Commission for
\n\t\t\t\t\tsplendidguy44\n\t\t\t\t\tsplendidguy44",
"writing": "The city that never sleeps. The young gargoyle had thought it strange when he first heard the nickname for his new home, but he'd come to learn just how appropriate it was. The hustle and bustle of the city never seemed to slow, the noise and lights so very different from the world he used to know. True, he'd never seen the city during the day, but if what the humans got up to at all hours of the night were anything to go by, it would have been hard to find a place to call home that was more interesting or full of life than Manhattan.\n\nBrooklyn soared over the city, the strong winds between the skyscrapers more than enough to carry him. Despite knowledge of gargoyles spreading by the day, there was still no way of knowing how most humans would react if he was spotted. Much like Tom had been all those years ago, the children seemed much friendlier and accepting of the gargoyles than many of the adults did. That wasn't to say that none of the grown humans were friendly, but a less than warm reception seemed more likely with them than with the younger crowd.\n\nIt was a warm summer night, and Brooklyn had decided to patrol by himself. Normally he'd be with Broadway or Lexington, but he'd decided he needed some time away from them for the sake of his sanity. He was happy for them; really, he was. Sure, it had stung when Angela had chosen Broadway over him or Lexington to be her mate, but he didn't hold that against either of them. And besides, he and Lexington could wallow in some mild jealousy together. At least, until Lexington had found a mate of his own.\n\nBrooklyn was still surprised that Staghart had agreed to come be a part of their clan. But the young gargoyle had been eager for an adventure, having never gotten to see the world outside of England. And so now the happy couple spent part of the year in Manhattan, and part of it in London. And Brooklyn couldn't deny that the British gargoyle was really handsome, though a bit to... what was the word? Ah, nerdy. He was a bit too nerdy for Brooklyn, though from the story of their first meeting it seemed the two had clicked from the moment they met.\n\nThat was why Brooklyn had decided to patrol alone. As glad as he was that his rookery brothers were happy, being around so many happy couples - and that wasn't even taking into account Goliath and Elisa, or Fox and Xanatos - served as a constant reminder for the red gargoyle of his own bad luck when it came to love. It seemed like whenever he met someone he was interested in - Angela, Maggie, Delilah, Zafiro, Griff - they either weren't interested in him, already had a mate, or had other commitments too important to ignore. He hadn't given up hope of finding someone, someday, but he'd be lying if he said there wasn't a small part of him that wondered sometimes if he was just going to be alone for the rest of his life.\n\nDeciding his wings could use a break, Brooklyn swooped down and land on the roof of a building that passed for small by New York standards. In the shadow of the skyscraper to his left, it would be hard for anyone to see him unless they were up on the roof with him. It had taken a while for him to get used to the modern world, but it had so much to offer he sometimes thought about the lift he might have had back in Scotland, if the Magus had never cast his spell, and had long ago decided that was too boring an idea to think about.\n\nAfter some time spent watching the traffic roll by and listening to the noise of the city, Brooklyn was about to take to the air again when movement down below caught his eye. A human ran into the alley between Brooklyn's building and the next, followed close behind by three more humans. Unfortunately, that particular alley was a dead end, and soon the first human had been cornered. The man at the front of the group - clearly the leader - was saying something to the man they'd chased down the alley, but Brooklyn couldn't make it out. The three advanced on the lone man, until one of them rushed him. Brooklyn was about to intervene, but stopped short when the other man caught his attacker and sent him stumbling face-first into the wall of the alley. The second member of the group managed to get a hold of their victim, and was reward with a headbutt to the face, an elbow to the stomach, and after he'd been forced to release the other man, a swift kick between the legs that made even Brooklyn wince. Damn, maybe this human didn't need his help after all.\n\nThen the lead thug pulled out a gun.\n\nOkay, so maybe he did need some help after all.\n\nBrooklyn leapt down into the alley, cushioning the fall with his wings and landing between the two humans, rising up and spreading his wings to draw the gunman 's attention to him instead of the other human.\n\n``That's enough,'' said Brooklyn. ``Much as I liked watching you and your boys getting your asses kicked, I'm not just gonna stand there and watch you shot someone. Drop the gun, and nobody else has to get hurt.''\n\n``G-Gargoyle!'' cried the man, his eyes wide with fear. An understandable response, but not really the one Brooklyn had been hoping for.\n\nThe raised his gun, and Brooklyn spun, knocking his aim wide with a slap of his tail, the sound of the gunshot like thunder in the narrow alley just before it went sailing out of the gunman's grip, another shot going off and dinging against the side of the dumpster sitting to one side of the alley. Brooklyn grabbed the thug by the collar and heaved him through the arm, sending him slamming against the wall and into the open dumpster waiting below in a groaning, crumpled heap. Brooklyn snatched up the other two goons and tossed them in to join their boss before slamming the lid shut and crushing the metal together so they wouldn't be able to get out on their own.\n\n``There,'' said Brooklyn, dusting off his hands. ``Now the police'll know just where to find you.'' He turned to the human the thugs had been chasing. ``Hey, are you alright - ''\n\nBut he stopped short at the sight of the young man slumped against the wall, clutching at his left shoulder, trying to stop the bleeding from what was obliviously a gunshot wound. The bullet must have ricocheted off the wall and hit him. The young man's tan skin was already starting to look pale; whether from pain or blood-loss, Brooklyn couldn't say. He managed to raise his head and look at Brooklyn. The poor guy looked like he might pass out.\n\n``I've been better.''\n\nBrooklyn hurried over to the young man. ``You'll be okay, I can get you to a hospital. They'll take care of you.''\n\nThe young man's laugh turned to a hiss of pain. ``Yeah, right. I'm sure they'd be happy to treat a homeless guy with no insurance and no way to pay them. Unless you know a doctor that doesn't care about getting paid, I'm in serious trouble here.''\n\nMuch as he hated to admit it, the guy had a point. And a Gargoyle showing up at the emergency room with an injured human would probably lead to more trouble than either of them would want to deal with.\n\nBrooklyn had an idea. The other's might not like it, but it was the only way Brooklyn could think of to save him.\n\n``Actually, I think I might know someone that can help you. If you'll let me, I'll take you to him.''\n\n``You won't hear me complaining. But how exactly did you plan to get me there? I'm in no shape to walk, and you can't exactly get a cab.''\n\n``Well, about that,'' said Brooklyn, flexing his wings. ``How do you feel about heights?''\n\n***************\n\nLuckily for the young man, the Eyrie Building wasn't too far from where he'd been shot. With some careful maneuvering, Brooklyn had managed to carry him and climb high enough to take off, and made it back to Castle Wyvern in record time. Thank you summer updrafts.\n\nLuckily, when they arrived at the castle Xanatos and Fox had decided to bring Alex up for a walk around the castle, accompanied by Lexington and Staghart. Brooklyn quickly explained what had happened, and Xanatos, unfazed as ever, had summoned a medical team at once to take the young man inside for treatment before the small family excused themselves and went inside. The rest of the clan was quick to appear after all the commotion, and Elisa had immediately switched into on-duty mode, insisting that Brooklyn tell her exactly what happened. She radioed her partner Matt to send a couple units to pick up the thugs, after they cut them out of the dumpster.\n\nBrooklyn, meanwhile, was still pacing anxiously, wondering about the man's condition. He'd tried to go with him, but Xanatos had gently but firmly insisted that he let the doctors do their work without the distraction of a Gargoyle looming over them.\n\n``Take it easy, lad,'' said Hudson. The old gargoyle was sitting at the base of the stairs leading up to the top of the castle walls, sharpening his sword with a whetstone. ``You'll wear clean through the floor if you keep that up.''\n\n``Hudson's right,'' said Elisa. ``If you hadn't been there, who knows what could have happened to him. The ricochet wasn't your fault, it was just bad luck.''\n\n``I still can't believe it,'' said Angela. The purple female was sitting on the ground at the base of the stairs by Hudson, stroking the head of their gargoyle-beast Bronx as he lay beside her. ``Would the doctors really have turned him away if he couldn't pay?''\n\nElisa sighed. ``They shouldn't, but that doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't. It would depend on the hospital and the doctor. It could also have something to do with the fact that he's homeless.''\n\n``But why should that matter?'' asked Angela.