The Ties That Bind
By Shadow Runner
Part five in the series
For those of you who are familiar with my writings may recognize this as being very similar to "The Moment". Well there's a reason for that… it is. I actually wrote this one first and then put it on the shelf (along with the rest of this series) until I decided it was time to finish what I started. Anyway it's a bit tamer than The Moment and different enough that I think it still a good read. You be the judge.
Hope you like and happy reading!
***** ***** *****
Goliath stood alone on the balcony of Elisa's apartment. It had been over a week since he'd been able to spend anytime with Elisa. Ever since they had discovered John Castaway was indeed Jon Canmore, Elisa had been working no stop on trying to figure out a way to get to him before Demona did. The Clan was working nightly patrols of the areas frequented by Quarrymen but Canmore had yet to show himself.
Goliath knew it was weighing heavy on her mind. She had opened herself to him but at the same time she was still keeping her distance. She felt their connection brought an added danger to the Clan and didn't want to do anything that might threaten them… or him. Sometimes, while he was on patrol, he could feel her presence in the city. He knew when she was happy, when she was thinking of him and he missed her sorely.
But lately… he found himself wanting more and it bothered him.
He'd finished his patrol early, and returned to the castle long enough to ensure that the others were safe. Tonight Brooklyn and Broadway were checking the airports to see if Demona had returned while Angela and Lexington watched Nightstone Unlimited. So far there was nothing.
He'd seen Matt earlier and he'd informed him that Elisa had "called in sick" tonight. Not quite grasping what Matt was getting at he'd gone to her apartment to check on her. When he arrived, he found no one home and was troubled that something might have happened to her. He was beginning to think something had and was about to leave to find the others when the light flicked on in the apartment. He stepped back into the shadows for a moment and waited.
Elisa walked in with a grocery bag in her arms. She set it on the counter of the kitchen and ran her fingers through long black hair. She looked as she were pondering what to do next.
Goliath remained silent, watching her.
He observed as she unpacked the contents of the bag; candles, a bottle of wine, and a few other items. She quickly moved about the room, setting candles around and then walked over to the stereo systems and fiddled with the controls.
Soon, soft music replaced the quiet and once again, Elisa was moving about the room, adjusting the furniture and such. She disappeared into another room and returned with a blanket and several large pillows. Spreading the blanket out on the floor, she tossed the pillows down and returned to the kitchen for the wine and two glasses.
Returning to the living room she began moving about, lighting the candles and dimming the lights. It quickly occurred to Goliath that she was expecting him; she knew he would be coming. He felt his heart swell and he smiled at the woman before him.
Elisa tensed and stood still, distinctly aware of his presence. She turned to the window just as he stepped into the light. Walking over, she opened the doors and smiled at him, "I was wondering how long you were going to stay out there."
"Matt said you were ill…"
"A 24 hour thing, I'm fine now." He looked at her with concern as she smiled again, "Really… I'm fine." She walked up and wrapped her hands behind his neck to kiss him and felt him tense slightly, "What's wrong?"
Goliath remained quiet, not trusting his voice and afraid she might hear the unsteadiness in his voice. He had been on the edge before, the edge of panic, and hadn't realized how worried he'd been until just that moment. So afraid something had happened to her, so relieved when he knew she was all right. Instead of speaking he leaned down to kiss her softly.
She opened herself to him, trying to feel what was building inside him, but nothing was clear. Something had frightened him and it didn't take long for her to figure out what. She held him close, as if to reassure him, she was really there; that she was OK.
She didn't speak as she led him into the living room. The lights were low and the candles flickered slightly from the breeze of the open balcony door.
She stood before him, tracing her fingers over his chest. Her touch made his wings twitch slightly. He could feel her heart beat increase, even though they were nearly a foot apart. His sensitivity to the Bond had increased and it was almost second nature to him now. It was as if her heartbeat was somehow linked to his. He pulled her closer and wrapped her in his wings, needing to feel her close against his skin.
It felt different from the other times he had held her. She seemed to radiate energy as if her body was charged with electricity. The need to have her physically near him was stronger than it had ever been, yet at the same time, it reminded him of something from long ago. A memory faded with time but the feelings remained strong. He was trembling now, as was she. He was uncertain how to proceed but felt his instincts beginning to take over. He was fighting to restrain himself and lost as to what to do.
