After way too long, I finally got around to finishing a chapter where my gargoyle characters Chaos, and Gadget admit their love for one another. Thankfully unlike one of the other chapters, it didn't take over 10 years to write out.

This was going to be about 4 pages at first, but grew to over 6 pages long. The two hit me with some revelations about themselves that I hadn't considered before. Enjoy:

March 23rd, 2001:

Landing after coming back from a quiet patrol, Gadget looked over at Chaos as he landed a moment later. She took a few short steps over to him, and lightly bit her lower lip. While the two had chatted a little bit, she never took the chance to discuss the one thing that they needed to talk about. She still hadn't been able to find a way to breach the subject.

As the rain slowly began to fall, Gadget closed her eyes as she pulled Chaos's beak over so the tip of his touched the side of her own. She cracked a smile as she felt his right hand touch her shoulder, and his left one come to rest against the hand she was touching his face with. Feeling their horns touch, she placed her left arm around his waist.

After several long seconds, it sank that it had been nearly two years since her attraction for him had surfaced. And they hadn't embraced like this since that night in the rain. Sure they had held hands once in a while, or on rarer occasions, partially intertwined their tails. While such things had felt nice, but nowhere as good as nuzzling, or holding each other closely.

Her closest rookery sisters, and brother had been right. She had nearly blown it in regards to Chaos. The combination of belligerence, building sexual tension, and the screwed up attempts to court him had resulted in a huge mess of mixed signals that undoubtedly had confused him.

She opened her mouth, and then quickly closed it. Part of her was still hesitant to say the necessary words. But deep down she knew sooner or later that she needed to say those words. And admit her true feelings for the one guy that had come to mean the world to her. “I.... I love you.” Gadget murmured softly.

“I know,” Chaos answered with his own smile as he pulled her closer. Closing his eyes, he briefly nuzzled the one that he had become attracted to. The one that made him feel amazing in ways no other girl ever had ever done so before. The one that meant the world to him. “I love you too.”

Gadget closed her eyes as her own smile grew larger. Hearing him say the words made the last of her doubts about him fade away. “We've been quite the pair of idiots, haven't we?”

He let out a soft chuckle. “One can probably make that argument, yes. But this idiot will always be your idiot”

“Same here,” she replied quietly. “This is going to take some getting used to.”

“Agreed. However, I think the journey will be worth it.” Part of him was tempted to kiss her, but didn't know if there was a way to make it work. He cupped her face with his hands, and touched the tip of his beak against hers. Such a simple touch, and yet, it felt great. “I don't know where this new path will lead us, but I would like for us to be side by side while we explore it.”

“Fair warning though; it might not be all that smooth of a journey.” A moment later, Gadget felt the rain grow heavier. She glowered at the clouds as if they had dared to betray her. She shook her head, and murmured “This is so stupid.”

“I don't think so my love,” Chaos replied softly. “I think the rain has helped open our eyes to what we should have seen in each other sooner, and is helping nurture our love. Of all of the gargoyles in the world, you are the only one I want to be caught in the rain with.”

“Are you sure? I mean, are you really sure despite our past?”

“Yes. I doubt either of us intended to fall in love, but we did. And I'm happy that we did so. I know I'm not perfect, but I honestly can't think of any other girl that I would rather spend time with. And to cherish for the rest of my life.”

“You sound like a, what is it called? Oh, yeah, a sappy romantic,” she countered with a large smile.

Chaos looked at her broad smile, and began to nuzzle her again. He was still getting used to the idea that this girl made him feel amazing in ways no other had. “Deep down, perhaps I am. But how I can not be when it comes to the most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on?”

“You are such a liar.”

“The lady doth protest too much,” Chaos as he placed his hands over his chest like he been wounded. A moment later, he raised the tip of her beak with his left hand, and looked into her eyes. “I cannot say this enough; you truly are the most beautiful girl in the world to me. Anybody else who thinks otherwise is a blind fool. Or has their head too far up their ass.”

