![](\"http:\/\/www.kira-kira.net\/fanfiction\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-likes\/images\/like.png\")
<\/a>18<\/b> people like this post.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Title<\/b>: Oh Baby [Goliath\/Elisa]
\nRating\/Warnings<\/b>: PG-13 for swears and interspecies breeding.
\nSummary<\/b>: Elisa has some news for Goliath, Brooklyn might be interested as well, and Hudson has a dim view of what this means for the rest of the clan.
\nA\/N<\/b>: Whenever I watch more than two episodes of Gargoyles in a row, I want to be Elisa Maza. Gargoyles is my second fic-producing fandom, after X-men.<\/p>\n
Oh Baby<\/b><\/p>\n
Elisa stood on top of Castle Wyvern, on top of the Aerye Building, shivering as the frigid winter wind cut through even her thick winter coat. Even though the sky was completely overcast, she knew internally that it was only a few more minutes to sunset.<\/p>\n
She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d honed that skill pretty sharp in the last four years.<\/p>\n
Normally she stood right next to the guys until just before they woke up, but tonight she hung close to the wall, trying to stand in the lee of the building to get at least some protection from the bitter wind.<\/p>\n
Goliath was going to be mad when he saw that she was standing out here waiting for him, she mused to herself. For the last few nights he had begged her repeatedly to wait for him inside, where it was warm. But Elisa loved to watch the guys wake up each night, stretching with deafening roars, wings exploding to their fullest spans, stone fragments shooting in all directions. More specifically, she loved watching Goliath, never tiring of the way that at sunset cold stone transmogrified into the fiercely-alive warrior that she had fallen for so hard. And she was addicted to the thrill she felt ripple through her stomach when he turned to look for her first thing every night. And then there would be his strong embrace, almost too strong, as though he had been worried the whole time he slept that she might have disappeared without him protecting her 24 hour a day. It was one of the few times he didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t treat her like she was made of glass, one of the few times he used more than a fraction of his strength with her.<\/p>\n
So if Elisa took another scolding for endangering her health, it was well worth it. Besides, the colder she looked, the harder Goliath would try to warm her up.<\/p>\n
A smile quirked on Elisa\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lips as she felt intuitively the loss of the sun for the night. Spider web cracks appeared on the statues in front of her, then stone exploded in all directions as Hudson, Brooklyn, Angela, Broadway, Lexington, and Bronx roared to life for another night.<\/p>\n
But Elisa only had eyes for Goliath. Larger than life, he stretched his full height, dark wings extending with the snap of leather, lavender skin pale against the dark sky, his roar making the stone beneath her feet tremble, shaking through her whole being. He turned instinctively and locked eyes immediately with Elisa.<\/p>\n
They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d done this hundreds of times by now, but Elisa still felt her heart hammering in her chest as he hopped off the parapet and headed for her, eyes never leaving hers. The world could have ended, and Elisa would still have only been able to see Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face, his eyes betraying his overwhelming desire to hold her even as he scowled at her. He crushed her against him, wrapping arms and wings around her and Elisa clung to him closely, reveling in his searing heat, pressing her head right where she could hear his heart pounding.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have asked you repeatedly not to wait out here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he growled, breathing close to her ear. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It is far too cold. Your body is like ice.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I missed you, too, big guy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa replied, unphased. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You know I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t resist watching you wake up.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It is not good for you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath replied stubbornly, pulling his head back a little to look at her face. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have seen me wake dozens of times. Tonight was no different, and tomorrow will be exactly the same.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Then I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t wait,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa smiled simply, reaching up to kiss him good morning.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Geez, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re at it already,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Brooklyn grumbled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Every night they have exactly the same argument. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not sure whether it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s more sickening watching them argue or watching them make up.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to watch them at all,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Broadway pointed out, still looking over the city rather than witness his leader\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s PDA. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure not looking.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Bronx barked his agreement.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s sweet,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Angela said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s certainly an improvement over the way things were before. If you had seen them while we were traveling from Avalon, both being tortured by their completely obvious love for one another\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she broke off glaring at the trio as they all clutched their stomachs and made gagging noises.<\/p>\n
Goliath broke off the kiss quickly when he heard the sound effects behind him, looking slightly embarrassed. Elisa smiled affectionately and backed up a step, knowing that Goliath hated PDA. Goliath let his wings slide off her reluctantly and she winked at him, letting her eyes promise of things to come later.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what are you guys up to tonight?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she asked, turning to Hudson and the trio plus one. She glanced back to see Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s scowl return with full force.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Inside, now,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he ordered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You can talk where it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s warm.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, sir, sergeant sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa gave a good-humored mock salute to her overly concerned lover, and led the way inside.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ah, Goliath,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Xanatos was just about to open the door. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was hoping you would be awake. Good evening, Detective Maza.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hello, Xanatos,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she replied neutrally, if not affectionately. They exchanged significant glances and Elisa shook her head slightly. Goliath was just about to ask what was happening, when Xanatos turned back to him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve made some changes in the castle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s daytime security that I think will be more effective,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d like to go over them with you later tonight, if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mind.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Later will be fine,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath nodded, still trying to figure out what was going on.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Excellent,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Xanatos flashed his trademark smile. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fox and I will be trying to put Alex down for the night until roughly dawn, if last night is any indication. Come and find me when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re ready.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He glanced at Lexington. