Blue Dusk

"So far this game, Yellow-jackets haven't been able to make complete passes."

"Well, maybe if they could move up field. Draw the defense and create open lane."

"Agreed. Now, if Ballon could just be a team player, they will have a solid offense."

"Come Ballon, pass the damn ball!" yelled Rebelle.

"No. I got a clear shot!" retorted Ballon sharply.

"Don't just think of yourself."

"I got it!" A sharp pain entered Ballon's left temple. Blackness invaded his sight. He could hardly hear the whistle blowing.

"How you doin pussy?"

Ballon removed the ice pack. "What did you say? I can't hear you over the sound of your ego."

"Fuck you."

"You would like that, wouldn't you Petit?"

"You're nasty. You know that?"

"Been called worse."

A smile crossed her lips. "Then I guess you don't want to come along, eh?"

"Never said that."

"Then hop in, smartass."

The couple pulled into the parking lot. Stepping out, Ballon slipped on something. He received a few giggles from Petit.

"What's so funny?" Ballon questioned, picking himself of from the ground.

"Let's just head in, ok?"

Ballon opened the door, letting Petit go first. The chime went off, prompting everybody to turn their heads. Ballon responded by ducking his head in shame. Everybody just turned around, disappointment heavy in the air. A pair of young mares got up, quickly moving towards the door; sly smiles covering both their faces.

"Ballon, come here!" Called his two friends, Réservoir and Doigt. Ballon replied with a simple nod, walking towards them.

"So, Captian. What do you want for supper?" Doigt asked, smiling from ear to ear.

"Bugger off Doigt! We just got our asses handed to us." Ballon demanded.

"Ok. Just, what do you want?"

"I would like a sand-" A firm hand grasped Ballon's shoulder. He whisked around, to be greeted by a forgotten face. His brother.

"So, I hear you still suck ass at hoofball, eh?"

"I don't remember you ever being great at it." Snapped back Ballon.

"Never said I was. Well, I need to go take care of a few things. See you in, three hours?"

"Sure Frère."

The engine of a Chevy revived, signaling his brother's departure. Soon after, the waiter appeared asking for their drinks.

"I'll take a Sprite."

"Water."

"Coke."

"Root beer."

"That all?"

"And can you brake a 10 into quarters?"

"Sure."

Why did you brake that ten?" Asked Petit.

Doigt nodded towards the arcade machine.

About 2 hours later. Maybe.

"Come on bro! You can make it!" Shouted Réservoir.

"SHUT UP! I need to concentrate!" Ballon exclaimed. A shush fall across the room. 190,235. 190,345. 190,680. A snap and pop, the lights cut off, confusing the crowd gathered around the arcade game.

"Damn it! Ivre, pay your damn electrical bill."

"Eh! You shut the fuck up! And get out to." Ivre responded.

"Ayt. I'll get out. Let's go guys."

Ballon and Co. exited the bar, along with many others. Pulling out the lot, his phone rang in the cup holder. Looking at the screen, he saw the time.

"Shit. Shit, shit, shit!" Ballon shouted.

"What?"

"It's 2:00am. Damn I'm fucked."

The headlights shown across the porch, causing his older brother to walk out; pissed expression across his face.

"Where the hell have you been?!"

"Just partying Frère."

"You where suppose to be home by 23:00."

"Could you translate that into normal person speak?"

"11:00, dipshit. Since the electricity cutoff, dad's been driven around looking for you."

"Then call him."

"Phone line's dead. Cannot connect."

"Then what are supposed to do?"

"Sleep, of course."

Ballon kicked the door opened, pissed at his brother ordering him around. Dad put him in charge, so you can't really do anything. He moved towards the shower, turning it on and stripping down. Then the shell hit.