//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7: A Walk in the Park 
// Story: Strong Talons 
// by Ambizar 
//------------------------------//


"Only two weeks into the regular season, and this year's hoofball matches are already throwing us a curveball, Scout!"

"I'll sure say, Catch! I know it's what everypony out there's thinking, so I'll be the first to say it; how about those Talons?"

"Scout, can you even remember a time when the Griffonstone Talons were a good team, let alone an early favorite for the Equestria Bowl? Madness, I tell you!"

"Indeed. In the eight years since Griffonstone introduced the Talons to the league, they've never even managed a winning season. But this year, they've polished off Canterlot and Baltimare back-to-back! And the betting moguls expect them to do the same to Fillydelphia next week! That would give them an edge over two division rivals!"

"Now hold on, Scout! Let's not go talking about games like they've already happened. You know the motto; any given week. Don't forget, after week one we were already having doubts about Canterlot, and they bounced back with a serious win over New Horseleans. That rookie runningbuck Snapdragon had an especially great game."

"That's true, Catch. You can't exactly be booking Equestria Bowl tickets only two weeks into the season expecting your favorite team to already have their spot reserved. A lot can change in fifteen weeks... then again, if it weren't fun to talk about it regardless, we'd be out of the job!"

"Truer words I've never heard! So if we're going to go all the way with ranking teams this early in the season, I think we both agree Griffonstone is on top with two dominating wins. How do you think they do it?"

"New personnel, maybe? That new coach of theirs is downright aggressive. And their new quarterbuck, Grant Blackbeak? He's slinging it like nopony's business! And all of the offense is so fast, it's like having an entire receiving core full of Gaius Strongtalons!"

"I stand by my old sentiment, Griffonstone's biggest problem was always that having a team composed of nothing but griffons meant they lacked pony brawn. But, I guess if you're all faster than the opponents, maybe that doesn't matter as long as you play your cards right?"

"Apparently. Whatever they're doing, it's working. And speaking of Strongtalon, am I crazy for thinking Manehattan belongs right under Griffonstone?

"Not crazy, Scout, although I'd argue to maybe put Hoofston there instead? I'd normally like to rank Canterlot higher if for no reason other than Sterling Spiral's track record, but that week one loss still bugs me..."

"Well, it may not have been a blowout, but I was still impressed by Manehattan's disposal of Tall Tale a few days ago. That offense is clicking, and I'd wager their defense to be better than Hoofston's, personally."

"Well, Scout, we'll get to see about that! Because in just four days, Hoofston's coming right here to the big city to challenge the Equestrians in our spotlight game of the week! But we'll get to our predictions for that game in just a moment. First, here are some important words from our sponsors. You're listening to Perfect Catch and Scout Combine, hosts of 'Tonight in Hoofball', Equestria's premier hoofball analysis radio show..."



[o==o]-------[o==o]


