Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape or form own Gargoyles. But some day I'll rule the world...and when I do!!!! I....probably...still wont own them.
Another Spell Broken
Chapter Eight
"How are you feeling?"
Audri stared at her flushed face in the mirror a moment longer and raised her eyes to meet Angela's in the reflective glass. "Surprisingly nervous." she said with a small laugh. She started to fidget with her hair, curling a long silken strand around her talons. "I do not know why. It's not as if Brooklyn is a stranger to me."
Angela gently pulled the strand of hair loose from Audri's talons and pulled it back, adding it to the hair she already held and putting it into a loose half-pony tail. She pulled a few wisps free and left them to hang, artfully framing Audri's face. "There." she said, stepping back to scrutinize her work. She smiled, pleased with the outcome and returned her gaze to Audri's. "There is no need to be nervous, Audri. I'm positive that you and Brooklyn will have a wonderful time. Besides..." she pulled Audri's hair back from over her shoulders, the straight silvery-blonde mass cascading down her back. "You look beautiful tonight. Brooklyn wont be able to keep his hands off you."
Aurdri's long skirt and shirt had been replaced with one of Angela's tunics that she had made. A halter top of soft dark blue fabric clung to Audri's figure, enhancing her breasts and warming her skin. Well, at least the skin that was covered. The top was cut dangerously low in a wide, scooping V. The skirt was simple, made from the same fabric and positioned low on Audri's hips. It was held up by a broad belt with a silver tear shaped buckle.
"Thank you for letting me borrow this." Audri said. She stood up and smoothed her hands over the soft fabric of the skirt. "And thank you...for everything. You have been so good to me." She pulled the other gargoyle into a friendly embrace. Angela smiled and returned the hug. "Oh, you would have done the same for me."
Audri laughed and stepped back "Aye, in a heart beat." She turned and looked herself over in the mirror. She had to admit, she looked great. The dark blue color of the tunic complimented her skin and brought out the vibrant color of her eyes. Her face glowed and her hair shone in the lamp light. She looked...like a gargoyle in love.
"And the final touch." Angela said, tipping a small bottle in her hand and dabbing sweet scented liquid on each side of Audri's neck, just below her ears. "You must tell me everything when you get back, promise?"
Audri laughed and looped her arm through Angela's as she started for the door. "I promise."
Back in Brooklyn's room, the second in command paced restlessly. Broadway watched with an amused smirk on his face and a bowl of potato chips at his side. Brooklyn was apparently very nervous and not one bit happy about it. Broadway bit back a laugh when his rookery brother, for the sixth time, wiped his hands on his loin cloth.
"This is ridiculous. I can't believe I'm so nervous about this whole thing." Brooklyn muttered. He ran his talons through his hair and sighed. "It's not some stranger...it's Audri." He stopped pacing and stared at the floor.
"Did you ever think that maybe she's the reason?" Broadway asked through a mouthful of chips. Brooklyn jerked his head up. He had almost forgotten that Broadway was there. "What?"
Broadway swallowed and set his bowl aside. "Did you ever think that maybe Audri is the reason you're so nervous?" he asked again. "I mean...she is the first female you've ever...you know." his voice died away.
"You can say it, Broadway. She's the first one I've ever been with. I guess that is a pretty good reason." Brooklyn said. He resumed pacing, deep in thought. Broadway went back to his chips.
"But it's not the reason."
Broadway sighed and placed his bowl of chips aside again.
"Yeah, she's the first female that I've ever been with, but it's not like me and Audri have never done anything before." He stopped pacing and stared out the window at the moon. Stars dotted the sky, each shinning brilliantly in the clear sky. It was a beautiful night. Nothing could go wrong.
"So, what's the deal then?" Broadway asked.
Brooklyn shrugged and dropped down into one of the leather recliners facing Broadway. "She's what I've been waiting for. After all this time...watching Goliath with Elisa, you with Angela and wishing that I could have what you all have...I can have it. I have the chance to love...and be loved by a wonderful and incredibly beautiful female. It's just...I don't want to screw it up." he finished in a quiet, unsure voice.
Broadway stood and crossed the room, sinking into the recliner next to the one Brooklyn was sitting in. "Brook, don't worry. Audri adores you. The way she looked at you last night...the way she looks at you all the time. Everyone who see's that look know's that she falling for you."
