The Great Desire

So, here I am to abuse you all with what may be construed as a semi-ushy gushy fan fic. I couldn't wait to start it because I really want to see what you all think about it.

And I know you're going to get mad at me because I am messing with a staple of the Muppets. I can't help it though, this is their story in my mind. I can't stop it from tumbling around in there so I'm trying to take it out and put it away in it's proper place. That's here.

Okay, I'm done rambling now and give you the first chapter of this story. Enjoy!

Chapter 1

She sat as patiently as one could when you waited for bittersweet feelings to begin. His rehearsal was today so she expected him to be running late. Still, forty minutes was a long time to wait.

Quietly she clucked to herself as she examined the deep blue of the pond that reflected the clouds gently drifting by through the sky and reminded her of his fur. The grass bent to the side of the March winds yet the leaves of the trees maintained their struggle to stay on their assigned branches.

“Camilla,” Gonzo’s voice drifted solemnly to her as he walked up the path, “thank you for waiting for me. I didn’t know we would be running that long.”

“B-bawwk,” was the only response when he eased beside her on the bench and let his hands go limp in his lap. Slowly he gathered the courage to look into her eyes and search for what she may have been feeling.

It’s funny, Camilla thought to herself as she examined his eyes for a gleam of the Gonzo she had fallen in love with, how one can be so enraged by a whatever and still love them at the same time.

Camilla let her shoulders lift and fall heavily in a shrug to ask Gonzo why he had bothered to bring her here.

“Let’s walk,” was his only response and she let her mind wander back to their first Christmas alone together.

* * * * * * * * * *

December 23 Seven years earlier

“Why do you build me up, buttercup baby, just to let me down?” Gonzo’s voice crooned to Camilla and the rest of the audience. Camilla danced as gracefully as a chicken could away from and towards Gonzo as the lyrics described the gentle play that occurred in a beginning relationship. Scooter, Rowlf, and Kermit rocked back and forth in the background snapping in time to the music and provided back up.

“and mess me around
and then worst of all you never call baby
when you say you will
But I love you still
I need you more than anyone darling
You know that I have from the start
So build me up, buttercup,
Don’t break my heart

I’ll be over at ten you told me
time and again
But you’re late I wait around and then
I run to the door I can’t take anymore
It’s not you, you let me down again
(Hey Hey Hey) Baby, baby try to find
(Hey Hey Hey) A little time and I’ll make you mine
(Hey Hey Hey) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you

Why do you build me up buttercup baby
just to let me down and mess me around
and then worst of all you never call baby
when you say you will But I love you still
I need you more than anyone darling
You know that I have from the start
So build me up, buttercup,
Don’t break my heart

You are my toy but I could be the boy you adore
if you just let me know
Until you do I’m attracted to you all the more
why do I need you so
Baby, baby try to find
A little time and I’ll make you mine
I’ll be home I’ll be beside the phone
waiting for you

Why do you build me up buttercup baby
just to let me down and mess me around
and then worst of all you never call baby
when you say you will But I love you still
I need you more than anyone darling
You know that I have from the start
So build me up, buttercup,
Don't break my heart.[FONT=&quot]”

[/FONT] The song ended with Gonzo down on his knees holding Camilla’s wing and looking longingly at her. Kermit stepped in front and announced more enthusiastically than usual “Thank you ladies and gentlemen, we’ll see you next time on the Muppet Show!”

Kermit headed backstage and announcing to the group to hurry up and get ready for the Holiday send off party. This year they had decided to each go there separate ways for the holidays (well, go in their separate groups really). Gonzo stood at the desk casting desperate looks around to make sure Camilla wasn’t within hearing range.

“Thanks so much for setting this up for us Kermit,” Gonzo whispered.

“You’re welcome Gonzo. I’m just sorry that you’re having to travel in the same fashion as the Great Muppet Caper.”

“Are you kidding?” Gonzo’s eyebrow’s raised in wonder, “That’s going to be the second best part about this trip!”

“I just hope that Camilla feels the same way,” Kermit muttered to himself as he watched Gonzo dash off to find her amid the Muppets gathering out front for the holiday party.