"Oh, I'm just not sure..." Mom had her hoof worriedly plastered against her muzzle, just like every other time I'd seen her in this situation. We (and by we, I meant me, her, and Dad) were in an apartment for rent in downtown Manehattan, not too terribly far from where I lived. I sighed.
"Mom, this is the fifth apartment you've looked at this week. You're going to have to settle for something, eventually. This is pretty good for your price range."
Their real estate agent nodded desperately. She was a middle-aged mare with a dark purple coat who's name was, humorously, Lot Filler. "Miss Oat Cake, I believe this residence ticks all your boxes. I thought I'd struck a home run on this one." Her eyes shifted to me and an almost embarrassed look took over her eyes. "Or, perhaps, a touchdown?"
I tried not to groan. Mom and Dad seemed to be oblivious.
"Sorry ma'am," he started. "I'm afraid I'm not satisfied unless my wife is. I'm a simple stallion."
Mom still had her hoof to her mouth, not a good sign. "Maybe we should just try to find a house instead. I'm just not finding luck with these apartments. I think it's just too big of a change."
My head feathers bristled. Lot Filler let a small groan escape. I cleared my throat. "Mom, do you have any idea how expensive it is to have a house in Manehattan?" Few actual houses were available in the city due to lack of space to build them. Even the most wealthy Manehattanites usually lived in luxury apartments. Heck, the only person on my team that I knew had a house was Hoofrocket.
Mom smiled sheepishly. "Well, yes, but... perhaps a great real estate agent could see what she could come up with?"
Lot Filler's eye twitched, but then she panned over to me and she regained composure. "Okay, Oat Cake, I'll see what I can do. But I'm not a miracle worker. There's a reason I recommended you stick to apartments."
Dad walked up to me, shaking his head. "I'm sorry this is taking so long, Gaius. But I don't want your mother to be comfortable in our new home."
"I know, Dad." I groaned. "At least you guys are trying."
He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Is it that bad having us living there with you?"
It kinda was, but I wasn't going to tell him that. "No, I just think Mom's bound to give her agent a nervous breakdown at this rate."
He chuckled. "Maybe. So hey, when will Bronze be here?"
That lifted my spirits. I smiled. "He'll be here Saturday. The day before the game."
Bronze had sent a letter saying he was coming to Manehattan to watch our game against Hoofston. I couldn't wait; we wrote each other constantly, but I hadn't seen his ugly mug in well over two months. I was getting along well with several members of my team, but I still missed my academy friends. Not to mention for every Snowfall, Hoofrocket, and Tremor Blitz, there was a Marathon Iron or a High Impact.
"Well, I'm happy you're getting to see your old friends again." He coughed. "You know, Gaius, you don't have to come with us for these things. I know you must still be tired from practice."
I sighed again. "Yeah. I was kinda hoping me being here would push Mom along. It's not working, though."
"You should've known better," he said with a laugh. We turned to see Mom approaching from behind.
"I think we're done here, boys. This just isn't it." She turned to Lot Filler. "I'm sorry for wasting your time again."
She still looked annoyed, but Lot gave a dismissive wave of her hoof. "It's fine, Oat Cake. I'll start looking at properties available for purchase instead of rent, but I can't promise you anything."
Mom nodded and headed out of the door with Dad. Lot Filler nudged me on her way past. "Good luck on your game Sunday! I'll be there watching!" She gave an unladylike giggle and practically skipped out of the door. I faceclawed. At least she might be able to get my parents out of my apartment. Eventually.


