“Apple pie, or blueberry pie?” Aid Chaser asked, prompting a nostalgic sigh from Gabby as the pair continued to traverse the winding tunnels of the mountain.
It had been some time since they had crossed the sinkhole, the two having taken a break from talking for a while as they focused on a section of precarious footing. Now that the floor had stopped undulating up and down over slick rocks, their conversation began to return.

“Oooooh. I do haaaaave to pick? Both are so good, and it depends on the mood. I’m in a blueberry mood today I think.” Gabby mused, Aid nodding in agreement.

“That is a fantastic answer. Most fruit pies are great, but not a fan of nutty pies personally."

“Blech, same. Just doesn’t taste right.”

The stallion couldn’t help but smile, Gabby’s continually peppy mood refusing to be doused by either the cold or their predicament. It wasn’t to say the gryphoness was putting up a front; Aid had seen what was behind her ever-cherry demeanor for a few moments. Every creature had life challenges, and Gabby was no exception.
The softness in her eyes when she had comforted him during his panic attack however…
“Aid?”

The unicorn found himself not moving, apparently having stopped mid-thought.
“Sorry, was just thinking.” he mumbled, a strange tension closing his throat.
Who else has ever offered that same level of comfort when I was in desperate need of somepony, some creature. Anyone…
Luna, Wind Sheer, the Team when they could, a few others. Not my parents though, not for over a decade.
But who ever did in a way like Gabby-

“You alright?” the curious courier asked, causing Aid to nod.

“Y-yeah. Just, thinking.”

“Uh huh, you said that a few moments ago, and then stared at the wall.”

Aid didn’t say anything for a few moments, a smile then edging onto his features.
“Never really had someone be there for me when I had one of those episodes, that’s all.” he kept his voice even, a small but comforting flame of warmth blossoming in his chest.
“It’s-”
His voice cut out, a strange itch working its way along his flank.
This is different.

As they walked into a large open chamber, a strange rumble shook the rocky space. It sounded suspiciously like another avalanche and Aid’s vision was drawn upwards. The same magic that guided the stallion to those in need now drew his attention to the ceiling-
Specifically, the sharp stalactites that shivered, cracked, and fell.
“GABBY!”

The gryphoness only caught a glimpse of the massive stone formations falling towards them. Easily as large as a full-grown pony, each stalactite was sharpened to a needle point by a century of creeping minerals from the ceiling.

And now a dozen of them hurtled towards the pair- too close to dodge or run back to the tunnel behind them.

Gabby was suddenly slammed into the wall, Aid shoving her aside as the unicorn’s horn ignited with a bright navy-colored flame. Barely able to take a surprised gasp, Gabby’s eyes widened as a light blue mosaic spread out above them. Firmly pressed against Gabby’s right side, Aid’s golden eyes were narrowed in concentration as the multiple shield spells wove together, sending the dangerous rocks slamming to either side of them.

One large chunk of rock refused to fall to the side however, pressing down on the center of Aid’s shield. Larger than all the others, this rock appeared to be a piece of the ceiling that had detached with the other projectiles. The magical entities began to crack however- and then Gabby heard the oddest sound.

The rumble rang up from Aid’s throat, the growl escaping through his teeth as the stallion glared at the rock pressing down above them. Gabby’s own eyes widened in surprise as she caught a brief glance of Aid’s gaze. His previously calm eyes seemed to now blaze with an inner fire, the blue edge of his cornea ringing a molten ocean of gold. It was as though a different stallion was now powering these shields; a pony refusing to cede his will to the deadly forces that towered above them.
This was a pony devoid of hesitation, doubt, and driven by pure will.
Whoa…

The shields bent and angled upwards, the arcane energy punching through the stubborn rock above the pair with a surge of power. The shields then expanded, easily deflecting the final smaller chunks that rained down around the pair, before then sputtering out.
Aid’s chest heaved, a bit of sweat dripping from his now ragged mane. The unicorn shook his head briefly, seeming to come out of a daze.

“Oh, erm…” he mumbled, scooting to the size and letting Gabby remove her self from being plastered against the stone wall.
“You alright?”

