Saturday morning comes at its usual calm pace. As Rhino and Gel hang around in the kitchen, the former making breakfast, the unicorn poses a question. "Are Flick and Luster awake yet? Breakfast will be cold if they aren't down here soon."

"I don't really know." She finishes placing the plates on the table. "From what I remember, though, Flick just skips breakfast. Something about how it's unnecessary?" She shrugs, shaking her head. "I wasn't really paying attention at that point. As for Luster..." There's the click of hooves on the floor. The blue nymph looks up to see the other walking into the kitchen, her eyes closed and appearing to mumble to herself. "...she's not exactly a morning changeling..."

"Yeah well, I know how she feels there. If it wasn't for you and my job, I'd sleep half the morning away." He moves to the side and waves his hoof so that the smell of the hashbrowns he is making wafts towards the purple nymph. "Let's see if this gets her awake..."

Luster sniffs the air, wandering over to the stove in her morning stupor. She stops right in front of it and grabs a piece up in her magic, eating it without any hesitance. She blinks her eyes open and turns to the stallion, nodding in acknowledgement.

Gel giggles, shaking her head. "I think she means 'good morning'."

Rhino looks down at the obvious chunk out of the mass of shredded potatoes. "So it seems..." He looks up and smiles at Luster. "Good morning to you too." He walks with the pan over to some plates. "Care to join us for breakfast? There's plenty more where that first bite came from."

She smiles and nods before glancing over at the blue changeling. She pulls out a notepad and a pen, writing down a few words. She turns it towards them, letting them see what she wrote. 'May I repay you for this later, with some of my own cooking?'

He nods. "Sure, I'm interested to see what you'll whip up for us." He places their plates on the table as he points a mock-stern hoof at Gel. "And you, no spoiling it for me if you know what it is." He winks before passing her the ketchup.

She playfully rolls her eyes as she takes the bottle. "I wouldn't know, love." She pauses, noticing the indigo nymph flinch slightly. "...was it something I said?"

The former General shakes her head and quickly starts to eat. Despite what she gestures, her chitin becomes a shade brighter.

Rhino chuckles as he takes a sip of milk before commenting. "You changelings and your rainbow of blushes." He looks at extra nymph before realizing something and quickly getting up. "Sorry, I forgot, do you want something to drink or to put on your hashbrowns, Luster?"

She shakes her head once more, smiling kindly at him. The pen flies across the page as she puts voice to her thoughts. 'No, this is more than enough, Rhino.'

He smiles at her but his expression is still thoughtful. "Well... Here," he sets a glass of water in front of her, "just in case you want to wash it down." He takes the ketchup as Gel offers it and uses it on his own food before starting to eat.

Luster shrugs and grabs the drink, sipping at it. She nods and continues to eat, the room lapsing into a slightly awkward silence.

Rhino, as is his habit during awkward silences, asks a random question in hopes of sparking conversation. "So... How'd you sleep?"

She glances up at him for a second before writing her response. 'I slept well. The bed was quite comfortable.' She pauses a moment before continuing. 'What about you two?'

He nods as he takes another bite. "It was nice to be able to have a normal night's sleep in my own bed. It almost felt like nothing ever happened."

She glances at his side before focusing on her meal. 'Almost. Again, I apologize for my' - she pauses, trying to come up with the word - 'actions. Hopefully it'll go away, soon.'

Gel coughs softly, picking up her empty plate and moving over to the sink. She clearly doesn't want to think about her friend hurting her fiancée.

While her attention is elsewhere, Rhino feels something brush up against his leg. The nymph still at the table casually drinks from her glass of water, unsuccessfully trying to hide her brighter cheeks.

Rhino tilts his head at the purple changeling. "Hey, no need to be embarrassed about what happened. We both ended up making assumptions about the other, but we came out better for it. If it makes you feel any better, the ones you caused are almost completely gone. It's just Port's and Mimic's I need to heal up from now." He smiles at her. "So don't worry about it," he reaches over and puts a hoof on her shoulder, "alright?"