<*****>-------<*****>


Team meetings. Coach Playmaker stood at the front of the room in front of a giant projector, going over team plays. The entire offense was crammed into the tiered seating that overlooked him, myself included. We were diligently taking notes over everything the coach was saying. In just a few days, Hoofston was coming to our stadium, and they would be tough. Probably even tougher than Fillydelphia and Tall Tale. We had the home-team advantage, but we'd have to be fully prepared for their defense. More importantly, our defense would have to be fully prepared for Hawk Fetlock.
Hawk Fetlock was the quarterbuck for the Hoofston Cowponies. He may have been the oldest quarterbuck in the league, four years older than Hoofrocket, but he was nothing short of a legend. To this day, he was the only quarterbuck in EHL history that had won back-to-back Equestria Bowls, and that alone made him a lock for the EHL Hall of Fame the second he decided to hang up his pads.
I was sandwiched in between Snowfall and Hightower. Coach Playmaker was going over receiver-cornerbuck matchups, so I was being sure to pay close attention. As usual, Marathon Iron and I would be getting the hardest jobs. Their best cornerbucks were Hog Roper and Shadow Streak, and they were no joke. They also had a dangerous safety in Sunspotter to handle whatever they might miss. We had a difficult task ahead of us. I looked up from my notes to sneak a peek at M.I., who was sitting close to the front of the room by Blitzing Wing. Unsurprisingly, he looked more bored than anything else.
Playmaker continued. "They love their pony-on-pony coverage, since they have the personnel in their secondary for it. I expect my elite receiving core to overcome that, if and when the need arises. The secondary is the strength of their defense, so we'll be leaning heavy on the run game this time around. Blockbuster, you're getting fed this week, son."
"Heh, heh." A few rows in front of me, Blockbuster clopped hooves with Long Haul, our other runningbuck. While no pushover, Hoofston's front seven wasn't nearly as big of an issue to us as their secondary, so we were going to be pounding it on the ground a lot; hooving it off to our big runningbucks and letting them plow down the field. That would make it easier on me and the other receivers, but we'd still be called upon to make big plays when needed. Especially if Blockbuster and Long Haul couldn't get the running game going early.
"Whatever happens," Snowfall said quietly next to me, "I'm getting my first touchdown of the season tomorrow." He gave a determined look to the front of the room. Hightower snorted next to me, obviously trying to quietly tell Snowfall to shut up while the coach was talking. I kind of felt bad for him, though. M. I. and I already had multiple receiving touchdowns. He'd made some big catches, but he hadn't directly impacted the scoreboard yet. To think, last year he had been the team's wide receiver one. Now, Iron and I had effectively knocked him down the totem pole. I had a nagging feeling that was bothering him a lot more than he let on. 
The meeting finally wrapped up, and Snowfall and I left together. He slipped an earbud in and began bobbing his head to a song I couldn't hear. I had my eyes focused straight ahead; I seriously needed some lunch before actual practice started. Before I could get too far along in my plans for food, however, my quarterbuck was suddenly walking next to me.
"Hey, Gaius." His eyes acknowledged the stark white pegasus next to me. "Snowy. Enjoy the meeting?"
"As much as any other," I said casually. We weren't far from the mess hall now, where the rest of the team was converging. I really wanted food.
"Oh, hey," Hoofrocket nudged me. "Before you get to stuffing your face, I thought I'd let you know that Mountainback was looking for you."
I turned to him suddenly, a questioning look on my face. "What does Mountainback want with me? Did I accidentally use his deodorant or something?"
