Yes, yes, yes. I know I'm an evil person for taking a lifetime to update.
All I can say is I'm incredibly sorry. I lost track of the story but
hopefully I'll be able to make up for it! Thanks to all of you who
continued to review even through my lapse.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gargoyles or any of its characters! Just Audri and Samantha.
Another Spell Broken
Chapter 11
Getting back stage turned out to be much easier then had been anticipated. Elisa, Audri, and Brooklyn walked down a hallway lined with doors, searching for their little gargoyle star, highly amused by the fact that they were able to be amongst humans that didn't even turn their heads at the trio's appearance.
"After the Quarry men, I find this slightly odd," Audri said, casting her eyes unsurely around the dim light hallway.
"No kidding," Brooklyn quickly agreed. Holding onto Audri's hand, Brooklyn followed Elisa Maza. "Do you know which room she's in?" he asked.
"The room at the end. They said something about her not liking to be bothered. I'm not sure though. The man seamed a little suspicious to me," Elisa replied.
They continued walking until they reached a door at the end. The plaque attached to the door indicated that the dressing room belonged to Samantha. "That's a pretty name," Audri mused. She watched as the detective knocked and all three waited for a response.
When none came the three looked back and forth between each other and Elisa tried the knob. It turned easily and the door swung forward with a slight squeak.
"I said I didn't want to be bothered Ron. I'll be out in about 10 minutes." The voice of the female gargoyle was light, yet laden with grief. Small golden yellow shoulders shuddered. The girl was crying.
"Do you females do this all the time?" Brooklyn asked under his breath, earning himself a light jab in the ribs from Audri's elbow.
"Ron is the one who told us how to find you. May we enter?" Audri asked cautiously. The little gargoyle slowly looked up and her vibrant green, tear filled eyes widened in disbelief. Suspecting surprise and perhaps an outburst of how's and what's, the trio was completely taken aback when the girls shoulders started to shake uncontrollably and more crystalline tears poured over her face.
"Oh, sweet lass! Please do not cry." Audri called out, rushing forward and pulling the small gargoyle into her arms. The girl collapsed against Audri. Brushing the thick mink brown locks with her talons, Audri held the girl as she cried, crooning words of comfort and listening to the incoherent phrases the girl was muttering over and over again. "Hush now, darling. Samantha is it?"
The gar-girl pulled back and raised her beautiful green eyes to Audri's. "Yes," She whispered.
Audri brushed away her tears and smiled serenely. "That's better," she said. "Why were you crying?"
Samantha sniffled. "I thought.I was the only one." Her voice was soft and clear and full of awe. She was young, around the age of fifteen or sixteen, Audri thought. She felt the girls sorrow as if it were her own, for she too had thought the same not so long ago.
"You are alone no longer, dear heart. You have us now. My name is Audri."
Samantha's chin trembled and new tears filled her eyes, spilling over. She moved back into Audri's embrace and cried as if her heart were breaking. "Will you.be my mother?" she asked, her voice hopeful however wounded at the same time. Her childish naivety was endearing and Audri gladly accepted. "Of course I will Samantha. You will never have to be alone again."
Audri raised her eyes to Brooklyn. Knowing her as he did, he understood what she wanted and joined the two. Elisa stood back and waited patiently.
"So you're Samantha, huh?" Brooklyn asked, leaning down to look at the small gar-girl. Samantha once again moved slightly out of Audri's embrace and looked up at Brooklyn with a watery smile. "Yeah, I'm Sam." She said.
Brooklyn handed her a Kleenex off the vanity and she gratefully took it, drying her tears and blowing her nose unceremoniously. Audri and Brooklyn smiled down at the small girl, waiting for her to finish.
"I'm so.happy. You don't even know! I never though.not for one second, that there were others like me." Samantha said. She gave her nose one more brush and tossed the Kleenex into a small wastebasket. "Where do you live?"
"We live in a castle above the clouds. It's called Castle Wyvern. There are others besides just us." Audri said. She smoothed Samantha's hair back. "But what of you, Samantha? Where do you live?"
The girl cast her eyes downward. "I don't have a home. Two humans found me in a cave when I was a baby. They were very loving, but they were old. They raised me and when I was 13 the lord took them to heaven. I was taken on by this traveling theater company after that, so I don't really have a home." She raised her head and looked from Audri to Brooklyn. "I don't want to be here anymore. Can I." her hopeful voice drifted off.
Knowing what she was asking for, Brooklyn said, "You can come live with us Samantha. We'd be happy to have you."
Samantha sprang up and wrapped her arms tightly around Brooklyn's neck. "Oh! Thank you so much Brooklyn!" she cried exuberantly.
"No problem kid." Brooklyn said, chuckling. He looked up to see Audri smiling at him, her heart in her beautiful deep blue eyes. She mouthed "thank you" and he nodded. She should have known by know that he would do anything for her.
Samantha backed away and started moving about the room, grabbing accessories and clothing and tossing them onto the vanity shelf. "This is too good to be true!" She cried, hastily wiping at the remaining tears that clung to her soft cheeks. "I thought I was going to have to stay here forever. It's not that I don't like acting and the audience is great but every night with no family to talk to, no other gargoyles who understand, it's gets a little lonely every now and then. Do I get my own room?? I hope I get my own room-."
Audri chuckled at the girl's bubbly exuberance, moving close to Brooklyn and wrapping her arm around his waist as she watched the girl move around the small dressing room. "So, do you think Lex will approve of our the addition to the clan?" She asked, the wheels in her mind turning steadily.
Brooklyn looked down at his mate, a brow ridge arching sardonically. "Planning something hun?"
"Me? Never, my love." She laughed. Brooklyn shook his head. He was undeniably going to have his hands full now. But maybe this was what Audri needed though. Something to keep her mind off of the troubles that seamed to keep popping up. And there was no doubt that Samantha was going to be good for them. She had enough energy and optimism for the entire clan. And Lex..well, hopefully the two would hit it off. Now he knew how the rest of the clan had felt, watching him as he mopped about the castle, depression in his every move. He wrapped a strong arm around his mate and pulled her close to him, his heart beating unsteadily when she graced him with her sweet smile, ocean blue eyes sparkling with love.
Across the room Samantha slung the duffle bag she had crammed full of her only worthy belongings over her shoulder. "So when do we go?" she asked, unable to conceal her anticipation.
Audri laughed and gently patted the tiny gargoyle's glossy curls. "Patients darling. We'll leave for the castle soon enough. But first-." Her voice trailed off and she tapped her chin thoughtfully.
Brooklyn's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched his mate. He could actually see the wheels turning in that beautiful head of hers. "Audri, what are you thinking?" he asked, his voice holding a small note of warning.
She turned to him with a teasing smile. "Oh, it's nothing really. I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Audri slowly walked around Samantha, stopping behind her and placing her hands on the gar-girls slim shoulders. "Well, I was thinking. Our little Samantha is an actress, is she not?"
"That I am!" Samantha chirped proudly.
Audri chuckled and continued. "And since she's an actress I would assume that she also enjoys a good dramatic entrance."
Samantha gasped mockingly and laid a hand over her chest. "I do!"
"And if I remember correctly, Mr. Xanatos is hosting a costume party in four days. What better time for our little star to make her grand appearance?"
