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?

38. Chapter 38- Promises

~Chapter Thirty-Eight~

Promises

Sunlight was peering softly into Rose's bedroom, and danced across her skin; waking her slowly from her deep sleep. She opened her eyes slowly, squinting sleepily into the bright light; and found herself lying on her back with her long red hair cascading over her pillow, and her hands resting up by her face. Rose took a deep breath, allowing herself to wake up and once she had come to, she looked around the room in which she was sleeping in, and immediately smiled.

It had been over a month since Kevin's reign of terror at the Castle; and a lot had happened since then. She was no longer living in the Castle, or on the couch in the library; but was in her nice, warm, king-sized bed in her own apartment- the apartment in which Brooklyn and her chose together.

Blinking tiredly, she stretched happily in the soft sheets, and then looked around the light-filled room. Her master bedroom was lightly painted, and had a window seat which allowed a vast amount of sunlight in. She slowly moved her head across her pillow and turned to lie on her side, and gazed at the picture on her nightstand. There, next to her, was a picture of herself and Brooklyn on Christmas, when she gave him his bike, before Kevin's reign of terror began.

She finally got the pictures developed from the camera and placed them all around her brand-new home, paying tribute to her new family, to Brooklyn. She smiled at that picture, as it was one where both of them were smiling happily at the camera; with their biker gear on, and Brooklyn was in his leather jacket and sunglasses, both of them in a state of complete happiness and bliss. Leaning forward slightly, she kissed two fingers to her lips and then touched them to Brooklyn's picture.

"Good morning, my love." She whispered. "I can't wait to see you tonight... "

She smiled happily and then nuzzled herself a bit more into her soft comforter, as she wasn't quite ready to wake up just yet. Much had happened since Kevin's attack at the Castle, over a month ago, but she had been completely engaged in getting her life secured so that she could make it to the night, in which both herself and Brooklyn had been looking forward to the most.

Their wedding.

Tonight, she was finally going to be able to make her vow to him, and tonight their life was about to become one in every way. She stretched again, holding onto her long hair, and felt excitement settled into her stomach, as she thought about finally marrying her best friend and soulmate.

Rose had been incredibly lucky, in her endeavour to recover her life once again. In one month's time, she had taken care of Kevin's body; paid for it to be buried in a nearby cemetery, and though there was no funeral, her and Emily paid a small visit to his grave after all was said and done. She closed her eyes and didn't want to remember any of that pain anymore, and it was now up to her; as his legal widow, to take care of him.

Next, she went to the courts and secured everything in her name; including her maiden name of Rose Connelly. Now that she was no longer holding Kevin's last name; it felt like an anchor had been taken away from her shoulders, no longer drowning her in the icy waters of abuse. While there, it was decided that she was found innocent from any law penalties; as her and Elisa had collected enough evidence against Kevin, from the photographs the night Kevin shot and beat her up, while trying to kill her on the Queensborough Bridge, and witness statements from Elisa, Matt, and Morgan the Police Officer.

Kevin's death was marked as defensive on her part; and she went free from serving any jail time. She was granted a divorce by his death, secured her maiden name, and received every bank account of his, in which he hid from her.. Most of the money she received; she used to buy her new apartment with Brooklyn, and then donated most that money in rebuilding the Labyrinth for the Homeless, and then another half to the 'Battered Women's Shelter', where abusive women and often times their children would go to escape their abusive husbands.

Next, after that, she then put her old apartment up for sale; including all the furniture, and didn't want anything that reminded her of Kevin as she had her fresh start with Brooklyn.

To her luck, she ended up finding, within that same week, a brand new top floor apartment with a rooftop access; so that Brooklyn could easily land and walk down into their home. Her and Brooklyn had searched the internet for places within their price range; as they pooled their finances together to begin their life together as husband and wife; or mates in his eyes. Brooklyn had been paid a fair amount of money, by his allowance with Xanatos, and now that it was in Rose's possession, they agreed in every part of where that money should go or be saved.

As Rose laid in bed, she smiled to herself as she remembered what Brooklyn had said to her regarding her not living in the Castle full-time, a few nights after Kevin's attack. She had found another pair of clothes, and had showered, thanks to one of Xanatos' many bathrooms, and was in the library, sitting on Brooklyn's lap, talking with him…

"Babe, I don't understand why you are buying a new apartment… you have a home. This Castle is…"

"Not our home,." She told him gently; as she cuddled against him on the library couch, in which she had been sleeping the last few nights. It had only been a few nights after Kevin's death and the Quarrymen's arrest, and much had changed since that night. Xanatos returned from the Hospital and immediately took to work in restoring the Castle. Within two days and two nights, with the help of his robots and his construction company, most of the Castle had been cleaned up of all debris, and was in the process of being rebuilt.

Brooklyn was sitting up, with his back against the couch's arm and had her in between his legs, with her back resting against his abdomen and chest. As they had been talking, he had his head rested down upon the top of her head, one of his arms was wrapped around her waist, while the other was holding her soft hand. She slid her hands through his talons and relished in the feeling of his skin and scent all around her.

"I know it's a place I can come and relax, but it's not a place where I would feel comfortable living full-time. Xanatos has been generous enough to let me stay here to get my life rolling again, but it's exactly why Elisa doesn't live here with Goliath…"

"Rose…" he tried to convince her, but she raised her hand to hold onto his beaked face, and smiled at him.

"Brooklyn," she whispered, leaning into his embrace, glancing up into his face. "When we are married, don't you want a place where we could be together… as a couple?"

He paused from trying to speak over her, and was glancing down at her with great interest. They stared at each other for a few seconds, as Rose giggled at his expression.

"Alright," he compromised, holding her tighter against his chest. "I'm listening…"

"Think about it." She mused, smiling at him. "I just sold my old apartment and actually received a decent amount of money from it. What I will do now is put a down payment down upon another place; one with a rooftop access, so that you could come visit me anytime you wished. And since I have an interview at Manhattan's General Hospital in their ER Department, I would be extremely close to work; and would still be close to you. I would spend my nights and days there at our new place and then on my nights off, I could come visit you here at the Castle. What you have to remember is that this place is for us… not just me. I want it to be your home as well…"

He took a deep breath, holding her tightly against him, and then whispered; his lips against her ear, "Will this make you happy? Is this the fresh start you want?"

She glanced lovingly up at him, her lips inches from touching his.

"Yes," she breathed, wanting and needing to feel his lips against hers. "It would make me very happy. I want a place where you and I can be together without interfering with anyone else. We can always be with the Clan and do fun things; but it's just a second home where you and the Clan can always come and hang out. We could maybe host group dates with everyone- you know, just another place to visit?"

"Then I'm all for it." He said softly, bringing his claw in which she had been holding, and caressed her face lovingly. "And I see what you're saying… I think it's a great idea. Whatever place you find, I'm sure I'll love."

Rose smiled up at him and whispered, "That's exactly what I was thinking… not only will it be that, but it can be a place where you and I can be together, just the two of us… alone..."

Brooklyn stayed silent for a few seconds before he slowly lowered his claw, which was holding her waist, down her hips to her upper legs, making her breath catch in her throat, and hummed low in her ear.

"I definitely like the sound of that..."

Rose closed her eyes at his touch, and knew that they had to get married soon, as their desire to mate was overwhelming. She took a deep breath, smiling at his teasing and exploring claws, and then raised her arms above her head to rest around his neck, near his collarbone.

She could feel his heart beating quicker against her back, and could feel him become increasingly more warm and aroused. She smiled at herself and enjoyed his reaction to her and desired for him to become one with her.

"What are you doing to me, Rose?" He growled in her ear, unsure where to place his claws for the moment.

"I don't know what you're talking about…" Rose teased him innocently, glancing up at his face. She turned her body slowly, so that she moved against him and then rested her face just inches from his, her long hair falling all around them.

He didn't respond as he exhaled out sharply and claimed his lips with hers, immediately tasting her beautiful scent and skin. He pulled her hips down roughly against his pelvis and kept her there against him. She laughed and raised her head, inches above his, and flipped her hair away from him.

"You're so beautiful…" he whispered, inching his face towards her. "I'm so lucky to have you…"

"Not as lucky as I am." She smiled back at him, kissing his lips again briefly, only to pull away and tease him.

Growling at her teasings, he ran his sharp talons through her hair and forced her lips to crush against his; their tongues immediately dancing feverishly. He ran his talons up her shirt, feeling her skin and used his other claw to cup her backside. Though she was wearing her usual jeans, his touch was starting to turn her on and drive her crazy with desire.

She straddled her legs around his hips, kissing him passionately, and then finally raised her lips from his. His eyes were closed as he was pulling her body against his, her on top of him. She smiled lovingly at his expression; as his eyes slowly raised to meet hers.

"Marry me, Rose." He begged her, his body becoming hotter with every second of her body pressed against his.

"I will, my love," she whispered as she ran her hands over his face; her large chest pressed against his. His eyes widened in pleasure, as she was grazing her lips across his skin, to breathe into his ear. "I promise..."

She smiled at that memory and longed to feel his body against hers once again, but was glad to be there lying in her own bed again, in her own apartment; as it represented her move towards her new life with Brooklyn. She sold her old apartment, with all the furniture included, and used her savings to buy all new furniture; including a new set of couches, kitchen table, and bedroom set for her and Brooklyn, which consisted of a large king-sized bed.

