Huh. I’ve got some time before I need to head out for these deliveries…and Aid. Gabby mused, taking off from the inn she had stayed at in the Canterlot suburbs.

I’ll need to double check the directions, and make sure I don’t- Oh…what’s this? A small, almost military-compound caught Gabby’s attention, the gryphoness flying down to read the sign. Pegesi mid-air rescue testing and training facility… Huh. May as well take a look….

Poking her head inside, Gabby was greeted by a light blue Pegasus receptionist, sitting behind a large wooden desk occupying the massive if not immaculate entry room, which was dotted with various glass cases, charts, and pictures.

“Hi there! Erm, I was just curious what this place was.” Gabby admitted, the mare perking up to trot over and gesture around the wooden building, the room painted a muted off-grey.

“Oh! This is where guards and first-responders train for mid-air rescue. We offer classes for concerned citizens and such too. Basically, if somecreature is falling, we help train others, mainly pegasi, to make sure they are caught!”

Gabby nodded, her gaze then being drawn to a set of pictures on the wall, the main title of the exhibit reading ‘Best graduates, in order of time.’ All were of Pegesi; save one.

“Huh. Who is this?” Gabby asked, feigning ignorance as she gestured to a familiar horned face, golden eyes blazing with a fire of determination that brought the gryphoness back to the icy cave weeks ago.

“That? Oh. Now that was a unique one.” the receptionist mused, sitting down in thought.

“I was there watching the entire thing, as were quite a few others. The only unicorn to take our mid-air rescue drills about a year or so ago. Then again, no other unicorn made their own wings.”

“What?”

“I know, right? This guy had some metal-ish wings on his back that let him glide around, and he passed all the needed qualifications. That wasn’t the reason he was here though. Apparently, he was on orders from the Princess, at least that’s what my superiors said. He ran the mid-air rescue drill over a dozen times before getting it right. But it explains some stuff though….”

“Explains what?” Gabby asked, trying to not appear too excited about learning facts concerning her currently favorite unicorn.

“This guy was a mess, honestly. I don’t know the specifics, but something happened, something bad, because the few times he failed at first to catch the dummy I’m pretty sure he was sobbing. He then got up and did it again, and again, and again. This guy was a machine; the instructors basically carried him up to the cloud one time after the next…and then after failing again, that unicorn used a spell, as though the times before were proving something by not using magic.”

“A spell?”

The mare sighed, nodding her blue head in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it. This guy lit up like a torch, and his speed must have tripled, sending him blasting forward. The first few times he missed, but then he got it, catching the dummy successfully five times in a row, and then again the next few times he visited, until he didn’t fail at all. He went through dozens of variable tests at different heights and speeds…all ended in success.”

The receptionist then frowned, head shaking slightly. “The first time he caught the dummy though, he had a death-grip on the thing. I’ve never seen somecreature’s eyes so focused; another Pegasi showed up to help us snap him out of it actually, Wind something or other. His picture is up there though, because he’s the only unicorn to complete the course and, he did it in record time; top fifteen. If that’s not worth remembering, I don’t know what is.”

The mare then looked to Gabby, a slight wince dawning on her features. “His eyes, this almost unnatural look that sent a shiver down my spine, honestly. Well, that and the fact….”

Gabby waited, the mare’s own eyes actually tearing up as she took a shaky breath.

“And the fact he insisted on using a filly-sized dummy for the test.”

Gabby’s heart fell through her chest, nodding slowly as she thanked the mare for her time, then resuming her flight towards the main sprawl of Canterlot. Letting out a long breath, Gabby’s expression saddened briefly, head shaking slowly as she flew. Aid, what have you gone through? I can already put the pieces mostly together…

If anything, the new knowledge made the gryphoness respect the pony all the more; and added another interesting side to her favorite unicorn. And definitely, definitely made him more deserving of a hug.

-Two Hours Later-

“Street-oh dangit. What was this one called again?” Gabby muttered, flying down to look at the street sign at the end of a seemingly-identical area of Canterlot.