\n\n``It shouldn't. But a lot of the homeless folks I've talked to on the job all have similar stories - they're so mistrusted and mistreated by others that they stop trusting too, even the doctors or the police. The people that are supposed to help them.''\n\nIt was late into the early morning when the doors leading into the Eyrie Building opened and Owen walked out into the courtyard. He looked much the same as he always did - neatly pressed suit, glasses polished and gleaming, and his left hand still frozen as a fist of stone. There wasn't a hair out of place.\n\n``Well, how is he?'' asked Brooklyn, hurrying over.\n\n``The doctors have informed me that he should make a full recovery,'' said Owen, his even, steady voice oddly soothing. ``If the bullet had been just a few centimeters lower he could have permanently lost the use of his arm. Detective,'' he turned to Elisa, ``The doctors were able to extract the remains of the bullet from our guest, and they are awaiting you downstairs to collect it for evidence. After you retrieve it, I suggest you go home and get some rest. It has been a long night, I'm sure.''\n\n``Thank you, Owen. I'll do that.''\n\n``What's going to happen to him now?'' asked Brooklyn.\n\n``Do not concern yourself. Mr. Xanatos thought it best to allow the young man to remain our guest while he recovers. He believed that would help put your mind at ease, and besides, it would not do to have the young man dying from a lack of care after going through the trouble and expense of saving him. And before you try to barge down there to check on him, he is resting and stable, though still unconscious. You can speak with him tomorrow night, after he's had some time to heal. Detective, feel free to return to interview him after you have gotten some rest as well.''\n\n``It would seem you have thought of everything, Owen,'' said Angela.\n\nThe blonde man adjusted his glasses before turning and heading for the door. ``It would be unacceptable to serve Mr. Xanatos and his family with anything less. Enjoy your rest. It should be a beautiful day.''\n\n***********\n\nThe next night, Brooklyn made his way down to the infirmary, which, despite its name, was large and well-staffed enough to essentially be Xanatos' private hospital. Elisa had been in the castle waiting for the Gargoyles when they awoke, and had pulled Brooklyn aside to talk with him. Apparently, the young man he'd saved was being less than cooperative with the doctors and nurses assigned to treat him. His surgery had gone well, and they were certain he would heal quickly, but they also found that he was suffering from malnutrition and several other older injuries - it was clear that his time on the streets had not be pleasant. Elisa had suggested that perhaps Brooklyn would be a friendly face; someone who would have a better chance of getting through to him, especially after Brooklyn saved his life.\n\nBrooklyn arrived just as one of the nurses was leaving, and she moved to the side to let him into the room. The young man was lying in bed, the back raised up to allow him to sit up while still resting his shoulder. His arm was in a sling, but the way he was flexing his fingers made it clear it was more to take the strain off his injury than because of any problem with his arm. The edge of a large bandage was peeking out of the top of his hospital gown, and he was laying back, watching a television program in a language Brooklyn didn't understand, but had heard around the city many times, along with the Zafiro and his clan. He thought it was called Spanish.\n\nWhen he walked in, the young human turned to him and a small grin spread across his face. There was a mischievous glint in the man's dark eyes, which were a perfect match for his short dark hair.\n\n``The hero returns,'' he said. ``I don't think I ever really thanked you. Or maybe I did and just can't remember. Turns out blood loss can make your brain a bit fuzzy.''\n\n``You did,'' said Brooklyn, grinning back. ``But your welcome, again. I'm Brooklyn.''\n\n``Theodoro Hernandez. Call me Theo,'' said the young man, reaching out with his good hand to shake the Gargoyle's. When he let go, he continued staring at Brooklyn.\n\n``Is something wrong?'' he asked.\n\n``No,'' said Theo. ``This is just the first time I've really gotten a good look at a Gargoyle in person.''\n\n``What about last night?''\n\nTheo shook his head. ``Doesn't count. It was dark and I'm pretty sure I blacked-out at some point.''\n\n``I'm sort of surprised,'' said Brooklyn. ``You've handled your first couple times meeting a Gargoyle really well. Better than a lot of the other humans I've been around in New York.''\n\n``After two years on the street, things don't throw me as much as they used to. I'd heard stories about you guys from some of the others, but couldn't believe it when you actually showed up.''\n\n``And you weren't afraid of me? Even after you saw me toss those punks around?''\n\n``Honestly, not really,'' said Theo. ``It didn't make sense for you to fight off a guy with a gun if you were just going to hurt me yourself; easier to let him to it. And besides, even if I had been, I'd trust you now. Not leaving me to bleed to death in an alley definitely earned you some points.''\n\nThere was a knock at the door.\n\n``Mind if I come in?''\n\nBrooklyn turned and say Elisa standing in the doorway.\n\n``Hey, Elisa!,'' he turned to Theo. ``This is Elisa Maza. She's a detective with the NYPD.''\n\n``Hello, Detective Maza. Did you need something?'' asked Theo.\n\n``I came by earlier, but you were still too sedated from surgery. I was hoping I could get a statement from you about what happened, and if you wouldn't mind if I asked you a few questions.''\n\n``...I guess that would be alright,'' said Theo, after a moment's hesitation.\n\n``Thanks,'' said Elisa, reaching into her jacket and pulling out a pen and pad. ``Brooklyn, would you mind giving the two of us some time to talk in private?''\n\n``Oh, uh, sure,'' said Brooklyn. ``I'll just head down to the kitchen and find some breakfast. You two want anything?''\n\n``A big, juicy apple would be great, if you can find it,'' said Theo. ``I haven't had a fresh apple in ages.''\n\nBrooklyn chuckled warmly. ``Not a problem. I know where the best ones are kept. I'll be back in a bit.''\n\n***********\n\nAbout a half-hour later, Brooklyn left the kitchen with two of the biggest apples he could find, heading back down to the infirmary. He walked into Theo's room just as Elisa was putting away her notes.\n\n``Thanks for the information,'' she said. ``I'm so sorry about what happened to you. Nobody should have to go through something like that. I'll talk to the D.A. and do everything I can to make sure the men that attacked you go away for a long time.''\n\n``And, what about...''\n\nElisa held up a hand to silence him. ``I understand that sometimes good people have to make difficult choices to survive. Your secrets safe with me''\n\nTheo stared at her, disbelieving. ``Are you serious?''\n\nShe nodded. ``I'm pretty good at keeping secrets. What's one more?''\n\nShe shook his hand and turned to leave, promising Brooklyn she'd stop by before dawn after her shift. The red Gargoyle moved over to Theo's bedside, passing him an apple. With a word of thanks, Theo took it and took of big bite, moaning at the crisp taste washing over his tongue.\n\n``Brooklyn, I can't speak for the rest of the people in this city, but as far as I'm concerned, you're an angel.'' He took another bite, munching happily.\n\nAs the pair were finishing up their snack - Brooklyn had offered both apples to Theo, but he'd insisted that the Gargoyle join him - when a nurse arrived pushing a small cart in front of her that was loaded with medical supplies.\n\n``Good evening, sirs. Mr. Hernandez, it's time to change your dressings, and I thought you might like to get cleaned up a little after your surgery. If you wouldn't mind, could you sit up for me and lower your gown?''\n\nTheo tried to lean forward like she asked, but only managed a few inches before wincing in pain and dropping back against the bed.\n\n``Sorry, no can do,'' he said. ``I don't think I'm going to be able to hold myself up long enough for that.''\n\n``I can help,'' said Brooklyn. ``I can hold you up if you like. That way you can relax and maybe it won't hurt as bad.'' He turned to the nurse. ``No offense, miss, but I think I'll have an easier time of it than you will.''\n\n``You won't hear any arguments from me,'' she said. ``That would be a big help. Mr. Hernandez, is that alright with you?''\n\n``Oh, uh... yeah, I suppose that'd be okay.''\n\nTheo tried to reach up and untie the simple knot behind his neck holding his gown up, but was having a lot of trouble undoing it with only one hand. Brooklyn stepped over to help him out, untying it while he and the nurse helped Theo ease the gown down without jostling his injury too much, leaving it pooled over his lower stomach. Brooklyn's strength was more than enough to hold Theo up without any trouble, letting the human stay as relaxed as possible while the nurse made quick work of wiping down his chest, back, and arms with a damp cloth, before drying him off and removing his old bandages, inspecting and gently cleaning his wound before applying a new dressing and helping him retie his gown. Once her work was finished, she and Brooklyn helped Theo get settled in bed once more before tidying up her cart and leaving.\n\nBrooklyn's visit seemed to have helped Theo finally relax, not having been able to rest much that day despite his injuries in such an unfamiliar place. But his exhaustion was catching up with him, having trouble keeping his eyes open.