Once they were married, she anticipated him to visit her more than he did and to spend the nights with her more than he did the Clan. They both knew that once they were married and got into a rhythm and routine; they would find the balance from her Human life, to his as a Gargoyle. He had a duty to his Clan as Second-in-Command; and she would never get in the way of that.

She stretched her body, yawned, and then finally decided to get up, as she glanced over at her alarm clock on her bedside table and saw that it read, '8:45'. Sitting up and stretching her arms above her head, her long hair cascading down her back, just resting above her backside. She loved this new place; as it was cozy-feeling and had a lot of natural light.

Unlike her old place, which felt cold and too modern, she had added a lot of color to the boring white walls. The king-sized bed was sitting in the middle of the room; and she had found an apartment with a master bathroom en suite and giant closet. She was happy that some apartments in downtown featured that, as it was rare. Her bedroom was the largest room in the whole apartment, and had space, in the corner, where she had a small desk and computer, where she could work.

It had been three weeks since the time that she told Brooklyn she wished to find a new apartment for them; and their new life together. Since then, she had been able to accomplish a lot and had finally relaxed into a state of bliss. She was able to move into this new place, which had a beautiful rooftop access. Brooklyn and Rose worked together to make a small garden, complete with an outdoor couch with a fire pit for alone time or couples hang out place.

It wasn't huge when it came to square footage, but it was plenty of space for them. It also had tall ceilings so he could walk around full height without having any issues. The kitchen wasn't very big and had everything they would need. The table and living room shared a space; but it was still cozy and had space for a large entertainment center. Then, across from her room was one small bathroom and another little room. This room was Brooklyn's music room, where he bought an acoustic guitar, a small piano for her, and kept their hobbies in that small closet in the room. Up top on their personal rooftop, Brooklyn, Lexington and Broadway also read up on how to build a small shed and actually built a decent shed where Brooklyn kept his motorcycle and other tools to tinker with his bike.

Lexington loved this space as well, as it featured a great work space for him to also help Brooklyn work on the engine, since they shared that hobby. Three weeks there, the Gargoyles have all been by to visit; helped her move in, and was their third home. They all rotated between visiting Elisa at her penthouse suite, or to her and Brooklyn's new home, and then to the Castle where they stayed.

Rose smiled at herself again; and stood up out of bed, slowly making her way across their room, and paused to admire her new picture frames near the bed and on top of her stand up dresser. She went and developed the pictures that Brooklyn and her took on their first bike ride together, right before Kevin found them all. Though that night ended in terror; she loved those pictures. Brooklyn looked so handsome in his biker get up; complete with his aviator sunglasses; and she didn't look half bad either.

Her long red hair was curled down one side of her chest, as she wore her own helmet and was smiling brightly over Brooklyn's shoulder. Both of them looked incredibly happy; and every time she glanced at them, it made her emotional. In just a short time, her life had been turned around for the better. This was their home, their space and she was in the most loving and amazing relationship. They would continue to have trials in their life, and would have normal couple arguments, but he was everything she ever dreamed of, and their love was true, deep, passionate and sincere.

After smiling at the pictures for a few minutes, she walked away from them to take a quick shower. Walking into the bathroom, it was quite simple. There was only one sink, with a small counter for her beauty routine, but had a stand up shower, toilet, and one deep bathtub in the corner. She knew she would enjoy those baths, after long days at her new Hospital job in the ER; and would especially enjoy Brooklyn's company, as she was sure he would happily oblige.

She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled at the woman in front of her. Her skin was glowing, making her look even younger than she ever was used to, but she also seemed more mature. Her long, deep auburn red hair, was thick and hit at her hips; in loose curls. She had more time to work out, since Kevin's attack, and thanks to that and her and Brooklyn's healing connections; she was in the best shape she had ever been in.

Rose took a deep breath, as she stood in front of the mirror and felt herself growing more and more anxious. She had accomplished everything she needed; but tonight was the big night in which she and Brooklyn had been looking forward to the most. Rose turned from the mirror to start her warm shower, when her front door buzzed. Unsure who would be bothering her this early in the morning, especially on such an important day as this, she quickly threw on a t-shirt over her tank top and walked out in the living room, not bothering to cover up her short-shorts.

She peeked out through her door's peephole and gasped when she saw who it was.

Unlocking the door, she threw it open and squealed, "Em! Hi!"

Emily was standing her, with very casual clothes on and her hair thrown up in a messy bun, as if she had just woken up not too long ago. A small bump was protruding out from her stomach, as she stood there beaming at her. Rose scooped her best friend up in a hug for a few minutes, before letting her go.

"This is a surprise!" Rose exclaimed, stepping back slightly. "What are you doing here? I thought we weren't going to meet until tonight."

"I decided against it." Emily grinned. "Since we had our girl's night/ bachelorette party; with Akira, Angela, Maggie, Delilah and Elisa last night… I wanted to take you out during the day, and thought you would like to get your hair and nails done. You know… bridal stuff."

"That sounds… amazing!" Rose said, beaming back at her friend. "But, how about some coffee or green tea and breakfast first?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Emily laughed, stepping inside Rose's new apartment. "We gotta have our energy up. Tonight is the night… we wanna be ready and all glammed up."

Rose shut the door behind Emily and then turned to her, feeling tears start to come to her eyes already. The moment she woke up, she hadn't been able to control her anxiety and excitement, and as time was passing; that excitement was only growing.

"I can't believe it's finally here," Rose sighed, stepping towards Emily and grasping her hands. "Em… tonight is the night… I'm finally marrying Brooklyn."

"I know," Emily grinned brightly, pulling her back into a big hug. "We partied hard last night, all of us girls, and I am exhausted… but we need to get you bridal ready. Elisa said she'll meet us at the salon down the street. So I was thinking that we should get a scalp treatment, nails done, have lunch, and then we will go to the Castle to finish getting you ready."

Rose pulled back from Emily and walked into her kitchen to pour herself a coffee and Emily a decaf coffee for her baby.

"Sounds like a plan… but first… coffee and breakfast, and can we try to have a nap?"

"Not a chance." Emily said, sitting down at her island seats. "We've got too much to do."

"So, we officially have a portion of the Gardens reserved, correct?" Rose asked Emily.

"Yup."

"And you're okay taking photographs of the whole night?"

"I am thoroughly excited to try my talented skills at my amateur photography, yes." Emily responded, as Rose was prepping the coffee pot.

"I have my dress…"

"It's at the Castle with Fox."

"And…"

"Rose," Emily interrupted, holding her hand out to stop her. "You're fretting… don't worry. Today is a day to just relax, okay? This is Brooklyn we are talking about… he's only your dream man… or… uh… Gargoyle, I mean. Everything will be alright!"

"I know it will." Rose responded, pouring Emily her cup of decaffeinated coffee, and then went to start a fresh pot of black coffee for herself. "I have been looking forward to this night since the moment I met him… I just can't believe it's actually here."

"Yeah," Emily said, smiling at her, blowing air on her hot coffee. "February 4th is such a good day to have a wedding. Not too close to Valentine's Day, where that would be almost as cliche as New Year's Eve/Day… but… it's still the month of love."

"It feels surreal to me, Em." Rose explained, waiting for her coffee to filter through the coffee machine. "I mean… one month ago we were battling Kevin and the Quarrymen; and I almost lost Brooklyn forever. Now, here we are, Kevin and Quarrymen-free, I have a new job… one in which I love already, a new home…"

"Which is super darling and fits you and Brooklyn so well." Emily interjected smiling, sipping her coffee.

"Oh, thank you..." Rose continued, pouring her freshly made coffee. "The castle has been all but repaired, minus some small fixes, and Xanatos has donated enough money to help repair the Labyrinth… everything is back to normal."

Emily laughed, shaking her head and said, "You're version of normal is completely different than mine… but yes. As normal for you as it will ever get, I'm sure."

Rose laughed as well at Emily's comment, sipped her coffee and then replied; smiling.

"Yeah… you're right, it is still abnormal… but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love Brooklyn with all of my heart and soul, he is my soulmate. No doubt about it."

"I don't doubt it," Emily said quietly, smiling at her. "I am so happy you two have found each other; as weird as it still is to me… you two are actually perfect for each other. Regardless of you being from different species."

"Yeah," Rose answered, staring into her coffee smiling at herself. "He's so beautiful…"

"Not as beautiful as you are going to be tonight." Emily smiled. "Seriously, he's gonna freak when he's sees you!"

Rose smiled nervously and didn't say anything as she started to prepare a small and simple breakfast for them; but the silence didn't pass through them for long as Emily always found a way to keep talking.

"So, were you able to recover all your stuff from the Labyrinth?" Emily asked her, now helping herself to an apple, which was sitting in a fruit basket on her kitchen counter. "What about your notebook with you love letters to him? Are you still planning on giving those to him to read during your honeymoon?"

"Yeah, I found everything." Rose responded, stepping forward and lowering some toast for herself and Emily; as well as starting on some scrambled eggs. "Luckily my room wasn't destroyed during the attack; so I was able to recover everything in near perfect condition."

"That's super lucky!" Emily said. "Speaking of letters and such; do you have your vows written down?"

"Yeah," Rose said, beating a bowl of eggs and watching for the toast to rise, without burning. "I hope to say what's more on my heart, but I have notes… so I'll take it with me just in case I forget the things in which I wanna say."