This time when Samantha gasped the sound was real. She whirled around and faced Audri, her mouth gaping. "That is an awesome idea!"
Audri looked up at her mate and offered a small shrug. "I just thought it might be nice for her to have one last performance before ending her acting career to be with the clan," she said quietly.
Brooklyn smiled and walked over to his mate, pulling her curvaceous form to him. "I agree with Samantha. Awesome idea hun." He nuzzled her neck affectionately, pulling a husky giggle from her. "So how are we going to keep the little brat hidden?" he teased.
Samantha smacked him playfully. "Hello, I am an actress you know." She crossed her arms over her chest and stuck her pert nose in the air, trying to act offended.
"I know Xanatos has an extra room. Actually, more like three extra rooms. I'm sure it would not take a great deal to convince him to secretly have one made up for Samantha. And he does seam to like keeping secrets." Audri said.
She was right. Brooklyn knew exactly how much the scheming millionaire loved to keep secrets. The plan seamed to bee loop free. And he had two of the most adorable women he had laid eyes on giving him pleading looks. How could he resist? "Alright. We'll keep her a secret." He looked over at his leaders mate. "Elisa?"
The cop smiled, brushing her hair off her shoulder and straightening the collar of her leather jacket. "Oh I'm in. Anything to see Goliath shocked."
And with that the plan was made. Audri and Brooklyn continued to help Samantha pack her belongings while Elisa called up Xanatos and explained the situation. Needless to say, he quickly agreed chuckling and saying that he needed something to keep him busy for a while.
Without so much as a tearful good bye, Samantha left the theater in the company of her new clan, happy to be anywhere else but living the life that she had been. She was more then willing to put the past behind her and leave it there. She had a new home now. A new home and a new family.
*~*~*~*~* Four days later *~*~*~*~*
"Now it wasn't that difficult to keep yourself hidden away in here, was it?" Audri was asking Samantha as she pulled her auburn curls up into an intricate French twist. Four days had gone by and their plan had been carried out successfully. With the occasional late night flight every time the rest of the clan was out on patrol, Samantha had easily accepted her beautifully furnished room and hid out in it for the time suggested.
She passed the time sprawled on her royal purple comforter reading every book Brooklyn had brought for her, talking to Audri, or thinking up different ways to make her entrance. By the time her big night came she was practically bursting with anticipation. She had heard the other clan member's voices as they passed by her room, even the robust barking of a gar-dog and she could not wait to meet all of them!
"You have no idea how difficult it was!" she cried, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Audri grinned and gently pushed her down in the stool in front of the large oak vanity. "Hold still," she scolded lightly.
Samantha sighed. "I can't. I'm so excited."
"I know you are sweetheart. Just another hour and you'll be free." The blonde gargoyle added more pins to her creation and cocked her head to the side, observing her work. "There. Now where is your costume?"
"Right here," a voice said from the doorway. Brooklyn snuck into the room, closing the door soundlessly behind him. He was dressed up in black britches that fit him perfectly and a billowy white shirt. A black cape with a deep red satin lining graced his broad shoulders, conveniently covering his wings and a black mask was tied around his head.
Audri's breath left her in a sudden rush. Her hand alighted upon her chest, an unconscious movement to still the rapid beating of her heart, and she licked her full lips with a tongue that had all of a sudden become dry. He looked so wonderful! It was only by pure self-control that she remained seated.
"Hey Zorro!" Samantha said with a cheerful giggle. "You look great!"
"My thoughts exactly," Audri almost whispered.
Brooklyn smiled at her and gave her a lusty wink before handing over the clothing bag he had been carrying to Samantha. "There you go ma'am. Hope it fits okay."
Samantha skipped forward and snatched the bag, throwing her free arm around Brooklyn's neck. "Oh thank you Brooklyn! I'm sure it will fit perfectly."
Audri smiled at the two and rose from her seat. She still needed to get changed before the party. She hadn't even done her hair yet and her excitement to wear the gown Elisa had miraculously acquired for her almost equaled Samantha's. She moved to Brooklyn's side, regarding him with a shy smile before looping her arm through his. "Elisa's friend Matt will be here soon. He'll be escorting you in."
Samantha nodded. "You'll be here when he gets here, right?" She asked, eyeing Audri with hopeful emerald eyes.
"Of course darling," Audri said. She leaned over and enveloped the smaller gargoyle in a warm embrace. "This ball may be in my honor, but tonight belongs to you," she whispered.
Samantha pulled away, tears of gratitude glistening in her vibrant eyes. "Thank you Audri, for everything."
Audri smiled and placed a light kiss upon the small gargoyles head. "You are more then welcome Samantha." She straightened and turned her beautiful smile on Brooklyn. "Care to walk me to my room?"
"Sure thing," Brooklyn said. "We'll be back in a bit Sam."
"I'll be ready!" The girl exclaimed, closing the door behind them as they left.
Audri sighed and leaned against Brooklyn, inhaling his delicious scent. "You look very handsome tonight my love." She murmured, leaning up to place a lingering kiss on his neck.
"Thanks," he replied. "You don't look half bad yourself."
"I'm not even changed yet!" She muttered, unable to stop a giggle from passing her lips.
"So do I get to watch you change?" Brooklyn asked with a sensual glint in his chocolate eyes.
"Most certainly not. It's supposed to be a surprise."
"Can I at least come in for a while?" he pleaded when they had reached her door. "We have an hour until the party starts."
Audri leaned back against the wall. She lifted one hand, brushing her talons enticingly over his chest and reveling in the feel of his silk shirt against her skin. "And what exactly did you plan on doing once we were in my room?"
Brooklyn leaned forward, his lids becoming oddly heavy. Her questing fingers were causing a riot of sensations to sweep over him. "Oh, just some..cuddling."
She smiled seductively and her hand closed around his wrist. "Only a few minutes," she murmured, dragging him into her room.
Brooklyn eagerly followed his mate, his eyes drifting to the gentle flare of her hips as they swayed provocatively with each step she took. His hands itched to touch her. They had for the past four days. But Audri had been so busy seeing to Samantha's comfort and needs that he'd hardly had a minute alone with her. Brooklyn enjoyed seeing her happy and he adored Samantha, nevertheless he couldn't stop himself from wanting a little private time with Audri.
Reaching forward he curled his talons around her waist and pulled her back against his chest then wrapped his strong arms around her. "You know, I've kind of missed you," he murmured, running a hand lovingly over her flat stomach.
Audri smiled and closed her eyes. "Only kind of?" she asked, dropping her head back to rest on his shoulder.
"More then kind of."
She chuckled softly, turning in his loose embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck. Her mood sobered as she gazed up into his eyes. "I have missed you too." She curled her talons in his soft white hair. "I feel awful for not spending more time with you but it..I mean-." She sighed in frustration, her hand clutching the smooth fabric of his shirt. "Samantha has kept me preoccupied. She has kept my mind off of-."
Brooklyn silenced her by pressing his talons softly against her full lips. "Audri, I understand."
Her mouth curved up in a sweet smile and bright orbs filled with admiration and gratitude stared up at him intently. He dropped his hand from her moth so he could fully enjoy the beauty of her smile.
"I love you Brooklyn," she whispered, pulling herself up and pressing her lips against his.
