Here's the part 2 of the romantic story of GMXMuscle's own Marty and Zen going on a date Giant Botanical Garden. Also introducing Cory the Gryphon.
Hope you guys enjoy

Marty, Zen, Geamex, Lance, Nathan, Joey and Leo are All owned by GMXMuscle.

At Zen's house, he was just about ready for the date. "Ok let's see. Water, check. Picnic basket with salad, high-protein chicken and Grapes, check. Speedo for the hot springs, check. And the final thing, the bouquet." Zen then grabs the Bouquet. "There, All ready. Now all I need to do is wait for the love of my life." And Zen waits for Marty in the living room.

There was knock on the door. Zen opens the door, it was Marty, his sweetheart looking very beautiful in his white sleeveless button shirt, light blue jeans and sports shoes.
"Hello Zen, you look as handsome as ever." Marty says to Zen.

Zen says "Thanks. Wow Marty, your looking especially nice today." Marty blushes a bit and said "Thank you." Zen then smiles and giving Marty his bouquet.

"Woah, this is so beautiful. This is a wonderful assortment of flowers. That's so sweet of you Zen, thanks." Marty says.

"Thanks Marty." Zen says. He was happy that Marty loved his gift, and Marty said to Zen "I've also got you something really amazing that's coming any time now. You're gonna love this." Marty proudly says to Zen.

"What is it my love?" Zen asked when the two of them heard a loud thud outside Zen's house. The two of them went outside and see the delivery man bring the statue out from his van "Here you go Mr.Francine. One life size statue of your lovely wolf boyfriend." He said. Zen was in awe by the statue. "So Zen, what do you think?" Marty asked.

"It's amazing! The craftsmanship captures my muscles and face perfectly, the bejewelled eyes looks great, the pose is amazing and reminds me of that time me and Leo flexed at the bodybuilding contest and it's perfect for my garden. Thank you Marty for this gift." Zen said as he cried tears of joy and hugs Marty. Marty says "There there sweetie, let it out. I'm here for you."

"It's seems like he loves the statue." Said the delivery man, and Marty replies to him by saying "Yes he does, I wanted to give him something special as a thanks for being the best boyfriend a guy could ask for." Zen wipes his eyes and breathes a little bit "Sorry about that, I got a little emotional." Said Zen, standing with his left hand behind his head. "It's ok, we all get like that sometimes. Don't worry about it." The delivery man says before in the truck to leave. "Well I hope you have a great time at that garden. See you next time." Marty and Zen waves the delivery man goodbye and Marty grabs his handbag and Zen grabs his bag.

"So, shall we get this date started?" Zen asks Marty, and Marty answers this question by saying "Yes, we shall. Just lead us the way.", so the two hold their hands, with a warm, happy feeling inside the two. They both smiled and then Zen says "Well then, let go have a wonderful time at that garden."

And the two begin the journey to the Giant Botanical garden, named Project Nature. A community run project with a mission on showing the beauty of nature to the people.

Marty and Zen were holding each others hands as they head to the garden in the park. "I wonder what kind of flowers we'll find there." Marty says to Zen.

"I guess we'll see, I haven't been to this place. This is my first time." Zen says.

"Yeah, mine too." Marty says, and then smiles to the green wolf, happy to be doing this with the guy he loves the most.

Eventually the two made it to the park, and there it was. The Giant Botanical Garden covered in a giant Biodome. Both of them were in awe. "Leo was right, this is enormous. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. Wow, that is breath-taking." Marty was the most taking by the size of the biodome, when Leo said it's as big as a sports stadium, he really meant it.

"I've seen garden centres before, but this is like next level." Zen says.

Marty then sees the entrance to the Giant Botanical garden, "Hey Zen, there's the entrance, and there's a small quote to get in. Lucky us." He said, and Zen shook his head and said "Oh yeah, the entrance. Ok honey let's go to the quote." And the two of them waited in the quote to get into the giant structure.

Some time pass and the two finally got to the entrance. "Oh you must be the two bodybuilding couple that we've heard so much about. Marty and Zen, it's a pleasure to met the two of you." Said the brains of Project Nature, whose name is Cory, a Gryphon with a green thumb. Like Marty and Zen, he's very muscular, like a pure bodybuilder's physique, he also has long flowing brown hair and a knack for nature.

