get some rest then, Rose." Akira said happily, taking her hands in her claws. "We'll see you soon, my sister."

"Bye," Rose said waving at them, and watched as all four of them jumped off the edge of the Time Square building heading towards the Castle, leaving her and Brooklyn alone. Rose watched them glide away for a few moments until they disappeared from their view, and then turned around to face Brooklyn and saw that he was watching her with a loving, but sad expression on his face. Taking a deep breath, not wanting to let that sadness affect her yet, she smiled and stepped towards him.

"I enjoyed our New Year's kiss tonight." She complimented softly, as she reached out and grabbed onto his claws, while gazing into his eyes. "That kiss was movie-worthy almost, you should be very proud of yourself."

He chuckled at her, and pulled her into his arms, holding and hugging her tightly.

"It really was an amazing kiss," He said softly, rubbing his claws up and down her back. "But then again, every kiss I have with you feels incredible."

"Awe, thank you." Rose grinned. "Well… every time I see you; I fall in love all over again."

Brooklyn laughed and held her against his chest, kissing the top of her cold nose.

"Hey, that was my next line." He said, grinning and then began to chuckle again. Rose laughed with him and peered up into his face, their lips inches apart from each other.

"Wanna try to remake that kiss?" She asked him in a whisper. "It's just us two now… no audience to boggle at us."

He chuckled briefly, then smiled warmly at her and lowered his face to hers.

"Of course I do." He whispered, his lips inches from hers.

Smiling, Rose instantly pressed her lips against his and initiated the kiss; and Brooklyn immediately kissed her back, deeply, and held onto her tightly. He wrapped his arms around her back, and one claw cupped the back of her head, gently grabbing a fistful of her hair. Rose moaned against his lips, wrapped her arms around his neck, and opened her mouth to let him in.

Brooklyn slid his tongue into her mouth and claimed her mouth, while she and him breathed each other in. She ran her fingers through his long white hair and pressed her body against his, wanting and needing to feel more. Brooklyn's other claw quickly found the bottom of her shirt, and instantly came sliding up her back; touching her skin and making her shiver against his touch. His claws left a trail of pleasurable heat against her skin, so much so she felt like she could lose strength in her knees and fall to the ground, but he held her close to him.

With every touch, their kiss deepened and Rose felt herself losing control. Brooklyn's talon suddenly slid across her back and slowly explored her own flat stomach near the front of her jeans, sending a strong trail of heat down her abdomen making her gasp out; and disengaged from his lips in surprise. Brooklyn's mouth slid into a smile, as Rose exhaled out a giggle.

"That was um… I… oh, forget it. I love how you make me feel. I love you, Brooklyn." She whispered, securing her arms around his neck and bringing her face closer to his.

"I love you, too Rose." He whispered back, moving her curled hair away from her exposed shoulders, and then grinned. "I love how I make you feel too… as well as how you make me feel."

They stared at each other deeply, getting lost in each other's eyes, as a thick smell of fire powder and smoke settled around them from the fireworks, and the air suddenly felt thicker and more silent. Rose smiled at him, and then lifted herself up so she sat higher against his chest, straddling her legs over his hips. Instantly, Brooklyn's arms tightened around her and held her tenderly in silence, both of them knowing what they had to do, but didn't want to do. After a few seconds, Brooklyn sighed, raised his claw to cup the back of her head and closed his eyes.

"We best get you back." He whispered, kissing the side of her head, never wanting the night to end. Rose slowly looked back up into his eyes and offered him a courageous smile.

"If we must." She said slowly raised his talon up along her face and gazed deeply into her eyes, with a great sadness, and took a deep breath.

"Unfortunately, we must." He whispered.

"It's okay… really." Rose told him, lowering herself down from his hips and placed her hands on his biceps as he kept her face cupped in his claws. "The more you leave me, the more I know you'll owe me big time when we are finally able to be together."

At that, Brooklyn's solemn expression melted and he couldn't help but snort out a laugh.

"Is that so?" He asked her lightly, as she nodded.

"Yes," She replied, grinning mischievously at him. "You've collected quite a debt so far, my love."

"Oh…?" Brooklyn whispered, lowering his face closer to hers. "And how then, my dear, am I ever supposed to repay that debt to you?"

Rose grinned mischievously at him and then whispered, "By marrying me… and then you'll figure out the rest, I'm sure."

Brooklyn chuckled at her, and then lowered his lips to hers, moaning slightly as he kissed her deeply. When he pulled away, he exhaled and whispered, "Message received, my love. And yes… I will happily repay that debt to you."

"As I will to you, for putting you through all this hell…" She breathed back, her smile fading, the usual feelings of sadness finally taking over her. Brooklyn placed one talon under her chin and forced her to gaze back up into his face, looking solemn himself.

"No need." He whispered. "Just you being alive, and loving me, is enough."

"Oh, but just you wait." Rose said softly, grinning cheekily at him. "You'll want to cash in my offer sooner or later."

"Hmm…" Brooklyn chuckled, pressing his lips to her and speaking through their kiss. "How about sooner?"

Rose closed her eyes and kissed him deeply for a few seconds, as his claws ran all the way up her back, exposing her back, before letting her go.

"Okay," Rose whispered, nodding. "It's a promise."

Brooklyn stared down at her while he brought his claws out from under the back of her shirt, and straightened it out. He looked around for a few seconds, sighing heavily. Rose slid her fingers through his talons, and pulled on him to head towards the ledge.

"Come on." Rose whispered, getting the inevitable in force. "Let's go, babe."

She kept pulling on him, and before she could say anything more to him, he quickly bent down, scooped her up in his arms while spreading his wings and leapt off the building. Rose gasped and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, as his wings caught the current; and they began gliding towards the Labyrinth.

"I've got you," Brooklyn whispered in her ear, as she held herself in an iron-tight hold against his body. "It's okay."

"I know," She gasped back, trying to relax, and closing her eyes. "You took me by surprise is all."

"Sorry," he said, grinning at her. "I thought you were used to heights by now."

"I thought I was too." Rose laughed, relaxing enough to gaze into his eyes. "Apparently not."

"I'm sorry, my love-" He said apologetically, smiling at her. "I'll warn you from now on, if you wish."

"It's okay," Rose grinned at him, resting her face against his. "I know that I'm safe in your arms. I'm not afraid-"

"Good," he said softly, kissing her forehead, and tightening his grip on her. "Because I'll never let you go…"

Rose slowly raised her face up to look into his eyes, as her long hair blew in the wind, and smiled at him, while caressing his beak.

"Good to know-" She whispered back.

---

After a good ten-minutes of gliding, Brooklyn touched down just outside the Labyrinth, at the rooftop access, and together him and Rose walked, hand-in-claw towards the roof entrance. Once there, he lifted the grated iron bars up with ease, turned to her and placed his arm around her waist.

"Hold onto me. I'll lower us down." He instructed softly.

Rose wrapped her arms around his neck, facing him, and then jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Like this?" She asked him, trying to hide her smile.

"Um… yeah…" He smiled back. "That works… it works better for the bedroom, but you won't hear me complain."

She gasped at him, as he began to laugh out loud at her expression and reaction.

"Brooklyn!" She gasped out, holding in a laugh, as he full on laughed out loud. "That was naughty."

"I'm sorry-" he laughed in a deep chested voice. "That was inappropriate of me-"

Rose slowly smiled at him and giggled, but then whispered, "Inappropriate, but true…"

Brooklyn raised an eye bone at her, with his eyes opened wide, and it was his turn to gape at her, as she giggled.

"Who's dirty minded now?" He laughed, holding one arm around her back. "You play the innocent- does no wrong- but deep down we both know you aren't."

"Marry me, and find out." She whispered in his ear, and then laughed out loud as he glanced over at her and looked like he was about to pass out.

"Wowww." He drawled, teasing her, but grinning from ear to ear. "Just- wow."

Rose laughed out loud, and buried her face in the crook of his neck, blushing.

"HA!" He laughed, tickling her sides making her scream out in laughter, and forcing her to face him instead of hide. "You're blushing!"

"No, I'm not-" Rose laughed; trying to hide from him, but it wasn't working.

"You're as red as I am, love." He teased her, grinning brightly. "Nothing to be ashamed of. I guess we'll have to wait and see who the true, 'freak in the bed' will be."

She giggled at him while shaking her head.

"No comment." She laughed, as he tightened his grip on her, keeping her legs tightly secured around his waist. He was smiling amusingly, kissed her forehead, and then jumped down the small circled hole, and slid their bodies down the hole, using his claws to hang from the ceiling for a moment before putting the gated iron bars back. Brooklyn's back was to the ground, while gravity pulled her body to his.

She could have easily let herself give into the feeling of her body being pressed against his in such an intimate way, but as Rose cautiously looked down over his shoulder, she immediately regretted it. Gasping out, she closed her eyes, buried her face into the side of his neck and clung to him, as he laughed quietly.

"I shouldn't have looked…" She gasped out. "I'm not used to hanging from the ceiling like a bat."

"Don't worry- I've got you, love." He replied, wrapping one strong arm around her. Then, he let go of the ceiling and did a flip, landing gracefully on his feet, with his arms securely around her body. Rose opened her eyes, and looked into his eyes, as he looked proud and slightly smug.

"See?" He asked her. "Nothing to it."

"Impressive." She laughed, letting go of him and sliding down to the ground. "But then again, you've always been impressive to me. So, no shocker there."