Gabby couldn’t help herself, scooting forwards to sweep the pony up in a brief but tight hug.
“Alright?! That was AWESOME!” She squealed, swinging Aid around and then putting him back on solid ground. The stallion’s face immediately lit up in a blush, Gabby blinking and trying to restrain a few more giggles.
“Erm, sorry. But yea, I’m fine. That seriously was the COOLEST. THING. EVER!” She chirped; Aid now not able to resist a slight laugh.

“I’m glad to hear it- I was a bit worried there.” he added, head tilting to the side slightly. The stallion didn’t say anything though, despite it being rather obvious that something was making the stallion smirk.

“What?” Gabby asked, only then realizing her feathers were completely puffed out, a pink flush on her cheeks starting to warm.
Oh.

“Nothing. Shall we continue?” Aid asked, trotting alone as though nothing had happened. Gabby nodded, walking alongside the stallion as her thoughts began to spin.
Those eyes, I can’t get them out of my head. Just golden fire…
The courier was hardly a damsel in distress type of gryphoness- you couldn’t be like that if you wanted to survive in Griffinstone. Yet feats of strength were a common way to impress the opposite (or same,) sex.

Gabby hadn’t really understood how that all worked, not until now at least.
But it’s not just ‘oh yay strong guy’, there’s something else. That fire in his eyes- there’s a deeper pony in there, driven by something. He did all that so casually, is that how it always is for him? Just stepping in to help another creature without a second thought?

Those final words echoed though Gabby’s head, a comforting glow spreading through her chest.
I guess that’s part of it; he just jumped in to help. And he’s kind, likes weird things, totally built his own wings and follows his dreams. No wonder I find him…
That was where Gabby’s thoughts screeched to a halt, her ears flattening ever so slightly.
Uh oh. Find him what? That can’t ever work, can it?
Do I even want to explore that train of thought?
For all I know this might just be all business to him, I just don’t know.
Well, at least it’ll take a bit longer to get out of this cave. Maybe I’ll know what to say, if anything, by the end.
Maybe.

Aid trotted along happily, the exertion of producing a dozen shields now starting to sink in with a pleasant ache that seemed to spread throughout his entire body. It had been some time since such a spell was needed- but practice indeed made near-perfect in this case. The small dinner-plate-sized shields had formed together flawlessly, and adjusted faster than Aid had thought possible.

I’ll be feeling that tomorrow- or later today, but I’m safe, Gabby’s safe, and I got a mental workout! Win win!
And a hug. I got a hug too, so that’s a total plus.
…why is that a plus?
He knew of course- Aid wasn’t an idiot. Being a bit more eccentric and emotionally introspective had been a downfall in terms of relating with others, but now produced its positive fruits.
At least, Aid thought they were positive.
Are they?

Like many matters, it was a simple self-acknowledgement, but a much more complex series of emotions and thoughts that followed. In this case, the ‘lot’ was best described as a ‘building-full.’
I know why a hug is a plus, I like Gabby, that’s obvious. But to what extent?
Do I even want to know? She’s a gryphoness, not a pony.
A caring, nice, bubbly, cute, and slightly eccentric gryphoness.
….oh.
Oh boy.

Aid Chaser’s thoughts made his ‘decision’ for him, which was both a relief and a bit of a tumultuous realization.
I guess I’ll confront that possibility once we’re out of here. One of the bonus’s of being an adult.
…if only that diminished the anxiety about a relationship, whatever type it may be. Last thing I want to do is lose a friend.
It was then that Aid noticed a pair of teal eyes looking at him- Gabby apparently lost in her own thoughts.
I guess she just zoned out looking at me?

That thought was quickly dashed as the gryphoness noticed Aid’s own eyes glancing her way, and she returned to staring at the floor as her facial feathers fluffed up slightly. That too was becoming an increasingly common event.
Not that I mind. She’s got quite lovely eyes.
…and, well, everything else.
The stallion blinked, brow furrowing in thought. As far as being attracted to a gryphon, Aid would have put that possibility in the ‘don’t worry about that’ category.
Yet here we are.

“H-hey Aid. What’s something you’ve always hoped would happen, or want to try and make happen? No matter how crazy.” Gabby asked, the stallion easily picking up the slight hitch in her first word.

Odd. Wonder what’s on her mind?
“Hmm.” he mused, finally nodding slowly as a thought coalesced.