"Do you know if Brooklyn is getting you a ring?" She asked, still eating the apple.

"Um… I actually don't know that." Rose answered Emily. "Gargoyles don't normally exchange tokens during their Mating Ceremonies. So, no. I don't expect him to get me anything like that."

"He got you that necklace, in which you never take off." Emily said while sipping down more coffee, smiling at her.

Instinctively Rose raised her hand to grasp around the heart and wing shaped necklace in which Brooklyn bought her, during Lexington and Akira's mating ceremony, the night when he proposed to her- asking him to marry her. She smiled at the feeling of it and the memories behind it and turned to flip the eggs around. Once she did that, then she tended to buttering and putting jam upon the warm toast.

"Yeah," she said while plating her and Emily's quick and simple breakfast. "Like I said, I don't expect him to have one for me… his love is all I'll ever need."

"Awe," Emily responding, biting into her food gratefully. "That's so sweet... Thank you for the food, by the way. You sure know how to take care of a pregnant lady."

Rose laughed, "I try… all I know is you get more moody when you don't have food."

"That's not much different than before," Emily teased, scarfing down the eggs and toast.

Rose laughed even harder, almost choking on her eggs and turned to Emily.

"You said it, and I didn't… but yes. Precisely."

"I… am going to allow this behavior," Emily teased her more. "Any girl should be allowed to be as sassy as she wants on her wedding day."

Rose looked over at Emily and then snatched her food away, giving her a teasing smile. Emily slowly turned to her with eyes widened in shock.

"You better give me that food back before I really lose it. I'm hangry." Emily warned her.

"Hangry?" Rose asked her, laughing and having fun teasing her best friend.

"Yes… 'angry' and 'hungry' mixed together." Emily said, snatching the plate back. "I'm pregnant and am also allowed to be a bitch if I want."

Rose shook her head and laughed.

"Whatever… I cooked you that food. If you're not gonna be nice, whatever I giveth, I can and will taketh away."

"Try and I'll bite your hand off." Emily teased.

"I don't know if that will settle well with you baby." Rose teased back, eating her food.

"Har har." Emily said dryly, quickly finishing her plate of food. "Alright, I have to ask you about tonight. You gotta give me some sort of detail here."

Rose started chewing a little bit slower and furrowed her eyes at Emily.

"Tonight?" She asked, thoroughly confused. "I thought you knew everything? You are my Matron of Honor… shouldn't you know everything about what goes on?"

"I'm not talking about the Ceremony… which yes, I have got your back on that. I am meaning what happens after the Ceremony. You said Brooklyn mentioned that he's planned a Honeymoon for you, but hasn't told you anything about where you guys are going?" Emily asked her, leaning closer to her. "Are you nervous?"

"About…?" Rose asked.

"The honeymoon?" Emily asked her, drinking the rest of her coffee. "You know… the having sex part?"

Rose nearly spit her coffee out her nose; as Emily's question caught her off guard.

However, as Emily asked that question, Rose's heart fluttered excitedly and nervously. She knew she was over exciting herself; and wasn't nervous at all to be with Brooklyn. Every time she thought back on how close they had gotten to wanting to break each other down and make love, it felt so good, natural and beautiful to them… but tonight they would be finally able to consummate their marriage… and she didn't know what to think about it. She put her coffee down, and tried to take a deep breath, while swallowing the coffee.

"Em…" she started to say.

"I know, I know." Emily interrupted, holding her hands up. "You've told me before, it's personal. I just hope you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. You know, you don't wanna all the sudden have this-" she paused and rubbed her small pregnant belly and continued, "to happen, first night."

"Oh, Em." Rose sighed, standing up; no longer hungry. "I don't think we are capable of getting pregnant… so I'm not too worried about that."

"Are you still taking birth control?" Emily asked her, also standing up to put her dishes in Rose's dishwasher.

"Um…" Rose said quietly, facing her after their dishes were put inside the washer. "I mean, I have pills, but haven't been taking them as of late. With Kevin trying to kill me and all; it has distracted me, and Brooklyn and I haven't actually made love yet… so…"

"Made love," Emily scoffed teasingly. "That's so cute how you can't actually say the correct term. Any matter…" she paused and began to rummage through Rose's medicine cabinet; and found what she was looking for after a few seconds. She handed Rose her birth control pill bottle and said, "I would take one now… and be active on taking them, just until you two are sure that you can't get pregnant. Trust me; if it is possible for you two to get pregnant… it probably isn't smart to actually risk it. Since you're Human, it could be very dangerous for you to carry a Gargoyle child… thing."

"It's impossible." Rose laughed, shaking her head at her. "But to make you feel better, I'll take them."

Rose raised her eyebrows and took one tiny pill and drank it down in one quick gulp of water. She smiled at Emily; and then placed the bottle back inside her cabinet.

Emily smiled back at her and then said, "Thank you, cupcake. Okay, well. I'll help you pack for your honeymoon when you're at the Castle getting ready, but for now; let's go and have a relaxing day. Mama needs her toes done; even though my stomach is little right now, I'm barely able to touch my toes to keep them painted and looking nice."

"You've got it." Rose laughed, walking towards her bedroom; with Emily following her, and said, "Let me make my bed and get dressed, and then we will go."

"Tonight is going to be spectacular!" Emily exclaimed, helping Rose make the large king-sized room. "You're going to be the most beautiful bride."

"Thank you," Rose smiled, glancing over at her and Brooklyn's photo by her nightstand and felt her heart flutter some more. "I can't wait to marry him, it needs to be sunset already…"

"It will come." Emily smiled at her. "Just have fun with me today, and it'll go by quicker than you'll realize."

Rose nodded her head as they finished making the bed, and then quickly walked into her bathroom to get dressed. She picked a casual dress-skirt with an infinity scarf, and ankle high-boots, threw her hair up in a large messy bun, brushed her teeth, and didn't bother with make up since that would be done that the Castle tonight. Fox had hired a few people to come in and do everyone's hair and makeup; including her Gargoyle sisters. She couldn't wait for that to happen, but for now; she would go enjoy getting a scalp shampoo treatment and then her nails done.

Once she was ready, she stepped out from the bathroom and said, "Alright. Let's do this!"

"Atta girl." Emily said, smiling. "Let's rock n-roll!"

---

Rose, Emily and Elisa spend the next few hours with each other at the beauty salon, getting their nails, eyebrows done; while getting a scalp treatment. The morning and afternoon hours passed by quickly, as the ladies all hung out and then went out to lunch together. The next thing Rose knew, was that the late afternoon had arrived and her and Elisa made their way back to the Castle to start getting ready for the ceremony; as Emily went back to Rose's place to pack her a 'Honeymoon' bag full of everything she would need to be gone for a few days/week.

Rose was able to get one quick nap in; but only for what seemed like twenty minutes or so, before the beauticians arrived to get her hair and makeup done. Rose took a quick shower to wash her body; and then let the hair stylists, in which Fox hired to attend to all the ladies in her wedding party, to get to work on her long thick hair.

For three hours she sat in the chair and let the beauticians do her hair and makeup; and was quite pleased with what they were able to accomplish. Her makeup was beautiful and she was amazed by how great they made her look. Her dark eyelashes were naturally long; and they did a wonderful job in accentuating her bright hazel eyes with a smoky eye look. Her deep red hair had been curled up into an up-do, which almost seemed like a 'messy bun' but much more elegant. Her face was smoothed out while her cheekbones were accentuated with the light touches of makeup. Her pink lips had a light color on it, which made them pop even more.

She smiled at herself in the mirror and felt pleased with what the beauticians did for her. With her nails, and eyebrows done, she felt like a million bucks. All she needed now was to put on her dress and head down to the Gardens, across the Hudson River, and get married to her love.

Fox suddenly came into the room, with her hair done in an elegant bun and was wearing a strapless deep blue dress. However, before she could say anything, the doors burst open and Akira walked in with Angela right next to her. They both had smiles upon their faces; and each ran up to her hugging her, squealing in excitement.

"Rose, you look gorgeous!" Angela gushed.

"Thank you, Angela." Rose answered her, smiling and then stood up. She had been sitting for close to three to four hours; and had never taken this long to get ready for anything. Now that the Gargoyles were awake, she knew that Brooklyn would be getting ready with the other males in his ceremonial battle armor, which made her very excited. The closer they were getting to their wedding, the closer they would be able to be together forever.

She faced them with a beaming smile on her face and said, "Okay… your guys' turns."

Akira and Angela squealed in excitement and began to get changed into their light pink dresses that Rose picked for her wedding colors. They were busy chatting with each other in the back room, when Elisa came out in her light pink dress with her long black hair pulled back away from her face. It wasn't very often that she saw Elisa out of her uniform casual wear, but all the same, she was a stunning woman.

"Wow…" Rose gasped, smiling at her. "You look amazing Elisa!"

"Thank you, Rose." She responded, giving her a small hug. "You look beautiful as well. I love your hair and makeup… Brooklyn will lose his mind when he sees you. I'm very excited to see you and Brooklyn be mated tonight; our Clan will finally be complete."

"He and I have been waiting a long time for this moment, for sure… and thank you." Rose smiled at her. "I hope he likes how I turn out."