I was joking, of course, but the idea of Mountainback being hacked at me for something was actually terrifying. He was one of our defensive tackles, and he was almost as big as High Impact.
"Don't worry, rookie." Rocket chuckled to himself. "He just wants to ask a favor."
"Oh." I clacked my talon against the floor in thought. "Okay, I guess I can humor him."
Hoofrocket nodded, then his attention was stolen from something up ahead. He gave a knowing smile. "Speak of Nightmare Moon..."
We had crossed into the mess hall, and Mountainback was walking directly towards me, flanked by Searing Shock. I turned towards Snowfall, but he was already heading off. He looked back and gave me a wicked grin.
"Good luck, Gaius!"
I turned to my right to see 'Rocket gone, too. I groaned bitterly. My academy friends wouldn't have left me for dead like this. Nothing left to do, I cleared the distance between Mountainback and myself as casually as I could.
"Hey, Rookie," Mountain' smiled. He had a rumbling voice that seemed to shake the very ground beneath my talons. I smiled as genuinely as I could.	
"'Rocket said you needed a favor or something?" I asked. Mountainback nodded, but Searing Shock answered before he could.
"Say, Gaius, did you know that Mountainback does a lot of stuff for charity here in Manehattan?" He elbowed the much larger buck in question. "He's in the running for EHL pony of the year."
I nodded. EHL held a yearly competition to see which ponies in the pros did the most for their team's communities every year. First prize was considered almost coveted as an Equestria Bowl badge, but for a completely different reason. Mountainback was usually in contention, as he had his own organization that specialized in helping the homeless and less fortunate of Manehattan. It was a noble cause, especially for a burly buck that was notorious for hazing defensive rookies. Poor Setmatch.
Mountain' cleared his throat. "Anyways, I'm hosting a charity signing at the Manehattan Convention Center next week after practice. I'm trying to get as many teammates to be there as possible, but I need more ponies from the offense. Hoofrocket is busy and M. I. shot me down. Can you be there?"
I scratched my head. "I'd just be standing around signing stuff all day?" That sounded like an average day for me at this point.
"Sitting, actually. There's gonna be a big auction in the mane hall, and all of the proceeds will go to Manehattan's homeless shelter. Then, to draw more ponies, we're all gonna have booths in the adjacent hall to sign some stuff." Mountainback looked at me critically. "Feel free to say no, but I think it'd make a big difference if you were there."
I couldn't really say no to that without looking bad, could I? The idea of being stuck in a booth with a marker for hours didn't sound very pleasant, but I knew it was for a good cause.
"When exactly is it?" I asked.
Searing Shock interjected. "This Wednesday, auction starts at five."
I'd have to come straight over after practice. I nodded solemnly.
"I'll be there, I guess."
"Thanks, Gaius, 'preciate it." Just like that, Mountainback was leaving, taking our best cornerbuck with him. Not a few seconds after he was gone, Snowfall was back at my side, sipping on a cup of juice.
"What did he want?" he asked so casually it made my eye twitch.
"Thanks for the backup." I snarked. He raised an eyebrow innocently.
"What could I have done if he was actually mad at you? I don't have a death wish."
"Whatever," I rolled my eyes. "I'm doing a charity signing next week."
"Aw," He ruffled my head feathers. "Look at that, lil' Gaius is giving back to the community."
As I stood there, probably looking every bit like an upset teenager, I realized just how much I couldn't wait for Bronze to get there. But I had bigger things to get through, first. Giselle and I's date was-
"So, Rookie..." Hoofrocket had found his way back. "When's your date, again? tomorrow, right? You ready?"
I walked away as Snowfall cackled. At least I had tomorrow to look forward to... and to be nervous about. mostly the latter.


