During the next week, the group of housemates receive an invitation to Canterlot for, as the invite put it, 'the appointment of a new ambassador'. They immediately knew they couldn't miss it. When the day arrives, Gel, Luster, and Rhino all board the train and ride towards the capital. They approach it after about a half hour and know they'll be there in about another 20 minutes.

Gel, disguised as Angel once more, fidgets slightly in her seat. She nervously watches the landscape pass by, playing with the hem of her sky-blue sundress. "...this feels so strange, being back in this form..."

Luster, appearing as the yellow mare from before, simply leans back against the wall of their private booth, her white hat covering her face as she naps.

Rhino, wearing his nice jacket and a blue button-up shirt the same color as his mane stripe, sits next to her. He wraps one hoof around hers to stop her fidgeting. "At least you had something that still fit and made you look even more lovely, right?"

She blushes softly, giving him a shy smile. "...I-I guess so...still..." She sighs, looking up at the city on the side of the mountain, frowning slightly. "...I'd prefer to just visit as myself...not as a character I made..."

He squeezes her hoof. "You know I'll support you if you want to walk around as yourself."

She shakes her head. "...no. I don't want us to be outcasts in your dad's town..." She blinks, remembering something. "...speaking of which, do you think that letter made it to your mom on time?"

He nods. "I've found over the years that for some reason, it's quicker to get letters to Cloudsdale than from it. She'll be there."

The white mare rests her head on his shoulder, sighing softly. "...good...I want both of them to be there..." She giggles quietly. "...wouldn't want to repeat ourselves, right?"

He chuckles. "Yeah... especially since they're the ponies who will want the most details."

She smiles, snuggling a little closer to him. "...speaking of details...did you want to hear something I overheard Silk say?"

He smiles coyly. "Well... I'm not usually one for gossip, but..." He lets the sentence trail off.

She nods, waving with a hoof. "So get this...I was walking around town on Sunday..."

***

Silk finishes her business at the Sweet Apple Acres cart and walks away, humming a little tune to herself. Before she makes it a full block, she feels a slight tug on the back of her tail and turns to see what it is.

The yellow filly she sees lets go of her tail, smiling brightly at her. "Hi there!"

Silk turns to address the bow-wearing foal, a friendly smile on her face. "Oh, hello there. You're Apple Bloom right?"

"That's me!" She giggles before raising a hoof, pointing at the mare's flank. "May I ask how you got your cutie mark?"

Silk reflexively looks back at her flank. "Well, ok, but it's not that great of a story..." She trails off as she sees a particular drone walk by the flower stand and wink at the mares there.

The filly follows her gaze, tilting her head in confusion. "...isn't that your coltfriend? What's he doing?"

Her tail swishes irately before her head slumps a bit. "Not my coltfriend... not exactly anyway..."

"Why not? Miss Gel says you hang out with him a lot..." She scratches her head. "...and Applejack saw you two at one of those fancy diners. Wouldn't that be a date?"

"You'd think so, wouldn't you?" She sighs. "But apparently we're just good friends right now..."

"But why?" She turns and watches the drone as he waves at them in passing. She waits for him to get a decent distance away before continuing. "You clearly like him, right? As more than friends, I mean?"

Silk thinks a moment before nodding. "Yes, and at first I thought he wanted that too. Especially with all the shameless flirting he does with me..." She shakes her head. "But then, every time I start to think that we're starting to date and not just 'hang out' he goes and flirts with some other mare while we're together..."

Apple Bloom frowns slightly, tilting her head to one side. "...why don't you just ask him?"

Silk looks at her, confused. "Ask him what?"

"If he likes you, too." She gestures to the drone getting further away. "Or at least tell him how you feel?"

She sighs. "I don't know... I mean, I've thought about telling him... telling him how every time I think we start to get close he goes and treats another mare the same way he's been treating me, making me feel like I'm not special at all... How even if he somehow miraculously actually calls what we've been doing 'dating' that he shouldn't be flirting with other mares then? I mean, I know couples that allow their partners to flirt with others, but that's only when they know nothing will come of it. That's after they've already been together and know each other well enough that they are comfortable with letting the partner have that verbal fun. You... you just don't do that at this point! It's not right! We don't have that security yet!" She's stomping a hoof by the end of her little speech and has to take a moment to compose herself. "I just... i don't know how i would tell him all that..."