Brooklyn looked up. "Really?"
"Yeah, really. Now quit stallin," Broadway stood and offered Brooklyn his hand. "You've got a date that you really don't want to be late for." Brooklyn took his hand and Broadway pulled him up. "You'll be fine."
The door to Brooklyn's room opened and Angela poked her head in. "Hey guys. She's ready."
Brooklyn took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "Alright. Let's just home that I am."
Audri was waiting in the living room, watching the flames dance in the large fire place, one hand resting on the stone mantel. When they entered she turned slowly to face them and Brooklyn's heart thudded to a halt. What stood before him was sheer feminine beauty, the kind that would render a man incoherent. She was unlike anything he had ever seen before. His eyes wandered slowly up her exposed legs, long and perfectly shaped, over her flat stomach, strong arms, an alarming amount of cleavage and finally landed on her face. Her wide blue eyes regarded him curiously.
He opened his mouth to say something but words refused to come forth. And they were all waiting on him, waiting for him to do something to break the silence. He looked down quickly to gather his thoughts and glanced back up at Audri to find her smiling at him, her eyes full of understanding. The nervousness slid away, bit by bit, then the world around them disappeared and they were left with each other.
Brooklyn moved forward, stopping when he reached Audri and leaving an inch of space between them. "You were nervous." she said softly, reaching up and brushing a lock of snowy white hair back behind his ear.
"Yeah, I was." He reached forward and curled a taloned hand gently around her tiny waist. Audri moved into his embrace without hesitation. Her arms went around him. Her head came to rest on his shoulder. "I was nervous too." she whispered, her warm breath fanning out across the sensitive skin of his throat. He inhaled her scent, already familiar to him and felt a possessive growl form in the back of his throat. Remembering that they were not actually alone, Brooklyn pulled back and smiled down at Audri. "What do you say we get going?" he asked. She returned his smile and nodded.
Before they could leave, Broadway pulled Brooklyn aside and handed him a large basket. "There's a concert in Central Park tonight. Take Audri." Brooklyn looked back over his shoulder to where the girls stood talking in hushed whispers. "Not our kind of concert is it?"
Broadway shook his head. "No, more like Angela's." he said.
"That's good." Brooklyn muttered as he rummaged through the basket of food. "What, no candles?" he asked in a voice laced with sarcasm. "Ha ha. You don't want to attract that much attention, do you."
Brooklyn nodded. "Yeah yeah. I was just kidding." he threw another glance over his shoulder. "Thanks a lot Broadway. I owe you big time." Broadway shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Just have a great time." he said.
Brooklyn threw him a thumbs up and went to collect his date. "Ready to go?" he asked, coming up behind Audri. She turned to him, gracing him with her beautiful smile. "Aye."
He offered her his arm and she took it, the side of her breast lightly grazing his arm. Brooklyn took a deep breath, wondering if he would ever make it through the night without pouncing on her like some starving animal, then led her out of the castle.
"Have fun! Watch out for Quarrymen!" Angela called out. Audri and Brooklyn waved and were gone.
"I hope everything goes well for them." Angela said softly, lowering her hand to her side. Broadway's arms came around her from behind and she tilted her head back to rest on his broad shoulder. "You worry too much my love. They'll be fine." he said. He brushed his talons slowly through her long hair. "Besides, you forget that we now have an entire castle to ourselves."
Angela turned in her lovers arms and smiled up at him suggestively. "What exactly did you have in mind darling?" she purred. "Well, I'll have to show you. Not here though." Broadway said, a slight blush staining his cheeks. Angela gave a throaty laugh and and looped her arm through Broadway's. "Then by all means, lead the way."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Walking hand in hand through Central Park, Audri and Brooklyn searched idly for a secluded spot to sit away from the growing crowd of humans by the stage. They settled for a place underneath the hanging branches of a large willow tree and laid down the blanket Broadway had packed for them. Light from the flood lights surrounding the stage filtered through the leaves and threw a romantic glow upon the couple where they sat in their own little world.
Audri relaxed against the tree and watched the play of muscles across Brooklyn's back as he took food from the basket. When he was finished he handed her a plastic bowl of red grapes and relaxed next to her. Audri plucked one of the grapes from the cluster and popped it in her mouth. "Broadway put all of this together for us?" she asked. Brooklyn nodded. "Yeah."
