~ Chapter Fifty- Six ~

Home Again

Two months had passed since everyone returned from Avalon, and the once humid summer air of late August had now turned into the cold autumn weather of late October.

After fighting in a magical world war, it was strange for Rose to be back home, but it was even more bizarre to be back in her human shape-shifted form, which she took advantage of before her pregnancy became too much for her human body to handle.

Lately, Rose spent her afternoons briskly walking along the beautiful, crunchy-leaf-infested walks of Central Park, and today was an extra gorgeous day to be out. Even though the temperatures weren't perfect summer temperatures anymore, it was a brilliantly beautiful autumn day. There wasn't as much smog from traffic, the skies were clearer, and the park was quieter than she was used to. The fresh air was therapeutic, as was the physical exercise, especially after the ordeal she'd gone through in Avalon.

As Rose walked, her mind and thoughts often thought back to the war, what she saw, and dealt with. She had to keep remembering where she was now, how she and her unborn son, the Clan, and Brooklyn were safe, happy, and healthy.

The world, however, had kept spinning on as if nothing had happened.

Rose wiped every human's mind from the memory of being in the Underworld on purpose, but it still was strange for her that every human who passed her on the noisy and busy streets had no idea what she did for them or who she even was.

They would have no idea that many of them and their loved ones had been snatched away by the terrible Death Curse and died. But now, thanks to her and Brooklyn, things were back to normal.

Or as normal as her life got.

Since being back, hers and Brooklyn's apartment remained the same, as did Castle Wyvern and the Clan's routine. Most nights, they returned to going out on patrol, looking for all manner of crime and problems they could help with, but Rose hadn't yet found her routine since returning from Avalon.

Instead, she was relaxing, and for the first time in her life, she wasn't worried about working. Xanatos had even paid for her apartment outright for saving Fox and Alex's life, giving her complete financial freedom.

It was a gift she usually wouldn't take, but she didn't want to work or worry about making ends meet because of her new situation. Instead, she wanted to enjoy her pregnancy, which was now coming along quicker than she anticipated.

At only six months along, she felt like a balloon ready to pop; and was unsure if it was because Gargoyle eggs were born around six months or because Gnash was going to be bigger. Either way, her body was being pushed to the limit.

She'd met with Doctor Sato a few times since her return, and according to him, she was measuring larger but was still on track for a healthy baby. However, since the beginning of the week and now, she'd already changed and grown so much. It made her suspicions about delivering sooner even more plausible.

It was only a matter of time before she would be forced to shape-shift back into her Fae form and stay hidden from the public eye until Nashville was born. Until then, Rose took advantage of her human form and walked every day to keep up her fitness and mental health.

Having walked two miles around Central Park, Rose slowly meandered a few more miles through the City back to the Castle before she finally felt tired and like she couldn't take another step.

Entering the car garage elevators, she rested against the steel walls with a heavy sigh and longed to fall asleep as it took her up to the top of the skyscraper. Holding her large stomach, she shut her eyes and focused on her breathing. The walk was a bit much for her today, and she thought it best to slow it down from here on out.

By now, the sun had gone down, and she hoped Brooklyn wasn't too worried where she'd gone. However, when the elevator doors opened up at the top castle level, and she walked through the long, cobblestone hallways into the living room, her mate wasn't anywhere to be found.

Nearby, Akira and Lexington were watching a movie on the couch, both holding her new pregnancy belly. She was only two months along by now, but she was already showing since her frame was more petite.

Sitting on the couches with them was Broadway and Angela, who were also holding their very large, purple-spotted Gargoyle egg in their laps. It, too, had just a few more months until it would hatch.

Rose smiled at the pair as she shuffled into the room.

Looking around more, Hudson was asleep in his usual recliner chair, and Bronx was lying on the ground at his feet. The beast's large webbed ears perked up as she entered the room, and his tongue began lapping happily. At his reaction, all the siblings looked up at her and grinned.

"Hey, fatty," Broadway greeted cheekily, and he instantly got an elbow in his side by Angela. "Ow."

"Rude, but hello to you too," Rose answered, chuckling slightly.

"Oh, ignore him," Angela said, standing up to offer her space on the couch, "you are absolutely darling! Here! Come, sit down! We're watching 'The Sandlot.' Want to join us?"

"I think I will in a minute," Rose said, holding her stomach and resting against the wall, breathing heavily.