\n\nSeeing how tired the human clearly was, Brooklyn said, ``I think I'd better go so you can get some rest. A good day's... I mean, night's sleep can work wonders. I'll try to come back before sunrise, but if not I'll come by first thing tomorrow night.''\n\n``Promise?''\n\n``Promise.''\n\nLaying his head back on his pillows, Theo sighed, smiling warmly at the young Gargoyle. ``It's been a long time since I've had somebody look out for me like this. Thank you, Brooklyn.''\n\nBrooklyn smiled. ``You're welcome. Get some rest, and I'll be back to visit later.''\n\n``Looking forward to it. Have a nice night, Brooklyn.''\n\nHe was asleep before Brooklyn had finished closing the door.\n\n***********\n\nThis pattern continued for several days, with Brooklyn's visits growing longer as Theo started to regain his strength. Theo was eager to learn as much as he could about the Gargoyles, and Brooklyn in particular, while Brooklyn was surprised at how easy it was to open up to him. He told him about his life in Scotland; about the viking attack and the Magus' spell, and waking up in Manhattan all those centuries later. It was nice having someone so easy to get along with.\n\nAs the human's strength returned, Theo had been eager to get out of the infirmary and move around, and Brooklyn had taken the opportunity to offer to show him around the castle. After hearing all of the Gargoyle's stories about it, Theo jumped at the chance to get to see his new friend's home.\n\n``Hey, Theo. ready for the grand tour?'' Brooklyn said as he walked in Theo's room, before a startled yelp made him stop short.\n\nTheo had been standing by his bed, his gown falling open behind him to reveal his naked backside while he tried to work a pair of boxers up his legs. Unfortunately, he was having a bit of trouble, since he couldn't support his weight on his injured shoulder yet, nor could he use that arm to reach down that far without pulling at his stitches, leaving him trying to keep his balance and get dressed while trying to hold his gown closed to maintain some form of dignity, all of which he was failing at. At Brooklyn's words, Theo jumped so hard his feet almost left the floor, dropping his boxers and grabbing his gown, holding it shut and spinning to face Brooklyn, a blush on his face as the flimsy gown slid down off one of his shoulders.\n\n``Brooklyn! I wasn't expecting you so soon,'' said Theo, blushing heavily and the knowledge that there was no way the Gargoyle hadn't gotten a full view of his naked ass when he came in.\n\n``Thought the first stop on the tour could be the kitchen for some breakfast... or a, dinner, I guess. You need some help getting dressed?''\n\n``I thought I could manage it on my own,'' said Theo, embarrassed. ``Didn't mean to give anyone a show.'' He added, pulling the gown a little tighter behind him.\n\n``A show?'' asked Brooklyn, but then he realized what Theo meant. ``Oh, right. Sorry about that,'' he said, rubbing nervously at the back of his neck. ``But, if it helps, you don't need to worry about being embarrassed about me seeing you like that. I know it's different for a lot of humans, but Gargoyles don't have the kinds of problems with being naked a lot of humans do. Would you, uh, like some help with your clothes? Or if it'd make you feel better I can wait outside 'til you're ready so nobody else walks in on you.''\n\n``Actually, if you don't mind, uh... some help would be nice,'' said Theo, his cheeks burning in quiet embarrassment.\n\nBrooklyn pulled the door closed to help give Theo the privacy he wanted, before walking over and kneeling down in front of the human and grabbing his boxers. Trying to keep his balance, Theo placed his right hand on Brooklyn's shoulder for support as he stepped into his boxers and Brooklyn worked them up his legs. He had fully intended to help Theo get them all the way on, but once they were high enough for him to reach he took ahold of them himself and pulled them up and tucked himself inside when Brooklyn turned to grab his pants, thankful that the Gargoyle hadn't seemed to notice that his penis was more than a little interested in the sight of the Gargoyle knelt down in front of him like that.\n\nOnce his pants were on and secure, Theo slid off the gown and with a little help from Brooklyn managed to maneuver himself into a shirt, being careful not to stretch his arm to much before buttoning it up enough to stay decent. A pair of comfortable slide-on shoes completed the look, easy to get on and off so he wouldn't have to get in an uncomfortable position to tie them. Theo's clothes had been too badly damaged and soaked with blood to salvage; they'd had to cut him out of his shirt. When Theo had mentioned he wanted to be more active and maybe see the castle, a fresh set of new clothes had been ready and waiting, all of them a perfect fit.\n\nHe wasn't sure how exactly Xanatos' people had gotten his measurements, and he wasn't sure he wanted to.\n\nOnce he was fully dressed, Theo followed Brooklyn down the hallway, taking the elevator up and heading for the kitchen. Theo's jaw hit the floor when he saw the state of the art equipment; he'd always had a love for cooking, and was quite good at it, but he'd never had access to a kitchen like this. He'd dreamed of attending culinary school when he was younger, but his life hadn't taken the path he'd hoped it would. He even told Brooklyn as much when the Gargoyle saw his awestruck reaction, before he realized what he'd done. Theo wasn't usually one to openly share personal details, but something about Brooklyn put him at ease. He couldn't explain it. He just felt like he could open up to him, and that was such a good feeling he'd been missing form his life for so long that he just couldn't help himself.\n\nWhen Brooklyn told Theo he could use the kitchen as much as he wanted, the human hadn't been able to resist the chance to cook again, especially in such a gorgeous kitchen. He was still too worn out to make anything too elaborate, especially knowing that their time was limited before Brooklyn would have to sleep for the day. But apparently his cooking was better than he thought, because it didn't take long before the hefty green Gargoyle Broadway appeared in the doorway, asking if they had room for one more. Not having had the chance to cook for someone else in so long, Theo was more than happy to welcome Brooklyn's rookery brother to their little feast.\n\nAfter they'd finished eating, the pair led Theo out through the castle's great hall and into one of the courtyards, where they were quickly spotted by the other Gargoyles who came over to greet their new guest. After a round of introductions, the group scattered in all directions - Hudson and Bronx were headed inside for some late night tv; Goliath, Angela, and Broadway were headed out on patrol around the city, while Lexington and Staghart had decided to stay in the castle and try out some new gizmo the smaller Gargoyles had been working on. As each group went off to do their own thing, Brooklyn and Theo began their tour of the castle, enjoying the warm night air and the sounds of the city, little more than white noise from this high up.\n\nThe stroll around the castle was the most relaxing night Theo had had in he didn't know how long. Brooklyn showed him all over the castle, and whenever Theo needed to stop and rest, they find a window or a spot of the walls to enjoy the view. New York really was beautiful, especially with a view like this.\n\nAs they walked, Brooklyn told Theo more stories of his life in Scotland, and the adventures he'd had since waking in the modern day. Theo was eager to hear about it, occasionally stopping to comment or ask a question or two, but otherwise happy to let the red Gargoyle share his stories. They'd just come down from the central tower, which had to have the absolute best view in the whole of Manhattan, and were leaning against the ramparts looking down into the courtyard, when Theo saw something he hadn't expected. Lexington had been having some trouble with his new gadget, but it looked like Staghart had managed to figure out the problem and help the smaller male fix it, and was rewarded with a kiss before Lexington went back to working on the device, like it was the most casual thing in the world. When Theo had been growing up, even the suggestion of kissing another boy anywhere near his family would have been unthinkable. But a glance at the red Gargoyle beside him didn't reveal any signs of anger. If anything, Brooklyn almost looked sad.\n\n``Are you alright?'' asked Theo in response to Brooklyn's heavy, wistful sigh.\n\n``Yeah, I guess,'' said Brooklyn. ``Just jealous, I guess.''\n\n``Of what?''\n\n``Of them,'' said Brooklyn nodding down at the courtyard. ``And everyone, I guess. They all have someone. Lexington's got Staghart, Broadway's with Angela. And even Goliath and Elisa are making things work. But I just don't seem to have any luck when it comes to that sort of thing.''\n\nTheo wasn't sure what which surprised him more: finding out that detective Maza and Goliath were a couple, or the implications of what Brooklyn had just told him. It didn't look like he had any problem with the fact the clan leader was in a relationship with a human, and Theo had been around enough angry homophobes in his life to get the feeling that Brooklyn wasn't the type.\n\nDeciding to take a chance, he took a breath to steady his nerves, and asked, ``So you're not bothered at all with Lexington and Staghart being together?''\n\n``Well... I admit I'm a bit jealous that Lex has someone and I don't, but that's pretty much it,'' said Brooklyn. ``Besides, why would I have a problem with them? We're clan. Family.''