<*****>-------<*****>


It was time. Finally. I checked my reflection in the mirror as carefully as I could. My plumage was very carefully fixed, the result of nearly an hour of effort and several griffon-compatible mane products. I'd decided not to wear anything, as we would be having the date in the park, after all. Despite my efforts to remain calm, I got an excited, nervous feeling in my chest whenever I thought about the fact that I was about to see Giselle again. Absentmindedly, I thought about what you'd even call that feeling. Nervous-cited, maybe?
I mentally rifled through all that I'd have to talk about to occupy the date; her time in Baltimare for the photo shoot, my game against Tall Tale, my friend coming over to visit next week, my next game against Hoofston...
I paced in my bedroom, trying to calm down. Mom and Dad were out looking for a new place again with Lot Filler again, so I at least didn't have to worry about that. Although, I was sure Mom would grill me for details the second I got home. After a few minutes, I finally worked up the courage to leave my room, grab the already-prepared picnic basket, and step out of the apartment. Unfortunately, in my nervous-citedness, I forgot I'd most likely have one last obstacle before I could leave Brickpony Plaza.
"Hi, Gaius," said a sickeningly sweet voice to my right.
My good mood evaporated. I turned and tried not to grimace. "Hi, Periwinkle."
The dusty purple mare had that mischevious grin plastered on her face again as she leaned back in her seat behind the mahogany desk. The hoofball magazine she'd been reading was draped on the desk next to her. Since when did she read hoofball material of her own volition? I gulped. Her eyes looked me over hungrily.
"You sure look nice," She almost purred. I tasted bile. Her gaze fell on the picnic basket I was holding. "Off on a picnic?"
"Uh, yeah," I replied, my voice full of mistrust. She pressed on.
"Where to?" I wasn't going to answer that. "Let me guess, Central Park?" Dang it.
"Uh, yeah..." My shoulders slumped, defeated. Her eyes sparkled maliciously.
"I get off in just a few minutes. Would you like me to join you?"
I grunted. There was no away to avoid this, so it was better to just get it out of the way. "Um, actually, I'm already going with somepony. It's... sort of a date."
I watched her reaction carefully. Her facial expression was disappointed, but that sparkling malice was still there, undeterred.
"Oh, that's alright, I guess. Have fun, Gaius!"
I was about to turn away, grateful for the chance to escape, when the reality of the situation crashed down on me. I flashed back to Le Merveilleux, when Periwinkle had brought her friends and crashed our night. The same thing was happening now, the same scheming look after she knew exactly where I was about to be. Something snapped, something I hadn't even realized had been pulled taut after weeks and weeks of dealing with the evil, repulsive cute little mare sitting in front of me; like a hamstring snapping on a hoofball play after being hyperextended under the body of a much larger pony.
"NO!" I slammed my talons on the desk. The idea of my date being ruined by Perwikle, the idea of Giselle not wanting to see me again due to me apparently fooling around with other mares burned angrily into my mind.
"Periwinkle, I swear to Celestia, if I see you in the Park tonight, I'll make you sorry that you were ever born! You hear me!? You are not allowed to mess this up!"
She cringed back from me, looking genuinely surprised. I couldn't remember ever sounding as angry as I did now, but surely I had a good reason. I felt just a touch of regret creep into my eyes, and Periwinkle saw. She immediately righted herself and took advantage.
"Calm down, Gaius, I have no idea what you mean." she ran a hoof through her mint-green mane absentmindedly. "Honestly, if you see me in Central Park tonight, it'll have nothing to do you with you or your date. I had plans there anyways." The evil smile was back; she was back in her element. I ground my teeth together. I was tired of Periwinkle, it wasn't a stretch to say I absolutely despised her. But it was evident now that the only way to end this was to beat her at her own game. I calmed myself down the best I could.
"Fine, we'll do this the hard way." I said with resolution. The plastic smile fell and she raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Cinnamon Dust and Cornucopia, right? Those were your friends at Le Merveilleux?"
She scoffed. "Yeah, and?" I smirked. It was almost interesting the see what I had to assume to be the real mare behind the ever-present sweet facade. Whether she realized it or not, getting her to give up that mask, even for a moment, meant I had already leveled the playing field.
"I wonder," I scratched the underside of my beak with a talon for dramatic effect. "What would they think if I told them their friend had been stalking me against my will and that we didn't get on as well as they assumed?" My eyes narrow. "I bet there's all sorts of things I could tell them. Am I right?"
Her eyes went wide. I'd found it; the chink in her armor. She tried to recover.
"So you're going to tattle on me to my friends? C'mon Gaius, you're better than that." She tried to sound condescending, but I held firm. I had her right where I wanted her.
"Yes, actually. But if I don't see you at the Park tonight, I don't have any reason to." I leered. "So please, don't give me a reason."
For just a second, I saw real anger in her eyes, followed by another emotion I'd never seen in her before. Finally, she shifter her gaze to one of indifference as she picked up her magazine. "Fine. And to think, I just wanted to go on a picnic with a friend. Whatever. Have fun, Gaius."
"I will, thank you." I walked out of the building as calmly as I could. Only when I was outside of the door and sure that Periwinkle couldn't see or hear me did I finally drop my rump to the ground and let out the ragged breaths I had been holding in. I had faced Periwinkle and won. Granted, I had to stoop to using what basically amounted to her methods, but I'd done it. Now I had to make sure I wasn't late to my date. I took off towards Central Park, happy to finally get away. One errant thought tugged at my mind; in Periwinkle's eyes right before she brushed me off, I could've sworn I saw something that almost resembled remorse.