"...maybe he doesn't know?" The filly taps her chin. "I mean, he is a changeling, after all. Or maybe he's just oble- obvi- dense."

"Maybe..." The mare looks at the retreating drone before looking back at the filly. "Do you really think it could be that simple?"

"You never know." She shrugs, glancing over to see an orange mare waving. "Oh, gotta run! Applejack wants me!" She rushes off as fast as her little legs can carry her, waving goodbye to the purple-maned pegasus.

Silk waves goodbye as she thinks to herself out loud. "I'll give him a little more time... if he keeps screwing up and i still stick with him... maybe I'll try to tell him..."

***

"...and after she left, I nonchalantly walked out of the alley I'd hidden in and headed home." She pauses, pulling away to look up at him. "...what do you think of that?"

He looks across to Luster. "To be blunt, I think a certain sister might want to put some thought into putting some sense into a certain drone so that he and his potential marefriend can be happier."

That certain sister has tried numerous times but he still won't get it. She tilts up her hat, giving him a deadpan look. He just likes to flirt way too much.

He raises an eyebrow. "Have you tried bluntly telling him that if he doesn't cool it that's all he'll ever do and never anything more?"

No. She shuffles uncomfortably, letting her hat fall back down over her face. That would require me thinking of the 'anything more'. And that gives me the willies.

"Fair enough." He pulls Gel back towards him and strokes her mane with a hoof. "Should we do anything then? Or just leave it to them?" The question is directed to both nymphs.

His nymph closes her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hoof on her mane. "...I say we should wait for now..."

...and intervene, if it's absolutely necessary. Luster sighs, getting ready to go back to sleep.

He continues stroking Gel's mane as a question comes to mind. "Hey, at this event we're going to... are we planning on staying the entire time, or just a portion of it?"

She leans up and gently nips his neck, coyly smiling. "...as long as necessary...or as long as is expected...depends on the crowd...I want to go see a certain shop before we leave..."

He raises an eyebrow as he trails his hoof down her neck before stroking her mane again. "Oh? This is the first I've heard of this side trip..."

"...I wanted it to be a surprise..." She giggles, pulling away enough to look up at him. "...but I suppose I'll have to settle for getting your help to try outfits on..." She winks, playfully sticking her tongue out.

He takes her tongue and kisses her briefly. "I look forward to it."

She blushes softly, pulling him close and kissing him deeply. I'm glad we're in a private booth...I can kiss you as much as I want without worry...

He kisses back lovingly. I'm sure Luster being asleep helps.

Yes, that does help. She smiles, breaking the kiss to tenderly nuzzle his cheek. ...and while we may not have that much time, right now...I'm going to make up for it later...

Well, I'm not going to turn you down... He nips her ear. But I honestly have no idea what you would be making up for.

Not being able to have a long enough cuddle session with you. She gently pushes him onto his back, snuggling up against his side on the seat. I know how much you enjoy it...and you know I enjoy it just as much...

Right on both things, love...

The two snuggle until the hissing of the airbrakes and the slight lurching of the train announces their arrival. Well, those and the captain's voice calling back. The three depart the train and look around as they move onto the platform.

Gel motions toward the castle, nervously smiling. "The invite said it's going on there, right?" Dear Luna, I hope we're not underdressed...

I doubt it, the invite said semi-formal. He looks around and tugs his and Gel's entwined tails toward the street. "Let's start heading there, just in case there's a line. Plus we don't draw as much attention if we stay moving."

She nods and the trio start traveling up the street. The two disguised changelings look around at the buildings in awe.

Rhino chuckles at the two awestruck nymphs. "Never had a chance to just walk around and appreciate the scenery?"

Luster looks at him. Not in Canterlot, no. Especially considering the last, and only, time we've been here. Gel flinches slightly, mortified.

He nuzzles the white mare. Hey, it's fine. No one knows. He goes back to the conversation. "Yeah, the upper parts of the city like this are always impressive to those who don't live here."

"...I'd like to visit here more often..." She glances around, smiling softly. "...it just seems so friendly...so welcoming..."

Rhino's expression falls a bit. "Give it a moment..."

Luster turns to him, frowning in confusion. What is that supposed to mean?

As her attention was held by him, she ends up bumping into someone. She quickly backs up and bows her head in response, thinking her apology to him, forgetting that he likely wouldn't hear it. My apologies. I didn't see you there.

