Specter rides atop Gel's head, curious as to why she left Selena and Mercury to sleep while she picked him up and said she had a surprise. He hangs down in front of her eyes and tilts his head at her.

She giggles at this, winking at him as they reach the back door. "Trust me, you'll love it." She pushes it open, gesturing to the yard beyond. "Do you like it?"

It's a veritable paradise for active animals. There are slides, swings, a jungle gym, and even a climbing wall off in the back. Everything in the front is scaled down for the pets, though there are boxes of unassembled equipment right next to the tree line.

Specter is stunned for a moment as he takes this all in. After he gets his wits, he hugs the changeling's head and springs off, gliding towards one of the slides. He lands near the top and braces himself on all fours before sliding down, his bushy tail trailing behind him.

She smiles, watching him for a second. "I'll take that as a yes." She glances at a clock inside before closing the door, moving forward and laying herself down in front of the slide. She gently nuzzles him as he reaches the bottom. "We can stay out here as long as you like."

The squirrel grabs onto her nose and nuzzles her fondly before scampering over to the jungle gym. He starts to weave in and out of the bars, poising his head out and chittering away at random times.

She sighs, resting her head on her forelegs as she watches him. "...that looks really fun...I wish I could join you..." Her ears perk up, and she thinks about this. "...actually...what's to say I can't?" She looks at him, a playful smile on her lips. "What do you say, little one? Would you like me to?"

He tilts his head at her, not sure what she is getting at. He stops playing and walks over to her, curious.

She engulfs her body in a quick burst of flames, soon looking up at him with a kind smile. "I may be smaller than you, now, but we can still play together, right?"

He looks at her with wide eyes before shaking his head and chittering to himself. He looks back to her and nods with a smile as he heads toward the swings and motions with his tail for her to follow him.

She does so, looking around curiously. "I never realized how large everything must look to you...n-no offense, of course..."

He seems to chuckle before quickly climbing to the top of the swingset and showing how high he is before coming back down and sitting down on a swing.

She moves behind him, smiling kindly. "Would you like me to push you, little one?" She pauses before giggling, gently rubbing his back. "Is it alright for me to call you that when you're taller than I?"

His tail twitches in thought before he nods. When she reaches a spot just below his neck though, his whole body shivers in delight.

She giggles, rubbing her hoof playfully over the spot for a second. "Do you like that, Specter?"

One of the squirrel's hind legs starts to kick as he enjoys the touch. He leans into it, a smile on his face.

Gel shakes her head, her own smile still on her lips. "Just like your father, aren't you?" She stops this to push him, moving a little off to the side so she won't get hit.

His tail streaming behind him, Specter focuses on just enjoying the feeling of the swing. After a few pushes, his momentum is enough to keep him going. He looks back to Gel and points quizzically at the other swing.

She politely declines. "Thank you, but this is for you little ones." She steps back, watching him for a moment. "Speaking of you little ones, I've noticed you have been spending more time with Selena..."She covers her teasing smile with a hoof. "...anything you'd like to say about that?"

He stiffens before chittering quietly and focusing back on swinging, his tail twitching.

She tilts her head, curious about this reaction. ...it's times like these I would like to be able to read their emotions... She shrugs slightly, shaking off that thought for the time being. This is time for playing, not worrying.

***

Time passes and Gel finds herself in the living room, idly writing in her journal. Her ear twitches and she looks up at the door, a small smile on her lips. "Right on time." She heads over to the window, peeking outside.

The sound of flapping wings gets closer, as does a familiar form. Soon enough, the golden-eyed mailmare lands next to the mailbox and begins rummaging in her bag.

The white mare nods and walks over to the front door. She opens it, a look of surprise crossing her face for a second. "Oh! Hello, Ditzy!"

The grey pegasus looks up and smiles. "Good morning, Angel!" Her head dives back into the bag but emerges a moment later with a few envelopes, which she takes with a wing. "There we go, mail!"

Gel giggles, gratefully taking the letters in her magic. "Thank you. Before you leave," she holds up a hoof, keeping her trepidation hidden expertly, "I wanted to ask you if you'd...like to visit, this afternoon?" She shyly smiles, hopeful.

The mare looks at her with a happy but curious face. "Really? I'd love to, but what's the occasion?"