"I am sure he will," Elisa said, keeping one arm around her shoulders, standing next to her waiting for Angela and Akira to finish getting dressed. "Brooklyn has always thought you were the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on. We were all shocked by how quickly he was taken he was with you; but since we've gotten to know you, it's not hard to do. You two complement each other and we simply adore you."

"Thanks, Elisa." Rose said, smiling at her.

Angela and Akira then stepped out from behind their changing rooms, in beautiful light pink dresses; which both complemented their skin tones.

"These are beautiful, Rose!" Akira said, excitedly, twirling around in a circle, letting the flowing fabric flow around her. Angela was smiling happily and then turned to the mirror and gently touched her clawed hand to her abdomen, which had been growing significantly over the past few weeks. Angela was three month along with her pregnancy; and because they only carry the eggs to six months- she was finally starting to show, since she was almost half-way done.

Rose smiled at her sisters and then said, "Alright. Time to do your guys' hair and makeup if you wish!"

"Yeah, we should also get you in your dress, Rose." Fox said, stepping up; smiling at her. "Our limos are almost ready to take us to the Gardens; it'll be at least a half-hour drive to get past traffic and all the way to the gardens in Brooklyn. The men will be dressed in no time; we'll not want to make your soon-to-be mate waiting all night long."

"Very true," Rose said. "Okay; my turn!"

Angela and Akira sat down on the chairs in the room, where the hired two beauticians got to working on their hair and makeup; ones that Fox knew wouldn't mind being in the same room as a Gargoyle, while Rose got in her wedding dress with Elisa's help. Elisa and Rose fumbled with the dress for a few minutes, but once she got it secured on her body, Rose couldn't help but beam with a smile she couldn't seem to erase off her face. Elisa finished buttoning up the dress up her back, and adjusted the skirt; and started to tear up.

"Rose… it looks even better than I remembered." She gasped, holding her mouth with her hands.

Rose stepped out from behind her changing room and was instantly met with a series of screams and squeals. Her dress fit her perfectly, and was a long a-line type lacy dress, with off the shoulder laced quarter-length sleeves; with a soft pink sash and bow; which matched her bride-maid's dresses perfectly. Her dress was extremely long, elegant and very romantic-looking. Now, with her hair and makeup done, she felt like a bride. Elisa walked over to her and gently placed the diamond studded lacy veil in her curly hair, and then stepped back with more tears filling up in her eyes.

"It's all perfect. You're beautiful." Elisa said quietly, wiping her tears away.

"Brooklyn is going to pass out when he sees you." Angela gushed, stepping forward and hugging her, with Akira right behind, hugging her in a group hug.

"I sure hope not." Rose laughed.

"Oh, he just might." Akira added. Their hair had both been done up in an elegant updo, to match Rose's; and didn't wish to put makeup on. Just then, Maggie stepped inside the room, in her light pink dress that Rose gave her a few days ago, and had her hair done with how she wished; which was curled and down to her ankles. Delilah stepped inside the room with a very timid look on her face as though it was awkward for her to be there, but once she saw Rose in her wedding dress, she gasped.

"Wow… that's a beautiful dress!"

"Thank you!" Rose exclaimed, walking towards them, hugging them both. "I'm so glad you guys were able to make it."

"Of course," Maggie responded, smiling. "We were both talking about how excited we are to be apart of your wedding line and how much we love these dresses."

"They are very different than what I'm used to wearing, but I love them." Delilah answered, a small smile starting to form on her face.

"Are we all ready to go then?" Rose asked them all, and to her excitement, they all smiled and nodded at her; as Emily suddenly came into the room, in her light pink dress, and blond hair curled and makeup done.

"Now, we are, because I'm here." She said, stepping forward and hugging Rose. "You're gorgeous, Rose. Brooklyn is going to completely lose it! He is one lucky Gargoyle."

"Thanks, Em." Rose said, stepping back. "Where were you?"

"While you were napping, I had the beauticians do my hair and makeup and got you all packed for your Honeymoon. It's all in the trunk of the car downstairs; Owen placed it in the right car for me."

"Thank you for taking care of that," Rose said. "Now… I hope you actually packed me clothes, and not just your version of clothes."

"You're welcome," Emily grinned mischievously. "And I don't know what you're talking about… I guess you'll have to wait and see."

Before Rose could respond, Fox stepped forward and grabbed Rose by her shoulders, saying; "It's time to go, unless you want to be late to your own wedding."

"No, I don't want to wait any longer to marry the love of my life." Rose answered, smiling at her closest friends. "Let's go."

---

Rose and her wedding group sat in the black limo in which Xanatos had lent them for this night and sat in relative silence, while everyone else was chattering away. They had been driving through Manhattan for close to twenty minutes; and she could see that they were crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge to make their way to the Gardens.

She sat back against her seat, and allowed herself to close her eyes for a few moments, trying to remain calm, her heart pounding and her anxiety pulsing. For nearly a year, she had endured pain, sorrow, abuse and tormented hell with Kevin; and now almost one year later, she was getting married to Brooklyn; and part of her was wondering if she was making the right decision in marrying again.

She trusted Brooklyn with her life, and knew that he would never hurt her, but there as part of her that would always be scarred from her first marriage and afraid of committing herself to someone who would know her intimately and trust him to love and protect her. As Rose sat there, with her eyes closed and fears running through her head and heart, she felt a hand suddenly softly touch hers.

She opened her eyes and turned to face Elisa who had been quietly sitting next to her.

"Are you okay?" She asked her softly, as to not interrupt the other's conversations. The Gargoyle gals and Emily were all having a great time, enjoying their glamorous way of transportation, instead of flying. Rose smiled at them, who weren't paying any attention to them, and then turned to face Elisa.

"Yeah, I'm great." She answered, hating the fact that her voice squeaked a little bit and her body was trembling slightly. Rose gently bit her lip and refused to look Elisa in the eye; which tipped her completely off. Elisa was a cop; and having someone lie to her was all apart of her job.

"Rose…" Elisa asked slowly. "What's wrong?"

"I…." Rose started to say, but then didn't know what to say. She didn't know why she was feeling this way; as she was going to be married to Brooklyn. But perhaps, now that it was finally here, in front of her, she didn't know if it was the right time. Rose closed her eyes once again, leaned her head back against the leather seat and sighed.

"I'm scared, Elisa." Rose finally managed to get out.

"Scared?" Elisa asked her in a shocked tone. "Of getting married to Brooklyn?"

"No…" Rose replied, shaking her head slightly. "Of… marriage in general. I just…" She paused and turned slightly to face Elisa, holding tightly onto her hand, as it was comforting to her. "With as much as I went through with Kevin, only one month ago, I am scared about finally making this decision once again. Brooklyn and I are different species; and officially meshing our lives together is going to be hard. I mean… he's a nocturnal being for Heaven's sake… and we have to find balance somehow…"

"Do you love him?" Elisa suddenly asked her, quietly.

Rose paused from trying to speak and searched Elisa's golden eyes with her own. Elisa was looking gently at her, without judgement, but was waiting quietly and patiently for Rose to answer her.

"More than anything." Rose answered, finally after a few seconds.

"Then, what is the issue?" Elisa asked her. "Yes, marriage is hard; and yes, it is a lot harder to make it work with a different species, but the Gargoyles aren't much different than us. I know this more than anyone here. It has been difficult to incorporate Goliath's life and mine into one married life. But… you know… if you love someone enough, and they love you back, then you will somehow make it work and find a way through the hard times. Rose, you and Brooklyn have gone through much trial and hardship in just a few months of knowing each other. You two have been chosen and connected by destiny somehow, and you both have worked together to defeat Kevin."

She paused for a moment and then smiled at her as Rose still looked anxious.

"Gargoyles are very Human-like as you will learn; and I know you and Brooklyn will be just fine. You two have a home, in which he'll probably be with you a lot more than before, and I know Xanatos will help you with any financial things you may need because Gargoyles can't work like you and I. But, I know Brooklyn will make a fine husband and mate for you. As for the night thing… well… yes, it may be hard for a while; but marriage and love comes down to sacrifice. I know he is willing to sacrifice some nights away from you while you work or sleep, and it may come down to you sacrificing some of your sleep to be with him, since he cannot physically be there with you during the day. As long as you get some sleep, then Humans can be nocturnal as well. I think you're just nervous…"

"Maybe…" Rose said slowly, letting Elisa's words of wisdom sink in.

Elisa then chuckled slightly. "I can almost guarantee it, Rose. I know what you're feeling right now; because I, too, was terrified the night Goliath and I had our Mating Ceremony. It took him and I a few years to actually come to face our feelings for each other; but when we did, I have never looked back since becoming his wife and mate. I work some nights; and see him as much as I can, but the nights we do get together, we talk; we communicate, have fun, and just thoroughly enjoy our time together. That's all you can do. Just like any normal Human relationship; it'll take work on both ends. It'll take communication, patience, sacrifice, love and understanding."

As Elisa was speaking to Rose, she suddenly felt much better about marrying Brooklyn; and everything she was being told was right. It was silly for questioning what she was really doing, because at the end of the day, she knew that she and Brooklyn were meant to be. There wasn't any doubt about her love for him, but it was the taint of marriage she had been stained with that scared her the most.

Rose smiled back at Elisa and said, "You're right, I'm sorry. I'm being stupid with my nerves and all. Brooklyn is the love of my life and is everything I want… I just can't believe I'm getting married again."