The stallion she had bumped into is stunned for a moment before he composes himself and adjusts his spectacles, which had almost fallen off during the impact. As he straightens up and looks over Luster in her disguise, one can rapidly tell he is of the upper class from the way he looks down his nose at her before speaking condescendingly. "Hmph. Has this district really sunk so far as to allow ruffians like you here?" He eyes her staff, from which a small bag of her luggage is hanging. "One would think even hobos would have some manners, but it appears that isn't the case."

Luster's fur bristles as she scowls at the stallion for a moment before regaining her stoic expression. I didn't realize that a pony could be so much of an ass and still look like a unicorn. The yellow mare smirks slightly as Gel tries her hardest not to laugh at the barb.

Rhino and Gel, being slightly behind and to the side of the altercation, watch as the fancy stallion continues. "Still nothing to say? I wonder if you are a coward or simply too dumb to respond."

The green unicorn steps forward, adjusting small things about his stance and drawing himself to his full height. He taps the offending stallion's shoulder and looks down at him with the sort of disgust a noble might have for a stall vendor then mixed with a bit of burning anger. "The only idiot here is you, though I suspect you'll prove your own cowardice well enough given time. She is mute, something the world would likely benefit from if you yourself were struck with it, given how you've chosen to use your voice so far."

The upper class pony flinches as he takes a few steps away from the imposing unicorn. "I.. now see here, do you know who I am?"

Rhino responds flatly as he maintains his expression. "No, nor do I care. If you were really important then you wouldn't have bothered talking to her because you would have been on your way somewhere, as clearly you think she's not worth your time. So what will it be? Prove yourself an ass and less important than you've puffed yourself up to look like, or prove yourself a coward and leave?"

The stallion sputters a few more times before turning tail and walking very quickly off.

Gel walks up to Rhino, smiling warmly. "You handled that flawlessly, love." She glances at the watch on his foreleg. "We should hurry off, though. We're cutting it close, as is."

Rhino looks to Luster before they head out. "You okay?"

She nods, keeping her expression neutral. I'm better now, thanks to you. She shrugs slightly, facing forward. I doubt he's learned his lesson, though.

They continue walking. "Probably not. But, thankfully they do make up the minority of the population of the city. Meetings with them just seem to stick in your mind afterwards. I much prefer the outskirts where I lived. First of all, you actually get to have a yard."

Gel smiles, her mind starting to drift to an image of a young Rhino. "That sounds nice...I look forward to seeing your foalhood home..."

He turns back to Luster as they walk. "Will you be accompanying us all day? You're always welcome, but I don't want you to get bored, and we can always drop by places you want to go."

The earth pony shrugs. I don't know. I figured I'd let the chips fall where they may. She goes quiet for a moment before turning to him. Does Canterlot have a casino?

As they continue walking, he responds. "Erm, yes actually. There should be one down..." he points a hoof, "that street. I didn't know you were the betting sort."

I’m not. My brother is. She shakes her head. Let’s be glad that he opted to housesit while we’re here.

The group makes their way to the castle, approaching the main gate which is flanked by the usual golden-clad guards. The green stallion doesn’t even appear to notice them as they walk up to the gate and cross the threshold into the castle grounds. Luster acts the same.

Gel, on the other hoof, slows slightly, nervously glancing at the armored ponies as she passes them. Once inside, she lets out a small sigh of relief. ...thank goodness...I was worried that... She pauses, looking at her hoof a moment. ...why was I worried? I look like a pony...

He bumps her side lightly. Because you’re silly. Even if you look like a changeling, they are technically welcome. The guards would probably just be nervous.

That helps my self-confidence so much, love. She sticks her tongue out at him.

He chuckles sheepishly. Sorry, kinda fell through halfway on that bit of comforting…

She rolls her eyes and presses up against him, gently nuzzling his neck. You’re just too sweet, you know that? Even when you mess up.

Glad you think so. Ah, here we go. The couple suddenly stops as they come to the ornate doors leading into the castle itself. Just through here and follow the signs.

What are we waiting for? The yellow mare passes by them, pushing the door open. We’ll barely make it if we hurry. Doubt they’ll let us run in the castle, though.

“Fair point, we should hurry.”

The trio quickly make their way through the castle and into one of the banquet halls, where the event is to take place. When they get in, the room is already crowded with a variety of species and nobles. The room is filled with small round tables and obviously based around the stage at one end.

Gel glances around, surprised. “...wow...I didn’t expect so many ponies to be here...”