"That was very kind of him." she said. She turned her gaze to the stage where a large orchestra was tuning their instruments. There was a moment of silence and then the music started, the haunting melody echoing faintly in their secluded area.
Audri sighed. "It's so beautiful and peaceful here." She turned back to face Brooklyn and stretched out on her side, placing the bowl of grapes in front of her. She pulled another grape free. "So, Brooklyn..." she started, eating the grape. "Angela told me how it was that she came to live on Avelon. But how did your clan make it here?"
Brooklyn pulled his eyes away from her lithe body that lay across the blanket and cleared his throat. "Um, actually...the same way you did. About a thousand years ago soldiers attacked our clan during the day. Every clan member was destroyed except us. Goliath and Hudson had left the previous night and Lex, Broadway, Bronx and I were in the rookery with the eggs. They never found us. When we woke up there was nothing left. This guy, Magus, started placing blame on us for the death of his princess, who was actually with Goliath at the time, and he put us under this spell. We were never to awaken until our castle was raised above the clouds." Brooklyn stopped and reached for a pop.
"What happened to Goliath?" Audri asked. She had moved to a sitting position and was staring intently at him, hanging on his every word. Brooklyn smiled. It felt good to have a females attention fully on him. Taking a quick drink of his pop he continued.
"Goliath returned after the rest of us had all been put under this spell. He had Princess Katherine with him. Once Magus saw this, he knew he was in trouble."
"Hod did you know this? I thought you had been turned to stone?" Audri interrupted, an impish smile curving her full lips. Brooklyn grinned and tugged lightly on a thick strand of her hair. "I'm trying to tell a story here."
Audri smothered a giggle. "I'm sorry. Please...continue."
"So anyway, Goliath showed up with Princess Katherine. He was furious when he had seen what Magus had done to the remaining members of his clan. Magus tried to apologize but there was no way he could undo the spell he had cast. So instead Goliath told Magus to preform the same spell on him. It was done. A thousand years later Xanatos found out about us. The man does his research, I'll give him that. He brought us and our castle here. Once above the clouds, the spell was broken and we were free to live again." When Brooklyn finished he grabbed something to eat and leaned back against the tree.
"Your story is very much like my own." Audri said. Brooklyn looked up at her. "Yeah...almost." He saw pain flicker briefly in her eyes. Then, just like that, it was gone. Both knew what he had meant without having to say it. He still had part of his clan, she had been left with no one. "Audri, come here."
She moved across the blanket, closing the space between them and settled down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulled her close. "You're holding up okay, right?" he asked.
She hesitated with her answer. There are always distractions. But when I am alone with thoughts...it is difficult not to think of my family. It does not hurt as much as it used to though."
Brooklyn smiled down at the top of her head. She was such a courageous little female. He sought out to comfort her, brushing his talons over the bare skin of her arms. "You know, someday...it wont hurt at all." he offered.
Audri turned and cuddled into his side, laying her hand on his chest. "Aye...someday." she agreed.
Brooklyn quickly decided to switch the subject to something much less depressing, because if there was one thing he knew about Audri, it was that she could switch moods fast. "Did you want to go to a movie later?" he asked.
She looked up at him, her expression already much brighter. "You mean back at the castle?" She pushed herself up. "No, at a movie theater." he said, watching her push her hair back over her shoulders, the silvery blonde mass falling to her waist.
"What is a...movie theater?" Audri asked, the words feeling strange on her tongue. "It's just a place where you can see movies on a bigger screen then the one back home." he said. Audri smiled at the way he used the word home. He made it sound like it was her home too. Like it always had been.
"A movie sounds good. But later." She snuggled close to him, felt his arm close around her waist and smiled. A movie could wait. She had better things to do.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Do things like that really exist?" Audri was asking as they stepped out into the night and onto the roof of the theater, the chill of the night surrounding them. Audri moved closer to Brooklyn.
"Like in the movie? No, they don't exist." Brooklyn said. Audri breathed a sigh of relief. "That is good. They were very odd looking creatures. I do not think I would like to ever meet one."
Brooklyn chuckled. "A lot of stuff in movies isn't real. But either then creatures...did you like it?" he asked. Audri looked up at him. "I liked it very much, thank you." She tentatively reached over and entwined her talons through his. "I would actually like very much to do it again sometime." she said.