He grinned at her, took her hand in his claw, and began to lead her down the dark concrete tube, towards the main Labyrinth concrete doors. They continued to walk in silence, until Rose couldn't take it anymore, and had to say something to him.

"Thank you for tonight, my love." She said softly. "It was really romantic, thoughtful and beautiful. I love you so much, and I am so thankful for you."

Brooklyn looked down at her, slowed down their walking, let go of her hand and then placed his arm around her shoulder, holding her closely to his side. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and whispered, "You're welcome, sweetheart. I had fun tonight as well- I especially enjoyed being with you; even though we had a few moments of hardship, I'm glad we worked it out."

"Me too." She said softly. "I know we can figure anything out, if we put our heads and hearts together, but… regardless of that, I wish tonight didn't have to end." She paused from speaking, as they walked closer to the large Labyrinth door and suddenly felt the familiar pang of loneliness enter her heart. She closed her eyes slowly and didn't want him to leave, so instead, she stayed silent and wanted to suddenly burst into tears. Sensing her feelings, Brooklyn held her closer to him and sighed heavily.

"I know." Brooklyn said in a low voice. "We just have to be strong until that glorious night comes where we will never have to part ever again."

Rose looked over to see his face, and it was clear to her that he didn't want to leave her alone again either. Before she knew it, they had reached the large doors to the Labyrinth, and both of them stood still, not moving, not looking at each other. Rose closed her eyes, took a deep breath and then turned towards him. His face wore a miserable expression as he looked back into her eyes.

She smiled sadly at him, stepped forward towards him and gently touched his face.

"You said you would stay with me, until I fell asleep, right?"

"Yes," he whispered back to her. "I will stay until you're asleep."

"So…" She whispered, grinning. "I guess I stay up all night and hold you… keeping you with me until dawn?"

Brooklyn grinned back at her, chuckled and pulled her to him.

"Oh, Rose." He said softly, kissing her forehead. "If only it were that easy."

"I know," she replied, looking up into his face. "I was kidding- I know you have responsibilities to still take care of."

"And you need sleep." He responded, caressing her face lovingly with a talon. "I will stay with you until you're fast asleep. It's only one in the morning- I have plenty of night left, meaning that I have plenty of time to stay with you."

"I'll take whatever opportunity I have to be with you." Rose whispered, sliding her fingers in between his talons. "So… let's head inside to begin our snuggling… shall we?"

With a smile, Brooklyn lifted their entwined hands up to his lips and placed a small kiss on her fingers before he led her through the large metal doors into the Labyrinth, where they were met by Talon, who was still standing guard at the doors and was looking over the, still-busy, Labyrinth. The Homeless were just starting to settle down; but it was obvious that they had put on a small party for the new year.

When Talon saw them, he smiled and said, "Hey guys. How was your date?"

"It was amazing." Rose answered, leading Brooklyn inside with their hands still clasped together. "Brooklyn surprised me with a wonderfully, romantic dinner; and then we joined the other couples to watch fireworks at Time Square."

"Oh cool!" Talon exclaimed, smiling brightly. "That sounds like fun; I bet Times Square is a nightmare right now."

"Yeah, it was pretty busy." Brooklyn commented, looking around the busy Labyrinth. "I actually have to patrol the City for trouble here in a little while- so if you don't mind, I'm going to stay with Rose for a little while longer- but then I'll need to head back to the Clan."

"Of course," Talon said, nodding. "I don't mind. You two enjoy your time together- we'll talk again soon."

Brooklyn smiled at Talon, nodded, and then guided Rose by her hand throughout the Labyrinth, up the stairs and towards her room. When they reached it, she pulled out her small key, unlocked her door, and then walked inside with Brooklyn following closely behind her; shutting the door behind him.

Her room was pitch dark, except for the small window at the foot of her bed and the skylight at the top of her ceiling. Rose walked through the small dark room, towards her bed, and felt for the lamp on her bedside table, turning it on. It lit up her small room with a soft light and Rose turned to see that Brooklyn had followed her and was settling himself on her bed, with his back against the cold stone.

Rose smiled at him for a few moments before she said, "I'm going to get ready for bed, okay? I'll be right back."

"Okay." He answered her, smiling back. "Take your time, love."

She walked over to her closet, took off her jacket, and shoes; and then walked over to her dresser, where the small TV sat, and rummaged through her night clothes. As she browsed through her dresser; she realized that she never retrieved her clean clothes from the dryer, and had more clothes in her bathroom, that she never got to put through the washer, meaning that a lot of her night clothes were dirty.

Rose paused for a moment and noticed that she did have a lacy and silky, black strapped dress that she grabbed and loved to sleep in. She took a deep breath and thought long and hard about if she should dare put it on. She didn't want to tempt him more than what he was comfortable with right now; but she also had very little choice as all of her bed clothing were dirty.

"You okay over there?" Brooklyn asked her from her bed, lying on his side, watching her. Closing her eyes, and cursing herself slightly; she picked it up, stood up and replied over her shoulder, "Yes. I was just… thinking."

"About what?" He asked her quietly, smiling.

"Well…" she said slowly, moving a strand of curly hair around her ear, still speaking to him with her back facing him. "I kind of forgot to finish my laundry today. But… um… it's all good. I'll do it in the morning."

"Okay." He replied. "I would offer to help you, but I won't be here."

"It's okay," She replied, smiling at him over her shoulder. "Thank you, though."

"Anytime." He said, still lying down on her bed, smiling at her. With that, she walked towards the bathroom and shut the door behind her. When she was inside, she exhaled in relief, flipped on the light, and looked down at the black piece of fabric in her hands, letting it fall against her body; holding it up by the spaghetti straps.

Slowly, she looked up into the mirror at herself and shook her head. It was a more modest piece of lingerie, but it was still lingerie; plain and simple, and she didn't want to make Brooklyn feel uncomfortable. She knew that he had to leave tonight, and couldn't stay with her. But if she put it on, it would most likely make it harder for him to leave her. Taking a deep breath, realizing that she didn't have any choice, she tossed the black strapped short silky dress on the counter, and stripped down out of her clothing.

"Yeah, it's definitely laundry day tomorrow." Rose mumbled to herself as she noticed how largely piled up her basket had become. She didn't think she packed all that many clothes; but it was amazing that her hamper was already full, and she had a large pile in the dryer down stairs.

Before she put on her black skirt dress; she used the bathroom, washed her hands and face, brushed her teeth and then brushed her long red-auburn hair out. When she was completely ready for bed she realized another thing that made her palms start to sweat, as well as her heart pump frantically. With him there, she didn't have any clean bras to wear with her piece, other than the strapless one in which she was wearing, which were not comfortable for wearing to bed.

Rose stared up at herself in the mirror and shook her head at herself, not knowing if she could walk out to him, dressed in a skimpy black outfit, without much coverage. Rose closed her eyes and forced herself to breathe.

"Don't be a coward-" She whispered to herself. "It's just Brooklyn out there… and he's eventually going to see me naked anyway."

She smiled unconvincingly at herself in the mirror and groaned, her smile fading, and she leaned her head down on the counter, trying to figure out what to do. That did not help her feel better, but she had no choice. He was also going to be her mate and husband soon- and would eventually see her naked ,or more exposed than what she was used to. However, after the tough discussion they had tonight about her past with Kevin's sexual abuse, she didn't know if she had it in her to expose herself to him this soon.

Rose closed her eyes for a moment, and gathered her courage up. Then, taking a deep breath, she unhooked her bra, took it off, and slid on the black, silky and strapped piece. Once on, it hugged her in all the right places, and hit her a little above her knees; but she was so nervous to walk out in front of Brooklyn like this. Rose had to admit; she looked incredible, but she didn't want to upset him by having dressed like this before getting married.

"It's just Brooklyn." She whispered to herself in the mirror, still gathering up the courage to walk out of her bathroom. "He's your best friend and the love of your life. Get it together… seriously… he wears nothing but a loincloth for goodness sake, and your worried that you're not wearing something more modest?"

As Rose uttered this fact under her breath, she chuckled at herself; opened her bathroom door, shut off the light and forced herself to walk out towards him, having completely convinced herself that it would be fine. However; as she walked out towards him, he raised his eyes to her from her bed, and gasped. When Rose turned to him, with a very nervous expression on her face, his face showed her exactly what she wanted, but was also slightly afraid of. His mouth gaped open, his eyes were huge; as he looked her hungrily up and down. She then bit her lip slightly and immediately broke out into explanation, as if she were in trouble.

"I'm sorry… seriously, so sorry… I…know what this looks like." She explained nervously. "But uh… because I didn't finish the laundry today, I, um… had nothing more to wear. So you get…. this."

He didn't say anything for a few seconds, after her nervous explanation, and she watched him gaze at her, drinking her beauty in. She played with her fingers nervously and felt herself blushing fiercely, lowered her face, and suddenly wanted to run away and hide from him. But before she could, he was suddenly in front of her, and took her fiddling hands in his. She closed her eyes, still refusing to look up into his as she blushed, and exhaled out in defeat as she could feel his body heat close to hers..

