I know it's been a while- I just started college and a few weeks ago returned from a trip to Wyoming. So give me some slack. Here is some Gadge to fill your hearts :)

I had been a while since either of them had said a word. The only sounds were the crackle of fire on wood and the distant hum of the wind pressing against the closed window. Gale watched Madge fall in and out of sleep. Her face lit up in the glow of the fire. He reached out and felt the smooth skin of her cheek.

She opened her eyes and smiled slightly. She yawned quietly and closed her eyes again, giving into the warmth around her. Gale sighed and shook his head. The flames were dying down and Gale had to poke at it from afar.

"Madge... I think I want to marry you." Gale whispered as he starred into the empty fireplace in front of him. Madge rolled onto her side and looked up at him, surprised.

"What?" She said and scrambled onto her knees. Gale shrugged and set the poker back in its case.

"I was just thinking." He said and looked down at his hands.

"You want to marry me?" Madge bit her lip, inching closer to him.

"Are you surprised?" He said and glanced over at her.

"Well... Yes." She admitted and giggled nervously. "It's a big decision. I mean we're only eighteen."

"I'm fairly certain that it's what I want." Gale said and pulled her over to his fleece.

"There's so many years between now and thinking about marriage. I have to be through college, and get a career and figure myself out." Madge struggled to find the right words.

"Are you saying you don't want to marry me?" He asked, not letting his emotions get away from him.

"No... I just mean... what if you find someone else and this whole marriage thing doesn't work out. I'll be alone and I won't have time to find someone else."

"That won't happen Madge, I said I was certain about my proposition."

"I'm just worried."

"I can tell... you have that wrinkle between your eyebrows." Gale reached down and smoothed it with his thumb. He kissed her nose and forehead.

"I'm sorry." She murmured. "I would love to spend my life with you." Gale chuckled and shook his head.

"I know." Madge smiled slightly. "Now what's wrong?" Gale sighed and pulled her closer to him.

"I'm going to get old." Gale laughed loudly and rolled his eyes.

"Get over it."

"I can't!" She whined and collapsed in a fit of giggles. He grinned and pulled her closer; his nose inhaled her familiar aroma.

"I'll love you when you're old too, Madge." He smiled and pushed her hair aside to kiss her neck.

"And when I'm sick?" She wondered.

"Of course, I'll take care of you." He pledged and kissed her behind her ear.

"Or when I'm fat and pregnant?" Gale laughed moving to take her hands.

"Yes, especially when you're pregnant."

"You forgot to say fat..." She smirked. Gale rolled his eyes and played with the hem of her shirt. "I love you." Madge said lazily as her head fell back to his chest.

"I love you too." He sighed and watched as she fell asleep again. "Even when you fall asleep on me..." he muttered.

Madge opened one eye and smirked, "hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

Review, sorry again for it taking so long to update. Hey who is excited for COAL COVERED? by Jennycaakes? I am! WOOOHOOOOO.

Erin