"Are you alright?" Akira asked, noting her discomfort. "Is it Gnash?"

Rose smiled and liked how the Clan referred to him by his name, even though he wasn't here yet. She nodded. "Yeah, I swear I'm getting closer to delivery with each passing day. I am getting a little nervous that he's going to have a Gargoyle gestation timeline and will be coming any night now."

"That very well could happen," Angela said seriously, holding her claw out for Rose to take it. "Here, let me help you sit down." But Rose chuckled and stayed where she was at.

"If I sit down, I won't be able to get back up again. Besides, I have to pee for like… the billionth time today."

Angela laughed. "Alright, well, you go do your thing and then come sit down. Okay? Not to be a mother hen here, but you probably should take it easy from here on out. I am not talking about your weight, like Broadway so rudely brought up, but you do look further along than even last night."

Rose nodded, not having the energy to argue with logic or be stubborn. "Yeah, I can sense it too. Alright. I'm going to head to the bathroom, and then I'll come back to plot my fat, pregnant ass down to forever remain." She winked at Broadway, who laughed at her tease.

Turning to leave, she stopped and faced them again.

"Oh, before I forget, where is Brooklyn?"

"He's out on patrol with Goliath," Broadway answered, eating large fistfuls of popcorn. "They left a short while ago, but Brook left a note for you. He said that he left it by your nightstand in the bedroom."

Rose smiled at him. "Thanks."

Turning around and using the wall as a crutch, she slowly walked down the hallway towards her bedroom. Since her pregnancy had sped up rapidly since leaving Avalon, it was easier to stay put in one place instead of living out of the Castle and their apartment.

By the time she got to her bedroom, Rose was winded. Having always been a healthy person, she laughed at herself and how ridiculous she felt. Looking down at her stomach, she then rubbed it lovingly.

"Gnash, we've got a lot to figure out here, bud."

At her voice, a strong kick suddenly made her grunt and lean over. Over the passing weeks, she had been feeling him move within her, and when it wasn't an incredible sensation, it hurt.

"Ow," she gasped, then said, "easy, baby boy. Don't break mommy's ribs, please."

As if obeying her, her child calmed down, and Rose exhaled in relief. Wobbling into the bathroom, she relieved herself, then when done, came back out and found the note Broadway had mentioned.

Picking it up, she read Brooklyn's familiar scribble with a smile.

Good evening, my love,

I hope you had an enjoyable walk.

When you come back, I'll most likely not be here but will be out on patrol with Goliath, though I anticipate that we'll only be a few hours. I've asked Angela and Broadway to trade-off with me later tonight because I want to spend some time with you. So, if you are able and willing, meet me where we first met around eleven. I have something special planned for you!

I hope to see you soon! I love you, my beautiful angel.

Fly safely.

-Brooklyn

P.S- I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but we met at the Brooklyn Bridge if you are confused by what I mean. I know pregnancy has made remembering things a little bit difficult for you at times, but I mean that in the best way. Don't hate me. Okay, I'll see you soon, my beautiful, pregnant mate!

I love you!

Chuckling and shaking her head, Rose placed the note back down. Looking at her clock, she had a few hours to relax before eleven, so she slowly made her way out to the living room to join the others.

Curling up next to Broadway and Angela on the couch, she ate some of the snacks within her reach and enjoyed every quiet moment with her family as they watched 'The Sandlot.'

Every laugh was music to her ears, every loving smile between mates was magical, and even the snores from both Bronx and Hudson were wonderful. Rose was finally home, and she was enjoying it.

Every wonderful heartbeat of it.

When Rose arrived at the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn's back was to her as he gazed out at the City.

Hearing her arrive by the subtle sound of her feathered wings and feeling their soul-bond tingle with familiarity, he turned, smiled the devilishly handsome smile she loved, and stood up to greet her.

"Hey, beautiful! I see you found my note!"

"And I see you planned a wonderfully thoughtful evening for us," Rose added, grinning.

Brooklyn quickly crossed over, took her in his arms, and hugged her tightly. Then, his lips found hers in a deep kiss.

When they broke apart, Rose looked around at the picnic basket and blanket and asked, "So, what's the occasion?"

"Does there need to be an occasion to dote on my beautiful, pregnant mate?"

Rose chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sometimes it helps for there to be, so the receiving party knows what to expect."

"Well, I have wanted to have a date night with you for a few nights now, and…" Brooklyn paused, placed his claws on her waist, then raised an eye bone at her, "are you telling me that you have forgotten what today is?"

