Leonard Mack (Fox, F/C) and Vera La Tiérra (Red Vixen, PG) go to a popular Baltimore steakhouse. Vera wants to know more about Leonard. What could it mean?

Vera La Tiérra c  jtigerclaw
FBA c  buckhopper
Williamsburg Minutemen c B-Hop and me to an extent

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It was a lovely Baltimore afternoon on Thursday. The Minutemen had arrived at their Mariotter Hotel, taking a quick early morning flight from Pittsburgh. Coach Roosevelt decided to let the players go their own way before the evening's practice. He wanted them to relax that day.

Some of the players, though, were less relaxed than others. Some were downright worried, each with their own reason. Most, however, did as their coach instructed and enjoyed the day...

* * *

The Baltimore Chop Steakhouse provided a popular eatery for many in the Charm City. Their sirloin steaks were known pratically the world over. That was what Vera La Tiérra (Red Vixen, PG) and Leonard Mack (Fox, F/C) were planning to get a taste of as they entered the restaurant.

The vixen wore jeans and a woman's navy polo shirt, the Minutemen musket logo set nicely on her breast. She was recognized immediately, as some whistled and cheered as she came in the door. Mack followed, dressed in a similar outfit, the only difference being the color of his polo shirt.

"Yeah, those whistles are meant for me," the fox joked, tugging the collar of his red shirt. That got a laugh from La Tiérra. The two were shown to their table with little resistance; a couple of patrons wanted an autograph or two. Mack almost felt like he needed to be a bodyguard to Vera, but he knew the vixen could handle herself. He had seen it countless times.

After the waiter took their order for drinks and lunch, Vera smiled at Leoanrd.

"So, Lennie, jou think this is a date, hmm?" she asked. The fox smiled back.

"I'd prefer to call it a 'fake date'," he said with a smile. "I know we're just friends,"

"Very good friends," Vera said, smiling again. Her smile was so easy, it looked like it was effortless to her. That was one of the things that made Mack nuts for her.

After the waiter brought the two their drinks, Vera nodded to her teammate.

"But even though we are very good friends, I still dun know very much about jou..." she said. Mack ran a paw through his long strands of red hair and rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.

"Well, I guess it's because we haven't really had that much time together to talk about it..." he said. The vixen nodded.

"Well, we're here and alone... what's there to know about jou, Señor Mack?"

The fox chuckled. That was the Vera he'd come to know.

"Well, I grew up in the suburbs of Des Moines on a corn farm. Corn's everywhere in the state."

"Ah, maize, jes..."

"Anyway, the basketball hoop I had was set up on the side of our barn. Dad used it and a silo to store our corn and supplies. I made him set it up ten feet high, exactly."

"Was this before or after the time jou knocked over the bee hive?" the vixen giggled, sipping her drink. Mack blushed and cleared his throat.

"Er, after that. I used to have fun seeing how far away I could stand from the basket and shoot a three. I got pretty good at it, and as I grew taller, I used that practice to perfect my three-point shooting," he said, then taking a drink of his glass of sweet tea.

"Ah. So jou went to university?"

"Yep. I went to Iowa State. Broke Mom's heart. She really wanted me to go to Iowa and be a Hawkeye," he said, scratching the back of his head. Vera frowned.

"Was she sad for long?"

"No, not at all. She accepted it quickly and always came to see my games in Ames. It was very nice having her there, though all the guys kidded me and called me a mama's todd."

Vera laughed. "I figured jou and jour parents were close," she said. The vixen took another sip of her drink. "I've been meaning to ask: When did jou grow out your hair? I thought jour mother showed a picture of jou in high school with a short hair," she said. She then smirked, knowing Leonard knew what that meant.

Mack's eyes widened and he put a paw to his face.

"Oh, don't tell me she showed you pictures..."

"When jou were in the shower in Des Monies, she showed us practically jer whole life... we didn't want to embarrass you more," she explained. That mischevious smirk was still on her face. They must have had a good time with those pictures.

"So that's why everyone had a stupid grin on their face when I got out of the shower..." Mack grumbled to himself. Vera just giggled innocently.

By that time, the waiter had returned with their lunches: a sirloin steak for Leoanrd and a ribeye steak for Vera. The two then started to eat, and Mack answered Vera's question.

"I grew out my hair in college. Dad was really surprised, but Mom thought it was a good look for me on the basketball court. He eventually agreed with her when he saw me in action a couple of times."

"Ah."

"It was fun in college, but it was even more fun to be drafted. I knew I wasn't the greatest, but I submitted myself for the draft and worked out to the best of my ability. I hoped to at least sign on with a team."

"What happened?"

"I got drafted by the Blanks in the second round."

"Wow! Jou must have been excited!" Vera said, smiling. Mack grinned back.

"Oh, yeah, it was great. I had a blast. Chris Zwischenberger (Tabby Cat, PF, DES) is a really nice guy. Took the time to talk to me and get me acquainted with the pros. Mom and Dad went to all our home games. The Blanks even made the playoffs and I got my first taste of it there. But..."

"But?"

"Well, there was actually a low point after that. During the expansion draft, when the Bantams and Mounties came into the league, I got a call saying I was drafted by the Mounties 5th overall. I almost cried."

"Awww, really?"

Mack nodded curtly. "Mmmmhmmm. I'd really be away from home, then. At first, I was really homesick, but I knew deep in my heart I had to adjust to being away from home and my parents. After all, I had to if I was going to be a pro. Anthony Rios (Raccoon, G/F) really helped me grow up a little in that department. After that season, I decided to accept a three-year deal with the Spectrums."

"And how did jou fare with them?"

"I backed up Quintessa Hartnett (Leopard, C) there. Heh... when I found out shi was a herm, it was a bit of a shock. Shi laughed when I first saw hir naked; shi said my eyes were as big as volleyballs!" he said. Vera laughed.

"Jou never saw a herm until then?"

"Nuh uh. It was quite an awkward moment, but... well, that's part of being a pro too. Experiencing things that might be a little jarring."

Vera laughed. "I bet. Jou returned to the Mounties in a trade, then?" she asked. By then, she knew about where all of her temmates had played, based on the stories they told.

"Yep, exactly. A really funky trade. Involved four teams. Rapids and Sand Dollars were in on a it too. I don't emember who was in the trade. But the second time around in Idaho, I was a lot more mature. I was able to help the younger players. Except Icarus Cobra-Dragon... what a weird rookie he was... eh, but that's beside the point. I backed up Stefan Kiković (Porcupine, C) and was quite happy to do it, heh..."

"And then jou were traded to the Minutemen after the season and jou heard about me..." Vera said, smiling. Mack smiled back.

"And I still stand by what I said: I've always liked tall girls," Mack chuckled, winking.

Vera giggled sweetly. "Jou silly zorro, hee hee."

The two finished their meal and returned to the Charm City Center's practice gym. Their relationship was still sound: they were very good friends. They treasured their friendship. But, in the back of his mind, Mack still wished for them to be something more... someday...

(Made minor edits.)