<*****>-------<*****>


I landed with grace at the entrance of Central Park, still clutching the picnic basket. The sun was still a fair ways away from setting, but the edges of the visible horizon were just starting to turn yellow. I had just over an hour of sunlight left. I was at the exact spot I had told Giselle to meet me. Now I just had to wait for...
Her. I saw her walking up casually from across the street, as beautiful as she was when I first saw her at Claspwing's. Unlike then, she wasn't wearing anything now, so the dark leopard spots on her otherwise white coat stood out strongly. Her plumage fell down and framed her face, her blue eyes shimmering against the afternoon sun. She saw me and gave a smile. My heart made a sputtering sound. She was gorgeous.
"Hi, Gaius." She closed the distance and smiled wider when she saw what I was holding. "I see you remembered the basket."
"Uh, yeah." I scratched my head awkwardly "Well, you did say that'd be my end of the deal."
She laughed softly. "Indeed I did. Are we walking or flying?"
"Let's walk," I said quickly. "I figure that'll be more peaceful."
"Whatever you say." She turned to walk through the park gate and I walked alongside her. I considered giving her the crook of my arm to hold, but chickened out.
It was a beautiful afternoon. Birds sang as they flied between the trees, doing rounds over ponies that were already having picnics right next to the walking path. The open fields around us were filled with ponies playing with frisbees and hoofballs. I almost hissed under my breath, what if I got recognized? Maybe I should've worn a hoodie or something? My poor planning had already put the date in jeopardy. I cleared my throat and tried to keep the companionable silence that had fallen between us from turning awkward.
"So how was Baltimare?" I asked. She turned and smiled again.
"It was good. Great, actually. I met a lot of important ponies in the industry. Gets my hopes up for the future." She tucked a head feather back shyly. "It was a bit weird being the only model there that wasn't a pony, but they were nice. I'm sure you know how that feels."
She bumped me with her elbow playfully. I furrowed my brow in thought. "Yeah, I guess I do." In all honesty, I didn't really think about how I was the only griffon on the Equestrians, or even the only griffon on a team that wasn't the Talons. My team didn't really bring it up, at least not in that way. I was called 'rookie' more than 'griffon' from everyone other than Impact. I suddenly realized that my experience in the EHL could've been very different had I gotten leashed with different teammates. I was suddenly a lot more grateful for them.
Giselle's wings drooped noticeably. "Oh. Sorry if you didn't want to think about tha-"
"Oh, no!" I said with a bit too much exasperation. I cleared my throat as we kept walking. "No. I mean, yeah, it's interesting to be the only griffon on the team, but all my teammates are really cool. It honestly doesn't even get brought up very much, if you can believe it."
Giselle looked surprised, then she switched to a coy look that made my heart skip a beat. "Well, I guess I'm not too surprised, considering how many touchdowns you score for them." She nudged me again. "I listened to your game last Sunday. Congratulations."
I fought like mad to conceal the blush that was creeping up my face. I'm sure I still lost.
"Yeah, it was a good one. Uhhh... you ever been to Tall Tale?"
Another laugh. "No, I've always wanted to. I've heard it's beautiful at night." She looked away, deep in thought. "Maybe I'll get to do a fashion shoot there, soon."
I nodded, keeping an eye out for a place to stop for the picnic. I quickly found it; a small, flat expanse of grass under a thick-trunked maple tree. I smiled at Giselle.
"Want to go ahead and eat?" I asked, brandishing the basket proudly.
Giselle giggled. "Sure. I'm excited to see what you brought."
She turned away, but horror was already filling my mind. I had double-checked with Mom to make sure everything I'd packed was reasonable, but what if she didn't like any of it?
I opened up the basket and took out the blanket on top, flaring it out and laying it flat on the grass. Giselle casually laid down, propping her head with her talons and staring at me interest. That was going to make it pretty hard to focus. I started setting out everything I'd brought as neatly as I could; veggie sandwiches, cheese and crackers, a bunch of grapes, fresh strawberries, macaroni salad, some muffins Mom had baked, and a sealed pitcher of sparkling cider.
She let out a small, impressed whistle. "You went all out," she said with a laugh. She plucked a grape and ate it. "Did you make all of this yourself?"
I grinned sheepishly as I sat down. "Yeah, except for the muffins."
"Really," she said as she grabbed a sandwich and began to unwrap it. "Store-bought then?"
I considered lying, even though they were very obviously homemade. "No, my Mom."
Giselle gave a sweet, genuine laugh. I couldn't help but smile; it was so different from the painfully fake laugh of Periwinkle. "Aw, your mom made muffins for us? I'll have to thank her."
"She's had a lot of practice," I said as I popped a strawberry in my mouth and poured her a glass of cider. "She's baked a lot over the years. My dad was a grain farmer in Vanhoover."
She swallowed her bite of sandwich as ladylike as she could, and hit me with a reserved look. "Was? Does that mean...?"
