<em><strong>Elijah waiting</strong></em><br/><br/>Elijah watched the two girls converse for a bit, before he turned to look towards the cliffs area, wondering how long he should wait before trying to find Des.  The smells of the cooking food were starting to make his stomach growl a bit and perhaps it was that tremendous noise that allowed Maddi to sneak undetected behind him.  He gave a startled shiver as she wrapped her arms around him, but already he recognized her smell and relaxed into her arms.<br/><br/>Just as he was about to make a smart comment, Maddi began speaking.  Elijah felt his heart race.  All her emotions flowed over him, making him feel like the most special person in the world.  It was hard to describe the euphoria.  Elijah turned in her arms, lifted her chin delicately and kissed her.  Holding it for a few moments, he filled it not with passion, but with heart, as though he could transfer his euphoria to her though her lips.<br/><br/>Elijah dropped to a knee in front of her and, holding her hand, spoke, "Madison Taylor, you have been a godsend.  You have made my life bearable, fulfilled me and when I was at my worst, you were at your best.  Now that I have found you, I can not imagine life without you.  I pledge to be at your side no matter the circumstances for ever.  Maddi, will you marry me?"  Elijah had no ring, so instead closed with a gentle kiss on her ring finger.<br/><br/>After Maddi answered, Elijah's playful side kicked back in.  "Now that you have decided, I will give my full list of demands...First, there needs to be children.  I cannot in good conscience allow your genes to go to waste, your beauty must be passed on...as long as they get my sparkling wit.  Second, I expect you to laugh at all my jokes, even the bad ones.  Lastly, I expect that you and I will love each other, often, and with whatever we choose to use...appendages, toys, food, random people, whatever's handy."  Waiting for the expected smack, he turned to see Kira approaching.