Brooklyn leapt onto the ledge of the roof and pulled Audri up beside him. "So would I." he said, still holding both of her hands in his. Their eyes met and held. He dropped her hands and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. She met him halfway, bringing her arms up and around his neck, molding her body to his. He controlled the kiss and she let him, opening for him, bending to his will, moaning in complete surrender when his talons brushed lightly over the joint between her wings. They broke apart, gasping and clinging to each other. She could hear his heart hammering like her own, feel his ragged breath upon her skin.
"Wow...that just gets better and better every time, doesn't it?" Brooklyn asked. Audri gave a breathless laugh. She definitely agreed with him. It got so much better that every time they kissed she wanted just a little bit more. She wanted to look him in the eyes and tell him so but she wasn't quite sure her legs would support her. They would probably give out from underneath her. She settled instead for nodding against his chest and taking a deep steadying breath.
"Are you okay, Audri?" he softly asked. Audri made sure she would be able to stand on her own again and took a step back, smiling up at Brooklyn. "Yes, I'm fine. It is just that...you are...you are very good at that." she murmured, lowering her head.
"I'm not the only one who's good at it." she heard him say. Audri lifted her head and saw Brooklyn smiling warmly at her. He thought she was good! For some reason those words made her feel bold, full of power. She brought her lips close to his, making sure that she was barley touching them. "I am going to kiss you now." she whispered. She brushed her lips against his once, twice.
The third time was Brooklyn's undoing. With a groan he crushed Audri to him and ravaged her lips. She met him stroke for stoke, her own passion a match for his. She moved restlessly against him and his skin burned where she touched. She wanted him. He could feel it in the way she kissed him, in the way she moved, pressing her body against his. But now was not the right time. He regretted what he was about to do but he had to do it.
He started to pull away. "Audri...Audri honey." he said between kisses. "We have to....have to...God you taste...so good....but...we have...to stop!" She released her grip and collapsed against him, breathing heavily. He stroked his hand over her hair, waiting for her breathing to calm. Waiting for himself to calm.
"I am sorry, I do not know what got into me." he heard her whisper. Brooklyn laughed. "The same thing that got into me." he suggested. She laughed softly. "Aye, probably. But you were right. Now is not the time."
Brooklyn nodded and tightened his arms around her. Someday. He would have her someday. He could wait. He placed a gentle kiss at her temple. "Let's go home." he said, pulling back so that he could look into her eyes.
There was that word again. Home. Audri returned his smile and nodded. Then the two of them took to the skies, flying in the direction of Castle Wyvern.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Audri ran across the parapet walkways, almost stumbling over her own feet in her haste. It had been one week, three dates and a million kisses since her and Brooklyn's first date in the park and Audri was ready. She had known it before but kept it mostly to herself, confiding only in Angela. But she was ready now. No more hiding the truth. Tonight was the night she was going to tell Brooklyn that she loved him.
Excitement rushing through her veins, she ran down a flight of stairs and almost collided with Hudson.
"Och, lass. Where are ye off to in such a hurry?" the elder gargoyle asked.
"Oh, Hudson! I'm so sorry!!" Audri cried. "I'm trying to find Brooklyn. Have you seen him?"
"Aye, he's out in the courtyard talkin to Goliath."
Audri hugged Hudson and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Hudson!" she said, turning and running towards the courtyard with Hudson's chuckles echoing behind her. She slowed as she approached the courtyard, hearing the voices of Goliath and Brooklyn before she actually saw them. She peaked around the corner and saw Goliath and Brooklyn facing each other, the expressions on their faces intense. 'What is wrong?' Audri wondered.
She watched Brooklyn walk to the ledge and run his taloned hands through his hair. Feeling his tension, Audri started forward, curious to see what was going on, but Brooklyn's words stopped her.
"I just can't do it anymore Goliath. I've kept it from her for too long. Audri has to know the truth."
The truth about what?? Audri leaned closer. Her heart started to beat faster. Although she had never been the type to eavesdrop, something told her that she had to hear this.
Brooklyn had turned around and was now walking back to Goliath. "She'll be greatly hurt." Goliath said. Brooklyn released a heavy sigh. "There's no other way around it. But she has to know Goliath."
He went back to the ledge and stared out over the city. "Something's going to happen sooner or later. Audri needs to know before it does. We have to tell her that Demona's not dead. That Demona is here."