Luster frowns almost imperceptibly. I could have sworn that few ponies in this city liked our kind, considering.

Rhino responds in their heads to maintain privacy. Admittedly, liking you likely has nothing to do with it. This is an official announcement and a gathering of ambassadors from various species and many ponies of power were invited as well it seems. For those playing the political game, it would be a waste to miss this opportunity.

The white mare glances at a few regal-looking gryphons chatting off to one side. I suppose that makes sense...yet it makes me feel disappointed. She sighs, shaking her head. I was hoping that they’d like us of their own choosing, not for some social convention.

Rhino responds, trying to be both comforting and logical. Well, perhaps they will over time. It’s not like they’ve actually had the opportunity yet. Port is really the only changeling living here for now, as far as I know.

I guess that’s true. She glances around, blinking in confusion. ...where did Luster go?

Oh dear, lost her already… He tries to look around and find her, but to no avail. Well, I’m sure she can take care of herself…

I know she can. I’m more worried about those she come across. She turns her gaze to a familiar orange changeling approaching them. Look who it is...

The drone stops in front of them, nodding cordially to the stallion. “Hello, again.” He glances at Gel. “Is this your sister?”

Rhino chuckles, partially going into the sort of formal attitude one picks up over years of living in this town. “Not quite, Ambassador.” He gestures to Gel. “You remember my fiance? You two did meet after all.”

“Oh.” He nods, taking a cup of tea from a passing waiter. “I didn’t recognize her with that outfit on. Among other things.” He sips his drink, glancing around.

Ignoring the few looks the are starting to be directed at them for so casually chatting with a changeling, Rhino continues. “Are you looking forward to your official appointment to office? I wonder how your people reacted to the news.”

“Shock, mostly. One young nymph actually cheered a bit, but she was silenced by her classmates’ stares.” He puts his drink down on a nearby table, glancing at the stallion’s side. “I see you healed rather nicely.”

The stallion nods, maintaining discretion. “Indeed, it took a short time, but I’m glad to have seen the last of that unpleasant incident.”

“Agreed.” He glances over his shoulder towards the stage. “I believe I’m to go on in a few minutes. Sorry to cut the conversation short. Maybe you should check on your date.” He motions to the food table, where Gel is currently staring hungrily at a plate of cream puffs.

As Port walks off, Rhino approaches Gel and sends a questioning thought. When did you sneak off? and why didn’t you say anything to him?

When he brought up your wounds, and I didn’t have anything to say. She picks up a small puff, frowning slightly. Why are these so small?

He smiles. Welcome to fancy eating, dear, where everything is about half the size it should be.

Suddenly I’m glad we live in Ponyville. She pops the pastry into her mouth, chewing it as she glances towards the stage. ...aw, the band’s leaving the stage. I liked their music...

Rhino looks up as the last member of the group, a grey earth pony cellist, exits the stage. It was nice… I guess that means this thing’s about to start then.

The room goes quiet as Princess Celestia takes the stage and stands behind the podium. “Lords and Ladies, Ambassadors from our many neighbors, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, the first envoy of his kind: Changeling Ambassador Port.”

The orange drone walks onto the stage amid scattered and polite applause sprinkled with much whispering. He dips his head to the princess, who does the same as she walks backstage while he takes the podium. He keeps his even expression as he looks out over the crowd. “Greetings. It is my pleasure to be here, in front of all you ponies. I will be honest though, I come from military, so I am unused to giving speeches. I will simply say that I am here to work for the benefit of both my kind and of the ponies that have graciously asked me to take this position. The floor is now open to questions, should any have them.”

A mint-colored mare raises her hoof. “What led to you becoming an ambassador?”

Port nods and answers simply. “To put it simply, they needed one, and I was recommended for the job by colleagues.” He looks at Gel knowingly before looking around for more raised hooves.

A griffon raises a claw next. “Will your appointment mean that Equestria should expect an influx of changelings to start living in its cities?”

“Most of the hive didn’t seem excited at the thought, though whether that was from peer pressure or their true opinions, I’m not sure.” He glances around and points at a tall white stallion. “Yes, you.”

The blond unicorn sneers. “Does it not bother you to be working peacefully in a city your kind invaded not so long ago?”

Port gives him an even look. “That wasn’t a question. That was a snide remark hidden behind a question. But, to answer it, I’m not bothered, as that is behind us.”

A mare raises a hoof this time. “What do you think and what do you plan to do about the potential discrimination against changelings that do decide to live freely among ponies?”