\n\n``The reason I've been living on the streets for the last few years is because I'm gay,'' said Theo. When Brooklyn looked confused, he continued. ``Somehow, my parents found out and, well, let's just say that not all of my old injuries came from being on the street. They threw me out, and I've been on my own ever since. It hasn't been easy. I've had to... do things, in order to survive. I... I had to sell the only thing I had left. Myself. Guys paid to have sex with me. That's why those three were chasing me in the alley that night. One of them had recognized me and I guess he was worried his buddies would find out what we'd done. He was the one who pulled a gun on you.''\n\nBrooklyn looked horrified. Theo was worried about how he'd react to him having to sell himself for money, but his worries were quickly swept away by Brooklyn's words.\n\n``I'm so sorry you had to go through that. What kind of family abandons someone because of who they love!?''\n\n``It happens more than you'd think,'' said Theo.\n\n``Not with Gargoyles, it doesn't,'' said Brooklyn. ``We'd never turn someone away because of who they loved. You don't turn your back on family.''\n\n``Wow,'' said Theo. ``Gargoyles and humans really are pretty different, aren't we?''\n\n``I don't think so,'' said Brooklyn.\n\n``Really? I mean, you certainly don't seem to have the same kinds of hang-ups that humans do. Cultures, bodies, ways of thinking. We're pretty different.''\n\n``Not really, not when it comes to what's important. We look out for each other; we take care of each other. We... love each other. We're a lot alike, where it really counts.''\n\nTheo hadn't felt this way about anyone in a long time. He felt more at peace around Brooklyn than he had around anyone he'd ever known. He'd been fighting his attraction to Brooklyn for days now, certain it wouldn't work. But after everything Brooklyn had told him, he couldn't help himself. Before he realized what he was doing, Theo threw caution to the wind and leaned over, planting a kiss on Brooklyn's cheek before quickly pulling back, his face nearly as red as the Gargoyle's.\n\n``Sorry,'' said Theo. ``I shouldn't have done that, at least not without asking first. Sorry, again. Sorry.''\n\n``You don't have anything to be sorry for,'' said Brooklyn, before giving the human a kiss of his own. ``I've been thinking about you, too.'' \n\nSeeing an opportunity he didn't want to miss, Theo said, ``You know, the other's probably won't be back for a while. I've been hoping for a hot shower for days, and the nurses finally gave me the all clear. Would you mind showing me where the showers are?'' He leaned closer, whispering warmly into the Gargoyle's ear, quiet enough that the pair in the courtyard wouldn't hear him. ``And maybe while we're there you can show me just how much humans and Gargoyles have in common.''\n\nBrooklyn took Theo's hand and led him from the courtyard as quickly as he could, weaving his way through the castle and into a room he identified as having once been the guards' quarters. In many ways, it still was, having once served as a barracks for some of Xanatos' security. With the Gargoyles back to watch over the castle, they'd cleared out, and now the clan had the run of the place. But the only part the two were paying attention to was the large shower room off to one side. The exits had a raised rim to keep an water from spilling out, and other than the main walls separating it from the rest of the room, that was as close as it got to any sort of division, as the entire space was open, lined with stylish tile and gleaming shower heads and absolutely nothing to stop anyone using it from getting an eyeful of everyone else around them.\n\nWhich was exactly what the two had in mind.\n\nAfter helping Theo get his shirt off, Brooklyn's hands fell to his loincloth, quickly loosening his belt before letting it drop and kicking it away; being body-shy clearly wasn't a problem with Gargoyles. Not that Brooklyn had anything to be ashamed of. Theo had spent several days imagining what the Gargoyle had hidden inside what little clothing he wore, and the human wasn't disappointed in the least. A juicy red cock hung over a pair of smooth balls, surprisingly human in appearance. Theo couldn't help but note that Brooklyn was uncut, being the first guy he'd been with that wasn't. And while similar in appearance, even soft Brooklyn's had some impressive length, enough to make Theo wonder if maybe he was packing more than the human could handle.\n\nTheo hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his pants and boxers and pushed them down, and with a wiggle of his hips they slid down to the floor, letting him step free to stand naked in front of the Gargoyle. A Gargoyle whose eyes immediately locked onto the cut length of human meat that waved enticingly when Theo moved his hips while undressing. Both men were already starting to stiffen slightly, eager to have some fun.\n\n``See, not so different, right?'' asked Brooklyn.\n\n``Speak for yourself,'' said Theo, eyeing the other male's penis. ``How much bigger do you get? If it's too much it's a wonder you haven't torn through your loincloth.''\n\n``What you see is basically what I've got,'' said Brooklyn. He turned and padded into the shower room, Theo's eyes locking onto the back of the Gargoyle's red sack dangling between his legs as he stepped over the ridge dividing the showers from the rest of the space. ``Come on in. You said you wanted a shower, right? Care to join me?''\n\nTheo grinned, trying not to stare at the Gargoyle's perfect ass. Well, not too much, at any rate.\n\nHe followed Brooklyn into the showers, where he quickly had several of the shower heads running at once, quickly filling the room with steam as the hot water poured down over their bodies. Theo was glad he'd been given new dressings that were water tight to cover his wound, letting him enjoy the shower without having to worry about hurting himself, letting him focus on the thrill of being wet and naked with the handsome Gargoyle. A thrill that only grew stronger as Brooklyn placed his hand under a dispenser on the wall, which automatically dumped a generous helping of soap into his palm, before he quickly worked his hands into a lather and began running them over Theo's back, the Gargoyle's strong hands massaging the human's muscles as he went.\n\nAs much as he was wishing he would, rather than wrapping his arms around the human and washing his more interesting parts, Brooklyn moved up to Theo's hair, and while it wasn't as nice as what he'd hoped Brooklyn would do, they both enjoyed the feeling of the Gargoyle's fingers moving through his hair as Theo finished soaping up before stepping under the water and rinsing away the suds, leaving him cleared and more refreshed than he'd felt in days.\n\nReaching for the dispenser once again, Theo moved up behind Brooklyn and started scrubbing his shoulders, working his hands down his back and then up the spines of the red male's wings, the touch sending a shiver through Brooklyn's body; one that was mirrored and joined by a soft moan as Theo worked his hands along his tail, stroking along his hips as Theo stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Brooklyn, scrubbing his chest and chiseled abs slowly, memorizing every groove and firm muscle he could reach.\n\n``Brooklyn?'' said Theo.\n\n``Y-Yes?'' The Gargoyle's cool facade seemed to be starting to crack a little, especially as Theo's hands started to work their way slowly from his collarbone back down his chest and over his belly, heading lower with each passing second.\n\n``Have you ever been with another guy before?''\n\n``Uh, unless you count jerking off with Broadway and Lexington, no. I've, uh... I've never been with anyone, actually.''\n\n``If it's alright with you, I think it's high time that changed. It's such a waste,'' said Theo.\n\nBrooklyn looked confused. ``What do you mean? What's a waaaaaah-oooohhh!'' The Gargoyle's words turned to a loud moan of pleasure as Theo's soap slick fingers wrapped around his dick and squeezed, working up and down his length slowly, letting them both enjoy the feeling.\n\n``It's a waste for such a nice, handsome guy not to get to enjoy all the fun things he can do with a dick like this... and a partner who's willing, eager, and experienced. Want to try what you've been missing out on?'' said Theo. Another firm squeeze and stroke over the slick, sensitive head of Brooklyn's dick made the Gargoyle moan once again. ``I'll take that as a yes.''\n\nGuiding Brooklyn under the spray of the shower, Theo rinsed them both off, running his hands over the Gargoyle's slick body, his own growing erection poking against the firm cheek of Brooklyn's ass. Once they were both soap free, Theo spun him around gently, pushing him back against the wall so the warm water rained down over them both, sinking to his knees and getting a good look at what Brooklyn was packing.\n\nHe hadn't gotten any longer, but the Gargoyle's cock was definitely a little thicker and stiff as a steel rod. Looked like Brooklyn was a shower, not a grower. Though getting hard had added another inch or two to his length, bringing him up to a respectable ten inches. That was a lot of cock, but Theo was too eager for this to let that stop him.