Another Spell Broken
Chapter Eight
"How are you feeling?"
Audri stared at her flushed face in the mirror a moment longer and raised her eyes to meet Angela's in the reflective glass. "Surprisingly nervous." she said with a small laugh. She started to fidget with her hair, curling a long silken strand around her talons. "I do not know why. It's not as if Brooklyn is a stranger to me."
Angela gently pulled the strand of hair loose from Audri's talons and pulled it back, adding it to the hair she already held and putting it into a loose half-pony tail. She pulled a few wisps free and left them to hang, artfully framing Audri's face. "There." she said, stepping back to scrutinize her work. She smiled, pleased with the outcome and returned her gaze to Audri's. "There is no need to be nervous, Audri. I'm positive that you and Brooklyn will have a wonderful time. Besides..." she pulled Audri's hair back from over her shoulders, the straight silvery-blonde mass cascading down her back. "You look beautiful tonight. Brooklyn wont be able to keep his hands off you."
Aurdri's long skirt and shirt had been replaced with one of Angela's tunics that she had made. A halter top of soft dark blue fabric clung to Audri's figure, enhancing her breasts and warming her skin. Well, at least the skin that was covered. The top was cut dangerously low in a wide, scooping V. The skirt was simple, made from the same fabric and positioned low on Audri's hips. It was held up by a broad belt with a silver tear shaped buckle.
"Thank you for letting me borrow this." Audri said. She stood up and smoothed her hands over the soft fabric of the skirt. "And thank you...for everything. You have been so good to me." She pulled the other gargoyle into a friendly embrace. Angela smiled and returned the hug. "Oh, you would have done the same for me."
Audri laughed and stepped back "Aye, in a heart beat." She turned and looked herself over in the mirror. She had to admit, she looked great. The dark blue color of the tunic complimented her skin and brought out the vibrant color of her eyes. Her face glowed and her hair shone in the lamp light. She looked...like a gargoyle in love.
"And the final touch." Angela said, tipping a small bottle in her hand and dabbing sweet scented liquid on each side of Audri's neck, just below her ears. "You must tell me everything when you get back, promise?"
Audri laughed and looped her arm through Angela's as she started for the door. "I promise."
Back in Brooklyn's room, the second in command paced restlessly. Broadway watched with an amused smirk on his face and a bowl of potato chips at his side. Brooklyn was apparently very nervous and not one bit happy about it. Broadway bit back a laugh when his rookery brother, for the sixth time, wiped his hands on his loin cloth.
"This is ridiculous. I can't believe I'm so nervous about this whole thing." Brooklyn muttered. He ran his talons through his hair and sighed. "It's not some stranger...it's Audri." He stopped pacing and stared at the floor.
"Did you ever think that maybe she's the reason?" Broadway asked through a mouthful of chips. Brooklyn jerked his head up. He had almost forgotten that Broadway was there. "What?"
Broadway swallowed and set his bowl aside. "Did you ever think that maybe Audri is the reason you're so nervous?" he asked again. "I mean...she is the first female you've ever...you know." his voice died away.
"You can say it, Broadway. She's the first one I've ever been with. I guess that is a pretty good reason." Brooklyn said. He resumed pacing, deep in thought. Broadway went back to his chips.
"But it's not the reason."
Broadway sighed and placed his bowl of chips aside again.
"Yeah, she's the first female that I've ever been with, but it's not like me and Audri have never done anything before." He stopped pacing and stared out the window at the moon. Stars dotted the sky, each shinning brilliantly in the clear sky. It was a beautiful night. Nothing could go wrong.
"So, what's the deal then?" Broadway asked.
Brooklyn shrugged and dropped down into one of the leather recliners facing Broadway. "She's what I've been waiting for. After all this time...watching Goliath with Elisa, you with Angela and wishing that I could have what you all have...I can have it. I have the chance to love...and be loved by a wonderful and incredibly beautiful female. It's just...I don't want to screw it up." he finished in a quiet, unsure voice.
Broadway stood and crossed the room, sinking into the recliner next to the one Brooklyn was sitting in. "Brook, don't worry. Audri adores you. The way she looked at you last night...the way she looks at you all the time. Everyone who see's that look know's that she falling for you."
Brooklyn looked up. "Really?"