She tenses at his touch and nods quickly, nervously smiling at him.

Gel passes by the table, apparently in a hurry. "I'll be right back. Just...forgot something up in our room, love." She waves before exiting, leaving the two of them alone.

The unicorn watches her leave, forgetting his hoof is still on Luster. "I wonder what that was about..."

The nymph squirms a bit before simply backing up a step to break the contact. She quickly writes a response. 'I wouldn't have any idea.' She stands up and takes her dishes to the sink, carefully cleaning it. The pen continues to write, despite the distance she is from it. 'What I have planned for lunch is a little difficult for one changeling. Would you be willing to help me out when you're done?'

He chuckles as he quickly finishes his portion. "It would be my pleasure. Though, two things: One, if I like it, can I have the recipe? Two, you might want to do your little thing where we talk in my head when we work on it, it would probably go smoother." He walks over and patiently waits for her to finish in the sink so he can do his own dishes as well as the pan.

She nods, finishing up and moving to the side to let him do his dishes. She reaches her mind out to him, patiently waiting for his response.

He pushes back and opens the link almost immediately as he washes his things. He thinks in a playful tone. Testing, one two three, can you hear me?

Loud and clear, Rhino. She smiles brightly at him, a small, light laugh echoing in their minds. And yes, I'd be willing to share the recipe. She starts to move around the kitchen, pulling a few items out as she finds them. Though, honestly, you could probably buy the same thing from the family at Sweet Apple Acres.

He waves a hoof. Meh, it's more fun to make it yourself. Gives more room for personalization and experimentation. That's how Mom got most of her recipes, and I've always been hard pressed to find some things as good as she can make them.

She blinks at this, staring blankly. ...but this is an Apple Family recipe...you're supposed to follow the instructions exactly or else it won't be as good...

He dries the dishes. Don't worry, I only experiment once I've perfected making a dish as instructed. You're the head chef today, so I am yours to command.

She is visibly taken aback by this. She quickly turns away, hiding her burning cheeks and glad he can't see her thoughts. I'll get to work on the filling. If you could, please start working on the crust. We're going to be making a pie.

Pie for lunch? I like it already. He starts digging in the pantry and comes up with a few basic items before bringing out a bowl and pie tin. Just a basic dough?

Not quite. She grabs a few apples and starts to slice them up. You'll need to add brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix it thoroughly to prevent the spices from collecting in any one spot in the dough.

Roger that. He does as she asks, his magic swirling in and around the ingredients. How did you learn this recipe anyway?

She pauses momentarily, a thoughtful expression on her face. She nods and starts her story, continuing her work on the filling. When I was younger, I wandered away from my hive. I traveled for days, and I eventually made it to a place called Ghastly Gorge. She pauses as she pulls out a pan. As it turns out, I wasn't the only one there.

Rhino listens quietly as he works. His interest very peaked.

There was this filly... She shakes her head, a small smile on her lips. She wandered away from home, wanting to 'make it big' as a cellist. She tried to play for some ponies in her home town, but they just turned up their nose at her. Felt that a simple farm pony wouldn't be a success... Her thoughts go quiet for a moment, working on the pie on automatic. ...I told her I knew a way she could fulfill her dream, but then I asked...did she really want to cause her family heartache, running away like that?

Rhino's ears are folded down as he finishes the dough and simply looks at Luster as she continues.

A small smile forms on her lips. She said no, she didn't. So I struck a deal with her - she'd let me take her place, and I'd help her to overstep the limitations society put on her. She silently sighs, looking over at him. I stayed with her family for about a month before she returned, still in the disguise I made for her. At least she had the good sense to wash it.

He simply looks at her with an unreadable expression before speaking. Ponies really got you changelings wrong, didn't they? You probably changed that filly's life... He smiles softly. You are far better than some would give you credit for. That was a beautiful story.

Luster nods, finishing up with the filling. I suppose I did... Her smile falls, and her gaze with it. ...but what followed...almost made me regret my decision...