Brooklyn tightened his embrace, crushing her curvaceous body to his. He was rewarded with the sound of her startled gasp. He'd been without her for too long. Having to watch her over four long days and not be able to touch her..it was enough to drive any male, gargoyle or human, crazy. "I love you too Audri," he said against her lips. "And I've got an hour to show you how much."
The blonde gargoyle laughed as Brooklyn pushed her towards the bed, never breaking their heated embrace.
"Sorry Brooklyn but I'm going to have to cut your hour short."
Emitting a sound that was half growl and half groan, Brooklyn reluctantly broke their passionate kiss and turned to face Angela where she stood in the doorway, an amused smile curving her lips. "Don't you guys have anything better to do then interrupt us?" he asked, clearly annoyed. Beside him Audri bit down on her lower lip to keep from laughing.
"If you didn't want to be interrupted you shouldn't have left the door wide open. Besides," she waltzed into the room carrying a large blue and silver bag and playfully flicked the brim of Brooklyn's hat, "I'm helping Audri get ready. You can sneak her away later this evening."
"Fine," Brooklyn muttered. He turned to give Audri one last lingering kiss before leaving. "I'll be back in a bit."
"Half an hour!" Audri called after him as the door closed, leaving the two females alone together.
"Are you ready?" Angela asked with an excited grin.
"More then ready." Audri looked curiously at the blue and silver bag. "What do you have in there?"
Angela walked over to the bed and unzipped the bag. "Compliments of Elisa Maza," she said, dumping the bags contents over the rich bed spread. Makeup spilled out along with various items used for styling hair, clips in all different sizes, large curlers and an iron used to straighten hair. "Can you remember what most of this stuff is?"
Audri gazed at the collection of feminine items critically. A while back Elisa and Angela had sat her down with thin books called magazines and showed her several pictures of things related to the female species. Most of the things on the bed looked familiar from pictures in the magazines but others were a mystery to her, like the iron. She reached out a hand and touched the iron curiously. "I have no clue what this is."
"Oh, that's for me." Angela said, going to the closet and opening the door. She pulled out two long garment bags and walked back to Audri, laying the two bags next to the clutter of make up and hair products. "If I'm going to make a good Cleopatra I need to straighten my hair out. And the big curlers," she grabbed a pink curler from the bed and held it up, "are for you."
Audri eyed the small thing warily. "What exactly are we going to do with it?" she muttered.
Angela laughed and pushed Audri across the room to her large vanity, pushing her down into the seat in front of it. "Just trust me."
A half an hour later Audri was incredibly glad that she had decided to trust Angela. She had worked wonders with her hair, pinning it up in an artful twist and leaving several curling strands free to frame her face. Angela had lightly applied light hues of azure to her lids and brushed a shining blush over her high cheekbones then for added fun she had stuck tiny blue and violet rhinestones to her face, shaping them around her eyes in a sparkling mask.
"You are very gifted Angela." Audri said as she used the iron to straighten the lavender gargoyles thick raven tresses.
Angela waved a hand dismissively. "I get it from reading. When I run out of interesting books usually all that's left is the magazines Elisa leaves for me."
Audri smiled at Angela's attempts at modesty, slowly dragging the hot iron down and straightening another strand of thick, raven colored hair. "Well, I think you did wonderfully. This color will go perfectly with the gown. There," she said, setting aside the iron and taking a step back to look over her work and make sure she hadn't missed anything, "I think that should do it."
Angela stood and leaned towards the vanity, resting her hands on the varnished top. "Thanks Audri. It looks longer, don't you think?"
Audri nodded. "Aye, much longer. Come, let's get dressed. Brooklyn will be back soon."
The other female quickly agreed and they each grabbed a garment bag, unzipping them and gasping in delight.
"They wont be able to keep their hands off of us," Aiden murmured, running a hand with infinite care over the satiny of her gown.
Angela grinned. "That's the idea Audri."
*~*~*~*~*
Brooklyn walked down the hallway still feeling slightly irritated that he and Audri had been interrupted yet again. Was he ever going to get any time alone with his own mate? Muttering under his breath he knocked on the door and waited patiently. He didn't have to wait long. A few seconds later Angela opened the door.
Brooklyn arched a brow ridge in appreciation. "Looking good Angie."
"I told you not to call me that," she said, placing a hand oh her hip and tossing her head indignantly, causing the gold beaded Egyptian headdress she wore to sparkle over her straight black hair. A long, form fitting gown of pearl colored silk clung to her body, covered by a layer of gold beaded mesh and held up by a strap over her left shoulder. Bangles adorned her wrists, a band of gold circled her upper arm and her make up had been done in true Egyptian style.
"Sorry." Brooklyn raised his hands before him, chuckling. "You look great. I'm sure Broadway will be absolutely speechless."
Angela smiled, a light blush staining her cheeks. "Thank you Brooklyn."
"So is Audri ready?" he asked, allowing Angela to usher him into the room.
"She's in the bathroom finishing up. She should be out-."
"Angela, what necklace would go with this gown?" Audri asked, cutting the other female off as she walked into the room, her full sapphire skirts swishing around her.
Brooklyn's mouth was suddenly dry. He could not form one coherent thought as he stared at the beautiful vision before him.
Unaware of Brooklyn's presence, Audri adjusted the corset like bodice embroidered with several cream-colored lilies, unconsciously putting more emphasis on the delicate swell of her breasts then there already had been. Short straps of sapphire satin that appeared to have no actual function hung off her shoulders and she had folded her wings around her. Her skirts, folding softly over her long legs had been cut down the middle and pulled back to reveal another skirt of soft cream. She looked like she had just stepped out of a fancy nineteenth century ballroom.
She turned, her skirts flaring slightly and her eyes widened in surprise. Her hand rose in a sudden fluid motion and alighted upon her chest.
Highly amused by each of their reactions, Angela grinned and plucked a diamond and sapphire choker from amid the collection of cosmetics littering the bedspread. "I think this would go perfectly," she said, handing the delicate piece of jewelry to Brooklyn.
The red gargoyle took it and silently crossed the room, his eyes never straying from Audri's. He moved around her and draped the choker around her slender neck, fastening the tiny clasp at her nape. He then dropped his hands allowing the tips of his talons to lightly brush against the sensitive bare skin of her neck and shoulders. "You look incredible Audri," he murmured.
Feeling quite overheated, Audri turned to face him. She smiled shyly, feeling the heat creep up into her cheeks and stared into his dark, loving eyes. "Thank you."
"Well, I'm going to leave you two alone and go find Broadway," Angela said, already packing up the mess of cosmetics. "I'll see you two at the party."
"Finally," Brooklyn muttered as the door slammed softly.
Audri laughed and slapped him playfully. "You are terrible."
Smiling, Brooklyn wrapped an arm low around her waist and slowly pulled her closer. "You say that like it's a bad thing.
Audri permitted herself to be drawn into his warm embrace. She inhaled his sent, familiar to her yet still capable of stealing her breath away. "Maybe you should take Angela's advice later and sneak out with me during the party?"
"I think I just might do that," he replied.
His hands were rubbing her back in leisurely circles mere inches from the sensitive joint between her wings and making it incredibly difficult for her to think. "Only..after I make sure that Samantha..is okay. Will you stop that?!" she yelped with a breathy laugh, pushing herself away from his roaming hands. She held up a finger in warning, trying to keep the smile off her face. "Later. Samantha is expecting us to be back soon."
