Chapter 2

A Leap Of Faith

Weeks seemed to go by as the rangers were kept on edge with more robberies and lost animal cases that seemed to pop up like hot cakes. Strangely enough the team was going strong. It was mainly due to Dale actually following orders to a 't'.

It was strange to say the least. For Gadget anyway. She was so used to the lazy, chipmunk doing some crazy stunt that would mess up the mission in some way or form, but seeing him not only follow Chips plans but not even speak up or say something voicing his own opinion was starting to get to her. It's true she enjoyed the peace and quiet since she was able to get more inventing done, but it all just didn't sit right with her.

Monty on the other hand was more attuned to what was going on. He knew something was up with Dale and Chip. He saw the subtle hints they threw each other's way. He also saw how Dale seemed to flinch and close up on himself whenever Chip was near. Monty knew Dale was a free, lazy, outgoing kind of guy, so to see him so shut off and quiet told him something was wrong. He wanted to take it up with Chip, but more than likely the leader would just say it's Dale being stupid or something along those lines.

He figured the best way would be to get Dale alone and he had just the idea on how to do it. Dale himself was once again in his room gazing out the window. His heart once more thinking of his secret crush. He was still on edge these past weeks in case Chip wanted to make another un-announced stop into his room to beat him, but was glad that he was in the clear. He figured if he just did as was told, kept his mouth shut and followed orders then he'd be free of such torture.

But he rather not think of such things right now. He looked to his closet and his eyes slowly glanced towards that feminine dress that was hanging ever so closely to the front just a few hangers away from his regular Hawaiian shirt. Seeing it once again made his heart ache for that feeling that oh so eluded him. That feeling that made him feel whole, wanted, loved.

Then Chips words once again came crashing down on him and his face turned to sadness. His fist tightened and his body shook with hopelessness. Tears once again ran down his face as he wished to be rid of it all, to no longer be a laughing stock, a punching bag, to just disappear and let the pain go away. As he silently cried, he didn't hear the door open. When it closed however his head quickly shot around with his eyes closed and his body went into defensive mode bracing for another round of pain.

When it didn't come however, he slowly opened his eyes to meet a confused, yet worried Monty. It took minutes for Dales breathing to calm and he was finally able to look at Monty without worry. The burly mouse was still having a hard time bouncing back from what he saw, but it surely reminded him why he was there in the first place.

"Dale...I know something has been bugging you. I see it almost all the time now. I also have a feeling that it isn't safe or comfortable for you to talk her at hq, so grab a coat. Where headed out for a bit."

Dale was silent. He wondered if Monty really figured out what was going on from his feeling for FC to Chips abuse. He wasn't sure but there was only one way to find out. He slowly got off the floor with a hiss and slowly made his way to his closet. His actions and body movements did not go unnoticed. Thankfully Monty kept silent about it and waited.

When all was done, they both started for the door until a voice stopped them. One that made Dales body stiff which Monty immediately saw.

"Where are you two going?"

Monty turned around to see it was none other than Chip.

"Just out for some bonding time. To see what trouble we can get ourselves inta!" Monty replied while carefully eyeing Dale. Chip remained silent and also looked towards his brothers direction. He was going to protest but thought differently.

He shook his head and sighed. "Just make sure you two don't destroy the city okay? The last thing I need is to see you two on the news along with the rest of the idiots in this city!" He laughed walking away.

Monty turned back to Dale and put a hand in his shoulder. He could feel his body shaking uncontrollably and it made his heart hurt seeing his pal like that. They were about to leave when Zipper came down also wondering what his buddy was up to. After Monty explained the little fly nodded and decided to give them their space. With a smile The chubby mouse grabbed Dales hand and they made their way towards the park.

(Elsewhere)

Fat cat was tired. From the fight he had to break up earlier. It was by no means a daily thing he had to deal with but with the new influx of customers to his casino, it was quickly becoming so. With a breath he decided it was best to head to the park for some fresh air away from all the noice of animals and the sound of metal.

Believe it or not he used to take these strolls almost daily until the sound of money and games called him elsewhere. Walking now made him think back to simpler times when he didn't have to keep up appearances, or micro manage an entire empire. It was more work then he asked for and even more stressful than he first thought.

Thankfully it was times like these that he could slip out and relax with no one on his heels. He was nearing the park when his nose caught wind of a familiar scent, one that made his body hot with need. He knew what or rather who it was and they were close. He didn't want to believe it but he couldn't risk missing his chance if it was true.

With a boost of speed he hurried along and followed the trail.

(The Park)

Dale and Monty finally made it to a clearing by a pond. It had few people there so they would be fine for the time being. Dale remained silent and looked out at the water. Monty kept his eyes on his pal at all times. He was close to snapping from the silence when Dale beat him to it.

"Monty...d-do you think I'll ever find someone who loves me?"

Monty was thrown back by that. He never expected his pal to ask this out of the blue.

"I don't know buddy. I suspect there's someone out there for everyone haha! Even ol' Fat Cat has someone who's waiting for the big fur ball."

Dale sighed. At this Monty knew it was time. "Dale...I need you to come clean. What's going on with you? Ever since a few weeks ago you've lost your spark. No more mess ups, bragging, loud noises or even voicing your opinion about our missions. It's kinda getting to a point where your not even the Dale I remember."

Dale remained silent. He wanted to come clean, to let Monty know , but he didn't want to put him in harms way as well. He would not let the rest of his team suffer like he did and still is. He didn't like it but he needed to tell Monty a convincing lie and hope he'd take it.

"Sorry for worrying you and the others. I figured it was time for a change , ya'know? The old me felt like too much of a screw up so I decided I'd take things more seriously." It wasn't all a lie. Dale wanted to be acknowledged. Seen as an actual teammate then a joke. As Dale was about to speak again, he felt a familiar presence.

He quickly shot to his feet, and looked around so fast Monty thought his head would pop off. "What's going on Dale?" No words came from his friend. Just as fast Dale started running in a random direction. Monty said nothing but quickly followed.

It didn't take long for Fat Cat to finally see his prey, and Dale to see his crush. At first they stood there hoping that it wasn't some illusion they were both seeing , but after FC took a step and Dale slowly smiled, they knew it was real. As the two slowly got closer, tears started to fall from Dales eyes. He quickly rushed to the one he loved and jumped into the felines arms.

Fat Cat was taken back by this. He always knew he felt some type of way for the Ranger but he never knew the one he dreamed of would feel the same. They were too different after all. Good, evil, cat and chipmunk. It didn't mater anyway because Dale didn't care.

"Oh Fat Cat! There's so much I want to talk to you about, there's so much I need you to know!" Dale said crying into FC's chest. He was going to try and pry Dale off but as soon as his hand landing on his back, he felt Dale start to shake uncontrollably.

"P-p-please...no more...I don't want this anymore! Please take the pain away!"