He looked down at her and saw only trust and love in her eyes, and with that one look, his body made the decision his mind failed to make. He pulled her down to the floor and settled with his back against the couch and her by his side.
Elisa continued to trace her fingers up and down his lavender chest. It had a familiar feel… it reminded her vaguely of the tightly stretched leather on the ceremonial drum her father had when she was a child. She could feel the peculiar beating of his heart. His breathing was slowly increasing, coming out in ragged grasps. She took a deep breath, savoring his sent, it still smelled of leather and stone after a summer rain. She knew this was where she belonged. It felt like home.
Goliath tipped her head back to kiss her again, now well versed with this human custom. He was lost in his own thoughts of her, the softness of her skin on his, the touch of her hands over him. Her sable hair smelled of strawberries but underneath that there was another sent; erotic and powerful. He once again felt himself wanting… needing… more.
The passion was increasing between them, moving in a directing they'd never attempted before. Elisa felt the roaring in her ears and mind increase, the sound of white noise from Goliath's mind. His thoughts were as jumbled as hers were so she allowed them to over take her own. Goliath was more accepting of the Bond, but for her is was still very new.
Sometimes it was almost overwhelming but she was learning to compensate, trying to make it a part of her. From time to time, an image would come to her causing confusion since especially if she felt it wasn't one of her own. When he was close she occasionally picked up random thoughts directed to her.
Unlike Goliath, it was never a premeditated effort on her part, rather it was something that sort of just… happened.
At times she was envious of Goliath's ability to control their bond. For him it seemed easy, like flicking a light switch on or off. Then again, it also seemed to be more of a gargoyle trait and she was somehow picking up on the tail end of it.
Elisa felt him push her away slightly, to look deep into her eyes. It was as if he were looking into her very soul. His black eyes were smoldering and she looked away self-consciously. She reached over and lifted the wine and glasses from a near by table and handed Goliath the bottle. She was about to hand him the corkscrew, but realize he didn't need it.
With a soft poke of a talon he popped the cork from the bottle.
Elisa cocked an eye at him and held out the glasses. "That's a handy little trick," she said softly.
As he poured the wine, the music played softly in the background. She took one glass and handed him the other. They tapped crystal flutes lightly and the sound seemed to echo softly in with the music. Goliath gazed at her over his glass, the wine was sweet on his lips and made his head buzz slightly.
He let his eyes run over her face and down her body. She wore a light blue button up blouse with light colored slacks. It was a different look from her normal work attire, more casual and relaxed. The sleeves were rolled up a bit to expose the lower part of her arms. She had kicked off her shoes earlier and he marveled at the smallness of her feet. They seemed fragile somehow and he knew from first hand experience how fragile humans could be. How different they were…
"Not so different…" Elisa whispered softly.
Goliath nodded absently; instinctively knowing once again she'd picked up his thoughts.
He quickly tried to shut his mind down. He didn't want to push, but the images entering his mind were becoming harder to control and he didn't with to alarm her. Never before had a woman captured him as she had.
Elisa felt the sudden separation from him, as if a part of her brain had become disconnected. For a moment she panicked. She ultimately concluded he was shielding himself and had a pretty good idea why.
"Goliath," She said softly. When he didn't respond, she set her glass down and repeated his name a bit louder, "Goliath."
Hearing her speaking his name pulled him out of his introspection but he refused to look her.
"Don't shut me out… not tonight…" she implored.
The anguish in her voice brought nearly brought tears to his eyes, "You know not of what you ask…"
She lifted his head so he could see her. So he could look into her eyes and understand what it was she was about to say to him, "Yes… I do…"
He searched her eyes, praying for a reason to keep the barrier; knowing he wouldn't find one. As he expected they were true to him but beneath he saw a pain and it hurt him to know that by cutting himself off he had put it there. Slowly he lifted the mental wall he'd erected and felt the change as her heart beat fluttered slightly. He felt his own hearts struggle to meet hers, knowing they might never beat as one physically… but did so in spirit.
She shifted around and took his glass from him setting it on the near by table. He expected her to return to her original position. When she raised up slightly and straddled the lower part of his body he became alarmed.
"Elisa…" He protested but she ignored him by leaning in and kissing him softly on the brow, the eyes, the bridge of his nose, and finally resting on his lips.