"I'm holding you to that." He offered her his arm.
She took it with a smile and they left the room arm in arm, walking slowly down the hallway to Samantha's room. "So who are you supposed to be anyway?" Brooklyn asked.
Audri glanced at him in askance and a sultry smile curved her lips. "Zorro's mistress."
Grinning, Brooklyn said, "Nice one. I like that."
They reached Samantha's door and Brooklyn knocked. There was a yelp followed by a muted thud and several colorful curses later the door swung open revealing a bright, yet slightly pink cheeked Samantha. "Hey! You're back!"
Audri arched a delicate brow at the little gargoyle. "Would you mind explaining exactly what that was all about?"
Samantha laughed and pulled them inside, shutting the door quickly behind them. "I wanted to see the entire costume so I was standing on the stool. When you knocked it startled me and I fell over. But what do you think? Isn't it great?!" The gar-girl bounced on her feet, scarcely containing her anticipation.
She did a pirouette and the bright red iridescent fabric of her knee length skirt flared out. A satin dress shirt with little pearl buttons and short sleeves covered her upper body. She had left the first few buttons undone and pulled the collar back so that the outfit would be a little more revealing. Cherry rhinestone hair clips had been pinned in her hair and the finishing touch was a very fine layer of special made chiffon sprinkled with hundreds of tiny red rhinestones and draped over her wings in an improvised cape.
"You look stunning," Audri murmured with a pleased smile. "But, forgive me for asking, who are you supposed to be?"
"She's little Red Ridinghood." Brooklyn stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yeah. And check this out. The stuff covering my wings moves with them!" Samantha spread her wings wide and folded them in and out a few times, showing them how the chiffon clung to her wings like a second skin. "Isn't it great?"
A knock sounded on the door, three short taps followed by a long pause and two more. Brooklyn rolled his eyes wondering why the females felt the need to turn their little plan into something that involved codes. Maybe Elisa had been watching too many cop movies. He went the door allowing the dark haired cop and her partner to enter. "You really need to come up with something a little more original, Matt." He remarked dryly, noting that the eccentric cop had once again chose to dress up as an employee of Area 51.
"No kidding," Elisa muttered. "I tried talking him out of it but he's so stubborn when it comes to stuff like this." She looked down at her own costume and smirked. She had chosen to go as Mortisha Addam's and wore a clinging black gown that flared out at her knees and pooled around her feet. "Unlike bold little me!"
Chuckling, Matt shook his head and took a step forward in Samantha's direction. "So I'm guessing you're the beautiful actress I get to escort to the ball tonight?" He asked, extending an arm for her to take.
Samantha took it and offered him a charming smile, her green eyes sparkling warmly. "That would be me. I'm Samantha, but you can call me Sam if you want."
"Sure thing Sam. I'm Matt. It's a pleasure to meet you. So are we all ready to do this?"
Audri nodded, slipping her arm through Brooklyn's. "Aye. As ready as we'll ever be I suppose."
"Now you all remember how we're going to work this right?" Elisa asked, looping a string attached to her skirt around her wrist to pull the long fabric away from her feet as she walked. "Matt and Samantha, you take a left down the hallway and use the staircase to make your entrance. Wait for the signal. The rest of us will act clueless."
With that they parted ways. Samantha and Matt disappeared down the dark hallway to the left, their amicable chatter and laughter echoing off the walls. Brooklyn, Audri and Elisa went the opposite direction, meeting up with the remainder of the dressed up clan in the sprawling living room.
"Hey guys!" Broadway greeted them, mouth full and fake tattooed arm waving. The other was wrapped tightly around his Egyptian princess' waist. They made quite a picture, Cleopatra standing with her rakehell pirate.
Lex, dressed up oddly enough as a biker, offered a halfhearted wave from his spot on the couch. Audri smiled sympathetically, firmly reminding herself that after tonight Lex would never be this depressed again. Hopefully.
"Well, let's be on our way then." Goliath said. He had chosen to go as himself and offered a strong arm to his lady, smiling down at the lovely Elisa as she sidled up next to him.
As a group they made their way down the long corridor leading to the ballroom. Music grew louder and louder, the sound of laughter mingling with it. The hallway stopped, giving way to balcony that overlooked the ballroom and curved around the wall, ending in an elegant staircase that led down to the expensively decorated floor. A gigantic crystal chandelier hung suspended above the mass of bodies, casting a romantic glow throughout the room.
"Would you look at that?" Broadway said in a voice filled with awe. But whether he was talking about the mass of colorfully decorated people, the glorious decorations or the huge table laden with every kind of food imaginable was unknown. In the middle of it all, dressed up conveniently as a king and queen, stood their hosts Xanatos and Fox.
The band struck up a waltz and Audri sighed dreamily. "Och, it has been so long since I last danced."
"Well, my love, I think now would be a better time to dance then any," Brooklyn said softly, his breath fanning out across her neck and fluttering the soft strands of hair that curled around her face. He gave her a gentle tug and they walked around the balcony, down the stairs looking as grand as any couple ever had, then onto the dance floor.
Audri smiled shyly up at her gargoyle, sighing as his arms closed around her and began leading her in sweeping circles around the floor. Her heart flew as well as her feet and all she could think about was how there was never a more perfect moment then this.
30 minutes of dancing and laughing passed almost unnoticed for the Manhattan clan. Audri was talking to Xanatos and cradling Alex in her arms when Elisa found her. The blonde gargoyle saw her, whispered a lilting goodnight to the handsome child and turned to meet her with a bright smile. Brooklyn was already by her side, knowing the time had come.
"Are we ready for our wee star to make her appearance?" Audri asked, excitement building inside of her. What a wonderful surprise this would be for the rest of the clan.
Elisa nodded, adjusting the flow of her long raven skirt. "I'm more then ready. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when she comes down those stairs." She held up two fingers, using them to whistle shrilly to the multibillionaire standing a short ways away from them. He looked up, his dark eyes easily finding them and a wicked grin curved his finely chiseled lips. So, the time had come. He raised his hand in the air, getting the attention of the conductor. Immediately the music changed from light and cheerful to slow and mysterious. Three expectant heads turned, awaiting the arrival of their new clan member.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Matt, I'm actually nervous. Can you believe that?" Samantha smoothed a hand over her shimmering skirt and then ran it over her hair, making sure no strand was out of place. "I've been an actress for so long and I'm actually nervous!"
"You're a total knock out hun. You've got nothing to worry about," Matt said reassuringly. His ears picked up the change in music and he squared his shoulder. "I think that's your cue. Are you ready?"
Taking a deep breath, Samantha released the full power of her smile on him and nodded. "You bet. Let's go."
The lights dimmed as they neared the staircase and electric candelabras running along the arching banister burned brightly, lighting a pathway to the floor and drawing the attention of every human and gargoyle in attendance.
Samantha's smile deepened as she saw how the rhinestones decorating her wings caught the light and scattered bright red circles over the floor. Feeling the magic of the moment flowing in her veins she spread her wings, hearing the collective gasps ring throughout the ballroom.
"Nice touch," Matt whispered beside her. Samantha giggled. "I thought so."
They finished their decent and the lights returned to the way they were before their dramatic entrance. Once both of her feet were firmly planted on the marble floor and the excitement had died down, Samantha quietly thanked Matt and rushed across the floor, flinging herself into Audri's waiting arms. "That was the best! Did you see the looks on their faces?!"