"I'm sure it's strange, especially since you had a horrible experience with Kevin." Elisa said a bit sadly. "But, I know for a fact that Brooklyn will never treat you like Kevin did. You will always be safe with him, and I have a strong feeling that once you see him at the end of the aisle, all of your fears will melt away. You're just having premarital jitters, which is normal for any bride."

"Yeah, you're right." Rose chuckled nervously. "Thanks for talking to me."

"Anytime." Elisa said, smiling. "I will always be here for you. Anytime you guys are having your first argument, or you have questions about how they think versus how we think, or even how to approach intimacy with them. Ultimately it's going to be you learning for yourself, but I will be happy to talk through whatever you need and give you advice if needed or wanted."

"Thank you, Elisa." Rose said softly, squeezing her hand again.

Just then, the car started to slow down; and Rose's heart started to speed up again. She didn't realize that they were already there; and the Ceremony was essentially beginning. Once the car came to a full and complete stop, Elisa smiled and turned to her.

"We're here, this is it. Just remember to breathe, okay? You'll be alright. We love you and are so happy and excited for you both, this is the beginning of a new chapter for the both of you."

Rose could only nod kindly at her, as her mouth seemed to dry out and watched as Angela, Akira, Fox, Maggie, Delilah, and then Elisa shuffled out of the car, before she took a deep breath, gathered up her long and full dress to also step out of the car. One gloved hand reached out to help her out, and when she looked up; Owen was standing tall and was smiling warmly at her.

"Miss Connelly, you look beautiful." He greeted her, with a rare smile.

"Thank you," she responded, and gratefully took his hand; stepping out of the car. Right in front of her was the large garden hedge; which had a beautiful gazebo in the center of where they chose to have their Ceremony.

Behind the tall hedge in front of her; she could see that the wedding garden was filled with ambiance lighting and soft classical music was being played from inside. It was only a matter of time before she would be walked down that aisle to Brooklyn; and her heart was pounding.

Angela, Akira, Maggie, Delilah, Emily and Elisa all slowly stepped out from the large hedge, towards the aisle, to start the wedding procession, with their flower bouquets in hand. Rose gulped a few times and was breathing heavily, trying to calm herself down when a warm and familiar voice spoke to her.

"Lassie… you look beautiful."

Rose shot her head up at the familiar voice and smiled in relief when Hudson landed next to her, dressed in his ceremonial armor with a kind and gentle smile on his face. Rose exhaled a soft laugh, still shaking with nerves as he stepped towards her. He reached his claws out and took her hand in his; peering down upon her face with a gentle expression.

"I was honored when you asked me to walk you down the aisle to Brooklyn… I know you probably want your grandparents to be here, but all the same; I am honored. You are beautiful; and I... " He cut off speaking suddenly, as he gathered his thoughts, but before he could; Rose leapt forward and pulled Hudson into a hug, holding him tightly.

Hudson stood in shock at her embrace for a moment, before his body relaxed and wrapped his arms around her. They held each other for a few minutes, before Rose pulled away with tears in her eyes and said softly, "You are my family, Hudson. There's no one better I could have asked to give me away to Brooklyn. You are my grandfather, and I love you."

Hudson's eyes widened; and were suddenly full of tears.

"And I love you, my grand-daughter."

Rose and Hudson smiled at each other for a few seconds before he offered his arm to her, in which she quickly took and faced herself towards the aisle. Hudson could feel her trembling and chuckled slightly.

"Relax, child." Hudson said slowly, patting her hand with his available claw. He then leaned his face close to her ear and whispered, "Brooklyn is just as nervous as you are. We're all ready for you and him to be married; it all begins with one footstep…"

Rose took a deep breath and nodded her head forcing her brain to connect with the rest of her body. Brooklyn was on the other side of that hedge, in the middle of the garden, and he was waiting for her. All of her bridesmaids and maids of honor, started walking down the aisle; and it was now completely up to her. She smiled at herself, looking at the edge of the hedge; and knew she was doing the right thing.

"Are you ready, lass?" Hudson asked her, smiling.

"Yes," Rose replied. "I have been ready for this for a long time…" She paused for a moment before she looked over at him and asked, "Promise not to let me trip and fall?"

"I promise." Hudson smiled even wider at her. "I would never."

"Then let's go." Rose said softly, looking back at the aisle. "I'm ready…"

---

Brooklyn was standing at the end of the aisle in the heart of a beautifully lit garden, with his heart pounding excitedly as he looked around in awe. Xanatos and Fox had kindly reserved out a portion of this hidden gem for their mating ceremony; and it was everything he could have wanted for himself and Rose, plus more. All around him were small party lights, which were streamed across white linens, making the gardens seem more magical and romantic. The scent of flowers, fresh grass and shrubbery added to the beauty of the venue. As he looked around at all the guests, he was amazed at how his clan had truly grown; both Gargoyle and Human alike.

He was standing in his ceremonial armor, as he had worn for Lexington and Akira's mating ceremony, and was wearing his dark-blue loincloth with a thick metallic belt holder, and his breast-plated suit of metal; with metal pieces for his arms and shins. On his back he wore his usual sword to represent his warrior status, and also had leather finger-less gloves on his clawed hands.

From the soft lighting flooding down upon their romantic venue, to the classic live music being played, to his clan sitting down upon the chairs facing him; he suddenly felt very nervous. He didn't know why he was, but the more he thought about his beautiful soon-to- be wife and mate walking down towards him, it was nearly doing him in. Goliath was standing next to him, in his own set of armor and was silent, but happy.

Xanatos, Fox, Alexander and Owen were sitting in the front, with Elisa's family right behind, to the Labyrinth Clan full of Mutates and Clones; while his own Clan sat on the other side of the aisle; but he wanted to see Rose already. Fox had just walked in, which told him that the ladies had all arrived and they were about to start their ceremony.

His heart was pounding frantically, and with each beat he could only think about how he was lucky and blessed to still have that heartbeat thanks to Rose, her love, and her healing powers. They were together this day because of her bravery and fierceness in trying to protect herself and him from Kevin's rage and vengeance; and because of her saving him, he was also able to save her from that same death

Brooklyn took a deep breath and felt like pacing around the gazebo, in which he was standing, as he was staring at the edge of the hedge thirty feet in front of him. He forced his claws to be together to stop their fidgeting. As Brooklyn was lost in his nerves, Goliath looked down at him, smiled and said in a low voice so only he could hear him.

"Relax… once you see her walking towards you, you'll forget every single nerve."

"What if she doesn't come, Goliath?" He asked him suddenly, glancing up at his leader with a worried expression. "What if… what if she thinks this is all a mistake?"

"She won't and doesn't." Goliath replied, placing a strong claw upon his armored shoulder. "Rose loves you, and you two were destined to be together. The moment I saw how connected you two were and how deeply you fell in love, I knew this wasn't coincidence. During the battle, a month ago, her strength, courage and dedication to you and our Clan cemented my own love and respect for her. She is very much a part of this Clan, and brings much light, color and beauty to it. You have made a very wise choice in choosing her as your mate. I know she will be a strength, wisdom and courage that you will grow from, to one day make you a very fine leader."

"Thank you, Goliath." Brooklyn said with pure astonishment and respect for his leader. He was moved by his words and knew that the right choice of mate could make or break a Gargoyle. From what Goliath was saying, he had chosen a mate who would make him much better than he was; and greater than he could be. As Second-In-Command to the Clan; he also knew that Rose would help him grow even more into that leader that he wished to be and would support his role and share his burdens with grace and strength.

Goliath smiled down at him and said, "I'm very proud of you, Brooklyn. I know you two have been looking forward to this moment for a long time; and now you get to enjoy this beautiful night with your mate.

"My mate…" Brooklyn whispered to himself, amazed that they were finally having this night.

Him and Rose had done a lot since Kevin's attacks, and it already felt like that happened a lifetime ago. They had both moved on and were ready for this new chapter in their life together. From Rose purchasing their first apartment together, to burying Kevin's body; to this moment, where they were finally able to be together. It had been very difficult to wait for; but it was happening, and Brooklyn wanted nothing more than to have Rose in his arms, never to let her go.

As Brooklyn stood there, for what felt like hours, he finally saw Rose's bridesmaids walking down the aisle, with bouquets of flowers in hand and in light pink, flowy dresses. The classical music started a slow waltz type song, and Brooklyn felt his claws becoming more sweaty. This was it; the moment he was looking forward to the most.

Angela was the first to step out, walking down the aisle and truly looked beautiful. The wedding guests turned in their seats and smiled at her, who was smiling back at everyone. Her long, black hair was thrown back in a loose braid, with flowers delicately placed in her hair. The dresses had been altered for a Gargoyle's anatomy; mostly for their tails and wings; but everything else looked absolutely amazing. She was wearing the bracelet that Broadway had bought for her and he was beaming at her; his face completely stupefied at her beauty.

Next, behind Angela came Akira; who's straight hair was pulled back, half up, half down style; in the same pink dress as Angela. She too, looked beautiful. Brooklyn smiled at both of his sisters, and though Akira's eyes and smile was upon Lexington, before she sat down next to him, she glanced up at Brooklyn and winked at him. Brooklyn felt his heart pound a little bit more as Akira's expression told him that he was close to the moment of seeing his love, Rose.