Gonzo found Camilla standing in the corner gossiping with Janice, Miss Piggy, Wanda, and Sara. Gently he looped his arms around Camilla’s waist and leaned down to the whisper so that only she could hear “I hope your ready my little chic-a-de because in an hour we make our daring escape into that mysterious world of our own.”

Nervous, excited worms wriggled and tickled Camilla’s stomach and all she could do was nod yes in excitement to their first romantic outing alone. The group watched Gonzo make his way over to Fozzie before speaking.

“Oh, wow, Camilla. Like I sure wish Floyd could take me for a romantic surprise outing but we have gigs all break.”

“You’d better get a good one too. That weirdo has been keeping my Kermie all to himself for weeks to plan this for you.”

“Bawk, bawwk.”

“You said it,” Wanda added, “Jut make sure to relax and have a good time.”

It didn’t take long for that hour to disappear in the chaos of the Muppets party with the laughter, dancing, and merriment radiating from all corners of the room, including Statler, Waldorf and Sam for once. Gonzo carefully steered Camilla out the door amidst the cries of well wishes.

“Bring me back the local delicacy!” Rizzo pleaded.

“I just want a couple of hot girls, hokay.”

“You know how to get in touch with me if you have any problems,” Kermit assured Gonzo.

“And don’t forget to consult with Camilla before you answer why the chicken crossed the road!” Fozzie shouted, sharing the only piece of wisdom he could think to add.

The remainder of the wishes were lost as they burst into the night air and got into Beau’s cab for the ride to the airport.

“You’re beautiful babe,” Gonzo said as he looked adoringly into her eyes.

“Awww,” she blushed and shuddered as he leaned down to gently kiss her.

Since it was too dark to see their destinations once they were on the plane, they spent the evening cuddling and kissing until their crate was booted from the cargo hold.

“Yippee!” Gonzo cried as he comforted and thanked Camilla for allowing him to be a daredevil.

It was so late that all Camilla registered before falling asleep with her head cushioned just right against a foam pillow was that they were in a log cabin in a wooded area. She awoke in the late morning to find Gonzo watching her patiently and a beautiful view of the snow covered mountains and the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee nestled below them.

The day was spent touring the town for their whimsical wants and desires. Gonzo spent an hour signing waivers with emergency contact information to b e allowed to ride the chair lifts round trip dangling from the edge of the chair by his nose. Camilla couldn’t help but smile at his delight. An evening meal was enjoyed at the lodge, with caroling and yuletide wishes exchanged with the other vacationers.

Back in the cabin they cuddled under a blanket on the loveseat in front of the fire and enjoyed the Christmas lights blinking at them from the tree that the resort had set up for them. Quietly the sipped on their hot chocolate until the clocks chimed in the midnight hour.

“Merry Christmas Camilla.”

“Awww.”

“Thank goodness that there will not be the three spirits to visit us tonight. After all, I have something much more important to do than play with them.”

“Ohh,” Camilla said intrigued by Gonzo’s statement because he had often longed to experience the Christmas spirits since playing Charles Dickens.

“Oh, yes, Camilla. I have much more important things to do tonight. In fact, right now, this moment, is the only reason we have come.”

Gonzo slid from the couch to the floor and turned to Camilla on one knee. A large necklace box had magically appeared in his hands. He opened it, revealing a delicate gold chain with a cluster of stones in the middle. One large diamond lay nestled between two rubies complimentary of Camilla’s eyes.

“I love you, Camilla. I love you with everything I am, whatever I am. You are the only match for me. You make me Gonzo the Great. Will you marry me?”

“Aww, Gonzo!” Camilla managed to choke out from her tears of joy as she nodded yes.

Gonzo lifted the necklace and placed it gently around her neck. The embrace, lost in the thoughts of each other and their dreams of the future.

Yea! Bring on the mush!

Oops, you ziffeled me with the first chapter before I had a chance to read it! This is a great beginning! Is that my Wanda??? Or is that Wanda of Wayne and Wanda? If it's my Wanda then HUGE HUGS to you.

Oy, where to begin....

Ooh, this is already ripping my heart out and dancing on it....

Typical Gonzo! That's hilarious!

This almost sounds gross but yet, very appropriate to the character.