"It's great to meet you too." Marty says, Zen thought he saw this Gryphon before, and then he remembers and then said "I've seen you before, your Cory. A gentle giant with a love of nature"

Cory then says "I'm glad you've heard of me. The planet we live in is home to many great things, and nature is one of them. The beauty of the plants, the waters and everything in between, It's one of mankind's greatest gift to us all." His whimsy with his words are a little theatrical for the Loving duo, but they understand that he cares about the planet we live in and wants to make sure that the environment is safe and protected.

"Yeah, we get where your coming from Cory." Marty says to the Gryphon, with Cory saying to Marty "Thanks. Anyways, enjoy your time here. Take all the time you need admiring the beauty of nature, Bye." And Cory flies away from the two.

"He seems like a nice guy. It's sweet he did all this to show the beauty of nature to the people in this city, he's kinda like you in a way Zen" Marty says.

"Yeah, as a botanist I can relate to him in a way. A gentle soul that cares about plants and nature." Zen says in a calm way.

Marty agrees with Zen. "Yeah, you are amazing Botanist. It's one of the things I like about you the most, that and how hunky you are." He said in a playful, yet flirty way. Zen giggled a bit.

"Yeah, thanks for that." Zen says with a smile on his face, with Marty smiling back at him and then notices a map showing where they are.

"Ok so if we head to the left, we can see the Tropical Trees first." Marty says.

"Sure. It's a good start." Zen says and the two head to the left and comes out to a little pathway with Palm Trees. The stuff that are commonly seen in Tropical Beaches.

"Wow, it's almost feels like a pseudo tunnel of love thing they got going on here." Marty says while taking in the scenery.

"You're right, it's like walking thought Tropical Jungle in a way" Zen said. It's sure is a vibe that this tunnel is giving to the two of them, a chill and relaxed vibe.

Marty brings out his phone from his handbag and asked Zen "Wanna take a selfie with me?", Zen says "That's not a bad idea. Ok, let's do that." They then take a selfie with both of them doing the peace sign while behind some Tropical Trees. "There we go, we look awesome in this pic." Said Marty.

After they took the selfie they continue to walk in this Tropical Tree pathway, enjoying the scenery and holding the hands with a smile on both of their faces.

Eventually the two make it to a Hot Springs/Pool area. Marty was a little surprised. Leo forget to mention that they put in a new swimming pool where the hot springs are. Marty then hears a ring on his phone, it was Leo. Marty picks up the phone. "Oh hey Leo." Marty said.

"Hi Marty, how's the date going." Leo says, with Marty answering by saying "Just fine, just noticed that there's a new swimming pool here."

"Huh, I didn't noticed. All well, at least I now know for when I go there sometime in the future." Leo says, and then notices Zen standing next to him. "Oh hey Zen. How's it going."

"Pretty good. Enjoying my time with Marty, you know some old some old." Zen says to Leo.

"Nice, anyways Zen you have a good time there, later you two" Leo then hangs up. And Marty puts his phone in his Handbag, and sees the swimming pool. It's a big, giant swimming pool with a hot tub, diving boards, Monsoon showers and some more Tropical Trees to give it a little bit of flare to it.

Marty then asks Zen "Wanna do the swimming pool since we are here?" with Zen answering by saying "Yeah, it sounds like fun".

So Marty and Zen go into the changing rooms and put on there speedos and put their regular clothes on their bags. "This date is so much fun. I'm happy Zen is enjoying this wonderful time here, we might come here again." Marty said. The two put their bags into their lockers, and the two of them see each other in their speedos.

"Man I can't wait to get in the water and relax in the cool H20." Marty Says in a oddly chill and relaxed way.

"I'm not much of a swimmer myself to be honest but i'll give it a shot." Zen says. Zen isn't known to be a swimmer. One time, he, Marty, Nathan and Lance went to a local swimming pool in the city, and it's safe to say, he's not very good at it. He was just happy to just watch his friends have fun while relaxing in the cool water.

"Don't worry about it, I can teach you." Marty said, happy to help Zen.

Zen says "Thanks Marty, I appreciate that. That's why I love you." Marty gives Zen a wink and a nice grin. "Anyways let's hit the showers before we get into the pool." Zen says, and the two grab the free shampoo/shower gel given to people that go to the pool, lavender scented.

Marty and Zen both soak their entire bodies with the hot water from the shower. "You know, this feels so warm but not too hot that would hurt you, just the right amount of heat for a nice shower." Zen says, and then a certain Parrot appeared and said, "I couldn't agree more Zen."

It Geamex, the medical student that helped Marty prepare for his date. "Hey guys, how's the date coming along?" He asked."

Marty was surprised to see Geamex. "Oh hey Geamex, how come you decided to come here?" He asked.