"Trust me…" she whispered between kisses, "I'll always be there to catch you…"
She began cautiously, building slowly. Running her fingers through his hair and over the ridges of his head she traced the outlines of his face with her hands. Goliath felt his misgivings slipping away, being pulled from him by her gentle touch. He relaxed as the sensations and soft kisses continued. Her lips tasted of the wine and he hungered for more.
The last of his protests slipped away as he raised his arms to touch her tentatively on the shoulders. When she didn't flinch at the contact, he became bolder, moving them down her arms, caressing her delicately. Stopping to grasp her hands, he brought them to his lips, kissing them and rubbing them to his cheek.
The CD player clicked softly as the discs shuffled around. The music continued, but Goliath heard none of it. He was lost in the magic of the moment, and didn't want to focus on anything but the woman before him.
His Elisa.
Elisa slowly leaned back from him, as this was the moment of truth. She knew if she stopped now, she might not have the courage to continue, or worse, she might not ever get a second chance. Slowly she pulled her hands from his, and began unbuttoning her blouse.
Goliath reached up to stop her progression. The hurt look on her face made him realize she was misinterpreting his actions. He brought her arms back down to her sides and smiled at her. After a momentary pause he raised his talons to her shoulders and slowly, almost deliberately, he moved to the buttons of her blouse.
With a slight tremble he began to finish what she had started.
Elisa's breathing was coming in short bursts and she knew if she wasn't careful she was going to start hyperventilating. She closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing but was having little luck.
When Goliath finished he lowered his arms and gazed upon her. The shirt was still partially closed but it exposed enough to make him want more. Carefully, he brought his arms back up and slipped the blouse from her shoulders… and stopped once again.
Elisa opened her eyes carefully when she felt him stop and was surprised to find him just looking at her. She wondered for a moment about what he was looking at, what he might be seeing. She cocked her head slightly, "What's wrong?"
He didn't speak as he was in awe. He just sat there listening but not hearing; looking, but not really seeing. He let his gaze roll over her body, noting the softness of her skin, the way her chest rose and fell with her breathing, he could almost see the pulse of her blood in the veins of her neck. Then his eyes went to the scar high up on her chest. He knew there was another, smaller vertical surgical incision, near the base of her spine … where they removed the bullet from her.
He flashed to that night. Owen Burnett standing on the parapet of the castle to inform him she'd been shot. Of seeing her lying helpless on the hospital… of learning it was not Anthony Dracon who had almost killed her, but Broadway.
So fragile…
Elisa heard his thoughts but they made no sense to her so she looked at him in bewilderment. At first she had no idea what had caused his jumbled burst to be sent out to her. Then she looked down to see what he was seeing.
The scar.
She raised his talons to the scar and when he hesitated, she pressed slightly, "It's OK Goliath, it's a part of me now… a part of who I am…"
He finally allowed her to lead him, to guide him to the point on her body that was causing such anguish for him, "See?" she said softly, "I'm still here… I'm not going anywhere… "
He traced it slowly, with great care, and love. He allowed his hands to develop a mind of their own as they began moving over her body. He gently caressed her breasts, cupping one in his large claw, then rubbed a talon over the hardening nipple.
With Demona passion had been distant and detached; somewhat forced and felt like a small, cold burning fire. With Elisa it was open, heated, but coated with a thick layer of tenderness.
Elisa tried to stifle a soft moan but it somehow managed to escape her lips. Goliath watched her in wonder as he continued his gentle caress. It was magical to see the changes coming over her by his touch, the way she responded to his actions. To know she truly trusted, needed… and wanted him.
The sensations caused goose flesh to break out over Elisa's exposed flesh and she shuddered. She felt the long forgotten feelings of passion building within her. The dull ache of knowing what she wanted, and having it so very close. She listened to the soft voice of love, long thought non-existent, coming to life. She groaned softly, arching her back slightly and reached back to unclasp her bra and set it off to the side.
Goliath pulled her to him. The feeling of flesh on flesh for the first time with her, however limited it might become, was intoxicating. He ran his talons over her back and down to the base of her spine and felt the need building in him again. "Elisa…" he gasped out, "Perhaps we should stop…"
She closed her eyes and leaned in, kissing his neck. She stopped for a moment breathing heavily into his throat, "I want this…but if you don't want…"
Goliath's soft laughter told her he certainly did not want to stop. He brought her up higher on his chest and kissed her deeply, nuzzling at her neck. She felt his tail begin tracing small circle on her back, causing a whole new batch of goose flesh to break out on her.