He glances at Rhino for a split second before responding. “I think that my brethren are free to do what they want with their lives. I’ll do what I can to help them with whatever they choose.” He straightens his tie, turning to the rest of the crowd. “Next question, please.”

As Port listens to the question of another unicorn stallion, this one with mustache and monocle, Rhino turns to Gel, who had finished a few of the tiny cream puffs and now seemed to be just looking around. Bored?

Yes, actually. She sighs, fidgeting a bit. I’m happy he’s handling things well, but...I can’t help but worry. That one stallion proved that there are ponies who still dislike us. What if they become more vocal?

He holds her hoof with one of his own. you mean like right now, or just in general?

...I mean at all… She closes her eyes and, taking his hoof, heads towards the door. On second thought, I’d rather not think about it. Let’s check out that shop.

He catches up to her quickly to avoid slowing her down. Alright, I was bored too, to be honest. I’m just better at hiding it. The two quickly but casually make their way out of the castle and out into the main city. Eventually they make it to the market district, where Rhino looks questioningly at Gel. You do know where this place is, right?

She shakes her head, pulling out her journal and flipping through the pages. I only know the address. I have a general idea of the city’s layout, but...well, I didn’t get a chance to memorize the street names. She finds the part she’s looking for and floats it over towards him. Think you could help me find it?

He peruses the directions, but avoids looking at the type of place because he wants it to be a surprise. After about a minute of looking, he looks around them. It should be about three blocks down the road. The two quickly head to the location.

They find themselves in front of a building simply called ‘Spirit’. Gel beams, nodding to herself. “This should be it.” She moves forward and opens the door, looking back at him and motioning him to follow.

He does so, and with great curiosity.

Inside, the shop looks like a clothing store at first glance, but the second glance is when it gets interesting. There never seems to be more than three of any outfit, but the sheer amount of outfits is staggering. One might think of it as a costume shop, if not for the quality of the works. Everything from job uniforms, to military, things like socks and accompanying lingerie, suits, a few dark leather outfits, lacey things of all forms, undergarments, overgarments, and everything in between. Above it all rests a sign proclaiming ‘custom orders accepted and welcomed’.

Gel squeals in delight, rushing forward and searching through the clothes racks for something her stallion might like. She comes back up with a set of midnight blue regalia. "This looks interesting. What do you think?" She turns to him, smiling coyly.

He chuckles lightly. "I think it reminds me of a certain princess we met not too long ago."

She giggles. "That's the idea, love." She playfully winks at him, sticking her tongue out. She grabs a few more out, glancing around curiously. "I wonder where the shopkeeper is..."

As if on cue, a middle aged pink unicorn comes around one of the racks to smile at the couple. "Good afternoon, you two. Looking for something specific?"

Gel squeaks, standing straight at the voice. "J-just browsing." She glances around, trying to think of a way to word her question. "...um...w-well, there is one thing I'd like to know..."

The mare laughs. "Don't be shy dear, I've seen and heard all kinds of things in the years I've had this store. Nothing is too odd."

The white mare relaxes slightly, glancing at Rhino before getting the courage to ask. "D-do you serve changeling customers?" She sheepishly smiles, silently berating herself for not wording it better.

Undeterred, the mare just laughs again. "Well, I haven't yet, but I expect I might soon, given that announcement they made." She looks Gel up and down. "I don't suppose you'd be my first one? Or are you asking just out of curiosity?"

She gulps, letting her true eyes flash through her disguise momentarily. "I-I'd be your first."

The pink mare doesn't even flinch as she smiles. "Well, happy day then, of course you get the first time customer discount of 15% and I have to say, I look forward to seeing what your tastes are like."

She shyly nods, grabbing a few more clothes before turning to Rhino. "F-feel free to look for a few for yourself while I try these on. It's my treat." She kisses his cheek and hurries off to the back, steam trailing behind her from the top of her head.

The stallion looks around, his own blush deepening as the shop owner titters but leaves him be. He spots a few things he likes, but some of them he's too embarrassed to pick up and walk around with, so he decides to just hang near them and wait for Gel to return.

She returns soon enough in her normal form, wearing the regalia replicas. The chest piece is too big, covering most of her chest and part of her forelegs. "...do they have a smaller size?"

The owner nods. "That we do dear, let me see if I can get you one that isn't quite the actual princess' size." She wanders through the racks and goes into a door.