"I… I really am sorry." She started to say, blushing, and still unable to look at him. "I know we don't want to be tempted anymore to make love with each other- but I really had nothing else to wear, and I…"

He placed a talon on her lips, stopping her from talking, and slowly raised her chin up to gaze into his eyes The moment her eyes met his, and saw how much he loved her; she felt her nervousness melt away. He cupped her face in his claws and was breathing heavily in her face, his body heat so intense, she felt her own instincts firing up. He rested his forehead against hers, and slowly traced his talons down her neck, lightly grazing her exposed skin travelling down her shoulders and arms. Rose closed her eyes at his touch, and needed more, as he wrapped his arms around her waist, crushing her soft chest to his rock-hard one.

"You're so beautiful." Brooklyn finally whispered, lowering his lips to hers and kissing her gently, but meaningfully. Rose closed her eyes at his touch and wanted this night to never end. His lips pulled on her sensually, and their tongues danced together; creating more heat between them. As they made out- his claws explored all over her silky get-up, and then his lips left her lips and claimed her neck. Rose threw her neck back in ecstasy, holding onto him tightly and moaned. Brooklyn cupped her face once again, raising his lips and tongue back up to claim her lips, before grasping onto her long hair. Rose tried to keep up with him, touching him and feeling his own amazingly strong body with her hands, but he seemed to be moving too quickly for her.

Without releasing her lips, he leaned down and easily scooped her up into the bridal carry in his arms, walked a few steps over to her bed; and then gently eased her down on her back while he laid on top of her, still kissing her. Rose knew they probably should stop, but she suddenly had no will of her own.

Brooklyn broke away from her lips, and began to kiss and taste her neck once again, lowering her straps from her shoulders; breathing more deeply and faster with with every touch. He felt beautiful to her; and with every passing second, she could feel his excited groin pressing harder and harder onto hers. Moaning and gasping for breath, she licked her lips to try to find her voice, as his lips trailed down her neck, going lower towards her chest.

"Brooklyn-" She gasped out, finally finding her voice, and hating herself for doing so. Upon hearing her voice, he stopped what he was doing and slowly raised himself off her body. He was breathing deeply, and his eyes seemed dazed; as though he wasn't thinking- but was acting out of his love for her and his instincts.

"I'm sorry." She breathed, as he stared into her eyes, breathing frantically. From the look in his eyes, she half expected him to damn it all and begin to kiss her again and fully give into their mating instincts, but then he blinked a few times and slowly began to raise her spaghetti straps back onto her shoulders.

"No, I'm sorry." He whispered, closing his eyes. "I- you're…"

"Shh.." She breathed, closing her eyes and kissing him again. His claws froze above her head, as she kissed his lips again. She moved her lips tenderly against his, holding onto his face, and then let him go, staring up into his closed eyes; which slowly opened back up.

"It's okay," She whispered in his face. "I'm sorry I don't have anything to cover myself up a bit. I.. I could maybe wear a sweatshirt or-"

"No," He said, raising himself off her body and laid next to her. "I'll behave. I promise. I just want you at all times now. There's nothing more that I want than you… no matter what you wear, that'll never change. But…" he paused, lightly grazed his talons down her face and then trailed them lower down her neck, over her necklace and then over her soft and thinly covered chest. "This… certainly doesn't help things."

"I'm sorry." She said breathlessly, as he raised his claw away from her chest.

"Hmm," he mused, grinning at her. "I'm not."

She smiled back at him, and felt beautiful as he glanced over her body. He suddenly lifted her body up, slightly off the bed, and wrapped his wings around her, cocooning them together to offer them both warmth. Rose smiled up at him, as he pulled her body back down towards his, and laid her on his chest, as he lay on his back. She nestled her head upon his shoulder and pressed her lips into his chest, running her hands and arms over the side of his abdomen.

"Thank you." She whispered. "It's not that I don't want to make love… I just…"

"I know." Brooklyn whispered, pressing his lips against hers once again. "You're so beautiful regardless, my love. You are driving me absolutely crazy… but… I'm not going to take advantage of you. I have a duty to return tonight, and we've already been through this. I'm not going to make love to you until we are mated; that is important to me… however…"

He paused as he ran his talons through her long hair, down her neck and stopped just inches from her low hanging neckline- where her cleavage was showing a lot more than normal. He gently pulled the necklace, in which she never took off, and looked at the pendant that he gave her. He ran one talon over the heart shaped wings and then said, "I can't deny that I want to kiss you even just for a moment of intense passion."

Rose smiled up at him and then said, "I'm always up for that, I just want you to not make yourself frustrated by not being able to fully mate with me."

"I'm always in a state of frustration when I'm around you," Brooklyn said softly, paused, and then chuckled, releasing her necklace. "But don't worry. I'll behave myself."

Rose laughed slightly, kissed him on his lips and then snuggled closer to him; before she had an idea. She suddenly rolled on her other side away from him, opened her side table drawer and pulled out a book. She nestled back into his arms, lying against his chest and showed him it.

"What is that?" He asked her curiously.

"The other day, I went down to the main part of the Labyrinth and was searching for some books to read, and came across one that I just had to borrow." Rose explained to him, smiling wider now. She laid on her back, still in his arms and wings, and then showed him the front cover, laughing.

"1000 of the Corniest Jokes on Earth." Brooklyn read out loud; and then started laughing. "Oh no."

"Oh yes." Rose told him, starting to flip open to a few pages. "This little book of stupid jokes has literally been my bible lately. It has kept me up laughing; and has even helped me with my depression a little bit. Want me to read you a few?"

Brooklyn gazed over at her, with a humorous smile on his face and then said, "Sure, I cannot wait to hear these."

Rose smiled wickedly and then adjusted herself closer to him. He held onto her body, in his strong arms and sighed happily, waiting for her to start reading to him. Rose flipped open to a few random pages, read through some jokes, and then started laughing by herself. She could feel Brooklyn's smile against her skin and knew he was ready.

"Okay, okay." She started, trying to hold together her laugh. "They are really corny- so be prepared. Here we go, 'What did the tired criminal need?'"

Brooklyn smiled at her, thought for a moment and then shrugged.

"I don't know. What did he need?"

"Arrest." Rose answered. "Get it? He needs A-rest?"

Silence passed between them for a second, before Brooklyn burst out laughing. Rose couldn't help herself anymore and laughed with him, and loved his laughter more than anything

"That's the stupidest thing…" Brooklyn laughed, holding her body tighter to his.

"Oh, they get better." Rose told him, wiping tears from her eyes. "Okay- here's one of my favorites. 'How does a train eat?'"

Brooklyn grinned down at her and started chuckling once again, "I have no idea. How?"

Rose bit her lip, snorted, and then said, "It goes chew chew."

With that, Brooklyn and Rose both lost it laughing hysterically. She didn't know if it was because it was late, or just them enjoying their time together- but they both could not stop laughing. Brooklyn suddenly grabbed the book from her, while still laughing and went to find some of his own to tell her. Rose grinned at him, rested on her side, supporting her head in her palm as he searched through the pages. After a few seconds, he burst out laughing again.

"Oh my goodness," he laughed. "I don't know if I can read this…"

"Do you want me to?" She offered, holding her hand out.
"No, no." He said, trying to calm down. "No, I've got this." He then paused, cleared his throat a few times, took a deep breath and then lifted the book up again.

"Alright- babe. You ready for this?"

"Of course." She grinned back, loving him.

"Why did the bike fall over?" He asked her, biting his lip; trying not to laugh. Seeing his reaction, she instantly began laughing and didn't know if she could speak.

"Why?" She barely managed, wiping tears away.

"Because It was two tired…" Brooklyn laughed; as Rose and him took off into another round of hysterical laughing; both barely able to breathe. Then their laughter battle began- for the next hour, Rose and Brooklyn both took turns reading corny jokes to each other until both of their sides hurt, and were out of breath. Finally, after her joke, Rose threw the book away from them, as Brooklyn was holding his stomach and laughing so hard he could barely breathe, he laughed, "Okay, enough of this. My stomach hurts from laughing, I can't take anymore corny jokes."

Rose laughed at him, and sunk down to her pillow and his wing all while breathing deeply. Brooklyn had buried his face in her pillow and was still laughing hysterically, when she turned to face him and rested her head next to his on her pillow. Smiling up at him, she raised her hand up and began caressing his face, instantly calming him down.

Breathing deeply, he raised his face off her pillow, chuckled at her a few more times, before he calmed down, wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against his chest and kissed the top of her forehead. Rose closed her eyes at his touch and started to relax instantly, feeling exhausted all the sudden. He peered down lovingly into her eyes, as he brought his claws up to gently caress her face lovingly.

"That was fun," Brooklyn muttered, his lips inches from hers. "I like it when we can talk and laugh without any effort."

"Yeah, it doesn't take much for us to goof off does it?" Rose smiled at him.

"No," Brooklyn laughed back at her, still trailing his talons across her face. "But that's okay. What's life without love, fun, and laughter?"

"Nothing that I can think of." Rose replied, giggling, and caressing his beak softly. His eyes stared deeply into hers and slowly they got lost in each other's eyes. Rose closed her eyes and pressed her nose against his, and instantly the tingling sensation of their soul connection awakened and flowed into each other; making them one. Brooklyn closed his eyes at the intense sensation and held onto her body even closer, breathing onto her exposed skin of her shoulders.