Rose stared at him and furrowed her eyebrows into a thoughtful frown.

What was today, and what was she forgetting?

There was humor on his face as she appeared to draw blanks.

"Uhm," Rose said, thinking hard, "well… it's not our wedding anniversary, that much I know because it's in February… um…" she paused, then gasped, "oh, I know! Today is when we first met, a year ago, here at the Brooklyn Bridge! So, yes, tonight is our anniversary of first meeting each other!" She paused, then added, "which is a pretty big deal."

Brooklyn chuckled and held her close to him. "Yes, it is. That is indeed one of the reasons I've brought you here, but there is still one more part of today that I want to celebrate with you."

"What?" Rose stared at him more, still drawing blanks. "Oh, um…"

Brooklyn suddenly tipped his head back and laughed. "Do you still not know?"

"Hey, blame it on your son," Rose laughed, holding her hands up in surrender. "Lately, the hormones helping make him are turning my brain into goo. I've forgotten everything as of late. I'm lucky I still know my own name."

Brooklyn chuckled a low laugh, then caressed a palm across her cheek before cupping her jaw while staring into the yellow-amber eyes he'd grown to love.

"Well, I forgive you, then."

"Oh, thanks," Rose teased back. "Okay… tell me, please. What else are we celebrating tonight?"

Brooklyn raised an eye bone teasingly at her. "Oh, only the most important day of your life, my love."

When Rose narrowed her eyes at him, still not catching on, he shook his head in amusement and kissed her forehead.

"It's your birthday, sweetheart. Today is your birthday and is also the first day I brought you to the castle with me, one whole year ago. Remember?"

When he said it, she felt ridiculous.

"Oh... my gosh," Rose gasped, feeling incredibly stupid. "I knew about today being when you brought me home with you, but I completely forgot about it being my birthday!"

Brooklyn snorted out a laugh. "How could you forget your birthday?"

She laughed. "Because I've stopped counting birthdays! I'm an immortal now."

"Oh, no, no, nope. I'm not letting you get off that easily," Brooklyn chuckled, shaking his head. "Because, technically, you're not. You still age and today is still your birthday! So, we are celebrating it!"

Rose shook her head, laughing, and then gazed into his beautiful dark brown eyes. Leaning her lips against his, she breathed, "Thank you for remembering. As always, you're so sweet, thoughtful, and romantic. I love you."

"Of course. I only want the best for the love of my life," he whispered back before kissing her lips. "Happy Birthday, my darling Rose. I love you too."

They kissed deeply for a few seconds before Brooklyn pulled away and then caressed his claws over her growing stomach, smiling with utmost joy in his eyes.

"So, other than almost forgetting the day you came into existence, how are my two most favorite people in this entire universe?"

Rose tipped her head back and laughed, then ran her own hands over her swollen abdomen and Brooklyn's claws.

"We are… good, I guess. Gnash more than me, most likely."

"Oh? Why would that be?"

"Oh, I'm just always tired and achy, that's all. Whereas, our son is in paradise."

Brooklyn chuckled, leaned down, and gently kissed her stomach. "Good, as he should be." He then looked up at her and straightened himself before her. "I bet pregnancy isn't comfortable, and I'm sorry that you are tired, but I have to tell you that you are so beautiful, Rose."

When she laughed at him, he continued, "No, I'm serious. Did you know that you get more and more stunning every time I see you, especially being largely pregnant with my child? I mean, my heart palpitates out of control every time I see you, and I cannot believe that only one year later, since first meeting you, that we are now mates and are expecting a son together! It's just…" he blew out a raspberry, and she laughed again. "It absolutely blows my mind, Rose. Had someone told my old self what my future would be, I would have probably not believed them. You, my darling, are a dream come true, and this life we've created together is a miracle. I just love you so much!"

He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her over and over again until he whispered, "Thank you for this priceless gift you've given me."

"Oh, well, you had a hand in it," Rose said, kissing him back, "so, it's you I should be thanking. Or… punching… it depends on the day and how much pain I'm in."

Brooklyn chuckled, but seeing that she was semi-serious, his smile faded slightly. "You… you're in pain?"

Rose nodded, then shrugged. "Some."

Worry flew across his face then. "Why? What's wrong? Is Gnash…?"

