Gel opens the door, putting the letter she wrote into their mailbox and quickly closing it. She sighs softly, stepping into the living room. "...t-there...I-I just sent a letter to work...explaining the situation...my boss will probably give me a few days off..." She lays down on the couch, resting her head on her hooves. "...s-sorry I had to hide in your office, Rhino..."

He nods from where he is sitting in one of the chairs. "It's perfectly fine. I understand that these can be... trying times for some mares."

She huffs softly, her horn lighting up. "...you can say that again..." I need my potion. Hopefully, I can get it from here...

Rhino sighs as he leans back and gives her an analyzing look. "Unfortunately, that is pretty much the extent of my knowledge on this type of thing. I have non-existent experience with dealing with a mare in this state while being in a relationship with her. What um... what happens during this time, both to you, and to us?"

She blushes softly, squirming a bit on the couch. "...Um...w-well, I-I guess I just get a...h-higher libido?" There's a clink from the doorway as a clear bottle with a pink liquid inside it bumps into the frame. She visibly relaxes at the sight of it, bringing it closer to herself. "...thank goodness..." She pops the cork and carefully drinks it, feeling the effects right away. Thank goodness. That cramping was starting to get bothersome.

He eyes the bottle curiously. "I take it that’s a specialty potion to... help with some aspects?"

"...p-pretty much..." She blushes a bit, poking at the now-empty container with a hoof. "...t-the only thing it doesn't help with...i-is the increase in libido...s-so I used to hide in my room when I went into heat..." Thank goodness it helps with the other symptoms, though. I doubt he wants to worry because of them...

"Well," he responds, "I guess that's technically an option now as well... However, I'd probably get worried about you, and you would probably go stir crazy."

"...y-yeah, I suppose you're right..." Especially with a stallion just down the hall...I suppose it's not all bad, though... She flicks her tail, looking over at him and blushing brightly. ...I won't be alone, this time... "...s-so...w-would you like to do anything, right now? A-a board game, maybe?"

He brightens up. "Actually, that sounds like a great idea." He gets up and walks to one of the hall closets, calling out as he shifts some things out of the way. "I hope you know we're not done talking about this. Awkward as it is, there are some things about it I think we should discuss for both our sakes."

She nods, sighing in relief. "...I kind of figured..." She pulls out her journal, writing in it as she waits for him to return.

He returns from the closet with five boxes behind him, two of them significantly smaller than the other two. "Ok, I've got checkers, chess, Othello, dominoes, and a pack of cards." He moves his chair closer to the coffee table in the middle of the room and sets the boxes down. "Ladies' choice."

Gel glances at each of them, frowning softly. ...I've never even heard of Othello, so that one's out...don't know how to play dominoes...so that leaves three... She picks up one of the larger boxes, smiling softly. "...how about chess?"

"Alright then," He gently takes box in his own aura and arranges the board and pieces, black for him and white for her. "How about we each ask a question when it's our turn, just to make this interesting and not so one-sided."

She nods, taking her white knight up in her magic. "...um...B1 to C3..." She moves it, looking up at him nervously. "...s-so...y-you've never had to...w-worry about a mare in heat?"

He shakes his head. "No, never. I really don't have much to work off either." His horn lights up as he moves his own piece. "G7 to G5. How would you say couples usually deal with heats?"

"...I-I guess it depends on whether or not they want a foal...if they don't want one, they...s-satisfy their urges through other means..." She picks up her knight once more. "...C3 to E4...h-how old are you?" She shyly smiles, embarrassed. "...I-I don't think I've asked you that..."

"Twenty-one." His eyes dart over the board. "F7 to F6. What about you? If I may break one of the important rules about talking to mares in order to ask that question."

She blushes softly, squirming a bit in her seat. "...um...I-I'm eighteen..." ...did I just blurt out my real age? I have to add that to my notes... She quickly scribbles down that thought in her journal before turning back to the game. "...E2 to E3...a-are your parents nice?" ...wow, I'm seriously asking random questions now, aren't I?

He nods. "Very nice, Mom's quite a bit chattier than Dad and I, but it's just one of those things." He thinks for a moment. "A7 to A6. Eighteen huh? I didn't think you were quite that young, but I don't mind. So, you never did answer, how are we going to deal with your heat, in a general sense?"