“Start my own company, some sort of organization to help creatures. Not like the force I’m a part of- that’s more specific. This would be broad spectrum of aid; food, water, shelter, doctors…but I’d need a lot of funding. It’d basically be like the EDRF, erm that’s the Equestrian Disaster Response Force, but instead of sending a small team, a couple airships of supplies would be dispatched. I mean, there’d be teams too, but it’s be a biiiig operation.” Aid rattled off, ears flicking back slightly as Gabby laughed happily.

“Wow, someone has thought it out! Seriously, have you? Because that sounds pretty in-depth.”

Aid nodded slowly, not able to resist a smile as the cheery gryphoness continued to poke him for answers.
“I’ve actually gotten all the paperwork done, how it would be structured, legal documents, taken classes on how to run a company, everything like that. All I need is the millions it would require to start it up. I might have enough in a decade, so there’s hope.” he mused, a thought then souring his previous disposition.

“I mean, I could cash out a lot of stuff now and maybe have enough, but no.”

“Huh?”

Aid sighed, ears flattening as his head shook back and forth.
“I’m the son of a very rich noble, Gabby. The accounting firm my Father runs is extremely well-known and widespread. As his son, I would be set to inherit it- but I’ve since pushed off that idea. Thankfully he realized that to at least some extent, but still set me up with a sizable portion of the company, trust funds, and all sorts of accruing stocks. It’s enough to finance a company, at least partially. But I’d need a much larger sum for the initial upkeep. And then there’s the other matter regarding bits…”

Whoever thinks money buys happiness deserves a punch in the teeth, at least to some extent.
The stallion shrugged again, not able to resist another sigh.

“I will not use funds gifted to me just because I’m a noble to start such an enterprise. Well, not directly. If I did, that’d set up the company for a nightmare of a reputation. If this organization is to survive, it has to be built from the ground up and not related directly to nobility, at least as removed as I can make it.” Aid continued, letting his thoughts run free. It had been an eternity since he had even mentioned this idea to any creature.

“So, I’ve purchased probably a dozen farms, mines, and other production facilities with those funds to start building the foundation. With a bit of luck, those properties can supply my organization eventually. My other funds are mainly used to upkeep those properties, since my shop and other salary is more than enough to live on. But why would I sit on all that money when I can start building something? That’s my way of thinking at least.”

The look on Gabby’s face gave Aid pause- the gryphoness staring at him curiously before looking away.

“That’s…I’ve never heard of any creature wanting to do something like that before.” she mused softly.

“Griffinstone certainly needs something like that, all the gryphon provinces do. And then there’s the smaller towns in Equestria that fall through the cracks…I’ve seen too many of both.”

The stallion nodded, eyes narrowing with determination as they continued to walk through the dimly lit ice and granite tunnels.

“Someday though, I’ll make it happen. What about you though?”

At his question, Gabby immediately blushed red, beak opening briefly before the gryphoness shook her head as though refusing a mental suggestion.

“Erm, something kind of similar. I’d love to find a job where I can help creatures, but also keep my courier position. I enjoy delivering stuff and meeting all sorts of creatures. Honestly, just having a simple home, a job I enjoy, and someone to come home to is what I want.”
Aid didn’t say anything at first, then looking over to the still-flustered gryphoness with a bit of amusement in his golden eyes. She had spoken just a bit too quickly for him to take that answer totally as truth.

“That doesn’t sound bad at all- quite nice actually. But, if I may ask, Gabby, was that what you were going to say at first?”
A slight grumble reached Aid’s ears; the stallion mentally chuckling.
Gotcha.
“Soooooooooooo?”

Gabby sighed, head shaking as her feathery ears flattened.
“It’s really stupid and cheesy. It’ll come out all wrong.”
A quick glance over, and Gabby saw Aid was still looking at her expectantly, a cheesy grin on his face.
“UGH. FINE.” she grumbled, not able to look at the stallion as he pumped a hoof in the air in victory.

“It’s just part of what I said before. Having someone to come home to. I’d…like that.”

“Like, finding a guy? Or girl.” Aid asked, an affirming grumble leaving Gabby’s beak.

“Just guys for me please…But see, that sounds so shallow and simple! Like ‘Oh no, I need a guy to be happy’ sort of thing.” The gryphoness explained pausing to trace on the ground with her claws.
“Gryphons…finding a special somegriff just hasn’t been a thing. I just don’t know what that sort of support from that relationship is like.”
Gabby paused, Aid sitting down as he saw her usually perky demeanor more subdued, a bit of vulnerability shining through her teal eyes.