"Gnash is fine," Rose said calmly, holding onto his claws, "and I'm just fine, as well. Honest. I just feel like this pregnancy is speeding up, and with it comes more discomfort and pain in my body and joints, is all. For example, taking my walk today ended up being difficult for the first time, whereas yesterday, I felt fine. Now, I feel more winded, tired, and just… achy. I don't know. It's weird. And maybe this is because pregnancy changes a woman's body so much that it's normal, but I've noticed that I'm further along and even bigger than I was last night, and... that isn't quite normal. Not to a human pregnancy anyway."

Brooklyn narrowed his eye bones slightly. "I'm confused, babe. Shouldn't you be growing when the baby gets bigger?"

"Yes," Rose said, nodding, "but… not this fast."

"Oh…" He paused, then took a deep breath to calm himself and began rubbing his claws up and down her arms. "Well, what does Doctor Sato think about all of this?"

"I haven't told him about this yet," Rose said quietly. "The last time he met with me was last week, and I measured close to what a human baby measures at the six-month mark, but, since then, my stomach has grown at least a few more inches. However, Doctor Sato did say that, because Gnash is half-gargoyle, he is quite certain that I will deliver earlier, and, if that was the case, what if my body follows the gestation timeline of a gargoyle?" She paused. "The females deliver the eggs at six months, which is where I'm at now."

"Have you been having any signs towards labor?" Brooklyn asked, his eyes widening with worry.

"I…" Rose began, then shrugged, "I've never had a baby before, so I'm not sure, and, while I used to be a paramedic and know the textbook signs of labor, I'm still not quite sure what to expect with a hybrid- gargoyle baby."

Brooklyn nodded, humming nervously, then said, "Okay, well, maybe it's best if you stay in your Fae form from here on out, my love. Do as Titania has instructed and stay in the form best suited for a child with wings. If you're getting nervous that Gnash is coming sooner than later, then please help ease my mind and stay away from your human form, and from now on..." he looked at where they were at suddenly and took a deep breath, "take it easy."

Rose nodded and sighed, "Yeah, okay, I think you're right."

"I shouldn't have let you fly here by yourself," he suddenly muttered to himself, and Rose looked up at him.

"No, babe, I'm fine. Flying actually felt way more relaxing and easy on my body than walking does. The pull of gravity takes your son out of my back."

"Do you feel better in your Fae form over your Human one?" He asked her quickly. "Or is it about the same?"

"Slightly better, but some pain is still there."

"What kind of pain are you having?"

"Back pain, mostly," Rose said tiredly. Noting his worried expression, she then smiled and patted him on the shoulder. "Oh, don't worry yourself, my love. We know that our son will one day come, and yes, I'll be in tremendous pain, but it will be the most beautiful experience and will be worth it."

When he still didn't look convinced, she smiled and kissed his lips briefly. "I love you, Brooklyn, and I'm doing just fine. Ignore me and my complaining. Everything is fine, my love."

"You're not complaining, and even if you were, you'd have every right to it." Brooklyn suddenly looked around at the picnic he had set up at the top of the bridge's brick support structure nervously. "If you're in pain, then maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Had I known you were even remotely uncomfortable, I wouldn't have even-"

Rose cut him off with her lips, kissing him again a bit longer this time. When she released him, she smiled. "Stop it. I said I'm fine, and am happy to spend time with you on my birthday…" she then grinned cheekily, "which is also on one of the best nights of my life. The night where you saved my life from my monster ex-husband and brought me home with you."

"Yeah," Brooklyn sighed happily before pulling her into his arms. "It was the start of something new and amazing."

"It was and still is," Rose said sweetly, grinning. "So, what do you have planned for us?"

Brooklyn looked down at her. "Are you sure you're still feeling up to it? I mean, it's pretty chilly tonight, and you're in a more delicate position-"

"As long as we aren't too late nor too long without indoor plumbing, I am more than happy to hang out where we first met and spend my birthday with you."

Brooklyn laughed, then nodded. "Okay… well, then, if you're so sure… then here we go!"

He quickly pulled out of her arms, stooped down, turned on the boombox radio he brought with him, and pressed play on the CD player. Frank Sinatra began playing in the speakers quietly, and Rose smiled at his choice of music. The soft jazz music brought an even more romantic feeling to their softly lit picnic. The bridge had stringed lights below them, which softly illuminated their picnic, and Brooklyn had brought a few blankets for them to sit on.

