Seeking a Path

Lex fretted over his new friend; usually Lex hung at the back of the formation in a glide, unable to catch the gusts the way his clan mates could. He had to settle for using the others as a telltale, a guide, of what that winds ahead had in store for him.

Gliding alone, yeah, he did that without hesitation. If the wind died out from under him he'd fall a bit, but always caught himself - being light meant it didn't take much to get him aloft, at least, and the city's tall buildings made for constant, if erratic winds. But leading? Especially someone injured? That was just disconcerting.

He glanced back at Cailean. His wings held, but Lex's keen eyes could see the other rubbing along his collarbone.

Lex's mind raced. Obviously, if he'd already gone through stone sleep and still hurt, there was something majorly wrong.

He flicked on his earbud. "Goliath? How's the stake out going?"

"Poorly." Lex wondered at the wariness in his voice. "We're headed back to the clock tower."

"Could you hand the earbud to Elisa? I have a favor to ask."

A long spell of silence, then rustling as the bud moved from one person tot he next.

"What is it, Lex?" She sounded just as tired.

"I was wondering if you have any of your Tylenol."

"Are you hurt Lex?"

"No, I'm fine. I just have a friend who's recovering from something."

A little bit to silence again. "Where should we meet you?"

"We're on our way to Times Square." Lex flinched, he hadn't really intended to say they were both traveling. Not that he wanted to hide anything from them, but Cailean had been adamant about not meeting his clan. He wondered why, the real reason why, but didn't feel it was appropriate to ask yet. Maybe once he had a little more trust.

Elisa thought for a moment, then gave him a quieter cross street to meet at. Lex turned around a high rise and headed in that direction. A gentle gust propelled the both of them over the buildings. He picked out a building tall enough to give Cailean a good drop for when they had to take off again.

"This is Times Square?" he asked, looking over the edge.

"Not quiet," Lex said. "I have to check in with Goliath."

Cailean took a step back. "So... you're meeting him here?"

Lex shook his head and pointed across the street at a lower building. "Over there. You can stay here and rest some."

Cailean's smile had a gentle, wistful quality. "Thank you, Lex."

Lex felt his cheek flush a little. "I'll be right back."

"I'll be waiting."

Lex hopped up onto the ledge and launched himself away from the building, spreading his wingvane to catch a gust. The puff of wind didn't quite cover the gasp behind him. He looked over his shoulder. Cailean perched against the ledge, looking ready to leap himself.

"I'm fine!" Lex shouted, waving, which dipped him harshly. Damn. Keep mind on track.

He circled around the top of the building. Elisa hadn't said if they would meet in the ground or the roof. The ground might be easier for her, but if he landed there first, then getting back to the top would be a pain. He finally picked a place to land.

"Goliath?"

He stepped out of a shadow. Lex breathed a sigh of relief.

"Elisa is coming up the stairs." Lex tilted his head, but didn't ask. The two of them had enough troubles without him asking about it. "Who is injured? I saw you taking off from that building." He thumbed towards where Cailean waited. Lex resisted the urge to look over to see if the other Gargoyle was visible. "And you mentioned something earlier about finding the new gargoyle?"

Lex swallowed. Just like Goliath to ask all the right questions to put him in a bind.

"Lexington."

"Sorry Goliath, I tried to say something to you earlier, but that was before I found out..." Crud.

"Found out what?"

"That he doesn't want to meet anyone, yet." Lex hoped he could convince him now.

"Doesn't want to meet anyone. Why?"

Lex shook his head and git his teeth. No way he could hide anything from Goliath. If he did, he'd be stuck in the clock tower for the next month. "He's afraid he's going to be sent back. To Avalon. He just wants to explore, Goliath. He's just passing through."

"I won't send him back, you know that, and if he doesn't learn to trust the other clans, he's going to have a very dangerous time of it. The hatchlings haven't had to deal with the modern world."

Lex felt this was far from the best time to mention that their own clan had had enough trouble learning that lesson.

Elisa pushed her way through the door tot he roof, the hinges screaming in protest.

"Hey guys. What's with the serious faces? Everyone okay?"

"Come." Goliath swept her up into his arms. "It's time to meet this one."

"Hey, whoa Big Guy. Where are we going? Who are we meeting?" Lex looked away quickly at the sight of her street clothes. That skirt wasn't meant to be held.

"Just across the street. Coming, Lexington?"

The way he pronounced each syllable told him that someone was in trouble. He swallowed again and jumped after his clan leader. Damn, he'd never get Cailean's trust now.