Summer was winding down as the blazing hot days were beginning to cool down. Many of the kids of Canterlot were getting ready for school to start once again. Even new and old college students were thinking about starting a new year hoping exciting events were waiting for them. Clyde knew summer vacation was quickly ending for some of his friends, so he wanted to hang out with a few great ones before they all left town again for a few months.
“You going to the basketball courts today?” asked Rarity as he walked down the stairs of her home. Rarity was sitting in her shop looking through magazines as she sipped her glass of tea.
Clyde looked down at his attire of a plain black shirt and dark blue gym shorts. “Hard to tell, right?” he joked with a small laugh.
Rarity gave him a smile and closed her magazine. “I'll go along with you. It's a fairly nice day out.”
“Fine with me. You don't have any custom orders or designs to work on?”
“Nope. I am free today!” Rarity walked over to him and gave him a loving hug. “Besides, I haven't seen you play with my own eyes and not through a poor quality foreign livestream in a year.”
Clyde hugged her back. “Then I would love having you enjoy the weather and watching. I think RD is coming, too.”
“Perfect. I'm ready when you are.” With a nod, Clyde and Rarity left her home and headed towards the park. Clyde was pretty excited on seeing some old friends. He didn't know what to expect, but he did know for certain it would be fun.
Clyde pulled into the small parking lot beside the basketball courts and he and Rarity got out of the car. No one was there at the moment so Clyde got his basketball out of the trunk of the car as Rarity walked over to the small bleachers. She pulled out her phone and gave him a wave before she began texting, taking pictures and selfies, and checking her social media accounts.
Clyde shot around alone for a few minutes, having fun hearing Rarity’s various encouraging and teasing comments from the bleachers whenever he missed or made a shot. Hearing her voice made him feel good all the time, but because he was used to not hearing her or Wondercolt fans while overseas, it brought him back to his high school days. As Clyde ran to get his missed shot, he saw the first car pull into the parking lot stall beside him.
“My boy, C!” yelled Tyrone as he quickly hopped out of his car and ran to the courts with his basketball in hand. Tyrone gave Clyde a pat on the back and smirked. “What's up, man? I see you brought your personal cheerleader.”
“She wanted to come along and watch,” said Clyde as they looked over at Rarity. Rarity gave Tyrone a wave before she went back to her phone.
“I promise I won't beat you that bad in front of your fiancée.” Tyrone laughed, but quickly turned serious. “I'm real happy for you, C. You know that? Like, when we first met and when we first came to this very park and courts, you wouldn't stop talking about her. Now look at you two. After a year and a half of being high school lovers and a year of being an ocean away from each other, you two are happily engaged... That makes me happy, dawg.” Tyrone wiped his eyes to rid the small tears.
“Thanks, T,” replied Clyde with a smile. “Thanks for being my first friend here in this town and thanks for supporting me and helping me with everything. It means a lot to me.”
“No problem, C. It’s what friends do.” Clyde and Tyrone bumped fists and they looked at the basketball hoop in front of them. “So, you two have a date for the wedding yet? I need to know so I can check if I can make it.”
Clyde shook his head. “Not yet. We’ve been slowly working on all the details and dates everyday, but it's a lot of work. I'll be sure to tell you early, though.”
Tyrone smirked. “Damn right, dawg. I have to make sure your bachelor party is going to be hype.” He laughed loudly once again.
“Oh, damn... I'm pretty nervous now from that remark.” Clyde laughed with him. “Enough about me. Are you excited to be on the Mavs? You finally reached the pro leagues like you dreamed of.”
“Yeah, it's pretty crazy. I never thought I would be drafted in the first round. I just have to play my best like I did for Canterlot and my college team.”
Clyde patted him on the back. “You’ll be fine, T. You are a great player.”
“As are you. I watched lots of your games. You could easily play in the pros, too, man.”
“Ehh, that's okay,” said Clyde. “I'd rather focus on making an impact for the future generations.”
Tyrone looked at him and nodded. “I can respect that. So, when do you think the others will show up?”
“I'm not sure. Maybe–”
On cue, a thundering engine revved through the parking lot as a man on a motorcycle parked away from Clyde's and Tyrone's cars. He took off his helmet and waved.
“About time, Thunderlane,” said Tyrone disgusted.
“Sorry, I was just working on some cars and shit.” Thunderlane looked at Clyde and bumped his fist with Clyde’s. “Hey, man. Haven't seen you in a long time. How’s it going? Congratulations on the engagement by the way, even if I'm almost two months late.”