He watched as Elisa walked down the aisle, smiling gently at Goliath before she sat in the front next to Fox and Xanatos. Next, came Maggie and Delilah; his two former love interests. Though it was strange to him that they were there; it came to a great relief to him that he felt nothing as he watched them walk down the aisle. Maggie had her eyes and smile upon Talon; and Delilah was all smiles as she was looking at his clone self; Malibu.

Brooklyn took another deep breath and couldn't help but feel happy for the ladies; but he was ready to see Rose. Finally, Emily was the last to walk out; and was giving Brooklyn a smile that told him that he was the luckiest Gargoyle in the whole world; which he didn't doubt.

He smiled at her as she also sat down next to Elisa, and kept her eyes locked on his. She narrowed her eyes slightly at him and then took a dramatic breath, as to tell him to breathe and then mouthed, "Relax… she's coming…"

Relief flooded his being and didn't know why he was wondering if she would actually show up, but decided to blame it on his own nerves. After everything they had both seen, felt and gone through with each other; he should have had more faith in her love for him.

Just then, the guests all stood, and Brooklyn stared out at the edge of the hedge where he suddenly felt his world go into slow motion, this was the moment he was waiting for all along, ever since he laid eyes upon her, months ago. He knew this night was their destiny.

Stepping out from behind the hedge, escorted by a very proud-looking Hudson, was Rose.

The moment he saw her, his breathing caught in his throat and was suddenly unable to breathe. Her long red hair was curly and pulled back into a loose bun, with a white lacie veil cascading down her head towards the ground. She was wearing a beautiful full, but laced white dress, with a light pink sash across her waist. The dress hung delicately off her shoulders and clung to every curve beautifully. It moved with her body in such a way that made him feel like he was in front of a Goddess.

If Rose was nervous, it didn't appear that way. The moment she glanced up from the ground to look at Brooklyn, a connection; unlike anything they both had ever felt before, occurred. Both of their hands were filled with tingling sensations, and they were instantly in each other's thoughts and hearts. The world around them went silent, muffled, as they could both feel and hear each other's feelings and thoughts.

To his great relief, he could feel that she was indeed nervous, but never once thought about running. She was ready to be his forever; and the moment their eyes met, her nervousness melted away, as did his. Rose's face was beautifully smoothed out and accentuated with a light bit of makeup, but it was her smile that burned brighter and more beautifully than the sun. Brooklyn couldn't feel his body as she was walking towards him, and they had another cosmic feeling moment.

As Rose walked closer to him with one arm in Hudson's, their connection broke and both could hear the music and the small background noises. Rose's eyes never left his and his never left hers, and she suddenly started to walk towards him more quickly, but Hudson slowed her down and chuckled, "Slow, Rose… slow and steady. I'll get you there, I promise."

Everyone in the audience started to laugh lightly; breaking up the intense moment for everyone. Brooklyn cracked a laugh through his tears, and didn't realize that he was crying. Her beauty and light was something he was in awe of; and words could not describe his love for her. Rose lowered her head slightly laughing at Hudson's words and they both slowed down their walking, making it a bit more torture for them both. Goliath placed one strong claw upon his shoulder to offer Brooklyn comfort as his feelings of love boiled up for her near his breaking point. The closer she got to him, the more beautiful she was to him.

She raised her face again to meet his eyes and broke out into the happiest smile he'd ever seen on her face; and it made him nearly want to rush to her. Hudson and Rose had finally reached the base of the stairs of the gazebo, where Brooklyn was just a few small steps away from her. It took everything in him to keep himself from launching at her to take her in his arms, but with Goliath's claw still on his armored shoulder, it kept him from doing so.

Hudson turned Rose to face him, and smiled a tearful smile at her in which she returned to him. He clasped his claws on top of her hands and whispered, "You're beautiful; I'm so happy for you two. Take good care of the lad… I know he will take good care of you."

"I will, I promise. Thank you, Hudson." Rose whispered in a tearfully filled voice.

Hudson gently patted her hands with his claws and then leaned forward to place a soft kiss upon her forehead. After a few seconds, he pulled back and then stepped away from her to stand next to Elisa on the front row, wiping his tears away from his eyes as he did so.

Rose glanced around at the standing guests for a moment, smiling at them, and noticed that there wasn't a single dry eye in that venue. She then slowly turned her gaze around to her love, Brooklyn; and saw that he was also crying. A small cosmic moment passed between them, as they stood so close to each other, but weren't yet touching. He was a few steps taller than her, and with him standing at his full height, she raised her face to be able to look into his.

With a gentle smile on his face, he took a deep breath and then slowly stepped forward, offering his claw to her to take. As he did this, flashes of the past seemed to pass through his and her connected minds and they remembered the very first moment they actually had met at the Brooklyn Bridge. She was about to committ suicide to escape her life from Kevin, while he braved his nervous and broken-heart to take a chance upon their connections; to take another chance at love.

He had offered his claw out to her, slowly and silently pleaded with her to trust him and take hold of it… that if she did, he would love her, no matter what, and promised he would save and protect her from that day forward. While it had been very difficult journey, he kept his promise and did just that. She thanked God everyday for her decision to take his Claw then, and was ready to take his Claw once again.

She gathered up her dress slightly and stepped up a few steps of the Gazebo; reached out her left hand to him and slowly slid her hand across his claw before clasping it. An enormously powerful shock of electricity shot through them the moment their skin touched; making them both jump slightly. Brooklyn immediately closed his claw around her soft hand and guided her up to the base of the Gazebo to stand in front of him. Slowly, she climbed the stairs and allowed him to guide her up to him; without ever breaking eye contact with each other.

When she finally reached the base of the gazebo, she slid her other hand into his claw and stared intensely into his beautiful dark eyes. More than anything, they both wanted to kiss each other and seal the ceremony's vows and to be mates forever, but they had to be patient for just a few moments longer.

She smiled brightly up at him as he chuckled slightly, almost like he couldn't believe that she was this beautiful, full of light and love for him, and was standing in front of him ready to be his mate.

"Hi, babe." She breathed, laughing slightly.

"Hey," he breathed back, grinning happily. "I'm lost with words… you are stunningly gorgeous. I'm so lucky to be marrying an angel... I must have done something right."

"Thank you." She whispered back, gripping his claws tighter and couldn't keep from smiling at him. "You look incredibly handsome as well, I love seeing you in your armor."

"Yeah?" He chuckled softly, holding her hands and rubbing his talons on the tops of her hands. "Thanks babe."

"Thank you everyone for being here." Goliath suddenly spoke out in his low, but loud voice, shaking Rose and Brooklyn from their quiet conversation. "You may all be seated."

Rose took a shaky breath and looked out at the crowd who had seated, while Brooklyn gripped her hands tighter in his claws, exhaling out his breath he felt he had been holding for what felt like hours. He smiled at her and could tell that she was nervous; but as they were still connected; he felt that it was the very notion of being married that made her feel anxious, and not because of him. He knew that she was scared because of what she experienced with Kevin; but he hoped to show her that their marriage wouldn't be anything like hers and Kevin's.

I'm nervous too, He said in his mind; knowing she could hear him. But our marriage is going to be different than what you experienced with Kevin, my love.

I know it will. Rose answered back in her mind, smiling at him. I'm not scared to be married to you- I was nervous about taking this step again in general. But now that I'm here with you, all my fears are gone…. And I just feel you and your love… and that's all I need.

I'm glad you feel that way… I love you so much, Rose… He responded in his head, holding her hands tighter in his claws.

"I guess I'll start out by saying how grateful I am for everyone in attendance today." Goliath started to say out loud, interrupting their silent conversation. "As we come together once again, we are celebrating the unity and marriage of Brooklyn and Rose. This night is a night in which we all have been looking forward to, and I know that they are extremely excited as well… if they can hear what I am saying, that is. They seem a bit lost in each other's eyes..."

Rose and Brooklyn blinked away from each other's loving gazes, and cracked smiles at Goliath as the guests started to laugh quietly. He chuckled in a low voice, winked at them, and then continued, speaking a bit louder for everyone to hear, as Rose glanced back up at Brooklyn and mouthed, "I love you too."

"Brooklyn and Rose's love is something that has not only inspired me; and has inspired all of us in attendance here today. Their relationship proves that love knows no boundaries, and knows no difference in form. Before my Second-In-Command knew Rose, he knew heartache, loneliness and the burden of leadership and responsibility. However; the moment he met her; everything changed for the better. While we were all unsure about their relationship at first, I couldn't deny; as leader, how happy he was." He paused for a moment before smiling down at Rose, before continuing to speak his speech.

"It was you, Rose, who brought that light back into his life, and was not something any of us could do. For that, I am thankful for you and am beyond honored to be initiating your mating ceremony tonight."

As Goliath said those words, Rose's eyes filled with tears and slowly turned her attention back to Brooklyn, who's eyes were also filled with tears and was smiling back at her.

"Love is something both Humans and Gargoyles both believe in and strive to work towards. It's in a Gargoyle's nature to mate for life and to be faithful and loyal to our mates throughout our lives. Though we look different on the outside, Gargoyles think, feel and act much like Humans do. We strive to protect those we love and have an intense desire to love and to be loved. Though none of us are perfect beings, we all have to strive for our love, relationships and marriages to work." He paused again, letting his words sink into their minds, before he continued to speak, a bit louder and clearer.