She also felt something else. Something she hadn't noticed before and it didn't take long for her to realize the effect she was having on him. She shifted around on him trying to position herself. Between her slacks and Goliath's belt, something was going to have to give.
Unable to get comfortable she murmured, "Hmmm…I think… maybe… we do need to stop…" Goliath reluctantly released his hold on her and she rolled off him and stood, fumbling with her belt.
She didn't think he would move quite so fast but suddenly he was standing before her.
"Allow me…" Slowly he pulled loose the belt of her pants and moved large hands to the button of her slacks. She felt a cool breeze as her slacks slipped down around her ankles. As she stepped lightly out of the pants she looked up to see Goliath gazing upon her again.
She stood before him, clad only small cotton panties. He knelt before her and pulled them down, pushing them over her hips and down her legs. She stepped daintily out of them as he took in a deep breath and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. He lightly kissed the scar on her chest, whispering her name into her soft flesh. He felt her raised her hands to stroke the back of his head lovingly.
They stood like that for some time, and slowly she pulled him to his feet. She tugged at his belt not understanding why the stupid thing was not coming off until finally he assisted her. He tossed the belt to the side and the loincloth fell to the floor. They now stood completely naked before each other.
Elisa looked down coyly, and was taken back for a moment. She looked up quickly and was greeted by Goliath's bemused expression, "Not quiet what you expected?" he inquired.
"No… yes… ahhh…" she stammered and tried to compose herself. She figured he'd be big but not quite like this, "Maybe not 'exactly' what I expected…"
He pulled her to him, feeling the beat of her heart. He could actually hear it in his mind. The sound made him feel warm and lightheaded. "Elisa, if you have any concerns… We don't have to…"
"Yes we do… I do…"
"Why?"
"Because I doubt I could stop even if I wanted to…" She placed her arms around him and leaned into his chest. She slowly caressed the area where his wings joined his back. She was struggling to find the words she wanted to say but nothing seemed to fit.
Finally she settled on the words she never dreamed she'd say and truly mean them, "I…I love you… I think I always have…" she whispered.
White noise burst to life in her mind, causing her to stagger and she might have fallen had Goliath not been holding her. She knew the connection they had was sometimes overwhelming for her, but this upheaval was different. It was now crystal-clear and it vibrated down to her very soul. The images in her mind became clear, the jumble was now understandable, and she found it easy to distinguish between her thoughts and Goliath's.
She felt Goliath's muscles twitch and his wings quickly engulfed them both.
The link… bond… was no longer a random occurrence for her. She now understood the extent of their connection. By admitting to him how she felt, she had bridged the elusive gap.
The Bond was now truly a part of her.
Goliath pulled her even closer, holding her tightly as the words rang in his ears. A second after she spoke the words, her heart did beat in time with his. It took a few minutes for it to return to normal, but even now, it still raced to beat with his. He felt her breath, warm against his skin. He was lost in how extraordinary it felt to actually know and feel a heartbeat that wasn't his own.
Slowly he guided them both to the floor, he on his back with his wings still wrapped firmly about them. He loosened his grasp slightly so that she might be able to move about. They quietly moved into the positions they were in before, with her straddling his lower body. She bent and slowly laid small kisses down his chest.
She looked up at him, needing to see his face in the dim light. His eyes were closed but he had a gentle smile on his face. One arm held her in a loose hug, tracing his talons up and down her back while the other opened and closed in a reflexive reaction to what she was doing to him. She continued with the light kisses, running her fingers up and down his chest, slowly moving down towards his groin.
When she finally touched him, he sucked in a sharp breath and arched his body to her. She slowly wrapped her hand around his hard erection, noting her fingers barely touched when she fully grasped it.
She felt Goliath's claw on the side of her head and her heart skipped a beat, "Elisa…" he whispered as she looked at him. He still had his eyes closed but she knew he could see her in his mind. She smiled again and returned her attention to him.
It wasn't so much the size that made him different. Overall it was much like a… man… but different. The color was much the same as the rest of him, with the tip being a bit darker than the rest. He didn't have the crown the way human men did, rather it merely tapered at the tip and was crooked away from him rather than to him. She continued to trace a finger around him, stroking and teasing him lightly.