“I don’t know what it’s like to have a family, or a relationship where somegriff is supporting me. I mean I have Gilda, she’s a good friend, but she’s got her own life, and I’m often busy. I’ve never had someone be there to bounce ideas off, hug me when I cry, or let me help them if they’re having trouble. Just having someone be there for me, liking me for me, regardless of it all, and me being there for them. It’s so alien to what I’ve grown up with…and I just want that.” she whispered, her damp eyes shining slightly.

“It’s normal for ponies and other creatures to want that sort of relationship and support, from what I’ve gathered. But for gryphons, that’s just not the case anymore, and it’s pretty weird to even bring up to others. Even though Griffinstone is improving, that stuff just doesn’t exist much at all. Gilda got lucky and found a decent guy, but she said he was adopted by a pony couple, which explains his view on relationships. Griffin’s don’t date anymore, at least not in a usual sense.” she explained with a shrug of her wings.

“There used to be stuff like that, ages ago. Knights, ladies, relationships, getting to know each other, and then that stuff all fell apart when the kingdom fragmented. It’s coming back, but not that fast.”

Aid nodded, frowning slightly as his brow furrowed.
“Huh. Wanting that sound rather beautiful honestly. I guess gryphons really don’t do the whole ‘dating’ thing much, huh? Or at all from what you said. I didn’t know it was that bad.” he mused, ears perking up in interest.
It sounded bad from what she had said- but this is so much worse…

“Nope. That’s why it’s so weird to bring up. Most creatures just assume you want one thing…which doesn’t require you to know the other very well.” she grumbled, head shaking slowly.
“I tried having a few dates with griff’s, but all of them ended the same way. All were roundabout ways to have a one-night stand. I know it’s not everygriff that’s like that, but it’s still frustrating. The dates with ponies actually were nice…for a while. I kind of learned as I went, and was nice when it happened.”

“You met a few stallions? I take it those didn’t work out?”

“Yup. And I really thought some would work out. Each ended for a different reason though. One couldn’t get past that I was a bit bigger than him, another was only dating me because he had a thing for gryphons- didn’t matter who I was to him. Another just didn’t feel safe around me because of my ‘predatory nature.’” Gabby used her claws to give the terms air quotes, prompting Aid to laugh.

“R-really?” he gasped, not able to resist a few more chuckles of mirth.
“I’m sorry Gabby, but you’re probably the least predatory gryphon I’ve encountered, and I mean that in the nicest way I can, because it’s a good thing. Unless you’re stalking someone to hug, I just can’t see it.”

A smile did edge onto Gabby’s beak, the courier shrugging in agreement.
“Eh, I can be scary if I have to, but you’re right. Let me see; Oh, there was the guy who was embarrassed to introduce me to his family because….”
Oh.

“Let me guess. You’re a gryphon.”

“Yep. Oh, and then there was the guy who just thought I was ‘too quirky.’” Gabby paused, ears and wings drooping.

“That one hurt, honestly. But yeah. It’s rough. Between gryphons not even wanting that sort of relationship, and the bad apples among ponies I ran into, not too fun.”
Ouch…
Aid reached over to give Gabby a reassuring pat on the shoulder, the gryphoness smiling slightly at the gesture.
“See? I can’t be cheerful the entire time.” she sighed, head shaking as they started walking again.

“Well, I think you’re just as good company, cheery or not.” Aid replied, not missing a slight fluffing of Gabby’s feathers.
Hmm. I guess it’s only polite for me to…
“Not too much success in dating here either, honestly. Between having a dream of flying and being a noble, it’s a minefield.” Aid remarked casually.

“Most mares in nobility only want money, an heir, power, reputation, or a combination of those. And many are willing to go to extreme lengths to obtain it. Being a bit gullible and wanting to help creatures has not ended well a few times. Is she confiding in me because she wants some support, or wanting to build my trust to then weasel her way into my life for power? Suddenly she’s interested in a third date after finding out who my father is, or after discovering what company I’d inherent.” the stallion grumbled, surprised to hear a slight hiss escape Gabby’s beak.

“That’s horrible, and sounds a lot like some gryphons, honestly.”