His ears fall again. Come on... why can't things just have a happy ending and leave it at that?

Not every story has a happy ending. She shakes her head, absently raising a hoof to her neck. Thankfully, it was only me who got the bad one, there...I heard she went on to become a well-respected member of the classical genre. She turns to him, tilting her head to one side. You probably heard of her. Gray fur, black mane?

Octavia... wow... He takes a step towards her, his eyes concerned. Well, it's good that she turned out well... but... what happened to you? You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

They attacked me. I... She closes her eyes. ...I lost my voice, that day. That's all I want to say about that.

He hesitates before raising a hoof. Can I ask one thing? You said Mimic was part of the reason you lost your voice, what did you mean?

She tenses and opens her eyes, glaring at the wall in front of her. Because that bastard was among the crowd. He ratted me out, and I've yet to hear a good reason why. She bares her teeth, lowering her head, her body trembling. He was the one who made me break the rules and leave. He was the one who caused the town to turn against me. He can burn in Tartarus for all I care.

Rhino puts a hoof on her trembling shoulder. Woah woah, easy there. In the end, you were part of what spared him. You're far better than he could ever hope to be, take pride in that. He's in the past now, let him stay there... and rot. Though if it comes down to it... I'm glad I've got you to have my back if he ever manages to crawl back.

She looks up at him, unsure of what to think for a second. ...you’re right... She smiles softly, moving closer and tenderly hugging him. ...thank you... She pulls away, laughing brightly in their minds. ...no wonder Gel likes you so much...

He rubs the back of his neck, a small blush on his sheepish face. I'm just a nice guy, you girls just seem to appreciate that.

Maybe. She appears to giggle, though the sound is clear in his mind. Still, I'd be lucky to find someone like you. She turns to the items in front of them. We're almost done with the preparations. Ready for the next part?

He nods as he stands next to her. Ready.

Luster nods and they both get down to business. With the nymph's expert directions, they easily put together the pie and slide it into the oven.

Right after they do that, Gel arrives in the doorway, in her guise of Angel. "I'm just going to put this letter in the mailbox for Flick, and then I'll be working a bit in the backyard." She turns to her stallion and nods towards Luster meaningfully before leaving them alone once more.

The nymph in question gives him a questioning look. ...do I want to know what that's about?

He shrugs, unsure. Honestly, the vast majority of that confused me. Who would your brother be sending a letter to, and what could she possibly be doing in the back yard?

I haven't a clue. She scratches her chin, thinking on this a moment. I guess it's not that important. Anyways, we have a while for the pie to finish. Anything you'd like to do until then?

Actually, there is something. He gestures for her to follow him upstairs. Gel and I were talking last night and she mentioned you might be able to help soundproof our room.

She gives him a confused look as she follows him. ...I can...but why would y- She cuts herself off, eyes widening as realization sinks in. ...oh. She turns away, her cheeks burning brightly. As a result, she walks right into his backside when he stops in front of the door.

Rhino's eyes snap open as he quickly turns around, his own face blushing a bit in embarrassment. Sorry about that, I must have stopped too quickly. You okay?

She quickly nods, stepping next to him. I-I'm fine. She sheepishly smiles, gesturing towards the door. After you?

Mares and nymphs first. He opens the door and lets her in. I wasn't sure whether we had to be inside or outside the room.

Inside, with all doors to the room shut. She stiffly walks to the foot of the bed, glancing around. Windows, too. The spell will cover every flat or relatively flat surface of the room, and it needs to be unbroken to be set. As she says this, she sits down, purposely putting on a businesslike demeanor. She lets it slip a moment to give him a small smile. Would you like to watch?

He nods. Sure, always interested in new magic. He does as she asks, closing the doors and windows. I'm curious to see your technique. He sits on the bed a normal distance one sits away from another. Ok, now what?