"Alright, here is our nightly special, for my special woman…" he pulled a small tin bowl out of a basket and held it up to her to see. "Surprise! Happy birthday, Rose!"

When Rose saw what he brought for them to eat, she burst out laughing. "Oh my goodness, you got me a chocolate pie!" She clutched her heart as tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. "Oh, Brooklyn, you remembered!"

"Of course, I remembered," he laughed. "How could I forget that you loved the most unlovable dessert of all time?"

"Unloveable?" Rose then laughed through her happy tears. "How can you not like chocolate pie?"

"I don't know, pie is just…" he shuddered suddenly, "it's not my favorite, but because you love it and it's your birthday, I am going to eat and enjoy it with you. Besides, it's chocolate, and that I do love so that it won't be so bad. However, I will not eat fruit pie." He made a gagging face that made her laugh out loud. "That crap is truly revolting."

Rose chuckled again, then sighed endearingly as she stared at him, her hand still resting on her heart.

"Brooklyn… you are the most wonderful, kind, thoughtful, romantic, and most selfless husband. I am truly blessed to call you mine." She smiled sincerely through her welled-up tears. "Thank you."

"Oh, don't get all gushy on me, babe. It's alright," Brooklyn teased, pulling her into his arms. "It's just pie. I'm supposed to cry over it, not you."

"No, it's not just about the pie, and you know it," Rose laughed, still half-crying. "The fact that you remembered a small conversation the first night we met and did everything to make me happy tonight speaks volumes to me. I just…" she gazed up at his face, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered against his lips, "I love you… so much. How did I get this lucky?"

Brooklyn smiled, then leaned down and kissed her lips, softly but intensely. After a few seconds, he pulled away and breathed, "It is I who is the lucky one, Rose." He then turned around, stooped down again, picked a small black box out of the basket, and gave it to her.

Rose gasped and placed her hand over her mouth. Whatever tears she had been holding back were falling now.

"I know we don't need any material things to prove that our love is eternal," Brooklyn whispered, holding the box up, "but, ever since your…" he paused, then spat the word, "ex… destroyed the ring I gave you at our wedding, I decided that it was time to replace it."

With that, he flipped the small box open and showed her what was inside, and sparkling in the moonlight was an elegant rose gold, oval diamond ring.

Rose exhaled a sob. "Oh, Brooklyn…!"

"It's not red, but…" he stopped and wiped her tears away, "it's rose gold, just like my beautiful Rose. At first, I wanted to continue with my tradition of not going for a diamond, but then I realized nothing could suit our situation better. A diamond gets its beauty and enduring strength from the refiner's fire, and… well… that is exactly what you've gone through, my love." He wiped at her tears again, smiling at her. "A diamond also represents purity, which fits this new time in our life, and the purity and rock-solid strength of our eternal love and soul-bond."

Rose was beyond words, and all she could do was cry. No matter how many times Brooklyn wiped at her tears, more streamed down her face.

"I take it… that you love it?" He asked her softly, and she nodded, still wordlessly crying. He smiled lovingly at her. "Can I place it upon your finger?"

Rose sobbed and nodded her head, holding her left fourth finger out, and watched him slide the beautiful band around it. The diamond glittered in the light, and all she could do was stare at it, absolutely loving it.

"It suits you," Brooklyn whispered, and finally, she looked up into his eyes.

"I love it."

Her voice shook as she spoke, but still, words couldn't adequately explain what she was feeling in her heart. However, with their soul-bond pulsing between them, she knew that he could feel how much she truly loved him. She didn't know how he afforded it or when he bought it, but all of that she wasn't worried about. She only cared about him and longed to claim his lips.

"I love you, Brooklyn," she breathed, cupping his face and drawing it near hers.

"I love you more, my love."

Oh?" Rose whispered against his lips. Needing him now. "Then kiss me."

Brooklyn chuckled at her desperation but instantly threw the small box to the ground, wrapped his arms around her, crushed his lips to hers, and carefully settled them both on the ground.

Sitting on his lap, Rose spread her legs to straddle his waist as he held her against him tenderly. Under the stars and in the place where they first met each other, they kissed and made out passionately with Sinatra's 'The Way You Look Tonight,' playing quietly through the beautiful night.

Here in her mate's arms and heart, Rose was truly home again and was where Brooklyn was always going to keep her.

*Guys, we are so close! We've got only three more chapters to go until the end. I'm editing them now and will post them soon! Enjoy!*