“No arguments there. So that eliminates a lot. But there’s plenty nobles or not who are decent ponies. It’s just difficult due to my location. Then in the pool that are nice…having non-mainstream hobbies can be a pretty big turn off. Not that I blame them though.”

The pair hopped over a slight gap, then continuing on through the tunnel, which was beginning to slope upwards.
“I know I’m eccentric and have weird ideas, and that’s not for everyone. But, as you said…it can hurt when said in a criticizing manner.”

“But you’re got such GOOD ideas! And neat! How- erm…sorry.” Gabby mumbled, Aid not able to resist a smile.

“Well thank you, but some certainly can’t imagine ‘putting up with’ such quirks for a lifetime. But to each their own, and so I’m still looking.”
Ok. Her ears DEFINITELLY perked up at that.
I mean, mine did too, when she mentioned not seeing anyone.
…seriously. Is she actually-

“Well, nothing to do but be yourself. Being happy as you is the first step, and if you aren’t, and try to use someone else to be happy, it doesn’t end well.” Gabby mused, letting out a slight huff.
“Gryphons take that and flip it on its head. Trying to ignore the wreck of our society by escaping for a few moments with some stranger. Bleh.”
Aid couldn’t help but smile, Gabby’s sour expression too much to ignore.
“In terms of Gryphon culture, Gabby, you are the most non-gryphon gryphon I know. And I think that’s a fantastic thing.”
The gryphoness was quiet for a moment, her voice returning softer than Aid had ever heard her speak, but also genuine and caring.

“Thank you, Aid.” she whispered, ears then perking up.
“Hey, is it lighter up ahead?”

Aid looked over, and saw that the tunnel was in fact shifting to mostly ice, leaving the granite behind them. A few more twists and turns….
“Whoa…”

The pair were blasted by a bright white spectacle, the snow-covered mountain slope below them shining with freshly-fallen powder. There wasn’t a cloud in the blue sky, and Aid’s communication crystal began to crackle. Putting on his helmet, Aid grinned as a familiar voice called into his ears.
“Hey, Aid!? We just got a secure location from your beacon, you alright?” Wind Sheer asked, prompting the stallion to nod.

“Yep. Safe and sound, I’ll initiate the transport shortly.”

“We’ll stand by. Dispatch could track your general location, but that was about it. Something about that weird magically charged blizzard. See you soon!”

The communication then cut off, Aid turning to Gabby who was starting to look at bit down.
Well. Now’s a good a time as-
“So…” Gabby said, toying with a bit of snow with her claws.
Aid opened his mouth, and finally just chuckled, shaking his head.
What am I, a schoolyard colt?

“If I may be blunt, Gabby?” he asked, pushing aside the butterflies that decided to arise in his stomach as she nodded curiously.
“Would you like to stay in touch? Write letters that is. You’re quite an incredible gryphoness, and I’d really enjoy writing you, if you’d like.” Aid asked cautiously, and hopefully not overstepping any boundaries.

Such worries were dashed as he was swept up in a happy hug, Gabby then letting him go to hop up and down in the snow briefly.
“YES! I mean…erm…” she giggled, then nodding excitedly, fishing out a bit of charcoal and parchment from her satchel.

“And of course, I’d love to catch up if you’re in Canterlot anytime soon.” Aid remarked, the joyful smile on Gabby’s features making his own heart warm.
I guess I wasn’t imagining things…

“I’ll probably have to make a delivery there within a week- there’s a usual customer that pops up around now.” Gabby added, having scrawled a post office address and taking Aid’s own piece of parchment back.

“I look forward to it then, maybe I can show you around?” Aid asked, prompting a happy chirp from the gryphoness.

“I’d really like that, actually. So…see you later?” she asked, Aid nodding with a wave.

“See you later Gabby, and it was really nice to meet you.”

“Y-you too.”

As she hopped into the air and waved with a slightly-stammering chirp, Aid replied with a similar gesture, watching as she dipped and soared into the distance. Sketching a rune on the ground, Aid tapped the required symbols and waited to be yanked back to Canterlot.

Well, I made a new friend, and an incredible gryphoness at that! I haven’t had that much fun being around somecreature in a long time. I wonder what she’ll think of Canterlot when I show her around? Hmm, I wonder what I’ll write her about first?
That visit though, it’s not a date though, not this time at least.
…I hope that will change.

Author's Note

Need I say more?