“Oh. So this is Tie Street, and the one next to it is, Bowtie street. Really!?” she then couldn’t help but giggle. The weight of her morning realization had since faded, and while lurking at the back of her mind, refused to bring down the peppy gryphoness as she neared her destination.

“That’s pretty funny though. Ok. Sooo. A left here, and then two streets to Second Main street, and then look for the shop!”

She had given up asking for directions, since apparently nopony wanted or cared enough to help. But Aid had warned her about that in this section of the city. Gabby’s heart was fluttering in her chest as she flew along, having completed her deliveries a good half-hour prior. Now, it was just the task of finding Aid Chaser’s shop.
I just hope he’s happy to see me.….but why wouldn’t he be? That’s a silly thought. Why am I worried about that?

“Did I give her wrong directions?”

“Dude.”

“Ugh. I know how snooty this area can be- did they purposefully tell her wrong street names?”

“Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude?”

“Seriously, I wonder if-”

“Aid!” Wind Sheer sighed, smacking his own head onto the wooden store counter.

“She’s fine, and delivers mail for a living. Pretty sure she can find her way around a city she’s visited before. Besides, doesn’t this give you more time to figure out if a kiss is in order?”

“But what if she gets lost and-WAIT WHAT?!”

Wind grinned as the cheeky comment snapped Aid out of his worried repertoire, the Pegasus letting out a chuckle. “Welcome back to reality. Now then, if you’re done fretting about whether a competent gryphoness can find her way here, do you have that enchantment for me done?”

Aid shook his head as though to clear it, nodding as he retrieved a small stone. “Thanks, not sure why I got into such a tizzy.” he muttered, sliding the stone across the counter.

“Because you obviously like her, duh. Just because you’re fun to tease about that sort of thing doesn’t mean we don’t notice, or care.” Wind added with a genuine grin. “Seriously. The entire team has noticed you light up whenever we ask about Gabby. You’ll be fine. Oh, so this stone, erm, how does it work again?”

Aid couldn’t help but give his best friend a light whack on the shoulder in solidarity, then gestured to the stone as he walked around the counter.

“Alright. So, tap it three times quickly to activate the warming spell, and then four times to deactivate it. That prevents accidental starting and stopping. It should last you the entire week, and then I’ll enchant it again for you. If it’s too cold when you’re busting those clouds, let me know and I’ll up the magical power a bit.”

Wind Sheer nodded, testing the spell with a few taps and then letting out a pleasant moan.

“Oh, sweet Celestia that feels amazing. It’s like sitting in front of a fireplace all over.” he whispered, then looking over to Aid.

“I might want a few more of these.”

Aid chuckled, gesturing to the general price board behind him. “I’m fine doing a few for free, but I do have to cover costs of materials. These stones are tricky to find.”

Wind Sheer nodded, shaking Aid’s hoof as he headed towards the door. “Of course, I’m not about to take advantage of your generosity.” he added, then getting a rather cheeky grin on his face.

“Take care Aid! Oh, by the way, Gabby’s here!” The mischievous Pegasus was off like a flash, a familiar gryphoness then poking her head into the shop.

“Is this the right…AID!” She chirped happily dashing inside and then skidding to a halt, face feathers fluffing briefly as the gryphoness awkwardly held out a set of talons, as though mentally catching herself.

The stallion couldn’t help but chuckled, shaking her outstretched claws but grinned mischievously. “I wouldn’t have objected to a hug, if that was your intention.”

Apparently it was, because Gabby immediately yanked the stallion into an embrace with a happy chirp, apparently not expecting him to hug back, due to her face blushing about as bright as Aid had ever seen her.

“That’s better, I was hoping for a hug at least.” The stallion quipped, now awkwardly staring at the floor briefly. “It’s good to see you, Gabby. As strange as it is, I’ve found myself missing you. I really have enjoyed our letters, but it just isn’t the same though. Sorry if that sounds a bit odd.”

The gryphoness shook her head, and Aid thought he saw the barest hint of dampness in her eyes.

“N-not odd at all. I’ve missed you too, in a similarly odd way I guess. It was really nice to have someone to talk to often, even if it was just for a day or two."