Geamex says to the two "Well one of my research is that this garden has a special type of flower called Hawthorne. It's a plant that's known for improving heart health. This place might have some other flowers and herbs that I can use in my medicine."

Zen then goes up to him, puts his hand on Geamex's shoulders and said "We'll help you out. When we see that gryphon again, we'll ask him where the Hawthorn is."

Geamex says "Really? You do that for me.", and Marty being the kind-hearted quail that he is and wants to help his friend in anyway he can said to Geamex "Yeah. Your like a bigger part of our lives. You have come a long way in your medical studies, and we are happy to help you get one step closer to being an amazing doctor."

Geamex with tears rolling down his eyes says "Thank you guys. You're the best friends a guy like me could ask for." And then hugs the two and accidently slips on the wet floors and the 3 fell on the ground. Luckily Geamex, Marty and Zen are ok.

"Oops, sorry about that guys." Geamex says, and the three have a nice chuckle. Geamex always knows how to bring laughter out of his friends, either by accident or not.

"It's ok Geamex, Accidents happen." Zen says and picked himself back up, and helped Marty get up from the wet ground and Geamex getting back up. "Well, wanna take a dip in that pool." Geamex says with confidents. Marty and Zen looked at each other, they know the same thing that the other is thinking. "Yes we are." They both said in unison.

So after there shower, the three then go to the pool. They were the only ones there, today was the day that it was first opened, the three basically got the VIP treatment on this one, the first people to swim in this newly made pool.

Marty puts his foot in the water first "Oh, the water feels so smooth and cool. It's like those hotel swimming pools, very nice feeling." Marty was the first to go in the water.

"Come on in, the water's fine." Marty said playfully but in a relaxed way. Geamex and then Zen go into the water after Marty, both of them agree that the water feels nice, and then Marty sees a replica Waterfall coming from a large limestone rock wall. It's quite a beautifully made rock wall, with the water that comes out of waterfall very fast, and the water recycles itself from the bottom mini pool area using a mechanism inside the structure. It's also made with real Limestone rocks and logs, giving it an true waterfall design.

"What an intresting design." Said Geamex. He was oddly fascinated by this replica waterfall, it was a pretty genius idea.

"I agree, the whole look is very cool and smart. It continuously reusing the water over and over again all by itself. That's pretty awesome." Zen says while enjoying the sounds of the waterfall, it gives a felling of peace and tranquillity that adds to the experience, "Man I could listen to the pseudo Waterfall forever, but I have a date to enjoy. So let's have some fun." Zen attempts to swim but has hard as he tries, he can only swim a little bit.

Marty then holds onto Zen and then said to him "Don't worry honey, i'll hold on to you and swim together." Zen holds on to him and says "Ok, i'll hold tight. You do the swimming."

And Marty and Zen being to swim with together, while holding each other with Geamex watching them. "Ok Zen, just do what I do at the same time." Marty says to Zen, and Zen said in a soft voice "Will do."

And when Marty extends his right knee high up in the air, and brings it down with force. "When I do that, you do it after that and your left leg, and i'll use my right." Marty says to Zen, and Zen gives it a shot, he puts his left knee as high as he can and brings it down and Marty did the same when his right leg and the two being to move forward. They swam gracefully, Both of them were having the time of their lives.

"Hey, this is pretty fun." Zen says with joy, he was enjoying swimming with his boyfriend. "Yeah, it's even more fun with you by my side." Marty Says very softly.

"I know sweetheart. You were there for me, you were my knight in shining armor." Zen said.

"I'm glad I've met a guy like you. Thanks for bringing me happiness." Marty said, and then Marty and Zen embraced each other and cuddle right close to the waterfall.

"Marty, thank you." Zen says. Marty then smiles and then Zen put his lips on Marty's beak and the two began to kiss each other while the two are cuddling in the water.

Geamex, watching them make out was smiling. He knew that they mean the world to each other, and he supported them and their love.

After they are finished smooching, the two while still cuddling talk about what comes next in their life. "I don't know wait the future will have in store of us, but we'll face it together. me, you, Leo, Joey, Geamex, Nathan and Lance, we can do anything if we have each other." Zen says softly. And Marty, very softly said "I know sweetie". This is really how Marty means to Zen, their not long buff, muscular people, but they are happy that they both come out and just accepted that they have feelings for each other and want to enjoy the time they have with each other.

Sometime later, after they are finish in the pool, the three then looked at the map.
"Well judging by the map, the next stop is the Rose garden. Looks like we have to walk to the hole between two rock pillars over there." Said Zen and he points to the two rock pillars that are in front of them.