I blinked, then brought my talons in front of me and shook them to dispel the notion. "No, no! He's still around. He..." I sighed. "They sold their farm in Vanhoover when I got drafted. They're living in the city now." I faceclawed. "In my apartment."
I hadn't wanted to tell her that, but she simply laughed it off. "Well, I think that's sweet of you to let them stay with you."
I chuckled. "I guess. You wouldn't happen to know anypony in Manehattan with a house for rent would you?"
She but a talon to her beak in thought. "Afraid not, but I'll keep my eye open." She winked at me. I looked away to avoid the blush and grabbed the first thing my eyes found; the other sandwich. As I took a bite, Giselle continued. "So, did you parents come here from Griffonstone, or..."
I blinked again, and fought to swallow. "Uh, sorry, probably should've mention this earlier. I'm... kind of adopted." Kind of, huh? Smooth move, Casanova. For the first time in a surprising while, the necklace forced its way into my mind, threatening to suffocate my thoughts. I shook my head forcefully to dispel it. Not here, not now.
Giselle gave me a smile of understanding. "Oh, it's fine. There was no reason to bring it up before now. Forgive me for saying as much, but I think you have it lucky. Your adoptive parents sound wonderful." A dark cloud lowered over her gaze. "I never met my mother, but my father is still in Griffonstone. I left years ago to get away from it all. I don't know if you've been, but Griffonstone is a really awful place."
"So I've heard," I said softly. "On Draft night, I was just hoping not to get picked by them." I crumbled up the sandwich wrapper and threw it in the basket. Giselle looked up and smiled, though a hint of that dark cloud still lingered in the back of her eyes.
"Well, I'm very happy they didn't. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here." She reached her talon across the blanket to rest it on mine. Normally, I'd expect my body to react with increased heartbeat and temporary red feathers, but something in her eyes just made me smile back.
"I'd say things worked out pretty well." I wrapped my other talon around hers, cradling it. "And they're going to work out for you, too. You'll see."
She chuckled softly, but didn't pull away. "I almost believe you on that."
I freed a claw to take a sip of cider and decided to try and lighten the mood. "Any chance I could get another monologue?"
She laughed and playfully pulled her talon away, the sadness in her eyes finally gone, at least for now. "Not a chance. You're gonna need something stronger than virgin cider in order to make me do something like that again."
"I'll keep that in mind for next time," I said jokingly. "Are you done? With the food, I mean."
"Yes, I'm done. Thank you Gaius, it was delicious."
I nodded. We'd barely eaten half the food, but we were both full. The sky was just starting to hint at turning orange. We probably had 20 minutes. I'd started putting the picnic away when something struck me in the wing. I turned and saw a hoofball laying on the blanket next to me. I picked it up in confusion.
"What the-" I started, but I was cut off by a voice in the field next to us.
"Hey, sorry mister! Could you-" An earth pony colt a few years younger than me was galloping towards me to reclaim the lost ball. He'd stopped when he'd gotten close enough to really see me. His face wore an expression I knew far to well; the look of recognition.
"Ga-Gaius Strongtalon," he started. His friend he'd been playing catch with was on his way, too. I swallowed. I'd made it so far into the date without being recognized. I turned to Giselle to apologize, but she seemed more amused with the situation than anything.
"Hey, kid," I said as politely as I could, turning back to the colt in question. "Here's your ball." I chucked it back towards him, but he was so starstruck that he didn't even make a move to catch it. It bounced on the ground and went a few feet behind him. His friend had caught up and gave him a weird look. He picked up the ball and turned to me, his eyes going similarly wide. Unlike his friend, though, he wasn't under the spell for very long.
"Hey, Splash, isn't that the griffon that plays for the Equestrians?" He turned his eyes on me once his buddy didn't respond. "Sorry about him, we're really big fans!"
I tried not to groan. "Thanks. Sorry, guys, but I'm kind of on a date right now."
"Why don't you play catch with them?" Giselle asked. I turned around in shock, then back to them, then back to her.
"Are you sure?" I rubbed arm guiltily. "This day was kind of supposed to be about me and you." The words in her letter flashed through my mind; How lucky that I get you to myself for an entire evening?
She laughed. "Oh, I'm fine, Gaius. Besides, I haven't really gotten to watch you play, yet. I've just heard the radio and read the magazines." Her voice was almost a purr for the next words; "Aren't you going to show me some of your moves?"
My knees almost gave out. I just nodded dumbly. I turned to the two colts, clapped my talons and held them open. The colt with the hoofball caught on and passed it to me. It was a little off, but I caught it no problem. I turned to Giselle and winked, then back to the colts. "Go long."
The first colt finally broke out of his spell and took off, his friend close behind. I threw the ball as hard as I could, then bounded after them.