“Good thing you are such a lovable goober!” Gadget guffawed before hugging him tightly. She felt like an idiot for making such a sound, and there was little doubt that it would bring unwanted attention. But the only thing that mattered at the moment was him. “You know, you have a cute smile.”

“As do you my love,” he answered softly as he hugged her back. “I enjoy it when you smile, and laugh. The world seems to stop when you do those things. I hope you will to them far more often. ”

“No promises, but I'll do what I can my love.” It still felt a little surreal that the one guy who was willing to argue back, and drive her up the wall had given her a chance. I missed a chance with Falcon before. This time I'm not going to screw it up. I have to make it work. For the both of us, Gadget thought to herself.

A short distance away, Titmouse elbowed her rookery sister Eagle gently in the side. Smiling, she softly spoke “I told you they would fall in love.”

Rolling her eyes, Eagle let out a vexed sigh. “I'm not blind you know.”

“Just teasing you sis.”

“You always say that.” At least the two of them had finally gotten their acts together in regards to their feelings. Took them long enough, she thought to herself. In amazement, she watched Chaos run his fingers through Gadget's hair. Smiling, she then let out a loud “Finally!”

Titmouse smiled, and let out “Eee!” before she caught herself. She quickly regretted her outburst, along with Eagle's as she saw Gadget's wings snap wide open.

As both withdrew their hands from one another, Chaos angrily spun around, and felt his right wing make contact with Gadget. He would have preferred to have gone into stone sleep while still holding her close instead of being angry. Any commentary would have been fine after they had woken up he thought. But no, somebody had to go and ruin this special moment. Palms out facing outwards, he snarled. “What is wrong with you people?”

Startled, Gadget was briefly taken off guard by his comment. Typically she would be make these types of remarks. Just before she recover, the sun peeked over the horizon, and she entered stone sleep along with everybody else before she could direct any ire at her sisters.

- - - -

Just after sunset:

As the last of the stone chips fell away, Eagle finished stretching to work out any remaining kinks. Hazarding a look, she could see that Gadget was still a little angry. She held up her hands up. “Before you get worked up, we'll make it up to you. I'll talk to Iowa, and take over your patrol area for the night while the two of you go spend some time together.”

“I'll ask Missouri to pack the two of you some food,” Titmouse offered with a grin. “Yes, I'm sorry about my small outburst, but honestly, it is about time the two of you got your acts together.”

Eagle let out a vexed sigh. Now was not the best time for that sort of comment she thought. “Please accept my apology as well. Yes, I have to agree with her assessment as well.”

“Not helping!” Chaos replied with a grimace. He wondered how long it would be before Falcon, and Woodpecker came over to say something. And he was not in the mood to deal with them. Yet. Getting away sooner rather than later sounded very appealing.

“I'm going to go get a picnic blanket. I know the perfect spot,” Gadget said while heading for the doorway. She paused for a moment before snarling, “One other thing, both of you better make sure nobody follows us.”

“Don't worry sis, I'll see to that. And I suspect our clan leader will that clear to others.” Eagle then made a shooing motion with her hand. “Now hurry up, and go get what you need. And don't take forever either lest we draw too much of a crowd.”

Watching Titmouse, and Gadget walk off, Chaos let out a deep breath. Part of him wondered if he was still dreaming, while another part insisted he was awake. Feeling vexed, he tried to chase the random thoughts away since they weren't helping matters. Turning, he looked over at the web winged gargoyle, and asked “So, is this where you tell me not to screw it up?”

“No,” Eagle answered with a grin, and a shake of her head. She turned to face him, and placed her right hand on his shoulder. “While I do want to briefly talk to you, I see no reason to bring up that subject since I know you'll do just fine.”

Raising an eye ridge in surprise, Chaos blinked a few times. “Uh, thanks I guess.”

“I know your journey hasn't been an easy one. Plenty of twists, and turns.” She gestured for him to sit on his normal roosting spot while they waited. Looking at the lights of the distant city, her voice took on a more serious tone. “Despite everything that got thrown in your direction, you persevered. You faced down your demons, and came out on top. I have little doubt there might be a few lingering regrets, but deep down, I know you won't let them control you.”