Gel squirms slightly, nervous. "...I-I can probably control myself, most of the day...b-but it'll get more difficult in the evenings..." Especially with him here. I'm afraid I'm going to jump his bones, if this goes on too long...it's already been three months since the last time... "...F1 to D3..." She lowers her head, looking at her hooves silently for a few moments. "...i-if it gets to be too much...c-could you possibly help me...r-relieve my tension?" Her face resembles a cherry from how flushed her face is.

His own face soon resembles hers as he locks his eyes onto the board. "What.. umm... what exactly do you mean by that? G8 to H6."

She sighs, propping her head on a hoof. He's going to make me say it, isn't he? "...I-I mean...I was hoping you could stimulate me...h-help me to pleasure myself..." She averts her eyes, embarrassed. "...I-I've never tried to do...t-that to myself..." Never had the need to. Not telling him that, though... "...G1 to H3...s-so..." She bites her lip, looking at him hopefully, almost pitifully, unable to bring herself to ask the question a second time.

"...G5 to G4..." Rhino takes a deep breath as he puts a hoof to his head. "I... don't know... I... you..." He steadies himself. "Ok, umm... how... how bad is it?"

She lowers her gaze, ashamed. "...i-it's taking a lot of will...just to not leap over the board and t-tackle you to the ground..." She gulps softly, looking at the board silently for a few moments. "...H3 to F4...d-does me...being like this...u-upset you?"

He looks up at her. "Why would I be upset? It's just a severe hormone shift doing this to you, you don't really have that much control over it. D7 to D5." He stays quiet for a moment. "If I say yes... would you be willing to cooperatively establish ground rules ahead of time so I know when your hormones are clouding your judgement?"

She nods quietly, smiling softly to him. "...y-yes, Rhino...I-I'll do that..." Thank goodness. I was worried he would refuse... She looks at the board for a moment before picking up her knight once more. "...F4 to H5..." ...almost there... "...w-would you mind if I...d-dressed up for it?" She giggles nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.

He tilts his head to one side. "I... guess not." He picks up his rook. "H8 to G8. I guess I can help you then... what is the first rule you want to establish?"

She looks up at him, a serious expression on her face. "...if I get too...hooves-on...flick me across the snout...E1 to G1 and H1 to F1..." She castles kingside, smiling happily. "...so, do you have any rules you want to establish, Rhino?"

"Castling, interesting. C8 to F5. I'm not going to strike you in any way, even if you ask. That light flick you mentioned is excluded from that." He pauses before continuing. "Do you... mind that I have zero experience with this?"

She giggles, shaking her head. "What do you mean? You're doing great at this...F2 to F3..."

He rolls his eyes. "You know what I mean. The umm... thing we have planned..." He moves another piece. "B8 to C6. So...?"

"...o-oh..." She blush quickly flares back up. "...I-I suppose...we'll wing it when it happens?" She sheepishly smiles, embarrassed. "...E4 to F6...check...s-so...y-you seemed...surprised, yesterday...i-is that because it was the first time somepony else touched you there? O-or..." ...what am I thinking? Of course he's done that by hoof, before - almost every stallion in Equestria has.

He nods, averting his eyes. "Yes, it was... the first time somepony else did that. I can't even remember the last time I did it. E7 to F6." He considers her last question. "It doesn't bother you that I was... and am... a bit shy about this sort of thing... right?"

She giggles, resting her head on her forehooves. "...are you kidding? I think it's cute..." She playfully winks before she takes his bishop with her pawn. "...F3 to G4...um...I-I'm kind of running out of questions to ask..." She nervously smiles, tapping her hooves together. "...w-when's your birthday?" ...seriously? Why was that the one I went with?

He replies nonchalantly. "Next Friday actually. Just a few days before summer starts." He smiles as he takes her pawn. "H6 to G4. When's yours?"

"...mid-summer...during the Summer Sun Celebration..." His birthday's soon? I-I should get him a gift soon, then... She takes his bishop with her own. "...D3 to F5...w-what would you say..." A teasing smile crosses her lips as she gives him a lidded look, resting her head on her left forehoof even as she blushes brightly. "...is your naughtiest fantasy?"

"Hmm..." He moves his piece while he thinks. "F8 to C5. I don't know actually... I've never actually thought about it. Nothing violent or involving anypony besides myself and the one I'm with, I know that much for sure. Is there anything else we need to discuss regarding your heat?"