Goliath clinched talons tightly, holding on to nothingness. Her touch was becoming too much for him, and he murmured, "Come to me…"
He lifted her onto him and she slowly slid down on him. She gasped and another moan escaped her lips as he entered her for the first time.
He halted his movements as a look of concern crossed over his face. He had no desire to hurt her and it occurred to him this might not even be possible; the joining of Human and Gargoyle. "Are you alright?" he inquired.
Elisa was breathing heavily, "Don't you even think about stopping…" she warned.
The pressure was enormous. It had been years since her body had know a lover and over a thousand for him. She was much tighter than he expected and he took great care as not to hurt her. As she became accustom to his size, she slid down a bit more. After several minutes she had taken as much of him as her body would allow and they were joined as one. Neither moved, taking in all the sensations they were receiving from each other.
Goliath could feel her heart racing and her breathing rapid. Emotions poured out from her and he received them all with open arms. Love poured out clearer than the rest and that was the one he held to the tightest, never wanting to let it go. Knowing he would never have to.
For Elisa it was the most earth shattering feeling she'd ever experienced. Never before had someone, anyone, taken such care in loving her. She carefully reached out for her lover's thoughts and found it easy to make the connection. His mind was a blank slate, save for one bright shining light. In it she found only herself and it warmed her.
Slowly she began to rock, her mind reeling as the passion built within her. She felt his claws at her hips slowly guiding her movements and creating a delightful friction. She felt the need threatening to over take her and gasped again in an attempt to catch her breath.
Goliath rose slightly as if to sit up and she shifted to wrap her legs around him. With his tail he traced at the small of her back. She reeled in the perception that if she'd had wings this would be where his tail was now tracing small movements… much the same way she had done to him earlier. It was an extraordinary erotic feeling. Their eyes locked and in an instant all that would ever need to be said passed between the two of them.
It was a moment most never find, but somehow, despite everything that threatened to tear them apart… they had found it together.
Their climax came in the form of an explosion that took them both by surprise. Elisa's cry was all but lost in Goliath's subdued roar. In an instant, she found her own image locked in her mind and wondered if this was how Goliath saw her.
In the same instant Goliath was shocked by what he was seeing. Elisa's eyes had a red glow about them, not a steady color, flashes really. He knew it couldn't be a normal human reaction… but it was the reaction of… a Gargoyle. He blinked, and caught her staring at him in wonderment.
Resting her head against his, she panted, "Godallmighty…"
He was at a loss for words, "Elisa..." he murmured quietly.
"Was that…" she paused attempting to catch her breath, "Is that…how… it always… is for you?" she asked in a shaky voice.
He finally found his own voice strong enough to speak, "No…This was… something else…something more…"
Elisa leaned back to look at him, mystified. He cocked his head and looked at her gravely, "Elisa, something has happened. Something I cannot explain…"
"What is there to explain… you just completely rocked my…" she paused as the image came back to her mind in a flash. She now saw what Goliath had seen in her moments before, and it stunned her; she had seen herself through his eyes. "Oh my God…"
"It is something I didn't think… didn't know… was possible…"
The music played on in the background but neither said anything for a very long time. Their lovemaking had brought about unforeseen changes. They realized for the first time how rare, unique, their connection was.
Elisa was stunned. It was more than she thought, or even dreamed, she might be a part of. It was more than commitment; it was a tie, a connection, never to be broken. An emptiness she hadn't known she had was suddenly filled. In Elisa's mind the only explanation was for it was… love.
Love in its purest form.
They remained locked in the feeling for some time. She smiled at him, tears welling up in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tightly. Goliath, for his part just held her, allowing the wave of emotions to roll over them both.
Her voice was muffled, "I never thought…"
He echoed the words she said to him earlier, "I'm here… and I'm not going anywhere."
Elisa felt her need growing again, stronger than before and she was surprised to feel Goliath still erect within her. It was as if he was picking up on her desire and she quickly realized he was. He made no movement, not pressing her for more, allowing her to take control, to lead them wherever they might go next. She shifted around, trying to pull him over on to her without withdrawing from him.
"Elisa," Goliath began, "I'll crush you…"
"Not if we do this right." She teased lightly.
He rose up, holding her, careful not to release his grip. He rested her on her back and supported himself on his arms over her. She spread her legs a bit farther apart to give him more room and wrapped her fingers around his neck. Slowly he started to move within her. His movements were slow and cautious.
"I'm not going to break…" she said between gasps.