She held up her hand to keep him from speaking. “Even with all of that, I've watched you not only grow in regards to becoming more comfortable with your body, but also saw your confidence become stronger with every passing night. But also help guide you into becoming the gargoyle you were meant to be. A warrior. A protector. And one that I consider to be a rookery brother.”

Stunned, Chaos studied her expression for several seconds. “You're serious, aren't you?”

“Absolutely. To think of you as anything else just doesn't work for me,” Eagle answered with a smile. “All of that aside, I'm surprised the two of you developed feelings for one another. Make no mistake, I'm happy that both of you did find love. To be kind of blunt, you are the best one for her.”

“Thank you,” he murmured quietly. Looking at the moon, he took in a deep breath that he slowly let out. “I didn't expect to fall for her, much less even think that she would fall for me. Funny how things work out like that even with all of the bickering, and fighting we went through. I hope I don't screw this up.”

“I doubt you will.”

Chaos raised an eye ridge slightly at her comment. “You sound pretty confident.”

“That's because I am,” Eagle countered with a chuckle. “I've seen my share of our rookery siblings find mates. And of the ones that haven't, you are the best one for her. And she's the best one for you. Now stop selling yourself short. Or I'll ask Missouri to knock some sense into you!”

“Alright, alright, you've made your point.”

“Good. And here they are.” She gestured towards the door, and dropped her voice. “To be blunt, I think you are the only can probably keep up with her anyways.”

“Wait, what?” Chaos asked as he stood up. Now what was that all about?

“Nothing. Now will the two of you do yourselves a favor, and get lost!”

“Come on my love,” Gadget said with a grin. “I know of a nice quiet place for us. So long as nobody thinks about following us!”

“I'll make sure of that,” Titmouse answered with a grin. She started making a shooing motion, “Now, shoo!”

Chaos leapt off the rooftop, and opened his wings as he started to follow Gadget. Hard to believe that we're in love. This is going to take some getting used to. After a while, they came across one of the local rivers, where he saw her begin a shallow dive towards a secluded spot among the oak trees. After landing, he took a brief look around. “When did you discover this place?”

“I stumbled across this place months ago,” Gadget admitted as she handed over the picnic basket. Quickly spreading the blanket out, she smiled, and gestured for him to join her. “I've been meaning to drag you out here for a while, but I guess I was too hesitant about taking that sort of step.”

He winced slightly upon detecting the slight pain in her voice. Setting down the basket, he sat next to her. “We make for quite the pair of knuckleheads, don't we?”

“Indeed we do,” she allowed with a slight smirk. “But I think we've gotten over that to some small degree or another.”

Chaos snorted. “We have a long ways to go in that regard.”

“Too true.” Gadget looked over at him, and couldn't help but smile. He was just so delicious looking, and pleasing on the eyes. She bit her lower lip lightly. “There is something I need to mention.”

“Oh?”

She took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. “I need to get this off my chest. Several months before you dropped in my lap, I was... starting to develop feelings for Falcon. By the time I went to act on them, it was too late. Eagle had chased after him, and he reciprocated her feelings. It didn't sink in until our way here that some of those old feelings had been clouding my judgment.”

“Even after I realized I was attracted to you, they kept me from thinking straight.” Gadget slowly shook her head. “I ended up fighting myself in such a way that I became belligerent towards you while sending mixed signals. And the cherry on top is that a small part of me wanted to skip the wait. Take you out here, and we get right down to mating!”

Startled, he blurted out “Holy hell...”

“I know, I know! It sounds like I was getting desperate to alleviate certain urges. My mindset was all sorts of screwed up.” She let out a vexed sigh. “Sorry, I know that sounded like something out of left field.”

Bewildered by her statement, Chaos had been ill prepared to hear this. But at least she was being honest. The green gargoyle looked over at her. “Not going to lie, I was feeling a certain degree of, eh, sexual frustration myself for I don't know how long. Granted I've been curious, but wasn't ready to go that far. At least not yet.”