"...j-just that my imagination runs wild during this time..." She pokes her king. "...y-you would be surprised at some of them...F5 to H7..." She shifts a bit. "...w-what do you think of...r-roleplaying?"

"I enjoy games of that nature. As for what you are probably referring to though, it seems like it could make things interesting..." Images flash through his head causing him to blush as he moves. "D8 to E7." He decides to ask something that was bothering him. "Was it your heat that made you so eager to go farther in this relationship?"

She squirms slightly, shaking her head fervently. "N-no!" She bites her lip softly, moving her queen. "...D1 to F3...I-I wanted to go further because..." She starts to tremble, embarrassment causing her to start to lose her nerve. "...d-do you remember seeing me...d-during the Canterlot Wedding incident?" Might as well put this out there. Got nothing to lose, right?

"You were there then? Hmm... I'm not great at remembering faces, and a lot happened that day..." He thinks as he moves his king. "E8 to C8 and A8 to D8. Could you narrow down where I would have seen you?"

"...um...y-you ran into me in the market...r-right after they broke through..." She sighs, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "...I-I guess it's okay...I-I'm not the most noticeable pony..." She moves her bishop back a couple of spaces. "...H7 to F5...check..." She turns and quietly writes in her journal, her ears flat against her head. "...I was swept away by the changelings right after, anyways..." ...they needed me on the front lines...I do have a duty to my queen...

"Sorry, I generally kept my head down in the market there. Mostly a 'go in, get what you need and get out' approach due to all the snobs. For what it's worth, I'm sorry about the changelings getting you. Some ponies were just unlucky like that, but you seemed to have come out of it alright." He moves his piece. "C8 to B8. You forgot to ask a question by the way, so I won't ask one either."

"...F5 to G4..." She removes his knight, resting her head on her hooves, staring quietly at the board. "...you think I did...but that's the last day I can remember clearly...without my journals..." She shakes her head, trying to clear her head of those thoughts. "...s-sorry about the sudden mood shift...um...h-have you ever had any pets?"

"When I was young colt I had a dog and a turtle, nothing recently though." He shifts a pawn. "D5 to D4. So that's when this memory thing of yours started... trauma certainly does manifest in a variety of ways... "Have you ever had a comfort item, like a blanket, or a stuffed animal?"

"...not really..." Mimic would've had me courtmarshaled for that. She moves a rook one space to the left. "...I've never even considered it...F1 to E1..." She pulls out a smaller journal from her bag nearby, looking from it to him, unsure. "...t-to be honest...I-I'm glad that you're the last pony I remember..." She opens the notebook, smiling fondly at the contents. She stays like that for a moment before she blushes brightly, realizing that she just zoned out. "...f-forgive me...I-I guess I got lost in my thoughts, there...s-so..." She rubs the back of her neck, nervously putting the blue book away. "...w-what were your thoughts on that day's events, and the group who caused it?" Moment of truth time...please don't be a bad thing...

His brow furrows as he answers in a quiet voice. "Well, one doesn't exactly tend to look kindly on a group that invaded their home, tried to usurp one of their rulers, imprisoned their victims, and assumed the forms of loved ones to fight you. It wasn't a nice day for anypony, or any changeling for that matter. It's not like I'm going to go attacking a changeling without provocation, but unless I actually speak with one or see that they can behave differently from the ones that attacked, I'll likely be uneasy around them." He takes her bishop with his rook. "G8 to G4. I'm sorry if all that sounds harsh, but I'm really treating them the same way I did griffons for a while when I first saw one and it intimidated me. How about a simple question: favorite color?"

"Forest green and blue." ...I'll see that it happens... She giggles, shaking her head. "I can't decide between them...F3 to G4...is it me, or are we claiming the most pieces on that one spot?" She takes his rook, playfully sticking her tongue out.

"It does appear that way, doesn't it?" He claims one of her pawns with his own. "D4 to E3. Has this game been as good for you as it has been for me?"

She picks up her own pawn and takes his giggling softly. "I'll say it has. I learned a lot about you. D2 to E3." She rolls onto her side, her tail flicking idly. "I'd like to know more, though. Are there any ideas you have for our next date?" She smiles at him, hopeful. "I ask because I want to make sure you get to choose at least one of them."

"I was thinking maybe a nice walk in the park. Not very exciting, but it's a more quiet and comfortable date." He moves his bishop to take her pawn. "C5 to E3, check. You say our 'next' date, but what did you consider our first?"