"Yes, but I might…" He increased his stoke slightly and felt the now familiar burning need building once again. He was uncertain if the emotions were his own or Elisa's, since the two were still so interconnected. He slowed his movements, allowing the sensations time to build independently. He lowered his head and nipped lightly at her neck, allowing his kisses to linger on her lips. Their lovemaking was slower this time, more practiced, as if they had been at this point a thousand times before.
She moved her hands from behind his neck and traced the outlines of his face, stopping on his lips. Holding his face in her hands she carefully slipped her tongue into his mouth, licking lightly at his teeth, feeling the points of his fangs, carefully exploring his mouth. She heard the low grumble in his throat, indicating that what she was doing was provoking stronger feelings to build within him. He increased his movements again, thrusting harder but still taking care not to injure her.
Perhaps it was the Bond that allowed him to know what she wanted or just his desire to please her. He knew only that he wanted the feeling to last. He felt her legs wrap around him, pulling him tighter to her.
She cried out his name over and over, professing her love, her need for him. Upon hearing this he increased his actions, trying to stay focused but loosing himself in the moment. The eruption this time was as powerful as the first but carried more emotion.
Elisa moaned in ecstasy, barely able to speak, but needing to tell him what was in her heart, "Forever… you are in my heart forever, Goliath…"
As he heard the words on her lips, he pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "What you have brought to my life is so precious and so beautiful… I may not be worthy of such a gift…"
Elisa pulled back and looked into his eyes, "Listen to me Big Guy. Don't you ever say or think that again… not ever. You are my life…"
Goliath pulled her close, needing to feel her body against him, "Whatever I am, whatever I have, it is yours. Now and forever…"
He could feel her tears on his chest and neck and realized they were mixing with his own as they held tightly to each other. Holding on as if they would never let go.
Holding on so that this night might not ever end.
***** ***** *****
They remained on the floor through out the night. Elisa drifting off to sleep periodically, Goliath holding her in his arms, the comfort of the quiet music still playing in the dark, the candles burning low.
Elisa stirred slightly and traced a lazy finger over his chest, "Hmmm…you awake?"
"Yes."
"Not sleepy?" she inquired.
"A bit… but not overly so…"
She was curled beside him with her head on his chest. She shifted around slightly and Goliath allowed her to get more comfortable. He was now leaning against the couch with Elisa between his legs, her back resting against his chest.
They sat in the quiet, Goliath running his talons through her hair, as she traced the edges of his legs. "We can't go back… to the way we were before." She whispered.
"No, we cannot…"
"Any regrets?" she asked.
"Only that we did not do this sooner."
She smiled in the dark, "Yeah well, you and me both…" She was silent again. "Goliath… there is something I don't get…"
"Nor do I…Just know what happened tonight was singular, unique…"
"And changes everything." She added.
"Yes, it does change much…" he agreed.
They spoke of the situation, though much of the discussion was hypothesis. Neither had any idea what the extent to the Bond was. Their concern was compounded by the fact they had no frame of reference to gauge their connection by.
Goliath never bonded with Demona and Elisa was human. Bonding, in this way, was not a human trait, of that Elisa was certain. Adding to the mix; this was a Human/Gargoyle Bond. Something totally new.
There was also the matter of the unexpected changes in Elisa. They had always acknowledged there could be an inherent danger to their relationship but her reaction to their lovemaking was something Goliath hadn't anticipated or even thought possible. In fact he didn't even think it was possible between Gargoyles. He could not even think of a single instance when it might have happened in the past, much less to the degree it was happening to them.
Exactly how much more would…or could… change? Elisa seriously doubted she start sprouting wings or anything that drastic, but if something more were to happen… if word were to get out… Neither of them would be safe but the risk was higher for her. Goliath pulled her to him as if to ward off the very concept of potential danger and they both sat lost in thought.
"Do you… feel any different?" she inquired.
He thought about her question and settled on, "Stronger… and you?"
"I feel…" she yawned sleepily and drifted off before finishing the sentence.
Goliath sat in the dark, feeling the beat of her heart. Periodically it would change its pattern and beat in time with his. He allowed his arms to hold her tighter, tracing small lines down her arms, causing her to pull in tighter to him, a reflex response to his touch. He shifted slightly not wishing to wake her and wrapped his wings around them in a protective cocoon, and drifted off to dream with his love. Keeping them both warm and safe from the outside world.