"Yeah, really. Now quit stallin," Broadway stood and offered Brooklyn his hand. "You've got a date that you really don't want to be late for." Brooklyn took his hand and Broadway pulled him up. "You'll be fine."
The door to Brooklyn's room opened and Angela poked her head in. "Hey guys. She's ready."
Brooklyn took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "Alright. Let's just home that I am."
Audri was waiting in the living room, watching the flames dance in the large fire place, one hand resting on the stone mantel. When they entered she turned slowly to face them and Brooklyn's heart thudded to a halt. What stood before him was sheer feminine beauty, the kind that would render a man incoherent. She was unlike anything he had ever seen before. His eyes wandered slowly up her exposed legs, long and perfectly shaped, over her flat stomach, strong arms, an alarming amount of cleavage and finally landed on her face. Her wide blue eyes regarded him curiously.
He opened his mouth to say something but words refused to come forth. And they were all waiting on him, waiting for him to do something to break the silence. He looked down quickly to gather his thoughts and glanced back up at Audri to find her smiling at him, her eyes full of understanding. The nervousness slid away, bit by bit, then the world around them disappeared and they were left with each other.
Brooklyn moved forward, stopping when he reached Audri and leaving an inch of space between them. "You were nervous." she said softly, reaching up and brushing a lock of snowy white hair back behind his ear.
"Yeah, I was." He reached forward and curled a taloned hand gently around her tiny waist. Audri moved into his embrace without hesitation. Her arms went around him. Her head came to rest on his shoulder. "I was nervous too." she whispered, her warm breath fanning out across the sensitive skin of his throat. He inhaled her scent, already familiar to him and felt a possessive growl form in the back of his throat. Remembering that they were not actually alone, Brooklyn pulled back and smiled down at Audri. "What do you say we get going?" he asked. She returned his smile and nodded.
Before they could leave, Broadway pulled Brooklyn aside and handed him a large basket. "There's a concert in Central Park tonight. Take Audri." Brooklyn looked back over his shoulder to where the girls stood talking in hushed whispers. "Not our kind of concert is it?"
Broadway shook his head. "No, more like Angela's." he said.
"That's good." Brooklyn muttered as he rummaged through the basket of food. "What, no candles?" he asked in a voice laced with sarcasm. "Ha ha. You don't want to attract that much attention, do you."
Brooklyn nodded. "Yeah yeah. I was just kidding." he threw another glance over his shoulder. "Thanks a lot Broadway. I owe you big time." Broadway shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Just have a great time." he said.
Brooklyn threw him a thumbs up and went to collect his date. "Ready to go?" he asked, coming up behind Audri. She turned to him, gracing him with her beautiful smile. "Aye."
He offered her his arm and she took it, the side of her breast lightly grazing his arm. Brooklyn took a deep breath, wondering if he would ever make it through the night without pouncing on her like some starving animal, then led her out of the castle.
"Have fun! Watch out for Quarrymen!" Angela called out. Audri and Brooklyn waved and were gone.
"I hope everything goes well for them." Angela said softly, lowering her hand to her side. Broadway's arms came around her from behind and she tilted her head back to rest on his broad shoulder. "You worry too much my love. They'll be fine." he said. He brushed his talons slowly through her long hair. "Besides, you forget that we now have an entire castle to ourselves."
Angela turned in her lovers arms and smiled up at him suggestively. "What exactly did you have in mind darling?" she purred. "Well, I'll have to show you. Not here though." Broadway said, a slight blush staining his cheeks. Angela gave a throaty laugh and and looped her arm through Broadway's. "Then by all means, lead the way."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Walking hand in hand through Central Park, Audri and Brooklyn searched idly for a secluded spot to sit away from the growing crowd of humans by the stage. They settled for a place underneath the hanging branches of a large willow tree and laid down the blanket Broadway had packed for them. Light from the flood lights surrounding the stage filtered through the leaves and threw a romantic glow upon the couple where they sat in their own little world.
Audri relaxed against the tree and watched the play of muscles across Brooklyn's back as he took food from the basket. When he was finished he handed her a plastic bowl of red grapes and relaxed next to her. Audri plucked one of the grapes from the cluster and popped it in her mouth. "Broadway put all of this together for us?" she asked. Brooklyn nodded. "Yeah."