Aid knew his ears perked up at that, but couldn’t care less as a grin plastered itself across his features.
She missed me? SHE MISSED ME!

“Well, want to take a look around? Shop, then a short tour of the local area and some lunch perhaps?” Aid offered, Gabby nodding immediately. The shop they were in was a neat off-blue rectangular room, the check-out counter to the right of the door, and shelves of various labeled magical items adorning the center, while glass counters lined the other walls, save a door that led to the back rooms.

“This is, of course, my shop.” Aid began, gesturing around at the room and then to a few odd items here and there. “A few of the best sellers; self-refilling quills, heating and cooling spells, oh, and the ever-popular one among the kids…” Aid levitated a small, seemingly innocuous pen over.

“Tasty ink and matching paper. Write a secret letter to your friend, and lick away the evidence after!”

Gabby giggled, head shaking at the pure absurdity of it.

“I know, right? But apparently it’s fun. In the back here….”

Leading her to the back room, Aid grinned as the gryphoness’s eyes lit up at seeing the workshop. A good forth of the entire building, the room was dotted with workbenches, prototype wings, and all sorts of paraphernalia, both in large cabinets, tool boxes, and shelves.

“This. Is. So. COOL!” Gabby squeaked, hopping over to gesture at a specific set of wings on the wall. She seemed to focus on the item briefly in thought, then perked back up to her usual self. “These look done though!”

“Yep. Those are actually. They’re gliding wings, enhanced with spells. I’m hoping to sell the patent to someone who can both commercialize it for fun use, and deploy it through rescue squads and perhaps the guards. They’d be handy for reaching stuck ponies on ledges and such, or as an emergency option if visiting Cloudsdale or the like.” Aid replied, prompting an excited hop from Gabby as she dashed over to another, larger pair of wings.

“Ooooh. That’s a lot of crystals…”

“That is my current prototype. Metal and mana crystals. I’ve gotten up to about ten flaps, but then the spells give out. Getting all the joints right is hard, but that’s my current project.” Aid explained, the gryphoness’s head quite literally on a swivel.

“Aid, this is incredible! I was expecting like, a shed and a workbench! This is like a toolbox room!” Gabby exclaimed, looking at all the various types of welders, chisels, measuring devices and even large wrenches scattered about in semi-organized wooden boxes.

Aid could only stand and smile; the fact Gabby found his workshop that interesting made a warm glow ignite in his chest something fierce.

After a few more questions concerning various odds and ends, the pair made their way down the streets, Aid pointing out notable locations. Some hole-in-the-wall eateries that still served some of the best food, antique shops that always had unique items, and then other similar locations he had known when he was a kid.

Gabby couldn’t resist though, and finally had taken a look inside an antiques shop- And thus a new game was born.

“I’m betting….minotaur back-scratcher?” Aid mused, eyes narrowed as he and Gabby stared at the odd metal device.

“Ooooh. I’m also betting minotaur something, but I’d say it’s a surgical tool. Like, if their hooves needed fixing.” Gabby added with a smile. The game had been born completely by accident, but now the two had spent the last hour in the various antiques shops, not looking at the description of an item until they guessed its intent.

Gabby was, admittedly, having trouble focusing on just the item. Just being with somecreature who was fun, put her at ease like nothing else. Gone was the grumpy replies of gryphons, as well as the exasperated sighs from those who grew tired of her peppery demeanor. Instead, Aid just seemed to enjoy being around her.

It was all the gryphoness could do to not hug him again.

“And the winner iiiiiisssssss…” Aid began, brow then furrowing as the stared at the description.

“Ok, how?” Gabby asked, staring at the neat writing as Aid gaped.

“A tongue depressor for kirin? W-why does it have clamps?”

Gabby shivered, shrugging her wings. “I don’t want to know, honestly. Let’s call that one a draw.”

A loud gurgle from her stomach made the gryphoness blush, but only earned a chuckle from Aid.

“Lunch time it would seem. Hmm. There’s an eatery near here that’s actually really good. They serve fish too, and have some other options!”