"I love you, Rose." He breathed against her shoulder, kissing her skin. "Thank you for making me smile and laugh. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"You're the best thing to ever happen to me too." Rose whispered back, letting him slid his talons in between her fingers, gazing deeply and now quite seriously into her eyes, as though he was wanting to claim her body again with his. As Rose saw the change of seriousness, she blinked a few times and felt her heart quicken. Brooklyn had said that he wasn't going to take advantage of her as she slept; and never in a million years did she think he would, but the way he was gazing at her, was making her wish that he would. Rose raised her hands up to his face and lightly touched his beak; searching his eyes desperately.

"What are you thinking about, Brooklyn?" Rose whispered to him.

"A lot of things." He answered simply, as he kept lightly touching Rose on her face, her neck, upper chest, arms.

"Like what?" She asked him quietly.

He smiled gently down at her, and suddenly adjusted his body so that he was straddled above her, barely resting down upon her body with his. Rose took a deep breath and longed for him to just continue with what he was doing. She needed to be touched more; needed to partake in his love, and needed to feel him inside her. She ran her hands up his muscular arms and stared deeply into his eyes.

As he kept his plank above her; his body inches from touching hers, she could feel the heat coming off his body and it was delicious to her. He was struggling just as much as she was in fighting their desires, but was refusing to give into his desires.

"You're beautiful, Rose." Brooklyn breathed in her face, his face inches from hers. "I want to claim you as mine more than anything in this moment, and I'm growing weary from trying to stop myself."

Rose blinked a few times at his sweet words and she felt her mouth dry out slightly. She was exhausted from having to torture herself as well, but she couldn't let him take the fall for something that was incredibly important to him, she had to be strong as well.

"I know." Rose exhaled, barely able to breathe somehow. "I am tired too, but once we are mates; it'll all be worth it, I promise."

Brooklyn smiled at her, closed his eyes and then lowered his lips to hers, meeting them slowly and sensually. He only kissed her for a few seconds before he stopped and whispered, "Yes, it will. I love you. Get some rest, I'll need to be leaving soon."

"Must you?" She breathed, as tears filled her eyes, grief punched her in the chest, and suddenly left her feeling even more exhausted. Her sadness filled his body through their connection, making him moan out in frustration. He lifted his body off his side so he could better see her face, and took her face in his claws.

"Oh, Rose…" He whispered in defeat. "You know I don't want to."

"I know." She whispered back, smiling sadly. "It just… doesn't change the fact that saying good-bye to you just hurts so much…"

At her words, Brooklyn closed his eyes, sighed, and lifted himself up from the bed. Rose watched him, with tears in her eyes, as he climbed over her body once again, straddled his hips over hers, and slowly lowered his body down on top of hers. He kept his eyes on hers, planking his body above hers, and then crushed himself to her, all while his lips found hers; kissing her fiercely and passionately.

The moment she felt his beautiful body on her, she gasped out and wrapped her arms around his neck, digging her nails into his skin, urging him to continue. Rose closed her own eyes and sighed out, as his claws caressed up her body and then slid in-between her fingers, raising her arms above her head. He kept kissing her in an unrushed and steady set of movements, his body slowly sliding against her which made her gasp out against his lips. However, before she could say anything, he stopped and raised his face; smiling sadly down at her.

"I can feel how tired you are, my love." He said softly.

"Can you also feel how much I love and need you?" She asked him fiercely, tightly closing her fingers over his talons.

"Yes," he whispered, his voice shaking slightly. "And I want you too… trust me… but… time is ticking away and I'll have to leave soon. I want to get in a slight nap with you first. Please, my love? Let's sleep together, and let our connection lull us both to sleep to finally get some sleep? Nightmare free and all?"

Rose sighed, giving up, and closed her eyes.

"Okay, my love." She whispered. "We'll sleep."

With her eyes still closed, she felt him lower his lips down to hers again, kissing her deeply but briefly. Once he stopped, he pulled up and gazed lovingly at her, then gathered her body up in his arms and kept her there, as he fell to his side. Rose sighed contently, wrapped her legs around his, her arms around his waist and kissed his chest. Brooklyn kept her tightly in his arms, as his wings still encompassed both of them, keeping her warm. Rose sighed, keeping her eyes closed and ran her hands down his side.

"You'll stay with me until I fall asleep?" She asked him softly.

"Of course." He responded, kissing her lightly on the lips. "I have about an hour to two at most to sleep with you. Don't worry- I'll make sure I let you know when I leave."

"Thank you," she sighed, resting her head upon his chest, and loved the feeling of his body against hers. She closed her eyes and instantly began to feel the exhaustion creeping up on her.

Brooklyn closed his eyes, resting his head on her pillow and his face against her head, his own exhaustion finding him. He kissed her forehead and then whispered, "Oh, Rose. I'm so in love with you… sleep well, my angel. "

"I'm in love with you too… " Rose breathed back. "More than anything I've ever known."

She felt his lips kiss her forehead, and then he reached over with a claw and turned off her lamp, enveloping her room in darkness. He then breathed deeply and adjusted her body to his, so that she could feel his heart beat through her own chest, and his breathing was right against hers. With the darkness all around them, Rose fell into a deep sleep, knowing she was completely safe and secure in his strong arms- knowing that she would finally sleep free of nightmares…

---

Rose slept deeply and felt Brooklyn's love flow into her body, as they were sleeping in each other's arms. Other than knowing he was still beside her, she didn't know how much time passed, but her dreams were full of Brooklyn, their romantic date in which they had that night; and of his lips and body against hers. She longed for it to be real as she thought about her love for him and his love for her.

She could still feel herself in reality as she slept; but felt something coming in her chest, changing her thoughts and superficial dreams. For some reason, the familiar tingling sensation started in her hands and then shot through her entire body, as if she was being connected with Brooklyn. She would have awoken by its sensation, but she couldn't seem to wake up.

Then, suddenly; she felt herself being whisked away from reality; into a very real dream- much like the one she had a few months ago- when she dreamed of Brooklyn making love to her; then to have it be Kevin on top of her, viciously stabbing her to death. And like that dream, she could hear some waves crashing in the distance. Once she stopped falling through the black space in her mind, it now sounded as though she were really there- next to an Ocean…

Rose was suddenly standing on a large grassy cliff, near where she grew up in Bar Harbor, Maine. She looked around the landscape and immediately recognized her favorite lighthouse on the corner of the land, which was standing tall and strong; signaling a light out to all who might've been lost at sea. Rose's eyes went wide as she recalled all the memories of climbing up that Lighthouse; playing with childhood friends- watching fishermen in their boats coming towards the docks in Bar Harbor. Roses' heart suddenly leapt painfully as she recalled all those simple times.

"I'm home?" She muttered to herself as she looked around. She glanced towards the ledge of the cliff, on the other side of the Lighthouse, and saw her hometown village. With a jolt in her heart, she longed to run down to her childhood home and see if her Grandparents were there.

However; before she did, she suddenly heard a great crash of thunder in the distance. Startled, Rose looked back towards the ledge of the cliff to look out towards the sea. As she walked along the grass, she wondered if she was back the very real nightmare in which she had a few months ago- where she was killed by Kevin, as this seemed to be the same place in which that took place.

As Rose continued to look around, she realized, in horror, that it was the same place- and was not Scotland in which she first thought, but was right around the corner from where she grew up. She looked down at herself and saw that she was wearing her black, silky outfit in which she went to bed with- and was surprised by how in tune her senses were. This was no ordinary dream. It was like she was really there-

The wind was blowing hard, blowing her long wavy hair around, and as she looked out to the horizon; she saw a very dark and ominous wall cloud of a Hurricane heading towards land, creating large waves in the ocean below and blowing each tree and grass blade violently; sending Ocean mist up to her face.

She could hear the rumbling thunder as it was approaching, and it gave her heart a sense of great danger. Soon, she knew she would have to take cover. She walked barefoot along the grass towards the ledge of the cliff; to try to find out why she was there, and what this new realistic dream was trying to warn her about. As she walked towards the lighthouse, feeling drawn to its light, she suddenly saw an older gentleman standing not far from her, who also gazing out towards the stormy horizon.

Rose gasped slightly, and felt that she somehow knew him. Walking slowly towards him, the man was dressed in an old pair of jeans, with a plaid- button up shirt, and was smoking a pipe. Although his back was facing her, her heart began to pound frantically, and tears filled her eyes. Everything about him looked like her Pop, Robert.. Before she could ask him who he was, and why she was there; the man suddenly said, "There's a storm a comin' Rosie."

Rose's heart leaped painfully, and she gasped out loud. She knew that voice with the Irish accent- and there was only one person in her entire life that had ever called her by the nickname of Rosie. She rushed towards the man and placed her hands on his arm.

"Pop? Is that you?" She gasped out.

Slowly, the old man turned, and it was indeed her Grandfather. His short white-hair was blowing in the stormy sea wind, and his face was exactly as she remembered it. He had many wrinkles and hard lines on his face, but his vibrant blue eyes twinkled at her.

"Aye, lass. It's me." He replied softly, taking his pipe out of his mouth.

Rose stared into his face for a few seconds, before she burst into tears, holding her mouth with her hands. His eyes filled with tears as well, as he gathered her in his arms, holding her tightly- much like he used to when she was a young girl. Rose continued to sob, hardly able to breathe, as her bottled up grief poured out.

---

Brooklyn was sleeping deeply, subconsciously knowing that Rose was lying in his arms, and it was helping him relax and sleep effortlessly. He loved taking naps with her and, as long as he was going to be Rose, he was going to take them. She often spent other night staying up with him, giving up her sleep to be with him. However, since he slept in a stone sleep; he enjoyed sleeping next to Rose which meant he could feel her beautiful body against his more often, and took every opportunity to be next to her, as it was a very intimate thing for him.