Disclaimer: I do not own Gargoyles or any of its characters! Just Audri and Samantha.
Another Spell Broken
Chapter 11
Getting back stage turned out to be much easier then had been anticipated. Elisa, Audri, and Brooklyn walked down a hallway lined with doors, searching for their little gargoyle star, highly amused by the fact that they were able to be amongst humans that didn't even turn their heads at the trio's appearance.
"After the Quarry men, I find this slightly odd," Audri said, casting her eyes unsurely around the dim light hallway.
"No kidding," Brooklyn quickly agreed. Holding onto Audri's hand, Brooklyn followed Elisa Maza. "Do you know which room she's in?" he asked.
"The room at the end. They said something about her not liking to be bothered. I'm not sure though. The man seamed a little suspicious to me," Elisa replied.
They continued walking until they reached a door at the end. The plaque attached to the door indicated that the dressing room belonged to Samantha. "That's a pretty name," Audri mused. She watched as the detective knocked and all three waited for a response.
When none came the three looked back and forth between each other and Elisa tried the knob. It turned easily and the door swung forward with a slight squeak.
"I said I didn't want to be bothered Ron. I'll be out in about 10 minutes." The voice of the female gargoyle was light, yet laden with grief. Small golden yellow shoulders shuddered. The girl was crying.
"Do you females do this all the time?" Brooklyn asked under his breath, earning himself a light jab in the ribs from Audri's elbow.
"Ron is the one who told us how to find you. May we enter?" Audri asked cautiously. The little gargoyle slowly looked up and her vibrant green, tear filled eyes widened in disbelief. Suspecting surprise and perhaps an outburst of how's and what's, the trio was completely taken aback when the girls shoulders started to shake uncontrollably and more crystalline tears poured over her face.
"Oh, sweet lass! Please do not cry." Audri called out, rushing forward and pulling the small gargoyle into her arms. The girl collapsed against Audri. Brushing the thick mink brown locks with her talons, Audri held the girl as she cried, crooning words of comfort and listening to the incoherent phrases the girl was muttering over and over again. "Hush now, darling. Samantha is it?"
The gar-girl pulled back and raised her beautiful green eyes to Audri's. "Yes," She whispered.
Audri brushed away her tears and smiled serenely. "That's better," she said. "Why were you crying?"
Samantha sniffled. "I thought.I was the only one." Her voice was soft and clear and full of awe. She was young, around the age of fifteen or sixteen, Audri thought. She felt the girls sorrow as if it were her own, for she too had thought the same not so long ago.
"You are alone no longer, dear heart. You have us now. My name is Audri."
Samantha's chin trembled and new tears filled her eyes, spilling over. She moved back into Audri's embrace and cried as if her heart were breaking. "Will you.be my mother?" she asked, her voice hopeful however wounded at the same time. Her childish naivety was endearing and Audri gladly accepted. "Of course I will Samantha. You will never have to be alone again."
Audri raised her eyes to Brooklyn. Knowing her as he did, he understood what she wanted and joined the two. Elisa stood back and waited patiently.
"So you're Samantha, huh?" Brooklyn asked, leaning down to look at the small gar-girl. Samantha once again moved slightly out of Audri's embrace and looked up at Brooklyn with a watery smile. "Yeah, I'm Sam." She said.
Brooklyn handed her a Kleenex off the vanity and she gratefully took it, drying her tears and blowing her nose unceremoniously. Audri and Brooklyn smiled down at the small girl, waiting for her to finish.
"I'm so.happy. You don't even know! I never though.not for one second, that there were others like me." Samantha said. She gave her nose one more brush and tossed the Kleenex into a small wastebasket. "Where do you live?"
"We live in a castle above the clouds. It's called Castle Wyvern. There are others besides just us." Audri said. She smoothed Samantha's hair back. "But what of you, Samantha? Where do you live?"
The girl cast her eyes downward. "I don't have a home. Two humans found me in a cave when I was a baby. They were very loving, but they were old. They raised me and when I was 13 the lord took them to heaven. I was taken on by this traveling theater company after that, so I don't really have a home." She raised her head and looked from Audri to Brooklyn. "I don't want to be here anymore. Can I." her hopeful voice drifted off.
Knowing what she was asking for, Brooklyn said, "You can come live with us Samantha. We'd be happy to have you."
Samantha sprang up and wrapped her arms tightly around Brooklyn's neck. "Oh! Thank you so much Brooklyn!" she cried exuberantly.
"No problem kid." Brooklyn said, chuckling. He looked up to see Audri smiling at him, her heart in her beautiful deep blue eyes. She mouthed "thank you" and he nodded. She should have known by know that he would do anything for her.
Samantha backed away and started moving about the room, grabbing accessories and clothing and tossing them onto the vanity shelf. "This is too good to be true!" She cried, hastily wiping at the remaining tears that clung to her soft cheeks. "I thought I was going to have to stay here forever. It's not that I don't like acting and the audience is great but every night with no family to talk to, no other gargoyles who understand, it's gets a little lonely every now and then. Do I get my own room?? I hope I get my own room-."
Audri chuckled at the girl's bubbly exuberance, moving close to Brooklyn and wrapping her arm around his waist as she watched the girl move around the small dressing room. "So, do you think Lex will approve of our the addition to the clan?" She asked, the wheels in her mind turning steadily.
Brooklyn looked down at his mate, a brow ridge arching sardonically. "Planning something hun?"
"Me? Never, my love." She laughed. Brooklyn shook his head. He was undeniably going to have his hands full now. But maybe this was what Audri needed though. Something to keep her mind off of the troubles that seamed to keep popping up. And there was no doubt that Samantha was going to be good for them. She had enough energy and optimism for the entire clan. And Lex..well, hopefully the two would hit it off. Now he knew how the rest of the clan had felt, watching him as he mopped about the castle, depression in his every move. He wrapped a strong arm around his mate and pulled her close to him, his heart beating unsteadily when she graced him with her sweet smile, ocean blue eyes sparkling with love.
Across the room Samantha slung the duffle bag she had crammed full of her only worthy belongings over her shoulder. "So when do we go?" she asked, unable to conceal her anticipation.
Audri laughed and gently patted the tiny gargoyle's glossy curls. "Patients darling. We'll leave for the castle soon enough. But first-." Her voice trailed off and she tapped her chin thoughtfully.
Brooklyn's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched his mate. He could actually see the wheels turning in that beautiful head of hers. "Audri, what are you thinking?" he asked, his voice holding a small note of warning.
She turned to him with a teasing smile. "Oh, it's nothing really. I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Audri slowly walked around Samantha, stopping behind her and placing her hands on the gar-girls slim shoulders. "Well, I was thinking. Our little Samantha is an actress, is she not?"
"That I am!" Samantha chirped proudly.
Audri chuckled and continued. "And since she's an actress I would assume that she also enjoys a good dramatic entrance."
Samantha gasped mockingly and laid a hand over her chest. "I do!"
"And if I remember correctly, Mr. Xanatos is hosting a costume party in four days. What better time for our little star to make her grand appearance?"
This time when Samantha gasped the sound was real. She whirled around and faced Audri, her mouth gaping. "That is an awesome idea!"