"Well, let's get going and continue this amazing date my Sweetheart." Marty says, and gives Zen a kiss on the cheek.

"Ok, to the Rose garden." Geamex said and the three of them go through the hole and there's loads of Roses of multiple colours.

"Wow. In all my years as a botanist I have never seen this beautiful display of Roses I ever seen." Zen said, and he was right.

"I'm happy that your having fun my Green-thumbed Amigo." Cory the Gryphon said when he came right out of nowhere, it gave The Muscular trio a bit of a shock.

"How did you appear out of nowhere?" Zen said.

"I'm just full of surprise. Anyways, how's the date going for you two." Cory asked.

Marty replied to Cory's question saying "It's going great. We kinda had a makeout session in the pool.", Cory was very happy to hear that their love is strong and beings to cry with tears of joy.

"Are you ok?" Marty asked, he was a little worried that he was sad about something.

Cory wiped away his tears and said "Oh it's nothing. I just love seeing to passionate lovers show their love for each other. Love is a beautiful thing." Zen then said "I agree. It's a powerful emotion."

"Yeah, you two are made for each other. You have an unbreakable bond." Cory said. Marty and Zen was a little flattered by his kind words. "Thanks for that. Anyways we are going to look at those Roses." Marty said, and then Geamex goes up to Cory and ask him "Hey Cory, i'm looking for the Hawthorn flower. Can you please tell me where I can think that flower." Geamex asked.

"It's a plant Geamex is looking into. He's a Medical student, and a pretty good one." Zen said, with Geamex smiling by those words.

"Yeah, Geamex works hard on his Medical studies. He even made a book about it." Said Marty. And yes, Geamex published a book on his Medical Studies called "My Medical Journey by Geamex". It was a autobiography showcase Geamex's life up to this point. His childhood, it's reasons for studying medicine and what his friends mean to him.

"Yeah, I was quite proud of that one." Geamex said and the smiles.

"Maybe i'll go online and by it right now. Ok $12, that's a good price for a book." Cory orders the book on his phone, he's looking forward to reading it. "Man I can't wait to read it, anyways you continue to have a wonderful time. Ciao." And Cory used a smoke bomb from his pocket and threw it to the ground, and disappeared.

"I gotta say. He sure knows how to make an exit." said Zen. "Any who, Let's take a look at the roses. We'll split up."

Zen then holds Marty's hand, and Geamex go and look for the Hawthorn flower and Marty and Zen go and look at the roses.

Marty and Zen stroll though the Rose garden, holding each others hand and taking in the scenery. "Now this is a date. Me and you walking in a giant garden just enjoying our time and the beauty of nature." Zen says in a relaxed and chill mood.

"It's very nice." Marty said, the two continued their walk having a nice time, and they stopped for a bit, and stood next to a wall of Red and White Roses.

"Let take another selfie here, behind this Rose wall." Marty said.

"Ok Sweetie." Zen says, and then Marty brings his phone out again. And Zen holds Marty in a almost cuddling position, and then Marty said "Say cheese.", and SNAP goes the phone camera, and the two looked at the photo they took, they were quite pleased with the result.

"I love this photo. We definitely should send this to Joey, Leo and Nathan to show them what an awesome time we are having." Marty said.

"Yeah it looks amazing. They really are going to love this." Zen said, and the two gave each other a high five. "Anyways, wanna meet up with Geamex and see how his hunt for the Hawthorn flower is going." He also said.

"Sure." Marty said and the two go and see Geamex. Meanwhile he was still looking for the flower, and then, just then, he saw it. Three Hawthorn Trees, with Red and Orange berries and Hawthorn flowers growing out. "There it is, the main ingredient for my medicines."

Just then Marty and Zen met up with Geamex "Hi Geamex, i can see that you found the flower you wanted." Marty said, happy that he found his flower.

"Yeah, i'm happy that i found the flower. Now with this, we can stop heart diseases." Geamex said.

Zen saw there's bags for people to grab stuff like Fruits, Vegetables and flowers growing from the plants in the garden. It's one of the most liked things about Project Nature garden is that they allow you to take whatever you find in the garden and take it home with you, like picking your own fruit in a farm field.

Cory appears once again, this time, appearing high in the sky before flying down doing loop-de-loops in the air before coming in the ground in front of the trio, the three were quite impressed. "I gotta say, that is your best entrance yet. The whole style was so jaw-dropping." Said Marty, who was impressed by Cory's grace in the air.