As she waits, she looks over at the rack next to Rhino, curious. "...find anything you like?"

The stallion continues blushing, scuffing a hoof on the ground in embarrassment for some of his choices. "A few things..."

She tilts her head, gently putting a hoof on his shoulder. "May I see them?"

He leads her first over to the accessories section and motions to a few things, specifically panties, bows, socks, and saddles.

She blinks, looking over the items before giggling softly. "That's very sweet love, but I meant for you." She takes a few of each intimate apparel, putting them into a basket. "Still, I'd like to see what else you had your eye on." She winks playfully, leaning close and teasingly nibbling his neck.

He blushes even harder, but distracts himself by kissing her once on the lips. "Well, you know I usually don't dress up really... I just have my work outfit you sometimes have me wear... I did see one more thing I thought would look good on you, and maybe you could pick stuff out for me then? Since you have a better eye for this stuff, I mean." He nods his head towards a rack of 'sexy nurse' apparel, complete with a bag of props.

Her eyes widen slightly as she nods, her cheeks now sky blue from her blush. "S-sure. I-I could do that."

He nods as she takes the outfit. "Erm, were there things you had your eye on?"

She glances at the men's section, a coy smile on her lips. "I'm sure I'll find something. For now..." She picks out a white nurse outfit, nodding towards the back. "Let's see how well this fits, hmm?"

He nods as he puts his back to the wall outside the dressing room. "I'll wait out here until you come out... unless you had other ideas?"

"Maybe I do." She flutters her eyelashes at him. "Would you be willing to entertain them?"

He raises an eyebrow at her. "I'm not sure I've ever actually denied you anything."

"True." She takes his hoof and pulls him inside with her, closing and locking the door behind them.

He cheekily thinks to her. Alright, liking this idea already.

I sure hope you do, love. She giggles, turning around and swishing her tail, teasing him with brief glimpses as she removes the regalia. As well as the show.

Very much so. He sits down against one wall to enjoy the proceedings.

She brings a skirt over to herself, slowly pulling it up over her hindlegs. As it reaches the middle of her thighs, she raises her tail over her back. She shakes her hips at him before quickly pulling them up and buttoning them around the base of her tail. She leans down to pick the matching top out of the pile, swaying side to side as she takes her time searching, the medium-length clothes doing nothing to hide the shape of her flanks. "Now where could that shirt be?"

Rhino licks his lips as he watches. "I have no idea..." He ruffles her skirt with small wave of magic.

"Ah! Here it is!" She comes up with a sailor-style shirt, putting it on without trying to tease him. "And now, for the finishing touch." She pulls out a collar with a bell on it, putting it on and, focusing for a few seconds, gives herself a few long, white whiskers. She turns to the mirror and gives a cat-like grin, her tail swishing behind her. "Perfect."

He raises an eyebrow. "Well, I certainly didn't see that coming. Not that I'm complaining of course."

She giggles, sticking her tongue out at him. "You know this turns you on." She turns away and lifts up her skirt, slowly revealing inch after inch of chitin, speaking with exaggerated worry. "Oh, no! I forgot to put on panties today!" She stops with her hoof on her flank, holding the fabric just low enough to conceal herself.

His squirming in place as his eyes are glued to that last inch tells all.

She actually purrs, starting to lower the cloth back down. "Darn. I thought you'd be more...enthusiastic." She winks teasingly at him.

He almost vibrates in place before springing into action. He aggressively takes her and pins her back to the wall as he kisses her passionately.

She smiles slightly as she eagerly kisses him back. She tenderly wraps her forehooves around him, pressing her hips against his. She deepens the kiss, licking his lips in a request for entrance.

He obliges, opening his mouth as his own tongue probes for hers. His hooves roam all over her sides and back as he embraces her.

She eventually breaks the kiss, breathing softly. "...glad to see you...so interested..." She smirks slightly, wrapping her hindlegs around his waist. "...now the question...is what you'll do next..." She grinds herself against him, excited by his actions.

He leans forward and nips her neck, his smile almost predatory as he speaks. "Oh... I would do so many things... but we are in a public place after all... and don't you have more outfits to try on?" He presses her against the wall a little more despite his words. "Still... I don't really want to let you go..."

She bites her lip, feeling herself becoming aroused from his words. "...I don't want to be let go..." She leans forward and nuzzles his cheeks, her whiskers sending tingles down her spine. "...and...I don't mind that we're in public...so please..." She pulls back, looking up at him with love-filled eyes. "...do what you like..."