Audri looked up at her mate and offered a small shrug. "I just thought it might be nice for her to have one last performance before ending her acting career to be with the clan," she said quietly.
Brooklyn smiled and walked over to his mate, pulling her curvaceous form to him. "I agree with Samantha. Awesome idea hun." He nuzzled her neck affectionately, pulling a husky giggle from her. "So how are we going to keep the little brat hidden?" he teased.
Samantha smacked him playfully. "Hello, I am an actress you know." She crossed her arms over her chest and stuck her pert nose in the air, trying to act offended.
"I know Xanatos has an extra room. Actually, more like three extra rooms. I'm sure it would not take a great deal to convince him to secretly have one made up for Samantha. And he does seam to like keeping secrets." Audri said.
She was right. Brooklyn knew exactly how much the scheming millionaire loved to keep secrets. The plan seamed to bee loop free. And he had two of the most adorable women he had laid eyes on giving him pleading looks. How could he resist? "Alright. We'll keep her a secret." He looked over at his leaders mate. "Elisa?"
The cop smiled, brushing her hair off her shoulder and straightening the collar of her leather jacket. "Oh I'm in. Anything to see Goliath shocked."
And with that the plan was made. Audri and Brooklyn continued to help Samantha pack her belongings while Elisa called up Xanatos and explained the situation. Needless to say, he quickly agreed chuckling and saying that he needed something to keep him busy for a while.
Without so much as a tearful good bye, Samantha left the theater in the company of her new clan, happy to be anywhere else but living the life that she had been. She was more then willing to put the past behind her and leave it there. She had a new home now. A new home and a new family.
*~*~*~*~* Four days later *~*~*~*~*
"Now it wasn't that difficult to keep yourself hidden away in here, was it?" Audri was asking Samantha as she pulled her auburn curls up into an intricate French twist. Four days had gone by and their plan had been carried out successfully. With the occasional late night flight every time the rest of the clan was out on patrol, Samantha had easily accepted her beautifully furnished room and hid out in it for the time suggested.
She passed the time sprawled on her royal purple comforter reading every book Brooklyn had brought for her, talking to Audri, or thinking up different ways to make her entrance. By the time her big night came she was practically bursting with anticipation. She had heard the other clan member's voices as they passed by her room, even the robust barking of a gar-dog and she could not wait to meet all of them!
"You have no idea how difficult it was!" she cried, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Audri grinned and gently pushed her down in the stool in front of the large oak vanity. "Hold still," she scolded lightly.
Samantha sighed. "I can't. I'm so excited."
"I know you are sweetheart. Just another hour and you'll be free." The blonde gargoyle added more pins to her creation and cocked her head to the side, observing her work. "There. Now where is your costume?"
"Right here," a voice said from the doorway. Brooklyn snuck into the room, closing the door soundlessly behind him. He was dressed up in black britches that fit him perfectly and a billowy white shirt. A black cape with a deep red satin lining graced his broad shoulders, conveniently covering his wings and a black mask was tied around his head.
Audri's breath left her in a sudden rush. Her hand alighted upon her chest, an unconscious movement to still the rapid beating of her heart, and she licked her full lips with a tongue that had all of a sudden become dry. He looked so wonderful! It was only by pure self-control that she remained seated.
"Hey Zorro!" Samantha said with a cheerful giggle. "You look great!"
"My thoughts exactly," Audri almost whispered.
Brooklyn smiled at her and gave her a lusty wink before handing over the clothing bag he had been carrying to Samantha. "There you go ma'am. Hope it fits okay."
Samantha skipped forward and snatched the bag, throwing her free arm around Brooklyn's neck. "Oh thank you Brooklyn! I'm sure it will fit perfectly."
Audri smiled at the two and rose from her seat. She still needed to get changed before the party. She hadn't even done her hair yet and her excitement to wear the gown Elisa had miraculously acquired for her almost equaled Samantha's. She moved to Brooklyn's side, regarding him with a shy smile before looping her arm through his. "Elisa's friend Matt will be here soon. He'll be escorting you in."
Samantha nodded. "You'll be here when he gets here, right?" She asked, eyeing Audri with hopeful emerald eyes.
"Of course darling," Audri said. She leaned over and enveloped the smaller gargoyle in a warm embrace. "This ball may be in my honor, but tonight belongs to you," she whispered.
Samantha pulled away, tears of gratitude glistening in her vibrant eyes. "Thank you Audri, for everything."
Audri smiled and placed a light kiss upon the small gargoyles head. "You are more then welcome Samantha." She straightened and turned her beautiful smile on Brooklyn. "Care to walk me to my room?"
"Sure thing," Brooklyn said. "We'll be back in a bit Sam."
"I'll be ready!" The girl exclaimed, closing the door behind them as they left.
Audri sighed and leaned against Brooklyn, inhaling his delicious scent. "You look very handsome tonight my love." She murmured, leaning up to place a lingering kiss on his neck.
"Thanks," he replied. "You don't look half bad yourself."
"I'm not even changed yet!" She muttered, unable to stop a giggle from passing her lips.
"So do I get to watch you change?" Brooklyn asked with a sensual glint in his chocolate eyes.
"Most certainly not. It's supposed to be a surprise."
"Can I at least come in for a while?" he pleaded when they had reached her door. "We have an hour until the party starts."
Audri leaned back against the wall. She lifted one hand, brushing her talons enticingly over his chest and reveling in the feel of his silk shirt against her skin. "And what exactly did you plan on doing once we were in my room?"
Brooklyn leaned forward, his lids becoming oddly heavy. Her questing fingers were causing a riot of sensations to sweep over him. "Oh, just some..cuddling."
She smiled seductively and her hand closed around his wrist. "Only a few minutes," she murmured, dragging him into her room.
Brooklyn eagerly followed his mate, his eyes drifting to the gentle flare of her hips as they swayed provocatively with each step she took. His hands itched to touch her. They had for the past four days. But Audri had been so busy seeing to Samantha's comfort and needs that he'd hardly had a minute alone with her. Brooklyn enjoyed seeing her happy and he adored Samantha, nevertheless he couldn't stop himself from wanting a little private time with Audri.
Reaching forward he curled his talons around her waist and pulled her back against his chest then wrapped his strong arms around her. "You know, I've kind of missed you," he murmured, running a hand lovingly over her flat stomach.
Audri smiled and closed her eyes. "Only kind of?" she asked, dropping her head back to rest on his shoulder.
"More then kind of."
She chuckled softly, turning in his loose embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck. Her mood sobered as she gazed up into his eyes. "I have missed you too." She curled her talons in his soft white hair. "I feel awful for not spending more time with you but it..I mean-." She sighed in frustration, her hand clutching the smooth fabric of his shirt. "Samantha has kept me preoccupied. She has kept my mind off of-."
Brooklyn silenced her by pressing his talons softly against her full lips. "Audri, I understand."
Her mouth curved up in a sweet smile and bright orbs filled with admiration and gratitude stared up at him intently. He dropped his hand from her moth so he could fully enjoy the beauty of her smile.
"I love you Brooklyn," she whispered, pulling herself up and pressing her lips against his.
Brooklyn tightened his embrace, crushing her curvaceous body to his. He was rewarded with the sound of her startled gasp. He'd been without her for too long. Having to watch her over four long days and not be able to touch her..it was enough to drive any male, gargoyle or human, crazy. "I love you too Audri," he said against her lips. "And I've got an hour to show you how much."