"That was very kind of him." she said. She turned her gaze to the stage where a large orchestra was tuning their instruments. There was a moment of silence and then the music started, the haunting melody echoing faintly in their secluded area.
Audri sighed. "It's so beautiful and peaceful here." She turned back to face Brooklyn and stretched out on her side, placing the bowl of grapes in front of her. She pulled another grape free. "So, Brooklyn..." she started, eating the grape. "Angela told me how it was that she came to live on Avelon. But how did your clan make it here?"
Brooklyn pulled his eyes away from her lithe body that lay across the blanket and cleared his throat. "Um, actually...the same way you did. About a thousand years ago soldiers attacked our clan during the day. Every clan member was destroyed except us. Goliath and Hudson had left the previous night and Lex, Broadway, Bronx and I were in the rookery with the eggs. They never found us. When we woke up there was nothing left. This guy, Magus, started placing blame on us for the death of his princess, who was actually with Goliath at the time, and he put us under this spell. We were never to awaken until our castle was raised above the clouds." Brooklyn stopped and reached for a pop.
"What happened to Goliath?" Audri asked. She had moved to a sitting position and was staring intently at him, hanging on his every word. Brooklyn smiled. It felt good to have a females attention fully on him. Taking a quick drink of his pop he continued.
"Goliath returned after the rest of us had all been put under this spell. He had Princess Katherine with him. Once Magus saw this, he knew he was in trouble."
"Hod did you know this? I thought you had been turned to stone?" Audri interrupted, an impish smile curving her full lips. Brooklyn grinned and tugged lightly on a thick strand of her hair. "I'm trying to tell a story here."
Audri smothered a giggle. "I'm sorry. Please...continue."
"So anyway, Goliath showed up with Princess Katherine. He was furious when he had seen what Magus had done to the remaining members of his clan. Magus tried to apologize but there was no way he could undo the spell he had cast. So instead Goliath told Magus to preform the same spell on him. It was done. A thousand years later Xanatos found out about us. The man does his research, I'll give him that. He brought us and our castle here. Once above the clouds, the spell was broken and we were free to live again." When Brooklyn finished he grabbed something to eat and leaned back against the tree.
"Your story is very much like my own." Audri said. Brooklyn looked up at her. "Yeah...almost." He saw pain flicker briefly in her eyes. Then, just like that, it was gone. Both knew what he had meant without having to say it. He still had part of his clan, she had been left with no one. "Audri, come here."
She moved across the blanket, closing the space between them and settled down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulled her close. "You're holding up okay, right?" he asked.
She hesitated with her answer. There are always distractions. But when I am alone with thoughts...it is difficult not to think of my family. It does not hurt as much as it used to though."
Brooklyn smiled down at the top of her head. She was such a courageous little female. He sought out to comfort her, brushing his talons over the bare skin of her arms. "You know, someday...it wont hurt at all." he offered.
Audri turned and cuddled into his side, laying her hand on his chest. "Aye...someday." she agreed.
Brooklyn quickly decided to switch the subject to something much less depressing, because if there was one thing he knew about Audri, it was that she could switch moods fast. "Did you want to go to a movie later?" he asked.
She looked up at him, her expression already much brighter. "You mean back at the castle?" She pushed herself up. "No, at a movie theater." he said, watching her push her hair back over her shoulders, the silvery blonde mass falling to her waist.
"What is a...movie theater?" Audri asked, the words feeling strange on her tongue. "It's just a place where you can see movies on a bigger screen then the one back home." he said. Audri smiled at the way he used the word home. He made it sound like it was her home too. Like it always had been.
"A movie sounds good. But later." She snuggled close to him, felt his arm close around her waist and smiled. A movie could wait. She had better things to do.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Do things like that really exist?" Audri was asking as they stepped out into the night and onto the roof of the theater, the chill of the night surrounding them. Audri moved closer to Brooklyn.
"Like in the movie? No, they don't exist." Brooklyn said. Audri breathed a sigh of relief. "That is good. They were very odd looking creatures. I do not think I would like to ever meet one."
Brooklyn chuckled. "A lot of stuff in movies isn't real. But either then creatures...did you like it?" he asked. Audri looked up at him. "I liked it very much, thank you." She tentatively reached over and entwined her talons through his. "I would actually like very much to do it again sometime." she said.