His eyes narrow as he licks his lips.

Suddenly a friendly voice calls from outside the changing room. "I'm leaving the regalia outside the room, and remember dearies, you get your fluids on it, you buy it~!" The shop owner can be heard walking away as she giggles to herself.

Rhino would normally be worried by this, but considering his position, he has other things on his mind. "Well, you heard her, we have to get you out of that..." He leans down and licks her neck just above her collar. "Maybe just a little fooling around, nothing too big and think of it as just making it better later, right?"

She moans sweetly, nodding enthusiastically. "R-right." She strokes his back, a small smile on her lips. "Care to help me out of this, love?"

He smiles as he cranes his neck down, careful not to hit her with his horn. He grips the bottom of her shirt with his teeth and starts to pull it up.

She can only let go of him and arc her back, making it easier for him.

Of course, he makes sure to trail his tongue up her chest as the shirt exposes more and more of it.

She coos softly, closing her eyes and pressing her chest against him a bit more. She places a hoof on his head, gently stroking his mane as he works.

The shirt slips off her, leaving only the skirt and collar left. Gently, he works the collar off s with his teeth, his breath on her neck the whole time as she is suspended in air by him.

Her breath hitches a second at this, a soft whine escaping her lips. She gently kisses his horn, smiling coyly. "...one piece left..."

"Mmhm..." He kisses her briefly before leaning his forehead on hers and smirking. "But, I think you might have to let me go so I can get it off your legs..."

She blushes brightly, carefully lowering her hindlegs to the ground. She nervously giggles, averting her gaze. "W-well, this fits nicely...I-I'm going to buy it..." She taps her chin, thinking a bit. "And the other ones I've tried on fit comfortably, as well...so..." She smirks deviously, giving him a lidded gaze. "...does that mean we have to worry about 'fluids'?"

"I guess not..." He leans over and nips her ear before whispering into it. "Of course, there are still things you haven't quite tried on yet, and I wouldn't want you to be too tired to put them on..." He plays with the waist of her skirt with a hoof as he continues. "Maybe if you're good, once you've tried everything on..."

She whines, nodding excitedly. "P-please do...I want it so badly..." She touches noses with him, her whiskers twitching slightly. "...you won't deny me that, will you?"

**

Rhino smiles nostalgically as he and Gel pass through the gates heading out of the main city. Immediately the difference is seen as white and gold towers are suddenly replaced the trees and grass of one of the flat areas around the hanging city. He leads her down a few roads into an area that actually looks similar to the area around their house in Ponyville, if not for the tall buildings and wall always within sight overhead. They turn off at a gravel road and he points ahead as they break through a line of trees.

There, among bushes of azaleas, is the house. Unlike their home, this one is only a single story, but it over twice as long with a generous yard. Woods border one side and trees are scattered through the yard. A light can be seen in the kitchen window, which oddly enough, is the room the front door leads into.

Gel looks at this for a moment, mouth agape in awe. "...w-wow...this place is beautiful..."

Rhino nods. "Yeah... it was actually built by my great uncle and my dad bought it from him..."

She nods silently, poking a hoof at the ground. "...too bad we still have a ways to go with our home...then again, we could try borrowing the style for it..." She looks up at him, smiling softly. "What do you think?"

He looks at the house. "Brick sides changing to wood siding near the top? Yeah, we can probably do something similar... though since ours is two stories it'll be a little different."

She smiles, nodding once more. "That's the point of making a house, right? It'll be everything we want...and special because we did so."

They walk up to the door as he answers. "Exactly. What colors were you thinking though?"

She giggles, rocking on her hooves. "Oh, I don't know. How does green and blue sound?"

He smiles knowingly. "I think there might be a theme here..."

"Maybe." She winks at him, knocking on the door. "Still, I want to make sure everything's perfect..." She taps her chin, a whirlwind of thoughts going through her head. "...I think I'll have to write this all down."

A familiar blue unicorn answers the door. He smiles at the couple. "Hey you two, find the place okay?"

Gel nods, smiling warmly. "Thanks to Rhino, here." She pats his side with a hoof.

Bio raises an eyebrow. "Finally got something to stick in that terrible sense of direction?"

Rhino chuckles. "After living here for years, I sure hope so."

The white mare nods, glancing around a bit and seeing no one around. "...may we come in, please?"