He didn't know how much time had passed, nor how long they had slept, but he suddenly heard Rose begin to breathe faster, and moan slightly. He took a deep breath, ignoring it for a moment, willing himself to keep dreaming of her and her beautifully luscious body against hers. However, as more seconds passed, their tingling soul connection pounded through him and began to stir him awake. He slowly stirred, trying to relax again, but then another sound made his eyes snap open. Rose was beginning to thrash back and forth in his arms, crying, and was obviously having a he saw her in great amounts of pain and was crying, he sat up slightly, completely awake and alert, and looked over her face.

"Rose, honey! Wake up!" He whispered, trying to wake her up, but nothing helped.

Since he could see in the dark, he could see the great amounts of grief on her face, and it was like she was being faced with something of great sorrow. He caressed her sweating face with his talon, and then had a thought. He closed his eyes, cupped her face, and willed himself to force their soul connection to take him into her dream with her… and when it did, he was suddenly brought into that very strange, but real dream world that he was in a few months ago- much like the hellish one with Kevin…

When Brooklyn opened his eyes, he was standing on that same hilltop, that Rose was murdered by Kevin, and saw that they were a lot closer to its edge than before. And unlike the nightmare Rose had, this landscape had a large lighthouse. Brooklyn looked around in shock and immediately had to secure his wings against his shoulders as a very strong and severe storm was building up in the horizon, making the Ocean go crazy against the shore.

He grit his teeth and knew he could not stay there, as Gargoyles relied on gentle wind currents to fly. Looking around, he saw a small town below the hilltop, and could see that the homes had already been boarded up to protect against the fierce winds of the approaching hurricane, which Brooklyn knew he would need to seek shelter immediately as well. But with Rose out here somewhere, he wasn't going to leave until he found her and brought her with him.

Thinking of her, he raised his arm up to his forehead to protect his eyes from the fierce windy ocean spray, and looked out towards the edge of the cliff. There, to his amazement, he saw Rose, in her black silky sexy outfit, hugging a very frail-looking, old man.

"Rose?" He mumbled to himself and quickly began to climb the hill, and hide behind the lighthouse to hear what they were doing, and who this man was. When he could hear them- his heart broke for her. She was sobbing and holding him tightly; and somehow he knew who it was. The old man was her adoptive father; her pop.

Seeing her in pain, he wanted more than anything to reach out and console her, but for right now; she was not in danger, other than the approaching storm, and he listened to her and her pop speak…

From where she stood, Rose cried out and pulled away to face her pop.

"I can't believe it's you!" She cried out, and looked over him. Everything about him was the same, and she couldn't believe it. He smelled of tobacco and wood; and his frail- yet strong body- was warm to the touch. It was as if he was really there with her; and he was wearing the same outfit he wore when he died.

"Aye, child. I'm here." He muttered, holding onto her tightly. He didn't show his emotions much, but when it came to family, and her especially; he often became the softest teddy bear anyone had ever seen. Rose finally let go of him and stared into his face, which was wet from tears.

She shook her head in disbelief, and sobbed, "I miss you so much…"

"And I miss you, Rosie." He said in his gruff voice, which was full of emotion. "I have been watching over you; and I am sick with grief and anger at how much hurt you've been through."

Rose knew immediately what he was referring to and couldn't stop the second set of grief and sobs from bursting out.

"I have been so lost, Pop. I… I don't know what to do anymore. You and Nana were my lighthouses in the dark… and I don't know how to carry on with this burden."

"I know it feels like that, Rosie." Her Grandfather said, trying to comfort her. "But you are stronger than you know- I know you can get through this."

"How?" Rose asked him, crying more. " I don't know what to do anymore!"

She wrapped her arms around her Grandfather's neck and sobbed like a child, for a few minutes. He let her cry while gently holding and rocking her back and forth like he used to. When she had calmed down, he let her go, and cupped her face while wiping her tears away.

"Child, If I could take away all of your pain; I would in an instant." He told her as gently as he could in his gruff voice. "And if I could be here for you, I would have stopped you from ever meeting that... monster. I know that I'm not one to judge a book by its cover… but you have made a huge mistake in meeting him, and I cannot do a thing to help you. That is something you must do on your own… "

Rose sniffed and misunderstood what he was saying, as she exhaled in despair.

"Oh, Pop… I know that Gargoyles looks different, but they are not monsters. My soon-to-be new husband, is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I just wish you were here to truly see how happy he makes me. He is not the real monster here; and is not the cause of my pain. Please try to see past his appearance… if you could see his good heart, I know you'll approve of us being together."

Her Grandfather gazed down into her face, and narrowed his eyes at her.

"I was not talking about Brooklyn." He told her in a slow and serious voice.

Rose froze slightly and didn't know how he knew Brooklyn's name, but before she could ask him, she felt an impending sense of doom approach her heart as she now knew who he was talking about. He was referring to the other monster in her life; the true life horror story.

"How did you-?" She asked him, but he ignored her and looked past her.

"You can come out from behind there now, lad." Her pop called out to someone behind her. Confused, Rose whipped her face around and with wide eyes, saw Brooklyn approach her from behind the lighthouse, with a very uncertain look on his face. As the wind whipped her hair all around her, she felt complete. Safe. Her connections flowed through her, and she knew he was actually there with her.

"Brooklyn! My love…!" Rose whispered, running for him.

Brooklyn had heard the conversation between her and her pop; and for a moment, he felt completely heart-broken as her Pop talked about Rose meeting a 'monster' and he was sure he was referring to him being a Gargoyle. Then, as his sweet angel came to his defense, they both were taken by surprise when her Pop called Brooklyn by name, stating that he was not referring to him or the other Gargoyles, and then he looked past Rose and right into his eyes; inviting him over.

Brooklyn exhaled in relief and gathered Rose tightly up in his arms, holding onto her tightly. Rose then pulled back, and gazed into his eyes with wide-tearful eyes.

"Are you really here?" She asked him, holding onto his talons.

"I am." He replied, his voice echoing slightly, in the strange world around them.

"This is the same place that I had that first real-nightmare," Rose said in a rushed voice. "And just like it, everything feel so real…!"

"Yes, it does." He said, blinking and looking around with fear. However, as he looked away from her, he saw her Pop smiling approvingly over at them. Rose pulled away from him, gazed up into his face and saw him looking at her pop. Smiling, she took his claw in her hand and whispered, "Come on… I want you to meet my Pop."

Rose pulled Brooklyn by the hand, over to her pop, and smiled up at him.

"Pop," she said softly, holding Brooklyn tightly against her. "This is Brooklyn- the love of my life and finance." She then paused, looked over at Brooklyn and said, with tears in her eyes, "Brooklyn… this is my pop. Robert."

Brooklyn smiled at Robert, stuck his claw out to shake Robert's, and to both, Rose and Brooklyn's surprise, Robert smiled back, stepped forward and grasp Brooklyn's claw, shaking it.

"It's so nice to meet you, sir." Brooklyn said. "The man who has raised Rose… I cannot tell you how thankful I am for good people like yourself."

"Nay," Robert said, letting go of his claw, with tears in his eyes. "It is I, who is immensely grateful for you, Brooklyn."

Rose stared at her Pop with tears streaming down her face, as Brooklyn looked completely taken aback.

"Me?" He asked Robert in confusion. "Why?"

"I have been lookin' down upon Rose, since the day I passed away." He explained in a heartfelt voice. "And I have watched her succeed, make choices that determine her life, and… then I saw her meet that monster… Kevin Morrison." He paused, as his jaw quivered. "And I could do nothin' to stop or help her. I have watched her struggle, cry, get hurt; be abused… and then sink so low into her hopeless despair that she would try to kill herself."

He paused from speaking and couldn't seem to continue. Rose began to sob, placed a hand over her face, as Brooklyn held her close to him; his own eyes filling with tears. Robert took a deep breath, and then continued to speak to them.

"However, "He said, taking Rose's hand and glancing deeply into her eyes. "Then I saw… this… Gargoyle come in and save yer life. I was unsure about what they were, of course, but the more I saw your soul connections and love; as well as Brooklyn's good heart- I knew he was the new lighthouse for you, lass."

"Lighthouse?" Rose asked him, holding Brooklyn tightly.

"Aye." Robert said softly, nodding. "Yer guiding light, in the darkness and storm surrounding ya. And…" He paused again, placed a hand upon Brooklyn's shoulder and began to cry. "It was more than I could have ever hoped for my dear little Rosie. Thank you, Brooklyn. Thank you for taking such good care of my sweet girl, while I have been unable to."

Brooklyn stood tall, with tears in his eyes, and slowly he nodded his head, placing his claw upon Robert's shoulders for comfort.

"You're welcome." Brooklyn said seriously. "I promise you… I will continue to love, respect, cherish, support, defend and protect Rose. With all my heart, strength and very life. Your daughter… she…" he paused and looked down upon Rose's face, taking a deep breath and then looked back at Robert. "She means everything to me."

"That's wonderful to hear." Robert said, smiling a true smile at him, before turning to Rose and taking her hand. "And… you have my blessing to marry each other."

With his words, Rose let go of Brooklyn and collected her Pop back in her arms.