Following Aid down the street, Gabby occasionally caught her gaze drifting to the stallion before snapping back ahead. What has gotten into me? I guess I know the answer, but it’s a nervous thought… And yet through the nerves, she couldn’t help but just feel happy. She had a friend who enjoyed being around her, giddiness and all.

Considering that now both of their stomachs were rumbling, she and Aid quickly arrived at the eatery, picking up some freshly made pastry delicacies. The dough was apparently wrapped around a variety of fillings, and you could pick as to which type of spice was kneaded into it. For her, a fresh fish pastry, while Aid naturally picked up the vegetarian option.

A happy hum reached her ears as Aid munched on his lunch, the gryphoness giggling at the absurd noise until she too took a bite. “Ohmygoshthat’sgoooooooood…”

“Mmmhmmm.”

Gabby frowned as she finished her meal far too quickly, but then perked up as Aid levitated a paper bag over to her. “I got us each an extra. They seemed a bit tiny.”

You. Are. The. BEST!”

“You did?” she squeaked, happily munching on the second serving with a wide grin. “Thank you! You just keep getting better and better!”

The stallion blinked, a slight blush rising to his cheeks at her cheery remark. “I erm…” he quickly shoved another bite of pasty to hide any further stammering’s, but unfortunately the blush persisted.

Dangit Aid, are you trying to stay adorable? Because it’s working!

As the pair meandered down a street towards an afternoon market, Aid could barely focus on his hooves. Goodness, it’s like I’m a teenager again….

He finally couldn’t take it anymore, pausing as the traffic on the street slowed, leaving them relatively alone. “Hey Gabby?”

“Hmm?”

Aid’s heart fluttered when two curious and cheery eyes turned his way, the stallion not able to keep a smile off his face.

“So tonight, for dinner…” Just say it, you indecisive stallion! You’ve literally stitched ponies together, you can ask…

“Would you like to make dinner a date?”

For a moment, Aid thought had made a grand mistake. Gabby’s eyes widened as her feathers fluffed, a pink tinge standing out on her cheeks as she blinked in shock. Did I lose a friend?

“I’d love to.” Gabby whispered, her tone soft and calm, immediately drawing the unicorn’s attention.

Wait what.

“Really?” Aid asked, noticing how Gabby’s beak appeared to be trembling ever so slightly. An excited nod was her reply, the unicorn taking a cautious step closer.

“Erm, Gabby? You alright?”

The gryphoness nodded, managing a smile but then let a slight sniffle escape.

“Are these good sniffles or bad sniffles?” Aid ventured to ask, eliciting a slight giggle. Not able to resist, Aid opened up a forelimb with a shrug. “Oooorrrr are these ‘I’d be fine with a hug’ sniffles?” Judging by how the gryphoness wrapped him up in a tight embrace, Aid had guessed correctly, happily hugging Gabby back. Very different from pony hugs…soft feathers, and a bit leaner. But much warmer.

Gabby let him go after a moment, swiping something from her eyes with an embarrassed blush. “S-sorry about that. Not sure why…I guess I’m just glad, really, really glad.” she admitted happily.

“I wasn’t sure if I could ask you, if that’d be appropriate, and I didn’t want to lose you as a friend, but I really do think you’re an incredible guy, but-”

A hoof gently placed on Gabby’s beak interrupted her thought waterfall, Aid simply smiling.

“I get it, Gabby. I’ve been wondering how to ask you all day, to be honest.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh. But I’m sure glad I did. Erm, I have a few ideas for where to go for dinner, but how about we explore the market first? Usually there’s some neat odds and ends there.”

Gabby nodded happily, an extra bit of pep in her step as they walked along. Now, Aid couldn’t keep a smile off his face as he glanced over to his date, not refusing to meet her gaze when she turned to look at him as well. Those eyes; happy, peppy, and just caring…And that blush too.

A single thought however caused the stallion to grin, not able to help himself.
I have a date!

Author's Note

Enough said. The adorableness continues!
Slowing down updates on this and other fics; trying to whittle down the number of active stories...work + masters + three stories =