“Thanks, Thunderlane. I've been great ever since I returned home.”
“That's good to hear. Sorry if I'm dirty. I was in the garage all day.” Thunderlane looked down at his oil-stained jeans, boots, and shirt.
“So, are you a mechanic now?” asked Clyde.
Thunderlane shrugged. “More or less. It's more of a hobby than anything.”
“YEAH!!!”
The three guys turned their heads and saw a massive truck swerve into the parking lot. An even bigger man jumped out and flexed before yelling again. “THE OLD CREW!!!”
Thunderlane shook his head and chuckled. “Hey, Bulk,” he greeted with a wave, “glad you could come.”
Bulk ran up to then, while stomping the ground with his massive steps, and he slapped Thunderlane on the back. Thunderlane flinched as Bulk’s palm returned to his side. “And miss out on playing some street ball with my old team?! HELL NO!!!”
“I see your loud as ever, big man,” complained Tyrone rubbing his ear.
“Now all we are missing is Rainbow,” said Clyde.
“What are you talking about? I'm right here.”
The guys looked in amazement as Rainbow stood at the center of the court, giving them a competitive smirk.
“When the hell did you show up?” wondered Tyrone. “We were standing here the whole time!”
Rainbow rolled her eyes and chuckled. “I walked here and I came in from the other side of the park. While you were all standing and talking, I walked up to the bleachers to talk to Rarity before I walked around the fence and came to this spot.”
“Oh...” replied the guys with nods.
“Anyway, I'm not here to talk. I'm here to beat all of you!” Rainbow Dash gave them each a stare before moving to the next in line. “We can all speak with one another through this sport, after all. This simple sport made us become a team, and more importantly, friends. So, what other way to reunite than playing a game? I can't think of any.”
“Damn, Dash. That was pretty deep,” stated Tyrone. “I'm impressed.”
Rainbow laughed. “Thanks, but like I said, let's get this reunion started already. Don't get me wrong, seeing you guys and myself on one court again is pretty awesome. However, I think we all know the real reason why we came here today.”
“Same,” agreed Thunderlane.
“YEAH!” shouted Bulk.
“I'm fine with that,” said Clyde, “but how are we going to play? Are we doing two-on-two with a substitute for one team?”
“Hmmm.” Rainbow rubbed her chin. “That is a problem... We only have five people. I guess we could–wait! I know just who could play with us to make it a fair game...”
“Who’s that?”
Rainbow smirked. “Who else but your own fiancée!” Rainbow quickly pointed at Rarity who was watching them from the bleachers.
Clyde blinked. “Wait, are you serious?”
“Am I in trouble?” called Rarity from the bleachers. “Why in heavens are you pointing at me? Is there something on my hair?!”
“Get over here for a second!” yelled back Rainbow.
Clyde could tell Rarity was extremely confused as she wandered over to them. He knew she would almost instantly refuse to play, but he had a few ideas if they absolutely needed her. Plus, he figured he could guard her so he could help her out even if she was on the other team. She eventually reached them and stood near Clyde, waiting for Rainbow to tell her why she had to escape from the safety of the bleachers.
“We need you to play with us,” said Rainbow quickly.
“Pardon?”
“Basketball, Rarity. We need an extra person and you are the only one here.”
Rarity was silent for a moment as she blinked to comprehend Rainbow’s request. She took a deep breath and soon began laughing. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“We really aren't,” chimed in Tyrone. “We know you aren't one for playing, but maybe since Clyde is here you will reconsider.”
Rarity gave Clyde a look before turning her gaze at Rainbow. “You should have known you wouldn't have had enough players before you came out here.”
“None of us were thinking,” pleaded Rainbow. “Once someone invites you to play at the park, you don't ask questions. You just go!”
“I'm not interested. You can easily just play with five.” Rarity stuck her nose up and crossed her arms.
Rainbow sighed and nudged Clyde. “Do something.”
“If she doesn't want to play then I'm not forcing her to,” said Clyde. Rarity gave him a smile as the others rolled their eyes.
“You sly son of a bitch,” laughed Tyrone. “You always make those smooth comments.”
Rainbow pinched the bridge of her nose. “It's not like we are going to play all day, Rarity. If you only play a game or two, that's fine with us. Then you can go back and keep taking your selfies and whatever else you do with your phone.”
“Just one or two?”
“YEAH!!!”