The blonde gargoyle laughed as Brooklyn pushed her towards the bed, never breaking their heated embrace.
"Sorry Brooklyn but I'm going to have to cut your hour short."
Emitting a sound that was half growl and half groan, Brooklyn reluctantly broke their passionate kiss and turned to face Angela where she stood in the doorway, an amused smile curving her lips. "Don't you guys have anything better to do then interrupt us?" he asked, clearly annoyed. Beside him Audri bit down on her lower lip to keep from laughing.
"If you didn't want to be interrupted you shouldn't have left the door wide open. Besides," she waltzed into the room carrying a large blue and silver bag and playfully flicked the brim of Brooklyn's hat, "I'm helping Audri get ready. You can sneak her away later this evening."
"Fine," Brooklyn muttered. He turned to give Audri one last lingering kiss before leaving. "I'll be back in a bit."
"Half an hour!" Audri called after him as the door closed, leaving the two females alone together.
"Are you ready?" Angela asked with an excited grin.
"More then ready." Audri looked curiously at the blue and silver bag. "What do you have in there?"
Angela walked over to the bed and unzipped the bag. "Compliments of Elisa Maza," she said, dumping the bags contents over the rich bed spread. Makeup spilled out along with various items used for styling hair, clips in all different sizes, large curlers and an iron used to straighten hair. "Can you remember what most of this stuff is?"
Audri gazed at the collection of feminine items critically. A while back Elisa and Angela had sat her down with thin books called magazines and showed her several pictures of things related to the female species. Most of the things on the bed looked familiar from pictures in the magazines but others were a mystery to her, like the iron. She reached out a hand and touched the iron curiously. "I have no clue what this is."
"Oh, that's for me." Angela said, going to the closet and opening the door. She pulled out two long garment bags and walked back to Audri, laying the two bags next to the clutter of make up and hair products. "If I'm going to make a good Cleopatra I need to straighten my hair out. And the big curlers," she grabbed a pink curler from the bed and held it up, "are for you."
Audri eyed the small thing warily. "What exactly are we going to do with it?" she muttered.
Angela laughed and pushed Audri across the room to her large vanity, pushing her down into the seat in front of it. "Just trust me."
A half an hour later Audri was incredibly glad that she had decided to trust Angela. She had worked wonders with her hair, pinning it up in an artful twist and leaving several curling strands free to frame her face. Angela had lightly applied light hues of azure to her lids and brushed a shining blush over her high cheekbones then for added fun she had stuck tiny blue and violet rhinestones to her face, shaping them around her eyes in a sparkling mask.
"You are very gifted Angela." Audri said as she used the iron to straighten the lavender gargoyles thick raven tresses.
Angela waved a hand dismissively. "I get it from reading. When I run out of interesting books usually all that's left is the magazines Elisa leaves for me."
Audri smiled at Angela's attempts at modesty, slowly dragging the hot iron down and straightening another strand of thick, raven colored hair. "Well, I think you did wonderfully. This color will go perfectly with the gown. There," she said, setting aside the iron and taking a step back to look over her work and make sure she hadn't missed anything, "I think that should do it."
Angela stood and leaned towards the vanity, resting her hands on the varnished top. "Thanks Audri. It looks longer, don't you think?"
Audri nodded. "Aye, much longer. Come, let's get dressed. Brooklyn will be back soon."
The other female quickly agreed and they each grabbed a garment bag, unzipping them and gasping in delight.
"They wont be able to keep their hands off of us," Aiden murmured, running a hand with infinite care over the satiny of her gown.
Angela grinned. "That's the idea Audri."
*~*~*~*~*
Brooklyn walked down the hallway still feeling slightly irritated that he and Audri had been interrupted yet again. Was he ever going to get any time alone with his own mate? Muttering under his breath he knocked on the door and waited patiently. He didn't have to wait long. A few seconds later Angela opened the door.
Brooklyn arched a brow ridge in appreciation. "Looking good Angie."
"I told you not to call me that," she said, placing a hand oh her hip and tossing her head indignantly, causing the gold beaded Egyptian headdress she wore to sparkle over her straight black hair. A long, form fitting gown of pearl colored silk clung to her body, covered by a layer of gold beaded mesh and held up by a strap over her left shoulder. Bangles adorned her wrists, a band of gold circled her upper arm and her make up had been done in true Egyptian style.
"Sorry." Brooklyn raised his hands before him, chuckling. "You look great. I'm sure Broadway will be absolutely speechless."
Angela smiled, a light blush staining her cheeks. "Thank you Brooklyn."
"So is Audri ready?" he asked, allowing Angela to usher him into the room.
"She's in the bathroom finishing up. She should be out-."
"Angela, what necklace would go with this gown?" Audri asked, cutting the other female off as she walked into the room, her full sapphire skirts swishing around her.
Brooklyn's mouth was suddenly dry. He could not form one coherent thought as he stared at the beautiful vision before him.
Unaware of Brooklyn's presence, Audri adjusted the corset like bodice embroidered with several cream-colored lilies, unconsciously putting more emphasis on the delicate swell of her breasts then there already had been. Short straps of sapphire satin that appeared to have no actual function hung off her shoulders and she had folded her wings around her. Her skirts, folding softly over her long legs had been cut down the middle and pulled back to reveal another skirt of soft cream. She looked like she had just stepped out of a fancy nineteenth century ballroom.
She turned, her skirts flaring slightly and her eyes widened in surprise. Her hand rose in a sudden fluid motion and alighted upon her chest.
Highly amused by each of their reactions, Angela grinned and plucked a diamond and sapphire choker from amid the collection of cosmetics littering the bedspread. "I think this would go perfectly," she said, handing the delicate piece of jewelry to Brooklyn.
The red gargoyle took it and silently crossed the room, his eyes never straying from Audri's. He moved around her and draped the choker around her slender neck, fastening the tiny clasp at her nape. He then dropped his hands allowing the tips of his talons to lightly brush against the sensitive bare skin of her neck and shoulders. "You look incredible Audri," he murmured.
Feeling quite overheated, Audri turned to face him. She smiled shyly, feeling the heat creep up into her cheeks and stared into his dark, loving eyes. "Thank you."
"Well, I'm going to leave you two alone and go find Broadway," Angela said, already packing up the mess of cosmetics. "I'll see you two at the party."
"Finally," Brooklyn muttered as the door slammed softly.
Audri laughed and slapped him playfully. "You are terrible."
Smiling, Brooklyn wrapped an arm low around her waist and slowly pulled her closer. "You say that like it's a bad thing.
Audri permitted herself to be drawn into his warm embrace. She inhaled his sent, familiar to her yet still capable of stealing her breath away. "Maybe you should take Angela's advice later and sneak out with me during the party?"
"I think I just might do that," he replied.
His hands were rubbing her back in leisurely circles mere inches from the sensitive joint between her wings and making it incredibly difficult for her to think. "Only..after I make sure that Samantha..is okay. Will you stop that?!" she yelped with a breathy laugh, pushing herself away from his roaming hands. She held up a finger in warning, trying to keep the smile off her face. "Later. Samantha is expecting us to be back soon."
"I'm holding you to that." He offered her his arm.