HOW sweet! That's just such a tender moment.

ohhhh, how romantic, I'm melting into a puddle of gushy greatness over here. Very cute that he got her a necklace instead of a diamond ring, cause I suppose it wouldn't exactly fit her wing!

Great start, can't wait to read more!

Yes, it is your Wanda. And I've got a review with the names and all! I'm so excited!!!

Now I'll hug you even more! It's my Wanda!!! Yayyyy!!!! All right, now I'll nag, I want to read more!

Ooh--I know Gatlinburg--I was born in Knoxville! Oh, sorry, forgetting my job, here.

Hi, I'm Ru, and I'll be your tour guide. Welcome to ushy-gushy land! (Does Vanna arms) We've got lots of room yet for people to move in, so pick a spot that looks good to you and settle right in. If you need anyone, we'll all be giggling and writing like fiends wherever we can find a spot. Nice to have you! Buh-bye!

Chapter 2

It was so easy to fall into step together as they walked the path what wound around the park. Camilla thought that after all the time that had passed they would have been out of tune. Either she or Gonzo should have been lagging behind the other. Especially since Camilla was doing everything within her power to make that happen. Still, their steps continued to match in time and rhythm, making her heart crack even more.

“So, I haven’t really seen you around the theater. Are you doing well for yourself?” Gonzo tried to strike up light conversation.

Camilla shrugged, not looking at him. She really didn’t know why she had bothered to come. There was no way to repair the hurt from what had happened. Gonzo had sounded so desperate on her answering machine though.

“Kermit’s writing a new special for the group. I’m hoping that you’re willing to be in it.”

She looked over at him and shrugged. She was unsure that getting back on stage was the best thing for her at this time.

“I can make sure our paths cross no more than necessary if you need me to. Just because, well, you know…” Gonzo trailed off lowering his gaze to the ground.

They continued to walk in silence unsure of the next step to take in this part of their journey.

“Camilla, I wanted to talk to you because…” Gonzo trailed off, not quite able to say what he was feeling. Thinking harder he took a different direction to bring up the subject he had brought her here for. “I went to the site yesterday,” he paused looking for any reaction but she kept her gaze on the pond. “It’s beautiful. Have you been out there yet?”

Camilla shook her head. This is not what she wanted to talk about. Gonzo knew that and she couldn’t believe that he had called her out to see him about this.

“Yea, umm, it’s beautiful,” he repeated. After another uncomfortable pause Gonzo sped up and turned around in front of her, coming to a stop. He placed his hands on her wings and stared at her. “Why, Camilla?” Gonzo’s voice cracked in pain. “Why did you stop talking to me, communicating with me? After everything we did to make sure that wouldn’t be a problem, why?”

Camilla shook as she looked into Gonzo’s eyes that were reflecting his pain for the first time that she had been able to see. She sighed and turned around, her chest growing tighter with each breath. Camilla didn’t think that she could get her feet to move fast enough, they were carrying iron shoes as she tried to get away. Unable to control herself she sank to her knees, sobbing for the first time since the judge had uttered “divorce final.”

“Please, Camilla” Gonzo could barely get his voice above a whisper and he shook as he sank to his knees beside her and reached for her. “I never wanted to give up. It’s not supposed to be this way. Let me help you. Let me help us. Please.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Six months after becoming engaged

“Fozzie?”

“Wocka, wocka, wocka.”

“Check, Sam?”

“Why do you insist on classifying me with these weirdoes?”

“Right, reclassify Sam with the patriotic weirdo’s instead,” Scooter noted as Sam puffed up in indignation. “Miss Piggy.”

“Present.”

“Camilla.” Scooter paused to listen for her cluck that could be hard to hear over the noise. “Camilla?” When there was still no answer Scooter flipped to the next page and scanned to the bottom of the list before calling the next name. “Gonzo,” he paused again before calling in a stern tone, “Gonzo!”

Kermit strolled down the aisle toward the stage, ready to call this weeks meeting to order and heard the unanswered names. “Again, Scooter.”

“Yes boss.”

“They’d better have a good excuse this time.”

“But, Kermie, planning a wedding is the perfect excuse,” chimed the not so innocent voice of Miss Piggy.