"Oh Pop…" She cried in his shoulder. "Thank you…"

"There's no one better…" Robert said softly, holding and hugging her tightly. "I'm so proud of you, Rose. You've been so brave… and you've been so good to the Gargoyles. You and Brooklyn have been destined to meet."

Brooklyn smiled at them hugging, feeling completely relieved and humbled to have met the man who raised Rose, and to have made a good impression with him. For once in his life, he wasn't judged by how he looked as a Gargoyle, but by the character and strength of his heart- and for that- it meant everything to him.

Robert let go of Rose, smiled at her for a moment, but then a huge bolt of lightning flashed above them, instantly filling the air around them with thunderous booms. Rose cried out in fear; and the wind started to pick up, whipping her hair all around her, filling her heart with fear and dread. Her Grandfather, however, turned away from her; looking towards the incoming storm with a wary look, and walked towards the edge.

"Pop!?" Rose yelled out, stepping towards him, but Brooklyn grabbed her hand and held her to him.

He then turned to both of them, with wide and worried eyes.

"I don't have much time left…" He told them, as Rose shook her head.

"Please don't go… " Rose yelled out over the fierce wind, as more thunder crackled above them.

"A storm is coming, Rose…." Robert told her loudly. " And you best damn be ready for it when it does."

"What are you talking about?" She yelled above the howling wind. Her Grandfather turned back towards her, and urgently grasped her face in his frail hands, his eyes were panicked and holding her gaze with great worry.

"Rosie, I do not have much time left. Do you remember when you were a little girl; all the Hurricanes that would have and what I would do to protect you, your Grandmother and our home from its forces?"

"You… you would board up the house, days before it hit land." Rose answered back.

"Yes," He said. "I wouldn't let that damn storm rip my family and home apart. The same thing is true for you! Ya mustn't let the evil forces through your walls, board up every crack in your soul; be on guard and do not let evil destroy you."

"Pop… what are you saying?" Rose asked him, feeling more and more afraid. The storm all around them was threatening to blow them over. "Are you referring to Kevin?"

Brooklyn's eyes widened, as he held Rose to him, and watched as Robert's face suddenly seemed to darken at his name. He then slowly looked up at Brooklyn, and nodded his head.

"Aye, Rose." He answered in a grief and anger filled voice, turning his attention back to her. "He is comin'... and you must be ready to stand against him when he does."

"What?!" Rose cried out, trying to brace herself from the storm. "How? He doesn't know where I am!"

"He will find out..." Robert said frantically. "I can't say nothin' more than that… but I had to come and warn ya, Rose. He's comin' for ya… "

At his words, Rose felt the horror attack her heart, and she felt like collapsing down to the ground. However, Brooklyn stepped forward and grabbed Robert's hands, all while keeping her securely to his side.

"How?" He begged him, his voice breaking slightly in worry and rage. "How does he know where she's at?! When is he coming?"

"I can't say…" Robert gasped out, shaking his head slowly. "I'm sorry- I would if I could… but I must go now. I'm being called back… but please!" He paused and took hold of Brooklyn's shoulder, with tears streaming down his face, and looked like he was stricken with grief.

"Protect her…" He cried, shaking. "Please, protect my little girl…"

"I will…" Brooklyn breathed back, with tears in his eyes. "I promise."

With that, Robert nodded and broke away from Brooklyn and quickly kissed Rose on her forehead for a few seconds, and turned away from her.

"I love you, Rose." He said, pulling on her hand. "I always have and always will…"

Pounding rain was now being pelted down upon her skin, the wind howling so hard that Rose could barely hear or see anything anymore.

"No! Pop!" Rose cried out, tears pouring down her face, reaching out to him and trying to follow him. "Please, don't leave me again! Pop… GRAND-FATHER!"

"Rose!" Brooklyn cried out, taking hold of Rose as she was trying to fight away from him.

"Please, don't leave me again!" Rose screamed out, tears falling down her face; but as her Grandfather walked towards the edge, he suddenly vanished. Once he was gone, the storm hit them like a punch to the face. Rain, wind and thunder attacked them from all sides. Rose could hardly see anything, as the storm hit the land around her with a full scaled force of a Hurricane; whipping her around, threatening to blow her away. Rose fell to the ground, trying to brace herself from the storm, and she felt Brooklyn fall to the ground, bracing his body with hers.

"Rose, you need to wake up!" He yelled in her ear. "Honey, wake up!"

"NOO!" She screamed out, crying her full grief, anguish and rage out to her Grandfather, not listening to Brooklyn. "PLEASE- COME BACK! DON'T LEAVE ME HERE ALONE!"

As Rose cried helplessly on the ground, holding and bracing her head against the storm; she suddenly heard another familiar voice- one that was in the wind, all around her. Brooklyn's strong arms were holding her, around her chest, and was looming over her body taking the brunt of the storm for her. He suddenly raised his face to the storm all around them, and Rose suddenly felt a sick feeling in her stomach, as the voice in the wind and rain was suddenly Kevin's high-pitched laughter.

"I'm coming for you, Rose…"

Rose's eyes widened and terror pulled at her, as Brooklyn's grip around her tightened. Then, Kevin's figure; dressed all in black came out of the wall cloud, grinning maliciously at her.

"Kevin…" Rose whispered in horror; and couldn't feel her body. Brooklyn's eyes lit up in rage, forced her to stand up, and pulled her away from the spot.

"We gotta GO!" He yelled at her, grabbing her face and forcing her to look at him. "Rose, NOW! Wake up, honey!"

"You think you can protect her, Gargoyle?" Kevin drawled, raising a gun up to them. "But you can't… THIS BITCH IS MINE!"

Rose's eyes lit up in horror, as Brooklyn began to snarl, growl and brace himself to attack her; but she came back to reality and knew she had to wake up. She went to grab Brooklyn's claw, but it was too late. He shot himself forward to attack him with a roar of rage, but Kevin raised his gun up, and had the high ground over Brooklyn. Rose watched in completely horror, unable to do anything but scream. as the gun shot out- BANG!

"BROOKLYN! NOOOO!" Rose screamed; her whole world crumbling into utter and complete darkness…

---

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Rose screamed awake, and her eyes flashed open, as her mind pulled away from that realistic nightmare. She jumped, was breathing frantically, and was sweating and shaking all over. She instantly looked over and was relieved to see that Brooklyn had also gasped awake. He was looming over her body, and had her face cupped in his claws.

Rose gasped in and out, having a full-on panic attack and was relieved to see that she was back in the Labyrinth, in her bed, and was soaked from sweat not from the rain. When she saw Brooklyn above her, she squealed out again, reached over to the bedside table to turn on the light. Once on, she turned back to him and cupped his face in her hands; making sure he was real and that he was alive. He was also breathing deeply, and looked to be lost in his thoughts or in a daze.

"Brooklyn…?" Rose asked him, shaking so badly she could barely hold his face. "Baby? Talk to me, please!"

Brooklyn slowly raised his claw to the base of his neck, on his chest, and touched where the 'dream' bullet had hit him, and though it was a dream, he still could somehow feel the pain of the bullet hitting and instantly killing him in the dream. However, as he took deep breaths, the pain subsided, and he was very much still alive.

"Brooklyn?!' Rose cried out again, beside herself with grief, worry and terror, which broke him from his trance. He blinked, shook his head, and instantly wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I'm okay," he whispered, pulling her to him. "Relax, Rose. Baby, I'm okay."

Rose was crying earnestly, and shaking in terror as she touched the base of Brooklyn's neck with her shaking hands, relieved to see that he was very much alive. Gasping out, she pulled herself to him, straddled his hips with her legs, and kissed the base of his neck.

Brooklyn closed his eyes at her kiss, and held her tenderly against his body.

"Rose, it's okay." He whispered in her shoulders, kissing her skin. "Baby- I'm-"

"You can't do that to me." Rose suddenly said, pulling up to face him. "You can't leave me… okay? Especially if Kevin is involved… Brooklyn, please… please don't die."

"Rose, I'm here, I'm alive. Okay? It was just another nightmare…" Brooklyn began to argue, but Rose suddenly pushed him away from her and leapt off the bed, having a panic attack.

"Just another nightmare?!" She yelled at him, tears streaming down her face. "Brooklyn! This wasn't just a normal nightmare… this… this was a warning. My pop was really there, he… Kevin… and you… " She broke off from speaking, held herself and now was struggling to breathe; making Brooklyn immediately leap off the bed after her.

"Rose?!" He cried out, taking hold of her.

"I can't breathe-" she gasped out, feeling herself grow weaker. He quickly grabbed onto her, scooped her up into his arms and laid her back down on the bed. He took her arms and raised them above her head, and sat over her hips, opening up her chest.

"Breathe…" He ordered calmly. "Rose… breathe with me. Come on…"

Rose's breathing was frantically shallow, but as Brooklyn was above her, physically opening up her chest and being her guide- she felt herself syncing her breathing with his.

"That's it, baby." Brooklyn whispered, taking deep breaths in; holding it for a few seconds, and then exhaling, and watching her follow his lead. "Good job, keep breathing with me."

She closed her eyes, as her breathing began to deepen and slow down and she suddenly felt their soul connection flow calmly through both of their bodies; and like a light was being turned on in her body, she could feel his immense love for her and it instantly melted her panic and fear away. Keeping her eyes closed, she took a few deep breaths, in and out, and then slowly opened her eyes.

"That's it." He breathed, gazing down upon her face with great worry. "Are you okay now, love?"

