Christmas chapter on Halloween, pretty certain that probably happened before. But hope you enjoy!

Ever since Brooklyn had been able to apologize to his family, his physical health had approved greatly, though his mentality was still questionable. On the day before Christmas, Sato decreed Brooklyn well enough to return to his room.

It was starting to snow harshly again, signaling a possible white Christmas for the clan. Brooklyn, on his way back to his room felt nervous about it, hating the cold for giving him that pneumonia on his journey home. He flinched from hearing a howling wind outside while walking slowly, Hudson trying to comfort him.

"You're safe in the castle, Lad. The storm won't come in," Hudson said gently, while Brooklyn wrapped his wings around himself to keep his body warm even though it was already warm inside. He just nodded absentmindedly as they reached his room.

Hudson opened the door, and Brooklyn gave a happy sigh at the sight of his bed. Even though he was still trying to heal before they could restore his stone sleep, he was more than happy to stay in his room for a good while.

Brooklyn made his way to his bed, Hudson helping him into it. His eyes felt so tired but he still trembled from the wind howling outside his window, noticing Hudson went to close it.

"I'll come back with some tea for ye. Just try and rest," Hudson said, a gentle rub of his hand. Brook nodded, not speaking again. Ever since he got home and though he apologized to Goliath, his voice felt muted and it was hard for him to feel happy after everything Anthony had done to him. He hoped that whenever his stone sleep came back, it would remove those scars of the past on his skin.

After he was alone, Brooklyn just lay down on his bed, looking again at his scar at where the brand used to be. His eyes shut when recalling the painful hot brander that touched him, shaking silently, wanting this feeling to go away.

….

Meanwhile, Hudson had been able to have Broadway make his tea before they turned to stone for the day. Hudson returned with it, opening the door to see Brooklyn laying there trembling, gripping the arm where that evil human had branded him. Hudson shook his head, wondering why such terrible people lived out there just to cause harm to them.

Moving closer, he sat on the bed, gently tapping Brooklyn's shoulder. Brook opened his eyes but then closed them again, whimpering.

"I have tea for ya, before the rest of us turn soon. And you should sleep too before Christmas Eve tomorrow," he murmured. Brooklyn reluctantly sat up on his pillow, taking the mug of tea from Hudson and taking a drink. Hudson said that Angela would bring him his dinner. Brooklyn smiled just a little, very happy to be getting comfort from a family instead of abuse and slavery.

"I don't want to leave home ever again…" Brook whimpered quietly, curling up. Hudson just stroked his cheek to dry his tears as Angela showed then with his dinner.

"It's nearly time, Hudson. We should let Brooklyn sleep before the big night," she informed. Nodding, Hudson hugged Brooklyn one more time. "Good day, lad. You'll see us tomorrow," he murmured. The two then let go and Angela gave him his food before they left.

Brooklyn couldn't help but open the window shutters when not hearing the wind anymore, wanting to see the sun come up one more time. For tomorrow he would turn to stone again. He ate silently while the dawn began to grow, knowing soon his whole clan would be stone soon.

Maybe… it couldn't hurt to see my entire clan as statues… just for a quick look. Don't want to be out in the cold too long, Brooklyn then thought in curiosity, now seeing the bright sun showing though the window. He smiled a little at the sight of the sunrise he soon would never see again. Even though it was given by a bad human, he would enjoy this for a time.

Once he finished his food, which was soup as much as he could, Brooklyn slipped out of his bed, making his way to the parapets.

But when he stepped out there, he cringed from the chilly air, wings wrapped again, hugging his body, and shielding his eyes from the sun's glare. Brook's mouth was open a little from the sight he was now seeing.

Not just Hudson now, his whole family were in their sleeping positions; in statue form. He stepped towards his leader's statue, eyes big at Goliath's frozen form, gaze so fierce. Brooklyn glanced back at the others, all having similar faces, and Angela.

Tears came into his eyes, wishing he had been able to win her heart. Brooklyn leaned on the wall side near her statued form, nearly forgetting about just being outside for a minute, until the door opened again, Elisa gasping from seeing Brooklyn out there.

"What are you doing being out here? You can catch pneumonia again!" Elisa scolded, still finding it weird for only one gargoyle to not be human or stone during the day. He seemed very lonely without it still.

Brooklyn jerked sharply at her voice, shaking. "J-just wanted to look at them," he said shyly, turning his sad eyes away. Elisa went quickly but gently up to the red male, taking his arm softly and guiding him back in to warm up.

Elisa led Brooklyn back to his room and tucked him into his bed so he could get some sleep. "Is there any word on when Puck can give my stone sleep back?" he asked.

"Nothing yet that I know of." Elisa said. She didn't know yet. She would stay with him for right now to make sure that he wasn't scared out of his wits with being alone. She had the Christmas holiday off.

Brooklyn settled down to sleep for the day.