“Without the yelling please?”
Bulk dropped his head. “Sorry...”
Rainbow Dash nodded. “One or two. Games go to 21. We’ll have you go against Clyde the whole time. I know he’ll take it easy.”
Rarity looked at the court and frowned. “I suppose I can play one or two, but nothing more!”
Rainbow smiled. “Deal.”
“Are you sure you want to play?” asked Clyde. “What about your clothes? I have an extra set of shorts and a shirt you can wear. They will be big on you, but I'm sure they will be more comfortable to play in compared to your current outfit. Plus, your running shoes are still in there from our walk around the city last week.”
“I can tell all of you want to play and I would simply hate to prevent you,” said Rarity with a smile. “And thank you, darling. I'll change into them. There is absolutely no way I'm going to play in a skirt.”
“Awesome! Looks like we have a game!” cheered Rainbow. “We’ll shoot around until you are ready!” She quickly grabbed her basketball and ran towards the hoop as Tyrone, Thunderlane, and Bulk chased after her.
“There aren't any, you know, closed bathrooms around are there?” asked Rarity while looking around. “I refuse to even step a single foot in that filthy thing.” She pointed to the portable toilet across the parking lot and shuttered in fear.
Clyde shook his head. “I'm afraid not. All the restrooms here are with the main part of the park near the fountain and concert stage.”
“Well, give me your car keys then. I'll change in your car.”
“I'll keep watch.”
Rarity lowered her eyes with a smile. “Of course you can take a peek.”
“I meant in case anybody else was trying to take a peek at my lady,” responded Clyde with a smirk.
“Of course. Although you can still take a peek anyway...” She dropped a wink and gracefully walked to his car.
About a minute later, Clyde was leaning against his car as he talked to Rarity through a half-open window of the back door seat. His windows were somewhat tinted already, so he knew Rarity had no problem changing into some of his spare clothes in his car. He still couldn't believe Rarity would ever want to play the sport he adored since he was a young boy. He never once asked her to play, but he also knew how much time and care she took each morning with making her look elegant and pretty, and how much she hated gym class, which was a clear sign to him that she wasn't interested in playing.
“Don't worry about playing,” comforted Clyde. “I’ll just pass the ball today.”
“I appreciate the concern, but then you wouldn't have as much fun. I'll be okay,” said Rarity. She held her now removed shirt in her hands and giggled. “I never thought I would be half-naked in the back of your car before playing basketball today.”
Clyde turned around to look at her. “You don't seem to complain when you are fully naked in the back of the car.” He gave a smile before ducking from a flying purple boot that was thrown at the window. Rarity giggled again.
“The motive is a lot different,” cooed Rarity. “Obviously I would enjoy that a lot more. There's something about making out, having sex, or even both simultaneously, in the tightly compacted backseat of a sports car that really gets me...” She quickly flung her skirt at the window and it hit Clyde in the face before falling to the seat. She giggled, seductively this time, again.
“HURRY UP!” yelled Rainbow Dash from the courts.
Rarity sighed and quickly put on Clyde’s extra pair of shorts and one of his shirts. “She always has to rush things. All we were doing was having some fun, suggestive talk.”
“We have plenty of time for that,” said Clyde. “Although, how about after this we go somewhere to eat tonight? You can pick where since you had to play basketball.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyes sparkling in excitement.
“Of course. It's a promise.” Clyde gave her a loving smile.
Rarity nodded and quickly jumped out of the car in excitement. “See you on the court, darling,” she said softly before grazing past him. Clyde laughed to himself before following her.
Once everyone was ready to go and play, the six of them stood in a circle around the center court line. Clyde looked over at Rarity who didn't have a nervous or uncaring expression on her face, something that really surprised him.
“Alright, boys,” began Rainbow Dash.
“Excuse me?”
“And Rarity.”
“Much better.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes and took the basketball from Tyrone’s hands. “Instead of picking teams, I figured we would just go against a logical opponent. I'll guard Tyrone.”
“Awww, shit. You ready to get embarrassed out here, RD?” teased Tyrone with his competitive attitude.
Rainbow responded with a smirk of her own. “Bring it. You might be a pro player now, but I never back down.”
Thunderlane looked at Bulk and cracked his knuckles. “Looks like it's you and me, big man.”
“Yeah...” snorted Bulk, clearly eager to go against his old frontcourt teammate.
“So, which team am I on then?” asked Rarity.