Brooklyn leapt onto the ledge of the roof and pulled Audri up beside him. "So would I." he said, still holding both of her hands in his. Their eyes met and held. He dropped her hands and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. She met him halfway, bringing her arms up and around his neck, molding her body to his. He controlled the kiss and she let him, opening for him, bending to his will, moaning in complete surrender when his talons brushed lightly over the joint between her wings. They broke apart, gasping and clinging to each other. She could hear his heart hammering like her own, feel his ragged breath upon her skin.
"Wow...that just gets better and better every time, doesn't it?" Brooklyn asked. Audri gave a breathless laugh. She definitely agreed with him. It got so much better that every time they kissed she wanted just a little bit more. She wanted to look him in the eyes and tell him so but she wasn't quite sure her legs would support her. They would probably give out from underneath her. She settled instead for nodding against his chest and taking a deep steadying breath.
"Are you okay, Audri?" he softly asked. Audri made sure she would be able to stand on her own again and took a step back, smiling up at Brooklyn. "Yes, I'm fine. It is just that...you are...you are very good at that." she murmured, lowering her head.
"I'm not the only one who's good at it." she heard him say. Audri lifted her head and saw Brooklyn smiling warmly at her. He thought she was good! For some reason those words made her feel bold, full of power. She brought her lips close to his, making sure that she was barley touching them. "I am going to kiss you now." she whispered. She brushed her lips against his once, twice.
The third time was Brooklyn's undoing. With a groan he crushed Audri to him and ravaged her lips. She met him stroke for stoke, her own passion a match for his. She moved restlessly against him and his skin burned where she touched. She wanted him. He could feel it in the way she kissed him, in the way she moved, pressing her body against his. But now was not the right time. He regretted what he was about to do but he had to do it.
He started to pull away. "Audri...Audri honey." he said between kisses. "We have to....have to...God you taste...so good....but...we have...to stop!" She released her grip and collapsed against him, breathing heavily. He stroked his hand over her hair, waiting for her breathing to calm. Waiting for himself to calm.
"I am sorry, I do not know what got into me." he heard her whisper. Brooklyn laughed. "The same thing that got into me." he suggested. She laughed softly. "Aye, probably. But you were right. Now is not the time."
Brooklyn nodded and tightened his arms around her. Someday. He would have her someday. He could wait. He placed a gentle kiss at her temple. "Let's go home." he said, pulling back so that he could look into her eyes.
There was that word again. Home. Audri returned his smile and nodded. Then the two of them took to the skies, flying in the direction of Castle Wyvern.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Audri ran across the parapet walkways, almost stumbling over her own feet in her haste. It had been one week, three dates and a million kisses since her and Brooklyn's first date in the park and Audri was ready. She had known it before but kept it mostly to herself, confiding only in Angela. But she was ready now. No more hiding the truth. Tonight was the night she was going to tell Brooklyn that she loved him.
Excitement rushing through her veins, she ran down a flight of stairs and almost collided with Hudson.
"Och, lass. Where are ye off to in such a hurry?" the elder gargoyle asked.
"Oh, Hudson! I'm so sorry!!" Audri cried. "I'm trying to find Brooklyn. Have you seen him?"
"Aye, he's out in the courtyard talkin to Goliath."
Audri hugged Hudson and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Hudson!" she said, turning and running towards the courtyard with Hudson's chuckles echoing behind her. She slowed as she approached the courtyard, hearing the voices of Goliath and Brooklyn before she actually saw them. She peaked around the corner and saw Goliath and Brooklyn facing each other, the expressions on their faces intense. 'What is wrong?' Audri wondered.
She watched Brooklyn walk to the ledge and run his taloned hands through his hair. Feeling his tension, Audri started forward, curious to see what was going on, but Brooklyn's words stopped her.
"I just can't do it anymore Goliath. I've kept it from her for too long. Audri has to know the truth."
The truth about what?? Audri leaned closer. Her heart started to beat faster. Although she had never been the type to eavesdrop, something told her that she had to hear this.
Brooklyn had turned around and was now walking back to Goliath. "She'll be greatly hurt." Goliath said. Brooklyn released a heavy sigh. "There's no other way around it. But she has to know Goliath."
He went back to the ledge and stared out over the city. "Something's going to happen sooner or later. Audri needs to know before it does. We have to tell her that Demona's not dead. That Demona is here."