\n\nNot wasting any time, Theo wrapped one hand around the red cock while another cupped Brooklyn's impressive balls, rolling them around as he started pumping with his other hand, licking and kissing and nibbling over Brooklyn's dick, making the Gargoyle tremble and moan as someone else touched him for the first time. Licking his lips, Theo finished pulling back Brooklyn's foreskin to reveal the slightly paler head of his dick before kissing it and then slowly sucking the first few inches into his mouth, pressing his tongue along the bottom of Brooklyn's shaft as he went. He sank down as far as he comfortably could, looking up at Brooklyn's blushing face as the red male stared down at the human with his cheeks bulging around his penis. With a pleasured moan from the Gargoyle and a hungry murr from Theo, he started bobbing up and down on Brooklyn's dick, enjoying his first (and hopefully not last) taste of Gargoyle cock.\n\nBrooklyn was in heaven. He'd always known that jerking off felt good, but any thoughts he'd had were nowhere near the reality of just how amazing it felt to have someone sucking his cock. Theo clearly knew what he was doing, and Brooklyn was doing his best to remain calm and composed, but he already knew he wouldn't be able to keep that up for long. It was all just too good. The feeling of a hot, wet mouth suckling and slurping on his cock; the sound and feeling of his tips squishing softly against the back of Theo's throat; the warm hands fondling his balls and massaging the base of his cock. But the best part for Brooklyn was the sight of Theo's cheeks bulging around his cock as he moved, moaning at the taste of Brooklyn's penis, staring up at the red Gargoyle and grinning around his length at the cute faces and needy noises his attentions were forcing out of the gorgeous Gargoyle.\n\nIt seemed to last an eternity, but Theo's skill and Brooklyn's inexperience at having a hot mouth on his dick meant that in reality the session lasted short than either of them would have wanted. Brooklyn's balls started pulling up closer to his body as his pleasure grew, that familiar feeling in his stomach signaling his approaching climax.\n\n``Th-Theoooooohhh! OOOOHH! I... I think... I'm, I-I'm gonna... gonna...!''\n\nWith a roar of pleasure, Brooklyn came, his hips arching forward, his tail and wings going stiff as every muscle in his body seemed to contract as the most powerful orgasm he'd ever felt ripped through his body, his mind going blank as it was overloaded with pleasure. The Gargoyle's load was impressive, bigger by far than any human Theo had been with. The first couple of shots went straight down his throat, before he pulled back, getting a good taste of Brooklyn's cum as his mouth was filled again and again, even his experience not enough to keep some from spilling down his chin.\n\nWhen his orgasm had finally run its course, Theo slowly pulled back off of Brooklyn's dick, sucking out every last drop before letting the softening length flop out to slap wetly against Brooklyn's balls. Deciding to have a little more fun with him, Theo pulled Brooklyn into a kiss, pushing his tongue into the Gargoyle's mouth, along with a taste of his own cum. At first it was somewhat awkward trying to kiss Brooklyn's beak-like mouth, but they quickly figured out how to make it work. When the kiss broke, Brooklyn reached down, teasing Theo's stiff dick with his fingers.\n\n``That was amazing, Theo,'' panted Brooklyn. He glanced down at the human's dick and licked his lips before meeting his gaze again. ``I know I've never done this before, but.. uh... would mind if I maybe tried sucking you?''\n\nSeeing the braze Gargoyle who had fought off armed muggers and saved his life acting so cutely awkward and almost bashful was adorable. Theo smiled, planting a quick kiss on Brooklyn's lips.\n\n``I don't mind at all,'' said Theo. ``I'd be happy to give you some pointers if you like. And certainly wouldn't mind helping you practice any time you want - ``\n\nTheo fell silent as over the sound of the still running showers, he heard the door to the outer area open and close.\n\n``Brooklyn? You in there?''\n\nIt was Lexington.\n\n``They can't come in here!'' hissed Theo desperately, gesturing urgently down at his erection. ``I'd really rather not get caught like this. Please, Brooklyn!''\n\nNodding, Brooklyn called out, ``Yeah I'm here. Theo wanted a shower but was having some trouble with his shoulder.''\n\n``What are you doing!?''\n\n``Trust me, I know what I'm doing,'' said Brooklyn, whispering back so the sound of the water would cover their voices.\n\n``Anything we can do to help?'' asked Staghart, his voice almost musical thanks to his accent.\n\n``Got it covered,'' said Brooklyn. ``Just give us a minute to finish up then you guys can have a turn.'' He turned back to Theo, who looked both confused and horrified. ``Lexington and Staghart have spent enough time around humans to know they don't really like being seen naked without permission. They won't come in until you tell them it's okay.''\n\n``If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not have to answer a bunch of questions,'' said Theo. ``but what am I supposed to do about this?'' He waved at his erection, which despite the surprise of the other Gargoyle's walking in hadn't softened enough to be noticeable.\n\nIt took a little convincing, but eventually Brooklyn was able to get Theo to agree to his solution. In their eagerness they hadn't bothered grabbing towels on their way in, and Theo wasn't thrilled about the idea of waving his erection around in front of the others. So about a minute later, Brooklyn walked out of the showers, butt naked and totally unfazed, using one of his wings to block Lexington or Staghart from seeing anything between Theo's lower chest and his knees. Which was just as well, because the sight of the other two Gargoyles stark naked and waiting for the shower meant it was going to take even longer for his erection to die down.\n\nScooping up his and the human's clothes, Brooklyn led Theo over to a stack of towels, keeping his wings up until the human had dried off enough and wrapped the towel securely around his waist, pinning down his erection in the process. The two quickly dried off, and once Lexington and Staghart had entered the showers, Theo quickly got dressed - Brooklyn seeming far less concerned about donning his loincloth before he was completely dry, and the two hurried out the door, Theo hoping against hope that the pair didn't suspect what they'd been doing.\n\n``Wonder where they're off to in such a hurry,'' said Lexington.\n\n``No idea,'' said Staghart. ``But it's nice the Brooklyn's finally found someone that makes him happy. Thought if they're trying for secrecy, he might want to try being a little quieter next time.''\n\nLexington looked up at his mate, reaching over to cup his white-furred sac. ``Want to see if I can make you be just as loud?''\n\nStaghart smiled down at the green Gargoyle, his candy-pink penis already starting to stiffen. ``Only if I get to do you next.''\n\n***********\n\nThe next night, Brooklyn led Theo deeper into the castle's lower levels, which would have been underground back before Castle Wyvern had been carved off its cliff. After leaving the showers, the pair had been eager to continue, and Brooklyn had led them to one of the bedrooms, where they had begun a heated sixty-nine, which had been wonderful right up until they'd heard Broadway stomping down the hallway looking for Brooklyn, leaving Theo to dive behind the bed before the big green guy came barging in. The human clearly wasn't thrilled with the idea of getting caught naked with Brooklyn. Given how the last guy had reacted, he couldn't blame him. So the Gargoyle had decided that they should go somewhere where their privacy was more assured.\n\nReaching the end of a corridor and opening a large door, Brooklyn led Theo inside before shutting the door and locking it behind them.\n\n``Uh, Brooklyn?'' said Theo. ``Any particular reason we're in the dungeon?''\n\nSure enough, they were standing in what had once been the dungeon of Castle Wyvern. Despite the upgrades he'd given to most of the castle, this appeared to be one of the rooms he'd left mostly unchanged, with the exception of modern lighting. Shackles and chains lined the walls, and in the middle of the space stood several sets of stocks that could be used to lock prisoners in place while they were standing, restricting their movement even more than the chains did. Not exactly the most romantic spot in the castle.\n\n``It's as far as we can get from the others while we're still in the castle,'' he said. ``I thought maybe down here we wouldn't get interrupted. Besides, this place has just what we need.''\n\n``Meaning what, exactly?'' asked Theo skeptically.\n\n``Well, I... I know you've had some bad experiences. And I want you to know that I don't ever want you to feel like you're being forced into anything you don't want to do. So I thought the best way to show you that was to make sure that you knew that I wouldn't be able to force you to do anything, even if I wanted to. Which I don't!'' He added hurriedly.\n\n``I don't understand,'' said Theo.\n\n``You will. Here, take this and I'll show you.''\n\nBrooklyn handed Leo the tube of lube and small towel he'd been carrying in his other hand before he undid his belt and let his loincloth drop to the floor. Stepping out of it, he walked over to one set of stocks and opened them up, holding it open with his tail as he slipped his wrists and neck into position before gently lowering it shut, his tail flicking over to the side and snapping the lock in place. Theo could tell from the design it would be very difficult to open without the use of your hands.