"Thank you everyone, you've been a fabulous audience." Cory said and then took a bow for his stunning preformance in the air. "Now, i can see you want to get some of the Hawthorn flowers from that tree. Take as many as you want, it's encourage by our guests to pick Fruit, Veg and flowers in here."

"I never heard them mention that on their website. Must be a new thing that they are doing." Marty said to the Gryphon.

"Well yeah, I want to spread the fruits of our labour as they say. Our team grew these plants, and we want to give out our wonderful and nutritious gifts to you all and make the world a healthier place." Cory said in a heartfelt way. His team and friends worked hard to grow the various plants in this garden and wants to let their guests pick out fruit, Vegetables and other plants and take it home with them.

Zen then said "Alright then, let's grab some of those flowers and berries from those trees. But let's be careful about those twigs, I don't want Geamex, Cory, me or the love of my life Marty to get jabbed by those thorns."

"Yeah, those thorns may not be poisonous can cause bacterial infections." Marty said.

The four of them then think on how to grab the flowers and berries from the tree, all without touching the thorny twigs. Just then, Marty has an idea.

"I'll grab as many as I can." Marty said. Even if he can get jabbed by the thorns, his will to help his friends out means that he is not worried about getting hurt.

"Ok sweetie, just be careful." Zen said, worried about his boyfriend. Marty gives Cory, Zen and Geamex a thumbs up and beings picking flowers and berries from the tree, all the while not touching the thorns. In no time flat, he managed to grab a bag full of Flowers and Berries without getting infected.

Marty puts his right leg forward, left leg back, puts his left arm on the left side of his torso and held the bag high in the sky. "And that's how you pick flowers and berries." Marty proudly said. This made Zen very happy and proud of his boyfriend for his deed.

Marty then gives the bag to Geamex, and said "Here you go Geamex. One bag of Hawthorn Flowers and Berries, perfectly picked by me." Marty said. And Geamex felt so happy for Marty grabbing his medical ingredients, hugged him with a smile on his face. "Thank you Marty.", Marty being happy that Geamex is happy said "No problem dude." and Zen joined the hug and it became a group hug.

"I'm proud of you for doing this for Geamex. That's why I love you my dear." Zen said.

"Aw shucks, i'm just happy to help a friend out. Zen, your such a good hugger." Marty said.

"I know right. This feels so good." Geamex said. Eventually they stopped hugging and then Zen walked about to Cory about to say thank you for helping them out, then they noticed that Cory's gone. He vanished into thin air once again.

"That's weird, he vanished without saying bye." And then noticed a piece of paper on the floor.

"What's this." Zen said, and then picked up the paper. It said "I must find that fruit. I want to become the strongest gryphon of all, and that Zen Wolf must know all the answers about the fruit." Zen was taking a back by this revolation.

Marty said "What's wrong sweetie?", and Zen gives them the paper and saw what it is written on. "He wants the fruit that made me and you buff!" They were just as suprised as Zen was.

"But why? Isn't he already a beefy Gryphon already, why does he need to be bigger?" Geamex asked, but Zen has no answer. Zen felt like that bird was lying about caring about the planet.

Marty comes to Zen and puts his and on his shoulder. "Thanks Marty, at least this date didn't turn out horrible. But it's a weird turn." Zen said, feeling puzzled by the Gryphon's motivation.

"Don't worry Sweetie. We'll find what this Gryphon wants with the fruit." Marty said with hope.

"Yeah, it can't just be because he wants to be a hulking monster. There's gotta be more to it." Said Geamex. The three wanted to find out what is Cory's goal in this.

"Yeah, let's go look around this place and find the Gryphon and get him to tell us what's his deal is." Zen said. And the three of them fist-bump each other. So the three go and look around the garden looking for the Gryphon.

Meanwhile at Leo Industries. Leo was at his office, thinking on how's Marty and Zen's date is going. "I wonder how's Marty and Zen's date is going." Leo said while doing some reps on the stretcher.

But then all the lights went out, the room was pitch-black. Leo didn't know what's going on. "Ok whoever you are! Show yourself!" Shouted Leo. Then he saw a window shatter into a pieces.

Leo looked around his office, and found a feathery musclebound bird behind the bar, and grinned a menacing grin. "After all these years, I finally found you. Leo!".

"Who are you? And how did you know my name." Leo said, wanting to know who's the bird hiding in the shadows is. "It's me. Cory, the guy who wants that fruit." He said, walking up to Leo.

To be Concluded in the final part.