"Brooklyn and Rose, as you two join each other in this journey of unity and love; know that marriage requires work and effort on both ends. It's not 50/50; but is both of you giving 100% to each other. Love and marriage is a choice; choosing to love and sometimes fall back in love with your spouse, especially as times appear dark and hard. Learn to communicate with patience, kindness, and respect for each other; as there's nothing more harmful than sharp words full of anger and malice. Marriage is also sacrifice- learning to cohabitate with each other is something that takes work, forgiveness and patience on both your guys' parts. As long as you both continue to choose love and each other; then there's nothing you two can't do."

Rose and Brooklyn smiled at Goliath's words of wisdom and felt their hearts pounding in anxiety and excitement for this moment.

"Brooklyn," Goliath said, suddenly. "You may begin your vows."

Brooklyn turned his attention back to her and stared at Rose was a great intensity. He was holding her hands tightly in his claws and took a deep inhale of air as he gathered his thoughts and courage.

"Rose…" he began, talking in a calm tone; although she could feel anxiety build up in his heart. "Goliath is right. Before I met you, I was in lonely anguish and didn't know who could help me or what I could do to escape what I was feeling. I was doing my best to be Second-in-Command to this Clan and was trying my hardest to do my duties and fulfill my responsibilities. However; I couldn't deny the sorrow I was feeling, and I knew that I couldn't continue down that path. I was searching for love, purpose and great meaning in this life- and I was looking for that companionship in everyone in which I came into contact with; but never could seem to find it… but then I met you…" He paused from speaking, took another deep breath and then continued."Rose, at first, when I met you; I actually felt more confused and conflicted than I did before..."

The audience laughed a bit louder at his words and Rose couldn't help but laugh along as well. Brooklyn grinned at her, and never tore his gaze from her.

"There was a great deal of confusion inside me," he continued a bit louder, as the audience fell into silence again. "But you had turned on a light inside my soul, and I could not deny the connection we first felt when we laid eyes upon each other. Though we are different species, you being a Human and I being a Gargoyle; it was never a big deal for me. Our love for each other has been the most beautiful thing, and it's something that I have been insanely blessed with. I am thankful for you, Rose. You have replaced my nightmares with dreams, my darkness with light, my worries with happiness, and my fears with love… everything good comes from you."

He paused from speaking and Rose instantly felt herself fighting her tears, as she felt his own emotions building up. Tears filled his eyes, and he was trying very hard not to cry- which left his voice shaky. She smiled at him, and grasped his claws tighter as he continued to speak in a voice thick with emotion.

"I have been in love with you since the moment I laid my eyes upon you, all those months ago in that alleyway. I was never able to truly forget your beauty and the glorious light I saw in you. When you allowed me to be in your life and graced me with the same feelings of love and acceptance; I knew my life would be complete, my heart was healed and my soul enlightened. You are the wind beneath my wings, the love in my heart, the air in my lungs and the very reason my heart beats- the true love of my life."

He paused again for a moment and let his own tears fall from his eyes; as everyone else seemed to be moved by his heartfelt words, but they didn't know that those were the words that Brooklyn vowed to her after he was shot by Kevin. Rose couldn't help herself as she began to cry more earnestly; and he gently took her in his arms, and wiped her tears away.

"Don't cry," He said lightly, grinning and teasing her. "You'll make me cry…"

Rose shakily laughed, as the audience laughed, but mostly were wiping their eyes. He took a deep breath again, as Rose's tears fell silently from her eyes and continued, holding her hands even tighter now.

"Rose Connelly." He said more clearly, smiling through his tears. " I, Brooklyn… Second-in-Command to the Manhattan Gargoyle Clan- do give my vow of everlasting love and devotion to you. My heart forever belongs to you; you are my best friend, mate… and wife. I promise to love you till the end of time, faithfully and completely. I promise to be your best friend, supporter, and protectorate for all the days of my life; to make sure you are happy and taken care of. I promise to…"

He paused again, as more emotions filled his eyes with tears and clouded his voice, as he seemed to be adding his vows in by the bottom of his heart.

"I promise to never lay a claw upon you other than in love, and will always protect you from those who wish to place harm upon you. From this day forward, you are my mate, my beautiful wife. I promise to be forever faithful to you and will love you…. now and forever. You have my heart, Rose. No amount of time is long enough to be with you, but I'll start with forever and for all eternity."

When Brooklyn stopped speaking, Rose's face was soaked with tears and there didn't seem to be a dry eye in the venue, especially when he promised to never hurt her. She quickly wiped her eyes and cheeks, before her makeup could run, and was shocked when Broadway suddenly stood up, walked over to them, pulled out a small box from the side of his loincloth and held it out to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn smiled at his brother, took it with a small, 'thank you' and then turned back to face her. The small black velvet box instantly reminded her of the necklace, in which he gave her, when he first proposed to her. As she stared at Brooklyn with shock, with the black velvet box in his claw; she thought of one thing, as there was only one thing it could be.

He held it up and smiled gently at her.

"Gargoyles don't normally have the tradition of exchanging tokens to represent our love for our mates; but since you are Human… I thought it would be a fitting compromise."

Everyone stared with bated breaths, including Rose, as Brooklyn calmly opened the small black box to show to Rose. Once opened, she gasped. There, in the small box, was a beautifully simple; single ruby wedding ring with small rose gold diamonds surrounding it. It was not an ordinary diamond, like most brides got, but Brooklyn had stuck to the color of his skin, her name, and the uniqueness of their situation.

"Brooklyn…" Rose gasped while clutching her chest, unable to seem to speak anything more than his name.

He chuckled slightly at her and then said, "When I saw this ring; I immediately thought of you. Red seems to be a fitting color for us, and though it's not a diamond, it's still a very valuable gem. I researched what a Human ring meant; and was impressed by the symbolism. A ring is given to a bride and groom, to represent the vows in which they give to each other on their wedding night. The ring symbolizes a circle; much like the vow given tonight; endless and eternal. So, this ring I give to you today, as that same reminder. If you'll have it and me; I pledge my eternal love for you."

She stared at him, impressed that he thought to buy her a ring, and seemed to be frozen. They never discussed giving each other rings; and never expected him to spend his funds on her in such a way. However; she did buy him a ring as it was her Human tradition; and to her surprise he seemed to have thought of the same thing making this ceremony all that much more special.

Goliath looked over at her, smiling, and said, "Rose, now it is time for your vows, and then you may take the ring in which Brooklyn has offered for you."

She smiled, took a deep breath, as Brooklyn gave the opened ring box back to Broadway to hold, and took her hands back in his. She glanced over at Emily silently, who immediately stood, walked up to them and stood silently behind Rose, wiping her tears from her face.

Rose glanced into Brooklyn's eyes as she thought about what she wanted to say to him. Though she had written down some thoughts; she never needed to pull them out. As she searched his big, brown eyes; she remembered every single thing she thought of when they first met.

From his eyes; she knew what to say.

"Brooklyn," she said quietly. "As I look into your eyes; I am reminded why I chose you to be my husband and mate. As everybody here already knows my backstory… and the hurt I endured with my ex-husband and previous marriage… they probably don't know what was going through my heart and head during those times. I was broken; truly. And when I first met you, in that alleyway, I was scared. Emily and I were being terrorized by a gunman… a madman… and I was sure I was going to die that night. By his hand or Kevin's; it didn't matter to me; all I knew was my time was surely up. But then you showed up and saved me; giving me a second chance at life. I was scared of you and Angela; as you fought the gunman off me; and I was unsure what was going on. However, as I looked past the shock of how different you were and looked into your eyes, I knew I was going to be safe with you. Your eyes were so different than the eyes of the abuser I knew so well back home; they were full of compassion, love, kindness, goodness and sincerity.

In that moment, I fell in love with you as well. Our souls were immediately connected, and I couldn't stop thinking about you, long after you disappeared from the alleyway. We were separated for a time, as I was in the hospital and you were busy with your own responsibilities- and when I went home- you did not know where I was. But not a day went by that I didn't think of you. I was forced to endure my everyday life of living in complete fear and hostility with my ex, and there were many times when I wanted to give up; to give into… his beatings. Sometimes I wanted to anger him to the point where he finally would kill me…"

She paused from speaking, as Brooklyn's face fell and old anger entered his eyes. She smiled sympathetically at him and continued, "However; I never did, because I would think of you… You would bring feelings of peace to my heart; and I knew that you and I were meant to one day meet. That hope of seeing your kind eyes again was what I needed to stay strong until that day when we would see each other again. As more time passed, that was the only hope and light I clung to. The possibility of having someone love me and protect me from the nightmare in which I was living was everything to me; and it kept that small flame inside me lit."

She paused from her speaking as tears filled her eyes again and she continued saying, "Brooklyn… the next time I saw you was on the Brooklyn Bridge, where I was wanting to jump to my death... to finally escape Kevin and the horror he brought to my life. I could not take any more betrayal and hurt; and sadly, that hope and light had vanished inside me… or so I thought.

To my shock and surprise, you did not see me as the broken Human in which I saw myself, and did not judge me for feeling that way. You only saw beauty, light and strength; and it has been through your eyes in which I have been able to truly begin to heal and live again. I will never forget the feelings I felt for you when you reached your claw out to me and urged me not to jump. You made your vow to me that night… the vow to love me, support me, and to protect me, and I believed and trusted you with my life; and still do. I thank God every day that I did choose to take your claw that night and trusted my life in your capable arms."