***** ***** *****
Elisa felt Goliath stir, "What time is it?" she murmured.
He kissed her softly on the top of the head, "Dawn will be approaching soon…"
She was quite, lost in the thought that he would soon have to leave her. She knew he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Finally he spoke, "I do not wish to leave you…"
"Then don't," She said quickly, as it was what she was hoping he'd say. She would have felt guilty asking, knowing she'd be pulling him from the Clan, but she just couldn't bear the thought of him not being close after tonight, "I know it can't be like this always, but tonight…well… I'm glad you want to stay…"
He chuckled softly, realizing he'd been doing a lot of that in recent days. "The others will be worried…"
"Hmmm, I have an idea." She stumbled slightly when she rose and Goliath started to rise in alarm, but she waived him off, "It's nothing… just a bit sore…" she said ruefully.
"Because of…"
She knew where he was going and stopped him before he could get the words out, "No, not because of you… not really… It's just been awhile…" He looked at her in confusion, so she left it at, "It's a woman thing."
She wrapped up in the blanket and walked into the kitchen. When she returned she had the cordless phone with her and quickly dialed a number and waited for someone to answer.
"Whom are you calling?" he inquired.
"I'm telling them you'll be sleeping over," she said smugly. She was about to speak again when someone on the other line picked up.
A woman's voice answered, "Hi Elisa."
She had no idea who just picked up the phone but it damn sure wasn't who she expected, "Who is this?"
"It's Angela." The voice on the other side responded.
Elisa held the phone away from her head for a moment, "Angela?"
Goliath responded much the same way, "Angela?"
Elisa held up a hand indicating for him to be quite as she spoke into the receiver, "I was expecting Xanatos or Owen… What are you doing using the phone? And how did you know it was me?"
Angela's voice came over the line, "Xanatos hooked a phone line up in the Great Hall with this Caller ID thingy. He said it was because Owen was tired of taking messages from Matt looking for Lex. I saw it was you so I figured it was safe to answer."
Elisa was speechless… The Gargoyles were using the phones now. Things had changed.
Angela continued, "Father isn't here… I'm not sure where he is… I thought he went to check on you, Matt said you were sick…Is everything alright?"
That broke Elisa from her reprieve, "I'm fine… a 24 hour thing I think…I know Goliath's not there, he's here with me. I doubt he'll make it back by dawn and we didn't want anyone to worry."
Angela let out a bemused laugh, "Really…? Well… OK…I'll let the others know. Did you need to talk to anyone else?"
"Nope, that was it. I'll be by tomorrow night and we can talk then."
"Sure," she replied, "Hope you feel better…" Angela raised her voice slightly, "Good night Father."
Elisa clicked the phone off before any thing else could be yelled through the line, "I guess you heard most of that?"
"Yes…" he grumbled, "I don't know that I like this… telephone… idea…"
Elisa, not wanting for the night to be ruined by Xanatos, quickly shifted the subject away from him, phones, and anything else that might make Goliath change his mind about staying. She pulled the blanket back around her and started to stand, "Well, I don't know about you but I'm starving… Hungry?"
Goliath looked at her and gently pulled her back to the floor with him, "Yes, I am…"
Elisa returned his kiss deeply… at least his mind was off Xanatos and the phone… and in a flash so was hers.
***** ***** *****
They stood on the balcony. She was still wrapped in the blanket, but Goliath was once again wearing his belt and loincloth. He seemed almost uncomfortable with it on as he stood behind her with both claws resting on her shoulders. His tail was wrapped around her ankle in a casual manner, as if they always stood like this waiting for sunrise.
Elisa shifted around to look at him. This night had been magical for her and she was trying to find the world to put it all in. She finally settled on, "Tonight…"
Goliath looked down at her and smiled, "As it was for me…" If there was any doubt, they were bonded it had long sense passed. He held her close, breathing in her sent. He tightly held her, feeling the beat of her heart for one last time.
"It is time…" He moved away and knelt down on one knee to great the dawn. Looking over his shoulder at her, he smiled softly, "Sleep well…"
"I'll see you soon." She replied.
The sun caught him just as she finished the words.
My Love… he'd somehow managed to get one last thought out before the transformation took him
She stood there with him on the balcony, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. She rested a hand on his stone form, the instant the sun took him, she lost all sense of him in her mind. She leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the head, "I love you too." She doubted he heard but she felt better for having said it.