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you come too, Lexington? You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve got the best feel for the computerized defenses.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sounds great!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Lex replied eagerly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why wait\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6ow!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he broke off as Angela stepped on his tail hard. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, yeah, I mean later\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s good, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve got plans anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll catch you later,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Brooklyn repeated, pushing the others in front of him back out the door as Goliath watched them with a furrowed brow.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What is going on?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he asked, turning to Elisa, she fidgeted uncomfortably.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Um, tell you what,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you go down to the library and I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be down in five minutes? I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll explain everything then, I promise.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Goliath glanced back and forth from Elisa to Xanatos twice uneasily before doing as she asked. When he was out of sight, Elisa sighed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you ready for this?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Xanatos asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve got to tell him sometime,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa looked anxious. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re sure, right? One hundred percent? Cause if they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re wrong\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re utterly convinced,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Xanatos assured her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Concrete evidence.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Guess it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s now or never then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa put her game face into position, then squared her shoulders and prepared to make one of the hardest announcements of her life.<\/p>\n
Goliath was pacing in front of the huge windows when Elisa opened the library door and slipped in. Goliath stopped pacing to face her, and crossed his arms, demanding silently to know what she would confide in Xanatos before him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Could you not look at me like that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa asked, putting a hand on his arm. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This is hard enough without you looking so scary.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s expression melted a little.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I do not mean to be harsh with you, my love,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But you have me worried.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa gave him a wan smile. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sorry, big guy, I just don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know how to tell you this.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Whatever the problem is, we will face it together,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said confidently.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not a problem,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa shook her head. At least it better not be, she added mentally. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009dshe took a deep breath, then looked deep into Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes and went totally blank. She simply couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t find the words to tell Goliath what she needed to. Instead she very deliberatively took one of Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hands in her two.<\/p>\n
She flattened it against her abdomen with a significant look.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Wha\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d was all Goliath got out before realization took hold. His eyes widened and his nostrils flared, he flailed for the wall with his free hand, missed entirely, and sat down hard on the floor. Elisa kneeled beside him, still holding his hand. She held her breath, simultaneously desperate to know Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s reaction and terrified of it. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he finally asked<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I would think that would be sort of obvious,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa murmured wryly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath seemed only capable of issuing monosyllabic questions. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153About six weeks,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa confessed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Give or take.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why did you not tell me before?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath asked, looking hurt.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sure at first,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa lowered her eyes guiltily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to get you excited until I was sure. And until I knew everything was okay.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is it\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6okay?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s conflict between Elisa\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s safety and the possibility of a child was very plain. Elisa waved her hands rather helplessly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So far as anybody knows,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she told him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m healthy. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s why I told Xanatos before you. He found a private OB-GYN we can trust.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153OB\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6G\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath looked more bewildered than ever.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153OB-GYN,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa repeated. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a pregnancy and baby doctor. Oh, Goliath,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s voice quavered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wanted to tell you so bad, but I was scared\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6damn, I promised Angela I wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t cry\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she reached up and angrily swiped at the tears that were beginning to slip out of her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t cry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath reached out and pulled Elisa close, his own voice cracking a little. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I just cannot\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6you are\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6we are\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Going to have a baby,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa finished for him, looking up with some anxiety. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How do you feel about that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