Elisa for sure would love to arrest the man that had hurt her red friend for so long. Brooklyn was young but he was strong. Just making it back home most of the way proved how loyal he was to his clan.

In the nursery throughout the day, Owen was Puck and he was having Alex practice the spell that would give the red gargoyle his stone sleep back by tomorrow morning.

…

That evening, as the sun set, the gargoyles roared to life once again, ready to have some Christmas fun tonight. They were all wanting Brooklyn to open their gifts and know that he had been well thought of while he had been gone. But more than anything, to just enjoy his company.

More friends were going to be coming tonight too. Elisa's parents and sister. The mutates and clones. Matt.

Elisa went to go greet Goliath and the others as they woke up.

"How was Brooklyn this evening?" Goliath asked her.

"He's still sleeping."

"Do you think he's ready to turn to stone again?" Angela asked.

"I know he wants it back more than anything." Elisa replied.

"But is Puck ready to give it back to him?" Broadway asked.

"I don't know. We have to ask him." Elisa said.

They all headed to the nursery except for Lex. He went to go get his brother up.

Brooklyn had slept all through the day. Lex opened his door and saw the red male still asleep. He went into the room and gently nudged him awake.

"Brooklyn, it's time to wake up." Lex said to rouse his sleepy bro.

Brooklyn moaned in his sleep. "Come on, Sleepyhead. Time to get up or you'll miss all the fun." Lex smiled.

Brook finally opened his eyes. He saw it was Lex that was shaking his shoulder. "Lex?" he said.

"Yeah, it's me. We just woke up and are getting ready to have fun with friends tonight. You coming?" Lex asked.

"I need time… get up…" Brook mumbled. In reality, he wasn't sure he was ready to be around so many others.

"They'll be here soon. I'll leave ya till then. See you at the party." Lex grinned on his way out. He closed the door behind him.

Brooklyn sleepily pushed himself up and yawned as he stretched his muscles. He didn't know if he wanted to attend the party. He had just gotten well in his short time back. Was he strong enough to attend without breaking down from hurt emotions? He didn't want everyone to see his scars.

Elsewhere in the castle, Broadway was helping Fox finish up cooking the Christmas dinner. The guests would soon be arriving around seven pm.

The weather outside was clear but cold. The temperatures were in the teens. It had warmed up a bit more during the daylight hours. It was a white Christmas tonight.

Goliath and Elisa went to find Owen. They found him in the nursery, finishing changing Alex's diaper.

"So, are you going to be able to give Brooklyn's stone sleep back tonight?" Goliath asked.

"Yes. We practiced and perfected the spell, Goliath." Owen replied.

Goliath was still uneasy about magic being performed on his Second, but he wanted him to be happy. He knew Brooklyn was miserable without his stone sleep. It was a part of him. It had been since birth.

"We can call this Brooklyn's Christmas present too." Owen stated.

"It could." Elisa said.

"Let it be a surprise for last." Owen suggested.

"Alright. Just be careful." Goliath agreed.

….

The Great Hall had the Christmas tree all set up. The gifts were all ready to give to the guests when they came. The dinner was done. Now they just had to wait for the guests to come.

Elisa's parents and Beth were the first to come. Matt arrived next. The mutates and clones came last. It was a big gathering. It would be a grand Christmas indeed.

All the clan was in there to greet their guests, all but Brooklyn. The clan told them he was back but was busy. Goliath was a little concerned. He went to go check on his Second to see why he hadn't come out yet.

Goliath knocked on Brook's door when he got there. "Come in." He heard and he opened the door. He peeked inside. He saw the red male still in his bed.

"Brooklyn, it's Goliath." The leader said. He saw the look of worry in his Second's eyes.

"Hi." Brook replied nervously.

"Our guests have arrived for Christmas night. Are you going to join us? They would like to see you."

"Do they… know I was gone before?" he asked.

"Yes. They all tried to help us find you." Goliath answered. "I know you are nervous about seeing everyone, but this is one of the steps you need to take to help yourself get better even further. Please try Brooklyn. If you feel you can't be out there, you can come back to your room, but give it a try for a little bit anyway. They all want to see and spend time with you. It's almost breakfast time for us. And there is a special surprise for you later."

"I just don't want them seeing my scars." Brook said.

"We can't help that. Well, you could wear one of your jackets or something." Goliath coaxed.

That was a good idea. It got the red gargoyle out of his bed and looking in his closet for one of his leather jackets that he put on. It would hide the nasty scars from his abuse and journey, at least on his torso.

"Do you feel better now?" Goliath asked.

Brook smiled. "Yeah. This helps a lot."

"Good. Let's go spend time with the others." Goliath smiled at him. The leader and Second left the bedroom and went to see to their guests. Brook was still nervous though seeing everyone.

When they arrived at the Great Hall, when the door closed and everyone turned to the purple and red males, they were all astonished that Brooklyn was there with them again.

"Welcome home, Brooklyn." Talon greeted him first. Maggie was beside him.