She turned and walked back into the apartment to feed Cagney.
***** ***** *****
Elisa stood on the balcony once again. This time the sun was dipping lower in the sky instead of stealing away the night. Cagney was curled up on Goliath's stone form, napping in the last bit of sunlight. She gently lifted him off and dropped him to the ground, deciding there was no point in traumatizing the poor thing when his current perch awoke without warning.
She watched as the last light disappeared from the sky and shifted her gaze to the stone form now coming to life before her. His roar echoed out over the night and realized how much she enjoyed watching him awaken and for a brief moment she longed for the days of the skiff, when they were together all the time.
Their bond erupted to life as soon as he awoke. He turned to her and immediately took her in his arms. Drawing her into him, wrapping her in his embrace. "Such a welcome sight…" he lifted her slightly and brought her to his lips.
She opened herself to him in the closeness. They stood like that for an extended moment in time until she finally broke from him, "Better stop Big Guy, no point of starting something we can't finish…"
"For now…" Goliath released her, and stepped away. "For now."
"You hungry?" she asked.
"No, I should be going…"
"OK, I'll come by the Castle later…" she turned to leave but Goliath caught her arm and peered at her, "What?" She was becoming alarmed by his actions
"What has happened?" He traced a talon down the side of her neck, "Are you injured?"
Elisa found herself blushing, "Ahh… no… That would be you."
He was confused, "Me?"
"Yeah, I don't know about gargoyles, but humans… well… sometimes we… mark easily…" He looked concerned, obviously not understanding at all and she blushed more because of it, "We call them hickeys… It happens when someone nips, or sucks on the skin. It'll go away in a day or two. I just noticed it myself a little while ago."
He looked at the marks closer, "Is it painful?"
She smirked, "Not nearly as much as the grief Matt's gonna give me about it…"
He seemed satisfied with her answer, and moved to leap from the balcony, "Very well. Do you wish me to bring you to the Castle later?"
Elisa held up the ID Xanatos gave her, the 'Golden Key' she thought of it, "No I have my own private pass..." She said with some disgust.
Goliath moved back to her to look at the object she held. He took the small card from her and a look of recognition came over his face, "I wondered why he asked for this…" he murmured.
"What do you mean?"
"The image of you."
"Goliath, what are you talking about?"
"This." He said indicating the picture.
She was shocked, "Where…When…? How did you get a picture of me?"
He handed back to her, "Look at it carefully, Elisa."
She took it back and looked at it with a detective's eye this time. In the lower right hand corner she saw a small blemish. On further examination she realized it wasn't a blemish at all, rather a number; a Roman numeral. The picture had been taken at the Clock Tower. She looked at him astonishment, "How?"
"Lexington. Matt gave him a…device to fix some time ago. He was testing it and you happened to be captured in the image, so he gave it to me."
Elisa was overwhelmed and touched. She remembered several months ago the crime scene digital camera was not working and Matt took it stating he knew someone who possibly could fix it. She had no idea he had given it to Lexington and even more shocked to know the young gargoyle had been using it.
Goliath continued, "When we returned to the Castle, Xanatos inquired if I had a…" He paused struggling to remember the words Xanatos had used, "a photograph… of you. He wouldn't tell me why and I was reluctant to give it to him, but he assured me it was for you."
"I'll be damned…" She was stunned as she looked at Goliath, "I hate to think that I might owe him an apology…"
Goliath smiled, "Perhaps… but I doubt it… Xanatos apparently failed to tell you how he obtained it." He leaned over and kissed her lightly, "I will see you soon…"
She stood watching him fly off into the night, feeling very alone once he was gone. She tucked the ID back into her jacket, and left the balcony closing the doors behind her and moved to leave the apartment. She stopped in front of a mirror by the door and looked at the hickey again, "Matt is never gonna let me live this one down…" she murmured.
She went to pick her keys up off the table near the door, noticing the Quarrymen necklace resting there as well.
Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't told Goliath about it yet.
She had planned to tell when they first received them but… She'd have to tell him tonight. Now that he wasn't distracted there was a good chance he'd pick up on it anyway. Perhaps he already knew and was waiting on her to tell him, though she seriously doubted it. There was no way he'd let this one slide.
Flipping up the collar of her jacket in a vain attempt to hide the marks, she grabbed her keys from the table and headed out to work.
***** ***** *****