"Of course." Bio leaves the door open as he goes back into the kitchen and leans against a counter, Mist can be seen sipping tea at the table.

Gel walks inside, placing her purchases off to one side. "I'm glad to see you're both here." She sighs softly, putting a hoof to her chest and causing a slight clink underneath her dress. She stiffens slightly. ...I hope they didn't hear that...I-I'm not ready for questions this early...

Rhino raises an eyebrow. Why? That's the main reason we're here, right?

I know...but I have to psych myself up for it... She takes a deep, calming breath before turning to the other two, smiling kindly. "How was the trip, Mist?"

The red pegasus smiles. "Tiring, I'm not as good with these long flights as I used to be. Still, it's worth it."

She nods, stepping forward and sitting in a chair. "I'm glad it went well." She looks around the kitchen, trying to distract herself with the interior design.

Rhino chats with Bio as Gel delays. "So, made any additions to the house since I left?"

His father laughs. "Not, not quite. Everything's pretty much like you left it, though your old room has pretty much become the storage room."

Rhino chuckles. "I thought it might..."

Gel blinks, turning to Rhino. "Speaking of houses, should we tell them about ours?" She nervously smiles at him, hoping she said the right thing.

Mist raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Are you doing something with the house you're renting?"

"...um...in a sense, I suppose..." She rubs the back of her neck, unsure. "...I mean, if moving counts as something..."

Mist sets down her tea. "You're moving? Is it to another town.... or did a better place come on the market?"

"...Rhino, maybe you could answer that?" She quickly grabs one of the cream puffs she hid in her bags and stuffs it into her mouth in an attempt to avoid speaking.

The stallion looks to his father and smiles briefly before clearing his throat. "So... Gel and I are moving... because we are building our own house."

Bio just smiles as Mist gasps. "Really?"

Gel nods, sighing in relief and laying her head down on the table. Thank you...I didn't know how to word that...

Rhino continues despite the incredulous looks. "That's not the only big announcement we have..."

The disguised changeling squeaks, bolting upright. This results in a slight jingle, causing her to blush deeply in turn.

The parents' eyes widen as they wait for Rhino to drop the bomb.

He pulls out his necklace as he beams brightly. "We're getting married!"

His mother's squeal actually causes him to fold his ears as she grabs onto Gel and hugs her tightly.

The poor nymph can't bring herself to try and break away, letting the mare embrace her for a bit. After a while, though, she starts finding it hard to breathe and does what comes to her first - she shrinks down to her smaller form, leaving Mist holding her dress as she attempts to replenish her oxygen, buzzing in the air in front of her.

Mist binks as she looks at the empty dress she's holding. She quickly spots Gel and embraces her gently with her wings despite her small size. "Oh, I can't believe it!" She brings Rhino into the hug too. "My little colt getting married!"

Bio comes over and pats Rhino's back as the couple and mother embrace.

The tiny nymph giggles softly, nuzzling her stallion's cheek as his mom held her. "I'm glad you both are happy about this...because we need to get everything ready soon. It's on September third, after all..."

"So soon?" Mist holds them at arm's length. "But that's in a month! Will everything be ready?"

She taps her chin, thinking a bit. "...well...we could use some help..."

The pegasus perks up. "Oh, the dress! Have you picked a dress yet? You know you can't have Rhino be there for it, it has to be a surprise."

Gel shakes her head. "...honestly, I hadn't thought about the dress...I just thought of the bouquet..."

"Well, one of these days, you, me, and your bridesmares need to go out and pick both your dress and theirs." She wraps a wing around Gel's shoulder. "Think of it like a girl's day out where we all gush about how good you look."

She blushes brightly, starting to feel a little faint at the thought. "...o-oh my..."

Mist laughs. "That's the right attitude! Happy and a little embarrassed!"

"...o-okay...I'll just..." She passes out and falls with her head against Rhino's chest. Her eyes appear to be replaced with cartoon swirls.

Rhino just shakes his head at both his parents' surprised looks. "She gets so worked up sometimes... hopefully she keeps it together on the big day..."

They nod in agreement.

Gel eventually wakes up to a nice cup of tea and a relaxing few hours with Rhino and his parents. However, the time does come for them to leave so they can catch the train home, and rhino was worried a bit since they hadn't seen Luster since the announcement. They make their way back into town and find Luster waiting patiently for them at the station. The three chat and are soon on the train home.