"We missed you at Thanksgiving." Maggie said.

"Sorry. I couldn't help it." Brooklyn replied.

"It's good you're back safe and sound." Talon said.

Everyone else greeted him warmly too. Even his clone, Malibu. He still wasn't crazy for his clone though. But Brooklyn didn't want to go into all what happened while he was gone. The guests were curious about what had happened to him while he was gone and why he was wearing a leather jacket. Maybe to keep extra warm? He had been sick previously after all.

Angela had plans to go see her mother, Demona later to give her her gift. She deserved something too. For now, she would stay and make sure Brooklyn was happy.

Soon, dinner was all set and everyone went about getting plates of food for themselves in a single file line and sat at the dinner table together.

Brooklyn hoped he would be able to keep his food down. He had mainly just been eating soup these past few days since he got home. Before he could begin eating, Goliath stood up to offer a pleasantry.

"Can I have your attention?" Everyone looked at the leader. "Tonight we celebrate togetherness as a family once more. But tonight, we also celebrate Brooklyn's return home to us. He went through a lot while he was taken from us. He had a long journey and he was sick prior to his return, but we are so glad he got well again. Brooklyn, we all missed having you here. There was an empty void here in the castle while you were gone. But we all welcome you back with love in our hearts. You will always be one of us, no matter what." Goliath declared.

Brooklyn felt tears fill his eyes that he couldn't help but let loose.

The others knew why he was crying. Goliath had made a touching speech in his name. "Thanks. I missed everyone too and wanted nothing more than to come home. I promise I'll never leave this clan again." Brook sobbed.

"It's alright, Lad." Hudson was next to him. He held him to comfort him.

No one had ever seen the red male that emotional at least in front of them, but it was understandable, after all that Brook had been through.

After that, they all ate their food mostly in silence with an occasional conversation going on. Everyone was enjoying the meal and company.

After dinner was over, it was time for the presents. Everyone was given something but Brooklyn definitely had the most gifts. He knew why. It gave him a special feeling inside that he had been missed and was loved far more than he knew. The only gift he was lacking was a gift from a mate.

Everyone wanted Brooklyn to go first since he was the Guest of Honor tonight. He hesitantly went first to open his gifts. He got a new leather jacket, the cd from Goliath and Elisa, some more records to play, some music, a new headphone set, a book on motorcycles, etc.

"Thanks for all the gifts, everyone. They're all really nice." Brooklyn smiled at the others.

"Wait, Brooklyn, you have one gift left that is from me and Alexander." Owen spoke up.

"What's that?" Brook asked curiously. He didn't see anything in his hands.

Owen then transformed into Puck. The Mazas, Matt, and the mutates and clones were shocked at what Owen really was. He then took Alex from David's hands and set him on the floor. "Remember what we practiced, my boy." Puck instructed.

"What are you doing?" Brooklyn asked.

"Giving your gift to you." Puck replied.

Then Alex waved his hand and he spoke of the riddle words of the spell. Brooklyn felt a strange sensation going through his body. He glowed for a moment and he tensed. When the spell was over, Brooklyn relaxed again.

"You, like the rest of your clan, will turn to stone in the morning." Puck proclaimed.

"I'll believe that when it happens." Brooklyn declared. "But thanks. I have missed it so much."

"That was your big surprise of all, Brooklyn." David said.

"Thanks for all the gifts, everyone, and the great meal. This has been one memorable night in a long time, and a great one at that." Brooklyn declared.

"We were happy to give it to you to make you feel welcomed home and welcome to be with us." Lex smiled. "You're home to stay."

That made Brooklyn's eyes water again from his brother's words. "I-I'm sorry again I've ever been such a nuisance before to interrupt you guys celebrating the Winter Solstice. Felt like one ever since coming home and before I left," he said. His brothers at those words stepped forward and gave him a Trio hug. Brooklyn tensed but then gave in.

"Don't say that anymore, bro. Please… remember we will always care for you," Broadway stated with his own tears. Everybody else gave a smile at the scene of the Trio rebonding with that hug under the tree, knowing things will soon get better.

….

The party eventually ended; everyone wishing the clan a Merry Christmas as they ventured to their own homes, giving Brooklyn their best wishes as well.

Brooklyn went back to his room with Hudson, nervous if the spell would work or not. Hudson rubbed his back. "I'll hold yer hand until I change. And if it doesn't work we'll figure something else out. I promise."

The red gargoyle just nodded, feeling numb with worry when they reached the room. He climbed back into bed, seeing the sunrise about to come. He was shaking all over, hoping that Puck really came through. He would miss seeing the sun but it had to end for his own health.

As the sun rose higher, Brooklyn suddenly began to feel sleepy, and a crackling sound could be heard, body going stiff.

Am I really changing…? Brooklyn thought wearily as his vision slowly faded away as the stone covered the two gargoyles, Brooklyn finally being able to have his Stone Sleep again after many months, his hand still holding Hudson's hand.