"Yes," she whispered, feeling in control of her emotions now. Slowly, she sat up, and Brooklyn released her hands from the bed, and helped her sit up. She gazed up into his eyes, before he quickly took her in his arms, and kissed her on the lips briefly.

"Thank you." Rose whispered as he pulled away. "I'm sorry you had to see that… I… I haven't had a panic attack in a very long time. Not since before I left Kevin, and I didn't have the leisure of having someone help me through it."

"I wish I could have done more." Brooklyn whispered, cupping her face, as she smiled and shook her head.

"My love, you did everything perfect." She whispered, feeling tears fill her eyes again. "I just… I don't understand what's going on. Were you really there with me in that dream?"

"I was." Brooklyn replied, nodding his head. "I woke up to see you having another nightmare. I tried to wake you up, but couldn't. So, I summoned our connection and willed myself to enter your dream; to pull you from its grasp, but I found it was another realistic one. But, because you weren't, you know, being stabbed by Kevin- I didn't immediately engage. And… when I saw you talking with your pop; I just knew it was him, and so I stayed behind listening."

Tears filled her eyes, and she felt that grief pull at her heart again. Sniffing, she lowered her head onto his shoulder and cried, as Brooklyn held her tenderly to him.

"It's been eight years, Brooklyn." Rose whispered. "He looked, felt and even smelt exactly as I remembered him. He was even wearing the same outfit he wore when he died…"

Tears filled Brooklyn's eyes as he held Rose tightly to him.

"I'm so sorry, Rose…"

"I miss him so much…" Rose cried, tears streaming down her face. "I can't believe he was really there… as the years pass; it feels like the grief just intensifies. It hits me like that Ocean in that dream. Sometimes a little bit at a time, but then other times, it's like that Hurricane, and it threatens to pull me under. Grief, has a gravity and it pulls me down sometimes. I miss him and my Nana so much."

"I understand how you feel, and I'm sorry. Losing someone is never an easy thing..." Brooklyn whispered, rubbing his claws up and down her back. "But, if there's any justice in this world or the next, then they are still here with us. Your pop said so himself. He's always going to be with you- and is watching down over and loves you."

"Do you really believe in that?" Rose asked him, looking up into his eyes.

"Yeah, I do." He whispered. "When I lost my Clan at the Wyvern Massacre, I was sick with grief as well. And sometimes, there are times, where I still think of them and miss all of my brothers and sisters... but... with that loss, I've gained much more than I could ever imagine. Grief will always be there, but so will love. And I know that love is brighter than the darkness of grief. As long as I have you, I know that I will make it through these hard times."

Rose smiled up at him, through her tears, and touched his arm.

"Do- do you think my pop is in Heaven?" She asked him quietly. "Do you believe in a place like that? Or... a better place?"

Brooklyn stayed quiet for a moment, thinking deeply, before he sighed.

"I don't know." He answered honestly. "Gargoyles… don't really have any specific spiritual beliefs, but I do believe that there must be a good place for all of us to go- because there was a good place where all of us came from."

"What do you mean?" Rose asked him quietly, surprised by his answer.

"Well..." Brooklyn said, thinking deeply. "To tell you the truth, I didn't really believe in an afterlife, until I met you. After our souls connected, and I first laid eyes on you… I don't know about you, but it was really strange to have never met or seen you before; but the moment our eyes met, my whole life and soul connected to yours. It has occurred to me, that I must have known and loved you sometime before this life. And after seeing your pop, who has moved on, come to you and say that he's aware of you and of what you're going through, it makes sense that we would return to a better life than this one. That's my hope… and I'm sticking with it."

Rose stayed silent, and played with his claws for a few minutes, as he held her in his lap. Slowly, he brought a talon up under her chin and raised her face up to his.

"It's a nice thing to hope for." Rose said smiling at him, as he gently wiped her tears away. "I hope for that too-"

"It makes sense to me." He smiled down at her, and gently played with her face. "I must have loved you way before our life here, I love you more than anything in this life, and I know I will love you long, long after we are gone."

Rose smiled at him, wrapped an arm around his neck, while her other hand caressed his beak. He smiled back at her, and slowly she lowered her lips to his and kissed him deeply. He held her tightly against him, then slowly moved himself so his back was against the wall; and allowed her to kiss and touch him tenderly. Their mouths opened to each other and made out slowly and passionately, and Brooklyn's claws slid up under her silky gown; finding her bikini style underwear, and with a gasp, he broke away from her lips; and leaned his head back against the wall, groaning.

Rose bit her lip and exhaled out.

"I'm sorry- I'm making this hard on you." She whispered, gently holding his face in her hands.

"It's okay," He chuckled, keeping his claws on her exposed waist, and looked down at her, touching her exposed legs and upper thigh, making Rose shiver and gasp out. "You're just so beautiful."

"Thank you." She whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck, and pressing her body to his; allowing their pelvis' to touch even closer. "You're beautiful too, Brooklyn…"

She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder, as he rested his head against hers, and slowly caressed his talons down her skin with his eyes closed.

"I'm just so tired…" Rose breathed against his skin. "I haven't had a realistic dream like that, since the first one all those months ago. But… I haven't slept one night since Kevin's attack on the Castle. Every time I try to fall asleep here, I have normal nightmares, and I don't sleep well."

"I'm sorry, my love. I have been having nightmares too." Brooklyn replied, still rubbing her back; opening his eyes now. "Kevin is haunting both of us… and it's evident now that I must keep searching for him, before he finds you."

With that, Rose slowly lifted her head off Brooklyn's shoulders and looked fearfully into his eyes.

"Pop said he's found me…" Rose whispered, lightly holding his beak in her hands. "Do you think he has?"

"I have no idea." Brooklyn replied darkly, taking her hands in his claws and lowering them from his face. "But I intend to find out…"

With that, Brooklyn lifted her off him, laid her down, and then got off the bed. Rose watched him with wide eyes, jumped off the bed and tore after him, grabbing his claw before he could scale up her wall.

"Brooklyn, no!" Rose cried out, taking his claw. "Please, don't go-!"

Brooklyn turned back to face her, grabbed her shoulders and looked as though he was in a world of pain and anger.

"Rose, I must-" he gasped, holding her shoulders tightly. "Your pop did warned you, but he also warned me. Kevin hasn't stopped searching for you, and I have to do the same thing! I must find him before he finds you. That's the only way these nightmares will go away, that's the only way you and I can finally be together as mates."

Rose opened her mouth to speak, tears filling her eyes, but he stopped her by kissing her fiercely, holding her tightly against him. His lips pulled on hers sensually and deeply, only to come back and claim them again. Rose wrapped her arms around his waist, moaning; as he cupped her face gently. He then released her lips, and kept hold of her face.

"I promised you and your pop that I would protect you…" he whispered fiercely. "And protect you, I will. Rose… you're the love of my life. I'm going to take this warning seriously. It's time to refocus myself on that."

"Brooklyn-" She gasped out, tears falling down her face again. "I can't lose you… I have a terrible feeling. This time, you died in my dream… I can't lose you… please…"

"You died in the first nightmare." Brooklyn whispered, caressing her face, his lips inches from hers. "And I nearly lost you at the bridge… Rose… they may come true to a point. But we have the power to control our destinies. That much you taught me, by fighting to live. I'll be more careful, and will fight to live. I'll live for you, my love. And once Kevin dies, then you and I will continue to live together. Nothing can come between our love."

Rose stayed silent, and slowly nodded.

"Okay." She whispered, "I believe in you- I believe in our love."

"As do I." He whispered back, holding onto her tightly. "And your pop, gave us his permission to marry… which… I don't know about you, but that has made me even more determined to make sure we live."

"I'm so happy that he did." Rose smiled, tears still flowing down her face. "I'm so thankful you got a moment to meet him."

"He is incredible," Brooklyn whispered passionately. "But I knew he would be, because you are, my love. A part of him will always live in you."

Rose smiled up at him getting lost in his chocolate brown eyes, and felt their connection flow beautifully through both of them.

"Thank you." She whispered, resting her head against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you so much Brooklyn."

"I love you, Rose." He whispered, kissing her head, and holding her tightly. "I always have and always will."

They held each other in silence for a few minutes, but then Rose could feel his thoughts flow through her mind, and she knew that he had to leave. Exhausted, she pulled away from him and turned to her clock, saw that it was almost three in the morning and sighed. She wrapped her hands around her arms and silently sat down on her bed, looking away from him.

"Rose?" Brooklyn asked her quietly.

"You have to leave, don't you?" She asked him, still not looking at him.

Brooklyn sighed heavily, walked over to her and sat down next to her. He reached his claw out and took her hand in his.

"I don't want to- but yes." He replied softly. "I must. I told Goliath that I would be back, and now that I have been warned about Kevin finding you, I must take action. I'm sorry, honey."

"I understand." Rose whispered. "I do. I'm just so exhausted… and worried. I can't lose you Brooklyn. I've lost so many people… and I can't lose you too."

Brooklyn wrapped an arm around her and pulled her against him again.

"You won't lose me, Rose." He whispered. "I promise." He paused from speaking, raised his claws up her bare arms and cupped her face delicately. "I'm sorry you've endured, yet another, heart-breaking dream and nightmare… and I'm sorry for leaving- I just… I can't imagine living my life without you either. I have promised you so many things, and I feel like I keep breaking those promises, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…"

"You have nothing to apologize for." Rose told him, holding onto his biceps. "You saved me from the end of that dream and pulled me out of the abyss. I think that's the point of it all. Our love with save us; if we can cling to it and weather the storm together."