“Not now Piggy.” Kermit placed his hand over his eyes in annoyance. “I really don’t want to deal with you right now.”

Across town Gonzo and Camilla sat facing each other with the language specialist in between them, watching as Camilla concentrated on what she was telling Gonzo. An errant feather flew from her wings as she signed fluently and quickly, relaying the frustration she was having in finding the perfect wedding dress, coordinating the flowers, and convincing the Swedish Chef that chicken was not on the menu for their reception.

“Have you tried asking Hilda if she’ll help you with the dress?” Gonzo smiled at his accomplishment in learning a proper way of communicating with Camilla instead of guessing at the general idea.

Camilla’s wings paused for a moment as she realized that she had not considered asking Hilda to loan her talents for the dress.

The language specialist took advantage of the pause to interrupt. “I’m so sorry, but our time is up.” She turned to Camilla. “Your signing is beautiful. I think it helped greatly that you two already had a common language and we only had to find a way to get you to express it.”

“And, Gonzo,” she continued turning to him, “if everyone were as willing to communicate with their loved ones as you are, this world would not be as bad as it is now. I think you all no longer need my services and you just need to keep practicing. You will have the perfect surprise for you friends and families as Camilla signs her vows to you on your wedding day.”

“Bawk aww,” Camilla clucked as she signed thank you.

“You are going to come to the wedding, aren’t you?” Gonzo asked the specialist.

“I wouldn’t miss it. I will see you then.” She answered getting up and leaving the office.

Gonzo and Camilla stepped out into the sweltering heat and started their journey back to Hensonville and the meeting they had probably missed at the theater.

“Kermit’s going to be mad at us again.”

“I know,” Camilla signed, “but this means so much to me. The only way we can make this work long term is if we can understand each other. Besides, Kermit is a reasonable frog. He’ll forgive us when he sees us at the wedding.”

“You know, this may just open up new opportunities for you on Sesame Street as well.”

“I hadn’t thought about that, Gonzo.”

Kermit was to preoccupied trying to avoid Miss Piggy to explode at Gonzo and Camilla when they arrived. He simply pointed to the list of acts for the week and Camilla took her place on stage for the rehearsal of Veterinarian’s Hospital. She smiled to herself as she thought about everything she still had to do to prepare for their wedding.

This is SO great! I wish I could say more, but it's late and I go back to work tomorrow and eeeeee....I just want you to know that this is really starting out great and is one of the better stories I've read in awhile! I love it! I wish I had time to write in mine.....

Does anyone know what Gonzo's favorite beverage might be?

Hmm... yea, it helps. Thanks!

Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!!! It's a Gonzo and Camilla story!! *tunes in for more*

Okay, okay... this next part is shaping up nicely now.

<heads off to write more before going to bed to prepare for work.>

Okay, one more chapter. Then I must say goodnight and sleep. Daylight hours will come too soon here.

Chapter 3

Kermit entered Gonzo’s apartment without knocking. He scanned the darkness for the whatever, his eyes resting in the darkened corner of the couch with a despondent lump. “Gonzo? You haven’t answered your phone all afternoon.”

The only response Kermit got was a large sigh and a slosh of liquid as Gonzo shifted his weight to a more uncomfortable position.

“I’m turning on the light Gonzo,” he said only to give a split second warning to cover the eyes, “and you’re going to eat this soup that Piggy fixed for you. You know as well as I do that when Piggy cooks for someone she’s not extremely fond of that means the entire group is aware the situation is bad.”

Kermit went to Gonzo’s microwave and popped the soup in. He turned and looked at Gonzo for the first time since the light was on. “Oh, boy,” he sighed as he took in the sight.

Figgy Fizz bottles littered the end table, the floor, and the cushions around Gonzo. The club soda in the foot basin had gone flat and Gonzo was slouched in such a way that it looked as if his neck were broken. His white shirt was wet and only haphazardly buttoned. The fur on his face was mated where tears had streamed down his face.

“So, what happened when you met Camilla this afternoon?” Kermit carried the soup over and placed it on a tray table next to Gonzo. He then swept more bottles to the floor and sat beside his friend.

“Maybe if I hadn’t proposed in the first place…”

“Now, Gonzo, you and I both know that you were meant to be together. It’s hard to go through that. Every couple takes a hit.”