She took it with a smile and they left the room arm in arm, walking slowly down the hallway to Samantha's room. "So who are you supposed to be anyway?" Brooklyn asked.
Audri glanced at him in askance and a sultry smile curved her lips. "Zorro's mistress."
Grinning, Brooklyn said, "Nice one. I like that."
They reached Samantha's door and Brooklyn knocked. There was a yelp followed by a muted thud and several colorful curses later the door swung open revealing a bright, yet slightly pink cheeked Samantha. "Hey! You're back!"
Audri arched a delicate brow at the little gargoyle. "Would you mind explaining exactly what that was all about?"
Samantha laughed and pulled them inside, shutting the door quickly behind them. "I wanted to see the entire costume so I was standing on the stool. When you knocked it startled me and I fell over. But what do you think? Isn't it great?!" The gar-girl bounced on her feet, scarcely containing her anticipation.
She did a pirouette and the bright red iridescent fabric of her knee length skirt flared out. A satin dress shirt with little pearl buttons and short sleeves covered her upper body. She had left the first few buttons undone and pulled the collar back so that the outfit would be a little more revealing. Cherry rhinestone hair clips had been pinned in her hair and the finishing touch was a very fine layer of special made chiffon sprinkled with hundreds of tiny red rhinestones and draped over her wings in an improvised cape.
"You look stunning," Audri murmured with a pleased smile. "But, forgive me for asking, who are you supposed to be?"
"She's little Red Ridinghood." Brooklyn stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yeah. And check this out. The stuff covering my wings moves with them!" Samantha spread her wings wide and folded them in and out a few times, showing them how the chiffon clung to her wings like a second skin. "Isn't it great?"
A knock sounded on the door, three short taps followed by a long pause and two more. Brooklyn rolled his eyes wondering why the females felt the need to turn their little plan into something that involved codes. Maybe Elisa had been watching too many cop movies. He went the door allowing the dark haired cop and her partner to enter. "You really need to come up with something a little more original, Matt." He remarked dryly, noting that the eccentric cop had once again chose to dress up as an employee of Area 51.
"No kidding," Elisa muttered. "I tried talking him out of it but he's so stubborn when it comes to stuff like this." She looked down at her own costume and smirked. She had chosen to go as Mortisha Addam's and wore a clinging black gown that flared out at her knees and pooled around her feet. "Unlike bold little me!"
Chuckling, Matt shook his head and took a step forward in Samantha's direction. "So I'm guessing you're the beautiful actress I get to escort to the ball tonight?" He asked, extending an arm for her to take.
Samantha took it and offered him a charming smile, her green eyes sparkling warmly. "That would be me. I'm Samantha, but you can call me Sam if you want."
"Sure thing Sam. I'm Matt. It's a pleasure to meet you. So are we all ready to do this?"
Audri nodded, slipping her arm through Brooklyn's. "Aye. As ready as we'll ever be I suppose."
"Now you all remember how we're going to work this right?" Elisa asked, looping a string attached to her skirt around her wrist to pull the long fabric away from her feet as she walked. "Matt and Samantha, you take a left down the hallway and use the staircase to make your entrance. Wait for the signal. The rest of us will act clueless."
With that they parted ways. Samantha and Matt disappeared down the dark hallway to the left, their amicable chatter and laughter echoing off the walls. Brooklyn, Audri and Elisa went the opposite direction, meeting up with the remainder of the dressed up clan in the sprawling living room.
"Hey guys!" Broadway greeted them, mouth full and fake tattooed arm waving. The other was wrapped tightly around his Egyptian princess' waist. They made quite a picture, Cleopatra standing with her rakehell pirate.
Lex, dressed up oddly enough as a biker, offered a halfhearted wave from his spot on the couch. Audri smiled sympathetically, firmly reminding herself that after tonight Lex would never be this depressed again. Hopefully.
"Well, let's be on our way then." Goliath said. He had chosen to go as himself and offered a strong arm to his lady, smiling down at the lovely Elisa as she sidled up next to him.
As a group they made their way down the long corridor leading to the ballroom. Music grew louder and louder, the sound of laughter mingling with it. The hallway stopped, giving way to balcony that overlooked the ballroom and curved around the wall, ending in an elegant staircase that led down to the expensively decorated floor. A gigantic crystal chandelier hung suspended above the mass of bodies, casting a romantic glow throughout the room.
"Would you look at that?" Broadway said in a voice filled with awe. But whether he was talking about the mass of colorfully decorated people, the glorious decorations or the huge table laden with every kind of food imaginable was unknown. In the middle of it all, dressed up conveniently as a king and queen, stood their hosts Xanatos and Fox.
The band struck up a waltz and Audri sighed dreamily. "Och, it has been so long since I last danced."
"Well, my love, I think now would be a better time to dance then any," Brooklyn said softly, his breath fanning out across her neck and fluttering the soft strands of hair that curled around her face. He gave her a gentle tug and they walked around the balcony, down the stairs looking as grand as any couple ever had, then onto the dance floor.
Audri smiled shyly up at her gargoyle, sighing as his arms closed around her and began leading her in sweeping circles around the floor. Her heart flew as well as her feet and all she could think about was how there was never a more perfect moment then this.
30 minutes of dancing and laughing passed almost unnoticed for the Manhattan clan. Audri was talking to Xanatos and cradling Alex in her arms when Elisa found her. The blonde gargoyle saw her, whispered a lilting goodnight to the handsome child and turned to meet her with a bright smile. Brooklyn was already by her side, knowing the time had come.
"Are we ready for our wee star to make her appearance?" Audri asked, excitement building inside of her. What a wonderful surprise this would be for the rest of the clan.
Elisa nodded, adjusting the flow of her long raven skirt. "I'm more then ready. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when she comes down those stairs." She held up two fingers, using them to whistle shrilly to the multibillionaire standing a short ways away from them. He looked up, his dark eyes easily finding them and a wicked grin curved his finely chiseled lips. So, the time had come. He raised his hand in the air, getting the attention of the conductor. Immediately the music changed from light and cheerful to slow and mysterious. Three expectant heads turned, awaiting the arrival of their new clan member.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Matt, I'm actually nervous. Can you believe that?" Samantha smoothed a hand over her shimmering skirt and then ran it over her hair, making sure no strand was out of place. "I've been an actress for so long and I'm actually nervous!"
"You're a total knock out hun. You've got nothing to worry about," Matt said reassuringly. His ears picked up the change in music and he squared his shoulder. "I think that's your cue. Are you ready?"
Taking a deep breath, Samantha released the full power of her smile on him and nodded. "You bet. Let's go."
The lights dimmed as they neared the staircase and electric candelabras running along the arching banister burned brightly, lighting a pathway to the floor and drawing the attention of every human and gargoyle in attendance.
Samantha's smile deepened as she saw how the rhinestones decorating her wings caught the light and scattered bright red circles over the floor. Feeling the magic of the moment flowing in her veins she spread her wings, hearing the collective gasps ring throughout the ballroom.
"Nice touch," Matt whispered beside her. Samantha giggled. "I thought so."
They finished their decent and the lights returned to the way they were before their dramatic entrance. Once both of her feet were firmly planted on the marble floor and the excitement had died down, Samantha quietly thanked Matt and rushed across the floor, flinging herself into Audri's waiting arms. "That was the best! Did you see the looks on their faces?!"