She stopped speaking as tears streamed down her face and grasped his claws with her hands, before she continued in a broken voice. Tears fell down his face, as she could hardly speak.

"You saved my life that night and gave me a new reason to hope. You protected me from myself; and saved me from Kevin's wrath. You say that I am your light… but in reality, you are mine. I knew that I loved you from the moment I saw you, and I will always love you. You saved me, in every way possible, and for that; I am beyond thankful for you. With all my heart and soul; I am thankful and happy to be yours, now and forever. "

She paused once again, as Brooklyn wiped tears from his eyes with his claw and a smile came upon her face. She took another deep breath and said, in a stronger and more confident voice.

"Brooklyn, Second-in-Command to the Manhattan Gargoyle Clan. I, Rose Connelly, do hereby give you my heart, my love and everlasting vow to love you, support you and also… do my very best to protect you. I will love you in sickness and in health, through trial and good times, through darkness and light. I give my heart, as broken as it has been, and trust you with it with my whole life and soul. I promise to be your best friend; best wife and lover that I can be for you. I love you with all my heart and soul and am so thankful for you in my life… we are stronger together, and I am irrevocably and desperately in love with you."

With that, she turned again to Emily, who was an even bigger sobbing mess. Rose giggled at her; as Brooklyn chuckled, and both of them saw that she wasn't the only one sobbing, as most of their audience was blubbering at this point. Emily stepped forward and took out a small black velvet box similar to Brooklyn's. When she turned back to face him, he blinked tears away and looked shocked.

She grinned, and then offered the box to him, laughing slightly at his shocked expression.

"I did not expect you to buy me a ring; as I knew it wasn't Gargoyle tradition… but I did want to also get you a ring from my Human customs."

She opened the box and showed him the pure silver men's band, with a trail of red around it. She altered it to have a small, but thick chain around it, so he could wear it around his neck, instead of on his talons. She grinned at him and laughed as he gasped at her ring.

"It has red around it." He said in a quiet voice; almost as if he was in awe.

"Great minds think alike." She responded, smiling and winking at him. "A ring to symbolize our eternal love and commitment to each other, from this moment forward."

Brooklyn grinned at her, as tears streamed down his face, and Rose silently placed it back in its box and handed it back to Emily, until their ring exchange; and right then, Goliath spoke up, while wiping his own eyes.

"There aren't any more words that I could say to add to this beautiful night of vows," Goliath said, as Brooklyn and Rose clasped hands again, staring deeply into each other's eyes. "All I can say, is that these two have a great destiny in front of them, and I am honored to know these two and initiate their wedding. I am so proud of you, Brooklyn and Rose. I offer my greatest hopes and wishes of success, and happiness to the both of you. Brooklyn, please take the ring out of the box and place it upon Rose's left, fourth finger, as per Human tradition, and say your final vow."

Brooklyn did as he was instructed, took Rose's ring out of the box that Broadway was holding, and turned back to her, while holding her hand up.

"With this ring, I take you, Rose Connelly, as my mate and wife, with a vow of my endless love and devotion for you. I love you my beautiful angel, my love." Brooklyn said, placing the beautiful wedding ring on her fourth finger, gently. Rose smiled at the beautiful ring, and could feel the intense build up between her and him. They were almost there; just a few more seconds away they would officially be mates.

Rose quickly took the ring attached to the long chain out of the box in Emily's hands and turned back to him. She placed it around his neck, moving his long white mane of hair away and smiled as the ring settled itself in the center of his chiseled and strong chest, over his metal breastplate.

"With this ring, I take you Brooklyn- Second-in-Command to the Manhattan Gargoyle Clan, as my husband and mate; with a vow of my endless love and devotion. You are my love, and light. I love you so much."

When she was done placing the ring around his neck, Brooklyn brought his claws up and took her hands in his once again, their bodies and faces naturally gravitating themselves towards each other; like two magnets pulling on each other. Her bright hazel eyes stared into his dark brown ones, and Goliath's last words to them were everything they had longed to hear since the moment they met.

"Then, it is my duty, honor, and great privilege as leader of the Manhattan Clan to proudly announce you Brooklyn, my Second-in-Command, and you Rose Connelly as mates. Husband and wife; for as long as you both shall live. May the Gods bless you both with light, prosperity, and protection in all of your days together. You two are now one; now and forever. Brooklyn…. Rose… you may now kiss to secure these vows in front of myself and all these witnesses here tonight… as mates- as husband and wife."

Rose and Brooklyn didn't let Goliath fully finish that sentence as their lips automatically found each other in a blaze of intensity and great passion. The moment their lips touched; the whole world around them seemed to grow quiet and only leave the sounds of their two beating hearts and breathing, as their souls connected.

Her fingers threaded themselves through his thick hair and he cemented his grasp around her small waist, holding her firmly against his body and his lips against hers. They kept their kiss modest; but it was deeply intimate. They were now mates; husband and wife, and had kept their promises to each other and finally made it to the moment they most looked forward to the most.

Hours, years or centuries could have passed by, as they kissed each other and wrapped their arms around each other. Their lips dancing delicately against each other, and their hearts started pounding faster, as Brooklyn brought one of his claws up to the back of her head, running his talons through her curly hair. She could only feel his lips move against hers; and his strong arms around her back, holding her body to his, as they kissed. However; as they were brought back to reality they heard the audience shout out in celebration and applaud to their union. Rose had her eyes closed, but slowly opened them as they pulled apart. Brooklyn opened his eyes and stared at her for a few seconds, before a smile of true happiness flew across his face.

He trailed one claw up to her face, caressing her skin, and whispered, "We did it! We are finally mates!… I love you so much, Rose."

"Not as much as I love you…" She whispered back, smiling teasingly at him, and pressed her lips against his in a hurried and desperate kiss. He chuckled against her lips and invited the second kiss, but only for a few moments, as he felt slightly embarrassed to be in front of so many people and his Clan, kissing her. He now didn't care about the rest of the festivities for the night; and only longed to be alone with his new mate and bride.

They pulled away from each other, smiling happily as their hearts soared. Brooklyn suddenly gathered Rose up in his arms and spun her around in the air, whooping and hollering in joy. Rose squealed out in laughter and held onto him and he spun her. After a few spins, he set her back down and cupped her face in his claws; kissing her lips once again. The audience was still clapping; but was slowly dying out as they broke apart.

"Congratulations, you two." Goliath said, smiling down at them both. He placed his strong claws upon Brooklyn and Rose's shoulders and continued, "Truly. I have never been more proud and overjoyed at this union."

"Thanks, Goliath," Rose said, smiling at him, as Brooklyn held her against his armored chest piece. Goliath smiled at them both as they turned to face their audience, beaming in true happiness who were all smiling and clapping enthusiastically. Brooklyn took Rose's hand in his claw gently, turned to her and whispered, "Come my love, let's go to our Ceremonial dinner… but first, I want a moment alone with you."

She grinned up at him and whispered, "After you, my husband."

He grinned brightly at her, held onto her hand tightly and then began to lead her down the gazebo steps carefully so she didn't trip over her long white dress. Once safely on the white aisle, Brooklyn led her by the hand down the aisle, allowing people to see them pass by. Rose looked from every happy face; Human and Gargoyle like. There was Xanatos' family; with Fox, Alex and Owen to their left, with Elisa, Emily, and Hudson to their right on the front row; then there was Lexington, Akira, Broadway, Angela, Bronx lapping his tongue happily out as they passed by. She then looked over to the Labyrinth Clan with Maggie, Talon and Claw clapping; and Claw pumping his fists in the air happily at her. She giggled at Claw and was thankful for his friendship and enthusiasm.

Then, there was Elisa's family- the Maza's were smiling approvingly at her and Brooklyn; then she looked to the Clones- who were all equally ecstatic to be there. Delilah was holding Malibu's hand and looked like a princess in her pink, flowy dress.

Rose was on cloud nine now that she was married to Brooklyn, and now looked over at his handsome face. He instantly smiled back at her, still walking alongside her, and she knew she made the right decision. Her heart was thumping excitedly and longed to have a moment alone with him. They no longer had to hide away from danger and keep their mating desires in check; they could be finally be together, as mates. Rose grinned back at him and could have swore that they both began to walk a bit quicker, now that they passed their audiences, and were about to leave the hedge. The guests were rising and were about to follow them out, to head towards the other side of the hedge, for dinner and dancing.

Seeming to know this, Brooklyn quickly pulled her through the hedge's entrance, over to a private corner, and began to devour her in sweet kisses. Rose giggled past his lips, but happily returned his sensual kiss, he ran his claws over her face gently and pressed his body against hers. She closed her eyes and exhaled in desire; wanting more, as he lowered his lips to claim the skin on her neck. She wrapped her arms around his neck, keeping him close, loving him.

However; as she opened her eyes once again, she spotted a pair of hate-filled red glowing eyes, in a dark corner near their hiding spot, watching them maliciously.

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** FINALLY! Brooklyn and Rose are now mates! The happy couple will have some fun here soon- but danger is still lurking around the corner. Thank you all for following this story and reviewing! Please, keep up the awesome reviews as they really do help me! Enjoy! We've got a few more chapters to go before the end of this story. Shine on!**