She tilts her head, confused. "Does there have to be an occasion to have a friend come over?"

"Well... No... There's just usually a reason." She smiles sheepishly. "But it's fine if there's no reason other than seeing friends. What time should I come over? Should I wear anything, bring anything?"

Gel giggles, shaking her head a bit. "There's no need to dress up. It's just a get-together, not a fancy party." She taps her chin, thinking for a second. "Maybe bring some food. I'll try to cook, but...I'm not exactly good at that..." She blushes softly, embarrassed. "A-anyways, is two good for you?"

She nods. "That's fine! Oh, before I go, I just wanted to say that's a pretty necklace you have on."

The unicorn beams brightly, giggling in excitement. "Isn't it just? Rhino gave it to me!"

Ditzy looks closer at the jewelry. "It looks so special... I've never seen anything like it."

Gel rubs the back of her neck, slightly sheepish. "Well, it is special...he proposed to me with it..."

The pegasus gasps. "Really!?" She suddenly hugs the unicorn. "Congratulations! Oh, I'm so happy for you!"

The white mare giggles softly, patting her friend on the back. "Thank you. I'm glad to hear that."

"Do you have a date set yet?" Ditzy's eyes shine with excitement.

She blinks, realizing that she actually didn't. "...um...n-not yet?" She blushes softly, averting her gaze. "...I guess we just didn't think about it..."

The pegasus hugs her again. "Aww don't worry, no rush. I was just curious." She looks up at the sun before exclaiming. "Oh! I should get back to my route, but I'll see you later, alright?"

Gel nods, smiling shyly. "See you later, Ditzy."

***

Rhino smiles as he arrives back at the house for the second time today. The first was after work but was short lived because he realized he needed to go on a milk run. Still, two in the afternoon is a bit later than he is used to getting home. He cracks open the door and enters. "Gel, I'm home!"

She doesn't respond immediately, but there is the sound of frantic hoofsteps coming from the kitchen. She pokes out her head, the white fur slightly singed, and gives him a nervous smile. "H-hi, love...um...d-do we have any air fresheners?"

He blinks as he responds. "There's... A few sprays in the bathroom cabinet... What happened?"

She hesitates a moment before sighing softly. "...I messed up while cooking, again..." She walks out of the kitchen, hurrying towards the bathroom.

"Well... They say you learn best from mistakes." He starts walking into the kitchen. "What happened and how bad was it?"

There appears to have been an explosion of bread in the kitchen. Dough is on the walls, floor, and ceiling, all coming from the pan laying on the counter. Flick is off to one side, funneling the smoke still coming from the oven out an open side window, not noticing the stallion enter.

Rhino simply stares at the mess, stunned. "Ah... that bad."

She carefully pushes past him, her head bowed in embarrassment. "...yes...thankfully, he was here to help...speaking of..." She turns to look at him, curious. "...I don't remember it taking an hour and a half to get milk...where did you go?"

He looks away casually. "Oh... you know, went some places, did stuff. Maybe, if you're good, I'll show you the results of what I was up to next time we're out and about." He smiles cheekily at her.

She rolls her eyes, playfully bumping his side. "You and your secrets..." She moves further in, her magic starting to carefully remove the sticky mess, spraying the air freshener around the room generously. "I can't let Ditzy see this mess..."

He tilts his head. "Why? I mean, I know it's not great, but I doubt she'll think less of you."

She continues cleaning, slightly frantic. "Because, right now, it's a disaster zone! I can't reveal my true self to her now, because she...she..." She pauses a moment, tapping her chin a moment. "...I don't know...maybe I am being a little unreasonable...still, I don't like messes..."

Rhino holds up a hoof. "Woah woah, hold up. You're planning on revealing yourself to her... today? I thought we were just inviting her over to hang out."

She blinks, finally returning her attention to him. "You said yourself, she would probably be open to me being a changeling..." She taps her chin again before shrugging. "I may be paraphrasing."

He slowly runs a hoof down his face. "Ok... Well, it's your idea, so, it's your call. I'll support you either way." He helps her clean up the last of the mess.

After they finish up, she nuzzles him gently, blushing a bit. "...remind me to never try making a souffle again..."

He chuckles. "Yeah... Maybe start with soup. It's pretty hard to mess that up irreversibly."