As he was formulating some response, a flash of irritation crossed Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s features, and Elisa cringed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have known you were with child for all this time,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he scowled at her, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153and you have STILL been standing outside in the winter\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s cold every single night?!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Uh,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s look of dread was replaced with surprise. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I uh, well\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6yeah.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I forbid you to do it anymore,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he told her very seriously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Who knows what strain this pregnancy will place on your body, and I will not allow you to endanger both you and our child with this sort of foolishness.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Does that mean you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d like me to go on being pregnant?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa asked with relief.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath stared at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Elisa, my love, I can think of nothing I want more than to have hatchlings\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6er, children with you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He paused for a moment, then gave her an odd look. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Besides, what other choice is there, once the deed is done?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Elisa looked extremely uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There are choices, you know,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said, not looking him in the eye. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve never talked about this, and if you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6if you thought it would be too dangerous\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa trailed off, silently begging Goliath to understand what she was talking about so she wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to explain herself any further.<\/p>\n
He clearly did not.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now, if people don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want a child,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa explained heavily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153A woman can end a pregnancy voluntarily. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s relatively risk-free medically, especially compared to childbirth.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She felt sick, as though just saying the words had had a negative effect.<\/p>\n
Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s horror, meanwhile, had rendered him utterly speechless.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wish I hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mentioned it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa finally said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I just thought you watched the news enough to know about it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath gave himself a little shake, flexing his wings.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You thought I might over-react?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That I might fear for you enough to consider\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t quite bring himself to say the words. Elisa brought her eyes back up to his.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re taking lots of risks here, big guy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No one knows what to expect, and if anything goes wrong, they won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know how to help me. But\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6but I want to try. I want to have your child, Goliath.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The sound of those words knocked the wind out of the gargoyle, and whatever reply he had to give died on his lips. He just stared down at her dumbly. When it became apparent to him that he wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t going to be able to say something deep, he leaned down to kiss her gently.<\/p>\n
These bizarre human customs do have some uses, he thought to himself. What had started out as a chaste expression of pure love, quickly deepened into passion. Elisa ran her hands over the sensitive spot on his back where his wings joined, and he buried his talons into her thick, dark hair, emitting something that sounded like a cross between a growl and a purr. He broke away after several minutes, breathing heavily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Perhaps we should not start something we cannot finish,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said shallowly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not on the library floor anyway,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa smiled, rubbing her cheek against his chest. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But before you starts that \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll hurt you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 crap again, THAT is just as safe as it was before.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Elisa,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he rumbled, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the gift you have given me today\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I cannot express what this means to me, and to the clan. I love you so much.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I love you too, Goliath.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Suddenly weak from emotional relief, Elisa could do no more than to cling to Goliath tightly.<\/p>\n
* * * * * * <\/p>\n
When the trio plus one returned they found Goliath and Elisa watching TV, Elisa perched on the arm of Goliaths chair, his arm around her waist. Brooklyn cleared his throat and received no response.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Come on, guys,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Lex said stepping in front of the TV. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We know you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really watching the Weather Channel.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Goliath and Elisa both blinked as though waking up then saw everyone else. Goliath cleared his throat in embarrassment.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Did you guys have fun?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Loads,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Brooklyn cut to the chase. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s up with you guys?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We do have something of an announcement,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Perhaps someone should go find Hudson and Bronx.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Already here, lad,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Hudson said from the doorway. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Xanatos said that ye\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have somethin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 ta tell us.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Xanatos followed Hudson into the room.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You hear for the announcement too?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Broadway asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I already know the news,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Xanatos answered with a slight smile. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I am merely here to clear up confusion and offer support.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa winced at the mention of Xanatos\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 pre-knowledge of the situation, and gave Goliath another apologetic smile. He squeezed her hand reassuringly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Since everyone is here, I will make the announcement,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath stood formally and Elisa slid off the chair to stand next to him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Elisa shared with me today something that will affect the whole clan. Something that will change our lives forever. Something\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6miraculous.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just TELL US already!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the trio exclaimed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hrmm, quite,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath rumbled nervously.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No time like the present, big guy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa smiled up at him, taking his arm and squeezing it. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Guys,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa took over the announcing, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I found out today that it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s official. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to have a baby.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