Luster nods and closes her eyes, her horn lighting up with her purple aura. Sit back and watch. Afraid it's not much of a show, though. The glow slowly spreads out like thin tendrils, covering the walls, floor and ceiling, staying there a moment before working their way into the very material. She sighs and opens her eyes, swaying a bit. ...it is done... She collapses against him. ...I forgot...how much that takes out of me...

He steadies her with a hoof so she doesn't fall off the bed, concerned. Are you alright? Do you need anything?

...just a...little woozy... She puts a hoof on his chest, but makes no move to sit back up. ...happens when I'm...low on energy...I just need some... She looks up at him, blushing brightly, her eyes shining with an unknown emotion. ...love.

She wraps a hoof around his neck and pulls him close, kissing him tenderly.

His eyes go wide as he works his hooves in between them and pushes her chest so that they are back to their original distance. Woah woah woah! What are you doing?!

She blinks, looking at him in shock for a second before turning away. ...j-just...trying to get some love...sorry I freaked you out like that. She inaudibly sighs, shaking her head and appearing to mutter to herself.

He tilts his head, trying to figure her out. If that was all it was... I overreacted, and I'm sorry. I was just surprised. However, I know Gel survived for a while on just absorbing love without contact, so it's not strictly necessary. Would you like to say anything else?

She flinches, realizing she is caught. She lowers her head in shame. ...I was hoping you...loved me like Gel...you're the first pony I've been comfortable around in a long time... She blushes a bit more, nervously tapping her forehooves together. ...and I'd heard Ponyville might still allow herding...not that the Apples ever followed it...

Rhino coughs in surprise at the word 'herding', visibly flustered. W-well, it's not common, but you do see it every once in a while... Wait, no, that's not the point. He takes a deep breath. Ok, look... I'm flattered you think of me that way... and because you suggested... that... instead of telling me to leave my fiance, I'm not mad. I'm glad you're comfortable around me, because I do think of you as a good friend and I did feel that you trusted me. If I might ask though... are you sure you aren't just latching onto me because I'm the first pony you've been comfortable with? What if another were to come along?

...if someone else were to come along...then I'd probably be happy with them... She looks up at him, sheepishly smiling. ...I'm glad you aren't mad...though you have me curious... She tilts her head to one side, arching an eyebrow. ...what would you have done if I hadn't suggested herding?

His mind rattles off the answer very quickly. I would have clarified that you were implying I should leave Gel. If you said yes, I would have probably just left the room without a word so I didn't do anything too rash. You would probably be hurt by this and our friendship would be damaged as I become distant for the next day or so. After that, one of us would probably confront the other and resolve it in some way.

She blinks at this, stunned. ...that...that sounds like a soap opera...but, for the record, I would never do that to Gel. She shakes her head. It's rare enough for me to make friends. I wouldn't want to lose one over what's most likely a fleeting crush.

He smiles as he gives her a one-armed hug. Good. That makes this go much smoother, then. Fair warning though... I'll probably let Gel know this happened, but I'll make sure I explain everything so she understands, okay?

She nods as she hugs him back, slightly embarrassed. That's fine, I suppose. I just hope she won't be upset by it. She looks up, smiling playfully at him. It's clear you love her, though. Just mentioning her name causes the air around you to fill with love... Her thoughts get quieter as she says that, the very last word almost a whisper.

He looks at her warily. Not quite sure what emotion was behind that last statement, but I do want to say something. I know you guys do feed off love, and I also know I produce too much for Gel to handle on her own most of the time. So, feel free to skim off what you need, as long as there are no side effects I need to be aware of.

...well, it's not as strong...but that could work...it wouldn't cause any negative effects, either... She smiles, nodding in agreement.

Well, sounds like a plan then. Use that for the majority, and if you need to, supplement with a bit of love. He sniffs the air as a scent tickles his nose.

She breathes deeply, her smile growing wider. And that is the cue to check on the pie. She carefully gets off the bed, stretching her legs to get the kinks out. Care to join me?

He smiles as he gets off the bed as well. Of course.