\n\n``Brooklyn, what are you - ''\n\n``I want our first time together to be on your terms,'' said Brooklyn, a blush just barely visible spreading across his face. ``But, if you don't mind, there's something I've really been wanting to try with you - '' He raised his tail up and to the side, presenting the fine curve of his ass to the staring human `` - if you don't mind, that is.''\n\nTheo smiled, more touched by the Gargoyle's gesture than he could put into words. Brooklyn was right - he'd had several... less than pleasant encounters during his time on the streets. Including several men would had agreed to one thing but decided partway through that they wanted something more. And those kinds of guys didn't usually take no for an answer. So Brooklyn's willingness to literally put himself in Theo's hands like this, to show him that Theo would be the one to make the decisions about everything they did, or didn't, do, had a warm tightness spreading through his chest.\n\nNot to mention his pants. Because damn, that Gargoyle had one finely sculpted ass.\n\n``I don't mind at all,'' said Theo.\n\nHe walked over and knelt down, bringing his head level with Brooklyn's and kissing the bound male deeply, his hand reaching up to stroke through his long white hair, something Theo now knew was a Gargoyle sign of affection. He stood up, backing up a few paces so the Gargoyle didn't have to strain to look up at him, and quickly got undressed, though he did slow down some when he lowered his boxers, giving Brooklyn a bit of a striptease as his hard cock sprang into the air. Kicking away his bowers, he stepped closer to Brooklyn, the head of his cock pressed against the Gargoyle's lips.\n\n``Care for a taste before the real fun starts?''\n\nGrinning, Brooklyn opened his mouth and swallowed the human's cock, his long beak-like face letting him take Theo's full length in his mouth easily despite his inexperience at sucking cock. Inexperience that he more than made up with in enthusiasm, his strong tongue playing over Theo's length, suckling and slurping at the human's cock as he thrust gently into the hot, wet mouth around his dick.\n\nTheo enjoyed the enthusiastic blowjob for a minute or two, but Brooklyn's mouth wasn't where he wanted to finish. Stepping back, his cock slid from the Gargoyle's mouth with a parting lick from Brooklyn's tongue before Theo moved around behind him, dropping to his knees. Pushing Brooklyn's tail a little higher, Theo massaged those firm red ass cheeks before spreading them apart, staring at the tight red pucker beneath Brooklyn's tail. Without warning, he buried his face beneath Brooklyn's tail, kissing and licking at his entrance, making sure the Gargoyle's first rimjob was something he'd always remember.\n\nAfter several minutes of making Brooklyn squirm and moan at the feeling of a warm tongue teasing his ass, Theo decided it was time for the main event. Snapping open the cap, Theo squeezed a generous amount of lube on his fingers, spreading it over Brooklyn's pucker before gently working in first one, then two of his fingers, working them in and out and scissoring them gently, making sure his lover was stretched out for his first time. Brooklyn was moaning loudly at the penetration, and when Theo found his prostate and gave it a few teasing strokes, he could feel the Gargoyle's inside squeezing his fingers as he shot precum onto the stone floor.\n\nThe sight of Brooklyn so clearly enjoying himself had Theo so hard it hurt, and he got to his feet, lubing himself up and wiping the excess on the small towel they'd brought before stepping up behind Brooklyn and lining himself up. He started to push his way in, slowly building up the pressure until Brooklyn's pucker gave way and the head of his dick slipped inside, immediately getting squeezed tightly by the Gargoyle's ass and making them both moan as Theo sank deeper and deeper into Brooklyn until he'd bottomed out, their balls slapping together gently as Theo ground his hips against that firm red backside, the pair moaning even louder as the bound male had his insides worked over by a cock for the first time.\n\nWhile he certainly enjoyed bottoming, during his time on the street Theo hadn't gotten to top as much as he would have liked, and he was taking full advantage of this opportunity, enjoying himself greatly as the bound and helpless Gargoyle moaned and squirmed and whimpered as Theo start humping him, that sculpted red ass slapping loudly against the human's hips, the slick sounds of a lube covered cock claiming a tight willing ass echoing wetly through the room.\n\nIf he could have seen Brooklyn's face, Theo would have laughed at the way the Gargoyle's mouth was hanging open, a dopey grin on his face as he moaned loudly at the feeling of getting fucked for the first time. He could see why Lexington and Staghart enjoyed this so much - having a firm cock plowing your ass felt so damn good! But if his moans were loud before, they were nothing compared to the noises he made when he felt Theo bend over him, resting against his back before the human's hands slid around his hips and found his stiff, aching cock, wrapping his warm fingers around the stiff red length and pumping it strongly, squeezing and milking him as more pre spilled over Theo's fingers and onto the floor.\n\n``Th-Theooohhh!'' gasped Brooklyn, his body torn between humping down into the human's grip, and thrusting back to get that wonderful cock just little bit deeper. ``Wh... WhaaAHHt are you doing Theoooooohhhhh!?''\n\nBrooklyn's ability to form words failed him as Theo's hands moved to the end of his cock, one rhythmically squeezing and milking him while the other cupped the head of his dick in the human's palm and began rubbing over it vigorously, using the Gargoyle's own copious precum as lube to let Theo polish the head of that big red penis faster and faster.\n\nIt quickly proved to be too much for Brooklyn to take, and with a mighty roar he came, his entire body tensing, his tail and wings going ridged as he fired shot after shot of hot Gargoyle cum, coating Theo's stroking hands and pooling on the floor; wet splurts could be heard as he added to the mess on the floor. As Brooklyn's ass spasmed and clenched through his orgasm, Theo was sent flying past the point of no return, his cum-covered hands moving to grab Brooklyn's hips, slamming his cock home before crying out, the two men's balls twitching against each other as Theo emptied himself in Brooklyn's ass, the Gargoyle shivering at the feeling of that liquid warmth spreading into his belly.\n\nWhen their orgasms had run their course, Brooklyn was practically sagging in the stocks, his whole body warm and relaxed after such h an intense orgasm. Theo, though he felt the same, had other ideas. Pulling out, he smiled to himself as his cum trickled out of Brooklyn's ass before he tightened down, keeping the rest inside. Getting back on his knees, he crawled around beneath Brooklyn and began to lick his cock clean, swallowing every drop of cum he could reach and grinning wickedly as Brooklyn moaned and wriggled at the warm tongue lapping at his now hypersensitive dick.\n\nWhen he was satisfied that Brooklyn's cock was now cum free, Theo grabbed the towel and cleaned up the mess they'd made of the floor, though the towel might never be properly clean again. To tease the bound Gargoyle just a little more, Theo walked back around in front of him and slowly got dressed, bending over and teasing Brooklyn with the sight of his presented ass before pulling up his pants. When Theo finally let him out of the stock, Brooklyn flopped down on the floor, still panting slightly from the experience, before he managed to get back to his feet and slip his loincloth back on.\n\n``Thank you, Brooklyn,'' said Theo, pulling the Gargoyle into a kiss then leaning back to look him in the eye. ``I hope that was as wonderful for you as it was for me.''\n\n``Definitely!'' said Brooklyn. ``I'd be happy to return the favor, but only when you're ready.''\n\n``Does that mean you still want to see me, even after I have to leave?'' asked Theo. It wouldn't be much longer before his injury was fully recovered, and he'd been trying to figure out what he was going to do once he left the Eyrie Building for good.\n\n``Of course I do,'' said Brooklyn.\n\n``Good,'' said Theo, kissing him again. ``Right now, being with you is all that matters to me.''\n\n``Have you... thought about what I said?''\n\nAs Theo's injury had healed, Brooklyn had told him about the Labyrinth. Theo had heard whispers about it on the street, but the knowledge of a place where the homeless could go and be guaranteed their safety - and knowing that it was watch dover by friends of Brooklyn's clan - had been appealing, but Theo still wasn't sure if that was where he wanted to go.\n\n``I'm still not sure,'' said Theo. ``But I've got a little more time to figure out my next move. Tomorrow I've got a meeting with Mr. Xanatos, so I can thank him for all he's done for me.''\n\nBrooklyn looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. ``You're a good man, Theo. I'm sure everything will work out like it's supposed to.''\n\n``I hope you're right. Come on, we better get back before they come looking for us again.''\n\nThe pair started back up through the castle, the door to the dungeon swinging shut behind them.\n\n***********\n\nThe next night, Theo was waiting on the tower when Brooklyn emerged from his stone sleep, and the Gargoyle had barely made it off the parapet before Theo had practically tackled him in a hug, grinning like a maniac.\n\n``A job! Xanatos offered me a job!''\n\n``What!?''\n\n``He said he heard about my cooking from one of the chefs in the kitchen. He tried some of my food, and he offered to have his chefs teach me if I agreed to work for him when my training's finished!''