“So hard that they divorce?”

“Tell me about this afternoon.”

“I was late.”

“But she waited on you.”

“Yes,” a half sigh, half sob escaped Gonzo as he continued. “Camilla waited on me. She seemed so removed though. I couldn’t connect with her.”

“She’s just trying to protect her heart from more pain.”

“I know! But it wasn’t my fault, Kermit.”

“I never said it was. What happened was something that no one could have imagined.”

“I told her that I had been to the grave. I told her that I had gone to see it again and she turned away from me. Then she broke down crying and wouldn’t let me hold her.” Gonzo paused as the rejection washed over him again. “Then she left. Camilla wouldn’t listen anymore and she still won’t talk to me. After all the effort we went through to make sure we would understand each other perfectly, it ends because she won’t talk to me.”

Kermit watched as Gonzo’s mind searched for a happier time and sighed. It seemed to him that neither Camilla nor Gonzo was communicating effectively with anyone.

* * * * * * * * * *

Wedding day

Camilla peeked through the crack in the door as the cannon shot ricocheted through the chapel. Gonzo spread his arms out then did a summersault before landing perfectly (fight against his nature to crash through the floor) on his mark at the alter. The worms were wriggling up a storm today as her eyes glazed over looking at the whatever that would make his future with her and her alone.

Gonzo turned and handed his helmet to Kermit who passed it on to Fozzie as he brushed the last of the gunpowder off of the tuxedo. Fozzie turned and handed the helmet to Scooter who quickly disposed of it in the magical way that he had of taking care of things.

Rowlf started playing a gentle number that he had composed on the piano and the doors opened to Robin carrying the rings down the aisle with Prairie Dawn dropping sunflower petals beside him. Janice, Wanda, Sarah, and Miss Piggy proceeded up the isle next. The chapel doors closed and the crowd gathered inside stood, waiting impatiently to see Camilla.

Gonzo turned to Kermit and whispered excitedly, “Oh, boy! Here comes my chic!”

The doors opened and a gentle gasp spread across the room. A proud black rooster stood with his neck out as he pranced his daughter down the isle. Hilda had out done all of her previous work as Camilla’s dress was exquisite.

Hand sewn crystals graced the neckline and capped sleeves. The material swirled gently as Camilla gingerly took each step. The front of the skirt was cut right at Camilla’s feet which accented the custom made ballet slippers with more hand sewn crystals. The train stretched out for five feet with more crystals in a gentle flower design. The veil was placed on Camilla’s head with a tiara that Miss Piggy had found just for the occasion. The tulle gently swept down from the tiara with a gentle grace that only accentuated the dress.

Neither Gonzo nor Camilla could take their eyes off of each other. The ceremony seemed to go by in a flourish. Tears started streaming from the eyes of the female portion of the wedding party when they saw how committed the couple was when Camilla signed her vows and Gonzo understood without translation. Instead of a unity candle ceremony, they borrowed a page from one of their many movies signing, clucking and singing.

“He'll make me happy
Each time I see him
He'll be the reason
My heart can sing
He'll stand beside me
And now I'm everything.”


“She'll make me happy
Each time I hold her
And I will follow
where my heart may lead
And she'll be all I'll ever need”
The audience picked up the next lines:
“Days go passing into years
Years go passing day by day.
She'll make him happy
Now and forever
Until forever
their love will grow
She only knows
he'll make her happy
That's all she needs to know.
They'll be so happy
Now and forever
Until forever
their love will grow”


“I only know
He'll make me happy
That's all I need...to...know...”


The cheering as Gonzo and Camilla made their way up the isle was nothing compared to the reception afterwards.


The Electric Mayhem kept everyone on their feet and dancing except when it was time to eat the cake. Somehow the Chef had managed to make one edible piece for the wedding and luckily it was the cake.

The party only wrapped up in the wee hours of the morning when Camilla and Gonzo had to steal away for the honeymoon.

“One more song before you depart for the fabulous destination of recreation,” Dr. Teeth announced, striking up the band for a specially rehearsed number just for Gonzo and Camilla.

“I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be

A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me”

They laughed together as they ran out in the shower of birdseed to start their life together.