“You can be on mine and Bulk’s,” said Rainbow. “You don't have to do much on offense if you don't want to. Bulk and I can carry.”
Rarity frowned. “Why do you keep thinking I can't help the team?! I'm sure I can help somehow!”
“Well, you’re Rarity, Rares. I know you never cared for sports.”
“That doesn't mean I can't play!” Rarity crossed her arms with a determined look.
“Whatever. I'll let you have the ball if you want to take over then.”
“I-I didn't mean I wanted to be the only one doing something...”
Rainbow groaned. “We’ll figure it out. Let's just play! Tyrone’s team can have the ball first, and we’re doing full court too.”
Everyone got in their position as Clyde stood in front of the hoop. Thunderlane stood beside him as Tyrone had the ball out on the baseline. Rarity, Bulk, and Rainbow were waiting at the end of the other court. Tyrone spun the ball in his hands as he bounced it on the court a few times.
“Ready, dawgs? Just like old times,” said Tyrone with a smile.
“Let's do this,” stated Thunderlane with an approving nod.
“I'm ready. Let's go.” Clyde nodded at Tyrone and he bounced the ball to him, quickly jogging past him alongside Thunderlane. Clyde turned around and began his slow walk, dribbling the ball after a few steps to advance the ball.
Once Clyde saw Rarity in front of him, he smiled remembering how silly she looked in his oversized basketball clothes. She wasn't in the proper defensive stance to guard him, but seeing her attempt to play for the sake of some old classmates was something he loved seeing.
Clyde stood at the peak of the three point line as Rarity played off of him a few steps. In the corner of his eye he saw Thunderlane running up to his left to set a screen for him, but he quickly waved him away with his hand. Rarity was clearly confused on what Clyde signaled so she looked to the right behind her, taking a half-step backwards for a better angle. Clyde quickly took the open jump shot upon her error and watched the ball swish through the net without even hitting the rim.
“Damn, C. I see your perimeter shot got better,” praised Tyrone as they jogged back for defense.
“Spent two years on it ever since junior year. It was something I wasn't happy with.”
“That hard work paid off. Nice going, Clyde.” Thunderlane gave him a high five as he jogged to the spot under the rim.
Clyde smiled. “Thanks.”
Rainbow had the ball as her team moved up the court and she quickly attacked Tyrone to she if he could defend her well. Tyrone kept his cool and waited for the right moment to jump ahead of her to make her stop. Not trying to travel with the ball, Rainbow looked for her teammates. Rarity was standing at an open shot, but Rainbow skillfully passed it to a Bulk who took an easy post hook shot over Thunderlane.
“I was open!” yelled Rarity in frustration.
“Sorry, Rares, but you have to give the ball to the big guy if he has position.”
Rarity angrily sighed and made her way to the other side of the court.
Thunderlane apologized for the lack of defense as he inbounded the ball. Clyde gave it to Tyrone to let him do work as he went over to Rarity.
“Are you having fun?” asked Clyde.
“Maybe if someone would give me a chance...” replied Rarity sadly. “I don't just want to stand here. I want to help the team.”
“You sound a lot like me,” laughed Clyde.
Rarity nodded. “Of course I do. You're my basketball role model, darling.” The two of them shared a loving smile as they watched Tyrone try to cross Rainbow up.
Even for her size compared to the boys she faced during high school, Rainbow was an adept defender. She rarely would fall for the other players’ dribbles and moves. As she continued her stance at guarding Tyrone, Tyrone quickly did a step back move and shot the ball. It bounced straight in the air off the rim before it fell down into the hoop.
“Phew,” said Tyrone wiping his head.
“You got so lucky!” snarled Rainbow. “I mean come on! A lucky as hell bounce?!”
“You gotta be lucky sometimes, RD.” Tyrone laughed as he jogged backwards.
Rainbow advanced the ball up the court again as Bulk ran to the paint. Rarity slowly walked up to the three point line with her arms crossed.
“I don't even know why I’m here. I told you you could play with just two people on a team.”
Rainbow shook her head and motioned to Bulk with her free hand. Clyde knew that play as they ran it almost every game. A screen would be set, and the three point shooter would be open. Sometimes, the defenders thought about the shooter and left the big man open after the screen. It was a simple option play which usually meant someone was going to be open. Clyde quickly saw Bulk stand to Tyrone's side as Rainbow ran to that same side. Clyde moved to defend Rainbow, which she instantly saw coming. “Rarity!” she yelled as she made a quick pass behind her back.