"I'll keep that in mind." The doorbell rings, causing her to immediately brighten up. "That should be her!"

Rhino puts a hoof on her shoulder. "Hey, before you go, I wanted to ask you something." He motions to the few bandage wraps he still has to wear. "Do you think I should wear a shirt or something to cover this?"

She tilts her head, thinking about this a moment. "I don't know. I suppose you could wear a jacket, if you feel it's necessary." She smiles kindly before heading out the kitchen and to the front door.

She opens the front door to find the friendly gray pegasus. She looks like she usually does, but she seems to have freshly washed her mane and even has a small bubble mane clip in it.

"You look nice, Ditzy." Gel giggles, moving to the side. "Please, come in."

She giggles as she walks in. "Thank you! And thanks for inviting me!"

"It's no problem at all!" She motions to the seats, smiling kindly. "Would you like to take a seat? Rhino should be joining us, soon."

Ditzy nods, fluttering her wings to get comfortable as she sits. "Thanks... again. So, how have things been?"

Gel takes a seat on the couch. "A little worrying. It's a little upsetting not being able to leave one's house..." She trails off and clears her throat, embarrassed. "W-what about you?"

She blinks in surprise. "Well, everything's normal for my family... What do you mean you can't leave the house?"

She rubs the back of her neck. "...w-well...it's a bit complicated..."

As she focuses on Gel, Ditzy doesn't notice as Rhino enters the room, a jacket on his form. She looks at Gel seriously. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I-I don't really know what could be done..." She gulps quietly, glancing at Rhino and beaming, hoping she found a way to change the subject. "H-hello, love! You remember Ditzy, right?"

He feigns surprise. "Oh! You mean the mare who helped save your life at the restaurant? I think I recall her." He winks at Ditzy. "Always nice to see you again."

The grey mare blushes. "I keep telling you it was nothing..."

"And that humbleness makes it that much more special." Gel giggles, patting the spot next to her as she turns to her stallion. "Care to join us?"

He takes her up on that offer. "Well, how could I say no?" He sits down and straightens her proposal necklace a bit.

This makes Ditzy perk up. "Oh, since I've only had a chance to say it to Angel so far, congratulations on your engagement!"

Rhino chuckles. "Thank you very much." He puts a hoof around the white mare. "We're very happy, and only plan on getting happier."

She blushes, tenderly nuzzling his cheek. "I like that thought." She looks to the other mare, tilting her head a little. "You'll come, right?"

The pegasus tilts her head. "To what?"

"The wedding." Gel blushes a bit more, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I should've been more specific..."

"Oh..." She beams. "Of course I'll come! It'd be an honor to!"

Gel giggles, playfully tapping Rhino's nose with a hoof. "We still have to set a date for it, of course, but that can wait for now."

He nods. "Right, there are some things to deal with first, but I don't want to wait too long."

Gel sighs, shrugging a bit. "I can wait until then. It's not like I'm going anywhere, right?" She sticks her tongue out at him teasingly.

Ditzy nods. "Yeah... I remember when my husband and I got married. We didn't want to wait too long but we didn't want to rush it... In the end, we just sort of went with what felt best."

The disguised changeling looks at her in surprise. "Husband?" She tilts her head to one side, curious. "Learn something new every day. Do you think we could meet him, sometime?"

"Sure!" She nods happily. "I'm certain I could drag him away from his shop to meet you two!"

Gel giggles, nodding a bit. "We would appreciate that." This is nice. Not sure how to let her know, though... She turns to Rhino, smiling softly. "Isn't that right, love?"

He nods. Perhaps start with when she saw you as a pupa?

She tilts her head, thinking on this a bit. If you're sure that'll work... She directs her attention to Ditzy, slightly nervous. "Hey...do you remember Sunday, last week?"

She puts a hoof to her chin. "Yeah... that was the day the town went crazy, or some might say crazier, because of that one unicorn."

Gel nods, nervously shuffling her hooves. "...do you remember...how I looked, back then?"

She nods. "Yeah, you were a cute tiny changeling."

She flinches slightly but nods. "...what if I told you...t-that I was turned into...m-my younger self?"

Ditzy's eyes cross in confusion. "You were a tiny changeling when you were young?"