\n\nBrooklyn picked Theo up in a powerful hug, practically spinning him around in excitement.\n\n``That's fantastic! We have to celebrate!'' exclaimed Brooklyn. ``Is there somewhere in the city you've always wanted to see? Time Square, the top of the Brooklyn Bridge? You name it, and we're there!''\n\n``Well, I uh, I've always wanted to visit the Statue of Liberty,'' said Theo, smiling and blushing slightly. Brooklyn didn't seem to notice or care that the rest of the clan was standing there watching them, but Theo could feel all of their eyes on them. He still wasn't used to such open displays of affection in front of others.\n\n``You got it! You're not afraid of heights, are you?'' said Brooklyn.\n\n``No, heights don't bother me. Why do you aaaaAAAAHHH!''\n\nBrooklyn scooped Theo up into his arms and leapt over the side of the tower, diving down before opening his wings, the strong wind currents more than enough to carry them both as they soared away from the Eyrie Building and out over the city.\n\nHe may not have had a problem with heights, but Theo tightened his arms around Brooklyn's shoulders all the same; the idea of falling from this high up was pretty unappealing.\n\n``Don't worry,'' said Brooklyn gently, nuzzling lightly against Theo's cheek. ``I won't let anything happen to you. I promise.''\n\nAfter a quick kiss on the cheek for Brooklyn as way of thanks, the two fly on in silence, looking out over the city spread out below them. Theo was in awe of the view having never seen the city from so high up before. Down on the streets, it was easy to feel like all the monumental buildings around you were threatening to crush you at any time. But up here, all of that noise and worries and bad memories fell away, and for what might be one of the first times ever, Theo was able to truly appreciate the city in all its beauty.\n\nThey glided out over the harbor, Lady Liberty standing proud on her small island, lit up against the growing dark of the night sky. Theo had expected to land on one of the paths winding around the island, but instead Brooklyn brought them in to land on the small walkway surrounding the torch, setting Theo down gently and allowing them both to look out over the harbor, the lights of the city reflecting off the water; a spot of quiet in the otherwise noisy Big Apple.\n\nThe two leaned against each other, hand in hand as they looked out over the city, kissing every now and again, but mostly just enjoying the view and each other's company. Finally, after what felt like hours, Theo turned to Brooklyn.\n\n``That was a very sweet thing you did, Brooklyn,'' said Theo.\n\n``Don't mention it. You picked a good spot; this is one heck of a view.''\n\n``That's not what I meant,'' said Theo. ``I meant about you going to Xanatos and asking for him to give me a job.''\n\nBrooklyn looked horrified. ``What!? I don't know what you're talking about! I didn't, I...'' his wings drooped behind him. ``How did you know?''\n\n``He said he had it on good authority that I knew my way around a kitchen, Someone who had tried my cooking firsthand and thought he might enjoy it. And you and Elisa were the only ones in the clan that knew about my situation, and I never cooked for her. Who else would have known to ask? But, why didn't you tell me you'd asked Xanatos to help me?''\n\n``Because... because I didn't want you think I was using you,'' said Brooklyn. ``I didn't want you to be with me because you thought if you weren't you'd end up back on the streets. I want you to be with me because it's what you want, not because you feel like I'm blackmailing you. And with how Xanatos pays, I thought, I don't know, if he gave you a job, you might be able to get an apartment nearby so that I could still see you on your nights off.''\n\n``Oh, you'll definitely be seeing me on my nights off. And during my shifts, too.'' said Theo.\n\n``What do you mean?''\n\n``Well, it seems that Mr. Xanatos prefers to have some of his staff living on-site, so he's there when he needs them. Mostly his personal staff - Owen, some of his security, housekeeping. Chefs.''\n\n``Wait, are you saying - ?''\n\n``Yep,'' said Theo, grinning. ``You're looking at the newest resident of the Eyrie Building.''\n\nBrooklyn didn't know what to say to such incredible news. So he didn't say anything. He pulled Theo close and kissed him, long and deep, the wind whipping around them as they held each other close, enjoying every moment they had together, knowing there were many more to come.\n\nWhen the kiss finally broke, Theo smiled at Brooklyn, running his fingers through the Gargoyle's long white hair. ``How about we go home and celebrate? I want to show you just how much you mean to me.''\n\nGrinning widely at what the human was implying, he picked Theo up and the took to the sky, heading back for the building that dominated the skyline. Xanatos really didn't do anything small or by half-measures. As they were approaching the castle, Theo directed Brooklyn to land up on the tower, the highest point in the castle, and indeed, in the city. Once they were back on solid ground, Brooklyn was surprised to see a small bag sitting at the base of the parapets.\n\n``I'd planned to ask the rest of the clan if they wouldn't mind clearing out for the night so we could have some time alone, but luckily it looks like they did that even without me saying anything. Now we won't have to worry about them interrupting.''\n\n``Interrupting what?'' asked Brooklyn.\n\n``I'm ready,'' said Theo.\n\n``Ready for what?''\n\nOpening up the bag, Theo tossed Brooklyn a bottle of lube, before quickly getting undressed. When he kicked away his boxers, he was already fully hard, his arousal growing even greater at the knowledge of how exposed they were up here should the clan decide to come back before they were finished.\n\n``Oh,'' said Brooklyn, grinning. ``That kind of ready.''\n\nTheo made quick work of Brooklyn's belt, the Gargoyle's loincloth falling away, only to be kicked clear as Brooklyn dropped the lube on top and wrapped his arms and wings around Theo, pulling him close and kissing him, their hard cocks rubbing against each other as they moved their hips, Brooklyn's hands moving down to cup Theo's ass.\n\nBreaking their kiss, Brooklyn asked, ``Not that I'm complaining, but are you sure you're ready?''\n\nTheo kissed him again, running his hands through his lover's hair. ``Yes, I'm sure.''\n\n``Well, in that case, there's a couple of things I want to do first,'' said Brooklyn.\n\n``What did you have in mind?'' asked Theo.\n\nBy way of answer, Brooklyn dropped to his knees and engulfed the human's cock, bobbing and slurping and sucking on him with more force and enthusiasm than anyone Theo had ever been with before. He cried out as the long warm mouth surrounded his penis, grabbing a hold of the Gargoyle's horns and humping into his face, egged on by the strong hands massaging his ass and pulling him forward, adding even more force to his thrusts into Brooklyn's face, his balls swinging up to slap against the Gargoyle's chin. But what really took Theo by surprise was when, after a couple minutes of the Gargoyle trying to swallow his cock whole, Theo felt something stroking between his cheeks and teasing against his pucker - it was Brooklyn's tail! The sneaky red bastard was using his tail to tease Theo's ass without taking his hands off the human's plump rear. The feel of that pressure against his entrance was too much, and with a breathless cry, Theo came, his balls pulling up and emptying themselves down Brooklyn's throat, filling his mouth and coating his tongue with the taste of the human's warm cum; Brooklyn happily drank every last drop.\n\nWhen Brooklyn finally stopped nursing on his cock and pulled back, Theo was left weak in the knees from the strength of his orgasm. But he was still hard, and Brooklyn was dripping pre like crazy. But before they did what they both so clearly wanted, Theo had one more request.\n\n``Brooklyn, before we... well, you know. Before that, there's something I want you to do for me,'' said Theo.\n\n``Just name it,'' said Brooklyn.\n\nReached down, Theo snatched up Brooklyn's belt, handing it to the Gargoyle before turning around and crossing his hands behind his back. He looked back over his shoulder at Brooklyn.\n\n``I want you to tie me up,'' said Theo, blushing. He'd always enjoyed bondage, but there had been very few people he'd felt comfortable trying it with. ``You said you'd never do anything to hurt me, and I trust you. And I want to prove that to you just like you did with me.''\n\n``Are... are you sure?'' asked Brooklyn nervously. His voice was uncertain, but the way his erection throbbed hotly at the human's words made it clear he really liked where this was going.\n\n``I'm sure,'' said Theo. ``I'm also sure that if you don't get over here and fuck me right now, I won't be the one getting tied up tonight.''\n\nBrooklyn grinned, snapping the belt tight and quickly lashing Theo's hands in place behind his back, giving his ass a playful parting slap as he finished.\n\n``That won't be necessary,'' said Brooklyn. He led Theo over to the nearest parapet, bending the human over and dropping to his knees behind him. ``But first, a little payback for last time.''\n\n``What did you have in mi - oooooohhhhh!''\n\nA loud moan was forced from Theo's body as Brooklyn spread the human's cheeks and dove in, rimming him just as enthusiastically as Theo had rimmed him before. The human's cries of pleasure grew even louder when Brooklyn's thick, slick tongue pushed inside him, stretching him further than some of the cock's he'd ridden. The pleasure of having that hot length of muscle working into his ass had Theo leaking precum again in moments, splashing against the stones with each twitch of his cock.