Rarity quickly uncrossed her arms and caught the ball after a slight fumble due to the surprising pass. Clyde could have easily ran up to her to defend, but he wanted to see what she would do with it. With a deep breath, Rarity looked up at the hoop and took a jump shot position, her form, her stance, and her release was a perfect replica of someone else's shot he knew. It was his very own.
The ball glided in the air as everyone watched in awe. The ball hit the back of the rim and rolled around in the bucket, eventually falling through the net. Everyone looked at Rarity in amazement as she held her hand up with her wrist flicked as she smiled brightly.
“I told you!” she beamed in excitement.
“That was... awesome,” said Rainbow stunned.
“Damn, C. Your girl is a baller, too?” questioned Tyrone. “Now I'm even super prouder of you, dawg.”
“No one believed me!” began Rarity with a victorious grin. “I spent two years of high school and one year of watching Clyde play overseas through streams. It's obvious why I spent time going to or watching his games, but every time he had the ball, I would watch him closely, seeing how he dribbled it, shot it, and passed it. While I am not even going to think about attempting dribble moves or slick passes, I figured I could at least shoot the ball using his jump shot tactics.” Rarity dusted off her hands and giggled. “I guess I just got lucky.”
“Lucky? That was a near perfect release,” complimented Clyde lovingly. Rarity winked at him before grinning as Clyde chuckled. For Rarity’s first basketball jump shot ever, he was very proud of her.
“Now, shall we continue?” she asked before flipping her hair as she walked back down the court. Rainbow ran up to her and the two of them laughed as if they were gossiping. Clyde looked at the other guys as they stared at him with jealous and angry eyes. Clyde shrugged and grinned, knowing how wonderful it truly was having a girl like Rarity.
~ ~ ~
The game continued in a half-serious and half-competitive pace. Tyrone and Rainbow constantly went after each other on offense and defense, trying to do anything they could to easily score. The same could have been said for both Thunderlane and Bulk, as they fought each other down in the post. Clyde played like he normally would if someone other than Rarity was guarding him because of a switch or screen. If she was, he would pass the ball to someone else.
Clyde could have played better and more aggressively like he had played overseas, but he was solely focused on letting Rarity have fun. Rainbow allowed her to get the ball more after Rarity’s stunning shot. She became the team’s spot up shooter as she was scared to dribble the ball. While she only made one or two of the dozen attempts, and missed every moving shot attempt, Clyde was happy to see she never got discouraged or upset after missing.
Instead of playing just one or two games, Rarity decided to keep playing until they all were finished for the day. Fatigue eventually became more clear during the fourth game for her, so Clyde voted to sit out to rest, too, so the game would be a fair two-on-two. After seven intense games, everyone was tired and began to leave, saying goodbyes and thanking each other for the fun.
“I never would have thought my amazing and sexy fiancée was a baller, too!” said Clyde as he and Rarity walked to his car after everyone had left the park. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him.
Rarity chuckled. “I’m sorry to inform you that I was only a ‘baller’ for today. While it was interesting to experience your hobby, I can safely say I'm not cut out for it. I'd rather stick with my fashion passion. I'm a sticky and sweaty mess, and my makeup probably looks awful!” She touched her face and flinched at the dried sweat lines of makeup on her cheeks and under her eyes.
“It doesn't look that bad,” soothed Clyde as he pushed some of her frizzled hair out of her face. “I'm just glad you had a good time.”
Rarity smiled and snuggled against him. “Now, I think we should get out of these sweaty clothes and both get showers before our romantic dinner date tonight.”
“You thought of a place?”
“Does that lovely and enchanting one about an hour away sound good?”
Clyde sighed, knowing which restaurant she was talking about. It was one of the only fancy restaurants around Canterlot that had a plentiful variety of food, all equally expensive. The restaurant, however, was a perfect place for a romantic dinner with all of the decor and low lighting. “I promised so I'll take you there.”
“Perfect!” Rarity smiled as she ran to the passenger seat.
Clyde went to open the car doors and he glanced at the backseat of the car, seeing Rarity’s clothes and boots. “Don't forget your clothes back there when I drop you off in a few minutes.”
Rarity looked at the backseat and shrugged. “I'll just get them tonight. After all, I figure we will both have to put on our outfits again back there tonight anyway.”
Clyde suddenly looked at her. “You mean...”
Rarity playfully winked as she got in the passenger seat. Clyde looked at the court one last time before happily getting into the car.