Gel nods once more, still a little hesitant.

The pegasus frowns. "But... You're a pony. You look nothing like a changeling. Unless..."

She closes her eyes. "...you guessed it..."

Ditzy looks at Gel. "... So what do you really look like?"

The white mare shifts nervously before getting off the couch. She takes a deep breath before letting her blue flames travel over her body, once more replacing white fur with carapace. She braces herself for what might be said, the circle of fire going over her horn.

The grey mare stays quiet for a moment as she looks Gel over seriously. After a few seconds, she comments. "You know, I think the necklace looks better on you like this than when you're a unicorn."

The nymph's eyes snap open in surprise, and she stares at her in confusion. "...you aren't...upset?"

Ditzy giggles. "Why would I be upset? It was just something you hadn't told me yet. I only assumed you were a pony. You never said anything about not being a changeling."

She blinks, considering this a moment. "...I guess I didn't...huh..." She sighs in relief, smiling softly. "...thank goodness...I was really worried..."

The pegasus rubs her hooves together as she wiggles in place. "This is so neat! I've never had a changeling friend before!"

She giggles, shaking her head. "You're really excited about this, aren't you?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Something occurs to her. "Wait, so you guys are like a pony and changeling couple? Has that ever happened before?"

"To my knowledge, I don't think so." She glances at Rhino, gently nudging him. Feel free to speak up, love.

He simply reaches over and brings her closer so he can nuzzle her. Ditzy 'awww's as he think to her. I don't really know what to say yet, so I'll stick to actions.

Alright love. She pecks his cheek before turning back to the mare. "...um...y-you don't mind not telling anyone, do you?" She sheepishly smiles, rubbing the back of her neck.

"I don't mind." She says brightly before she seems to dim. "Oh... Twilight's towers... That's why you can't leave the house..."

Gel nods, frowning slightly. "That's correct...our house is in one of only three blind spots on her grid..." She shakes her head, giving Ditzy a warm smile. "...thank you for keeping this secret..."

"Well, that's not good..." She crosses her forelegs. "You can't just stay in here forever, how would you have a wedding?"

She scratches her head, thinking on this a bit. "...well...there's no towers in Whitetail Woods...maybe we could have it there?"

Rhino raises a hoof. "Why don't we call that the backup plan? I've been thinking and... I can't believe I'm saying this... Maybe we should go to Twilight on our own to try and talk to her?" He had to practically force that last sentence.

The nymph looks at him incredulously before her expression turns ponderous. "...do you think she'd be willing to listen and not try to capture me again?"

"Well, it's not like you're going alone." He clarifies. "Though whether we should go in a large or small group I'm not sure of."

She taps her chin, considering this for a moment. "...maybe just you, to gauge her responsiveness? Besides, I'm fairly certain three changelings are going to cause her to panic..."

He raises an eyebrow at her. "Well, frankly I would have never brought all you there at once for that very reason. I was saying I wasn't sure whether it should just be me and you, or if we should bring ponies who know you and what you are as backup. But I didn't want her to feeling bullied or peer pressured into accepting you, which is why I'm not sure."

Ditzy raises a hoof. "Wait, there's three of you?"

"...um...yes?" She shyly smiles, nervous. "They sort of...joined us a few days ago..."

She tilts her head. "Are they nice?"

"Generally, yes." The nymph holds up a hoof. "Just don't mess up any of Flick's art pieces or interrupt Luster while she's playing her music...or mention her...um...quietness..."

"Oh... Ok!" A rumble comes from Ditzy. "Whoops, sorry, I haven't had my midday muffin yet and my stomach isn't happy."

"Oh! Well," she gestures towards the kitchen, "we have the ingredients for them, I believe. We could make some..." She trails off before sighing, lowering her head. "...or maybe I'll just sit off quietly to the side..."

Ditzy grabs one of the changeling's hooves and starts bringing her to the kitchen. "And kick you out of your own kitchen? That would just be mean. You can help."

"Wha...but...I..." Gel turns to Rhino, shrugging demurely. ...what can I do? It's impossible to say no to such a nice pony...

He smiles as she is dragged into the kitchen. Then just go with it, it's a free cooking lesson.

...fine. Her magic tugs on his forelegs. But you're coming with us. I don't want everything to explode, again...