\n\nBut his tongue wasn't what either of them really wanted in Theo's ass. Snatching up the bottle of lube, Brooklyn spread some over his length, making sure he was extra slick - even with Theo's experience, he didn't want to risk hurting his human lover. When his fingers plunged into Theo's backside, lubing him up, the young man squirmed and squealed when the red Gargoyle's thick fingers found his prostate, teasing and tickling it and threatening to make him cum right then and there.\n\nBut Brooklyn pulled his fingers out before that happened, leaving Theo an eager, moaning mess, desperate for the feeling that only a thick cock could give him. Brooklyn laid down, stretching out across the stones as Theo stepped over him, kneeling down to straddle the Gargoyle's hips. His own cock laid flush against Brooklyn's, and Theo humped back and forth a few times, rubbing Brooklyn's slick cock against his own before the Gargoyle's hands on his hips stopped him. Using his impressive strength to help lift Theo up, he guided the human into position over his towering cock, Theo squatting down so his ring was pressed firmly against Brooklyn's tip.\n\nBrooklyn felt Theo clench hard against his tip, and was about to ask him if he wanted to stop, but any doubts he had were quickly removed - as was his ability to form words - when Theo relaxed and let gravity do the work for him, quickly taking three inches of hot, thick Gargoyle cock inside him, both of them throwing their heads back and moving loudly to the night. Slowly, and with a little help from Brooklyn's hands on his hips, Theo worked his way down, until finally he felt his ass touch down against Brooklyn's hips. Theo shuddered in pleasure, his body clenching around the hot, firm penis stretching him so good, so much deeper than any human ever could. And the pressure on his prostate was constant, his cock leaking heavily, his precum pooling on Brooklyn's abs.\n\n``Holy fuck!'' groaned Brooklyn, spots dancing across his vision from the pleasure of the tight human wrapped around his penis. He'd never felt pleasure like this! And when Theo wriggled his hips to show him just how snug a grip his ass had on that long red cock, Brooklyn couldn't even breathe.\n\n``Fuck is right,'' said Theo, panting with lust and the feeling of such a good deep stretching. ``Fuck me, Brooklyn. Fuck me like we both know you want to.'' He squeezed down on the Gargoyle's cock, making them both main. ``OOoohhhh, like we both want you to.''\n\nTightening his grip on Theo's hips, Brooklyn bent his knees and planted his feet on the ground, letting Theo rest against his thighs if he needed to. And more importantly, to let him fuck the human nice and deep, which is exactly what he did. He lifted Theo up, aided by the human's strong legs, and pulled him back down, slowly working him along the length of his cock. He started off slow, moving only an inch or two back and forth to make sure Theo had plenty of time to stretch out and get used to having such a long cock inside him. His entry hadn't been entirely pain free for the human, but his making Theo take the time to get used to his length helped greatly. And soon, Theo was trying to push up higher and slide down faster, clearly eager for Brooklyn to be a little more forceful. \n\nAnd who was he to deny such a request?\n\nBrooklyn started bouncing Theo harder on his cock, the sound of flesh on flesh filling the air as that plump ass slapped against his crotch, Theo's penis smearing precum over each of their bellies, swinging up to hit Theo's every time Brooklyn pulled him down before slapping wetly against those chiseled red abs, just to do it all over again. And the sounds Theo made as that hot cock assaulted his prostate only motivated Brooklyn to thrust that much harder, grinning like an idiot at the way the sexy human came undone at the feelings washing over him.\n\nBrooklyn couldn't blame him - he'd never felt such pleasure in all his life, with the possible exception of when Theo had been fucking him. And the knowledge that their roles could easily be reversed, and it could be him squealing and wriggling on the human's cock just made him want to fuck Theo that much more. And as much as he was enjoying hearing Theo moan and beg for more and call out his name - not to mention the delicious squeaks he made when Brooklyn's penis hit a particularly sensitive spot - they weren't alone in the building, and even if no one who came out into the courtyard could see them, they would definitely be able to hear them. Maybe he should do something about that.\n\n``Oh god, Brooklyn, oh fuck!'' cried Theo. ``So good, it feels so good! Please fuck me harder, deeper! Give me more, make me your bitch! I don't care who sees, I don't care who knows, just please, please don't stop fucking me - mmphf!''\n\nBrooklyn's tail wrapped around Theo's head, covering his mouth and leaving him with nothing but muffled moans and whimpers of pleasure.\n\n``Such a noisy boy,'' said Brooklyn, teasing a claw along Theo's penis and making him squeal as he teased the sensitive, leaking tip. ``Glad you're enjoying yourself as much as I am, but if you keep making that much noise somebodies bound to come out here and see what's going on. But don't worry. I'm going to give you everything you asked for. I'm going to pound that sweet ass of yours until you won't walk straight for days. And I promise you, love, that we'll both enjoy every second of it.''\n\nBrooklyn tightened his grip and drove up with his hips, bottoming out inside Theo and lifting him up before pulling back out, starting to bounce the human hard on his lap, letting Theo feel every last inch of hot Gargoyle cock plowing into his backside, and had he been able to speak he would have been begging for more. By now, Theo's legs were hanging limply beneath him, all the tension drained from his body, the only feelings left the ones coming from that magnificent cock giving him more pleasure than he'd ever thought possible.\n\nHe was caught completely by surprise when Brooklyn raised Theo up until just the head of his cock remained inside, spinning the human around and pulling him back down onto his cock, the human's balls resting against the larger red pair as Brooklyn's wings wrapped around them to help him hold Theo in place as he climbed to his feet, unfurling his wings once again as he hooked his hands under Theo's knees and picked him up. Now able to use the full force of gravity and his muscular legs to his advantage, Brooklyn began bouncing Theo on his cock once again, there balls slapping together with every thrust, while Theo's cock waved in the air, precum splashing in all directions. The human's eyes rolled back into his head, his body going limp and his head resting against Brooklyn's chest as all thought was quite literally fucked out of him.\n\nBrooklyn's tail released Theo's head, allowing the full volume of the human's moans to fill the air as instead it coiled around his penis, milking and squeezing and stroking it in time with each thrust into his ass. What human lover could ever have hoped to compete with this?\n\nThe added pleasure of the surprise tail-job was more than Theo could take. Crying out in bliss until all air left his body, he came, hot lines of cum streaking the stones beneath them, some even landing on his face and belly as his cock moved in time with his bouncing on Brooklyn's cock.\n\nThe feeling of the human's tight ass getting even tighter, spasming and clenching as the human wriggled and writhed through his own orgasm pushed Brooklyn over the edge. He threw back his head and roared, a primal, pleasured sound as he emptied his balls into Theo's ass, their sac resting against each other as he buried himself to the hilt in the human, grinding them together as he pumped him so full it was a wonder his belly didn't start to grow from the sheer volume of cum inside him. Being far too much for Theo to keep inside, it leaked out around Brooklyn's length, rivers of white running down his balls and thighs to join the human's own sizable load on the stones below.\n\nAs they came down from their orgasmic high, Brooklyn gently lowered Theo's legs back to the ground, keeping a firm grip on the spent human while he united his wrists before wrapping him up in his arms and wings, his still leaking cock not leaving Theo's ass for a second. They stood there, enjoying their afterglow, Brooklyn gently kissing and nibbling on Theo's neck and shoulder while Theo waited for his senses to return to him. \n\nTheo was still too spent to do much else, but he had the energy for this. He turned his head and leaned to one side so he could see Brooklyn's pleasure flushed face.\n\n``I love you, Brooklyn.''\n\n``I love you too, Theo.''\n\nA hand resting gently on Brooklyn's cheek, the pair kissed once more, their grip tightening on one another, the only sounds the beating of their hearts and the low rumble from the city below.\n\n",
"writing_bbcode_parsed": "The city that never sleeps. The young gargoyle had thought it strange when he first heard the nickname for his new home, but he'd come to learn just how appropriate it was. The hustle and bustle of the city never seemed to slow, the noise and lights so very different from the world he used to know. True, he'd never seen the city during the day, but if what the humans got up to at all hours of the night were anything to go by, it would have been hard to find a place to call home that was more interesting or full of life than Manhattan.