She blushes softly, looking at a nearby pillow as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. "...t-the paintball game..." She quickly takes his bishop with her own, smiling brightly. "C1 to E3. Would you mind going with me to get a pet? I hear they're better than stuffed animals." I'll get myself a pet, as well as the one that seems attached to him for him. It's the perfect plan! She tilts her head to one side, looking to the ceiling as she thinks to herself. ...assuming that I notice it, anyways...

"Sure, I wouldn't mind helping you out with that. As long as you know how much work they are, pets are very good for keeping ponies happy." He slides his rook. "D8 to D4. You do realize though that with a pet, there will be a little less romance time right?"

"E3 to D4. And I suppose...but that would make the time we do get a bit more special, right?" She smiles softly, reaching over the board and tapping his horn with a forehoof. "I enjoy being with you...and, the way I see it, having pets is like expanding our family, right?" She inwardly winces, nervous about her own words. ...I wish I could've thought of a better way to say that...

He smiles. "Yes, yes it is." He scoots his pawn forward. "F6 to F5. Hmm... I guess Fluttershy's would be the place to go for a pet... did you have an idea of when you actually wanted to go and look for one?"

"...could we go tomorrow? Or Sunday, maybe? I-I'm meeting somepony at the spa on Saturday..." She moves her queen to the far side of the board. "G4 to G8. Check. So...w-what kind of pet do you think I should get? A kitten? A cute little mouse, maybe?" She looks off into space, idly daydreaming about her perfect pet.

"Either day works for me. As for the kind of pet, since there are so many kinds, to me it's better to just go and see what you like, as well as what likes you." He moves his knight back to defend. "C6 to D8. Meeting somepony at the spa huh? I expect you'll come back lovely, relaxed or both. Remind me to go there with you sometime to see what all the fuss is about. What are your thoughts on a stallion going to the spa?"

"If he's secure in his masculinity, it shouldn't be a big deal...E1 to E7." She knocks over his queen, giggling quietly. "Personally, though...it'd be my first time at a spa..." She bites her lip, glancing nervously at him. ...should I invite him? She shakes her head, sighing softly. No, I don't think Silk would like the unexpected company... "...well...um...h-how do you feel...about Manila's unrequited crush? I mean, d-do you think she'll get the courage to confront the pony?"

Rhino blows air out his mouth as he is backed into a corner. "Oh, I think she'll probably work herself up to it eventually. That, or somepony who knows her will get fed up with waiting and do something to send her on a blind date with the pony or something." He nudges a pawn. "B7 to B6. Do you find yourself more of a night pony or a morning pony? I probably know the answer, but I want to hear it from you."

"Morning pony, I suppose. D4 to E5." She looks at the board, tilting her head to one side. "...is that check? I can't tell..." She rubs her eyes, yawning softly. ...what time is it?

"No, dear, it's not. B8 to B7." He looks up at her. "Do you want something to help you through the rest of the game? It shouldn't last much longer."

She waves a hoof, smiling softly at him. "...it's fine...I can do this...E5 to C7..." She shakes her head, trying to focus her eyes. "...w-what time is it, Rhino?"

He looks at his watch. "Oh wow, it's a little past eight. I didn't realize how late we started." He turns back to the board. "D8 to C6. You sure you don't want something?"

"...m-maybe some apple juice...E7 to E6..." She quickly starts to write in her journal so she doesn't forget anything that was said. "...have you ever considered...going out to find a changeling? T-to talk to them like you mentioned earlier, I mean?"

"Not really, I wouldn't even know where to begin looking. Unless one pops up, there's really nothing I can do. Besides, I'm not really the type of pony to go seeking that type of interaction without a very good reason anyway." He takes her bishop with his king. "B7 to C7. One moment..." He goes into the kitchen and comes out with a glass of cold apple juice. "Here you go."

"Thanks." She takes a sip, smiling softly at him before moving her queen. "G8 to F7. Check. What would be your first question for a changeling, if you met a friendly one?" This could be important for later. I should make sure to write this down...

"Hmm... I'm not really sure... I guess I'd ask them their name." He gives a sheepish smile. "C7 to D8. You've got me on the ropes now."

"E6 to C6." She removes his last knight. "...I suppose that makes sense...what would you ask after that?"