<*****>-------<*****>


The sun had almost disappeared beneath the horizon, the sky a blaze of orange beneath evening hues. Giselle and I were exiting the park, holding talons as we both looked at the natural display above us. Soon, all of the city's lights would come on and we wouldn't be able to see a single star from the street. I never thought that stars would be something I'd miss from Vanhoover, but here I was.
"I had a really good time tonight, Gaius. Thank you for this." She squeezed my claw gently. I smiled and nodded.
"I did, too. We should do this again." I hoped I wasn't sounding desperate, but her smile didn't waver.
"Yes, we should." She sighed. "I'm sorry, but I need to get home. I have a busy day tomorrow."
I scratched at my beak. "Mind if I fly you home?" She laughed.
"Sure you can keep up? You spend a lot of time on the ground, Mr. Hoofball star."
I unfurled my wings. "Trust me." She nodded and we took off, soaring over the streets of Manehattan in the fiery orange sunset. They were still busy, full of ponies walking and flying, as desperate to get around as ever. It was almost like nopony slept in this city, but it was something you got used to.
Giselle didn't live far. We landed at the hoof of a somewhat modest apartment building in central Manehattan. She paused at the front door to the building and turned around.
"Thank you, Mr. Romantic, but it appears we're here." She added a wink on the end, and I fought the urge to look away bashfully. I had a question that I needed to get out.
"So, are you doing anything Sunday?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so, why? Don't you have a game that day?"
"Well, actually," I smiled. "I was gonna ask if you wanted to go to the game. I could get you tickets. In fact, I could probably get some for your friends, too. Gwen and Gemma, right?"
She smiled sincerely. "Aw, that's sweet. But I don't want to trouble you like tha-"
"It's no trouble, promise." I said confidently. "I mean, the seats probably won't be amazing, since it's technically sold out and short-notice, but I could get you there, easy. All I'd have to do is talk to the right pony at practice tomorrow."
She seemed to mull it over. I cleared my throat. "It's just, you brought attention to the fact that you haven't actually seen me play yet. A real game's pretty different from playing catch with two teenagers in the park."
She laughed and nodded her head. "Okay, Gaius. As long as it's not too much trouble, I'd love for you to get us some tickets. We'll be cheering our hearts out."
"Thanks. I guess I'll see you then?" I said hopefully
She giggled and stepped closer to plant a kiss on my cheek. "If not sooner." she winked again and turned around to walk into her apartment building. I stood frozen on the sidewalk, business ponies and drifters moving past me without a second look. Finally, I smiled like a fool and practically skipped all the way home, completely forgetting that I had wings. The way I felt then, I probably could've flown without them.