"If I could only find Kevin…" Brooklyn suddenly growled maliciously, still holding onto her. "When he and I do meet… he will receive no mercy from me. All of this hell, misery and terror is going to end soon- I won't rest until I find him."

"No," Rose said, reaching up to take his face. "Please, don't. Don't drive yourself mad again- I need you. I can't have you stay away from me too long… please."

"I won't." He said, running his claws down her neck slowly towards her chest. "I can't stay away from you either…not as long as what I did this week. That was just stupid."

He trailed his claws softly down over her chest, towards her abdomen, where he rested his claws on her hip bones, pulling her towards him. He closed his eyes at the sensations flowing through him, as he caressed his talons down her body softly- her silky thin fabric allowing him to feel every curve available to him. He rested his beak against her head and took a deep breath. Every night was torture for him- he glanced out the window and saw that he needed to leave. Sunrise wasn't for a few more hours, but he ended up taking a nap as Rose fell asleep and stayed a lot longer than he told Goliath that he would. He closed his eyes and ran his claws across her waist, holding her close to him.

"I'm sorry, Rose." He whispered, in a broken voice. "I have stayed way too late… longer than what I told Goliath… I…. I must head back to the Castle. I must find Kevin."

Rose's eyes filled with tears as he said this, and though she understood why, she didn't know if she could handle being alone after what she had seen. Her dream wasn't as terrifying as her other nightmare- but this one had a very real and foreboding undertone to it. Her Grandfather had appeared to her and warned her about Kevin. He was coming for her, and she needed to prepare herself. When she didn't say anything to him, he let her go slightly so he could look into her face.

"Rose?" He asked her, looking extremely worried.

"I'm scared, Brooklyn." Rose told him quietly, looking up into his eyes. "My Grandfather was warning me about Kevin… he says that he will be coming… and I cannot shake the feeling that he was speaking the truth. I do not think it was just a dream- this was real. I just… I don't know what to expect. I don't think Kevin knows where I am- but I am terrified about what's going to happen. Something bad is coming, I can just feel it."

"That's why you have me." Brooklyn told her in a fierce voice. "I am a warrior Rose, and because of that, I will fight to the death for you. You are my love, my mate… I will not let Kevin come near you…"

"I won't let you let you fight to the death for me, Brooklyn." Rose interrupted him and held onto his arms tightly, her eyes full of fear. "You say that you can't live without me, but I can't live without you! "

"If it comes down to that, then I will. No hesitation." Brooklyn told her seriously.

"No. I won't let you do that for me." Rose said tearfully, her voice becoming hard to control. Brooklyn stared down at her for a few seconds, took a deep breath and then said gently.

"Do not worry about it right now, I promise you I will be careful. It will be Kevin that dies, not me… I just wanted you to know what I am willing to do for you. Do not be afraid, nothing will take you away from me. I will not let anything happen to you."

Rose stared into his fierce eyes and nodded after a moment.

"Okay…" She whispered. "I trust you, Brooklyn. I… I'm sorry for all this…"

"I love you," Brooklyn whispered back at her. "I am a Gargoyle, I will protect those who I love and care about. That is who I am, and I am damn proud of it."

Rose smiled tearfully up at him, blinked a few tears away and said, "I am damn proud of you too; thank you for staying with me, my love. I love you so much."

"I love you too." He whispered, suddenly gazing into her eyes with a great deal of intensity. He ran his clawed talons up her back into her hair and kissed her fiercely, running his tongue in her mouth; dancing urgently with hers. Rose was all the sudden taken aback by how strongly he was holding onto her and kissing her passionately.

In one swift moment, he opened his wings, lifted her up into the air, and pulled her body underneath his, immediately crushing his against hers. Rose gave a slight gasp as the strength and weight of his body fell on top of hers. Once they were on the mattress, Brooklyn straddled himself over her body and pressed his pelvis down upon hers.

She closed her eyes at the sensations pulsing through her, the feeling of him on top of her was the most incredible and beautiful thing in the entire world. Brooklyn suddenly grabbed onto her arms and raised them above her head; and then slid his claws slowly down her bare arms, and lightly caressed over her bra-less chest- over her silky gown. Brooklyn was taking large gasps, as he slid his lips from her and tasted her neck, kissing her deeply, touching her intimately.

Rose closed her eyes, arched her body up against his and was breathing quickly, in small gasps. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck, her fingernails scratching down his back.

Brooklyn's claws had rushed down her body and pulled the skirt over her hips, exposing her underwear to his pelvis, and he ran his talons lightly over the fabric, caressing his talons over her hip bone. He raised the skirt up to her abdomen- touching her skin with the lightest of touches, exposing her stomach to him. She could feel every strong muscles in his abdomen against her stomach, and she felt like crying out in pleasure as well as in awe. With his lips claiming her neck, he slowly lowered his lips and tongue down her thinly covered breasts, to her exposed stomach and slid his lips down her skin. His hot breath against her skin, made her body react in a pleasurable way, she quickly grasped the blanket and her whole body tensed up as he kept sliding his lips down her exposed stomach, and stopped when he reached the top of her underwear.

Rose cried out, as Brooklyn suddenly growled out and came back up to claim her lips with his, his tongue sliding into her mouth. As she clung to him, her straps fell down her shoulders; and she suddenly wanted to tear her nighty all the way off and allow him to continue to claim and explore her body. A powerful surge of connection flowed through them, and both of them could hear each other's thoughts. Both filled with a powerful desire for each other; each wanting the same thing.

He disengaged from her lips and she fell down on the bed, breathing heavily and staring up at him; as he looked down upon her face with eyes full of pain and frustration, gritted his teeth, and balled his claws up into was breathing deeply and she could see that he was aroused, which made the moment even more intense and desirable for her.

"Brooklyn…" She started to say, in total awe at how beautiful he was to her, but he placed a talon over her mouth. He was gazing hungrily down at her body- and could also see her flat stomach, as well as the outline of her large breasts through the black fabric and he wanted to finally make sweet love to her. He took a large breath and forced himself off her, hating himself almost.

Rose watched him go with hurt in her eyes and said again, "No… Brooklyn…"

"I'm sorry, I must..." He growled, his fists clenched up.

Rose launched herself off the bed, straightened out her dress, and walked towards him. He faced away from her; and since she knew he couldn't have her in front of him, she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, holding onto him tightly. She closed her eyes, pressed her lips against his back, right in between his wings and then whispered, "I understand- I love you… please come see me again soon."

With that, Brooklyn turned to face her; and wrapped her tightly in his arms. She could feel his arousal against her and it nearly made her pass out- but she didn't dare move. He slowly let her go and placed a deep kiss upon her lips, slowly moving his lips against hers.

"I won't stay away long- I'll be back. I promise…" He whispered fiercely. "Never forget how much I love you."

"Don't worry." She whispered back. "I could never. I love you, too."

With that, he let go of her and jumped over her, using his claws to scale her wall, and headed towards her skylight. Rose blinked a few times in shock and then asked him, "Why are you going out that way?"

He paused near the top, looked down at her and then said, "Um… because I don't need people asking me questions, and have to calm my mating instincts. Plus- it's a window, which means it should be able to open."

With that, he forced the window open, which allowed some snow to creep through and fall down into her room. Before he left, he glanced back down at her and stare lovingly at her.

"Try to get some sleep, my angel." He said softly. "I love you, and will return to you very soon."

With that, he went to climb out of the skylight when Rose suddenly called out to him.

"Brooklyn!"

He paused once again and looked down at her. Rose bit her lip and shook her head slightly. "Please, please be safe."

"I will." He replied. "I promise."

With that, he climbed out; shut the skylight behind him- and disappeared from her view. Rose stayed standing for a few seconds, wrapping her arms around herself, and didn't quite know what to do now, except try to fall asleep. However, like last time, when Brooklyn left; he seemed to take the last bit of light and warmth with him, and left her feeling scared, lonely, and cold.

Rose took a deep breath to calm herself down, and then climbed back into her bed to hopefully get back the sleep in which was stolen from her due to the dream. She quickly got inside the covers and could feel a bit of warmth that was left over by Brooklyn's body; and she quickly snuggled herself in the covers, to keep that warmth there with her.

As she laid in her bed, she thought about the dream she had, of Kevin, and how she could possibly protect herself from him- she didn't want Brooklyn to sacrifice himself for her, and she wouldn't let him do such a thing- but she had to cling to the hope that her and Brooklyn's love would endure past this hell and darkness. She took a deep breath, shut off her lamp and tried to let sleep overtake her; wanting nothing more than to forget everything, and for once, sleep without the nightmares of hers or Brooklyn's death.

Her pop had warned her that a storm was coming; and ever since coming out of that realistic dream, Rose's magic was stirring uncomfortably inside her giving her the sense of an unsettling calm. Like the calm before the storm hit.

---

** Author's note** Thanks for reading guys! I had write this little note in here... I lost my father last year to cancer, and I had to place my own bit of grief in this story. I miss my dad more than I could ever begin to describe- and I hope you all, reading, who may have lost someone you love; feel some sort of comfort. Grief will hit us in waves, like the ocean, but the love we have for our loved ones will always be there. 3 Shine on- Sunmoonlight