“You would have kept enough control to make sure we didn't got that far. It is part of the reasons I love you,” she quickly pointed out. She jabbed a finger into his chest. “Wait, you've been curious? Why didn't you say anything?”

“Because I didn't how to breach the subject,” he protested. Holding up his hands, he forestalled her long enough to continue. “Seriously, I didn't. And because I was also hung up on old memories, and feelings from the past too. Ones that were making me unsure if pursuing a relationship was a good idea or not. Doubts if I could make things work with you. Like you, my head was not screwed on right.”

“I dated a couple of girls when I was still human. One was named Samantha, and I don't recall the name of the other one,” Chaos admitted quietly. “They were good looking, but your beauty leaves them in the dust. Truly, it does. Both of them were smart, funny, quirky, and I thought we had hit it off. In each case, it didn't work out because I couldn't shake this nagging feeling something was missing.”

“Maybe it was the lack of wings, and a tail,” Gadget countered with a snort. She immediately winced, and shook her head. “Sorry, that was a rather callous thing to say.”

After thinking it over for several seconds, Chaos shrugged. “I had never considered that. You could very well be right. And is there something behind that observation?”

“There is this human name Gary who thinks he's attracted to me,” she responded with a trace of anger in her voice. “He keeps trying to find creative ways to meet up, and court me. He's been doing this for, I don't know, 5 or 6 years now. I've told him multiple times that I'm not interested, and that he is not my type. He just won't take the hint!”

She started to gesture wildly with her arms, and hands. “No wings. No tail. He's just so plain and boring looking. You on the other hand are far more pleasing on the eyes. While your personality may leave a couple of minor things to be desired, it is far better than his.” Suddenly, Gadget's eye flared red as she let a growl. “That asshole!”

Startled by her outburst, Chaos looked around to make sure there wasn't an actual threat before returning his attention to her. He had heard her swear more than a couple of times, but her tone of voice was far different. “Uh...”

“That son of a bitch! I just now realized his actions are part of the reason of why I didn't believe you about your past life. He was so freaking pushy. And why I was being belligerent towards you after we resolved the initial tension between us. Next time the two of us run across Gary, I think the both of us need to kick his ass. Heck, I'm tempted to go looking for him now.”

“Let's not do anything that drastic tonight. If we run across this guy in the future, let me talk to him first, ” Chaos said softly while placing his hands on her shoulders. “But for now, let us enjoy this time together my love.”

“You're right. I'm sorry.” Gadget shook her head, and let a sigh. “I shouldn't let him get me riled up like that. Well, you know how headstrong, and stubborn I can be.”

“And you are aware that I'm the same way at times,” he countered with a smile, and a slight shrug. “But enough about that. What I think we need to do is have some of these snacks while holding hands. Make the most of our time together tonight. And maybe we can start to get intimate too.”

“Now that sounds like a good plan,” she answered with an inviting smile as she took off her glasses. A moment later, she removed his. “You know, I like it when you take charge. Going to need you to do it more often.”

“You can't be serious.”

“I am my love. I can't be the one in charge all the time,” Gadget said while running her fingers through his hair. Seeing him lean into the touch made her immensely happy. She had never thought that things would end going this far with him, but she was glad that things had worked out. “You might make for a good flight leader too.”

Chaos shook his head. “Last thing I want to do is think about that sort of thing. And you need to stop thinking about it too! Less of that sort of talk, and more snuggling. I want this to be our time away from everything, and everyone else.”

“Ooh, so forceful! You better start behaving this way more often, because this girl sure as heck wants you to do so. Makes you all the more sexy, and desirable. And I mean it! But for now, I'm going so going to tackle you.”

“Ack!” After she leapt on him, the two rolled a couple of times, and Chaos ended up on top. The fact they hadn't crushed the food was a minor miracle. After running his fingers through her hair, he smiled while starting to nuzzle her. He admitted that he was one incredibly lucky gargoyle to have this girl in his life. And when the time came, he would be more than willing to be her mate.