There was shocked silence in the room, excepting Xanatos\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 smirk and Angela\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wide grin.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Or an egg,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa added. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Or a something. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m having a something.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Angela rushed over to hug Elisa and her father.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thank heavens!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she exclaimed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think I could keep your secret one second longer, Elisa!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Did everybody but me know this \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcsecret\u00e2\u20ac\u2122?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath asked Elisa with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Heh,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa avoided Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes. Meanwhile the other clan members were still shaking off their surprise.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She did say baby, right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Lexington asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I definitely heard baby,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Broadway agreed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh baby,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Brooklyn sounded breathless.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Congratulations, lad!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Hudson beamed, slapping Goliath on the back heartily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153After bein\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 frozen all those years, I was nae sure any o\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 ye had it in ye!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just take it as a compliment,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa whispered, hiding her giggle at Goliath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s scowl behind a hand. As the males surrounded Goliath with cheers and elbowing and masochistic grunting, Angela pulled Elisa aside and clasped her hands with excitement.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Elisa, this is so exciting!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she exclaimed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Father looks so happy!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Imagine how happy he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be when you tell him your news,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa said slyly. Angela blushed, which was more a state of mind than a color on her lavender skin.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even told Brooklyn yet,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m too nervous to.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be nervous,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa reassured her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Boy!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d they heard Brooklyn tell Goliath loudly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure glad I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not YOU!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6ecstatic,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa finished with a frown. Angela narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll tell him now,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said through gritted fangs. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, Brooklyn, can I talk to you for a moment, sweetheart?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa laughed to herself as she rejoined Goliath.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What is she up to?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath asked as he watched Angela hiss something at Brooklyn and the second-in-command\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Then he fainted. Angela looked grimly satisfied.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Serves him right!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she growled, stalking from the room and leaving her mate in a heap on the floor. Broadway, Lexington and Bronx hurried to huddle around Brooklyn. Bronx licked his face to bring him around. Brooklyn groaned and rubbed his head as returned to consciousness.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you all right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Lexington asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d Angela tell you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Broadway echoed in hushed voice.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Baby,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Brooklyn groaned, shaking his head to clear it. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh baby\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d his eyes widened as what he was saying reminded him of Angela\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stark announcement.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not her too?!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath demanded, pushing past Broadway to glare down at Brooklyn. Brooklyn shrugged sheepishly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fraid so, big guy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Angela was just waiting for the best time to break the news.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m beginning to think you women are all in this together,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Goliath growled.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ye forget what it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s like to live in a castle full o\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 them,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Hudson rolled his eyes. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bein\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 with child is like a disease in females.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d better qualify that with \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcbecause it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s catching,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 buddy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa told him with a threatening look.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aye, an\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 then there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be the hormones\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Hudson started to sound rather long-suffering, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6an\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 the mood swings\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, pal, this is a JOYOUS EVENT,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa reminded him forcibly, punching him in the arm.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh aye,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he rolled his eyes heavenwards for whatever divine assistance gargoyles expect, rubbing his arm. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll wager this castle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be jus\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 bursting with yer brand of joy soon enough.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fun as this is,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Elisa interrupted him with a final warning glare, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153some of us have to get to work so we can afford children.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d As Goliath opened his mouth to protest, Elisa held up a hand before he got a word out. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m negotiating a desk job with Chavez more or less immediately, so I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to hear one word from you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Elisa kissed Goliath lightly with a promise to see him before dawn, then left the room. Goliath watched her leave with a worried look.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Er, Hudson,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he snagged the older gargoyle by the arm as he also made a move to leave the room, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153tell me more about these\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6mood swings\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n