"B6 to B5. Um... 'How are you?' I guess... I'm not just going to start badgering them with questions, that'd be rude."

"...I didn't think about that...huh..." She slides her rook, knocking over one of his few remaining pawns. "C6 to A6." She continues to drink her juice, looking at him, waiting to see what he'd do.

He looks at the board a moment before chuckling. "Alright, alright, I see where this is going." He tips over his king and smiles at her. "Congratulations, you win. What do you want as your prize?"

She smiles, leaning forward off the couch to gently kiss him. "...For now...I'd actually like to sleep in your bed...with you..." She giggles, blushing softly. "...don't worry, I'll be wearing panties...so nothing accidentally happens..." She crosses her forelegs on the edge of the cushion, resting her head on top of them. "...is that alright with you?"

He chuckles again. "Now how did I know that's what you wanted? Alright, we can do that."

"...Good...now..." She squirms slightly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "...c-could you help me upstairs? M-my hindlegs kinda...fell asleep..."

"Of course..." He dips his head under her and slides her onto his back. He turns out all the lights as they head upstairs. Once there, he stops in the hallway. "We need to detour to your room?"

"...Yes...or you could put me on your bed while you choose out your favorite pair..." She laughs softly at this, shaking her head. "...s-sorry...I kinda get loopy when I'm exhausted..."

"Heh, you're not alone there." He brings her to her room and sets her down on her bed, turning his back to her. "I won't look, so you can have your privacy."

She quickly puts on a pair of unadorned blue panties before sneaking over next to him, teasingly whispering in his ear. "...what if I wanted you to look?" She gently nips his ear, giggling a bit.

A shiver runs down his spine as he shakily answers. "T-then I'd say that you're loopier than you thought... Do you need me to carry you to my room?"

She nuzzles his cheek, smiling softly at him. "...Please do...if you wouldn't mind..." Next time, remember to get up and stretch for a bit. I hate this pins-and-needles feeling. Her horn lights up subtly, a single item coming over to her from her nightstand. She hides it in her mane, making sure he doesn't see it. ...heehee...I hope he likes the surprise...

He obliges, scooping her up and bringing her to his domain. He gently slides her down onto his bed before going around the room and straightening a few things as well as shutting the curtains.

As he does this, she pulls out the accessory and puts it on, smiling playfully. Let's see if he's into this... She lays down on the bed, forehooves curled up against her chest and her lidded gaze focused on him.

The stallion turns around to find the sight of her belly up, with her head propped up by the pillows. A pair of rimless glasses is perched on her face. His eyebrows and ears shoot up at the unexpected sight. He swallows before speaking. "Y-you certainly know how to get me flustered, don't you?"

She giggles, her tail swishing in her enjoyment. "...what can I say? I like how cute you are when flustered..." She spreads her legs slightly, revealing the soft, cotton-covered hill between them, as well as a tiny damp spot. She doesn't seem to notice this, though, as she pats the bed beside her, a kind smile on her face. "...care to join me, Rhino?"

He takes a deep breath to steady himself before nodding and making his way onto his usual spot on the bed. As he settles down, he sniffs lightly as he smells something in the air, but after being unable to identify it, shrugs it off.

She presses herself against him, blushing a bit from how forward she must seem. "...s-so...h-how would you like us to sleep, love?" She bites her lip, looking up at him with hope-filled eyes. ...I hope he doesn't mind I called him that...but it's true, isn't it? She gently kisses him, her cheeks now tinted a rosy pink.

Despite his blush, he keeps his voice light-hearted. "Isn't this your prize for winning the game? You're the one who gets to choose. As long as I can get comfortable, which I can easily do, it doesn't matter to me."

She thinks for a bit before scooting a bit closer, resting her head under his chin and her horn safely on top of his neck. "...how about this?" She smiles softly, tenderly wrapping her forelegs around his chest. Perfect...absolutely perfect... She slowly rubs a hoof along his side, closing her eyes as she feels his heart beating, starting to be lulled to sleep by the sensation. ...I don't know if I would move, if I could... With that thought, she enters the realm of the dreaming, breathing quietly, her breath gently brushing over his fur.

Smiling softly down at her, Rhino lights up his horn as he removes her glasses and sets them on the bedside table. He wraps one foreleg around her as the other brings up the sheets over both of them. His eyes close as he consciously slows his breathing to find his own way into dreamland.